ONE MORNING AFTER A GREAT STORM a man walked along a beach. For as far as he could see, hundreds, perhaps thousands, of starfish had washed up on the sand. He then noticed a child doing a curious thing. The child picked up a starfish, walked to the water, gently tossed it into the ocean, walked back, picked up another starfish, and kept repeating the process. The man came over and asked what was going on. The child told him that the starfish would die if they didn't get back into the water soon. “But there are so many starfish!” the man exclaimed. “It won't make any difference what you do.” The child walked to the water's edge with yet another starfish and replied "It sure makes a difference to this one."

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Bat Conservation International. Humans have misunderstood and feared bats for millennia — along with spiders, snakes, wolves & a host of other creatures. This organization educates people about the vital role bats play in such helpful activities for humans as controlling insect pests, pollinating many of the world's most valuable plants, and carrying about 95% of the seeds essential to tropical forest regeneration. For more information about publications, products & membership, visit www.batcon.org.

Best Friends. This online — as well as print — magazine is filled with hilarious, healing & heart-warming stories about the good work humans are doing on behalf on animals, wildlife and the Earth. It's published by the nation’s largest haven for abused & abandoned animals. As you browse from page to page you may find yourself alternately cheering, crying and laughing! Learn more about their wonderful work at www.bestfriends.org or by calling 435/644-2001.

The Buckminster Fuller Institute offers a variety of educational programs, publications and other resources that show how people can better create—and are already creating—a "successful and sustainable future for 100% of humanity." Explore their work, learn how to become a member, and sign up for their very informative monthly email weblog at www.bfi.org. Also be sure to check out one of their most amazing new projects, EarthScope.

The Giraffe Project inspires people to “stick their necks out” and make a difference for the common good. For more information call them at 360/221-7989 or visit www.giraffe.org.

How Can I Help? Stories and Reflections On Service. Ram Dass & Paul Gorman.

The purpose of the International Wolf Center is to ". . . advance the survival of wolf populations by teaching about wolves, their relationship to wild lands and the human role in their future." For more information about their educational programs, books, videos & other resource materials, as well as how you can join the pack in supporting their work, visit www.wolf.org/wolves.

Michael Pritchard Videos. Former juvenile probation officer, stand up comedian, and youth counselor Michael Pritchard helps children in grades K-12 discover that they are not alone with their problems and feelings. Entertaining, humorous, and real, these videos trigger lively group discussion and empower young people to make wise choices in their lives. An exciting tool for teachers, counselors, parents, and anyone else who works with young people! For more information, call Live Wire Video Publishers at 800/359-KIDS or visit www.livewiremedia.com/pritchard.html.

ProTeach Publications. These extraordinarily inspirational posters, cards, awards, CD's & other motivating materials written by educator Frank Trujillo — as well as his keynote talks — are designed to enhance self-esteem, empower students, celebrate teachers, and help build a more positive community & school climate. For messages such as his very moving "bilding me a fewchr" poster, call 800/233-3541 or visit www.proteachpublications.com.

The Man Who Planted Trees. In 1953 writer Jean Giono wrote a wonderful story about a man named Elzéard Bouffier, which was first published in Vogue in March 1954 under the title "The Man Who Planted Hope and Grew Happiness." It's a remarkably moving tale about an unforgettable character who forever changes his world by planting 100 acorns a day in a war-torn landscape. Over the years there has been confusion even controversy about whether Bouffier was an actual person. He was not. But that does not alter the power or magic or truth of this little story. As writer Ursula Le Guin points out, "Stories do not have to be factual in order to be true." Giono wrote the story because he wanted to make people love planting trees.

The Simple Act of Planting A Tree—Healing Your Neighborhood, Your City & Your World. Andy & Katie Lipkis. This is the book that helped start the modern community forestry movement. For more inspiring information about how you can train citizen foresters and get tree planting programs started in your own community, visit www.treepeople.org.

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