It is personal decision how much each of us feels we can "give." To help provide some guidelines, I am re-posting two giving calculators. I challenge you, this week, to look at these two calculators as a starting point for your family's philanthropy plan. It's perfect timing since you should have all of your income tax papers by January 31st.
Take the Pledge - this website uses a tiered income approach and suggests how much you should give to help end world poverty
Give It Back - this website calculates your savings from the current tax-cuts and encourages you to donate it back to charity.
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Millennium Development Goals
Give yourself a pat on the back if you know about the Millennium Development Goals. Not only did I not know about them until recently, but I can't even spell "millennium."
The Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) are eight international development goals that all 192 United Nations member states and at least 23 international organizations have agreed to achieve by the year 2015. Selfishly, the MDG's make me feel that, no matter how small my contribution is, my efforts to help the international community are part of achieving these goals. Secondly, as massive as the problems are, it inspires me to know that there is an agreed upon framework with which the international community is working.
Below is a list of the eight goals from the United Nation's MDG website. Click on the goal to see the specific targets associated with each goal:
Goal 1: Eradicate extreme poverty and hunger-
Goal 2: Achieve universal primary education 
Goal 3: Promote gender equality and empower women
Goal 4: Reduce child mortality
Goal 5: Improve maternal health
Goal 6: Combat HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases
Goal 7: Ensure environmental sustainability
Goal 8: Develop a Global Partnership for Development
HOW QUICKLY ARE COUNTRIES PROGRESSING TOWARD THE MDG'S?
This wonderful interactive, How Quickly Are We Moving Toward the MDG's?, shows you the progress by each country on each goal. Use the icons on the lefthand side to pick a goal and then you can select a region.
The Center for Global Development shows dramatic achievements have been made by Honduras, Vietnam, Laos, Ethiopia, Uganda, Burkina Faso, Nepal, Cambodia, and Ghana. These countries' performances suggest that they may achieve most of the highly ambitious MDGs. Moreover, Africa accounts for many star performers. Interestingly, poor countries perform nearly on par with middle-income countries. And not surprisingly, the list of laggards largely consists of countries devastated by conflict, such as Afghanistan, Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Guinea-Bissau. Most countries fall somewhere in-between, demonstrating solid progress on some indicators and little on others.
You can also see more on the progress of the MDG's at the United Nations MDG website.
IMPORTANCE OF GOAL #8 - DEVELOP A GLOBAL PARTNERSHIP FOR DEVELOPMENT
Goal 8 is important to all of the MDG's because it focuses on the role of developed countries in meeting the goals for the undeveloped countries. As stated by the University of Iowa Center for International Finance and Development, to accelerate progress towards the MDGs in 2005, the top eights industrialized countries, the G-8, met and reached an agreement to cancel $40–55 billion debt owed by impoverished countries. This allowed impoverished countries to re-channel the resources saved from the forgiven debt to social programs for improving health and education and for alleviating poverty.
DEBATE SURROUNDING THE MDG's
Of course nothing is perfect, the MDG's included. Click here and scroll down for a debate on the MDG's. As Obama said last night in the State of the Union address, "Let me be the first to say anything can be improved." Personally, I am inspired by these goals and find them a huge step in the right direction regardless of what their drawbacks might be. It is much better to have these goals than to have nothing because we are frozen in a debate of searching for a perfection that does not exist.
CALL TO ACTION:
1) Have faith that your efforts make a difference and keep doing what you can, no matter how big or small
2) Use the Giving Gifts Page of this blog for ideas on how to give gifts with a purpose to friends.
3) Contact our local international aid non-profit, Direct Relief International, and ask them how you can help. Immediately, you can scroll down to the "Tidbits" post of this blog to learn about supporting DRI Youth's current flower fundraiser and how to get your child involved in future projects.
4) Stay informed and involved. Sign-up for updates or follow on facebook the End Poverty 2015 Millennium Campaign
MY GOAL:
1) I am following the end End Poverty 2012 campaign on Facebook
2) This year, I plan to buy only gifts that have a cause related to them for my girlfriends. This month I bought my first KIVA gift card for a friend's birthday. I have wanted to do this for years and never did. I also purchased stone hearts made by Haitian artists for a get well gift for another friend from 12 Small Things
3) I am getting more involved with helping DRI Women and DRI Youth.
Tidbits
I love that people are sending me things for the site so I am starting a Tidbit post in order to share them with everyone and to tell you about updates to existing pages on this blog.
- Fund for Santa Barbara is presenting the 12th Annual Socila Justice Award for Documentary Film. You can see the films from Jan 27th and Feb 6th and get more information on their website.
- A committed and energetic group of youth, from ages 7-11, that are passionate about helping vulnerable children and mothers around the world, are participating in Direct Relief Youth. One-hundred percent of the money they raise will help DRI's Maternal and Child Health programs. You can help with their goal of raising $5,000, which will allow DRI to send $150,000 in medicine globally and domestically, by supporting their current flower fundraiser. The group will also have two more community projects and two more guest speakers this year. For more information on the fundraiser and/or getting your child involved, please contact Margaret Spencer at: 805-451-4872
- Life is Good Kids Foundation is supporting kids in Haiti. The Life is Good Kids Foundation is an action-oriented non profit, committed to helping young children overcome life-threatening challenges such as extreme poverty, violence, illness and natural disasters.
New links on existing pages:
"Giving Gifts" Page:
Nest is a beautiful site and is a nonprofit organization that empowers female artists around the world. Using a unique combination of interest-free microfinance loans, mentoring from established designers, and a market in which to sell their crafts, Nest helps its loan recipeints create successful small businesses.
"Useful Links" Page:
Guardian Global Development this site, to help focus the world's attention on global development issues, was just launched in September 2010 with a grant from the Gate's Foundation.
Center for Global Development a site of independent ideas and research for global prosperity.
End Poverty 2015 Millennium Campaign the "United Nations Millennium Campaign" site supports and inspires people from around the world to take action in support of the Millennium Development Goals.
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Tips for Volunteering with Kids
1. Start Small - You are more likely to instill in your child a sense of giving if you can do more smaller acts than one large stressful one. Both Penny Harvest and Pennies for Peace focus on the simple act of collecting and donating pennies.
2. Model Giving - If you are involved in a charity help your child understand what you do to help that organization. If you are on an event committee, bring your child the day of the event to help set up. Bring them to the organization that benefits from the event.
3. Think of Ideas That Tie into Your Child's Interests - For example:
4. Give charity as a gift for your child's birthday - this doesn't mean he/she doesn't get other gifts, but make one of their gifts a charity gift card so they chose where to spend the money. See Global Giving or Tis Best for examples. Or, give them a KIVA gift card which they should get to give again and again each time the loan is paid back.
5. Additional Resources:
Ripple Kids and KooDooZ - websites focused on youth volunteerism.
CALL TO ACTION: Pick one thing from the list above that you will do within the next 30 days with your children.
MY ACTION: I have actually done many of the suggestions above. My next action is, I am going to have my kids make Valentine's Day cards for Angels Bearing Gifts and in March, I am going to buy a charity gift card for my daughter's 10th birthday.
I'd love to hear you ideas.
2. Model Giving - If you are involved in a charity help your child understand what you do to help that organization. If you are on an event committee, bring your child the day of the event to help set up. Bring them to the organization that benefits from the event.
3. Think of Ideas That Tie into Your Child's Interests - For example:
- If your child likes BMX racing, Legos or dance - have them do a lemonade stand to raise money to go toward helping someone get a camp scholarship for their favorite activity. It doesn't matter if they raise enough. It's just getting them to think about the idea that's important.
- If your child likes to read - have them go to a nonprofit pre-school, like Storyteller Children's Center or Main Family Resource Center and have them read to preschoolers. They can also read for the Recording for the Blind and Dyslexic annual record-a-thon.
- If your child likes art - have them bring a simple art project to a non-profit preschool, like Storyteller Children's Center or Main Family Resource Center or have them make Valentine's Day cards for the residence of a retirement community or for an organization like Angel's Bearing Gifts. It can also be Easter Cards or St. Patrick Day cards or Happy Spring cards.
- If your child likes music - have them perform at a retirement community
- If your child likes sports - have them collect and donate used sports gear or have them enter a race and raise money toward a cause.
- If your child likes math - Have them collect and sell used toys for Kidz for a Cure, founded by a kid. You don't need much stuff to participate and your child can work on adding up the purchase tickets from your booth for the main checkout. You can also give your child a dollar amount and a grocery bag and have them fill it with a certain dollar value of groceries to donate to Unity Shoppe. Make this a monthly ritual. You can volunteer on site at Unity Shoppe sorting food and stocking shelves as well.
- If your child likes to be active - have them pick fruit for Backyard Bounty
- If you child likes animals - have them volunteer at B.U.N.S.
- If you child likes to bake - have them bake and sell cupcakes for Cupcakes for Cancer. A cancer surviving teen founded this organization and has been recognized by the Independent as a 2010 local hero.
- If your family likes international travel - take a tour of Direct Relief International. You can also arrange to make personal care and dental kits. When traveling abroad, see if DRI has one of their many partners in that country and see if there are any supplies you can bring with you to donate upon arrival.
- If your child likes the beach - You can adopt-a-beach via Coastal Clean Up or just unofficially adopt-a-beach as a family and go and do a beach clean-up day. You can also contact Heal the Ocean about their Junior Council.
4. Give charity as a gift for your child's birthday - this doesn't mean he/she doesn't get other gifts, but make one of their gifts a charity gift card so they chose where to spend the money. See Global Giving or Tis Best for examples. Or, give them a KIVA gift card which they should get to give again and again each time the loan is paid back.
5. Additional Resources:
All For Good - Website helps you find volunteer opportunities for both children and adults in your town.
77 Creative Ways Kids Can Serve - book by 16 year old Sondra Clark
Ripple Kids and KooDooZ - websites focused on youth volunteerism.
MY ACTION: I have actually done many of the suggestions above. My next action is, I am going to have my kids make Valentine's Day cards for Angels Bearing Gifts and in March, I am going to buy a charity gift card for my daughter's 10th birthday.
I'd love to hear you ideas.
What IS Working in Haiti (and elsewhere)
I am completely overwhelmed, and I feel helpless about the situation in Haiti. All of the negative media about non-government organization's (NGO's) being ineffective and even hurting Haiti's recovery, like this one, is making me want to be in denial about the whole situation. So, I want to take a moment to highlight something that IS working to help Haiti, banking via cell phones.
No one is saying immediate basic health, shelter and food issues aren't important, but if you want to look long term at arresting poverty, then you need to understand "why the most powerful idea in microfinance isn’t microloans, but microsavings — helping the poor safely store their money." Maybe on the surface it doesn't sound that monumental, but I hope after reading the articles below you will be as optimistic as I am about this.
Can Cell Phones Rescue Haiti? - Huffington Post
"Yet when you ask Haitians what they want most, the overwhelming majority will tell you they need money to support their families. After Haitians get clean water, food, shelter and medicine -- all the trappings of traditional aid packages -- they will still lack basic economic opportunities. That's where the cell phones come in."
I am re-posting these two articles as they further support the vital role cell phones play in aiding poverty.
I've Seen The Future (in Haiti) - New York Times
Nicholas Kristof on the importance of cell phone technology in aiding poverty areas. Also see this blog post from Kristof for more input from him.
In Kenya, Huts Far Off the Grid Harness the Sun - New York Times
Recent article on the impact proving electricity, via solar panels, has on impoverished communities, not the least of which is being able to charge their cell phone, which ties into the importance of cell phones mentioned in the above article by Kristof.
I want to speak more to my feelings of helplessness and denial about Haiti. Despite the constant negative press about the situation, I continue to read articles about people's refusal to give up. Last week I posted this interview with Thomas Tighe from Direct Relief International who said, "There is no option to quit."
There was also this article:
CALL TO ACTION:
1) donate used cell phones to Haiti or other poverty stricken countries. You can google "donate cell phones Haiti" to get a list of organizations that take cell phones for this purpose.
2) Continue to donate to reputable NGO's supporting Haiti like our local Direct Relief International
3) When donating to other relief organization's ask them if they use cell phone technology to disperse their funds to victims.
MY ACTION:
At my next book club, I am going to ask everyone to bring old cell phones to donate. I know I could say I am going to do a larger collection, but I might not ever get to that. This is a small enough start that I will follow through with it.
No one is saying immediate basic health, shelter and food issues aren't important, but if you want to look long term at arresting poverty, then you need to understand "why the most powerful idea in microfinance isn’t microloans, but microsavings — helping the poor safely store their money." Maybe on the surface it doesn't sound that monumental, but I hope after reading the articles below you will be as optimistic as I am about this.
Announces the first $2.5 million dollar grant, of a total of $10 million, the foundation plans to give away to the first companies that help Haitians with mobile banking. Additional links on foundation page explaining importance of this investment:
- Bill Gates: Mobile Phones + Savings: A Powerful Pair
- Mobile money services have arrived in Haiti! - Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
- Create Savings Accounts and Bring Financial Security to the World’s Poorest | Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
Can Cell Phones Rescue Haiti? - Huffington Post
"Yet when you ask Haitians what they want most, the overwhelming majority will tell you they need money to support their families. After Haitians get clean water, food, shelter and medicine -- all the trappings of traditional aid packages -- they will still lack basic economic opportunities. That's where the cell phones come in."
I am re-posting these two articles as they further support the vital role cell phones play in aiding poverty.
I've Seen The Future (in Haiti) - New York Times
Nicholas Kristof on the importance of cell phone technology in aiding poverty areas. Also see this blog post from Kristof for more input from him.
In Kenya, Huts Far Off the Grid Harness the Sun - New York Times
Recent article on the impact proving electricity, via solar panels, has on impoverished communities, not the least of which is being able to charge their cell phone, which ties into the importance of cell phones mentioned in the above article by Kristof.
I want to speak more to my feelings of helplessness and denial about Haiti. Despite the constant negative press about the situation, I continue to read articles about people's refusal to give up. Last week I posted this interview with Thomas Tighe from Direct Relief International who said, "There is no option to quit."
There was also this article:
"I don't want America to stop from asking these tough questions, because they have to keep all of us on the ball. I just want them to understand that the option to stop helping Haiti, while we address those questions, is that people will die," Stern said.
CALL TO ACTION:
1) donate used cell phones to Haiti or other poverty stricken countries. You can google "donate cell phones Haiti" to get a list of organizations that take cell phones for this purpose.
2) Continue to donate to reputable NGO's supporting Haiti like our local Direct Relief International
3) When donating to other relief organization's ask them if they use cell phone technology to disperse their funds to victims.
MY ACTION:
At my next book club, I am going to ask everyone to bring old cell phones to donate. I know I could say I am going to do a larger collection, but I might not ever get to that. This is a small enough start that I will follow through with it.
Deciding to Give, How much, and Where
Like most things in life, deciding how much to give and where is not a straight forward answer.
Your Money Deciding How Much to Give? Check with a Higher Authority
from New York Times
This was the best article I could find on the subject and I like how it talks about the difference between income and wealth.
The Life You Can Save
This website is also listed in the article above. I like how it uses the tiered approach to deciding how much you should give. It only addresses income, not wealth, and it is focused on world poverty, but still a thoughtful guideline overall
Five Points to Consider for Annual Giving
from New York Times
Same author as the first article. I like how this article suggests a trifecta approach to diving your money between local, national, and international causes and how it emphasizes the importance of doing your homework.
Guide Star and Charity Navigator
Just like test scores aren't the only variable in determining a good school, financials aren't the only way to determine a good non-profit. However, it is a variable to do your homework on. I like to see their income vs. expenses, assets, and even how much the executive director makes.
Nationally and internationally you can look at grant recipients from Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and sponsored projects of the Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors. Other vetted international organizations are listed on the Giving Charity As Gifts blog entry like
Tis Best and Global Giving.
Social Networks Giving to Social Causes, but at a Price
from New York Times
This article discusses the pros and cons of social network and giving websites such as Network For Good and Causes on Facebook. They take a cut of the donation and are they a necessary middleman? However, they provide marketing the non profit would not be able to provide or would have to pay themselves and they connect people with common interests.
Tips on Giving
Finally, please see my prior blog post for more articles on Tips on Giving.
I'd like to get more input from local experts on this subject so look for updated posts in the future. Additionally, I think deciding to volunteer your time somewhere is another question entirely so I'd also like to save that for another time.
Your Money Deciding How Much to Give? Check with a Higher Authority
from New York Times
This was the best article I could find on the subject and I like how it talks about the difference between income and wealth.
The Life You Can Save
This website is also listed in the article above. I like how it uses the tiered approach to deciding how much you should give. It only addresses income, not wealth, and it is focused on world poverty, but still a thoughtful guideline overall
Five Points to Consider for Annual Giving
from New York Times
Same author as the first article. I like how this article suggests a trifecta approach to diving your money between local, national, and international causes and how it emphasizes the importance of doing your homework.
Guide Star and Charity Navigator
Just like test scores aren't the only variable in determining a good school, financials aren't the only way to determine a good non-profit. However, it is a variable to do your homework on. I like to see their income vs. expenses, assets, and even how much the executive director makes.
Look for Vetting Sources
Locally, you can be confident any organization receiving a grant from the Santa Barbara Foundation has been well vetted, although certainly not a complete list of worthy non-profits.Nationally and internationally you can look at grant recipients from Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and sponsored projects of the Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors. Other vetted international organizations are listed on the Giving Charity As Gifts blog entry like
Tis Best and Global Giving.
Social Networks Giving to Social Causes, but at a Price
from New York Times
This article discusses the pros and cons of social network and giving websites such as Network For Good and Causes on Facebook. They take a cut of the donation and are they a necessary middleman? However, they provide marketing the non profit would not be able to provide or would have to pay themselves and they connect people with common interests.
Giving To Friends' Causes
I like to give to causes my friends are giving their time to. Even if it's not a big donation nor my priority, I like to show support for the time and energy my friends are putting into making an impact in the community.What is the Impact?
Is there a way to gage if the organization is making an impact? This is trickier to determine, but a good question to ask yourself. Look for MEASURABLE outcomes.Tips on Giving
Finally, please see my prior blog post for more articles on Tips on Giving.
I'd like to get more input from local experts on this subject so look for updated posts in the future. Additionally, I think deciding to volunteer your time somewhere is another question entirely so I'd also like to save that for another time.
Giving Charity as a Present
One of my resolutions is to give more charitable gifts as presents this year either in form of a donation or purchasing fair trade items. Here are some good resources for accomplishing this.
Gift Cards for Charity
from Washington Post
I like the idea of a charitable gift card because the recipient gets to shop for where the donation actually goes. The article mentions two good sites that they feel offer well vetted options:
Global Giving
Tis Best
Nicholas Kristoff's Suggestions
from New York Times
Any suggestions from this well known international aid journalist are bound to be worthy
Causecast
This site tells you what you can get for what dollar amount. For instance, $14.00 buys you school supplies for a former child slave in Ghana or $25.00 for immunizations for a child in Haiti. Also, includes lots of options in the U.S.
Change.org
I like how this charity gift giving guide is organized by the recipient's area of interest.
KIVA
I have wanted to give a microloan as a gift for years and have yet to do it. This is the year! I like this gift for two reasons. One, the recipient gets to shop for the loan they want to give. Secondly, when the loan is paid back, your recipient gets to loan the money again, and again.
Note: In another post on this blog there are several negative articles regarding microfinancing, but I am standing behind it's value when done ethically and with integrity.
12 Small Things
To purchase physical gifts from fair trade/socially responsible vendors check out this site. It was suggested by a friend of mine who is hired by foreign governments to increase the business of fair trade items to benefit their local communities.
Trade As One
I liked this site because it gives you background on the communities benefiting from your purchase. It not only has a selection of nice gifts, but also alternatives to items you buy for yourself probably not fair trade, like soccer balls.
Global Exchange Fair Trade
You can google "fair trade gifts" and get numerous suggested. This was one that looked particular good.
Gift Cards for Charity
from Washington Post
I like the idea of a charitable gift card because the recipient gets to shop for where the donation actually goes. The article mentions two good sites that they feel offer well vetted options:
Global Giving
Tis Best
Nicholas Kristoff's Suggestions
from New York Times
Any suggestions from this well known international aid journalist are bound to be worthy
Causecast
This site tells you what you can get for what dollar amount. For instance, $14.00 buys you school supplies for a former child slave in Ghana or $25.00 for immunizations for a child in Haiti. Also, includes lots of options in the U.S.
Change.org
I like how this charity gift giving guide is organized by the recipient's area of interest.
KIVA
I have wanted to give a microloan as a gift for years and have yet to do it. This is the year! I like this gift for two reasons. One, the recipient gets to shop for the loan they want to give. Secondly, when the loan is paid back, your recipient gets to loan the money again, and again.
Note: In another post on this blog there are several negative articles regarding microfinancing, but I am standing behind it's value when done ethically and with integrity.
12 Small Things
To purchase physical gifts from fair trade/socially responsible vendors check out this site. It was suggested by a friend of mine who is hired by foreign governments to increase the business of fair trade items to benefit their local communities.
Trade As One
I liked this site because it gives you background on the communities benefiting from your purchase. It not only has a selection of nice gifts, but also alternatives to items you buy for yourself probably not fair trade, like soccer balls.
Global Exchange Fair Trade
You can google "fair trade gifts" and get numerous suggested. This was one that looked particular good.
Sudan, Haiti, Microfinance Questioned, Solutions
SUDAN - over the years, much has been in the news about the human genocide happening in Darfur. This election could possibly split the country into two with unknown positive or negative results for its people's welfare.
Jimmy Carter and Nicholas Kristof Answer Readers' Questions About Sudan, Take 1 - NYTimes.com
This is a great link to hearing from Kristoff and former President Carter about the current election situation in Sudan and its impact.
Good comments about what Sudan will need if the country splits. Points out the role of aid and possible negative impact, "where aid funding undermines economic incentive or a government's ability to develop local systems is dangerous and can lead to further destabilization."
MICROFINANCE UNDER QUESTION - Just like it is hard to see well meaning foreign aid groups under attack, it's frustrating to see microfinance now being questioned. After reading these articles I am taking the stance that done ethically it is a good program.
Article talking about hostility toward micro lenders and the attempt to blame the Nobel prize winner who mainstreamed it in India, Muhammad Yunus.
Important point that many knock off lenders are in it for the profit and to take advantage. Muhammad Yunus addresses difference between Grammens Bank and the others.
And from Kristof, "Bangladesh has thrived in recent decades because of the strength of its civil society — especially Grameen and the equally amazing organization BRAC. Government governance has frankly been disappointing, but civil society has helped account for Bangladesh’s enormous gains. If the government is now going to crush the country’s strongest sector, heaven help it."
HAITI - On the one year mark of the earthquake, I have to include something.
This is a great resource for getting more on the impact NGO's have had in Haiti especially with all of the bad press they have been getting.
Great story behind how the NYT Haiti cover shot was captured.
This is a four part series. I don't agree with all of it, but I found this second article the most interesting.
Direct Relief International: Emergency Response - Haiti Earthquake
DRI's recap of the impact they have had this last year in Haiti. Despite all of the negative press NGO's have been getting, let's not forget the good work that is still done. You can also see CEO Thomas Tighe interviewed at msnbc.com Video Player. I like his quote, "There is no option to quit."
SOLUTIONS: "Fixes" is online only at the New York Times. It focuses on currently implemented solutions to social problems and why they work. Always interesting to read.
Direct Relief International: Emergency Response - Haiti Earthquake
DRI's recap of the impact they have had this last year in Haiti. Despite all of the negative press NGO's have been getting, let's not forget the good work that is still done. You can also see CEO Thomas Tighe interviewed at msnbc.com Video Player. I like his quote, "There is no option to quit."
SOLUTIONS: "Fixes" is online only at the New York Times. It focuses on currently implemented solutions to social problems and why they work. Always interesting to read.
This article discusses what it refers to as a more successful solution that can be implemented on a larger scale and that is paying the poor. Current successful examples are included.
This article addresses how some of the greatest advances come from taking old ideas or technologies and making them accessible to millions of people who are underserved. In this case, electricity from corn husks.
And to finish some things up:
Good article on the the US government aid agency's future. It's direction and what it needs. Emphasis is on aid that fosters economic development as a solution to poverty which is what I am reading more and more about as the best direction from people like Kristof.
Education Reform/Rhee's Blueprint Pulished
Rhee is controversial, but leading the charge on reform and getting a lot of attention.
Rhee's anticipated blueprint of her new advocacy group was released with three priorities:
1) focuses on overhauling teacher pay and evaluation plans, 2) giving parents more say in their child's education and 3) spending tax dollars more wisely.
In her own words and in the first article, she states, "A lot of the reason I started the group is so we can provide the cover a courageous political leader needs to push this agenda." Also check out, StudentsFirst.org
This article talks about the perils of Education reform, but the part that I found so interesting, and hopeful, is that "John Kline, the new Republican chairman of the House education committee, has praised Mr Duncan’s reforms." Remember Duncan is the Secretary of Education and he also support Rhee.
This article dissects the U.S.'s poor performance on the recent international PISA to show that whites did not do that poorly and the problem with our education system lies in educating the blacks and Hispanic students.
Admittedly, I haven't gotten a chance to go through this list yet, but plan to.
Obama aims to revise No Child Left Behind - Washington Post
From Obama, himself, this week.
Obama aims to revise No Child Left Behind - Washington Post
From Obama, himself, this week.
World Health Priorities
Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation
Global development and health are some of my own personal prioritizes, but I decided to see what were the priorities of the leading foundation in the world, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. It turns out, they also have these same interests. If you have never checked out their website, it's a good one to bookmark, spend some time with, and check out periodically.
Gauging Bill Gate's Health Grants Five Years In
from New York Times
The generosity and impact of this foundation is not only humbling, but the innovative thinking in looking at future solutions has me in awe. This recent article is an example of their innovative thinking.
World Health Organization Millennium Development Goals
Another link to spend some time with is the World Health Organization . This link takes you to the section on their Millennium Development Goals. I like to know that this kind of international structure and effort and is going on, but this also helps me see where to put my own priorities.
WHO: Year in Review 2010
Exactly what it says. The year in review from the World Health Organization
What Works - Maternal and Child Health
One of the top WHO: Millennium Development Goals focuses on maternal and child health. This article from Partnership in Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health discusses what we know works. This is also another great site and resource on the subject to bookmark.
Global development and health are some of my own personal prioritizes, but I decided to see what were the priorities of the leading foundation in the world, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. It turns out, they also have these same interests. If you have never checked out their website, it's a good one to bookmark, spend some time with, and check out periodically.
Gauging Bill Gate's Health Grants Five Years In
from New York Times
The generosity and impact of this foundation is not only humbling, but the innovative thinking in looking at future solutions has me in awe. This recent article is an example of their innovative thinking.
World Health Organization Millennium Development Goals
Another link to spend some time with is the World Health Organization . This link takes you to the section on their Millennium Development Goals. I like to know that this kind of international structure and effort and is going on, but this also helps me see where to put my own priorities.
WHO: Year in Review 2010
Exactly what it says. The year in review from the World Health Organization
What Works - Maternal and Child Health
One of the top WHO: Millennium Development Goals focuses on maternal and child health. This article from Partnership in Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health discusses what we know works. This is also another great site and resource on the subject to bookmark.
International Aid from Kristof
Nicholas Kristof
Many of you might have known who Nicholas Kristof was for years, but for me, I just discovered him a couple of months ago when I started reading his book, "Half the Sky."
The two time Pulitzer Prize winner and op-ed writer for the New York Times is my new deity.
Bill Clinton said in September 2009: "There is no one in journalism who has done anything like the work he has done to figure out how poor people are actually living around the world, and what their potential is....So every American citizen who cares about this should be profoundly grateful that someone in our press establishment cares enough about this to haul himself all around the world to figure out what's going on....I am personally in his debt, as are we all."
Below are some recent and not so recent postings of his.
What Haiti Needs Most
from New York Times
Nicholas Kristof on what we need most in Haiti is business investors to create jobs.
I've Seen The Future (in Haiti)
from New York Times
Nicholas Kristof on the importance of cell phone technology in aiding poverty areas.
In Kenya, Huts Far Off the Grid Harness the Sun
from New York Times
Not from Kristof, but recent article on the impact proving electricity, via solar panels, has on impoverished communities, not the least of which is being able to charge their cell phone, which ties into the importance of cell phones mentioned in the above article by Kristof.
Women's Crusade
from New York Times
This is from a special section published in Aug 2009 discussing the experiences leading him to write "Half the Sky." If you every feel down on your life, reading this book will make you realize how incredibly blessed you are and what amazing things people are doing to make an impact.
A School Bus for Shamsia
from New York Times
From this same section on "Saving the World's Women". This story gives you not only good insight into just how challenging is it for girls to gain access to education under the Taliban, but the culture issues we face in trying to help them even with money available. It starts, "Even before the men with acid came..."
The Daughter Deficit
from New York Times
A final selection from "Saving the World's Women" and another one that shows western interest in helping is not as simple as it looks. This article discusses how development seems to have not only failed to help many Indian girls but to have made things worse.
Women Fighting Sex Slavery Names CNN Hero of the Year
from CNN
I was in denial that sex slavery still exists, but Kristof pretty much enlightened me to my ignorance. This recent award by CNN is only further proof of the still existing issue.
Many of you might have known who Nicholas Kristof was for years, but for me, I just discovered him a couple of months ago when I started reading his book, "Half the Sky."
The two time Pulitzer Prize winner and op-ed writer for the New York Times is my new deity.
Bill Clinton said in September 2009: "There is no one in journalism who has done anything like the work he has done to figure out how poor people are actually living around the world, and what their potential is....So every American citizen who cares about this should be profoundly grateful that someone in our press establishment cares enough about this to haul himself all around the world to figure out what's going on....I am personally in his debt, as are we all."
Below are some recent and not so recent postings of his.
What Haiti Needs Most
from New York Times
Nicholas Kristof on what we need most in Haiti is business investors to create jobs.
I've Seen The Future (in Haiti)
from New York Times
Nicholas Kristof on the importance of cell phone technology in aiding poverty areas.
In Kenya, Huts Far Off the Grid Harness the Sun
from New York Times
Not from Kristof, but recent article on the impact proving electricity, via solar panels, has on impoverished communities, not the least of which is being able to charge their cell phone, which ties into the importance of cell phones mentioned in the above article by Kristof.
Women's Crusade
from New York Times
This is from a special section published in Aug 2009 discussing the experiences leading him to write "Half the Sky." If you every feel down on your life, reading this book will make you realize how incredibly blessed you are and what amazing things people are doing to make an impact.
A School Bus for Shamsia
from New York Times
From this same section on "Saving the World's Women". This story gives you not only good insight into just how challenging is it for girls to gain access to education under the Taliban, but the culture issues we face in trying to help them even with money available. It starts, "Even before the men with acid came..."
The Daughter Deficit
from New York Times
A final selection from "Saving the World's Women" and another one that shows western interest in helping is not as simple as it looks. This article discusses how development seems to have not only failed to help many Indian girls but to have made things worse.
Women Fighting Sex Slavery Names CNN Hero of the Year
from CNN
I was in denial that sex slavery still exists, but Kristof pretty much enlightened me to my ignorance. This recent award by CNN is only further proof of the still existing issue.
The Latest in Education Reform
Before September, I had never heard of Michelle Rhee. Now, she is dominating the media on education reform. She was the D.C. Chancellor of Schools highlighted in the film "Waiting for Superman." In October, she resigned and followed up with a large media blitz announcing her new venture StudentsFirst.org.
Is Rhee's Project Right on Track?
from greatergreaterwashington.org
This article sums up how I feel about Rhee? I am cheering for her, but I am unclear on her new venture. Rhee is suppose release her legislative agenda this week so keep an eye out for it.
What Rhee Wrought
from Washington Post
Despite this negative article on Rhee, I am still rooting for her.
School Reform: A Chance for Bipartisn Governing
from Washington Post
After reading this article, I was disappointed to realize it had been written by Arne Duncan, Secretary of Education. I would have liked a more unbiased author. However, it's still worth reading and here is a link to a response to what he says, The Answer Sheet: A Reponse to Arne Duncan
Economist's Plan to Improve Schools Begins Before Kindergarten
from New York Times
A prominent businessman's and a prominent economists' opinion that the solution to reducing the budget deficit and strengthening the economy is investing in early childhood education. It is one more reason I am such a strong supporter of early childhood education. Additionally, in David Brook's op-ed this week, regarding the size of government, he lists early childhood education as the first thing democrats believe is needed to compete in our society.
Low Performing Schools Replace Staff
from NPR
The Obama administration is behind and continuing to support nationally what was Rhee's controversial decision, as Washington D.C. Chancellor, to replace poor performing teachers despite huge battles with the teacher's union.
The Value of a Good Teacher
from Wall Street Journal
One economist estimates the added value of a good teacher to the future earnings of a class of 20 students to be $240,000 annually.
Is Rhee's Project Right on Track?
from greatergreaterwashington.org
This article sums up how I feel about Rhee? I am cheering for her, but I am unclear on her new venture. Rhee is suppose release her legislative agenda this week so keep an eye out for it.
What Rhee Wrought
from Washington Post
Despite this negative article on Rhee, I am still rooting for her.
School Reform: A Chance for Bipartisn Governing
from Washington Post
After reading this article, I was disappointed to realize it had been written by Arne Duncan, Secretary of Education. I would have liked a more unbiased author. However, it's still worth reading and here is a link to a response to what he says, The Answer Sheet: A Reponse to Arne Duncan
Economist's Plan to Improve Schools Begins Before Kindergarten
from New York Times
A prominent businessman's and a prominent economists' opinion that the solution to reducing the budget deficit and strengthening the economy is investing in early childhood education. It is one more reason I am such a strong supporter of early childhood education. Additionally, in David Brook's op-ed this week, regarding the size of government, he lists early childhood education as the first thing democrats believe is needed to compete in our society.
Low Performing Schools Replace Staff
from NPR
The Obama administration is behind and continuing to support nationally what was Rhee's controversial decision, as Washington D.C. Chancellor, to replace poor performing teachers despite huge battles with the teacher's union.
The Value of a Good Teacher
from Wall Street Journal
One economist estimates the added value of a good teacher to the future earnings of a class of 20 students to be $240,000 annually.
Local and Misc.
Local Dentist Does Goodwill in Afghanistan
from The Independent
Inspiring story about a local dentist who set up practice in Afghanistan
Palmer Jackson Elected to Santa Barbara Foundation Board
from Noozhawk
Three new trustees announced, including Palmer. Also, another mentioned of their new website and the recent announcement of their new grant recipients at sbfoundation.org
Volunteers Help Direct Relief International
from Noozhawk
I am only including this article because I participated in this event. It was rewarding taking the time from what felt like constant consumerism for my own family to help those less fortunate. I suggest you put a reminder in your calendar for next Dec to find out when they will be dong it. Of course you can help throughout the year, but this was just very timely.
Website Challenges Rich to Give Back Tax Cut
from MSNBC
Read this article and check out www.giveitbackforjobs.org to see if you should be giving back your tax break.
How Aid Can Hinder Southern Sudan
from Huffington Post
I naturally think, "the more aid the better" in terms of solving world poverty so it's interesting to me to realize this isn't always true and why.
Top Ten 2010 Victories from Change.org
from Change.org
Change.org is the leading site for social change, providing daily news and information about important social issues and empowering people to take action.
Obama Creates Council to Promote Social Change
from Chronicles of Philanthropy
New council to advise Obama on social change includes former executive director of Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and Jon Bon Jovi.
from The Independent
Inspiring story about a local dentist who set up practice in Afghanistan
Palmer Jackson Elected to Santa Barbara Foundation Board
from Noozhawk
Three new trustees announced, including Palmer. Also, another mentioned of their new website and the recent announcement of their new grant recipients at sbfoundation.org
Volunteers Help Direct Relief International
from Noozhawk
I am only including this article because I participated in this event. It was rewarding taking the time from what felt like constant consumerism for my own family to help those less fortunate. I suggest you put a reminder in your calendar for next Dec to find out when they will be dong it. Of course you can help throughout the year, but this was just very timely.
Website Challenges Rich to Give Back Tax Cut
from MSNBC
Read this article and check out www.giveitbackforjobs.org to see if you should be giving back your tax break.
How Aid Can Hinder Southern Sudan
from Huffington Post
I naturally think, "the more aid the better" in terms of solving world poverty so it's interesting to me to realize this isn't always true and why.
Top Ten 2010 Victories from Change.org
from Change.org
Change.org is the leading site for social change, providing daily news and information about important social issues and empowering people to take action.
Obama Creates Council to Promote Social Change
from Chronicles of Philanthropy
New council to advise Obama on social change includes former executive director of Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and Jon Bon Jovi.
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