What 10 things could you do?

Published 1:34 am Saturday, September 13, 2014

“No one knows the power an individual can have better than you.”

That was the opening line in an email from Chelsea Clinton that found its way into my inbox on Friday. Yes, Chelsea, the former first daughter.

A few weeks ago, someone associated with the Clinton Foundation created a very clever video for the former president’s birthday. The video featured an exchange between Kevin Spacey, late of Netflix fame as the political villain in the House of Cards series, and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. The most clever part is that it directed the viewer to “click here” to wish the president a very happy birthday and voila, that same viewer is on the mailing list.

But Chelsea issued an interesting challenge, not unlike the ones floating around social media these days. “Pray for 10 women;” “list three positive things;” and “list 10 books that changed your life” come to mind.

Chelsea used the number 10, too.

This year, AmeriCorps is celebrating its 20th anniversary. The organization engages more than 75,000 Americans in intensive service each year at nonprofits, schools, public agencies, and community and faith-based groups across the country.

In that spirit, the Clinton Foundation has launched a campaign to mobilize community action called the Extra10.

“We hope you’ll make an Extra10 pledge today,” Chelsea wrote. “Whether you mentor 10 young people, plant 10 trees, or donate 10 items of clothing – every contribution matters.”

Ten good deeds sounds like a lot of extra tasks at the end of a busy week. But donating 10 items of clothing really isn’t hard, isn’t it? Ten food items to a local pantry? Finding a way to support 10 worthy causes?

I am thankful to be the person being asked to help, when but for a few different choices, any of us could be on the other side, needing help.

So I’m going to try to think of 10 things I can do. Love the Clintons or hate them, it’s a good challenge. I hope you’ll accept it, too.