By Lee Riddell | Published in Positive News, Fall 2008

Passionate about art, music and people Ryan McGuire wears bells on his ankles and drives a car decorated as a spaceship. "Bells open up people," Ryan says, "I like to surprise them, it brings down their defenses, and creates connections."

A few years ago Ryan put up signs around Ithaca, NY offering his time to people in need. "Volunteering for an organization is a wonderful feeling," says Ryan, "But helping an individual person in need, seeing their smile and gratitude firsthand, offers a unique, uplifting sensation."

Ryan eventually realized that his one person initiative was not enough to help all those he encountered, so he started the Helping Movement.

Founded in January 2008 in Ithaca, NY, the Helping Movement is an online free service connecting people that need help with those wishing to help. "It's a tool that allows people to ask for help. The more simple it is, the more effective it is." says Ryan.

A 68-year-old woman needed help moving everything out of her basement; her friends were not able to help. A physically challenged woman in Vermont wanted help building a sun room. By contacting the local fire department, volunteers found someone in her community to help.

Someone's friend passed away unexpectedly and left a son behind. The friend wanted to start a college trust fund for the child. "We're helping her put up a website and gave her the first donation of 20 dollars," beams Ryan, "she would have given up, and strangers gave her a jump start."

To date, 65 people have connected via the Helping Movement.

Ryan imagines a world, where together we create a happier existence for ourselves and others. He describes himself as both goofy and professional. He reminds others to be playful, to not take life so seriously. "I give out official thank you cards to everyone I meet. These cards have had such a huge affect on people. They appreciate it. I get tons of emails. Life is such a unique thing; we shouldn't take it for granted."

Read more articles about Ryan McGuire...

• A Daily Dose of Art: Ryan McGuire's Latest Project Draws on Community Input | Published in the Ithaca Times
• Focus on Ithaca Community Activist, Artist and Businessman Ryan McGuire | Published on Good In Kind
• Marriage Proposal a Group Effort | Published in the Ithaca Journal
• Rules of Engagement | Published in the Ithaca Times
• Send In The Clowns | Published in the Ithaca Times
• Rock Formations| Published in the Ithaca Times
• Out-of-this-World Car Gains Townwide Notoriety | Published in The Ithacan
• Focus on Ithaca Community Activist, Artist and Businessman Ryan McGuire | Published on Good In Kind