365Things.org Because 365 Things better is a whole lot of better.

Last week, I watched our president speak to reporters, answering their questions as he stood at the podium in the White House press briefing room. A reporter reminded the president that he had been “surprised” in February when told gas was approaching $4.00 a gallon. The president’s response to gas prices was “Where are they now?” It is unfortunate that the president of our country does not know the price of a gallon of gas.

The president went on to say,

“people can figure out whether they need to drive more or less, they can balance their own checkbooks,” and then, “The American people are plenty capable and plenty smart people, and they’ll make adjustments to their own pocketbooks.” 

The following day I read an article about an electric company shutting off power to 47,000 families and businesses in Colorado because they can’t pay their electric bills. It shook me that tens of thousands of people won’t be able to live properly, in their homes, during the dead heat of summer, while our president is suggesting “there’s some easy steps people can take. You know, if they’re not in their home, they don’t keep their air conditioning running. I mean, there’s a lot of things people can do.”

Yes, Mr. President, people who can afford to pay the most basic of necessities, their electric bill, can choose to turn off their air conditioning when they’re not home. But what about those 47,000 others? What about all the people across this country who can’t afford to pay their electric bills? What happens to them?

I started 365things.org to help people make a difference in their lives and in the lives of others. And I thought, I need to find a way to make a difference for one person. So, today, as 365things.org gets up and running, I am offering to pay the electric bill for one person, one family, who cannot live in their home because they have no electricity. It’s a small gesture, but one that I hope will help someone, and will perhaps inspire others to find ways to improve the lives of their neighbors.

Why am I doing this? I’m doing this because I want people to know that, even though they can’t rely on their president to understand their needs, even though life is tough right now, someone cares about them. For me, it’s a question of personal responsibility, and the importance of leadership and setting an example. I hope this will inspire others to look around and make a difference in someone else’s iife.

And, honestly, I’m doing this because I want you to come to 365Things.org, to find ideas that make your life work better, to find ideas that make your world a better place. I want you to come here every day, and invite your friends, make new ones, and together, in small ways, one day, one small action at a time, make your world a better place. Because 365 things better is a whole lot of better.

Now, I recognize that many people who cannot pay their electric bill may not be able to access 365Things.org. But if you’re reading this, obviously you can. And you may know of someone in need of assistance. So, it’s OK for you to tell me their story too. I hope you’ll help them reach me. Which, essentially is what 365Things.org is about: taking a small step to make the world, your world, a better place.

So, if you cannot afford to pay your electric bill, if you’ve got a “final disconnect” notice stamped to your bill, if your electricity has been shut off or your electric company is threatening to shut off your electric bill, here’s what I want you to do:

• Register here at 365Things.org, so you can use the comments section. I hope you’ll also signup to receive email updates, too!

• Briefly tell me your circumstances in the comments section below. You don’t have to use your real name, but you do need to tell me your story by August 14, 2008.

• On August 16, 2008, I will choose which person’s bill to pay, based on the circumstances you write in the comments section below. I want as many people as possible, but especially our president, to understand what it is like to not be able to pay your electric bill. Tell me the impact it has had on you and your family.

• I will pay the bill for one person or family (one residence) up to $250.

• Later, I will ask the person or family I choose to mail me a copy of their electric bill, which I will pay directly.

You may also enjoy reading Steve Olson’s “11 Ways to Build an Extraordinary Life“, which, in part, inspired me to take this step.

Feel free to email me directly, with any thoughts or comments about 365Things.org.