Birthdays always remind me of grandparents.  Cards and calls from grandparents always seemed like the sweetest part of the big day.  I am pretty sure I could have done without the cake or the treats as long as Grandma and Grandpa were part of the equation.  And as I watch my own kids celebrate their birthdays, I can see how the telephone singing telegram from Grandma or the note from Nonna are what make the day special.

This year on my birthday I am again thinking of my grandparents — not just because of how they made me feel — but because of how they felt about being immigrants and proud Americans.  I was blessed to know and learn from all four of my grandparents.  Each of them took time to talk to me about how our family came to America, how important it was to cherish this country, and how my lineage would forever be one of a proud line of immigrants.

My friend Zack introduced me to a special project he and his colleagues have put
together called “Keeping Families Together.”  This collection of powerful stories shares the faces and voices of people who are working to stay together, progress together and share their lives in peace and security.  I have been moved by these stories.  And as I continue to process the political realities (and frustrations) around the immigration question in our country, these stories are helping me focus on the lives and the realities of the people at the heart of this debate.

So when people ask me what I am doing for my birthday this year, I am telling them I am spending it with my family…and inviting people to learn more about these families.  I invite all my friends to take a few minutes and watch one of these stories and, if you find them as inspiring as I do, please share them with your friends.  Whether on a birthday or any day, these are stories that unite us.

[This post is a report back on "Crowdsourcing Christmas" -- a post from early December here on Global Extrovert.]

When we made the public call for help to get “Operation Santa/In-flight Magazine” going a few weeks ago, I had high hopes that it would help make my son’s Christmas dreams come true.  But in reality, it has been a dream come true for many of us, the adults, that exceeded those early expectations.  And it came during a year when it seems many people needed to be reminded of the goodness of people, the generosity of friends, and the wonder of a child’s dreams.  Thanks to so many friends, I am a big believer in all.

This year, my son was struggling with the age-old question of “Is there really a Santa Claus?”  Perhaps to test out this question, and following on his years-long passion about airlines and air travel, and maybe to feel closer to his Dad who is always on a plane, he asked Santa Claus to deliver what at first seemed impossible:  an in-flight magazine from every airline in the world.   While my wife and I are fairly resourceful people, this seemed like an insurmountable task just a few short weeks before Christmas.  Our first reaction was slight panic, and some ideas on how to help him modify the request.  But in came the cavalry!  Creative, innovative friends, and the miracle of social media, came to the rescue.

The Facebook posts and blogs started to tell the story of this Christmas quandary.  People began tweeting about “how to help Santa Claus this year.”  And before I knew it, envelopes began pouring in from people around the world who were taking a plane and who wanted to be part of making this boy’s Christmas dream come true.  Every time I went to the P.O. Box my heart skipped as I opened the tiny mailbox door to find another slip of paper announcing there was a parcel addressed to “Santa Sherinian” or “Operation In-Flight Magazine.”  Some of our dear friends living here in Washington, D.C. took time out of their schedules to go out of their way to pick-up a magazine and to drop it off surreptitiously at our home in time for Christmas morning.  Little by little, a true miracle was being built.

A few of my favorite memories from the last few weeks are tiny, powerful reminders of the goodness of people, and the willingness of others to get involved.  I want to share a few of them here:

• The look on the face of the man managing the P.O. Box place when I showed up to pick-up envelopes the very first day.  He gave me a hug, knowing that each of these envelopes was something that was part of something big.  ”This is cool.  Your friends are cool!” he told me.  Oh yes, indeed.
• An anonymous note attached to a magazine in one of the envelopes addressed to “Santa Sherinian” made a reference to the recent tragedy in Connecticut, stating simply, “After such a sad weekend, I’ll do anything to help a kid’s dream come true.”
• One friend, far from his family this holiday, made a special trip to the airport one evening to collect magazines from various airlines.  He could not be with his own son that day, but told me later he felt closer to him by being able to “pay it forward” and charmed his way into a collector’s edition magazine from Air Canada and some special surprises.
• A friend took the time to write to multiple airlines, many of whom came through with magazines from faraway places with a note to me acknowledging this special “Santa’s helper” and reminding me to help my son dream big and follow his plans to become an airline CEO.
• Cathay Pacific, Alitalia and Turkish Airlines all sent special packages with their latest magazines, and sent the packages next-day-air to make sure we got them in time.  This was smart customer relations but, at its heart, was just nice human relations.
• One of DC’s top lawyers went to great lengths to find current magazines from international carriers while on a transfer in Atlanta.  He came home with a store of great titles for the effort.  This is a person that people fight to get on their cases (and whose hourly rate I would never be able to afford).  But he gave us a few hours at Atlanta airport, showing his generosity of spirit.
• A colleague re-posted the story on a blog which helped drive  a flurry of interest and delivered some additional magazines that arrived right on time on December 24.
• Foreign service friends put out calls to their peers coming home for the holidays to pick-up a magazine on the way back.  One long-time friend came by the house on Christmas Eve to deliver a magazine fresh from a flight, and helped us secretly prepare presents and do the last-minute wrapping.
• And, right before Christmas, a creative work friend very quietly handed me a wonderful surprise:  the in-flight magazine from Air Force One.

There are dozens more instances where I was again reminded of the generosity of my friends, and their networks, and the kindness of people who read this blog.

On Christmas morning, my son rushed downstairs to find 68 magazines specially arrayed on the living room floor near the tree.  He cried out with joy.  I just cried.  The video from the moment is a blubbery, sentimental mess which I won’t ever be able to share with anyone but him, but I was able to catch that one picture…that candid shot he did not know was coming, when he looked up, eyes wide, and declared, “He did it!  Santa did it!”

Yes, Santa, all 68 of them, indeed came through.  Santa is real because I have seen him work in the form of women and men who care about others, are willing to take the extra step to make something happen, and want to make a difference.

Adam proudly displays the magazines in his room, has cataloged them, and continues to read them cover to cover.  Those magazines that are still arriving we will present to him on Armenian Christmas (on January 6), which will only bring more delight to this little boy, who is just on the verge of becoming a little man.  While the magazines are a treasure for him, I know they will someday fade or move to the back of the closet.  But there is one unexpected treasure that I have decided to hold for him…

The 68 envelopes.

I now have 68 envelopes with names on them, addressed to “Santa Sherinian.”  I have decided to keep these to show to Adam to let him know, when the time is right, how Santa’s miracle works.  It is the kindness of others that can make big things happen, whether for a small child on Christmas morning or on a global scale when tackling big problems like health, safety, or poverty.  Those envelopes have become an important reminder for me of how things can and should work in our tightly connected world of today.

Thank you, to all of you, for mailing those envelopes, for sharing your posts to help make those envelopes possible, for going out of your way to collect magazines, or for just sending notes of support.  And thanks to all of you for supporting another crazy quest on Christmas with the Sherinians.  I feel so blessed.

I have a feeling this will be the year when he asks me the really tough questions and when we have “the Santa talk.”  Meanwhile, I am grateful to have the answers, and the proof.  After all, I have 68 envelopes, tucked away safely in a box in my closet, that offer proof positive that Santa is alive and real.

(P.S.  Above is that one picture of my son, when he looked up after dropping to his knees and crying out with delight when he first saw the magazines.  I also took a moment the night before, as my wife and I finished all the “Santa preparations,” to film some of the titles as they sat ready for Christmas morning.  The small video is embedded above.  I felt like all these friends were there in our living room with us.  We are so blessed to have all of you in our lives.  Thank you!)

The new year is around the corner and while we don’t know everything in store for 2013, one thing is for certain: Technology and social media will continue to play a major role in how people around the world innovate and connect for good around global issues.

It was a big year for the conversation around social good, with new thinkers asking some big questions on their blogs, empowering us to learn from and interact with one another.  Some innovative bloggers helped drive that global dialogue, and we’re all counting on them to help push our communities to do even more – and do it better – in the coming year.

In that spirit, I’ve put together a list of 13 blogs to read for #SocialGood in 2013.  This is by no means a comprehensive catalogue of all the great blogs out there, but it does include a mix of blogs that inform and educate on topics I care about, particularly on the intersection of international affairs and how to use social media for social good.  Consider it a tasting menu of resources that challenge, provoke, promote, and engage.

Here they are, in alphabetical order:

1. AlertNet Blogs: The blogs section of AlertNet, a humanitarian news service run by the Thomson Reuters Foundation, includes news and opinions on a range of global development issues.  When the headlines seem to be more focused on SoHo than the Sahel, AlertNet helps provide a global perspective on areas of the world where we should be watching, taking action, and driving innovation for impact.
2. Armchair Advocates: Its tagline says it all – “Where social media meets social good.”  This blog is a favorite for information and tips on how people and groups are using social media to drive change.  The blog has a special gift for honing in on some organizations and causes that surprise with a fresh approach to taking action on global issues.
3. Beth’s Blog: How Nonprofits Can Use Social Media: Beth Kanter dispenses smart advice on how organizations can harness social media to advance their missions.  If you know Beth, you know that her blog is infused with the same spirit that makes her a great teacher: It’s all about people, stories, and impact.
4. Devex: This website has been a favorite of mine for years, and the news feature is a go-to stop for the latest international development news.  While it may seem slightly out of place to include a site this robust on a list of blogs, I consider it a regular part of my morning routine, and I tell anyone who is looking for a job or looking to make a difference around the social good conversation to be aware of what people are posting about/talking about on Devex.
5. FrogLoop: Care2, an online community for people who care about causes not as an afterthought but as a key part of their lives, runs this blog focused on helping nonprofits effectively use digital tools to communicate.  The ideas don’t require a complete re-design of your organization or your approach; these are smart tactics that you can implement as soon as your next staff meeting.
6. The Global Conversation: The Global Conversation was launched at the 2012 Social Good Summit and is an ongoing dialogue between people around the world about using technology and social media for good.  (Disclosure: As readers of this blog know, the UN Foundation is a partner of the Social Good Summit.)  This is a site to watch in the coming year, and I encourage people not only to consume the information, but contribute to the dialogue.
7. Huffington Post Impact: This is a great resource for first-hand opinions from advocates of global change.  The site has helped drive a number of important conversations this year and will no doubt help shape the agenda around social innovation and international development next year.
8. Lens: The New York Times’ photo blog provides powerful images of news and events from around the world.  When the issues around social good and global engagement start to feel far away or out-of-reach, this blog is like a refreshing window and reminder into why we all care so much about what we do.
9. Mashable’s Social Good: Mashable’s Social Good section provides the latest news on how technology and social media are being used to bring about positive change.  Mashable really knows how to find and tell a story, and its new recent re-design has taken an already powerful site to a whole new level of utility…and chic.  It’s like having a Mensa genius/fashion model/Nobel prize winner in your smartphone.
10. Mom Bloggers for Social Good: This is more than a blog – it’s a coalition of over 1,000 mom bloggers across the world who use their social media platforms to spread the word about causes and groups working for change.  The UN Foundation is one of their partners, giving me the opportunity to witness their passion and reach firsthand.
11. Poverty Matters: The Guardian hosts this blog, which includes news and smart commentary on global poverty issues.  I like the size and scope of the articles, which don’t isolate people by talking down to them about complex issues, but aren’t afraid to take on the complexity of the problems and issues they cover.
12. Stanford Social Innovation Review Blog: This blog, published by the Stanford Center on Philanthropy and Civil Society, provides ideas and information on how to drive social change.Last, but not least, there are three blogs/sites that help keep my team smart and have a great nose for where innovation and global engagement meet global opportunity and need.  Disclaimer: The UN Foundation is a supporter of two of these excellent sites, but they are part of the “must-read” list in my life, so I share them here as part of lucky #13!
13. United Nations Blog, UN Dispatch, and The InterDependent:  These outlets provide an invaluable and interesting round-up of global news and views, reminding me how much goes on every 24 hours in a world filled with issues and problems without passports.

They also help show where solutions are taking shape and how constructive global engagement is taking these solutions to scale.  These writers aren’t sitting at a desk thinking about these issues, they are all around the world living them and talking to the people who make things work.

Now I know I have left off a number of key blogs, many of them written by friends and partners, but what I love about this community is that we know how to share and keep each other in-the-loop when it comes to smart resources to help keep us savvy.  Please let me know what blogs you’ll be reading in 2013 to help keep global issues and social good on your radar screen…and at the top of our shared agenda for a better world.

It’s that time of year again.  The annual ritual of receiving the kids “Lists for Santa” is underway.  It has become a favorite part of the Holiday season, not only because of what it teaches me about my kids, but my unique group of friends who have helped out along the way.  I learned the power of crowdsourcing, and was reminded of the power of friendship, as part of this process a few years ago as a new parent.

I have one kid who keeps us on our toes.  I think this may be the last year he fully “believes” in the magic of Santa (although don’t we all still believe on many levels?).  So this year’s list I find particularly important.  He knows that Santa has helpers.  And boy, did Santa ever need helpers!  His 2012 List of Santa has me scrambling, yet again, to activate the creativity and mercy of my network, to help bring some holiday magic to the Sherinian living room this year.

My 9-year-old’s list is full of books (no surprise) and, as always, has a somewhat globetrotter bent.  He loves geography, so this is no surprise.  But this year’s list also includes an asterisk with a special notation:  ”This is what I REALLY want.”  And, like most years, it’s not easy.

Adam has asked Santa for “An airline in-flight magazine from every airline in the world.”

Is he kidding!?  Is he testing us?  Does he know that this scramble, over the course of 15 days, is nearly impossible?  Is this a desperate attempt to connect with his mom and dad and their crazy travel itineraries of the last year?  The answer to most or all of these questions is probably “Yes.”

In the meantime, I am feeling up to the challenge.  There are 2 weeks until Christmas.  And I am not too proud to ask for help.

If you are traveling on an airplane over the next few days and can grab one of the courtesy copies of the in-flight magazine, you would be doing a great service to a 9-yr-old boy who still believes in Santa, who feeds off the energy and excitement of the global scene, and whose parents are desperate to help make some Yuletide magic happen for him.

I will gladly reimburse postage.  And you will of course have the undying love of the Sherinian family for your help as a corps of Santa’s Elves who are collecting frequent flyer miles but also collecting part of a “Christmas miracle” in a very small, but significant way, for a little boy’s Christmas dream.

Thank you!

Please send magazines to “Santa Sherinian”, 2200 Wilson Blvd, Box 102-441, Arlington, VA, 22201

At one time or another, my wife and I have hosted Thanksgiving dinners on four continents. Some of them happened on the day itself, others as part of a cultural exchange or festival. Each of them has been a memory-maker of attempts to re-create that Norman Rockwell moment, desperate efforts to find the right ingredients to bring a taste of America to people we love, and the inevitable scramble to find cranberries. Of any kind. In any form. At any price.

As I am sure any American living abroad would agree, Thanksgiving is one of the best moments to talk to people about the USA, our culture, values, idiosyncrasies and strengths, promise and purpose. It is a moment of family, gratitude, friendship and food. So the whole thing is a recipe for understanding and connection. It’s a chance to set a beautiful table, talk about the blessings of being American, and showcase some of our very best culinary treats.

But there is something on my Thanksgiving table that has always been the best conversation-starter for me: the dolma.

Like so many U.S. families, my family decked out the Thanksgiving table with the requisite turkey, stuffing, potatoes, etc., along with dishes that were a nod to our immigrant heritage. In family celebrations at my sweet Aunt’s home growing up, that meant dolma (for those who don’t know about dolma, check out some info here…and then let’s go get some together soon!). For me there is nothing as American as the phrase, “please pass the cranberry sauce…and the dolma.”

The presence of dolma on the Thanksgiving table wasn’t just a symbol of Armenian-American pride. When explaining it to my friends who were coming over for a “typical American” dinner on Thanksgiving, it was a way to explain how natural and how comfortable it is for us to be a people who bring the best of their cultures, celebrate it, and share it. Part of our Thanksgiving prayers of gratitude is always the chance to be an American, but also the blessing to be an American with a hyphenated heritage that doesn’t limit me from being what I want to be or accomplishing what I can. Dolma on the Thanksgiving table is a celebration of the American tradition of acceptance and togetherness.

So while we all love that classic Norman Rockwell portrait that portrays the “typical” American Thanksigiving, we all know that there is something on each of our tables that he would have missed. Whether a dish like dolma, a special prayer, a story, a language, a tradition or a memory, the most American thing at our celebrations is not just where we landed, but where we came from, and what it makes us. In fact, the most American thing about our Thanksgiving table may actually be the thing that didn’t originate in America. It shows that we all want to be here, to build this country we love, and celebrate what anyone from anywhere can build here.

Happy Thanksgiving. May the turkey be delicious, the feelings be warm, and the table be as diverse as each of you.