"20/20 was a first step for me into my own life of social engagement -- into my own waking up to the world -- and I will be forever grateful."
A Story from Jo Comerford, Executive Director of the National Priorities Project
My dad was a high school history teacher. He and my mom were very active -- from marches on Washington to participation on school committees, to work in the environmental movement, and as advocates for public education funding. I watched, but wasn’t really involved.
When I graduated from college, dad bought me a membership in 20/20 Vision. And I remember him saying that it would be the doorway for me to find my own activism, my own purpose, my own sense of agency.
When the first postcard came in the mail, I remember reading the background piece and thinking to myself that I needed to know more. I remember how excited I was when I wrote my first letter based on the action postcard and put it in the mail. Later that week, I picked up and read The New York Times much more in-depth than I had done before. Later that year, I began volunteering at a shelter for women who were without homes. 20/20 was a first step for me into my own life of social engagement -- into my own waking up to the world -- and I will be forever grateful.
Jo Comerford is the Executive Director at the National Priorities Project in Northampton, MA. She also served as the former Director of Programs and the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts and is the former director of the Western Massachusetts American Friends Service Committee. Her father gave her a 2020 membership 25 years ago, just after she graduated college.
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A 2020 Action membership is a perfect gift for a young person who is interested in peace and the environment. Every month, they will be informed and inspired to turn their concern for the Earth into meaningful action. Who do you know, young or older, who would love to receive a beautiful 2020 Action postcard each month? A gift membership is only $15 a month - that's 25% off the normal price. Find out more about giving a gift membership here. Many thanks.
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