By Maryam Rahmani
Earlier this year, I decided to take a step away to rejuvenate, immerse in nature, and get inspired under the stars by taking a leap to climb Le Cervin (also known as the Matterhorn) which straddles the border of Switzerland and Italy in the Alps.
At the same time, I got to know the incredible and timely work of United Planet, an international nonprofit based in Boston that strives to bridge divides among peoples and cultures one relationship at a time. For over 16 years, United Planet has been working in more than 25 countries to offer international and local programs with the goal of awakening children and adults alike to international understanding and the importance of cross-cultural respect and global community.
United Planet is passionate about this global mission and the need to fulfill it has never been greater, at a time when divisiveness is reaching new levels within our own communities and across the world. We can’t expect to solve the challenges of today’s world if we are unable to work together, and we harbor fear and mistrust towards one another. We must come together to create a better (more peaceful, sustainable, and united) world for future generations. I have been working with Boston’s Former Academic Superintendent and United Planet Board Member, Dr. Domenic Amara, and United Planet’s founder, David Santulli, to move United Planet’s mission forward.
As part of this effort to encourage everyone (after all, we are all part of one global community) to take steps to build a more united planet, I have offered to take steps — literal steps up one heck of a giant mountain — the Matterhorn. As my friends know, I am doing this for personal rejuvenation, to find a sense of freedom in nature, and to soak up the stars, but I now have another mission as well.
I will be carrying United Planet’s first ever flag and I will be planting it on the Matterhorn to symbolize the steps that each and everyone of us should take to build understanding and friendship among people across cultures. The flag carries an important sentiment by Ryunosuke Satoro, “Individually, we are one drop. Together, we are an ocean.” I’ve had an international upbringing and this enabled me to learn firsthand about the importance of the United Planet mission in today’s world.
As part of this effort, I am seeking to raise 25 cents for every step that I take up the Matterhorn’s 14, 692 feet. This amount will allow underserved students to grow as global leaders; it will provide scholarships to students to gain access to education and it will help United Planet continue to engage communities around the world in their vital mission. I like to ask you to support me for 500 feet of the climb ($125), 1000 feet ($250), 5,000 feet ($1,250), the entire mountain itself ($3,673), or more. No matter however many feet you support, thank you for supporting my climb up this important mountain! Your friendship and support mean the world to me!
To donate follow the link below:
https://www.youcaring.com/maryamrahmani-879915
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