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Charlotte Diamond doesn't use her music to change the world — just her corner of it.

Diamond, a singer-songwriter from Vancouver, British Columbia (on the west coast of Canada), has 12 audio recordings, two videos, two music books, and a slew of awards for her work to engage and inspire young children.

"Music is a universal language that touches us all — we reach a special emotional place through songs," she said. "They inspire us to become connected to others and to work together."

Diamond recently wrote the song "Leave the World a Little Better" as an expression of her attitude that when everyone does a little, it adds up to a lot. "Changes come about step by step," she added.

Combining her lyrics with her own personal action, Diamond has committed herself to raising awareness and funds for a number of worthy local, national, and international causes, including the British Columbia Children's Hospital, UNICEF, the Variety Club Telethon, Show of Hearts, and the recent Tsunami relief efforts.

"As an artist, I feel that I can contribute to the betterment of my community by volunteering my musical talents and writing skills to help families in need," she said. "There but for fortune go you or I."

Other songs by Diamond speak to the common challenges of humanity. In "Each of Us is a Flower," Diamond explores the trials and tribulations of having a teenage daughter, as shared with her by a close friend.

"Kids are like flowers. You just need to keep pulling away the weeds, adding the sunshine — hugs — and the water — tears," she said. "And with some luck and time, they make it through."

The song's lyrics, "Each of us is a flower growing in life's garden, each of us is a flower we need the sun and rain," have since been translated into French and Spanish and are often sung by her young fans at her concerts when she tours internationally.

If her approach to her music and her life seem familiar, maybe that's because she's a longtime fan of Harry Chapin. Two of her favorite Chapin songs are "Flowers are Red" and "Cat's in the Cradle."

"When my children were preschoolers, I often sang those songs to remind me of the importance of my role as "Mom" and as the most important teacher of my children," she recalled. "Luckily, I took time to enjoy my kids, and the result was all the music and imagination that flowed out from me to them."

Prior to launching her career as a children's entertainer, Diamond was a member of a large folk music group that sang Chapin's song "Circle" at the close of every show.

Still today, she performs "Circle" at some of her concerts for adults, as well as at conferences for teachers. "It always brings a hush to the room when the teachers realize that this song is for them," she said. "The words really sink in, and soon everyone is singing." The song also appears on the album Charlotte Diamond's World.

Teachers in Canada and the U.S. use her recordings and her music books in their classrooms, and several of her songs, like "Octopus (Slippery Fish)" or "Four Hugs a Day" are very popular with the kids, she noted.

"I try to inspire everyone to take part in the singing, actions, sign language, dance and dramatic play," she explained. "I introduce songs that enhance the curriculum with ideas about science, nature, social responsibility, cooperation, language skills and creativity. My performances with children are like a workshop."

Diamond said she is most gratified when she receives letters from young adults who have grown up with and were moved by her music. "It's heart-warming to know how many have gone into music, creative expression and teaching," she said. "I love performing for children and taking them into a world of imagination, a world of possibilities and a world of hope."

Visit Charlotte Diamond's website at www.charlottediamond.com

Watch for the Next Issue of Circle! on June 7