Why Are You a Crow? Chris Daly

I’ve worked with Calling All Crows in one way or another for the past three years. I've gone from being an action leader for the first Northampton 5K, to volunteering and participating in Alternative Break Tour II, otherwise known as the Best Alternative Break Tour, to most recently working on the Mobilization Team for the Northampton 5K. Each of these positions that I’ve held brought new appreciation for the organization and the change that is created through the actions of the Crows around the world.

I began working with Calling All Crows in 2009, as an action leader for the first annual Northampton 5K. The event was so young, and it’s amazing to look back and see how it’s grown over the last three years. Seeing everyone come out for the event to support Stoves for Sudan and Calling All Crows really sparked my interest in the cause and the mission of Calling All Crows, and it inspired me to get more involved.

My favorite experience with Calling All Crows would have been my time on ABT II. Meeting the other volunteers in Boston and sharing our Calling All Crows stories made me feel immediately at home. Over the course of the tour, which went through New York City, Washington, DC, Philadelphia, and Boston, I developed friendships that would last a lifetime, and helped to inspire change throughout the East Coast through a number of service projects. Seeing volunteers from all over come out for Calling All Crows is such a humbling and amazing vision and experience, and it truly helped make ABT II the trip of a lifetime.

Along the way, I’ve met hundreds of Crows, each with their own inspiring story to tell, however, there’s been one person who has really lit the flame for service and action within me: Matt Wilhelm. My first conversation with Matt Wilhelm took place after the first 5K, as I was interviewing him over the phone for my school radio. With the organization still in infancy, it was amazing to hear the projects that Matt was talking about and the enthusiasm that his voice carried. As my time with Calling All Crows went on, I’ve worked more closely with Matt. I now see his shining face every week and his enthusiasm has not dimmed. Matt’s dedication to the cause and service is truly an inspiration, and I think the effort he puts in to Calling All Crows is a gold standard for everyone to strive for.

I could write a novel about what I’m excited with for the future of Calling All Crows, but I can limit it for the purposes of a blog. I’m stoked for more Alternative Break Tours to be released. The overall ABT experience had such an amazing impact on my life, and I wish for everyone to be able to participate on one, and see for themselves.

Seeing the growth of this organization over the years and the euphoria that surrounds me when I walk into a room of Crows is what keeps me working with Calling All Crows.  Crows are some of the most active and open-minded people I have ever met, and I can’t imagine not being one or working alongside one. I hope that this is just the first few chapters of my time with Calling All Crows; I’d love to add more pages to my book of experience.

Get involved. Make a difference. Help people. Change the World. Be a Crow.

Peace and love,

Chris Daly

Mobilization Team