November 22, 2015

Feed Your Heroic Imagination
The social sciences have not answered many of the questions about why some people act heroically in certain situations, while other people do not. However, we believe that an important factor that may encourage heroic action is the stimulation of "The Heroic Imagination" -- the capacity to imagine facing physically or socially risky situations, to struggle with the hypothetical problems these situations generate, and to consider one's actions and the consequences (Franco & Zimbardo, 2007). 
By considering these issues in advance, the individual becomes more prepared to act when and if a moment that calls for heroism arises -- a moment to act when most others are passive. — Matt Landon, et al. Is Lei Feng (雷锋) Still a Modern Hero?: A Consideration of Heroic Action in the Context of Culture 
There is a hero in your area. 
It could be you. 

 Feed Your Heroic Imagination  
The Hero Construction Company  Matt Langdon is the founder of The Hero Construction Company. He writes for an adult audience at The Hero Handbook, on how to become a hero and change the world. He curates The Gallery of Heroes — the internet’s best list of heroes.  Matt has been working with the idea of heroes to create positive change in kids and adults alike with one of the most well known names in psychology, Dr. Phil Zimbardo – Professor Emeritus at Stanford University. His work has been featured in Dr. Zimbardo’s TED talks on heroism. (The Heroic Imagination Project)
Giraffe Heroes Project  is a national nonprofit that since 1984 has been honoring the risk-takers, people who are largely unknown, people who have the courage to stick their necks out for the common good, in the US and around the world.  www.giraffe.org

The Gloria Barron Prize for Young Heroes, founded by author T. A. Barron in honor of his mother, celebrates outstanding young leaders. Each year the Barron Prize honors 25 inspiring young people who have made a significant positive difference to people and our planet. www.barronprize.org/
 
Giving Voice to Values: How to SpeakYour Mind when You Know What's Right by Mary C. Gentile Publisher: Yale University Press ISBN-13: 978-0300161182.  Review: By CSRwire Contributing Writer Elaine Cohen   ...Truly embedding a culture of ethics which compels every individual to take personal responsibility and act ethically in every situation is what makes it all work. This book offers practical advice on how to "build the muscles" to speak and act, plan "voicing values," "craft scripts" and generally be prepared for a range of situations in which bold action is required. As the author says, "It is not about deciding what the right thing to do is, but rather about how to get it done."  For more information about this book, please visit www.givingvoicetovaluesthebook.com

The Gift of Fear By Gavin De Becker. Learn how to act on your internal survival signals to protect yourself from violence, abuse and the hazards and threats imposed by others.  Although written for potential victims of stalking and violence, it is useful and empowering information for anyone who perceives a threat in a situation that others do not acknowledge or validate.