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People always want to know why I started All One Heart. I am very glad you ask. Here is the short version of our story:
ALL ONE HEART - The Beginning, (written 6/97):
My name is Michele Orgell (just like it looks with a hard ``g") I am a 39 yr. old Caucasian wife and mother of two daughters ages 2 and 4. Raised in a very multicultural community - the Port of Los Angeles,
California, USA - I have always been confused, outraged, incensed by racism (the downtrodden underdog of any type) and the narrowness of some minds. Exposed to all kinds of people in my many travels, my heart was
warmed or broken by the individual - not their race, culture, age, sex, or physical or mental ability.
I was inspired to create our organization when my first child was born in 1993. Looking upon her innocent perfection through a mothers eyes, I became horrified that she might ever become the victim of senseless hate
or violence: Her Daddy was born of the Jewish faith - her Mommy was Christian. Her great, great Grandmother was a Cherokee Native American Indian, while another ancestor came over as an English pilgrim on the
Mayflower. One relative was Polish, another Swedish, still others French, German, and Dutch. Would someone have a problem with any of this? Could anyone hate for this?
I knew the answer was yes. I knew that
something had to be done to change her future, if she was to have a future.
As my life took twists and turns, my second child was born, my mother died of Breast Cancer and my unstoppable father became quite ill. I began looking at the world through clearer vision and noticing that hate
included the subtle dismissal of the elderly, physically and mentally challenged as well as issues regarding sexes, youth, and anyone who has a less-than-perfect media idealized appearance. We needed to include all
of these humans in our cause. We needed to do all that we could: One conversation, one circumstance, one person at a time.
To my delight, through our organization and often through the internet, I learn everyday how many more of us there are and how passionately we feel about this matter. We try to approach educating in a positive light.
Attempting to find answers and solutions as well as similarities in humanity. It has really brightened my world. I am learning everyday how not to stereotype and to look without bias. I am learning everyday how much
more I can love and appreciate with respect, those whom I cannot like, by becoming more tolerant. It's a big job! But, it is becoming a reality. Michele
I'd love to hear from you: Write to Me
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