Today is Blog Action Day. It is our day, as bloggers, to stand up publicly and help those less fortunate than ourselves.

Each day, millions of people in the United States and around the world struggle just to get through each day. I have been a single mother, feeding myself and two children for $25.00 a week. Ten years ago, that wasn’t as difficult as it would be today. I had the benefit of a family support network who would help out if things became too lean. Or, I would be hungry so my children could eat. It was my goal that they never do without.

What about the hard-working mothers and fathers who are doing their best, but can’t quite reach even that small goal? What can we do for the families who want better for their children, but struggle just to put food on the table?

There are a wide number of worthy charities to which you can donate. It doesn’t have to be money. It can be time. Cooking, serving, teaching, or creating in order to help those less fortunate get on their feet.

How do affirmations tie into this? Use them to counteract the negative of poverty. Affirm those less fortunate (while actively helping them). Tell them that they are valuable. That they do matter. That they are not losers or lazy or bad in any way. Let them know that they can reclaim their self-respect. It is simple to do this.

While you are working with or helping someone, look them in the eye. Shake their hand with firmness and respect. Treat them like a friend. Become a friend. Encourage their dreams. Open your doors to them – physically and mentally. Help them make those connections that can change lives. It might be as simple as introducing them to someone you know. Or giving them the right book to read. Any positive action counteracts the negative strains of poverty.

Helping families get out of poverty is our responsibility. Not the government’s. Let’s do what we can, today and every day, to break this devastating cycle.