Jody Williams on Making it better

I believe it is possible for ordinary people to achieve extraordinary things. For me, the difference between an “ordinary” and an “extraordinary” person is not the title that person might have, but what they do to make the world a better place for us all.

I believe in both my right and my responsibility to work to create a world that doesn’t glorify violence and war, but where we seek different solutions to our common problems.

I believe that these days, daring to voice your opinion, daring to find out information from a variety of sources, can be an act of courage.

I know that holding such beliefs and speaking them publicly is not always easy or comfortable or popular, particularly in the post-9/11 world. But I believe that life isn’t a popularity contest.

For me, it’s about trying to do the right thing even when nobody else is looking… The only thing that changes this world is taking action. I believe that words are easy. I believe that truth is told in the actions we take.

And I believe that if enough ordinary people back up our desire for a better world with action, we can, in fact, accomplish absolutely extraordinary things.

From article: When Ordinary People Achieve Extraordinary Things, by Jody Williams, founding coordinator of the International Campaign to Ban Landmines, which was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1997.