I wanted to share a wonderful story we are excited to be a part of, It has inspired me to create a challenge for 2011… before I get ahead of myself you must read the story below before we talk about the challenge…

Tamara writes…

“What would make a difference in Kaya’s world”

I was thinking about the reason we even celebrate birthdays,

which, in my opinion,

is to celebrate life–the preciousness of it, the amazement that exists in each of us,

and in us together as LIFE itself.

And then, it hit me…

There are SO many people that, for us, make a really

huge difference–in how we live,

in what we do, in how we view life itself.

Until recently, I would often ask myself,

“How can I, as one individual, make a real difference in the world?”

When I look around, however, it is SO clear to me now.

I can, just like all of us can (and do!), make a difference.

So, after all of this philosophizing,

I decided that the biggest gift I could give

Kaya for her second birthday would be to inspire others

to make a real difference in her world.

Naturally, her world could be seen as our space

our friends, our family–anywhere and

anyone that she connects with in some way.

But where I really want to affect, for this gift to her,

is on a more global level, where one might normally

think a two-year old doesn’t really “live”–the rivers,

the rain-forests, the schools, the train systems…

Last year, I saw this idea for making a Global Wish List at Christmas-time,

where, instead of writing a wish-list for all those things we hope to have in our lives,

we ask each family member to contribute at least one idea that would make the world a better place

(keeping in mind that optimism is the goal!).

I thought that we could do a similar thing for Kaya’s [2nd] birthday, where we “solicit” ideas from YOU, asking you to add to our Global Wish List, with the thought in mind,

“What would make a difference in Kaya’s world?” Then, after people have added to the List, we can focus our ‘resources’ on one or two areas,

and take the actions to really make a difference, be it through financial support, individual commitments, or a unified group activity on her birthday itself.”

–Tamara, Portland, OR

I love this statement…

“How can I, as one individual, make a real difference in the world?”

My answer is…

I will educate children in the wonderful world of money! I will use engaging, fun and inspiring ways to give children the tools they need to succeed in life! I know that now and in years to come, because of the lessons of Money Mama there  will be children with secure financial futures, children becoming all they can be, and knowing what it feels like to have financial freedom. I know that I will have done my part in leaving this world a better place. I am grateful that life has aloud me to do what I love and love what I do

So I ask you…

Will you add to this Global Wish List???

How are you going to make a difference in 2011?

How will you influence the life of a child?

Post it so everyone can see!

The Money Mama Challenge!

We challenge you to do something in one… or all four areas of Money Mama… and answer this question “How can I, as one individual, make a real difference in the world?”

I know the kids are up for the challenge… I never met a kid who didn’t love a challenge!

So how about it Parents???

Sit down and write this statement on a piece of paper and ask each family member and or friend to write a brief statement that comes to mind.

I know together we can change the world