A Poem of Hope

I preparation for a workshop for teachers title 'Hope for Humanity', I came across this poem, composed by a young girl in Belarus, Russia, near the site of the Chernobyl Nuclear Disaster area.

I did not pick the title for the workshop. That was done by the organizers after we had a conversation about our Hope-Focused Service-Learning program. As I think about what I am seeing and hearing from teachers, parents, community mentors and members, students and funders about the Hope-Focused Service-Learning program, I believe this poem speaks to the many ways we can activate hope. And so I will take this poem to the presentation. In the meantime, I wanted to share it with those of you who won't be in the presentation.


One song can spark a moment,
One flower can wake a dream.
One tree can start a forest,
One bird can herald spring.
One smile begins a friendship,
One handclasp lifts a soul.
One star can guide a ship at sea,
One word can frame the goal.
One vote can change a nation,
One sunbeam lights a room,
One candle wipes out darkness,
One laugh will conquer gloom.
One step must start each journey,
One word must start each prayer.
One hope will raise our spirits,
One touch can show you care.
One voice can speak with wisdom,
One heart can know what's true.
One life can make the difference.
You see, it's up to you.