Thursday, November 27, 2008

Help a Hero: Mukhtar Mai

Task: Help a Hero succeed.
Effort level: Depends
Investment: Time or donating books or donating money
Who: Anyone

I was'nt planning a blog entry for today but this story is incredible. Some of you may remember Mukhtar Mai's story from a few years ago (Read here for details). She was gang raped as an 'honor revenge' but fought back in court with incredible bravery despite multiple threats against her. Then she used the compensation money to start the Mukhtar Mai Women's Welfare Organization and through donations (Mercy Corps) now runs 4 schools and provides a haven for other women, while continuing to receive threats. The NY times article highlights how we can help - volunteering at her schools, sending books, donating money to Mercy Corps.

I am a huge believer in the escapism and healing provided by books and am collecting them (English - any kind from kid's to novels) to send to her schools. If you would like to give/send me any of your old books I will find a way to send this to her.

Sunday, November 23, 2008

Kindly comment

So I know you're all very busy but I would really appreciate it, if you could take a minute to comment on:
1) Is this blog useful?
2) How could it be made better?
3) Do you have a topic that you would like to see something on?
4) Would you like to be a guest blogger?

Your time is much appreciated,

You can also email me at trygivingback@gmail.com

Acts of Kindness

Acts of Kindness is an interesting list of simple things we can do to change or enhance a situation. What would you add to this list?

Next week is Thanksgiving here in the US. We live in one of the wealthiest (maybe wealthiest) zip codes in the world. Yet 4 blocks from where we live is a homeless shelter in need for food donations. This year the charities in the region, that normally depend on generous donations from Wall Street, are scrambling to make up the deficit. As you plan your holiday meals and shopping, how have you decided to give back?

Friday, November 14, 2008

Genocide Intervention - Educate & Help

Task: Educate yourself, then help to end genocide.
Effort level: Depends
Investment: Depends
Who: Depends

We've all heard of the atrocities of genocide in Darfur, Congo, Burma, Sri Lanka, etc. and, if you're like me, felt helpless, while the people and situations that perpetrate unspeakable violence against others continue to thrive.
A group of Swarthmore college students began Genocide Intervention to help educate and provide us with opportunities to help. Through a combination of student chapters, grass roots activism and government lobbying we too can join in this fight to save innocent lives. In their words - "Empowering individuals to stand against genocide will build the political will necessary for the international community to recognize its responsibility to protect the victims of genocide and mass atrocities".

Monday, November 3, 2008

UN Volunteers - Online

Task: Volunteer without leaving your home.
Effort level: Depends
Investment: Time, a little effort
Who: Depends

Can you commit some time and skills, freely, for the benefit of society? Do you have access to email and the internet? Would you rather stay in the comfort of your own home? Here is a solution : UN Online Volunteers . Search by specifying tasks, topics and/or regions and apply to organisations (community-based grassroots organization, national or international NGO, local government or United Nations agency). Once selected, complete task.