Introducing our Five... YA author Tera Lynn Childs

Changing the world is a little overwhelming. I mean, what can I--one little person in a world of six billion--actually do? That's what I love about Kay's Living Your Five concept. It's a way to empower every one of us to fix the things we care about most. One little step at a time.

The journey of a thousand miles
begins with a single step.
- Lao Tse

Actually deciding on my Five has been tough, because sometimes all I see are things that I wish were eradicated. War and genocide. Homelessness and poverty. Animal cruelty and child abuse. In the end, though, I took to heart Kay's insistence that our Fives should be the things we are most passionate about, and that took a lot of soul searching.

After thinking and rethinking and rearranging, I've finally decided on the five causes that truly resonate with me and that I would like to be part of. Here are my first steps on a journey to change the world:

1. Going Green

My family spent a lot of time camping and in National Parks while I was growing up, so concern for the environment has always be a part of me. Add to that the fact that I spent formative years in California (home of droughts, water rations, and water conservation lesson plans) and that I graduated from the University of Colorado at Boulder (one of the most environmentally motivated schools in the country), it's really no wonder that this is first on my list.

Going green means more than just buying recycled toilet paper and replacing incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescent (although both are totally awesome steps to a greener life!). To me, those steps are almost givens. I also want to take my green living a step further. I want to reduce and offset my carbon footprint, donate time and money to groups who protect and clean up the environment, and incorporate more recycled and organic products into my everyday living.

2. Teach a Man to Fish

When I was in high school, I bought a t-shirt with the quote:

Give a man a fish
and you feed him for a day,
teach a man to fish
and you feed him for life.

At the time it was just a slogan to me, but over time I've come to realize the significance behind it's meaning. In a world suffering from poverty and famine, charity only goes so far. A one-time donation only lasts so long. But teaching a person or family or community how to become self-sufficient is a gift that can last for generations.

The organization that embodies this belief the most for me is Heifer International. I won't go into depth about their mission now, but I know that this is a group whose works I want to support in every possible way. And, if there are other groups out there who are promoting self-sufficiency and independence I'd love to find and help them as well. Because, in my mind, independence = hope.

3. Disaster Relief

Living in the Houston area, hurricanes are a way of life, but they never really hit home for me until I lived through Hurricane Ike last year. What was even more horrifying than the hurricane himself (and let me tell you, that was pretty horrifying) was the aftermath. Driving through the streets of Houston with traffic lights hanging down to the road. Making sure I was home before the citywide curfew. Having to boil water for a week because the water supply might have been compromised. Friends were without power for weeks, others lost their homes, their cars, their pets. The truth is, the story is only just beginning when the news vans roll out of town.

Having experienced first hand the domino effect of a natural disaster, I feel a kinship with others suffering through the same. When disasters strike, I want to do what I can to help those affected, whether that means donating time, money, blood, supplies, or more. I may not be able to plan for this Five, but I'll be ready to act.

4. Historic Preservation

Did you know that 150 years ago, Mount Vernon, George Washington's estate, was in such a state of neglect and disrepair that we were in danger of losing it forever? Or that Philadelphia's Independence Hall was once at risk of demolition? These buildings are monuments to major moments in history, and I can't imagine why anyone would choose to tear down and start over when the buildings of the past are so rich and full of history. But it happens every day.

For as long as I can remember, I have been in love with history and, especially, historic architecture. I love wandering through the oldest parts of town, studying or photographing the interesting buildings from times past. My love of historic architecture is so strong that I studied historic preservation, the saving of significant old buildings, in graduate school.

Even though my personal path led me to a career in writing, rather than one in historic preservation, my passion for old building remains and I am committed to helping ensure their presence for generations to come. That might mean volunteering my time with a local preservation committee, donating funds to the National Trust for Historic Preservation, or distributing information about buildings in danger to others who might be able to help.

5. Writing Mentorship

When I first realized that writing was my future, I was lucky enough to find a group of local authors (aspiring and published) who willingly and without hesitation provided me with the support I needed to pursue this career. Because I am so thankful to these wonderful ladies--and because, having achieved my dream, I would like to help others do the same--I find myself very passionate about mentoring other writers.

I already take the opportunity to teach workshops, speak at schools, and answer emails from aspiring authors, but I want to take it a step further. Whether it's posting a blog or vlog about a writing topic, starting or working with an after school writing program, or other ways I haven't discovered yet, I'd like to do more to help other writers reach their goals. I want to help others experience the joy of getting The Call.

Okay, so now you know my Five. Do these match up with any of your passionate causes? Comment below for your chance to win your choice of a signed hardcover copy of Oh. My. Gods. or Goddess Boot Camp. The winner will be announced tomorrow along with the winners of Kay, Alyson, and Becca's giveaways and the launch week grand prize winner.

Are you ready to Live Your Five?