"You say you want a revolution, well you know we all want to change the world." -- The Beatles

How do we change the world?

Well, according to a new book called "Be the Change," transforming the world starts one person at a time.

"I think the whole idea of the book is to inspire and equip people to literally be the change they want to see in the world," said the book's editor, Michelle Nunn, co-founder and CEO of Hands on Network, one of the nation's largest community-based volunteer organizations. It creates and manages nearly 50,000 projects a year.

"It's kind of a handbook on how people can get involved, in the voices of people that are actually doing it."

The book comprises stories, practical advice and inspirational snippets from people who have been able to glean something for themselves by providing service to others.

"My first volunteer experience was sorting coats donated through a coat drive," Pittsburgher Laurie Ritterbach writes in the book. "It was better than I expected it to be. I remember feeling an overwhelming sense of peace, the feeling that I was making a difference not just in the lives of others but in mine as well."

Kristen Yolas of Sherman Oak, Calif., cared for a co-worker diagnosed with AIDS. "Until his death, I continued to visit with Dennis, read to him from his Bible, comforted him and cooked him nutritious meals," she wrote.

Ms. Nunn, who's been working with Hands on Network from its start 17 years ago, enlisted the aid of its 64 affiliates across the United States and around the world. More than 1,000 stories were collected.

"I've had the opportunity to see and witness and share and learn the stories of these people that have been doing amazing things," she said.

One story that sticks out in her mind is that of Shareef Cousin, a man who was on death row in Louisiana but was later exonerated through the work of volunteers. Mr. Cousin is now a student at Morehouse College in Atlanta and works for the Southern Center for Human Rights.

She recalled another story in the book about a former homeless man who was working on a coat drive for New York Cares.

"He said, 'I was living on the streets, and I was homeless, but I got a coat, and it gave me a sense of renewed hope and renewed generosity,' " Ms. Nunn recalled.

Included among the stories of everyday people are those from notables such as civil rights pioneer Rep. John Lewis, D-Georgia; natural health guru Dr. Andrew Weil; Sen. Elizabeth Dole, R-North Carolina; newswoman Cokie Roberts; and former President Jimmy Carter. Tom Brokaw wrote the forward. Pulitzer Prize-winning photographer David Hume Kennerly took the book's photos.

Ms. Nunn, 40, said her interest in community service work began early.

The daughter of former Georgia Sen. Sam Nunn, she said her parents introduced her brother and her to the joy of volunteering. Ms. Nunn was a mentor in high school, worked with the Adopt-a-Grandparent program and Habitat for Humanity.

"You get a lot more back than you're able to give, and I certainly feel that's my story in my case," she said.

Floyd Coles knows that feeling.

The retired Allegheny County assistant chief deputy coroner volunteers for a number of community organizations and boards, including the East Liberty Development Inc. and the Eye Bank Foundation of Western Pennsylvania. He's president of the Pittsburgh Council of Men and East Liberty Housing.

"It's just a joy to know I'm doing something useful," said the 81-year-old East Liberty resident.

Dave Harding, a retired vocational rehabilitation counselor, also knows the joy of volunteering.

He donates time to Working Order, a Sharpsburg-based organization that helps people with disabilities become entrepreneurs.

Mr. Harding, who lives on Observatory Hill, had referred clients to Working Order when he was employed with the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation. When he retired 2¹/₂ years ago, he wanted something to do.

"I didn't want to sit home and watch TV all day."

The 60-year-old works with budding entrepreneurs, helping them to evaluate their business ideas. He also assists with the Working Order's monthly brown bag lunch gatherings, which include entrepreneurs, community members and speakers offering their business expertise.

Mr. Harding, who has cerebral palsy, said he likes to be involved with social service agencies.

"I was very fortunate in my career to have a lot of people who supported me along the way," he said. "I kind of consider [volunteering] a give back. I just find it fulfilling to do that."

For more information on Hands on Network, visit www.handsonnetwork.org. A portion of the book's sales will benefit its activities. For more information on Working Order, visit www.workingorder.org.