Asset-Based Thinking teaches us how to find our mighty cause and to inspire and motivate others to support it and take positive action. I’ve been working hard at this in recent years, and last week I had the opportunity to be part of positive advocacy in action in support of one of my mighty causes…reducing the alarming rise in the rates of childhood obesity.

I am fortunate enough to be a volunteer with the American Heart Association and serve on the Board of The Founders Affiliate which encompasses New York City. (http://www.americanheart.org). Combating the alarming rise of childhood obesity rates and all of its negative consequences is a major advocacy platform of our affiliate. Last week I had the honor and opportunity to put my advocacy into action by providing the AHA’s testimony before the New York City Council hearing on Education in City Schools. I was one of a number of advocates from a diverse group of New Yorkers there to make their case heard. My purpose was to urge the City Council to support Resolution 1541 which would require City schools to comply with New York State Laws that mandate minimum levels of physical education instruction. (Surprisingly, the overwhelming majority of City schools do not)

My passion for this advocacy is driven by a finding that came out of study on life expectancy published in the New England Journal of Medicine. I quote from Dr. David Ludwig, one of the authors of the report.

“Obesity is such that this generation of children could be the first in the history of the United States to live less healthful and shorter lives than their parents.”

That fact sends shivers down my spine. It is not a legacy I want to leave to my grandchildren-nor should anyone else.

Attached is a copy of my testimony. It’s a short read and hopefully it will motivate you to join the positive conspiracy to do something about childhood obesity.

Finally, I was very impressed and inspired by the passion and personal commitment that all these advocates exhibited in support of their mighty causes. Each of them were there to help build a better education system and future for the youth of New York City in their own special way.

Find your Mighty Cause. It will be the gift you give yourself that keeps on giving.

Hank

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