SlideShare a Scribd company logo
1 of 40
Together,
We Can Change the World
Devin D. Thorpe
September 23, 2016
RYLA
@devindthorpe #letsdosomegood
How do you want to change the world?
The End of Polio
$-
$50,000
$100,000
$150,000
$200,000
$250,000
$300,000
$350,000
$400,000
$450,000
Cases of Polio
Polio Cases Worldwide
1985 2016
Source: Global Polio Eradication Initiative
A little
about me
Teton Dam
If we can
end polio,
what canโ€™t
we do?
Chan Zuckerberg Initiative
Three Phases of Polio Success
Start Shoveling
Build Momentum and Support
End Game Strategy
1. Start Shoveling
Action matters more than attitude!
@devindthorpe #letsdosomegood
โ€œWe didnโ€™t believe
we could do it.
I didnโ€™t believe we
could do it.โ€
Sajjan Goenka
Proven or Prove It
Proven Vaccines: Sabin and Salk
Design for Scale
Massive Global Effort
2. Build Support and Momentum
Make and Measure Progress
Rotary Leads Innovative Measurement Effort
Create Lasting Partnerships
Global Polio Eradication Initiative
Share Credit Like You Share Work
โ€œIt is amazing
what you can
accomplish if
you do not care
who gets the
credit.โ€
โ€• Harry S.
Truman
End Game Strategy
Anticipate Opposition
Build Broader Support
GPEI Focuses on Governments
Amass a War Chest
Polio EGS: $5.5 Billion
$0.00
$0.20
$0.40
$0.60
$0.80
$1.00
$1.20
First 25 Years Last 5 Years
BillionsofDollarsPerYear
Global Polio Eradication Initiative
$ Billions Per Year
We Are This Close
โ€ข From 400,000 cases per year to
23 cases this year, weโ€™ve
reduced polio cases by over
99.99%
โ€ข 10 million cases of polio have
been prevented
โ€ข 2016 could beโ€”no must beโ€”
the last year for polio
Three Phases of Polio Success
Start Shoveling
Build Momentum and Support
End Game Strategy
โ€œIt always seems
impossible until
itโ€™s done.โ€
Nelson Mandela

More Related Content

What's hot

How do I identify great media projects?
How do I identify great media projects?How do I identify great media projects?
How do I identify great media projects?
Lisa Williams
ย 

What's hot (20)

Human Centred Design: understanding the people you're trying to reachย | Psych...
Human Centred Design: understanding the people you're trying to reachย | Psych...Human Centred Design: understanding the people you're trying to reachย | Psych...
Human Centred Design: understanding the people you're trying to reachย | Psych...
ย 
The Microlearning Transformation: Understand How Behavior Change Really Works
The Microlearning Transformation: Understand How Behavior Change Really WorksThe Microlearning Transformation: Understand How Behavior Change Really Works
The Microlearning Transformation: Understand How Behavior Change Really Works
ย 
Manitoba Motor Dealers Association - The New Rules of Engagement in Dealer Ma...
Manitoba Motor Dealers Association - The New Rules of Engagement in Dealer Ma...Manitoba Motor Dealers Association - The New Rules of Engagement in Dealer Ma...
Manitoba Motor Dealers Association - The New Rules of Engagement in Dealer Ma...
ย 
How to Lead a Transformation without Getting Fired
How to Lead a Transformation without Getting FiredHow to Lead a Transformation without Getting Fired
How to Lead a Transformation without Getting Fired
ย 
Shift Happens @ZOLLHOF by Tobias Burkhardt
Shift Happens @ZOLLHOF by Tobias BurkhardtShift Happens @ZOLLHOF by Tobias Burkhardt
Shift Happens @ZOLLHOF by Tobias Burkhardt
ย 
Communicating green
Communicating greenCommunicating green
Communicating green
ย 
Mutiny to Loyalty: Stop Unwanted Staff Turnover
Mutiny to Loyalty: Stop Unwanted Staff TurnoverMutiny to Loyalty: Stop Unwanted Staff Turnover
Mutiny to Loyalty: Stop Unwanted Staff Turnover
ย 
Small Business and Social Media
Small Business and Social Media Small Business and Social Media
Small Business and Social Media
ย 
How to activate the right emotions in your campaigns | Psychology of communic...
How to activate the right emotions in your campaigns | Psychology of communic...How to activate the right emotions in your campaigns | Psychology of communic...
How to activate the right emotions in your campaigns | Psychology of communic...
ย 
Rethinking Transformation - Agile Consortium Feb 2019
Rethinking Transformation - Agile Consortium Feb 2019Rethinking Transformation - Agile Consortium Feb 2019
Rethinking Transformation - Agile Consortium Feb 2019
ย 
The Truth About the Millennial Workplace
The Truth About the Millennial WorkplaceThe Truth About the Millennial Workplace
The Truth About the Millennial Workplace
ย 
Can gaming make a better world
Can gaming make a better worldCan gaming make a better world
Can gaming make a better world
ย 
Komfo webinar - The future of social
Komfo webinar - The future of socialKomfo webinar - The future of social
Komfo webinar - The future of social
ย 
How do I identify great media projects?
How do I identify great media projects?How do I identify great media projects?
How do I identify great media projects?
ย 
Social Good Begins with a Strategy
Social Good Begins with a StrategySocial Good Begins with a Strategy
Social Good Begins with a Strategy
ย 
Change is possible. No, really, we did it
Change is possible. No, really, we did itChange is possible. No, really, we did it
Change is possible. No, really, we did it
ย 
Employee Advocacy and social media policy
Employee Advocacy and social media policyEmployee Advocacy and social media policy
Employee Advocacy and social media policy
ย 
Incubeta Ignite X The Planet Mark - From Talk to Action
Incubeta Ignite X The Planet Mark - From Talk to ActionIncubeta Ignite X The Planet Mark - From Talk to Action
Incubeta Ignite X The Planet Mark - From Talk to Action
ย 
Threespot SxSW
Threespot SxSWThreespot SxSW
Threespot SxSW
ย 
Belle Property - Truth about Social Media for Real Estate Agents
Belle Property - Truth about Social Media for Real Estate AgentsBelle Property - Truth about Social Media for Real Estate Agents
Belle Property - Truth about Social Media for Real Estate Agents
ย 

Viewers also liked

About Us
About UsAbout Us
About Us
Usama Manj
ย 
Arquitecturadeunacomputadora 160302235035
Arquitecturadeunacomputadora 160302235035Arquitecturadeunacomputadora 160302235035
Arquitecturadeunacomputadora 160302235035
ulisestoro99
ย 
3 Easy Halloween Makeup Looks
3 Easy Halloween Makeup Looks3 Easy Halloween Makeup Looks
3 Easy Halloween Makeup Looks
BriannaMichelle
ย 
Isto รฉ pรกscoa
Isto รฉ pรกscoaIsto รฉ pรกscoa
Isto รฉ pรกscoa
Rosa Silva
ย 
Mcpet alpha by aporia
Mcpet alpha by aporiaMcpet alpha by aporia
Mcpet alpha by aporia
hirohiro3
ย 
RAJANEESHA TIWARI
RAJANEESHA TIWARIRAJANEESHA TIWARI
RAJANEESHA TIWARI
rajaneesh tiwari
ย 
Unidad 3. Elementos Geogrรกficos del Estado Mexicano.
Unidad 3. Elementos Geogrรกficos del Estado Mexicano. Unidad 3. Elementos Geogrรกficos del Estado Mexicano.
Unidad 3. Elementos Geogrรกficos del Estado Mexicano.
Marlenne Juรกrez Rodrรญguez
ย 
What is sociology
What is sociologyWhat is sociology
What is sociology
bchozinski
ย 

Viewers also liked (20)

Definiciรณn deepistemologรญa
Definiciรณn deepistemologรญaDefiniciรณn deepistemologรญa
Definiciรณn deepistemologรญa
ย 
About Us
About UsAbout Us
About Us
ย 
Arquitecturadeunacomputadora 160302235035
Arquitecturadeunacomputadora 160302235035Arquitecturadeunacomputadora 160302235035
Arquitecturadeunacomputadora 160302235035
ย 
Orlogo grap 01
Orlogo grap 01Orlogo grap 01
Orlogo grap 01
ย 
Persentasi KSK
Persentasi KSKPersentasi KSK
Persentasi KSK
ย 
Paul Anka
Paul AnkaPaul Anka
Paul Anka
ย 
3 Easy Halloween Makeup Looks
3 Easy Halloween Makeup Looks3 Easy Halloween Makeup Looks
3 Easy Halloween Makeup Looks
ย 
Isto รฉ pรกscoa
Isto รฉ pรกscoaIsto รฉ pรกscoa
Isto รฉ pรกscoa
ย 
Bioritmuri
BioritmuriBioritmuri
Bioritmuri
ย 
Resume.
Resume.Resume.
Resume.
ย 
Mcpet alpha by aporia
Mcpet alpha by aporiaMcpet alpha by aporia
Mcpet alpha by aporia
ย 
RAJANEESHA TIWARI
RAJANEESHA TIWARIRAJANEESHA TIWARI
RAJANEESHA TIWARI
ย 
Double Dutch Press Plans Book
Double Dutch Press Plans Book Double Dutch Press Plans Book
Double Dutch Press Plans Book
ย 
Cocina solar
Cocina solarCocina solar
Cocina solar
ย 
pms
pmspms
pms
ย 
Technical writing
Technical writingTechnical writing
Technical writing
ย 
Unidad 3. Elementos Geogrรกficos del Estado Mexicano.
Unidad 3. Elementos Geogrรกficos del Estado Mexicano. Unidad 3. Elementos Geogrรกficos del Estado Mexicano.
Unidad 3. Elementos Geogrรกficos del Estado Mexicano.
ย 
10 Pitch Perfect Science Communication Tips
10 Pitch Perfect Science Communication Tips10 Pitch Perfect Science Communication Tips
10 Pitch Perfect Science Communication Tips
ย 
What is sociology
What is sociologyWhat is sociology
What is sociology
ย 
Curso de Desenvolvimento Web - Mรณdulo 03 - JavaScript
Curso de Desenvolvimento Web - Mรณdulo 03 - JavaScriptCurso de Desenvolvimento Web - Mรณdulo 03 - JavaScript
Curso de Desenvolvimento Web - Mรณdulo 03 - JavaScript
ย 

Similar to You Can Change the World

The Leapyear Project Media Kit
The Leapyear Project Media KitThe Leapyear Project Media Kit
The Leapyear Project Media Kit
Meghan Lazier
ย 

Similar to You Can Change the World (20)

We Can Change The World - Rotary District 7630 Conference
We Can Change The World - Rotary District 7630 ConferenceWe Can Change The World - Rotary District 7630 Conference
We Can Change The World - Rotary District 7630 Conference
ย 
The Leapyear Project Media Kit
The Leapyear Project Media KitThe Leapyear Project Media Kit
The Leapyear Project Media Kit
ย 
Rising youth outreach presentation
Rising youth outreach presentationRising youth outreach presentation
Rising youth outreach presentation
ย 
Right Here/ Right Now
Right Here/ Right NowRight Here/ Right Now
Right Here/ Right Now
ย 
We need a new idea about ideas
We need a new idea about ideasWe need a new idea about ideas
We need a new idea about ideas
ย 
Leading Social Change
Leading Social ChangeLeading Social Change
Leading Social Change
ย 
Lusaka GlobalGiving Partner Workshop
Lusaka GlobalGiving Partner WorkshopLusaka GlobalGiving Partner Workshop
Lusaka GlobalGiving Partner Workshop
ย 
Social Networking: What's Club Got to Do With It?
Social Networking: What's Club Got to Do With It?Social Networking: What's Club Got to Do With It?
Social Networking: What's Club Got to Do With It?
ย 
Social Networking For Non Profits
Social Networking For Non ProfitsSocial Networking For Non Profits
Social Networking For Non Profits
ย 
Harare - GlobalGiving Partner Workshop 2016
Harare - GlobalGiving Partner Workshop 2016 Harare - GlobalGiving Partner Workshop 2016
Harare - GlobalGiving Partner Workshop 2016
ย 
Raising all the ships on the sea - The future of learning and collaborative work
Raising all the ships on the sea - The future of learning and collaborative workRaising all the ships on the sea - The future of learning and collaborative work
Raising all the ships on the sea - The future of learning and collaborative work
ย 
Research template
Research templateResearch template
Research template
ย 
GlobalGiving Current Partner Workshop 2016
GlobalGiving Current Partner Workshop 2016GlobalGiving Current Partner Workshop 2016
GlobalGiving Current Partner Workshop 2016
ย 
GlobalGiving workshop Lilongwe 2016
GlobalGiving workshop Lilongwe 2016GlobalGiving workshop Lilongwe 2016
GlobalGiving workshop Lilongwe 2016
ย 
Young Lions CZ 2023 | DIGITAL 09
Young Lions CZ 2023 | DIGITAL 09Young Lions CZ 2023 | DIGITAL 09
Young Lions CZ 2023 | DIGITAL 09
ย 
Sean Moffitt - Global Status of Crowdsourcing in 2014 & Beyond, CSWGlobal14
Sean Moffitt - Global Status of Crowdsourcing in 2014 & Beyond, CSWGlobal14Sean Moffitt - Global Status of Crowdsourcing in 2014 & Beyond, CSWGlobal14
Sean Moffitt - Global Status of Crowdsourcing in 2014 & Beyond, CSWGlobal14
ย 
Summary of Sustainable Brands'14
Summary of Sustainable Brands'14Summary of Sustainable Brands'14
Summary of Sustainable Brands'14
ย 
The Climate Reality Project - 2017 - Be The Voice Of Reality (Action Kit)
The Climate Reality Project - 2017 - Be The Voice Of Reality (Action Kit)The Climate Reality Project - 2017 - Be The Voice Of Reality (Action Kit)
The Climate Reality Project - 2017 - Be The Voice Of Reality (Action Kit)
ย 
The Climate Reality Project - 2017 - Be The Voice Of Reality (Action Kit)
The Climate Reality Project - 2017 - Be The Voice Of Reality (Action Kit)The Climate Reality Project - 2017 - Be The Voice Of Reality (Action Kit)
The Climate Reality Project - 2017 - Be The Voice Of Reality (Action Kit)
ย 
Are You Really Doing Effective Prevention - from IADDA Conference 2014
Are You Really Doing Effective Prevention - from IADDA Conference 2014Are You Really Doing Effective Prevention - from IADDA Conference 2014
Are You Really Doing Effective Prevention - from IADDA Conference 2014
ย 

More from Devin Thorpe

140507 crowdfunding
140507 crowdfunding140507 crowdfunding
140507 crowdfunding
Devin Thorpe
ย 
140121 una-crowdfunding-logan
140121 una-crowdfunding-logan140121 una-crowdfunding-logan
140121 una-crowdfunding-logan
Devin Thorpe
ย 

More from Devin Thorpe (20)

Your Mark on the World Sponsorship Opportunity
Your Mark on the World Sponsorship OpportunityYour Mark on the World Sponsorship Opportunity
Your Mark on the World Sponsorship Opportunity
ย 
Your mark on the world sponsorship opportunity
Your mark on the world sponsorship opportunityYour mark on the world sponsorship opportunity
Your mark on the world sponsorship opportunity
ย 
160412 increasing sales diversity-slides
160412 increasing sales diversity-slides160412 increasing sales diversity-slides
160412 increasing sales diversity-slides
ย 
Crowdfunding for Your Innovation
Crowdfunding for Your InnovationCrowdfunding for Your Innovation
Crowdfunding for Your Innovation
ย 
Crowdfunding for Good: Veterans Take Point
Crowdfunding for Good: Veterans Take PointCrowdfunding for Good: Veterans Take Point
Crowdfunding for Good: Veterans Take Point
ย 
Tribute to Floyd Hatch
Tribute to Floyd HatchTribute to Floyd Hatch
Tribute to Floyd Hatch
ย 
Tribute to Mike Deputy
Tribute to Mike DeputyTribute to Mike Deputy
Tribute to Mike Deputy
ย 
CrowdMap '14 Crowdfunding Conference in Moscow - Keynote Address by Devin Thorpe
CrowdMap '14 Crowdfunding Conference in Moscow - Keynote Address by Devin ThorpeCrowdMap '14 Crowdfunding Conference in Moscow - Keynote Address by Devin Thorpe
CrowdMap '14 Crowdfunding Conference in Moscow - Keynote Address by Devin Thorpe
ย 
CrowdMap '14 Crowdfunding Workshop by Devin Thorpe
CrowdMap '14 Crowdfunding Workshop by Devin ThorpeCrowdMap '14 Crowdfunding Workshop by Devin Thorpe
CrowdMap '14 Crowdfunding Workshop by Devin Thorpe
ย 
Kickercon: Devin Thorpe's How To Raise Money With Crowdfunding
Kickercon: Devin Thorpe's How To Raise Money With CrowdfundingKickercon: Devin Thorpe's How To Raise Money With Crowdfunding
Kickercon: Devin Thorpe's How To Raise Money With Crowdfunding
ย 
Play to the Crowd
Play to the CrowdPlay to the Crowd
Play to the Crowd
ย 
140507 crowdfunding
140507 crowdfunding140507 crowdfunding
140507 crowdfunding
ย 
Dr. Nischal Pandey's contribution to polio eradication
Dr. Nischal Pandey's contribution to polio eradicationDr. Nischal Pandey's contribution to polio eradication
Dr. Nischal Pandey's contribution to polio eradication
ย 
MWCN Business Boot Camp Crowdfunding Presentation
MWCN Business Boot Camp Crowdfunding PresentationMWCN Business Boot Camp Crowdfunding Presentation
MWCN Business Boot Camp Crowdfunding Presentation
ย 
140123 una-crowdfunding-moab
140123 una-crowdfunding-moab140123 una-crowdfunding-moab
140123 una-crowdfunding-moab
ย 
140121 una-crowdfunding-logan
140121 una-crowdfunding-logan140121 una-crowdfunding-logan
140121 una-crowdfunding-logan
ย 
Crowdfunding for Your Cause
Crowdfunding for Your CauseCrowdfunding for Your Cause
Crowdfunding for Your Cause
ย 
140113 una-crowdfunding-orem
140113 una-crowdfunding-orem140113 una-crowdfunding-orem
140113 una-crowdfunding-orem
ย 
UNA Crowdfunding Training - St. George
UNA Crowdfunding Training - St. GeorgeUNA Crowdfunding Training - St. George
UNA Crowdfunding Training - St. George
ย 
UNA: Crowdfunding for Social Good
UNA: Crowdfunding for Social GoodUNA: Crowdfunding for Social Good
UNA: Crowdfunding for Social Good
ย 

Recently uploaded

Competitive Advantage slide deck___.pptx
Competitive Advantage slide deck___.pptxCompetitive Advantage slide deck___.pptx
Competitive Advantage slide deck___.pptx
ScottMeyers35
ย 
Dating Call Girls inBaloda Bazar Bhatapara 9332606886Call Girls Advance Cash...
Dating Call Girls inBaloda Bazar Bhatapara  9332606886Call Girls Advance Cash...Dating Call Girls inBaloda Bazar Bhatapara  9332606886Call Girls Advance Cash...
Dating Call Girls inBaloda Bazar Bhatapara 9332606886Call Girls Advance Cash...
kumargunjan9515
ย 
Unique Value Prop slide deck________.pdf
Unique Value Prop slide deck________.pdfUnique Value Prop slide deck________.pdf
Unique Value Prop slide deck________.pdf
ScottMeyers35
ย 

Recently uploaded (20)

sponsor for poor old age person food.pdf
sponsor for poor old age person food.pdfsponsor for poor old age person food.pdf
sponsor for poor old age person food.pdf
ย 
Peace-Conflict-and-National-Adaptation-Plan-NAP-Processes-.pdf
Peace-Conflict-and-National-Adaptation-Plan-NAP-Processes-.pdfPeace-Conflict-and-National-Adaptation-Plan-NAP-Processes-.pdf
Peace-Conflict-and-National-Adaptation-Plan-NAP-Processes-.pdf
ย 
unang digmaang pandaigdig tagalog version
unang digmaang pandaigdig tagalog versionunang digmaang pandaigdig tagalog version
unang digmaang pandaigdig tagalog version
ย 
2024 UNESCO/Guillermo Cano World Press Freedom Prize
2024 UNESCO/Guillermo Cano World Press Freedom Prize2024 UNESCO/Guillermo Cano World Press Freedom Prize
2024 UNESCO/Guillermo Cano World Press Freedom Prize
ย 
31st World Press Freedom Day Conference in Santiago.
31st World Press Freedom Day Conference in Santiago.31st World Press Freedom Day Conference in Santiago.
31st World Press Freedom Day Conference in Santiago.
ย 
Call Girls in Moti Bagh (delhi) call me [8448380779] escort service 24X7
Call Girls in Moti Bagh (delhi) call me [8448380779] escort service 24X7Call Girls in Moti Bagh (delhi) call me [8448380779] escort service 24X7
Call Girls in Moti Bagh (delhi) call me [8448380779] escort service 24X7
ย 
Call Girls Mehsana / 8250092165 Genuine Call girls with real Photos and Number
Call Girls Mehsana / 8250092165 Genuine Call girls with real Photos and NumberCall Girls Mehsana / 8250092165 Genuine Call girls with real Photos and Number
Call Girls Mehsana / 8250092165 Genuine Call girls with real Photos and Number
ย 
Competitive Advantage slide deck___.pptx
Competitive Advantage slide deck___.pptxCompetitive Advantage slide deck___.pptx
Competitive Advantage slide deck___.pptx
ย 
Contributi dei parlamentari del PD - Contributi L. 3/2019
Contributi dei parlamentari del PD - Contributi L. 3/2019Contributi dei parlamentari del PD - Contributi L. 3/2019
Contributi dei parlamentari del PD - Contributi L. 3/2019
ย 
2024: The FAR, Federal Acquisition Regulations, Part 32
2024: The FAR, Federal Acquisition Regulations, Part 322024: The FAR, Federal Acquisition Regulations, Part 32
2024: The FAR, Federal Acquisition Regulations, Part 32
ย 
Call Girls Basheerbagh ( 8250092165 ) Cheap rates call girls | Get low budget
Call Girls Basheerbagh ( 8250092165 ) Cheap rates call girls | Get low budgetCall Girls Basheerbagh ( 8250092165 ) Cheap rates call girls | Get low budget
Call Girls Basheerbagh ( 8250092165 ) Cheap rates call girls | Get low budget
ย 
1935 CONSTITUTION REPORT IN RIPH FINALLS
1935 CONSTITUTION REPORT IN RIPH FINALLS1935 CONSTITUTION REPORT IN RIPH FINALLS
1935 CONSTITUTION REPORT IN RIPH FINALLS
ย 
Make a difference in a girl's life by donating to her education!
Make a difference in a girl's life by donating to her education!Make a difference in a girl's life by donating to her education!
Make a difference in a girl's life by donating to her education!
ย 
Time, Stress & Work Life Balance for Clerks with Beckie Whitehouse
Time, Stress & Work Life Balance for Clerks with Beckie WhitehouseTime, Stress & Work Life Balance for Clerks with Beckie Whitehouse
Time, Stress & Work Life Balance for Clerks with Beckie Whitehouse
ย 
Finance strategies for adaptation. Presentation for CANCC
Finance strategies for adaptation. Presentation for CANCCFinance strategies for adaptation. Presentation for CANCC
Finance strategies for adaptation. Presentation for CANCC
ย 
2024: The FAR, Federal Acquisition Regulations, Part 30
2024: The FAR, Federal Acquisition Regulations, Part 302024: The FAR, Federal Acquisition Regulations, Part 30
2024: The FAR, Federal Acquisition Regulations, Part 30
ย 
Dating Call Girls inBaloda Bazar Bhatapara 9332606886Call Girls Advance Cash...
Dating Call Girls inBaloda Bazar Bhatapara  9332606886Call Girls Advance Cash...Dating Call Girls inBaloda Bazar Bhatapara  9332606886Call Girls Advance Cash...
Dating Call Girls inBaloda Bazar Bhatapara 9332606886Call Girls Advance Cash...
ย 
Unique Value Prop slide deck________.pdf
Unique Value Prop slide deck________.pdfUnique Value Prop slide deck________.pdf
Unique Value Prop slide deck________.pdf
ย 
The NAP process & South-South peer learning
The NAP process & South-South peer learningThe NAP process & South-South peer learning
The NAP process & South-South peer learning
ย 
Coastal Protection Measures in Hulhumale'
Coastal Protection Measures in Hulhumale'Coastal Protection Measures in Hulhumale'
Coastal Protection Measures in Hulhumale'
ย 

You Can Change the World

Editor's Notes

  1. A few of you may recall when in 1976, the Teton dam in Southeastern Idaho failed, damaging or destroying about 80 percent of the structures in the small town of Rexburg. Living then as I do now in Salt Lake City, my father invited me to join him and a volunteer group to Rexburg where we helped dig mud out of a basement and otherwise work to salvage a home. As an 11-year-old kid that was a lot of fun. The whole trip took about 24 hours, leaving about 2:00 AM, arriving at dawn, working all day, leaving at dark and returning after midnight. Now, Iโ€™m not a big guy. Picture me as an eleven-year-old standing next to a shovelโ€”I wasnโ€™t as tall as the handle and just lifting the empty shovel was a task for me. Iโ€™m sure I was of virtually no real help that day, but the experience has come to define my life. I felt so good helping people that day that I promised then I would never miss an opportunity to .serve. Of course, I have missed many opportunities to help. I was, perhaps, distracted by building a successful finance career, but ever since I was let go from my position as the CFO for a global food and beverage company three years I have focused on channeling the enthusiasm of my youth to do my part to make the world a better place.
  2. Polio has been eradicated in India. The poverty, population, population density, insanitary conditions, etc. led many to believe India would be the last country on earth to do it, but the last case of polio was reported in January 2011 and the country has been polio free ever since.
  3. Envision a world without polio. And keep shoveling. Envision a world where everyone has access to clean water and start shoveling. Envision a world where every child receives a quality education and start shoveling. Envision the world you want to live in and start shoveling. Envision a world without blindness, where every living person can share in the joy of a sunrise and funny cat videos on YouTube. Envision a world where few people get cancer, where everyone who does is diagnosed early, and treated successfully. A world where no one dies from cancer. Envision a world without poverty, where everyone has food to eat, a quality primary and secondary education, and a legitimate opportunity to earn a living. Envision that world within 30 years. A world that you and your children are likely to see and enjoy. A world your grandchildren will take for granted. Ending polio will prove once and for all that when we humans combine our God-given talents to solve big world problems in time frames that are relevant to individuals, not just to the human race, there is virtually nothing we canโ€™t do.
  4. The world doesnโ€™t need more believers, the world needs more doers.