New Archive:

February 2000 Issue, Volume 2

Making My Mark

By Bonnie Trachtenberg

"A part of you wants to save the world," a psychic once told me during a reading. "You're going to be involved in environmental and animal causes." That makes sense, I thought. I've always been environmentally aware, even as a small child, and everyone knows I love animals. But other than lecturing litterbugs and feeding stray cats, I didn't feel very accomplished on either front.

I remember admiring famous people who devoted much of their time to bettering the world with their time and effort - time that could have been more easily spent reveling in their fame and fortune. People like Audrey Hepburn, Bridget Bardot, Doris Day and Tippi Hendren. But then I thought, sure, if I was rich and famous I could more easily devote myself to important causes too, instead of being chained to a desk at somebody's office five days a week, 'slaving' to pay my rent. After a long day and a tiresome commute, I wanted to indulge myself, even if that just meant going to bed early. But what good is wanting to save the world, if selfish excuses and downright laziness keep you from taking action? And what was I supposed to do with my social conscience, no longer allayed by the fantasy that Hollywood would soon be calling to offer me a movie contract and a lot of free time?

Only six months after accepting my most lucrative full-time writing position - copywriter of inane verse for a low-fashion catalog - did I decide that I had finally had enough. Surrounding myself with shallow pursuits and the people who pursued them was taking its toll. It was time for my brains and writing ability to be used for a higher mission, in surroundings rich with purpose.

The first thing I did was volunteer my time to an environmental organization that plans events for Earth Day and promotes "green" building development in cities. Within a few months, I was offered and accepted a part time position there, helping to write and edit the organization's book. Then, I applied for another part time position with a National Wildlife Refuge and was hired as their newsletter editor. Now, I could give the bulk of my daytime hours to causes that I cared about, causes that made a positive contribution to the world. Suddenly, getting up in the morning was a lot easier for me, not only because of the pride I took in what I was doing, but also because the people I now dealt with at these organizations had similar dreams and ideals about improving the world. Being around them provided a nurturing, affirming experience.

With two productive efforts underway, I now feel an exciting momentum building. I'm exploring the options of volunteer work at other organizations that may even lead to more freelance assignments and networking opportunities. I now have the luxury of focusing on causes I am passionate about, which makes the effort much less of one. I am also becoming more philanthropic, sometimes writing a check when volunteering isn't possible. Instead of seeing this as giving up time and money, I see it as enriching my life by participating in the betterment of our planet, our people, our animals, our resources. I've come into contact with and written about visionary men and women who, like those afore-mentioned movie stars, could have settled into a cushy life. But these inspirational people are opting instead to use their brains, influence and business success to help save the planet.

"A writer knows," said that psychic, "that the pen is mightier than the sword." I now realize how lucky I am to have that advantage as I rise up and make my mark on the world.

Bonnie Trachtenberg is a freelance writer in New York City.