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Reversing the Flow Award |
The Foundation for Purposeful Living has created the Reversing the Flow Award to recognize and honor those individuals and groups making a difference in the world through their commitment and inspiration. Do you know a group or an individual that is inspiring, selfless, and committed to serving others? Are you a part of such a group? If so, you are invited to nominate groups and individuals who are demonstrating work and lives of exceptional service. Self-nomination is permissible.
The purpose of this award is to support courageous endeavors of those who are making the world a better place and to recognize exemplary achievement by those working for the common good of humanity.
What is RTF and why the award?
“Reversing the Flow” represents a fundamental shift in the way we view our lives and choose our attitude in any moment. RTF is about consciously choosing to change our perspective and actions from “me” to “we,” from negativity to joy, from taking to giving, from being a victim of circumstances to taking responsibility for our lives, from selfishness to selflessness, or simply from self-centeredness towards service to others.
The effort to make the world a better place for all of humanity is built upon applying the idea of Reversing the Flow. As we gain more and more understanding of the complexities of an interconnected world, we begin to see our responsibility as part of the global community. Acting upon this awareness, our choices reflect a fundamental shift in our purpose. We become servers and leaders who inspire by our example. There are now many groups and individuals working together cooperatively and cohesively to take bold actions, devise innovative solutions, and mobilize others to effect lasting social change. Through their commitment, selfless sacrifice for the greater good, and dedication to ageless humanitarian values, these global citizens, groups, and organizations are transforming the future. The Foundation for Purposeful Living’s Reversing the Flow Award is a way of recognizing these efforts, supporting this kind of work and inspiring others to follow in their footsteps.
What is it like to Reverse the Flow?
While the expression of Reversing the Flow can take many different forms, essentially it is characterized by a shift in focus—our approach to life becoming less and less about “me,” and more and more about “others.” We might encounter adversity, but instead of dwelling in self-pity and pain, we choose to channel the grief and suffering into an altruistic work. Some of us might see a real need and be compelled to do something about it, taking the first bold step by putting our energies into significant service work. Some might join with other friends or colleagues to initiate a group activity that demonstrates the power of group service. Some may simply be inspired to step out of comfortable, successful, and materially abundant lives and choose a different way. They set the example for others by contributing to the betterment of the world, helping others succeed, or by becoming a consciously active participant in the evolution of human consciousness.
We reverse the flow when we forget about ourselves, our desires, preferences, and attachments. We become instruments for good, diligently and responsibly doing our part.
We all have this capacity and potential to Reverse the Flow. This award is aimed towards those who choose to explore this “road less traveled” with consistency, patience, and commitment—those whose lives become Reversing the Flow.
We reverse the flow when we forget about ourselves, our desires, preferences, and attachments. We become instruments for good, diligently and responsibly doing our part.
We all have this capacity and potential to Reverse the Flow. This award is aimed towards those who choose to explore this “road less traveled” with consistency, patience, and commitment—those whose lives become Reversing the Flow.
What are the selection criteria?
INNOVATION: an original approach, which may not necessarily mean initiating something completely new, but rather applying spiritual principles and values into any human endeavor in a new and innovative way; something that demonstrates that “how” is more important than “what.”
COOPERATION: effectively involving others and utilizing and fostering the diversity of gifts and strengths of those involved.
LEADERSHIP: effectively involving others and utilizing and fostering the diversity of gifts and strengths of those involved.
INSPIRATION: making a difference in the lives of others and inspiring people to express their highest and best qualities.
IMPACT: work that directly impacts people’s daily living and raises the level of cooperation, integration, and unity within the community.
LONGEVITY: the length of the work being done so far and commitment to long-term action. For example, some potential areas of endeavors that would be considered for the award include:
Groups or projects putting spiritual/scientific theory into practice:
Extra consideration will be given to any project that:
COOPERATION: effectively involving others and utilizing and fostering the diversity of gifts and strengths of those involved.
LEADERSHIP: effectively involving others and utilizing and fostering the diversity of gifts and strengths of those involved.
INSPIRATION: making a difference in the lives of others and inspiring people to express their highest and best qualities.
IMPACT: work that directly impacts people’s daily living and raises the level of cooperation, integration, and unity within the community.
LONGEVITY: the length of the work being done so far and commitment to long-term action. For example, some potential areas of endeavors that would be considered for the award include:
Groups or projects putting spiritual/scientific theory into practice:
- Conscious and methodical creation, organization, and demonstrated commitment of a service-oriented group or project
- Service projects or research that better defines the potential of groups as living organisms.
Extra consideration will be given to any project that:
- Is created and carried out in challenging situations
- Produces tangible inspiration
- Successfully replicates itself or inspires others to replicate the idea or method
- Has a major positive impact on the local, national, or global community
- Initiates exploration, inspiration, and innovation in education or research
- Exemplifies servant leadership, right human relations, humanitarian values, and goodwill, or
- Demonstrates group service and entrepreneurship for the common good.
Disqualifying factors
A group’s actions must be of potential benefit to a significant number of people, either as beneficiaries of the action or as people who may be inspired to emulate the work. This is an award for social service entrepreneurs, not activists or fundraisers.
Groups whose motives seem to be primarily personal or limited to the benefit of their own group will not qualify. Personal motives might include self-preservation, financial or political gain, or entertainment. However, if these effects simply occur as a by-product of their concern for others, this would not disqualify them for the award. For example, if a nominee's altruistic work starts attracting money, that's fine, so long as money-making isn't the primary motive.
Groups whose motives seem to be primarily personal or limited to the benefit of their own group will not qualify. Personal motives might include self-preservation, financial or political gain, or entertainment. However, if these effects simply occur as a by-product of their concern for others, this would not disqualify them for the award. For example, if a nominee's altruistic work starts attracting money, that's fine, so long as money-making isn't the primary motive.
What do honorees receive?
The recipient will be given a monetary prize in an amount determined annually by the foundation's governing body.
Nomination Process (pdf)
Nomination Process (pdf)
What are some examples of RTF?
Remote Area Medical
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Founder Stan Brock’s vision for Remote Area Medical® developed when he suffered a personal injury while living among the Wapishana Indians in Guyana, South America. He was isolated from medical care, which was about a 26 day journey away.
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He witnessed the near devastation of whole tribes by what would have been simple or minor illnesses to more advanced cultures. When he left Guyana, he vowed to find a way to deliver basic medical aid to people in the world’s inaccessible regions. So, in 1985 he established the non-profit, Remote Area Medical or as most people know us – RAM®. RAM is the way he has kept that promise, not only to the Wapishana Indians, but to thousands around the world in similar conditions.
German Mercado and the Orphanage Nuestros Pequeños Hermanos (NPH) in Bolivia.
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German Mercado represents the type of dedicated, selfless server that we seek to honor with this award. Having grown up in NPH Mexico, for years German was actively reversing the flow by serving as the National Director of the center in Bolivia.
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Since 1954, NPH has cared for thousands of orphaned and abandoned children. The first home opened in Mexico, later followed by homes in Honduras, Haiti, Nicaragua, Guatemala, El Salvador, the Dominican Republic, Peru and the newest center in Bolivia. To date, over 15,000 children have been cared for by this unique and loving family.
Every child at NPH has a daily job, from dusting and mopping to cooking and farming. The older youth give a year or more of service as house directors, medical assistants, craft apprentices, office staff and other important roles. As a result, the family needs fewer volunteers. The children find pride in contributing to their family's survival. They keep each other accountable in their work, studies and relationships with others.
Every child at NPH has a daily job, from dusting and mopping to cooking and farming. The older youth give a year or more of service as house directors, medical assistants, craft apprentices, office staff and other important roles. As a result, the family needs fewer volunteers. The children find pride in contributing to their family's survival. They keep each other accountable in their work, studies and relationships with others.
Azim Khamisa - Founder and Chairman and Ples Felix - Vice Chairman of the Tariq Khamisa Foundation (TKF).
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The amazing "TKF Story" began in San Diego, California, on the tragic evening of January 21, 1995, when 20-year-old Tariq Khamisa, while delivering pizzas, was shot and killed by a 14-year-old gang recruit.
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His assailant, Tony Hicks, fired the fatal bullet on orders from an 18-year-old gang leader.The immediate response of Azim Khamisa (the father of Tariq) upon learning of his son's murder, was not the usual one of demanding revenge and retribution. Instead, he saw two of America's sons lost--one forever and one to the state prison system: "From the onset, I saw victims on both ends of the gun. I will mourn Tariq's death for the rest of my life. Now, however, my grief has been transformed into a powerful commitment to change. Change is urgently needed in a society where children kill children." To honor his son Tariq's life and find meaning in his death, Azim established TKF in October, 1995. Remarkably, Azim Khamisa, an international businessman, reached out in forgiveness to Ples Felix, the grandfather and guardian of Tony Hicks, his son's assailant. Ples, a manager for the City of San Diego, joined with Azim in dedicating their lives to ending the plague of youth violence. Now TKF is dedicated to promoting and educating children and youth to make wise choices towards brotherhood and non-violence, while inspiring thousands to take the path of forgiveness, to participate in co-creation of a peaceful world and to Reverse the Flow.