Tell Me More
 

TMM's 'Ordinary Oprahs' Returns!

Wendy Johnson's travel to Africa

NPR administrative assistant, Wendy Johnson, is pictured with children at a small village school outside Accra, Ghana in March 2007.

James Johnson

Lee, here...

Earlier this year, Tell Me More, or the program formerly-known as Rough Cuts, brought you stories of ordinary people doing extraordinary things. We called them Ordinary Oprahs, people who use what they have -- little or much -- to make a big difference in either their local community, or the world at-large.

We received an outpouring of listener feedback following our early conversations back in January. Here's a note we received from Jamie:

I really enjoyed this episode. I particularly liked hearing how ordinary people are making a difference. So much media attention is given to the big names who are doing good works - and certainly their work deserves attention - but it's equally important to hear what average Americans are doing because this is where the real inspiration lies. I like the new show! I can't wait to hear more.

(Back when we were VERY new, of course)

And, a note from Lindsey, who wanted us to know she's doing her part:

My dear friend and coworker Rose, who works as a loan processor has funded, entirely on her salary and donations a preschool (Destiny Preschool) and scholarship program in her home country of Belize ... Each year I sponsor two of her graduating students through their kindergarten year for books and uniforms ... Anytime I feel limited in my own capacity to give I think of what Rose has achieved with seemingly very little resources.

And now, again, we want to hear from you ... Do YOU know someone who's making a difference in an extraordinary way? And, yes, feel free to include yourself.

Tell us more about the Ordinary Oprahs in your world ...

comments | |

9:03 AM ET | 10-17-2007 | permalink

 

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NPR reserves the right to read on the air and/or publish on its Web site or in any medium now known or unknown the e-mails and letters that we receive. We may edit them for clarity or brevity and identify authors by name and location. For additional information, please consult our Terms of Use.

Aoy - Owner of the Rice Paddy in Marquette, MI ... She works hard cooking (delicious)food and running her take-out restaurant. Proceeds from throughout the year go towards her yearly trip - a week or so in her native Thailand purchasing computers and books for schoolchildren in her hometown.

Sent by Patty Lee | 11:31 AM ET | 10-17-2007

You asked about everyday Oprahs, well my mother, Zereta Young, qualifies in spades. She is a leader at her church, First Baptist Churc of Glenarden, as a missionary. She has lead groups to South Africa (2 times), Jamaica, Nanjemoy, MD and is now on a fact finding trip in the Phillipines. She is a retired IRS employee who despite very serious rhumatory arthritis devotes many hours to planning, coordinating, and participating on these missionary trips. She is a tireless servant of the church and a doting and supportive parent and grandparent. I hope you will consider her story for your ordinary Oprah series.

Sent by Jeffrey Y. | 11:32 AM ET | 10-17-2007

I think that former Peace Corps volunteers would make great Ordinary Oprahs. They are typically normal folk who do their best to make life in a small village or town in the developing world a better place.

Sent by Steve Petersen | 12:26 PM ET | 10-17-2007

I've known Wendy for years and she truly is a remarkable woman. Go Wendy Go.

Sent by phenix hall | 5:14 PM ET | 10-17-2007



   
   
   
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