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I’ve created a new series for this page, featuring blogs developed and written by my very own team.  I hope they will help introduce you to the members of our Team who work daily on projects and issues we care deeply about.  I also hope you will take the time to not only read them, but respond to them.  Hearing your thoughts and ideas is a great way for us to connect to you and other Californians -- and important in learning how together we can make a difference in our communities and our state. 

Harry Potter Teaches Lessons Beyond Spells but About Life and the Power of Preparedness

My name is Holly Mann and I am the Communications Manager in First Lady Maria Shriver's Office. I also work on other special projects such as Maria’s Initiative for Disaster Preparedness as well as School Gardens. This is the first blog entry of our series, and I chose to do something I enjoy most, writing.  And writing is a large role I play in the office. So today, I share with you a piece I wrote, one that looks at a hot topic right now, Harry Potter, which I'm also a fan of and have read the books -- and how you can not only enjoy the story, but find meaning within the story to teach life lessons. And one lesson, in particular, is in the power of preparing.

Harry Potter is certainly finding his way into our lives this summer.  The creativity of J.K. Rowling surrounds us now more than ever with the release of her seventh book, the last of the series, “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.”  And considering the recent release of the fifth film “Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix” at the box office, Harry Potter is in the minds, hearts and homes of countless people of all ages around the world.

With such a powerful voice speaking to millions of people world-wide, I have to marvel at the vast reach of Rowling and the impact she has made through the mythical life of Harry Potter. 

What is it that enchants us about Harry Potter?  Is it his journey of bravery?  Is it his strength to persevere?  Or is it the timeless tale of good versus evil? 

It is probably a combination of all of these things that captivates and hooks us into his world.  We relish the qualities Potter beholds – humbleness, hopefulness and an unfaltering spirit despite great challenges.  And like many great stories, we can relate to the characters, see the reflection of ourselves in them and live out the adventure… all, of course, in our own imaginations.

And the ability to use your imagination is powerful.  It challenges our minds to think outside of the box and go beyond the expected.  Rowling’s powerful imagination is proof of this and her legacy of the Potter series will remain for generations to come. 

But I’d like to take a moment to read beyond the pages and take a look at a message relevant within Rowling’s writings.  For the Harry Potter books are more than just stories of adventure, mystery and courage – they teach us important daily lessons we can learn from and apply in our own lives. 

There is one lesson that I would like to emphasize that is particularly relevant in the fifth book and recent film, “Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix.”

For those of you who have read the book, you probably know the story.  But for those of you who haven’t, let me fill you in on one of the main story lines.  

In the “Order of the Phoenix,” Harry teaches his fellow students lessons in the Defense Against the Dark Arts, using spells to fight back and save themselves against the evil Lord Voldemort and his army.      

There is a lesson to be learned and a parallelism in Harry’s life to our own that goes beyond the spells and wizardry.  In essence, the underlying message is the power of preparedness.

We all have the ability to prepare ourselves.  In our world, when natural or manmade disasters are a big reality, we often think we’re invincible or that it won’t happen to us.  If only that were the case, but disasters such as Hurricane Katrina, the Tsunami of Sri Lanka, the 1989 San Francisco Earthquake are testimonies to the fact that a disaster can strike at any time and at any place.  And the real question remains: are you prepared?

And in California with more than 37 million people living in a state that is prone to fires, flood and earthquakes, it is not a question of “if” a disaster will strike, but “when.” 

There are so many important questions we must begin to ask:  If a disaster hits, do you have a plan? Do you know your neighbors?  Many times when disasters strike, when days or weeks could go by without help -- you and your neighbors will have to rely solely on each other. 

Do you have supplies of water, canned food, medicine you depend on daily, food for your pets, a battery powered radio, a flash light, an emergency kit in your car or the number of an out of state relative?  Are your book shelves, televisions or the art work on your walls securely fastened?  In an earthquake, these items can come at you with great force, pinning you in and take away your chance of survival.

Instead of Harry Potter, imagine yourself as the hero of your own life.  Instead of a wand as your weapon, let it be your actions.  Instead of preparing with spells, prepare with a list of items you can collect now.  Identify the risks in your home and in your community.  Take classes to learn CPR now, a skill that will stay with you for a lifetime.  Get to know your neighbors – building that relationship can strengthen your home and your community.   

Now is the time to prepare and empower yourself.  And don’t forget to think about those you love.  Do they have a plan?  Be sure to talk to your parents, grandparents, friends and especially your children.  If you have a friend with special needs, think about what they’ll need to get ready.

Let’s take a chapter from Harry’s life and learn from it.  This summer as we are entertained by the magic of this story, let us also be inspired by it to make a difference in our lives and in the lives of others.

And one more thing before you go… click here to check out Maria Shriver’s Ten Ways YOU Can Be Disaster Prepared

Thank you for reading and stay tuned for the next blog of the series – and don't forget, we always like hearing from you.  To share your thoughts and ideas, please write to:

Office of First Lady Maria Shriver
State Capitol Building
Sacramento, CA  95814