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Retrouvez sur cette page différents speeches du groupe ou de ses membres tout au long de
leur carrière, dans des manifestations officielles ou lors de concerts.
Conférence de presse de Jon Bon Jovi pour annoncer le partenariat entre Jon, les Philadelphia Soul, HABITAT FOR HUMANITY, SATURN and PROJECT H.O.M.E.
Jeudi 05 octobre 2006, Philadelphie.
Thank you all for coming.
Why we are all here today?
In 2003 I became the co-owner of the Arena Football League’s PHILADELPHIA SOUL (along with my partner, Craig Spencer.) From the inception of our franchise, the mission was to use the team as a way to give back to the community. Each season our directive to the staff has been to find the LOCAL CAUSES, the Father Flanagan’s, if you will… help us find the ones who fell through the cracks. Nothing was too big and no one was too small. Our desire was simply to help those in need.
PLEASE UNDERSTAND, our team is not making money – and any money we do make, we give away. But I’m very proud to say that as we head into our fourth season, we have been able to give away more than 2 MILLION DOLLARS to local causes in the name of BON JOVI and THE PHILADELPHIA SOUL. We may have started small but we thought big. Whether it was a playground for the Northern Home for Children, beds for Covenant House, or starting a helpline for kids… the Soul were always there. Today we’re proud to announce the creation of the Philadelphia Soul Foundation – the natural extension of the team’s philanthropic work.
In the last year and a half, the Soul and I - along with the band - have become very involved with Habitat for Humanity. Between Houma, Louisiana and here in Philadelphia, we will have given 34 families a place they could call home.
I spend a lot of time here in Philadelphia. One night while I was looking out of my hotel window I saw a homeless man sleeping in front of City Hall. I wanted to help him. I wanted to fix that. I realize the homeless problem is immense. And I realize that no one has all the answers. I needed help. That’s how I came to meet SISTER MARY SCULLION and PROJECT H.O.M.E.
It was Sister Mary who educated me about the need to provide not only shelter to the homeless but education and job training – it was all about breaking the cycle. Sister Mary opened my eyes and taught me to look at all the problems that combine together to form the bigger issue that is homelessness.
For example – job training -- you can’t even get a job working as a cashier at the local superstore without basic computer skills. Agencies like Project H.O.M.E. provide that job training that can take someone from a minimum wage job to just a $10.00 per hour job. And if you don’t think that sounds like much of a difference – think again. $5.00 per hour… $40.00 per day… $200.00 per week… That’s the difference in the quality and quantity of food you are able to feed your children. That’s the difference in being able to pay the electric bill or the phone bill – Because heat, electricity and phone service are not luxuries – they are basic necessities.
Habitat for Humanity’s work speaks for itself – you’ve seen it. In the wake of Hurricane Katrina and the Tsunami, for example, Habitat was there – rebuilding lives. And that’s just in response to disaster. In Habitat’s 30 year history, they’ve built more than 200,000 homes… and dreams, by offering families a chance to be first-time homeowners. The program’s successes are undeniable. But if you’re eligible for a Habitat home, you’re already in the top echelon of homelessness. What about those who can’t think about making rent or even having a warm place to sleep at night? That is where Project H.O.M.E. shines. By offering job training, education and social services, Project H.O.M.E. empowers individuals to break the cycle of homelessness. They can put them on the path to home ownership.
How do we bridge the purpose of Habitat with the PROMISE of Project H.O.M.E. ? Well, this is why we’re here. What you see behind us is a new beginning. For the first time, Habitat For Humanity has partnered with a local provider. Together with support from our partners at SATURN, we are reconstructing these 15 row homes. This will be the new model. Here we have local service providers, Habitat for Humanity, and corporate America all working together to rebuild communities. It is my sincere desire to see these people BECOME their community. They become the homeowners and business owners and investors in their own future, reshaping their own neighborhood. We can’t let neighborhood become a thing of the past. We need to remember what neighborhood is about.
The Arena Football League is about ACCESSIBILITY and AFFORDABILITY and is PLAYED FOR AND BY PEOPLE WHO HAVE A DREAM.
That is what the SOUL is about.
That’s what this partnership is about.
We want to invite you to join our team.
The greatest social good is assisting individuals to take responsibility for themselves.
Together we can make a difference.
One soul at a time.
Thank you.
Following Jon's speech, he introduced President Clinton. Here are his introductory remarks before President Clinton spoke:
I haven’t opened for anyone in a long time.
But in my eyes, this man is the biggest rock star in the world.
He was our President for eight years… though some of his most inspiring work has been since he’s left office.
With the creation of the Clinton Foundation and the Clinton Global Initiative, he has brought together the world’s brightest minds, leaders of industry and problem-solvers to identify the most pressing issues facing the world today. The mission is not only to eradicate poverty here in the US and worldwide, but create a global community of shared benefits, responsibilities and values… This year’s summit alone raised $7.3 Billion in commitments to tackle these challenges..
He has said “ALL OF US HAVE AN UNPRECEDENTED AMOUNT OF POWER TO SOLVE PROBLEMS, SAVE LIVES AND HELP SEE THE FUTURE.”
Truth is, this is the man who inspired me to become involved in philanthropy. His work makes me want to continue to do more.
And most of all… he never hesitates to help a friend.
It’s my honor to introduce the 42nd President of the United States… and my friend, Bill Clinton.
Le discours de Jon aux American Music Awards 2004
 
"Thank you. I’d like to thank Dick Clark and Larry Klein for this surreal but much appreciated award. And I have to read some people off the list. My parents. Thanks mom and dad you were good enough to let your kids dream and I know you must be very proud of us tonight. I want to thank Dorothea who put up with me, who loved me when it was easy, and who loved me even more when it was hard. I thank you for that. There’s a lot of others I need to thank. Jerry Edelstein that’s been like a father and a friend and always the voice of reason. ?? Alper. Eileen Shriveman, who’s always had my back.…. And Paul Korzillus. Paul, your selfless dedication to my dream is so appreciated you’ll never know. We’ve been through so much together and it’s not over yet. Bill Harper, Joy Deretiger, Rob Light, Chris Halston, Bugsy, ?? bMike Rew, Scott Casey, and our crew.
To Obie O’Brien the one who reminds me it’s all still worth fighting for. You’re a real friend and I thank you.
Now to our record company IDG once Polygram now Universal the only label I’ve ever recorded for. Thank you. They’re a loyal bunch of guys who allow me to do what I want when I want and continue to believe. So for Dick Asher, Elan Levy, Jim Caparo, Lee Arcaro, and now Eliot Reed. I thank you.
And where would I be without the guys in the band ?
To Alec Such, thank you for your dedication.
To Hugh Mc Donald, the best bass player any band could ever hope for I thank you.
For David Bryan, we’ve gone from the basements to the bars together since we were sixteen years old. I know big Ed is smiling on you tonight.
Tico Torres, the grownup of the band. Tico once said to me "you know I must love you I’ve been staring at your ass for 20 years." Thank you for pushing me, pulling me, keeping me big.
And Richie, Richie Sambora. Richie, I’m honored to call you my friend. We’ve done a lot together. You are always looking out for me. And I truly appreciate that. You are truly my right arm. I thank you.
I have to give a quick shout to our kids: the baby Hector, Colton, Gabby, Lilly, Ava, Stephanie, Jesse, Jake, and Romeo -Who are in fact our greatest hits.
And finally to our fans cause the reason we’re still here is because you believe even when I couldn’t you gave me the chance to dream. So may all your dreams take you wherever you want to go.
Thank you. God bless you. And good night."
Richie Sambora - Kean University Commencement Ceremonies
HONORARY DOCTORATE OF HUMANE LETTERS
MAY 6, 2004 PNC Bank Arts Center, Holmdel, NJ, USA
Good Morning President Faraji, Governor McGreevey, Trustees, Foundation Board Members, Honored Guests, Faculty, Graduates and family members.
I am extremely honored to be here today and very grateful to have been invited to take part in this auspicious moment in your lives. For those of you who do not know, once upon a time I attended Kean University. I spent a few semesters here but I decided my future lay elsewhere. Now, twenty-plus years later, to be invited back to receive an Honorary Doctorate is a privilege that is both gratifying and very moving.
And, let me also say... Congratulations! Not only have you completed your course of study and made your families so proud, you all managed to get me here at 7 o'clock in the morning! I'm a rock star!! Well done.
Of course, the question you're probably asking is the same question I asksed myself. What could I say to you? What wisdom could I pass along? What knowledge have I learned in my life that could be useful to you? I'll admit, my career path is unique and it might seem extreme to find similarities between some of the paths you will be taking and the one I chose. But the same basic principles that are guiding me in my life and my career might help steer you on the right path.
SCHOOL IS NEVER OVER. School does not end for you today. Not by a longshot. Congratulations. You've just graduated Kean University and been accepted into the University of Life. There's no instutition and no lengthy admissions process. Only those with a hunger for learning, a zest for adventure and a true passion for living life need apply. Every experience from this moment forth is a learning opportunity. Embrace every challenge you have, every person you meet, every place you visit, every task you succeed at, and especially those at which you fail. You will learn from them all. You'll learn about the world at large and about other people but most important, you'll learn about yourself. Don't be afraid of failure - embrace that too. Dare to fail. If you never fail, you're never taken risks and that's no way to take on this life. Every storm you weather makes you stronger and more confident the next time you see clouds up ahead on the horizon. Failure can be brave if you continue on... a broken bone heals stronger. Seize every opportunity you have to learn. Keep your eyes and ears wide open and seize life - don't let the moments slip through your fingers like a fistful of sand. Be your own teacher. Let life write your textbook.
YOU DETERMINE THE MEANING OF SUCCESS. The love you take is equal to the love you make. It's a simple concept Lennon and McCartney captured. Call it what you will - karma, the golden rule, common sense.. You can try to measure my success in fame, money, houses, cars, platinum albums, sold out concert tours... knock yourself out trying to do the accounting. But you'll never be able to tabulate true success. For me, success is being able to give back to your friends, your family, your community, those in need and the world entire. Let me assure you, nothing in this life feels better than having the confidence that you can take care of yourself and your family and know that you can continue to grow and excel in your profession and as a person. This is my definition of success. But there's no magic potion - no secret formula. There is absolutely no substitute for hard work. There is always someone right behind you, willing to work harder for what you have and what they want. Don't look over your shoulder and don't use or abuse others to get ahead. Keep your eyes focused on your goals and keep working for what you believe in and what you want to accomplish. Success is something that can never be measured by others - only you can define and measure your own sucess.
STAY TRUE TO WHO YOU ARE. Every one of you has an inner compass. 'To Thine Own Self Be True.' You know who you are in your heart. Don't allow anything or anyone to compromise this. We live in a cynical, complicated, combustible, loud world full of horrible realities... and moments of excruciating grace and beauty. Somehow, you need to cling to your optimism. Always look for the silver lining. Always look for the best in people. Try to see things through the eyes of a child. See the wonder in the simplest things. Never stop dreaming. Believe anything is possible.
Today is an important day. A defining moment in your lives. A leap into the great unknown. Remain in the moment. Parents and graduates be proud of what it took to get here today.
Look at me. I'm a kid from a dead end street near a swamp in Woodbridge, New Jersey. From a meager background, it's almost inconceivable. Bon Jovi, the band no one would have bet their paycheck on to succeed, is huger than we could have imagined in our wildest dreams. We've played in 42 countries. 32 million fans have come to see up play. We've sold more than 100 million records. We've received honors and awards and we travel all over the world. I've met and even performed with some of my musical heroes and I've been truly humbled when I learn that I've become someone that a younger musician looks up to. And hey... did I happen to mention that I'm married to Heather Locklear? Not bad, huh?
All of this is only because I believed it was possible. I believed I could achieve my goals and I busted my ass to get there. I've had a lot of luck along the way but I've learned that you make your own lucky breaks.
I couldn't have done it alone though. I have to thank all the teachers in my life for there have been many, in all shapes and sizes. But especially my parents, Joan and Adam, who are here with me today, for their love and support. My wife Heather and daughter Ava who are my reason for everything... and God for all his confidence and strength.
So what have I been able to offer you with these words today? I don't know! My life experience is, to put it mildly, unique. But I hope that I've been able to give you a glimpse into a future that is possible when you believe you can succeed and passionately pursue your goals.
In the meantime, I would appreciate it if you all referred to me as Doctor Sambora for now on (and I'll be asking my wife to do the same, since I've already bought her the nurse's uniform!)
May God bless you and all your families. Congratulations Class of 2004 and good luck in your lives and future!
Jon Bon Jovi - Monmouth University
Commencement Address - May 16, 2001
Good afternoon… and congratulations to the graduating class of 2001. President Stafford, faculty, alumni, parents, family and friends. I’m humbled and honored to have been asked to give this commencement speech on this, one of the most special days of your life (so far.)
I’ve had to think hard over the last several weeks about what information I could offer you that you might find useful in the years to come. Though the book of my life isn’t yet finished at 39 years old, I am a few chapters ahead so maybe there are a few lessons I can share.
Right now I’ll bet there are a multitude of emotions running through you - from sheer joy to trepidation, from anxiety to anticipation. Don’t worry -- that’s normal. And it’s something you’ve faced before. When you went from kindergarten to elementary school and then from junior high to high school to college… it’s all been a series of NEW BEGINNINGS. Now, some of you have chosen to continue on with higher education, and others are jumping out into the "real world." But YOUR schooling isn’t over. Treat the workplace as another school and learn all the lessons you can from it. Don’t be afraid to start from the bottom. Be humble and stay humble. No job is beneath you if you use it as a lesson.
I may have been very successful in my music career – but when I started a film career, I was just another actor looking for work. My fame wasn’t a help –in fact, it was a hindrance. No one in Hollywood encourages musicians to make the transition into acting. I had to audition just to get an acting coach! I took acting lessons but I wasn’t offered roles; I went to auditions. It wasn’t Hollywood calling (it wasn’t even Hoboken!) It took persistence and patience and years of waiting until I finally won my first movie role. Truth be told, on the way from the airport to the set that first day, the idea of turning around and running away did cross my mind. I had gone from three years of studying in a room with that acting coach to standing on the set of a major motion picture beside Gwyneth Paltrow, Whoopi Goldberg and Kathleen Turner. Was I scared? Yes! I was starting over again… at the bottom. It was like the first day of school for me and I couldn’t call my mother to hold my hand. A new beginning.
Now, some of you may have your futures mapped out. Whether it’s continuing your education, conquering Wall Street, starting a Fortune 500 company, getting into politics, maybe becoming an entertainer. Then there are some of you who may not have a plan yet. That’s OK Don’t be embarrassed by indecision. Remember: this life is a marathon. Whatever road life leads you down, you can change direction at any time. When I was in my early twenties, I didn’t know what tomorrow would bring. Now, staring at forty, I still don’t know. And that’s what makes life exciting. So map out your future – but do it in pencil. Remember, "Not all who wander are lost."
Now, failure… ah, yes. We should discuss failure. How can I put it in terms you can relate to and yet won’t bring you down? Well, let’s just say: it stinks. Nobody wants to fail but, unfortunately, it’s inevitable. The only thing I can tell you about failure is this: it’s a formidable opponent. But, don’t let it scare you. In fact, it’ll teach you a lot - a lot about yourself, and others.
We all fail somewhere along the line. The race you lost, the test you didn’t pass and, in my case, the record execs who claimed "you’ll never make it in the music business." Whatever. The point is, you get up, brush yourself off and get on with life.
I once read about a baseball player who struck out 1,330 times. But we don’t remember that Babe Ruth failed 1,330 times… we remember the 714 times Babe Ruth hit a home-run… It is what you learn from your failure that makes all the difference. Success is falling 9 times, and getting up 10.
Yes, it’s gonna be competitive out there and don’t think that it’s gonna be easy just because you have that diploma. Every year there’s a new crop of talent making records who want my spot and right at this very moment, all across the country, thousands of graduates are receiving diplomas, some from schools like Yale, Georgetown and Dartmouth, who maybe think their piece of paper is more valuable (or their commencement speaker more impressive.) Remember, we’re from Jersey. We’ve been the underdogs all of our lives. And I can tell you this: it’s passion, not pedigree, that can and will win in the end. Free yourself from comparison. Just because someone has fancy sneakers doesn’t mean they can run faster.
Bon Jovi was not supposed to succeed. Ask any critic. We weren’t from NY. We weren’t from LA. I didn’t live the cliché rock n’ roll lifestyle that "legends" were made of. We tried to keep up with the Jones’ until I realized that even if you win the rat race, you’re still a rat. One out of every 1,000 bands gets a record deal. One out of a million have any success. I’ve been to the top and I’ve been written off more than once… but I’m still here. Still the underdog? Maybe. Passionate? Definitely.
Nothing is as important as passion. No matter what you want to do with your life, be passionate. The world doesn’t need any more gray. On the other hand, we can’t get enough color. Mediocrity is nobody’s goal and perfection shouldn’t be either. We’ll never be perfect. But remember these three P’s: Passion + Persistence = Possiblity.
Sure, everybody wants to write a great novel, or a number one song. Who wouldn’t want to be a great visionary or President of the United States? It’s easy to look at any of those things and say, "No… I can’t write a better book than John Steinbeck or a better song than The Beatles. How could I ever be as brilliant as Bill Gates or as brave as Abraham Lincoln?" You have to believe you can. Believe… and anything is possible.
Believe in love. Believe in magic. Hell, believe in Santa Claus. Believe in others. Believe in yourself. Believe in your dreams. If you don’t, who will? I was blessed, as are many of you here today, to be surrounded with people in my life who believed. Listen to them; in turn, you’ll believe in yourself.
Because each one of you has something no one else has, or has ever had: your fingerprints, your brain, your heart. Be an individual. Be unique. Stand out. Make noise. Make someone take notice. That’s the power of individuals. It’s exciting.
There is no 25th hour in the day, so don't look for it.
Take time. Stop. Look around you. Freeze the moment. Use your eyes and your mind to take pictures – mental pictures. Store the images like photographs in your head and your heart. If you already do that, good for you. If you don’t, but think it’s a good idea, it’s not too late to start right now. Look around and remember this moment. At the end of the day, it’s not the person with the most toys who wins – it’s the person with the most memories. Because, when you’re sitting in your rocking chair at the young age of 100, those memories are gonna be like old friends. Someone you can call on to make you smile. And the more of those old friends that come around, the better.
To sum it up, there’s a few things I know for sure:
Grow up... but don't grow old.
Miracles happen everyday. Change your perception of what a miracle is and you'll see them all around you.
Elvis is most certainly alive.
Life is what happens to you while you're busy making plans. (John Lennon) Live while you're alive…
And thank your parents. I’d like to take this public opportunity to thank mine. Not only are parents the reason any of us are here but, chances are, they flew next to you through every high and sunk below you at every low… They deserve a big hug. Actually, they deserve a big house, a new car and a long vacation… and now that you’ve made it to this day, maybe a stiff drink.
Today marks your rookie season in the big game. Get out there and play. Hold your diploma up in your hands and do the touchdown dance. Let the world know you scored. That piece of paper in your hands is the ball, your everything…
It’s the Declaration of Independence. Your independence. Happy Independence Day! Come tomorrow, work hard. Tonight, play hard. You’ve earned it and you deserve it. Good Luck and Good Life.
Jon Bon Jovi - Milton Keynes Bowl - "Keep The Faith" Tour
19 Septembre 1993 - Speech de Jon alors que le groupe entame "Dry County"
Couple of years ago we took a little bit of a break.
We got off the road, we stopped makin' reccords,
I think for a while we stop livin'.
What we had to do was runaway from something that we loved
To see if we liked it anymore.
And after living for I guess at the time about 7 almost 8 years out of a suitcase,
We had to go home and see what those 4 letters meant.
When you sit by yourself, when you got to stare at a mirror, you got to see if What you did makes any sense to you.
Because if you're not happy, you're in the hell of a lot going you know.
All the money in the world don't mean nothing.
All the succes in the world means even less.
So we all went on our seperate ways, and we went to go and find something.
And I got on a motorcycle and I went out, and I went to go see the country.
What I found I liked it a lot, What I found was a lot of people who were searching For the same kind of things I was,
So it didn't get me down but it sort of fueled the all process.
And if you let me I'll take you on the back of my bike
And we will take you to a place, the place is called dry county.
Suite du speech, avant le second solo de Richie.
Everyday a man wakes up
And everyday a man tries to pour himself a cup of coffee
Take a good long hard look in the mirror
And sometimes what he looks at
He doesn't like it
Sometimes what he sees, it makes him angry
Sometimes what he sees makes him sad
Sometimes what he sees is himself
And that disappointment just gets into you
And just rips out little by little, piece by piece
And sometimes you can just lay down
You can just play the game
You can just take that cards that they deal you
You can just pretend it's all over, but not me !
Jon Bon Jovi acceptance speech at the HELP USA HEROES AWARD
HELP USA’s 20th Anniversary Tribute Awards Dinner on May 4, 2006 in New York City
Thank You, Governor Rendell for your warm introduction. Good evening Governor Cuomo, Andrew , Maria, Kenneth and to everyone affiliated with HELP USA.
Thank you for the important work you do …
Thank you for this wonderful evening And for making me a part of it.
To be in the company of my fellow honorees I feel privileged - congratulations to you all.
I’d also like to recognize Joan Dawson McCannon and Sister Mary Scullion from Project HOME in Philadelphia. Thank you for making the trip and joining us here tonight. Sister Mary once said “we are all each other’s mirrors. How we see each other affects how we help each other.”
Like many of you here tonight, my involvement in charity work has evolved over the years. Some say with age comes wisdom, or at least in my case, the desire to learn more and to do more. And while my charity endeavors have been ongoing throughout my career (some public, most below the radar) it has been in the last several years that these goals have come into clearer focus.
In 2003 I became co-owner (along with my partner, Craig Spencer, who is here tonight) of the Arena Football League’s Philadelphia Soul. From the very conception of our franchise, the mission was to use the team as a way to give back to the community. Each season my directive to the staff was to find the LOCAL CAUSES, the Father Flanagan’s, if you will. I asked that they find me the ones who fell through the cracks… good causes in our backyard. Nothing was too big and no one was too small. My desire was to help anyone who needed it. PLEASE UNDERSTAND, the team is not making money – and any money we do make, we give away. But I’m proud to say that in our first three years, we have been able to give more than a million dollars to local causes in the name of the Philadelphia Soul.
The more involved I’ve become in charity work on this level, the more I find myself veering towards the issue of homelessness. It is the umbrella issue under which so many other problems have the opportunity to fester.
In the past year, the band and, I along with the Philadelphia Soul have become very involved with the work of Habitat for Humanity and we have been responsible SO FAR for six families having homes in Philadelphia .
AND I AM ABLE TO ANNOUNCE HERE TONIGHT THAT THE BAND’S CONTRIBUTION TO THE REBUILDING OF LOUISIANA IS ABOUT TO BEGIN. IN HOUMA, LOUISIANA WE WILL BUILD 20 HOUSES THAT WILL BE COMPLETE IN AUGUST OF THIS YEAR.
The work that Habitat does is important. Yet, it’s only one element of helping families who qualify be eligible to own a home. To qualify
1. They need to be employed.
2. They need to be able to donate hundreds of sweat equity hours and
3. They need to be able to pay a mortgage on their new home.
The program’s successes are undeniable. But remember, if you’ve met the standards for a Habitat home, you’re already at the top of the statistical heap when it comes to those in need. You’re looking to own a home – what about those in need who can’t fathom making rent or even having a warm place to sleep at night? To them, being eligible for that kind of help might be an unreachable goal.
With 3000 to 6000 people in shelters nightly and another 400 – 500 on the streets Philadelphia ranks #14 in cities reporting homelessness 25% of all Philadelphians are living below the poverty line…
In New York there are 32 thousand in shelters - 12,500 of them are children.
And tonight another 4000 will be sleeping on the streets and in our parks . New York currently has 21% of it’s population who are living below that poverty line.
Both PHILADELPHIA AND NEW YORK’s numbers are double the national average (this was reported in the USA TODAY.)
These are the people who have fallen through the cracks. There are faces and names of each of these people we are here for tonigh t– I’m not here talking about a hand out , I’m talking to you about a HAND UP.
Because What is basic for you and I … IS NOT… for someone who is homeless. Education is an obvious need – but the cycle only begins it doesn’t end with the children -- it’s also for the able and willing adults.
Consider the Adult homeless who want to go to work but can’t be hired for anything more than menial labor because they don’t have the basic skills – THE BASIC SKILLS
Think about it : COMPUTERS? MY KIDS NAVIGATE THEM EFFORTLESSLY. THEY’RE NATURALS. BUT THEY’VE BEEN EXPOSED TO THEM FROM BIRTH. MOST PARENTS ON THE OTHER HAND ARE ILL-EQUIPPED TO NAVIGATE THE TECHNOLOGICAL SEAS EVEN WITH UNLIMITED ACCESS TO COMPUTERS… NOW,THINK ABOUT THOSE LESS FORTUNATE.
Even working as a cashier at a major discount chain – if you don’t have basic computer skills, you won’t get that job.
How and where do these people get that opportunity?
How can someone begin to gain experience?
In Pennsylvania, the minimum wage is currently $5.15 per hour –. In New York, the state minimum wage is currently slightly higher – at - $6.15. Your Starbucks costs that.
Hell, Starbucks, who I applaud, give employees health insurance and stock options.
The difference between a minimum wage job in New York and a $10.00 per hour job is massive when you see how it actually affects the worker.
And if you don’t think it makes that much of a difference – that a job is a job to someone who really needs it – think again. $4.00 per hour… $32.00 per day… $160.00 per week…
That’s the difference of the quantity and quality of food you are able to feed your children.
That’s the difference of being able to pay a babysitter for a few hours after school so you can work to earn more money…
That’s the difference of being able to pay the electric bill or the Phone Bill – Heat, electricity and phone service are not luxuries – they are basic necessities.
We can and we must empower those who want to help themselves – do you want to make a difference?
It’s not just about these dinners – which do a great deal of good and raise a great deal of money.
And it’s not just about writing a check.
WE CAN MAKE VOLUNTEERISM HIP
Volunteer your time.
Donate your services.
Leaders of industry can sponsor corporate days for employees to train those less fortunate in internships
Welcome these programs into your neighborhoods – help create the people you want to share your community with. Given the chance, there are people looking to make the same kind of difference you are in the position to make, within their own lives and IN their own communities.
Be an advocate for change at the government level that can help END the cycle of poverty and homelessness.
Now I know that I have the advantage of celebrity which most of you don’t – I have the ability to turn a microphone or a camera and direct it towards something worthwhile.
And I know I might come off sounding like the NEWLY CHRISTENED preaching to the longtime converted – I KNOW many of you actively do all these things on a regular basis.
But I believe, out there, people want to help.
They want to give – and give more than money.
They want to give of themselves.
They just need to know how.
For those who are looking for a way to make a real difference but maybe don’t know how or where to begin – begin in your own backyard. Be it New York… or Jersey… or Philadelphia.
The benefits of the work organizations like HELP are doing is priceless – you can’t quantify the domino effect that helping even one person become self-sufficient can amount to.
Be the domino that sets off the chain reaction …
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