Good Deed Thread! :)

I had tried to start this a while ago, under different circumstances, but due to board rules and legalities it can only be done this way...I think.

This is NOT sponsored by ATS.
Its simply a choice to participate if you would like.

There's no physical/monetary rewards to be obtained by participating.
But you do get to see the smiles from those you help.
And maybe inspire others to do the same.

This thread is pretty simple.
If you choose to go out and volunteer to help others, be it at a food shelter, helping the homeless receive a blanket or food, or simply help an elderly person around the yard, take a picture or a video of your actions and put it in this thread for others to see.

After reading through this thread
www.abovetopsecret.com...

I think we all know how bad things are, and there's a lot of good people who visit this site.
And I think its time we as people go out and start making changes by helping people.
Its one thing to point out the problems, its another to help change them.

Thanks for reading and thanks to anyone who participates in this thread.

Why?

If you need or want others to pat you on the back for your 'Fine and upstanding work' then you are really part of the problem rather than the solution.

People who genuinely want to help other do not need a heap of praise, the helping task they do is amply sufficient and self rewarding in itself.

P

originally posted by: pheonix358
Why?

If you need or want others to pat you on the back for your 'Fine and upstanding work' then you are really part of the problem rather than the solution.

People who genuinely want to help other do not need a heap of praise, the helping task they do is amply sufficient and self rewarding in itself.

P

This isn't for a "pat on the back".
This is optional to participate.
Everyone's free to go out and do their own thing everyday.
On this site, we have all seen so many bad things in pics and video form, what's wrong with wanting to show that a community of people from a web site can accomplish good things and perhaps by displaying such actions might even motivate others to do the same.

This is suppose to be a positive thread to show what a group of well intentioned people are capable of.
And to show that helping others isn't suppose to be a crime or illegal.
And that by showing others that people helping is the right thing to do, they wont be scared off by thinking its now "wrong" nowdays.

a reply to: Black_Fox

TextThis is suppose to be a positive thread to show what a group of well intentioned people are capable of. And to show that helping others isn't suppose to be a crime or illegal. And that by showing others that people helping is the right thing to do, they wont be scared off by thinking its now "wrong" nowdays.

This thread shows very clearly that the people are self aware and are not scared off.

www.abovetopsecret.com...

I stand by my original comments.

P

a reply to: pheonix358

That's find, stand by your comments, commitments, beliefs or what have you.

So I ask, why come here to ATS?

To talk?
Doom porn?
More talk?

Read about events we cant or don't change?
Read about bad things happening to others?

What's the point then?

When, in the end, it's for news, right?
And why? To see if it will effect you? Or your friends and family? Or people in general?

Why cant this be used to help people?
In the end, that's what it's all about anyways.

a reply to: Black_Fox

I think the issue is the assumption that the members here at ATS are not doing these kinds of things. Acts of kindness, helping for no other reason than another living being needs it. I find that many times the helpee would rather not advertise that they may have fallen on hard times.

It may make more sense to ask that those of us who have been on the receiving end of these kindnesses too share their experiences.

Penny

a reply to: Black_Fox

You could have started a thread on

"List the ways we can help people. Help generate some ideas"

But you ask for photos of people in action. Seems like pat on the back to me.

Perhaps I am just jaded by the holier than thou crowd who want to stand up and say, "Look at me! I help people. See, these are all my photos."

There are many ways to help people without the photos, the big noting and self praise.

P

originally posted by: pheonix358
Why?

If you need or want others to pat you on the back for your 'Fine and upstanding work' then you are really part of the problem rather than the solution.

People who genuinely want to help other do not need a heap of praise, the helping task they do is amply sufficient and self rewarding in itself.

P

Have to agree. To amplify my position, if the folks you're helping don't seem to appreciate the effort, maybe it wasn't worth going out of your way to begin with. My experience far more often than not.

I think I see what you're going for. It's a nice idea for a thread, a demonstration of people doing good work, helping other people, to counterbalance all of the negativity here on ATS. There's just one problem with what is otherwise a fine idea: the type of people who are moved to help others are, for the most part, also the type of people who are not likely to go for what they would consider to be self-aggrandizement, by posting videos or pics of what they do.

IMO, it's almost as though telling others about good things you've done, for people in need, cheapens the deeds.

a reply to: Black_Fox


Personally I would be horrified if someone performed a good deed to help me out in some way....to discover they captured it on film in a premeditated way to post on a thread on the internet.

Unless if people were to ask permission to capture the moment on film and post it online....but again personally if someone approached me offering help in some way and asked my permission to film the act to be able to display on an internet forum....I would politely ( or not so politely) tell them to sod off!

The problem with your suggestion is that it is all about giving people on ATS some sense of "feel good" either by performing the good deed acts or viewing someone else's....in this premeditated formulae I cant help but feel like people would be used for our viewing pleasure.

a reply to: Black_Fox

Yes, we know how bad things are in this world and to bring forward the good deeds, IMO, is a good idea for a fair balance. I read somewhere that for each one negative input we should balance it with multiple good ones.

I have volunteered many times in the past (weekends) when I had time, which was not too much as I was working full-time and tending to two children, a husband, and all the household duties, but I managed, here and there, to volunteer and introduce my daughter to the great need out there.

Now that I am semi-retired, I have a more time to explore myself and needs more fully, which has been wanting during the last three decades. So, I have chosen to feed (Winter only) the bird and wildlife population in the immediate vicinity of my home as I noticed the bird populuation seemed to be somewhat scanty. Now, they serenade the neighbourhood with their lovely songs.

I have also decided to manage the feral cat colony in my surrounding neighbourhood which involves working with the animal control people. I have submitted my application for a program entitled 'Trap, Neuter and Release', but have not heard back at this point, but I have taken on the responsibility to ensure the ferals are fed and watered every day, as well as providing them Winter shelter.

I help a lot of people but don't want a pat on the back for it. I do it because it's how we should all do. If I can help someone, I will. I understand that you're just trying to get it to catch on but it could lead to self glorification and exploit the people in need.

By posting your good deeds or the good deeds that you know others have done, may show others that very little effort is required to, more often than not, make a difference.

This is to raise awareness of people doing good.
And inspire others to wanna also help.
NOBODY has to participate if they don't want to.
And my hats off to all of you who help out others in your daily lives.

Here's examples of what people could add to this thread if they wish.

Giving $100 to Homeless People
Views-4,335,320


Homeless Jackpot Prank
Views-4,538,076


Helping The Homeless
Views-430,186


FEEDING THE HOMELESS - TIMMY COMMERFORD
Views-409,574


9,713,156 views
With all those people watching and maybe got inspired to go out and do the same.
It's not about about self gratification or a pat on the back.
Its about encouraging others through your actions.

I agree with the one poster... it would be demeaning to many to film them getting help or assistance and theyll be horrified their pic or personal info was shared online. I get what you want to do... and your heart seems to be going in the right direction.
My husband and I have spent 20 years doing secret things for people. Its just us... its our "hobby" kinda. On the flip side of secrecy, we both have involvements with others who we can help in one way or another. I try to encourage folks to make being their brothers keeper a way of life and not a weekend activity or a photo op. Caring for our fellow humans ( and critters) should be an everyday thing and not such an anomaly that we see youtubes and pics of "good deeds" IMO.


One thing Ive seen that really impressed me has been the poor helping out the more poor in our area. Those who have noting to spare themselves... caring for others. Good stuff. Charity and being our brothers keepers is not the sole domain of the rich or better off. Its a lifestyle. Take what the posters here are telling you and think on it. ATS is a great place to grow in our opinions and thoughts on things. Dont disregard some of the posts here due to their apparent rudeness..

Do the best good dead you can ever do and donate your organs after you die (you will not need them) you can save many lives.
Read my sig for more details.

originally posted by: boymonkey74
Do the best good dead you can ever do and donate your organs after you die (you will not need them) you can save many lives.
Read my sig for more details.

Amen.
My 15 yr old daughter is alive right now due to a liver transplant. The gift of life is the ultimate "good deed".

a reply to: Advantage

Iam glad there are people who do not get paranoid and silly when coming to the conclusion of donating is good .
Iam also glad your daughter is alive and well.
May the force be with you and your kin.....always