The 2014 Essay Contest Theme is: In our every day lives there are opportunities to express courage. Examples might include: raising your hand in class even though you are shy, choosing to listen to your own voice rather than bending to the pressure of your peers, taking an active stand for something you believe in even though it is unpopular, or owning up to a mistake even when there might be consequences. Sometimes courage is sheer grit to keep believing in yourself and taking steps forward in a difficult situation. Reflect on some of the ways in your own life where you show courage.
Write a story about a situation when you displayed, or where you want to display, personal courage. In your own words tell us what personal courage means to you. What are you learning about yourself that might serve you in the years ahead?
Entries are due by May 7, 2014 at 6:00 p.m. For contest details, click here.
Each year, Global Harmony Through Personal Excellence hosts children and parents who reside at Community of Hope. In 2013, we focused on a temporary housing unit in southeast that is isolated and does not receive many invitations. The families are working very hard to get some economic footing. For 23 years, our organization has been honored and delighted to host this event for homeless families and to work with Community of Hope, an award-winning nonprofit.
The families affiliated with the Community of Hope and the volunteers from Global Harmony through Personal Excellence sing Christmas carols and holiday songs to the elderly at the Washington Center for Aging Services, a nursing home in northeast DC. As we carol through the halls, the children visit the elderly and hand out many homemade holiday cards. The residents are thankful for the attention and clearly touched by the goodness and humanity of the children.
The families from Community of Hope are then transported to a private home in northwest Washington where they eat lunch, play games, share, and hear stories. As they depart, each person is given a beautifully decorated bag of useful and fun gifts. The gifts are chosen carefully, and they are donated from a wide community of generous people. “Many hands make light work,” and like many of you, our donors are special people who support and root for the wholeness and success of everyone.
To learn more about how you can help, please click here.
Below is a short video from 2011 and here is a link to some photos from 2010.
In May we celebrated the 2013 Celebration of Youth essay contest winners and honorable mentions at our annual event. This celebration, attended by the students, their families, and the teachers, showcases these exceptional young people. See photos from the event. Click here to see who won. Read winning essays, including “Gun Violence” and “Reduce Recess Time in Schools? No Way!”
