Each of us goes through the world with a number of special qualities. How we choose to use these will vary.

When it comes to helping to make a difference in the world we live in, there are many choices that we can make. We can choose to make a difference to our own lives - forget the rest! Or we can set out to make a difference to the world we live in and therefore help change the lives of others.

Our Values
The values we hold important in this world are constantly changing. Everyone knows that in 1492, Christopher Columbus, while sailing under the flag of Spain, discovered a land then unknown to Europe. The divisions and isolation that had existed in the world had begun to break down. Along with this, both the New World and the Old World soon found themselves both winners and losers in the changes that were to come.

Changes in the New World
Some would say that the discoveries of the 14th and 15th Centuries began some of the worst human rights abuses that the world has seen. Others would argue that such abuse existed from times as early as the Egyptians when slaves were used to complete the more difficult and disgusting tasks in any society.

Human Rights
In 1948, following on from the loss of millions of lives during the second world war, the United Nations Declaration of Human Rights was completed. This recognised the "equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family." Great words but ones not equally adhered to by all people on this planet. Many of the people in our list of heroes are there because they have stood up to support the sentiments of this policy.