This week, I had the privilege of serving as an evaluator for President Herzog’s Voice of the People initiative—an experience that was both humbling and deeply inspiring. Although it was my first time participating in this capacity, I found myself immediately moved by the depth of thought, commitment, and imagination that each of the presenters brought to their work. What I witnessed was not simply a series of proposals; it was a vivid display of hope in action.
What I witnessed was not simply a series of proposals; it was a vivid display of hope in action.
The individuals and teams who stepped forward to share their ideas demonstrated a profound connection to the issues that shape our communities and our world. Their presentations were thoughtful, passionate, and rooted in lived experience. Every person who spoke did so with a personal urgency—a sense that they were not just offering solutions, but assuming responsibility for the future they hope to help impact.
The variety of presentations I was privileged to evaluate was truly extraordinary. They spanned continents and perspectives—from initiatives focused on specific geographies around the world, to projects centered on community and people-building designed to bridge cultures that rarely have the chance to connect. I saw proposals aimed at helping global educators discover one another and share insights with the goal of elevating learning and broadening access to knowledge. I even had the delight of reviewing a wonderfully imaginative children’s animation series; creative, thoughtful, and full of heart. If this was only the selection our evaluation group had the chance to experience, I can only imagine the richness and innovation presented across the other teams as they enthusiastically took their turns. The breadth and depth of ideas affirmed that this initiative is tapping into a reservoir of vision and passion that is both inspiring and profoundly needed.
The breadth and depth of ideas affirmed that this initiative is tapping into a reservoir of vision and passion that is both inspiring and profoundly needed.
What stood out most to me was the seriousness with which participants approached their roles as citizens and changemakers. It is one thing to care about making a difference, but it is quite another to invest the time, energy, and imagination required to be the difference. The people behind these projects have done exactly that. They have given serious thought to how their ideas might take shape in the real world, how they might impact people’s lives, and how they might strengthen the social fabric that binds us together.
The initiative itself is a powerful reminder that leadership can take many forms. President Herzog’s vision—to elevate the voices and insights of everyday people—felt especially meaningful in a time when polarization and division often dominate public discourse. Instead of turning inward or allowing despair to paralyze us, this initiative invites us to do the opposite: to engage, to create, and to imagine better pathways forward.
Instead of turning inward or allowing despair to paralyze us, this initiative invites us to do the opposite: to engage, to create, and to imagine better pathways forward.
Serving as an evaluator was an honor, and participating in this initiative reaffirmed something I have long believed: that when people come together with purpose and authenticity, extraordinary things become possible. Their efforts remind us that shaping a better world is not only necessary—it is achievable.
Their efforts remind us that shaping a better world is not only necessary—it is achievable.
Publish date: January 8th 2026
By: Donna Orender
