By Neal Lemery
One person can make such a difference, and change lives. Each of us has that power, that ability to be present and be a supporter, a cheerleader for change and life changing growth.
Today, we honor the life of Dolly Parton. Imagine her generosity in providing books to kids, having such an impact on their lives and their communities. Every month, 3.5 million kids get a hard cover book mailed to them, exposing them to new ideas, and gaining a broader, richer sense of the world. That gift loudly says each kid is important. And, over time, 335 million books have been sent out into the world, benefitting kids in a number of countries, and all for free.
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is having a tremendous impact on untold lives, changing lives, and changing expectations of who they could be, and how their lives could make a difference. Like all good things, the project started small, in her hometown, with just a few books. The idea grew, nurtured by her passion for literacy and providing opportunities for others. She celebrated her father, who was illiterate and lacked the opportunity for an education.
Parton decided to make a difference, to take a bold step, and have an impact. The work took some time, some money, and personal grit and determination. She did the hard work without publicity, without seeking fame or glory. Her mission took fire, and others added to her passion and good work.
In Oregon, the state government is expanding this program into every county for kids ages two to five, for free, through the Oregon Department of Early Learning and Care. https://www.oregon.gov/delc/programs/pages/imagination-library.aspx. Kids get their own hard cover book personally mailed to them every month.
The lessons in all this go much deeper and broader. Each of us, in our own way, can and should commit to improving our neighbors’ lives and future. We all know people in our community who are game changers and mentors, who often work in the shadows, changing lives. We have much to learn from them, and follow their example.
One of my favorite and inspirational books of the summer is We the Women: The Hidden Heroes Who Shaped America, by Norah O’Donnell and Kate Andersen Brower. This collection of biographical profiles of influential American women, many of whom have been marginalized by historians, offers new insights into the power of one person to make a huge impact on our lives. This collection offers us a breath of fresh air and new hope, showing us the grit and power of the Dolly Partons of our world.
“Democracy is always unfinished work, that progress requires both individual courage and collective action, and that the struggle for equality continues with each generation. By understanding their achievements, we can better honor their efforts to shape America into a nation that truly lives up to its founding promise—that all people are created equal.” –Norah O’Donnell
Dolly showed us you can make a difference, you can change the world, with one book, one child at a time.
“She spent a lifetime
Being unapologetically herself
And somehow made the rest of us
A little less afraid
To do the same.”
–Kaylin Weir, author of Still the Eldest Daughter
