Common Good – The Joy Trip Project

Common Good – The Joy Trip Project


People constantly ask me: “Do you ever run out of story ideas?” Actually I don’t. There’s always something to write about. The hard part is keeping it fresh and interesting. Typically I write about people I meet who do good in the world, selfless individuals who work tirelessly to improve the lives of those around them. Over the last few weeks in fact I’ve been inundated with dozens of amazing stories about people doing great things on behalf of the environment or for the benefit of others. The hard part as journalist is to pick the stories that are most engaging and compelling.
Unfortunately what happens is that when so many people are doing so much good the cynic in me becomes a bit jaded and I’m left to wonder which stories are truly worth exploring further, to write about and share with a broader audience. Even Everest climbers and ultra-distance runners raising money to cure cancer or end hunger are becoming cliché. We’ve been there, done that, another tired phrase. Suddenly I understand why the nightly news is always full of murder and mayhem. These are exciting isolated events that draw a person’s interest because they’re unusual. Deeds of common good are, well…boring.
But lucky for me no good deed goes unpunished. And there are many of us out there who still struggle to do good. I’m looking for stories of people who are challenged by doing the right thing. What prevents you from doing good? Have you ever tried to help someone out, raise money for charity or sponsor a noble cause only to get burned in the process? Or are you simply overwhelmed by literally thousands of opportunities every day to give of yourself only to stand by and do nothing? Have you ever been sucked into a philanthropic project either as a donor or a volunteer only to wish you had never bothered? Share your experience. Or if you’ve found a solution to donor fatigue let me know how you’ve learned to cope. Personally I know how hard it is to walk with angels and they say the road to hell is paved with good intensions. Well guess where this Joy Trip is heading. Be in touch.