“A Community is Only as Strong as its Most Vulnerable Members”

Pierre Masson and his wife Lisa share their desire to uplift their community—whether in their backyard or on the other side of the world.

I am fortunate to have known Sarah for years, as we are Chapman Alumni of the same year. It was during this time that I was first introduced to the fantastic organization known as Action in Africa. I have been involved with my family foundation for years and was inspired by my mom, Melinda Masson. At an early age, she encouraged the family to be involved early in the philanthropic mission of our foundation. Part of our mission for the foundation is to recognize and support community and environmental programs that serve at the community level to create a positive impact for future generations and a better planet.

I have a personal passion for providing that support at a community level, whether building a home for single families at risk or a community/educational center providing services and resources to vulnerable communities. This upbringing is my primary driver and the foundation for our involvement with Action in Africa.

Hearing what Action in Africa provides to the community in Uganda is truly inspirational. It aligns with another of our foundation's missions to promote local community programs that foster education, culture, and the arts. It is necessary to support not only vulnerable communities in "your backyard" but also communities around the world. 

The world has only gotten smaller and better connected over the years, and this is primarily due to the advancement of technology. Access to technology is critical in the modern world. Unfortunately, those who cannot gain access are at a higher disadvantage than those who do. This is especially true with children and their education. Not only can technology provide the tools one needs to improve one's life conditions, but it also fosters greater communication that might meet the societal needs lacking without technology. For example, one needs an electronic device to access the Internet. Everyone has seen the importance of the Internet in business, education, and our social lives. Needing a device to access the Internet is just a single example of a barrier to those who do not have the resources.

A community is only as strong as its most vulnerable members. Making sure those who are at risk are not forgotten but uplifted. Not everyone is provided the same set of tools, so it is critical to make an early impact by providing the necessary technological tools to better the individual and the family and community members around that individual.