Desmond Tutu is coming to Tacoma. Let that sink in, then consider that the Nobel Peace Prize winner and historic peace activist chose to come to Tacoma as the first of his final two official international appearances before he retires later this year. Winner of the Albert Schweitzer Prize for Humanitarianism, the Gandhi Peace Prize and the Presidential Medal of Freedom, he is not coming to Tacoma because we have cool museums, or because we have sweet micro-breweries, or because we're gritty and brimming with hipsters.

He's coming to Tacoma because he likes an idea that is emerging here.

It's more of an invitation than a title: Be the Spark.

Friday evening at the Tacoma Dome, Archbishop Tutu will join founder of Free The Children and three-time Nobel Peace Prize nominee Craig Kielburger; Seahawks Coach Pete Carroll; author and philanthropist William Gates, Sr.; dance champs Qwest Crew; and an array of talented youth from Pierce County as the Greater Tacoma Community Foundation celebrates 30 years of community building and philanthropy.

The Be the Spark event "was designed to create an indelible moment for the region and spark positive change," according to the hype. In this case, that change starts with inspiring and engaging youth in Pierce County to become sparks of change, growth, optimism and betterment for the whole community. That's where the spark starts, but certainly not the only place.

"It really does reach out to everyone," says Elyse Rowe, who has done a bang-up job of promoting this thing for the Greater Tacoma Community Foundation. "We just really wanted to emphasize that kids are leaders in this effort to build a stronger community."

Be the Spark asks everyone - individuals, families, neighborhoods, schools and entire communities - to consider what each can do to make the world a better place.

And then do it.

With all that's going on in the world, it's easy to give up before you begin. With the advent of global communications, we're suddenly aware of the overwhelming magnitude of change that needs to happen. It's easy to feel small and ineffectual in a great big, complex, sometimes terrifying world. People often think that if they can't fix it all, or if they can't get some kind of credit for it, they might as well not fix any of it. Be the Spark asks just the opposite - fix a little tiny part, make a spark and watch as these sparks accumulate with thousands of others to become change we all hope for. Find a cause that matters to you and do something about that. If it's charitable work or philanthropic in some way, great. But the spark is different for everyone. Some people will make great big sparks, some will make smaller ones. The size, shape and quality of the spark doesn't matter. It can even be a one-time thing. But do something - anything - in the name of positive change.

This angelic attitude is especially important in our community, which suffers from widespread poverty, lack of affordable housing, a shortage of jobs and community services and the loss of several major employers.

"It is gratifying to be involved in this community-wide effort that Tacoma and Pierce County have embarked upon," says Tutu. "Bringing people together is what I call ‘ubuntu,' which means ‘I am because we are.' Far too often people think of themselves as just individuals, separated from one another, whereas you are connected and what you do affects the whole world. When you do well, it spreads out; it is for the whole of humanity."

Be The Spark

with Desmond Tutu, Craig Kielburger, Pete Carroll, William Gates Sr.
Friday, May 13, 7:30-9:30 p.m., $10-$55
Tacoma Dome, 2727 E. D St., Tacoma
253.572.3663