I Have A Dream

One of the most famous speeches in American history is Martin Luther King’s “I Have a Dream” speech given on the National Mall in Washington at the height of the civil rights movement. It continues to inspire hope for a better future when color lines no longer exist and races enjoy equity and harmony as a way of lie.

I have a dream, too. I would not claim to be equal with Dr. King at envisioning a better future nor as eloquent. Nevertheless, I dream of a day when serving others is the norm, when people no longer have to be motivated to serve people in need, but instead are hungry for opportunities to serve others. With apologies to Dr. King, I offer here my own “I Have a Dream” speech.

I have a dream that one day people will be quicker to give of their time and energy than to give money to help people in need.

I have a dream that one day the first question that pops into people’s mind in the morning is: What can I do for others today?

I have a dream that one day Congress will establish a national day of serving when all leaders from the White House, Congress and the Supreme Court engage in community service.

I have a dream that one day every 18-year old American will be required to serve the country either in the military or in community service for one year.

I have a dream that one day the statues on our town squares will include heroes in serving others as well as historic figures.

I have a dream that one day for every person living in poverty there are 10 people who are actively engaged in helping and guiding them toward a life of self-sufficiency and self-respect.

I have a dream that one day traffic jams will occur not so much because of road construction or accidents but because so many people have stopped to help a stranded motorist.

I have a dream that one day the government will redirect much of what they have spent in past years for services for the poor, disabled, disadvantaged and so forth to other programs because every community has become so good at serving their people in need such government programs are no longer needed.

I have a dream that one day neighbors serving neighbors is so commonplace that the need for help from benevolent organizations dries up.