Alumnus Matt Friedman rallies heroes around the world

By Amy J. Barry

Matthew Friedman ’83 has no doubt that uniting an army of ordinary people through volunteer actions — no matter how big or small — can create meaningful positive change. 

His conviction fueled the launch of the Be the Hero campaign and a companion book titled “Be the Hero: Be the Change,” which gives people the specific tools and motivation to get involved and make a difference. 

The new campaign springs from Friedman’s work as an international human trafficking expert and activist. As CEO of the Mekong Club, an organization based in Hong Kong, Friedman mobilizes the private sector in fighting this worldwide crime.

Friedman has lived and worked in over 42 countries and gives an average of 175 talks a year. As a result, he’s come to realize that modern slavery — which has claimed 40 million victims — and many other global issues, including climate change, hunger, homelessness, and water scarcity, are too enormous to be fixed by a few thousand people around the world, despite their dedication and passion. A pandemic further exhausts volunteer resources.

“Our campaign attempts to encourage people to give of their time, fundraise, be part of the process of adding value. It’s not just about giving us money,” he said in a recent Zoom conversation from his home in Hong Kong. 

It was pure coincidence, Friedman says, that the book he’d been writing for several years was published at the start of the coronavirus pandemic. But now, proceeds of book sales will raise much needed funding for those whose lives have been seriously affected by the virus.

In addition to citing research and statistics regarding the world’s critical problems, the book includes powerful testimonials and highlights cases of heroism that Friedman says demonstrate how “strong-minded, good-hearted people know that where there is a will, a way will be found.”

Why we don’t and why we should

The top three reasons people may not take action or volunteer in a crisis, Friedman says, are fear of change, or getting out of one’s comfort zone; anxiety over not having a roadmap — which the book provides — and finally, worrying about finding oneself in an unhappy volunteer situation.

“That’s a big one I hear,” he says. “I tell people they may be volunteering for the wrong cause and to try something else. I don’t think there is only one option — for example, to work at an NGO (Non-Governmental Organization) — there are many other things you can do.”

Friedman stresses that volunteering is not only about doing good in the world but also feeling better about oneself as a citizen of the same world.
    
“Maybe 20 or 30 percent of people I come in contact with feel emptiness or a lack of purpose,” he says. “They may like their job but think they should give something back.”

If the book hadn’t been completed just before COVID-19 amped up, Friedman says, “We would have included a chapter about how everyone is suffering and having issues — you can’t look in any direction and not see need. If you want to be a hero, [figure out] how you can add value, be part of the solution in your family, your workplace, your community.”

Friedman emphasizes throughout his book how much everyday heroes matter because small acts multiplied by millions of people can change the world.

“You don’t have to jump in front of a bus to save someone’s life to feel heroic,” he says. “Everyone who does a kind, generous act, no matter how big or small, is a hero and I try to reinforce that over and over again. “

And especially now, during a global pandemic, Friedman is optimistic about the power of collective action.

“The world can have a renaissance of goodness and compassion and understanding among communities,” he says. “Goodness and a better way of life can prevail.”

“Be the Hero: Be the Change” by Matthew Friedman is $9.99, softcover and available on Amazon.com. To learn more about the Be the Hero campaign, including webinars, videos, and a downloadable volunteer tool kit, visit www.BetheHeroCampaign.com.