Volunteer with Z Allora

I get so wrapped up with my own stuff that I don’t always pay attention to the world around me. Here is Z Allora to talk about why just a few minutes of my time – and yours – could make the world to someone else.

A question I ask myself every single day is: What have I done to make the world a better place? Sometimes, the answer is not very much. But every day I try even if it’s something simple: I paid a compliment to someone who looked like they needed it. I helped someone who needed it. I listened instead of talked. I gave a kind word. I smiled at someone. These things are earth-shattering things but I believe being shown kindness will translate into something positive in that person’s life.

I keep joking saying I was sent to the Bible belt to educate. I’m from New York (enough said…) I am quite open about my opinions. Even if I can’t share my opinions with you verbally, I wear pride shirts, pins or pride bracelet.

I’ve gotten some dirty looks and I just smile politely. But I have had strangers sit down at restaurants or on a mall bench and talk to me because they knew I was safe. This week I have explained that ‘lady boys’ are real which led to a conversation about what the words transgender and transvestite mean and finally a discussion on what ‘gay’ means. I am by no means an expert but I shared information. I believe I may have been the only one in this person’s world that wasn’t homophobic.

Last week, I was at a PFLAG meeting. I didn’t do much beyond listen but just being there let those kids starting high school & their parents know people care. That even though people waited for hours to make a statement against them I was there letting them know I was for them. It was something so small but I wanted them to know even though their ‘world’ can seem pretty unwelcoming there are many of us fighting to make them feel welcomed.

I think each one of us has the responsibility to make the world a better place. It doesn’t have to take much time, effort or money. So let’s bring back those random acts of kindness. It’s our world let’s make it a pretty place, shall we?

Speaking of pretty… Dusty Davis achieved the rock and roll dream but he didn’t have the one thing he craved. Someone with whom he could share it. J seems to be that person. Though a few hours in a dark club and four months of intense online communication, how well did he really know the person?

Appearances are deceiving but J is exactly what Dusty needs. Now after he accused his would be lover of deception, Dusty’s got to win J back. In order to do that he’ll have to fight both of their demons. But now that he’s Finally Fallen will it cost him his brothers?

For a taste: EXCERPT

Check out The Dark Angels series at MLR.

Big Hugs, Z. Allora

Z.Allora@yahoo.com
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/zallora.allora
www.zallorabooks.com

Z is offering up an e-book from her backlist. To enter, comment below about volunteering opportunities and experiences. Posts with links are appreciated so that others may help out as well. (I will check the spam folder often in case any comments are trapped there because of multiple links.)

Open until Thursday, August 16th at 11:59 pm (PST). winner will be randomly selected and notified on Friday.

Z has added a print book to our GRL Reading Challenge Grand Prize. Remember to post your list for your chance to enter.