Heifer International is one of my favorite organizations. Not only is it based in my hometown (Little Rock, Arkansas), but Heifer makes wonderful contributions to sustainable development. Heifer donates a wide variety of animals (and trees) to families around the world. Recipients use the animals to improve their standard of living. For example, water buffalo can help a family in Nepal plow their land to grow more food. Goats can provide meat and milk for a Romanian family, improving their diet. A family in Ecuador can eat and sell eggs and meat from Heifer ducks, and generate money for school fees. One requirement is that recipients 'pass the gift" by donating the the offspring of gift animals to others in need, making them equal partners with Heifer in the fight to end world hunger.
"So what can I do?"
* Send llamas to your lover, bees to your boss, geese to your grandma, or oxen to your uncle by donating online at www.heifer.org. You can even use the catalog to find the perfect gift for that hard-to-buy-for friend or colleague. Heifer animals are the perfect gift for the person who "has everything." 'Tis the season for giving!
* Visit Honduras, Tibet, South Africa and other places on a Heifer Study Tour. In the US, you can tour the Heifer Learning Centers. Learn how the animals benefit people and get more information on ways to end world hunger.
* Teachers, consider using Heifer's Read to Feed (www.readtofeed.org) service-learning materials in your lesson plans. Your students will discover more about the world and its people, see that they can make a real and positive difference in someone's life, and learn about poverty and environmental damage, all while improving their reading skills.
Visit www.heifer.org. You're sure to love the work they do.
Tuesday, November 30, 2004
Monday, November 29, 2004
Make informed giving decisions, then give til it helps.
'Tis the season to be charitable, but how do you determine which organization to support? We all know the causes that touch us and may have found organizations that we like, but some organizations might meet needs of its clients better than others. Here's some information on how to evaluate charitable organizations, so that your donation of time and talent does the most good.
* The American Institute of Philanthropy (www.charitywatch.org) rates over 500 charities on financial criteria like their fundraising efficiency and operating costs.
* Charity Navigator rates over 3,000 charities on various financial matters.
* The Better Business Bureau Wise Giving Alliance (www.give.org) rates organizations using financial and nonfinancial standards.
If you can't find your organization in these databases and still need more information, check out www.guidestar.org which has the tax returns for more than 250,000 nonprofits. You can also ask the organization to see a copy of their annual report, which should contain a qualitative and quantitative list of its accomplishments. If you are interested, be sure to determine how much of your donation is tax-deductible.
With this information, you'll be able to make wise decisions about which organizations you want to support. Remember, don't give 'til it hurts, give 'til it helps.
* The American Institute of Philanthropy (www.charitywatch.org) rates over 500 charities on financial criteria like their fundraising efficiency and operating costs.
* Charity Navigator rates over 3,000 charities on various financial matters.
* The Better Business Bureau Wise Giving Alliance (www.give.org) rates organizations using financial and nonfinancial standards.
If you can't find your organization in these databases and still need more information, check out www.guidestar.org which has the tax returns for more than 250,000 nonprofits. You can also ask the organization to see a copy of their annual report, which should contain a qualitative and quantitative list of its accomplishments. If you are interested, be sure to determine how much of your donation is tax-deductible.
With this information, you'll be able to make wise decisions about which organizations you want to support. Remember, don't give 'til it hurts, give 'til it helps.
Tuesday, November 23, 2004
Stop domestic abuse: Cut it out!
31% of women report being physically abused by an intimate partner at some point in their lives. That's almost one third. Think of three women you know. Consider that statistic. Now get ready to act.
* If you are in an abusive relationship, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233). (For TTY, call 1-800-787-3224.) Call now, or as soon as it is safe. They will help you find support and help in your area. Love is not abuse. Get help. Visit www.ndvh.org to learn more.
* Cut it out (www.cutitout.org) is a national program that trains beauticians, hair stylists, and other salon professionals to recognize signs of domestic violence and safely refer their clients to local resources. Forward this information to your hairstylist. Send your tax deductible donation to Salons Against Domestic Abuse Fund. Visit www.cutitout.org for more information.
* Men Stopping Violence (www.menstoppingviolence.org) is an Atlanta-based organization that works to end men's violence against women. They educate men, women, and the community at large to "dismantle belief systems, social structures, and institutional practices that oppress women and children and dehumanize men themselves." Volunteer today. Make a tax-deductible donation. Request a presentation for your church, civic or community organization. Visit www.menstoppingviolence.org to find a similar organization in your area.
In the US, a woman is beaten every 15 seconds by her husband or parter. Domestic violence is the leading cause of injury to women between the ages of 15 and 44 in the United States; more than car accidents, muggings, and rapes combined. Picture three women you know, three women you love. Click the envelope below to forward this post. Please, act now.
* If you are in an abusive relationship, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233). (For TTY, call 1-800-787-3224.) Call now, or as soon as it is safe. They will help you find support and help in your area. Love is not abuse. Get help. Visit www.ndvh.org to learn more.
* Cut it out (www.cutitout.org) is a national program that trains beauticians, hair stylists, and other salon professionals to recognize signs of domestic violence and safely refer their clients to local resources. Forward this information to your hairstylist. Send your tax deductible donation to Salons Against Domestic Abuse Fund. Visit www.cutitout.org for more information.
* Men Stopping Violence (www.menstoppingviolence.org) is an Atlanta-based organization that works to end men's violence against women. They educate men, women, and the community at large to "dismantle belief systems, social structures, and institutional practices that oppress women and children and dehumanize men themselves." Volunteer today. Make a tax-deductible donation. Request a presentation for your church, civic or community organization. Visit www.menstoppingviolence.org to find a similar organization in your area.
In the US, a woman is beaten every 15 seconds by her husband or parter. Domestic violence is the leading cause of injury to women between the ages of 15 and 44 in the United States; more than car accidents, muggings, and rapes combined. Picture three women you know, three women you love. Click the envelope below to forward this post. Please, act now.
Be prepared with Red Cross health and safety courses
Do you know how to respond if someone has falls unconcious? Is your babysitter trained in first aid? Do you know how to swim? The Red Crossoffers classes and training in a variety of health and safety areas, including first aid, CPR, swimming and lifeguarding, HIV/AIDS education and babysitter's training.
Enroll in a class today, and be ready for whatever comes your way. Who knows, the life you save might be your own.
Enroll in a class today, and be ready for whatever comes your way. Who knows, the life you save might be your own.
Monday, November 22, 2004
Participate in breast cancer research: Sister Study
The Sister Study is a national long-term study of women aged 35 to 74 whose sister had breast cancer. The goal is to identify environmental and genetic risk factors for breast cancer. Women of all ethnic, religious, and economic groups are needed. If you or someone you know is interested, please visit www.sisterstudy.org to learn more and join. Consider joining. If you qualify, this is a concrete way to help decrease the impact of breast cancer on women everywhere and honor your sister with breast cancer.
Friday, November 19, 2004
Don't send misleading emails
I get them all the time, emails that seem a little suspicious. To forward, or not to forward? That is the question.
Next time you get forwarded mass-recipient email, check to see if it's real or a hoax before you send it to your friends and family. Here are several sites that keep track of popular emails that may or may not be true. So before your forward that next e-mail, search one of the following sites to make sure it's real:
www.truthorfiction.com
urbanlegends.about.com/cs/nethoaxes/ht/emailhoax.htm
www.symantec.com/avcenter/hoax.html
No sense causing your friends and family unnecessary worry, fear, anger or concern. As we all know, there are enough real situations to be concerned and angry about. We should use our energy to deal with those issues, not the fake ones.
Next time you get forwarded mass-recipient email, check to see if it's real or a hoax before you send it to your friends and family. Here are several sites that keep track of popular emails that may or may not be true. So before your forward that next e-mail, search one of the following sites to make sure it's real:
www.truthorfiction.com
urbanlegends.about.com/cs/nethoaxes/ht/emailhoax.htm
www.symantec.com/avcenter/hoax.html
No sense causing your friends and family unnecessary worry, fear, anger or concern. As we all know, there are enough real situations to be concerned and angry about. We should use our energy to deal with those issues, not the fake ones.
Thursday, November 18, 2004
Support primary education: Nyaka AIDS Orphans School
1.7 million children in Uganda (East Africa) have lost one or both parents to AIDS. Imagine how difficult it must be to grow up without one or both of your parents. Twesigye Jackson Kaguri and his wife, Beronda Montgomery-Kaguri (my junior and senior high school friend!) are making a tremendous positive impact on the children affected by AIDS in the Nyakagyezi village in Uganda. In 2001, they started the Nyaka AIDS Orphans School. Its mission is "to provide quality, free education and extracurricular activities, both formal and informal, to children who have been orphaned due to HIV/AIDS as a means to counteract pervasive hunger, poverty, and systemic deprivation." What a wonderful goal!
You can support the school and the children by donating money or supplying some of the items on the school's wish list. Donations are tax-deductible and can be made online or sent to
Nyaka AIDS Orphans School
P O BOX 339
East Lansing, MI 48826
Visit www.nyakaschool.org to learn more, click the envelope below to spread the word, then consider what you can offer to these children who have already lost so much.
"Let us remember that every person who is infected, whatever the reason, is a fellow human being with human rights and human needs. Let no one imagine that we can protect ourselves by building barriers between us and 'them.' For, in the ruthless world of AIDS, there is no us and them." - Kofi Annan, Secretary General, United Nations
You can support the school and the children by donating money or supplying some of the items on the school's wish list. Donations are tax-deductible and can be made online or sent to
Nyaka AIDS Orphans School
P O BOX 339
East Lansing, MI 48826
Visit www.nyakaschool.org to learn more, click the envelope below to spread the word, then consider what you can offer to these children who have already lost so much.
"Let us remember that every person who is infected, whatever the reason, is a fellow human being with human rights and human needs. Let no one imagine that we can protect ourselves by building barriers between us and 'them.' For, in the ruthless world of AIDS, there is no us and them." - Kofi Annan, Secretary General, United Nations
Stop smoking: Great American Smokeout
The American Cancer Society (ACS) estimates that 85 percent of smokers want to quit. Well, today's your day! It's the 28th Annual Great American Smokeout. The ACS offers advice on finding the best way to quit, tells how nonsmokers can help their smoking friends, and gives numerous reasons (personal, medical, financial, etc.) reasons why you might want to quit. There's even a toll free Quitline for smoking cessation tips and counseling. Call 1-800-ACS-2345 to get started, or visit the American Cancer Society.
And remember, every day, even today, even right now, is a good time to stop smoking. Your body will thank you. Your wallet will thank you. Your friends will thank you. Best of all, you'll thank and be proud of yourself. You can stop smoking!
And remember, every day, even today, even right now, is a good time to stop smoking. Your body will thank you. Your wallet will thank you. Your friends will thank you. Best of all, you'll thank and be proud of yourself. You can stop smoking!
Wednesday, November 17, 2004
Insist on environmental justice
The EPA defines environmental justice as "the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race, color, national origin, or income with respect to the development, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies." That means the environment is everyone's business. Dumps should not be placed primarily in low-income neighborhoods, as they often are now. Chemical plants should not primarily pollute the land, air and water in low-income communities, as they often do now. Financially wealthy countries should not dump their trash on financially less wealthy countries, as we do now.
Here are a few things you can do to insist on environmental justice:
* Visit the EPA to learn about land, water and air pollution in your community.
* Read more about Margie Eugene-Richard who has been working for environmental justice in Norco, Louisiana for many years. Her work is a model and inspiration for us all.
* Learn more about the ways toxins and pollution in the environment can affect your health. Visit the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences.
* Decrease the negative impact you have on the environment by doing the following: REDUCE the amount you use. REUSE whatever you can. RECYCLE so that the raw materials can be reused, reducing the need to produce more. RESTORE, to replace what you used.
The earth is a gift to all of us. Let's take care of it, so that we and our children can continue to live and thrive on it.
Here are a few things you can do to insist on environmental justice:
* Visit the EPA to learn about land, water and air pollution in your community.
* Read more about Margie Eugene-Richard who has been working for environmental justice in Norco, Louisiana for many years. Her work is a model and inspiration for us all.
* Learn more about the ways toxins and pollution in the environment can affect your health. Visit the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences.
* Decrease the negative impact you have on the environment by doing the following: REDUCE the amount you use. REUSE whatever you can. RECYCLE so that the raw materials can be reused, reducing the need to produce more. RESTORE, to replace what you used.
The earth is a gift to all of us. Let's take care of it, so that we and our children can continue to live and thrive on it.
Tuesday, November 16, 2004
Share your Thanksgiving blessings
Are you feeling as richly blessed as I am this year? I've got friends and family who love me and whom I love, my health, a job, a warm home. God is truly good, all the time. Heifer International (more on them later) suggests this four part approach to sharing your blessings with others this holiday season.
1) Go a little lighter on dinner. As you plan your meal, think about this: Do you really need three meats? Sweet potato, peach, karo nut, AND lemon meringue pies? This year, consider skipping one or two items.
2) Share the blessings. Take the money that would have been spent on the extra dish and send it to an organization that fights hunger locally, nationally or internationally. Perhaps Heifer International, Second Harvest, or Hosea Feed the Hungry.
3) Create awareness. At your holiday feast, let folks know what dishes are missing and why. It's great opportunity to consider everything we're blessed with and remember what we have to be thankful for.
4) Spread the word. Click the little envelope below and send this post (or a similar mail) to your friends and family. Together we can make an even bigger difference in combatting hunger in our communities and in our world.
Happy Thanksgiving!!
1) Go a little lighter on dinner. As you plan your meal, think about this: Do you really need three meats? Sweet potato, peach, karo nut, AND lemon meringue pies? This year, consider skipping one or two items.
2) Share the blessings. Take the money that would have been spent on the extra dish and send it to an organization that fights hunger locally, nationally or internationally. Perhaps Heifer International, Second Harvest, or Hosea Feed the Hungry.
3) Create awareness. At your holiday feast, let folks know what dishes are missing and why. It's great opportunity to consider everything we're blessed with and remember what we have to be thankful for.
4) Spread the word. Click the little envelope below and send this post (or a similar mail) to your friends and family. Together we can make an even bigger difference in combatting hunger in our communities and in our world.
Happy Thanksgiving!!
Organize a "clothes swap"
I had such a good time at my first clothes swap. My friends and I enjoyed snacks, wine and good conversation, and I got some great new outfits in the process. It was a ball!
"What's a clothes swap?" you ask. Participants are asked to survey their wardrobe for clothes that are in good condition but were no longer being worn. Perhaps the clothes no longer fit, or maybe the person is just tired of wearing them, or maybe they're just getting rid of excess clutter. The hostess/organizer provides a place to try on and view the clothes, along with snacks and good background tunes. The guests take turns showing and describing the pieces they brought, and when another guest sees something she likes, she grabs it! Any clothes that are not claimed by the end of the swap are donated to a local community service organization.
It's a great way to hang out with your friends (and maybe make some new ones), shop for "new" clothes, and do some good at the same time. Now's a great time to organize a clothes swap! Have fun!
"What's a clothes swap?" you ask. Participants are asked to survey their wardrobe for clothes that are in good condition but were no longer being worn. Perhaps the clothes no longer fit, or maybe the person is just tired of wearing them, or maybe they're just getting rid of excess clutter. The hostess/organizer provides a place to try on and view the clothes, along with snacks and good background tunes. The guests take turns showing and describing the pieces they brought, and when another guest sees something she likes, she grabs it! Any clothes that are not claimed by the end of the swap are donated to a local community service organization.
It's a great way to hang out with your friends (and maybe make some new ones), shop for "new" clothes, and do some good at the same time. Now's a great time to organize a clothes swap! Have fun!
Monday, November 15, 2004
Hold your representatives accountable
One of the most important things we can do is hold our elected officials accountable for their words, promises and actions. Let them know what's important to you, what you would like done. Tell them what you need and what concerns you. Ask them for the services and support your community needs.
Many officials are truly concerned about their constituents and want to know what they need and want so that they can make it happen. Most officials want to be elected again so they will respond to you and to your concerns so that you will re-elect them. Do not hesitate to write, call, or e-mail your representatives. Here's some information on how to do that:
* Write the President Bush at president@whitehouse.gov or visit www.whitehouse.gov for mailing and telephone information.
* Visit www.senate.gov to find out who your US senators are and how to contact them.
* Visit www.house.gov to find out who your US representatives are and how to contact them.
* For state legislators and other officials, and for local offices, click here to find names and contact information.
Call them! Write them! Let them know what's on your mind. Their job is to listen to you. And if they don't do so, you have the power to fire them.
Many officials are truly concerned about their constituents and want to know what they need and want so that they can make it happen. Most officials want to be elected again so they will respond to you and to your concerns so that you will re-elect them. Do not hesitate to write, call, or e-mail your representatives. Here's some information on how to do that:
* Write the President Bush at president@whitehouse.gov or visit www.whitehouse.gov for mailing and telephone information.
* Visit www.senate.gov to find out who your US senators are and how to contact them.
* Visit www.house.gov to find out who your US representatives are and how to contact them.
* For state legislators and other officials, and for local offices, click here to find names and contact information.
Call them! Write them! Let them know what's on your mind. Their job is to listen to you. And if they don't do so, you have the power to fire them.
Improve school lunches
Monday morning, off to school! Do you know what your child will be eating for lunch today? Will it be a healthy lunch? Is that option even available?
Stonyfield Farms (they make a great yogurt!) has launched a grassroots campaign to improve school lunches. Children who eat well are healthier children and grow into healthier adults. Visit Menu for Change to get ideas for your child's lunchbox, learn how to get healthier items in school vending machines and find model legislation and model letters to send to your state lawmakers.
Do it for the children!
Stonyfield Farms (they make a great yogurt!) has launched a grassroots campaign to improve school lunches. Children who eat well are healthier children and grow into healthier adults. Visit Menu for Change to get ideas for your child's lunchbox, learn how to get healthier items in school vending machines and find model legislation and model letters to send to your state lawmakers.
Do it for the children!
Sunday, November 14, 2004
Help "meet the challenges of global interdependence." - Clinton Center Opening
The dedication and opening of the Clinton Presidential Center begins today! The mission of the Center is "to strengthen the capacity of people in the United States and throughout the world to meet the challenges of global interdependence." There are programs in four areas: 1) Economic empowerment, 2) Health security with an emphasis on HIV/AIDS, 3) Racial, ethnic and religious reconciliation, and 4) Leadership development and citizen service. Visit online or in person to donate time or money, to look for jobs, fellowships or internships, or to find other ways to contribute and learn more.
The opening celebration, which is being called the Arkansas Globecoming, lasts from November 14-18 and features concert, films, lectures and more, much of it free. The dedication is on Thursday, November 18, so you still have time to get there. Let me know how you like it; I look forward to your comments.
All roads lead to Little Rock!
The opening celebration, which is being called the Arkansas Globecoming, lasts from November 14-18 and features concert, films, lectures and more, much of it free. The dedication is on Thursday, November 18, so you still have time to get there. Let me know how you like it; I look forward to your comments.
All roads lead to Little Rock!
Friday, November 12, 2004
Support higher education: USA
The UNCF is famous for saying "A mind is a terrible thing to waste." Here are a few organizations that work to ensure that everyone has access to a good college and graduate education.
* The American Indian College Fund finances scholarships for Native Americans and operations at tribally controlled colleges and universities. They also have an online catalog with great gifts, the purchase of which, supports the Fund.
* The Hispanic Scholarship Fund and the Hispanic College Fund offer scholarships to undergraduate and graduate students, while the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities supports over 200 Hispanic-serving institutions in 12 states.
* The United Negro College Fund supports more than 300,000 students at more than 950 schools including 38 historically black colleges and universities, providing scholarships, fellowships and operations assistance.
When we and our neighbors are better educated, society improves. So consider supporting organizations, scholarship funds and schools that agree. Truly, "a mind is a terrible thing to waste."
* The American Indian College Fund finances scholarships for Native Americans and operations at tribally controlled colleges and universities. They also have an online catalog with great gifts, the purchase of which, supports the Fund.
* The Hispanic Scholarship Fund and the Hispanic College Fund offer scholarships to undergraduate and graduate students, while the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities supports over 200 Hispanic-serving institutions in 12 states.
* The United Negro College Fund supports more than 300,000 students at more than 950 schools including 38 historically black colleges and universities, providing scholarships, fellowships and operations assistance.
When we and our neighbors are better educated, society improves. So consider supporting organizations, scholarship funds and schools that agree. Truly, "a mind is a terrible thing to waste."
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