WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2009

Hanson Walks For Poverty

MEAGAN CLEMENTS | staff writer Heralded as “The finest straight-up rock band in America” by New York’s Village Voice, the three-brother-band Hanson encouraged fans to make a difference in the world through their fall 2008 Walk Around the World tour. The group partnered with TOMS Shoes to fight poverty in Africa and encouraged others to join in the cause by taking one-mile, barefoot walks with them before concerts. For every fan who walked, Hanson agreed to donate one dollar to help those in need. In addition, Hanson hopes to inspire others with their inspirational book and EP, Take the Walk. In Take the Walk, released in late 2008, Hanson reflects on their journey to Africa, inviting readers to take simple actions in the fight against poverty and AIDS. “Each of us possesses something potent and powerful and that is what we have to put to use,” Hanson writes in Take the Walk, a coffee table book including pictures and hand-scrawled notes chronicling their journeys toward awareness and action. With Take the Walk, Hanson presents an inspirational motto: give of yourself in order to find your purpose in life. “You will discover you’ve got all that you need,” Hanson sings on Follow Your Lead, a track off the Take the Walk EP (free with purchase of book). Hanson encourages readers to see that Take the Walk is not about individuals becoming something great to make a difference; it is about great individuals taking simple actions to make a difference. “True greatness is not about becoming something we’re not,” Hanson writes, “true greatness lies in letting go of our fear of inadequacy and acting on what we already are and what we already know.” To find out how you can make a difference, visit: http://www.takethewalk.net. To purchase Take the Walk (book and EP), visit www.hanson.net.