Not to change the focus of this blog to all things NEST, but I did promise to reserve Fridays for plugging non profit organizations and companies promoting social responsibility. And being involved in one of many successful charitable causes, exposing its press is one of my civic duties, isn't it?
Check out the following sites & articles for recent NEST love:
Unfortunately, the Country Living link does not direct to the specific article. My cooperative little iBook is having too much fun with trickery to allow me to grab the actual URL. And if I sit here and try to outsmart it, then Mr. iBook G4 (I know it's a man because who else would get me all worked up like this!) might find himself smashed through a glass coffee table.
Ahem, anyway, cheers to NEST & its recent accomplishments!
Showing posts with label social responsibility. Show all posts
Showing posts with label social responsibility. Show all posts
Friday, December 5, 2008
Monday, December 1, 2008
World AIDS Day 2008
Did you know..
I'd be lying if I said that I knew all of this..
If it weren't for BlogCatalog or the Boston Celtics, then I'm not sure when I'd have been made aware of World Aids Day. It certainly wasn't mainstream media. And this, my friends, is yet another reason why blogging is a very powerful medium. To find out more about how you can support those suffering with HIV/Aids, please visit WorldAidsDay.org.
- There are over 900 children under the age of 15 living with HIV in the UK?
- There are much higher rates of people with HIV in prison than in the general population?
- That in 2007, less people were able to identify how HIV is transmitted than in 2000?
- That last year 330,000 children died of HIV/AIDS?
I'd be lying if I said that I knew all of this..
If it weren't for BlogCatalog or the Boston Celtics, then I'm not sure when I'd have been made aware of World Aids Day. It certainly wasn't mainstream media. And this, my friends, is yet another reason why blogging is a very powerful medium. To find out more about how you can support those suffering with HIV/Aids, please visit WorldAidsDay.org.
Monday, November 24, 2008
First NEST-Boston Event = Success!
Q): What do you get when you put 75 women, a handful of men, a plethora of unique merchandise, and a variety of classy boxes full of Charles Shaw in one apartment?
A): A lot of empty wine bottles... and our first NEST-Boston event!
With a silent auction, 4-item raffle, donated merchandise, and product made by many of NEST's loan recipients, we ran a very successful trunk show this past Saturday evening in a board member's Charlestown apartment. Thank you to everyone that attended and contributed to our cause - the turn-out was better than we'd anticipated.
Founded in 2006, NEST now has 8 nation-wide city committees. You can find NEST boards in St. Louis, Chicago, NYC, Atlanta, Seattle, Boston, Washington D.C., and San Francisco. With current work initiatives in 8 countries, NEST continues to grow at a rapid rate, and has already successfully aided over 100 women from Israel, India, Turkey, Tanzania, Brazil, Guatemala, Morocco, & Mexico.
To learn more about NEST events & press, visit Bangles & Clay, the organization's blog.
A): A lot of empty wine bottles... and our first NEST-Boston event!
With a silent auction, 4-item raffle, donated merchandise, and product made by many of NEST's loan recipients, we ran a very successful trunk show this past Saturday evening in a board member's Charlestown apartment. Thank you to everyone that attended and contributed to our cause - the turn-out was better than we'd anticipated.
Founded in 2006, NEST now has 8 nation-wide city committees. You can find NEST boards in St. Louis, Chicago, NYC, Atlanta, Seattle, Boston, Washington D.C., and San Francisco. With current work initiatives in 8 countries, NEST continues to grow at a rapid rate, and has already successfully aided over 100 women from Israel, India, Turkey, Tanzania, Brazil, Guatemala, Morocco, & Mexico.
To learn more about NEST events & press, visit Bangles & Clay, the organization's blog.
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Happy Veterans Day
Yesterday marked the Marine Corps' 233rd birthday. As I type this, a good friend of mine is celebrating that as well as Veterans Day to honor his tour in Iraq a few years back. Unlike many other Veterans, he's fortunate to be financially sound and to have job stability. This, however, is not a luxury that all Vets return to experience.
To coincide with Veterans Day, the Iraq & Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) partnered with the Ad Council yesterday in order to launch a public service advertising campaign. This national multimedia campaign directs to an online community dedicated solely to Iraq & Afghanistan Veterans: Community of Veterans.
In a time where social media outlets served to assist in the election of the first black President of the USA, this medium has also wisely been used to create the first social networking site for Veterans. It provides a place where Veterans can listen to & share experiences, access resources, and gain & pass on sound advice.
God Bless the USA!
To coincide with Veterans Day, the Iraq & Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) partnered with the Ad Council yesterday in order to launch a public service advertising campaign. This national multimedia campaign directs to an online community dedicated solely to Iraq & Afghanistan Veterans: Community of Veterans.
In a time where social media outlets served to assist in the election of the first black President of the USA, this medium has also wisely been used to create the first social networking site for Veterans. It provides a place where Veterans can listen to & share experiences, access resources, and gain & pass on sound advice.
God Bless the USA!
Friday, November 7, 2008
Primary Source: Organization Awareness
In a prior discussion about interpreting body language, we had been wondering about coalitions or organizations that prepped & educated US teachers about cultural differences. Well, oddly enough, I was reading an email this morning from our NEST founder, Rebecca Kousky, and we may be doing an event with an organization dedicated to educating teachers for global understanding. The organization: Primary Source.
Primary Source focuses on professional development for K-12 teachers in History and Humanities. The organization connects educators with people in cultures all over the world. By providing learning opportunities, curriculum resources for K-12 educators, and introducing global content, Primary Source enables and shapes the way educators & students learn. This concept helps to form the basis for a deeper knowledge and more flexible thinking leading to more open-minded & enriched discussions.
Founded in 1989, Primary Source is led today by Executive Director, Kathy Ennis. The organization offers learning opportunities in the content areas of Africa, Asia, Latin America, the Middle East, and the United States. With a concentrated focus on educators in the New England area, Primary Source maintains a partnership with 45 schools and school districts.
Get involved with Primary Source to see how you can significantly impact the efforts to globalize the K-12 curriculum in your district. All that is required is a passion for education.
Primary Source focuses on professional development for K-12 teachers in History and Humanities. The organization connects educators with people in cultures all over the world. By providing learning opportunities, curriculum resources for K-12 educators, and introducing global content, Primary Source enables and shapes the way educators & students learn. This concept helps to form the basis for a deeper knowledge and more flexible thinking leading to more open-minded & enriched discussions.
Founded in 1989, Primary Source is led today by Executive Director, Kathy Ennis. The organization offers learning opportunities in the content areas of Africa, Asia, Latin America, the Middle East, and the United States. With a concentrated focus on educators in the New England area, Primary Source maintains a partnership with 45 schools and school districts.
Get involved with Primary Source to see how you can significantly impact the efforts to globalize the K-12 curriculum in your district. All that is required is a passion for education.
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
I voted for Obama
I am sharing this statement for one simple reason: I would really like to stop pretending that I am Canadian when I am traveling in foreign countries - pretty, pretty, pretty please. Some might question my decision to deny my nationality. I guess it has been that look I have been getting the last 5 years (or so) when I tell people that I am from the United States: contempt. Contempt for us greedy Americans who think that we can invade countries without just cause, and don't really seem to respect other cultures. While I do love taking the opportunity to prove not all Americans agree with the current administration's approach to foreign affairs, I just can't seem to get over that initial reaction.
I've been reading about, participating in, and listening to the campaigns and policies for each candidate over the last months, and I am much more confident that Barack Obama will do a better job righting the view of our country around the world. While McCain will be a definite improvement over Bush (I would be an improvement over Bush), I also feel that he would be much more willing to use force where Obama would be willing to use diplomacy. Less areas where there are military conflicts means MORE places for us to visit. I also feel that many foreigners really won't be able to distinguish between the two administrations, and a negative attitude would remain. Don't even get me started about Sarah Palin - she not only seems to cringe when talking about stepping foot out of Wasilla, AK, but also seems to have a disdain for the entire Northeast of the United States. You know, where all the "Unreal" Americans live. Maybe if McCain wins, then I can tell people I'm from the United States of Unreal America.
We need a CHANGE. Vote tonight if you haven't already.
Friday, October 31, 2008
GuluWalk: Organization Awareness
GuluWalk is a humanitarian effort devoted to supporting and saving the thousands of abandoned children of northern Uganda.
An initiative founded by two Canadians, Adrian Bradbury & Kieran Hayward, GuluWalk strives to raise voices and awareness about the horrific acts of violence and destruction that have remained prevalent in northern Uganda for more than 20 years. The effort highlights the plight of the Acholi children. This group of young and innocent children has been forced to trek to town centers in the middle of the night to avoid being beaten, battered, raped, abducted and killed. By the Lord's Resistance Army.. an inhumane mission spear-headed by Joseph Kony.
Despite all morality, Kony and his rebels have been stealing children between the ages of 3 - 17 to staff his gruesome army. Forced to kill or be killed, the youth of Uganda has been trained to murder mothers, fathers, and siblings with no remorse. Devoid of emotions, ethics, and morals, Kony's army has been destroying civil life in northern Uganda since 1987. With the hope of escaping titles of soldiers or sex slaves, tens of thousands of children called "night commuters" walk up to 12 miles each night to seek safety & solace from Kony's crew.
What child deserves to live like this? What child deserves to live with such ghastly memories? How do these children find hope for the future?
In its short 3+ years in existence, GuluWalk has evolved into a worldwide movement for peace. With a dream of eradicating what has come to be known as "the world's most neglected humanitarian crisis" and "one of the biggest scandals of our generation", GuluWalk has raised over $1 million for the children of northern Uganda.
Get involved with GuluWalk to find out more about how you can help this team achieve its goals & complete its mission.
An initiative founded by two Canadians, Adrian Bradbury & Kieran Hayward, GuluWalk strives to raise voices and awareness about the horrific acts of violence and destruction that have remained prevalent in northern Uganda for more than 20 years. The effort highlights the plight of the Acholi children. This group of young and innocent children has been forced to trek to town centers in the middle of the night to avoid being beaten, battered, raped, abducted and killed. By the Lord's Resistance Army.. an inhumane mission spear-headed by Joseph Kony.
Despite all morality, Kony and his rebels have been stealing children between the ages of 3 - 17 to staff his gruesome army. Forced to kill or be killed, the youth of Uganda has been trained to murder mothers, fathers, and siblings with no remorse. Devoid of emotions, ethics, and morals, Kony's army has been destroying civil life in northern Uganda since 1987. With the hope of escaping titles of soldiers or sex slaves, tens of thousands of children called "night commuters" walk up to 12 miles each night to seek safety & solace from Kony's crew.
What child deserves to live like this? What child deserves to live with such ghastly memories? How do these children find hope for the future?
In its short 3+ years in existence, GuluWalk has evolved into a worldwide movement for peace. With a dream of eradicating what has come to be known as "the world's most neglected humanitarian crisis" and "one of the biggest scandals of our generation", GuluWalk has raised over $1 million for the children of northern Uganda.
Get involved with GuluWalk to find out more about how you can help this team achieve its goals & complete its mission.
Thursday, October 30, 2008
NEST: A Bird's Eye View with Rebecca Kousky
Another small tribute to NEST. Executive Director and founder of NEST, Rebecca Kousky, was recently interviewed on KSDK - St. Louis. She gives a brief background of NEST's mission and how the organization works. Rebecca also plugs a local event in St. Louis, although I believe the event actually occurred yesterday. In any case, view the video below to learn more about our unique social mission.
If you're having trouble viewing the video, please visit the following link:
http://www.ksdk.com/news/local/story.aspx?storyid=158713&catid=14
If you're having trouble viewing the video, please visit the following link:
http://www.ksdk.com/news/local/story.aspx?storyid=158713&catid=14
Monday, October 27, 2008
Awareness Abroad: Knowledge of Your Cultural Surroundings
All too often do we hear tragic tales of incidents that occur to unsuspecting tourists while abroad. I'm going to go out on a limb here, type a bold statement, and say that many of these treacherous acts can likely be avoided when the necessary precautions have been taken before traveling to an unknown place. Of course, while the specifics of these critical steps indeed vary from location to location, the constant lies in doing your homework.
In a time where uncertainty and terror plague our world, it is absolutely vital that we're familiar with the culture, tradition, language, history, religion, economics, and politics of each destination we plan to visit. Being an expert in all of these elements is not a prerequisite for traveling, but keeping an open and educated mind is undoubtedly crucial. In my personal opinion, there is no greater insult to a group of people than ignorance and disrespect.
Sure, we all enjoy the softer side of traveling.. the romanticism, sightseeing, socializing, fancy hotels, room service, local cuisine.. however, in order to experience something real, it is imperative to immerse oneself within the respective culture. Living like a native defines true travel.
To make light of the concept of cultural differences, it doesn't take a genius to know that you wouldn't wear the attire you'd sport in a New York night club in the midst of more conservative Middle Eastern countries. Communication is key. Understanding interactions and how they can be misconstrued between various cultures is also a factor to take into consideration. For example, in the US, a firm handshake is often interpreted as a sign of masculinity whereas in Africa, a limp handshake signifies the appropriate way to complete this action.
In our day & age, there truly isn't any excuse for lack of preparation when it comes to trip planning. With so many valuable resources available from travel guides to books to internet articles and much more, cultural information is easily accessible in today's society. Some of the more popular references include:
If you know of other credible resources, please share in the comments below - the more aware & educated we all are, the safer we'll all be.
In a time where uncertainty and terror plague our world, it is absolutely vital that we're familiar with the culture, tradition, language, history, religion, economics, and politics of each destination we plan to visit. Being an expert in all of these elements is not a prerequisite for traveling, but keeping an open and educated mind is undoubtedly crucial. In my personal opinion, there is no greater insult to a group of people than ignorance and disrespect.
Sure, we all enjoy the softer side of traveling.. the romanticism, sightseeing, socializing, fancy hotels, room service, local cuisine.. however, in order to experience something real, it is imperative to immerse oneself within the respective culture. Living like a native defines true travel.
To make light of the concept of cultural differences, it doesn't take a genius to know that you wouldn't wear the attire you'd sport in a New York night club in the midst of more conservative Middle Eastern countries. Communication is key. Understanding interactions and how they can be misconstrued between various cultures is also a factor to take into consideration. For example, in the US, a firm handshake is often interpreted as a sign of masculinity whereas in Africa, a limp handshake signifies the appropriate way to complete this action.
In our day & age, there truly isn't any excuse for lack of preparation when it comes to trip planning. With so many valuable resources available from travel guides to books to internet articles and much more, cultural information is easily accessible in today's society. Some of the more popular references include:
- National Geographic: Travel & Cultures section.
- Wikitravel: Valuable resource, broken down by country & city.
- Frommers: Community & Forums sections.
- Lonely Planet: Thorn Tree Travel Forum.
If you know of other credible resources, please share in the comments below - the more aware & educated we all are, the safer we'll all be.
Friday, October 24, 2008
JHillDesign: A Calendar with a Cause
Jennifer Hill of JHillDesign has combined her involvement with the Alzheimer's Association and her passion for design to create a Block Island calendar print, a special print that will always be the month of November in her calendar. November is recognized as National Alzheimer's Awareness Month. A portion of the proceeds from this print will go directly to the Alzheimer's Association. The design was inspired by her father who lost the battle to Alzheimer's 3 years ago.
Author of the blog Places I Have Never Been, Jennifer's writing & designs are inspired by her imaginary vacations to far off places. She's a truly talented artist with unique visions and a strong heart. As a preview to her 2009 calendar, here are the patterns that you can expect:
Each month's pattern features pieces of information about the particular place including its language, its distance, and the inspiration for the design.
Allow Jennifer's 2009 Wall Calendar to help you imagine your dream vacation.
Author of the blog Places I Have Never Been, Jennifer's writing & designs are inspired by her imaginary vacations to far off places. She's a truly talented artist with unique visions and a strong heart. As a preview to her 2009 calendar, here are the patterns that you can expect:
- January: Easter Eggs in Kiev, Ukraine
- February: Bridges of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- March: Gorse in Galway, Ireland
- April: Rainbow Trout in Sun Valley, Idaho
- May: Chateau Gardens in Loire Valley, France
- June: Silver in Zacatecas, Mexico
- July: Tart Cherries in Traverse City, Michigan
- August: Hops in Portland, Oregon
- September: Cowboy Boots & Music in Austin, Texas
- October: Black and White Clocks in Chester, England
- November: Birding in Block Island, Rhode Island
- December: Zeppole Festival in Positano, Italy
Each month's pattern features pieces of information about the particular place including its language, its distance, and the inspiration for the design.
Allow Jennifer's 2009 Wall Calendar to help you imagine your dream vacation.
Survivor Corps: Organization Awareness
Reader, Kwolph, brought to our attention a global network of people that help each other to overcome the effects of war and conflict, and give back to their communities. This organization? Survivor Corps.
The main objective of this group is to break the cycle of violence. Easier said than done? Yes. But this is something that we all want, isn't it? Initially bred as Landmine Survivors Network, the movement was founded in 1997 by Jerry White & Ken Rutherford, two landmine survivors.
Focusing on the unique contribution & leadership of conflict survivors, the organization has received praise, partnership, and support from esteemed names like Princess Diana of Wales and Queen Noor of Jordan. Survivor Corps believes that those who have survived war are the most effective, equipped, and motivated people to break the cycle of violence.
The movement operates a peer support program that successfully connects survivors with survivor role models to provide encouragement and motivation. The program serves as a vital component in helping new survivors find hope, jobs, and the strength to move on with their lives.
Courtesy of their community building programs, survivors connect diverse survivor groups with former enemies through collective action plans in order to rebuild communities broken by war. With the assistance of survivor advocates who campaign for their rights, the movement is able to change the world by speaking out together and addressing & acknowledging the challenges they face in their lives after war.
Historical Campaigns & Conventions of Survivor Corps:
Learn more about Survivorship and how you can help. After all, we all need each other to make this one life a proud life, a life worth living.
The main objective of this group is to break the cycle of violence. Easier said than done? Yes. But this is something that we all want, isn't it? Initially bred as Landmine Survivors Network, the movement was founded in 1997 by Jerry White & Ken Rutherford, two landmine survivors.
Focusing on the unique contribution & leadership of conflict survivors, the organization has received praise, partnership, and support from esteemed names like Princess Diana of Wales and Queen Noor of Jordan. Survivor Corps believes that those who have survived war are the most effective, equipped, and motivated people to break the cycle of violence.
The movement operates a peer support program that successfully connects survivors with survivor role models to provide encouragement and motivation. The program serves as a vital component in helping new survivors find hope, jobs, and the strength to move on with their lives.
Courtesy of their community building programs, survivors connect diverse survivor groups with former enemies through collective action plans in order to rebuild communities broken by war. With the assistance of survivor advocates who campaign for their rights, the movement is able to change the world by speaking out together and addressing & acknowledging the challenges they face in their lives after war.
Historical Campaigns & Conventions of Survivor Corps:
- Nobel Peace Prize-winning International Campaign to Ban Landmines
- Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities: Goal to end discrimination and bring equal opportunity to 650 million people world-wide with disabilities.
- Convention to Ban Cluster Munitions: Negotiated in 2008 to end the use of cluster bombs & help victims of this weapon.
Learn more about Survivorship and how you can help. After all, we all need each other to make this one life a proud life, a life worth living.
Friday, October 17, 2008
KIVA: Organization Awareness
In light of Blog Action Day, I wanted to take this opportunity to bring to your attention another esteemed non profit organization, KIVA.
What is KIVA?
Similar to NEST's mission, KIVA strives to connect people through lending with the goal of alleviating poverty. Simply put, KIVA lets you loan to the working poor. Founded in 2004 by Matt Flannery and his wife Jessica, KIVA has established itself as "the world's first person-to-person micro-lending website." Its efforts allow empowering individuals to lend directly to original entrepreneurs in the developing world. Examples of entrepreneurs may include: a baker in Afghanistan, a goat herder in Uganda, a farmer in Peru, or a tailor in Iraq.. among many others.
How does KIVA work?
By partnering with existing expert microfinance institutions, KIVA gains access to unique, qualified entrepreneurs from impoverished communities all over the world. The partners upload individual profiles on site, allowing lenders to connect to a specific entrepreneur of their own choice. Because of the nature of the internet, KIVA's lending platform affords lenders the opportunity to measure the impact that their lends are having on the entrepreneur's business throughout each step of the cycle. Over time, the entrepreneur repays the loan - updates are maintained on the KIVA site and also emailed to lenders opting to receive these notifications. Once the loan has been completely repaid, lenders may extend loans to other entrepreneurs, donate to KIVA, or withdraw funds.
KIVA Partners
Well connected within the social media realm, some of KIVA's partners include:
What is KIVA?
Similar to NEST's mission, KIVA strives to connect people through lending with the goal of alleviating poverty. Simply put, KIVA lets you loan to the working poor. Founded in 2004 by Matt Flannery and his wife Jessica, KIVA has established itself as "the world's first person-to-person micro-lending website." Its efforts allow empowering individuals to lend directly to original entrepreneurs in the developing world. Examples of entrepreneurs may include: a baker in Afghanistan, a goat herder in Uganda, a farmer in Peru, or a tailor in Iraq.. among many others.
How does KIVA work?
By partnering with existing expert microfinance institutions, KIVA gains access to unique, qualified entrepreneurs from impoverished communities all over the world. The partners upload individual profiles on site, allowing lenders to connect to a specific entrepreneur of their own choice. Because of the nature of the internet, KIVA's lending platform affords lenders the opportunity to measure the impact that their lends are having on the entrepreneur's business throughout each step of the cycle. Over time, the entrepreneur repays the loan - updates are maintained on the KIVA site and also emailed to lenders opting to receive these notifications. Once the loan has been completely repaid, lenders may extend loans to other entrepreneurs, donate to KIVA, or withdraw funds.
KIVA Partners
Well connected within the social media realm, some of KIVA's partners include:
- Google.org: KIVA is a Google Grants recipient. Google created this program to give free advertising to selected non profits. The partnership has enabled KIVA to attract new members instantaneously upon relevant search queries, and has proven invaluable to KIVA's continuing growth and success.
- YouTube: A popular video sharing website, YouTube has donated 120 million free banner placements to KIVA. These banners help to increase exposure and awareness of KIVA, while also generating new lenders and donors.
- Intuit Inc.: A leading provider of business and financial management solutions for many non profit organizations, Intuit donates accounting & reporting software to KIVA to support its mission.
Sound like something that may be up your alley? Help KIVA do more.
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Blog Action Day: B.A.D. or GOOD?
While I may technically be a day late on this post, shouldn't every day really be 'Blog Action Day'? After all, most bloggers understand the power that this medium possesses when it comes to content. For those that read blogs on a daily basis, but that may not fully comprehend how search engines work, the primary factor to be aware of is that search engine spiders [or bots] love frequent content. Especially content related to topics that are highly searched for on the web during a specified time period.
I don't want to drift too far off topic, so first: a quick background on B.A.D. Unfortunate acronym, but a very fortunate cause with a lot of potential. Essentially, thousands of bloggers unite to write about one pre-determined topic on a specific date.. which happened to be yesterday.. I never said that timing was my thing. Regardless, "poverty" was this year's selected topic.
In a time where those of us living in the United States have become all too familiar with the word 'crisis', this particular topic seemed to bring me back down to earth. Sure, our country is heading into a horrible recession, but do I personally suffer immeasurable consequences on a daily basis? No. I can still afford to buy gas, share cocktails with friends, pay my bills, live comfortably, and most importantly, purchase a surplus of food & bottled water (gasp!.. becoming environmentally-friendly is a goal of mine).. and then, if I feel like it, toss this food in the garbage. I actually just experienced a pang of disgust when I re-read that last phrase. Clearly, there are a lot of us in today's society that take the bare necessities for granted.. and why shouldn't we? We've never really been pushed into a compromising situation that would force us to address our ignorance. After all, ignorance is bliss, isn't it?
There are a plethora of causes to champion and non profit organizations to support these days. Because of this, I think it's often difficult for people to continually commit to assisting various missions. Factors that may dissuade people from assisting in ameliorating our world for the greater good include:
Fine, I can identify with these concerns. But, the fact of the matter is, excuses are like.. well, you know how the saying goes. Perhaps the harshest reality is the fact that innocent children are typically the people most affected by poverty. I'm not going to get all Sally Struthers on you here, but compassion and follow-through can go a long way.
How is blogging going to combat poverty?
Some would say that B.A.D. serves as a dishonest method to acquire links, traffic, and exposure for purely selfish reasons. Those acknowledging this theory must be the people that use blogging from a pure, business perspective. They, fortunately, are not the only members within the blogging community. For a variety of opinions on this topic, visit this article. It raises some extremely interesting points, most of which are worth digesting or at least pondering.
Now I would say that, as mentioned in the beginning of this post, I believe that the power of blogging can significantly impact levels of awareness. It can reach audiences that other mediums may not be able to tap into, and in turn, spark a viral campaign. Discussing social issues is vital to addressing humanity entirely. We all know that in today's society, it's very easy to turn your head the other way. I've posed this question before and I'll ask it again: it may be easy, but is it right?
I don't want to drift too far off topic, so first: a quick background on B.A.D. Unfortunate acronym, but a very fortunate cause with a lot of potential. Essentially, thousands of bloggers unite to write about one pre-determined topic on a specific date.. which happened to be yesterday.. I never said that timing was my thing. Regardless, "poverty" was this year's selected topic.
In a time where those of us living in the United States have become all too familiar with the word 'crisis', this particular topic seemed to bring me back down to earth. Sure, our country is heading into a horrible recession, but do I personally suffer immeasurable consequences on a daily basis? No. I can still afford to buy gas, share cocktails with friends, pay my bills, live comfortably, and most importantly, purchase a surplus of food & bottled water (gasp!.. becoming environmentally-friendly is a goal of mine).. and then, if I feel like it, toss this food in the garbage. I actually just experienced a pang of disgust when I re-read that last phrase. Clearly, there are a lot of us in today's society that take the bare necessities for granted.. and why shouldn't we? We've never really been pushed into a compromising situation that would force us to address our ignorance. After all, ignorance is bliss, isn't it?
There are a plethora of causes to champion and non profit organizations to support these days. Because of this, I think it's often difficult for people to continually commit to assisting various missions. Factors that may dissuade people from assisting in ameliorating our world for the greater good include:
- Monetary donations: where is the money actually going?
- Personal issues: I need to look out for #1 before helping others.
- Consistency: Is once enough? I don't have the time, money, or resources to consistently contribute.
Fine, I can identify with these concerns. But, the fact of the matter is, excuses are like.. well, you know how the saying goes. Perhaps the harshest reality is the fact that innocent children are typically the people most affected by poverty. I'm not going to get all Sally Struthers on you here, but compassion and follow-through can go a long way.
How is blogging going to combat poverty?
Some would say that B.A.D. serves as a dishonest method to acquire links, traffic, and exposure for purely selfish reasons. Those acknowledging this theory must be the people that use blogging from a pure, business perspective. They, fortunately, are not the only members within the blogging community. For a variety of opinions on this topic, visit this article. It raises some extremely interesting points, most of which are worth digesting or at least pondering.
Now I would say that, as mentioned in the beginning of this post, I believe that the power of blogging can significantly impact levels of awareness. It can reach audiences that other mediums may not be able to tap into, and in turn, spark a viral campaign. Discussing social issues is vital to addressing humanity entirely. We all know that in today's society, it's very easy to turn your head the other way. I've posed this question before and I'll ask it again: it may be easy, but is it right?
Friday, October 10, 2008
Pathfinder International: Organization Awareness
We've decided to spice things up a bit, and give our blog a little bit more structure. From here on out, Friday's post will focus on spot-lighting a globally-involved non profit organization. After last week's success with NEST, I've decided to expand on a comment left by Catherine a few days ago. The organization I'm speaking of is Pathfinder International.
Based in Watertown, MA, Pathfinder International has been a global leader in reproductive health care for over 50 years. Founded in 1957 by Clarence Gamble, the organization fully believes that reproductive health is a basic human right. They've taken initiative in collaborating with governments, NGOs, and community & faith-based organizations to make contraception & quality care available in developing countries. By providing the necessary care, Pathfinder International has helped many ensure safe childbirth as well as healthy families.
In order to build a solid foundation and sustain the levels of assistance that Pathfinder International strives to provide, they focus on developing diverse partnerships, promoting community participation, and strengthening the capabilities of individuals and organizations. Particular areas of involvement include:
* Obviously, abortion is a very controversial topic. Pathfinder International recognizes this and supports safe abortion care in countries where it's legal.
Currently working in 25 countries, Pathfinder International has already brought reproductive health care to tens of millions of people in more than 120 countries. To find out more about how you can help, contact Pathfinder International.
If you ever want to raise awareness about such an organization, feel free to send us a link and we'll make sure to feature it in an upcoming post.
Based in Watertown, MA, Pathfinder International has been a global leader in reproductive health care for over 50 years. Founded in 1957 by Clarence Gamble, the organization fully believes that reproductive health is a basic human right. They've taken initiative in collaborating with governments, NGOs, and community & faith-based organizations to make contraception & quality care available in developing countries. By providing the necessary care, Pathfinder International has helped many ensure safe childbirth as well as healthy families.
In order to build a solid foundation and sustain the levels of assistance that Pathfinder International strives to provide, they focus on developing diverse partnerships, promoting community participation, and strengthening the capabilities of individuals and organizations. Particular areas of involvement include:
- Reproductive Health & Family Planning
- HIV / AIDS Awareness & Counseling
- Safe Motherhood
- Adolescent Awareness
- Advocacy
- Abortion & Post-Abortion Care *
- Community-Based Wrok
- Partner Support
- Social Change & Responsibility
* Obviously, abortion is a very controversial topic. Pathfinder International recognizes this and supports safe abortion care in countries where it's legal.
Currently working in 25 countries, Pathfinder International has already brought reproductive health care to tens of millions of people in more than 120 countries. To find out more about how you can help, contact Pathfinder International.
If you ever want to raise awareness about such an organization, feel free to send us a link and we'll make sure to feature it in an upcoming post.
Friday, October 3, 2008
NEST: A Unique Social Mission
In light of Maryam's trip to Rwanda, I wanted to take this opportunity to introduce you all to a non-profit group with a unique social mission that I've been involved with over the past few months: NEST.
NEST is a non-profit organization that was created by Rebecca Kousky in 2006. NEST has invested its social mission in demonstrating a desire and dedication to changing the lives of women in developing countries. By providing micro-credit loans to be used for the purchase of the supplies and materials necessary to begin/maintain art or craft-based businesses, NEST's goal is to support female artists and artisans in the developing world by allowing them to create sustainable entrepreneurial businesses.
Please visit the NEST blog, Bangles & Clay, to support us in the "Startup Nation" competition. With branches all over the US and new divisions popping up constantly, we're eager to expand our cause and our team.
To find a branch closest to you and to learn more about our mission, contact NEST.
NEST is a non-profit organization that was created by Rebecca Kousky in 2006. NEST has invested its social mission in demonstrating a desire and dedication to changing the lives of women in developing countries. By providing micro-credit loans to be used for the purchase of the supplies and materials necessary to begin/maintain art or craft-based businesses, NEST's goal is to support female artists and artisans in the developing world by allowing them to create sustainable entrepreneurial businesses.
Please visit the NEST blog, Bangles & Clay, to support us in the "Startup Nation" competition. With branches all over the US and new divisions popping up constantly, we're eager to expand our cause and our team.
To find a branch closest to you and to learn more about our mission, contact NEST.
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Rwanda: We Can't Let This Happen Again
No, I've never been.. but a brave blogging comrade is spending time there right now. To read about Maryam's experience in Rwanda, please visit My Marrakesh. Maryam has spoken with a survivor of the Rwandan Genocide - this woman's story evokes nothing but pure horror. Horror and shame. Shame and disgrace. Vestine's life experiences reflect the brutality that still very much exists with prevalence in many nations. A brutality that we must actively acknowledge and work together to erase.
The Rwandan Genocide represents a ghastly, unspeakable event. A mass killing that civilized nations shouldn't have let happen. While hundreds of thousands of defenseless people were mutilated, raped, hacked to death, beaten, blown up, tortured.. the whole world looked on.
I don't think I need to preach, but I do think we're all very much aware of the action that needs to be taken. It's easy to look away. But it's not right. To find out more about how you can help, please email maryam@mtds.com. In her words, it'll be the most meaningful money you spend all month.
The Rwandan Genocide represents a ghastly, unspeakable event. A mass killing that civilized nations shouldn't have let happen. While hundreds of thousands of defenseless people were mutilated, raped, hacked to death, beaten, blown up, tortured.. the whole world looked on.
I don't think I need to preach, but I do think we're all very much aware of the action that needs to be taken. It's easy to look away. But it's not right. To find out more about how you can help, please email maryam@mtds.com. In her words, it'll be the most meaningful money you spend all month.
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