Supporters of the Foundation
Native people on this continent are on the cusp of doing something incredible and unprecedented: a complete reawakening educationally, economically and spiritually. Typically, when a educational/economic awakening occurs, the peoples' spirits are impoverished. Alternatively, when the peoples' spirits are full, their pockets have been empty. Native people have shown a desire to work for both -- I see the hunger to learn about our spirituality and ceremonies; I also see Natives getting educational opportunities in never-seen-before numbers. Now, it's just a matter of time before we extend those opportunities to everyone -- Natives from sea to shining sea -- and this country will witness the value and fact of "red power." Wonderful organizations like this are a step in that direction. Aho |
I spent the summer of my eighteenth year on the Pine Ridge reservation. The Lakota who preserve their heritage, are a beautiful and enduring population, and one that enabled me to gain valuable personal insight into the meaning of my own life, and the people that I love. |
Willie is an advocate of charities, particularly those who try to improve the lives of children. As a long time friend of the founder, he lends his support and encouragement to the Give K'U Foundation. (To see the rest of Willie's photo album or personal website please go to http://www.williemcginest55.com/) |
It may sound cliche but the world could be such a better place if each of us would contribute even the smallest portion of ourselves to a worthy cause. You don't have to be a saint. You don't have to be wealthy. You don't even have to be an expert at anything. You just have to care. You have to ask yourself: what talent, interest or gift do I have that could make the difference in the life of another individual? You may feel overwhelmed in your own life and believe that you just don't have it in you to take on somebody else's problems. But, the ironic beauty of the situation is that while you are helping them, you are the one who will be transformed. |
Growing up in such a poor immigrant family gave me a strong foundation for understanding the importance of helping others whenever we can. Whether it is through giving of one's time, goods, or knowledge. Especially important to me is providing the means to a great education in order for children to be able to help themselves and their community in adulthood. The Give K'U foundation is a great example of how two sisters found a way to make a difference, and this is something I wish to instill in my own child. I hope to one day be able to visit the children at Pine Ridge with my son so that he also understands on a real level the importance of helping others rise above. |
I have always had a strong interest in education however, in college this interest turned into a passion in part by simply donating some school supplies to the Pine Ridge community. Through this experience I learned that small actions can make profound differences, so long as those actions are done after truly listening to the needs of the community. Through this lesson of listening first, we have recently started a youth Native studies and tutoring program to meet the needs of the Cleveland community. |
Learning is a cycle that has no beginning and no end and allows solutions to emerge within one's mind. Knowledge is power that allows a child to succeed in achieving their dreams. Without learning and without knowledge, one cannot grow as an individual. |
"...The range of humanity I've experienced as a part of these [non-profit] events is greater than anything else my life has allowed me. I've also seen that work on this scale doesn't overshadow the significance of the simplest moments of compassion or Mahatma Gandhi when he said 'You must be the change you want to see in the world'. Although ego and the popularity of capitalism have a way of obscuring the way we ought to be, I hope you can discover what it's like to be selfless too... (click here for the full quote)." |
