What is Lend Free?
At
Ode to the Forgotten we define poverty as any substantial lack that holds
someone back from living a life that is full – both physically and emotionally.
Physical poverty might be when someone lacks a house, food, or adequate
clothing; likewise, emotional poverty also represents a lack – perhaps a lack
of the feeling of worth or confidence or hope. Physical and emotional poverty
oftentimes go hand in hand, and Lend Free is an embodiment of that idea.
Lend
Free is a poem about poverty and the hope that can be found amidst it. It goes
deep into the reality of three main types of physical/emotional poverty and how
they are manifest in people’s lives. But it also shows that because we are brothers
and sisters in humanity, there is
something we can do about the barriers that stand in our own lives and in the
lives of others. Every person has the ability to use their talents and
resources to change their community for good. We suggest that “Lend Free” isn’t
just a one-time act of service – it is a lifestyle.
Over
the next year, Ode to the Forgotten will host a series of five events, creatively
informing people about three main poverties in our community and connecting
them with organizations already doing a great job eradicating these poverties.
The resources to end poverty are already out there. We just have to commit to
come alongside them and live a lifestyle of love and service, realizing that
change may come one person at a time – that every encounter with the people we rub
shoulders with daily has an impact on physical and emotional well-being of our
community. This is Lend Free – to be
wholly committed to using our lives freely to love and serve others. Join us.
How?
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The
Lend Free Event Series
Lend Free: HOMELESSNESS
October
26th, 2012
Lend Free: HUNGER
January
26th, 2013
Lend Free: LOVE
March
30, 2013
Lend Free: GO
June
1, 2013
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Submissions
If
you have something to say about the poverties you see in your community…
If
you have experienced homelessness…
If
you have been hungry…
If
you have struggled with emotional poverty…
If
you are learning what it means to love…
If
you have big ideas and big dreams about the eradication of poverty…
If
you have a heart for those lacking true, full life…
Write
about it. Draw it. Speak it. Paint it. Sculpt it. And let us know.
Starting
to Lend Free is that simple.
We’re
looking for submissions to help us tell the stories of poverty, show the places
of hope, and present a
call to action. Submissions will be highlighted on the Ode to the Forgotten website (www.OdetotheForgotten.org) and may also be included in Lend Free events and/or a Lend Free publication to be created upon the series’ conclusion.
call to action. Submissions will be highlighted on the Ode to the Forgotten website (www.OdetotheForgotten.org) and may also be included in Lend Free events and/or a Lend Free publication to be created upon the series’ conclusion.
If
you have something to share, please email it to: Ode@OdetotheForgotten.org
For more
information:
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Web: www.OdetotheForgotten.org
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Email: Ode@OdetotheForgotten.org
o
Facebook: facebook.com/Odetotheforgotten
o
Twitter: @Ode2Forgotten
