“We are humbled by the decision of the United Nations to recognize 18 July as Nelson Mandela International Day. It is our wish that the day be used not to honor an individual, but rather to remember the millions who have contributed to the struggle for freedom throughout the world. The best way to commemorate these struggles is for people everywhere to work with and within communities to make this a better world.

Let us remember that freedom from poverty, hunger and disease, that access to quality education, are as much human rights challenges as political oppression. May Nelson Mandela International Day contribute to those challenges being met.”

We at ONE continue to be inspired by the vision of Mr. Mandela, and as the world celebrates his 93rd birthday this week, we are reminded to continue to extend ourselves in working towards his dream and vision for a better life for all.

It begins with each one of us giving a little bit. While Mr Mandela devoted 67 years to social and political activism, he only asks for 67 minutes of your day to make a difference in someone else’s life, spreading ubuntu, selflessness and love. Ubuntu is an African philosophy centered on the oneness of humanity, thus encouraging respect for diversity, promoting dignity, peace, good health and prosperity. It is therefore not limited to one day. Indeed, this year’s theme encourages us to, “Take Action, Inspire Change, Make Every Day a Mandela Day.”

At ONE we strive everyday for these same ideals, that is why — encouraged by Mr. Mandela — we push for change, call upon world leaders to keep their promises, fight to end the spread of preventable disease and campaign to make poverty history. We also realize that we are not alone in this journey. There are many acts of kindness, selflessness and activism that are fighting the same causes.

We strive as much as possible to find, promote and grow these ordinary silent heroes be they individuals or organizations as they step up to the responsibility of making our world a better place for all humanity. Some of these we are already trying to encourage and reward in our own small way through efforts like the ONE Award. These ordinary citizens, through their work, social spaces and communities, collectively or individually continue to challenge themselves everyday to do their part to make the world a better place. And in the spirit of Ubuntu, we at ONE seek to work together with others in trying to build a better world.

In the words of Mr. Mandela, “And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.”

Happy Birthday and thank you Mr. Mandela!

Today, Nelson Mandela, head of the anti-apartheid movement in South Africa, turns 93. His birthday is truly something to be celebrated. As one of the world’s greatest symbols for hope, freedom and unity, his birthday — which was officially declared “Nelson Mandela International Day” in 2009 — is a reminder to do good in the world and take action to change things for the better.

For his birthday last year, we sent Mr. Mandela a card with more than 27,000 photos of ONE members from all across the world. But this year, we’re asking you to celebrate the birth of Madiba — as he is affectionately called — with activities to help raise awareness for charity.

In honor of the 67 years that Nelson Mandela donated to public service, the UN and partners are encouraging people to spend 67 minutes of their time to community service. The official Nelson Mandela International Day website has a list of 67 things you can do to help carry on the legacy of Mr. Mandela. Our favorites? Treasure the elderly. Get to know someone from a different ethnic background. Organize a friendly game of soccer with people in your neighborhood.

The ANC Youth League in South Africa is encouraging young people all over the world to change their profile pictures on their Facebook, Twitter, MXit and other social sites to Nelson Mandela’s photo. We’ve already changed our Facebook photo to a great one of Madiba from 2009. Feel free to download the photo and make it your avatar.

Many public officials have already greeted Mr. Mandela a happy birthday. Earlier today, President Obama said, “Mandela’s legacy exemplifies wisdom, strength and grace, and on the anniversary of his birth we salute the example of his life.”

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said, “Together, the best way we can thank Nelson Mandela for his work is by taking action for others and inspiring change.”

Now it’s your turn — please wish Nelson Mandela a very happy 93rd birthday in the comments below. And in true Madiba fashion, please give a moment of your day to someone in need.

As of today, February 11 will go down in history for two very important events: the day that Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak stepped down from power, and the day that Nelson Mandela was freed from prison.

Mr. Mandela was freed from prison 21 years ago. He served 27 years in the Robben Island prison, located offshore of Capetown, South Africa, because of his involvement in the anti-apartheid movement. During his prison sentence, Mandela became a symbol of the struggle against racism.

While in prison, Mandela famously said, “I have cherished the ideal of a democratic and free society, in which all persons live together in harmony and with equal opportunity. It is an ideal which I hope to live for and achieve. But, if need be, my Lord, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die.”

He was elected president of South Africa in 1994 and became the country’s first black president. His work in social justice continues to be celebrated—he received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993 for his work in liberating South Africa from apartheid rule. In 1998, Congress awarded Mr. Mandela the Congressional Gold Medal of Honor for his fight against discrimination and oppression.

In honor of the 21st anniversary of Mr. Mandela’s release from prison, Rep. Waters commented, “President Mandela is an inspiration to millions of people in South Africa and around the world, and on this anniversary we honor him and the many South Africans who put their lives on the line by confronting racism and discrimination head-on.”

Mr. Mandela’s struggle against apartheid is still important today. Mr. Mandela never lost hope that all South Africans would be treated equally, and he never compromised with the apartheid government.

For those of you who are still in college like me, I’m sure you feel like you don’t have time for any extra reading outside class sometimes. Despite this, I am going to try to squeeze in Nelson Mandela’s new autobiography, “Conversations with Myself.”

Unlike other autobiographies, “Conversations with Myself” highlights not only the political conscious of a revolutionary, but the emotional realities a revolutionary faces during their struggle to advocate for the world’s poorest people.

Nelson Mandela served as president of South Africa from 1994 to1999 and is internationally acclaimed as the leader of the anti-apartheid movement. From personal doodles during meetings with foreign dignitaries, to letters written from his oppressive cell during his 27-year jail sentence, “Conversations with Myself” is an attempt to give access to the man behind the human rights figure.

“Conversations with Myself” was released today, in 22 editions and 20 languages. Pick up your copy and be sure to let us know what you think!

And what a response we got! Thanks to all of you, this week we were able to personally deliver a card to Mr. Mandela’s staff in South Africa that was signed by over 27,000 ONE members from all across the world.

To take a closer look at the card, click on the image below. And don’t forget to zoom in and get an up-close look at the thousands of ONE members who joined together to honor Nelson Mandela for an inspiring 92 years.

Happy birthday, Mr. Mandela!

Click here to sign, and then add your photo to the mosaic of ONE members that we will personally delivered to him. Nelson Mandela has devoted his life to serving his community, fighting for his country and speaking out on behalf of the poor. Wish him happy birthday and show him our thanks.

Click here to sign, and then add your photo to the mosaic of ONE members that we will personally delivered to him. Nelson Mandela has devoted his life to serving his community, fighting for his country and speaking out on behalf of the poor. Wish him happy birthday and show him our thanks.

From today’s Guardian:

“The death of Zenani Mandela, who was on her way home from a pre-World Cup concert in Soweto, stunned South Africa on the day it was celebrating hosting the tournament. Mandela, who turns 92 next month, pulled out of an eagerly anticipated appearance at the opening ceremony to stay at home with family. Jacob Zuma, the South African president, passed on a message from him that said: “The game must start. You must enjoy the game.”

As an anti-apartheid activist who spent decades in prison fighting for what he knew to be right, and as the first South African president chosen in an election open to all the people of South Africa — he remains one of the greatest leaders in the world today.

We’ve been so grateful for his support for ONE’s work over the years — and our thoughts and prayers are with Mr. Mandela and his family.

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Meanwhile, CNN takes a look at South African President Jacob Zuma’s recent State of the Nation address (for which Nelson Mandela was in attendance) and the state of poverty and corruption in the region: