What if the answer is: "...you CAN'T..."?

Vote for Kenny!

If you come from a similar background, you've probably heard the phrase: "Ask and you will receive." Implied within that is the converse: "If you don't ask, you won't receive." What if we slightly tweak it? What if sometimes it's: "If you don't ask, you CAN'T receive?

Through the process of this project, I am becoming more convinced that at some level—as human beings—we want to help others. Case in point is my seven year-old niece who is ecstatic that at a click of a button she can help my friend, Kenny Martin, have the chance to pursue his lifelong dream of becoming a race car driver.




"You mean I might help him win?"
This inspired her enough to hit the replay button every three minutes on a You Tube video open in multiple tabs for more than 20 minutes! (By the way, here's the link to Kenny sharing about his dream; please take the time to vote five times a day and watch the video!) ;)

Another recent example is the help I received from a friend. Frankly, I've been overwhelmed at times figuring out lesson plans and easily implementable materials. Well, he has worked as an ESL teacher for several years. In fact, he has become so accomplished he is now instructing teachers. He messaged me on Facebook the other day, and after chatting a bit I figured, "Why not; I'll ask." Boy, am I glad I did! He has given me a plethora of engaging activities, several detailed and professional personal lesson plans, and numerous additional sources to look into. What a relief!

Part of the reason I asked is because of a recent TED talk I came across: "The Art of Asking and the Shared Dignity of Giving" by Amanda Palmer. There's some language involved, but one of the basic points is that asking is art—not in the way of perfecting a certain approach to get a desired result, but that the act of asking is Art. It forms relationships and connections and that is beautiful. (Palmer is addressing music and copy-rights etc. In her opinion, artists should make their material readily available and down-loadable and ask people to give what they can—the outcome of this approach is inspiring--check it out!)

Amanda Palmer: "The Art of Asking and the Shared Dignity of Giving"

It's important to note that asking can't always result in what you want (or think you want)—usually, though, I think it is a matter of bureaucracy or other limiting factors and not a lack of interest or desire to help on another person's part. A recent example of this is a phone call to Alaska Air. British Airways has a three free-bags policy along with their special rates for humanitarian/volunteer/mission airfare that you can get through a contract they've set up with Golden Rule Travel: (Youth Pastors and volunteers—look into this). I decided to see if Alaska Air would be willing to make a similar exception.

The first representative didn't know, but she made multiple phone calls and finally got me a number to call. When I reached that extension and explained what I was hoping to do, I got a very polite, but prompt, "No, we aren't able to do that." Me, being me, asked if there was someone I could talk to to see if they would make an exception. The answer was still no, but an outcome from the call was two of Alaska Airline's representatives, Deanna and Tina, genuinely interested in the project and wishing me the best. I hung up ultimately having had a positive experience.

For Lesson Plans, Maps, Video and Tons of Other Resources

There's a similar experience with National Geographic. Again on a search for lesson materials, I came National Geographic's Education site. It is a mother-lode of resources: video clips, lesson plan ideas, maps, pictures! Perfect—except there's no internet at the school. I could access a lot of the material, but not the video clips which really add a lot. I mentioned this frustration to a friend. I was surprised when she said to type up what I was asking for in an email, and she would forward it to someone she knows who has contacts with National Geographic. So I typed it up, sent it over, and forgot about it. Three days later I opened my in box to find an email from National Geographic! The person didn't know if she could help me, but she was interested in my project and wanted to see what she could do. I looked at the bottom of the email; it had gone from my friend, to her contact, to the Vice President, Foundation & Grants, to another department, and finally to the media management specialist for National Geographic Education! Again, she was interested in my project and wanted to see how she could help. Ultimately there was only so much she could do due to the copy-rights of multiple photographers, etc., but it still was a great experience! Even though the answer wasn't what I was looking for, I got something more important. I had made a connection. People read my email and took the time to forward stuff on. People wanted to help.

So, is there something you CAN'T receive because you won't ask? Just a thought...

P.S. Beyond all the examples I've given, there is a VERY exciting possibility that I can't yet share with you. The process thus far has been exhilarating. We've asked for something and we'll see if all the pieces fall into place. Regardless of the outcome, the friendships I've formed in this asking process have already brought me great joy! Stay tuned...