#IceBucketChallenge

I was recently nominated for the ice bucket challenge to raise support and awareness for ALS. Instead of hopping to and dumping a cold bucket over my head in a sort competition between friends to one-up each other, I decided I would issue my own challenge. I will douse myself with frigid water if five friends donated to support ALS. I feel the idea behind the ice bucket challenge is lost. I will then also donate money.

Sure, fundraising for ALS has increased dramatically since this fad started. That’s a great thing! However, as the challenge grows in popularity, it appears some are doing it just to appear cool and to look like they belong to something. Their sphere of influence is not large and therefore, their impact is relatively small. When a pro athlete dumps a bucket he or she is undoubtedly raising awareness. When I do it, the stunt is merely for kicks and giggles of myself and maybe the five people on my friend list who care. Thus, my feelings that the purpose has been lost. What’s the point in dumping a bucket of water in your head if you are not reaching others and spreading the word about ALS?

The first ice bucket challenge video I saw by someone I actually knew didn’t even mention ALS. The person made some statement declaring that they weren’t scared of a challenge. If that trend continues all we are is a bunch of fools dumping ice on ourselves without reason. To what? Prove that we are tough?

If I am going to take part in this challenge I want it to be for a purpose. I want to make an impact. Knowing I helped raise funds, however small the amount may be, will actually feel better than the simple act of dumping water. Lets not forget what the ice bucket challenge is for. Lets stop the social slacktivism of pretending to make a difference without actually having to do much.

And yes, I also vowed to sing "Let It Go" from Frozen when dumping the bucket. However, I do not think people will actually volunteer to donate. I think my challenge to others will go unfulfilled because people don't want to have to go out of their way to make a difference. For some reason, a small monetary donation is more difficult than dumping ice water. I'll hold up my end of the deal and make my own donation, and I'll sing show tunes while doing so.

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