Toan Lam

I have to make a confession. I'm guilty of this, too. I'm a workaholic and social-media maniac.

How many of you are guilty of being on your phone, iPad, or computer when you shouldn't? It's hard to resist overworking and social-media madness, because when you do something that you absolutely...

Have you ever met someone and thought they were wise beyond their years? That's how I feel about Kat Sloma, an amazing photographer who uses her power to inspire people to focus, develop and connect on a deeper level.

Name: Princess Tirelo Molotlegi
Occupation: Princess of the Royal Bafokeng Nation, Phokeng, South Africa
Power: Using connections and community influence to inspire school children
Catalyst: Belief that everyone should have opportunity
Tea: English breakfast

Mentors make passports out of undesirable situations.

When we first moved from...

While in San Francisco, 15-year-old Bailey Branham was sad to see so many homeless people on the way to summer school. She realized many of them were holding signs asking for food. Bailey heard about Go Inspire Go's GIG Spark (Youth Lesson on Compassion Program) and took action.

"As...

When you hear the word philanthropy, what comes to mind?

Older. Richer. Later. Larger?

Not anymore.

A recent experience inspired me to drop the preconceived understanding of philanthropy and adopt a new one and I encourage you to change your way of thinking too.

It is what Author,...

What do you get when you gather social do-gooders, add creativity + community + conversation with a splash of social media? A Go Inspire Go (GIG) Photo Walk Flash Mob of course!

Yesterday afternoon's event was a super fun,...

SAFE
Name: Natalie Pryce - London, England
Occupation: Artist Manager/Music Consultant
Power: Bringing Youth Together Through Music
Catalyst: Mentor Who Believed in Her
Tea: English Breakfast

As a successful Artist Manager/Music Consultant from England, Natalie Pryce has worked with many entertainment industry stars:...

For all of you who think doing a good deed takes too much time, money or energy -- let me introduce you to Gretchen Burley's latest GIG SPARK video. Gretchen shows us that warming up the hearts of strangers in our community is as simple as sharing a cup of...

Welcome to Go Inspire Go's first installment of "Tea with Toan" a program created for GoInspireGo.com (GIG). In the spirit of GIG's mission to create a global platform to see and share inspirational stories and experiences, Toan Lam, GIG's Chief Inspirator, video chats with people with diverse experiences...

Have you ever felt like your life did not matter, your feelings not heard, seen, or considered? How about feeling isolated without feeling like you could talk to anyone?

Twenty-year-old Emerald Gwinner knows that feeling. She had a secret but no one to confide in. Her story never would have...

A Day in the Life of Rachel Hazell

Rachel Hazell is a traveling bookbinder who believes "everybody has a story inside of them and she wants to travel the world to get it out." The self-proclaimed bibliophile believes this so much, that she's trottin' across the globe to...

Drum roll… and roll the music… In the spirit of Elton John's Lion King tribute "Can You Feel the Love Tonight" -- our latest GIG Spark was crafted with lots of love by Kevin Schow, a senior at Huntington Beach High School near Los Angeles.

Kevin hit the busy streets...

There's a lot to be grateful for in life. Just look around you. Look inside yourself.

Since the start of 2012, I've received several calls from friends -- and met up with one who I will call JC -- who are rich on so many levels, but live in a...

This first blog of 2012 for Go Inspire Go was inspired by my favorite feature reporter, CBS' Steve Hartman and a story he produced that my multimedia consultant, Denise Poon, sent me: Enjoy! I hope this inspires you to...

If you're feeling down this holiday season, here's a surefire pick-me-up to lift your spirits. Just Google "Secret Santa Kmart" and see the brimming news of a philanthropic phenomenon that has spread across America.

I love surreptitious surprises and movements of kindness, so I couldn't help but get the...

Who doesn't love socks? They're warm, fuzzy and for the most part, inexpensive -- unless your phalanges are of the fabulous kind. As a journalist, I've covered many stories about homeless people -- and guess what? Socks nearly top their wish lists.

With that said, GoInspireGo is excited...

To everyone who cares about our youth and education,

I was heartbroken when I found out that 62 students couldn't attend the new Institution Mahanaim High School that Rev. Lemaire Alerte and his Jersey City, N.J., community worked to build in his hometown of Grande Saline, Haiti. It's the...

For one full minute I want you to sit down (preferably in silence) and think about what you have accomplished in your career thus far.

Now ask yourself, "Is my life any more meaningful?" If the answer is yes, you're luckier than many people I know.

As a college professor, I have to admit, I was very surprised to see the burgeoning support and growing good deeds that have rippled out from my students at the
Academy of Art (AAU) and University of San Francisco - essentially, I've come to the conclusion...

Does it really get better?

Last month, Jamey Rodemeyer, a 14-year-old Buffalo, New York teen committed suicide after relentless bullying. Before he ended his life, he created an "It gets better video" where he mentioned his role model: "Lady Gaga, she makes me so happy and she lets me...