Making a Difference: A Story of Adventure, Disaster, and Redemption Inspired by the Plight of At-Risk Girls

Making a Difference: A Story of Adventure, Disaster, and Redemption Inspired by the Plight of At-Risk Girls demonstrates to students across various disciplines that they can assume leadership positions that positively impact communities, organizations, and the world, regardless of their interests, abilities, and career goals.

Through personal accounts, Jeffrey A. Kottler and Sara Safari share how they conquered a mountain for a cause, found strength in the service of others in the aftermath of a catastrophic earthquake, and overcame personal and professional obstacles to begin a movement that protects children against abuse and victimization.

The text focuses on the plight of children, especially girls, who have been systematically oppressed, but the lessons highlighted throughout are applicable to a variety of other situations and contexts. Readers learn the gifts and privileges of serving others, as well as the difficult realities of this type of work. Kottler and Safari’s story guides students through the mistakes, breakthroughs, successes, and failures inherent in ventures of transformative community service.

Making a Difference is an ideal supplementary text for courses in social justice, advocacy, leadership, women’s studies, gender studies, sociology, social work, and counseling.