Global Villager

How one person can make a difference?

2011-11-08T08:56:00.000-08:00

Check out this 12 minute TEDx Boston video and find out!.

Dyan deNapoli tells the story of the world's largest volunteer animal rescue, which saved more than 40,000 penguins after an oil spill off the coast of South Africa. How does a job this big get done? Penguin by penguin by penguin ...

Operation Christmas Cards

2011-10-25T08:04:00.000-07:00

If you want to bring a smile to the troops this year, consider gathering the family together to write some words of encouragement for those who will be far from home during the holidays.

Often, young men and women join the military because they have no family, so a holiday card from a caring supporter means more than you can imagine.

If you want to participate, you need to send your cards to arrive at Operation Christmas Cards by November 28. It's a great project for a school group or scout troop. Feel free to decorate the envelopes with stickers or glitter if you like. Soldiers love drawings, notes and treats. Just remember to put your political views aside and keep it positive.

You do not need to put postage on individual cards and please leave them unsealed.

Cards and donations can be mailed to:

Operation Christmas Cards
PO Box 102
Shrewsbury MA 01545

or if using UPS/FedEx/DHL etc.:
Liberty Churches
ATTN:Operation Christmas Cards
495 Hartford Turnpike
Shrewsbury MA 01545

For more information visit: Operation Christmas Cards

Charles Koch Awarded for Philanthropic Leadership

2011-10-20T08:13:00.000-07:00

The Philanthropy Roundtable announced its 2011 recipient of the William E. Simon Prize for Philanthropic Leadership as Charles Koch, chairman and chief executive officer of Koch Industries Inc. and founder of the Charles G. Koch Charitable Foundation. For more than 40 years, he has been at the forefront of strategic investment in ideas, think tanks, and academic research.

The Foundation primarily supports research and higher education programs that analyze the impact of free societies, in particular how they advance the well-being of mankind. He has, for instance, provided long-term support to several scholars who went on to win the Nobel Prize in Economics.

Mr. Koch’s philanthropy is very simple. He wants to sustain and strengthen America as a land of freedom and prosperity. He wants to give others the same opportunity to succeed that he has had. Having benefited from the capitalist system, he wants others to prosper in the same way.

The prize honors the ideals and principles which guided the many philanthropic initiatives of William E. Simon, the late financier, philanthropist, and Secretary of the Treasury. These ideals include personal responsibility, resourcefulness, volunteerism, scholarship, individual freedom, faith in God, and helping people to help themselves.

Mr. Koch will be honored at the Philanthropy Roundtable's 2011 Annual Meeting at the Phoenician in Scottsdale, Arizona, during a special luncheon on Friday, October 28. As part of the Simon Prize recognition, a charity of his selection will receive a $250,000 grant.

Havana's Martin Luther King, Jr. Center

2011-10-02T13:15:00.000-07:00

I recently had the opportunity to visit the Martin Luther King Jr. Center in Havana. The center is committed to promoting justice, peace and social responsibility. The center is affiliated with Ebeneezer Baptist Church of Cuba. It's goal is to train the future leaders of Cuba to be socially conscious and peace-minded.

The organization works within Cuba through its HIV prevention programs, housing projects and distribution of medicine. The center is sparse and they are always in need of supplies for the community. We left them with school supplies and toys for the kids as well as some over the counter medicines and supplies.

Those interested in helping them to continue their work can visit their site (note it is in Spanish). Check out this video (5 min) of the Havana kids singing. You can see that they only have a bare rec room.

Operation Christmas Card

2011-09-30T12:05:00.000-07:00

Many of our troops deployed oversees feel lonely at Christmas time. Operation Christmas Card sends out cards to troops overseas. They are asking the community to write encouraging notes to soldiers and send them by November 28th to their office in MA. If you prefer to donate to the cause, $12.50 will cover the cost of sending 400 cards internationally. To get more information on how you can participate go to the Operation Christmas Card site.

Operation Christmas Cards
PO Box 102
Shrewsbury MA 01545

Support Freedom from Hunger Day

2011-09-28T16:14:00.000-07:00

Freedom from Hunger Day commemorates women around the world who work tirelessly to end chronic hunger for themselves and their families. More than 3.2 million women in 19 countries participate in their microfinance programs as part of an innovative self-help strategy incorporating small business loans, education, savings, and health services and products, all aimed at combating chronic hunger and poverty.

Jane Pauley and her husband Garry Trudeau, creator of the Doonesbury comic strip, will match every gift made through October 28. To support the cause go to http://www.freedomfromhunger.org/ffhday-2011/

"Recycling" old suits

2011-03-29T16:29:00.000-07:00

A fellow alum posed the question recently of what to do with suits she didn't need anymore. The question sparked a lot of interest. Another alum said he has transitioned from corporate America to entertainment and wasn't wearing his old suits either. The result of this discussion led to some great suggestions on where to send those suits that are no longer needed.

Los Angeles Conservation Corp (http://www.lacorps.org/)

According to their mission statement, The primary mission of the LA Conservation Corps is to provide at-risk young adults and school-aged youth with opportunities for success by providing them with job skills training, education and work experience with an emphasis on conservation and service projects that benefit the community. They are always looking for donations of business clothing to provide for the kids when they get ready to interview for jobs and internships. Contact: Tina Castro tcastro@calendow.org

Clothes The Deal (http://clothesthedeal.org/)

Clothes The Deal provides business clothing and accessories and job preparedness workshops to low income individuals re-entering the workforce throughout Los Angeles County and surrounding areas. They have drop off sites all around LA and tax receipts are available upon request.

Chrysalis (www.changelives.org)

Chrysalis is a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating a pathway to self-sufficiency for homeless and low-income individuals by providing the resources and support needed to find and retain employment.

Working Wardrobes (http://www.workingwardrobes.org)

Working Wardrobes empowers men, women, and young adults in life crises to confidently enter the workforce with career development and wardrobe services. You can drop off your gently-used donations (clean and on hangers) at the Costa Mesa location at 3030 Pullman Street from 10am -2pm.

Food on Foot (www.foodonfoot.org)

Food on Foot is dedicated to providing the poor and homeless of Los Angeles with nutritious meals, clothing, and assistance in the transition to employment and life off the streets. Donations are accepted every Sunday between 10:30am - 2:30pm at the Hollywood feeding location, 1625 N. Schrader Blvd.

Covenant House (http://www.covenanthouse.org/)

Through its job training and readiness programs, Covenant House trains homeless teens in a specific vocation and teaches them what they need to know about job hunting and the professional world. They give them interview clothes, conduct mock interviews to coach them on how to land a job and help them prepare resumes. They accept all types of in-kind donations at their location at 1325 North Western Avenue.

So instead of dumping your old suits at a general donation center, consider giving them to these organizations that will put them to good use.

_________________________________________________________________

clothing donations, homeless teens, homeless adults, low-income work programs

Japan Disaster Relief

2011-03-14T15:10:00.000-07:00

Associated Press

A magnitude 8.9 earthquake hit just north of Japan on Friday, March 11. The destruction was only intensified by the 30ft tsunami that followed. An estimated 200,000 people are living in temporary shelters. This has been called the largest earthquake in Japan's history.

The internet has brought us closer than ever, so it's natural that we all want to know how to reach out and help. Here are a few ways that you can reach out to the global community in Japan.

Send donations of $10 to ISOH/IMPACT by texting giveten isoh to 20222.

ISOH/IMPACT also is accepting 5-gallon buckets, with lids, containing bagged rice or cleaning supplies. Other priority items include new sleeping bags, tents, tarps, and blankets. Donations can be dropped off at any area Tireman Auto Service Center or at ISOH/IMPACT's Waterville warehouse, 905 Farnsworth Rd. See isohimpact.org.

Send donations of $10 to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief fund by texting REDCROSS to 90999.

Money earmarked for victims will be used only if the Japanese Red Cross requests assistance. Mail checks to PO Box 4002018, Des Moines, Iowa, 50340-2018. Call 800-RED-CROSS or see redcross.org.

Send $10 to Global Giving by texting JAPAN50555. Mail checks to Global Giving, Japan relief, 1023 1st St. NW, 12th floor, Washington, DC. 20005. See globalgiving.org.

Send $10 to International Medical Corps by texting MED8088.

Mail checks to Development Department, International Medical Corps, 1919 Santa Monica Blvd., Suite 400, Santa Monica, CA 90404. Call 1-800-481-4462 or see internationalmedicalcorps.org.

Send $10 to Save The Children by texting JAPAN to 20222.

Mail checks to Save the Children, 54 Wilton Road, Westport, CT 06880. Call 1-800-728-3843 or see savethechildren.org.

Mail checks to AmeriCares, 88 Hamilton Ave., Stamford, Conn. 06902, or see americares.org.

10 Ways to Shop and Give Back

2011-02-21T16:54:00.000-08:00

For most of us, even in the best of times, it can be a labor intense and costly undertaking. It seems like everyone is after our precious resources –retailers, charities and family. With the complications of a lagging economy, trying to provide for everyone is a challenge. Well, to the rescue comes a group of online sites that want to help you with all three groups. You can shop for your family online and give to charity at the same time. Making your family, the retailers and your charity all happy while saving time as well!

So let’s get to the list…

Co-branding sites – these companies donate a portion of the proceeds from the sale of their products to a specific charitable cause.

1. (RED)

In its first four years 2002-2006, the Global Fund raised $5 million dollars. In 2006, (RED) set out to increase private sector contributions to the Global Fund. In one year more than $45 million was generated representing an impressive nine fold increase over the previous total. (RED) works with brands such as American Express, Dell, Apple, Gap, Nike and others to develop co-branded products. Up to 50%, of the profits, goes to the Global Fund to invest in HIV and AIDS programs in Africa.

Choose your gift, choose your charity sites – these sites offer a broad selection of gifts while allowing you to select where your money goes.

2. Biddingforgood.com

With over 10,000 auctions, BiddingForGood is the leader in online charity auctions. It has successfully raised more than $100 Million to benefit schools and non profits across the United States. "Whether the items are serious or playful, or just odd, it all goes to support schools and charitable causes," said CEO Jon Carson. "In today's economic times consumers are naturally looking for ways to make their dollar go further while schools and charitable causes are facing increased need for services and seeking sources of revenue outside of charitable giving budgets. Charitable commerce enables both sides to achieve a win/win."

3. Giftback.com

At Giftback.com, you select a gift and a charity of your choice from a list of hundreds of great causes. When you checkout, you can add your recipient's delivery information and your card message. Your recipient will be notified via the card message that a portion of their gift was donated to support the great cause you have selected.

4. Greater Good Network

The Greater Good Network is a family of websites that provide simple, effective, feel-good ways to directly help people, animals, and the planet. Since 1999, the Greater Good Network has raised and given more than $20 million dollars to charities across the United States and around the world. Each site supports a different cause including hunger, animal rights and the planet. A portion of the proceeds from your purchase supports an organization in your chosen area of need.

Honor Gifts– when you donate to these global organizations, an honor card is sent to your recipient telling them a donation has been made in their name.

5. Heifer International

Want something to give to the person who has every thing or wants nothing? Try a pig, sheep or cow. This simple idea of giving families a source of food rather than short-term relief has been Heifer’s mission for more than 65 years. Heifer fosters self-reliance through gifts of livestock, seeds and trees and extensive training, which provide a multiplying source of food and income. After your donation, you'll have the opportunity to create a printable gift card or e-card to tell your recipient that you've honored them with a Heifer gift.

6. World Wildlife Fund
WWF's global efforts protect wild animals and their habitats. Donate and choose from 100 symbolic adoptions. You can choose your species based on popularity, threat level or location. When you make the donation, your gift recipient will receive an adoption certificate and species description card and for larger donations a plush animal in a gift box.

Charity Shopping Portals – these companies use an affiliate link system allowing you click through to your favorite merchant’s site and give your charity a percentage from whatever you buy.

7. GiveBackAmerica.com

Give Back America uses a series of affiliate links to generate income for charity. After selecting a charity and a retailer from a list of options, the percentage of your purchase price that will go to the charity will appear. From there all you do is click the link and shop. Retailers, such as Best Buy, Expedia.com & Target.com, pay Give Back America a commission to refer customers to their site. They then share that commission with the charity of your choice.

8. Goodshop

Whenever you buy from one of 600 affiliated merchants including Target, Bloomingdale's and Zappo's, portal site GoodShop.com donates a percentage of all purchases to your charity of choice, without the hassle of registering. Ken Ramberg, who founded the site in 2005, has a simple recipe for fund-raising: give people at all income levels a tool for benefiting charity without spending a dime.

9. iGive.com

Select your favorite cause, register with iGive and shop at over 800 brand name online stores through the iGive Mall. A portion of each purchase is donated to your cause. When you shop within 45 days of registering they’ll donate an extra $5 to your cause. There is also an option to add a charity if it’s not listed. Over 44,367 organizations have been listed at iGive.com. Retailers include Amazon.com, eBay, Staples, Barnes & Noble, Overstock.com, drugstore.com, QVC, Home Depot, Gap and NORDSTROM.

10. Onecause.com

What’s different about Onecause is that you can create your own page and keep track of how much money has been donated to charity as a result of your shopping. You can also send messages to your friends to ask them to help your cause as well. You can keep track of your favorite merchants and favorites causes and there’s even a most successful supporters section.

This year, why not give while you gift. Although you don’t get the same tax benefits from a straight donation, it is a perfect way to continue to support your favorite charity while doing your gift shopping. Spread the word!

How can I make the world better today?

2011-01-17T14:01:00.000-08:00

Have you been wanting to have a direct impact on the life of someone who is poor or displaced but don’t know where to begin?

Not everyone can take a missionary trip, rebuild homes in a war torn country, or sponsor an orphan overseas. We have jobs, children and responsibilities that tie up our time and our money. But, it is the responsibility of us all to be a contributor to the betterment of our community not just a consumer.

Many of us, receive so much solicitation from charities, but we feel no real connection to them unless someone in our circle of family or friends has been directly affected. But still we feel the need to help someone less fortunate.

As this blog develops, I'll suggest some ways you can directly impact the lives of individuals in your community and around the world. Don’t forget to get your children involved. Raise caring and generous children to make the world a better place.

Feel free to comment, post your own stories or suggest ways to get involved. If everyone contributes a little, I promise big things will happen!