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Pope Francis: Champion of the Poor

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Forbes Magazine has released its annual “World’s Most Powerful People” list, ranking the leaders of nations, intergovernmental agencies and businesses in relation to global influence. In the year 2013, the fourth most influential person in the world is the newly elected leader of the Roman Catholic Church, who has been drawing a lot of positive attention to the office.

As the leader of a church membership of over 1 billion people, Pope Francis has been dedicated to taking the papacy to the poor and the downtrodden. In Latin America, he has recently been nicknamed the Slum Pope because of his frequent visits to the more dangerous and impoverished neighborhoods in the region. His visits to the more destitute areas have given hope that the Catholic Church will do more to help those who cannot help themselves.

After his election in March, Pope Francis called for the church and its followers to return to helping the poor. In the papal tradition of taking on a new name after election, he purposely chose the name of Francis, after Saint Francis d’Assisi. The saint is widely known and recognized as the son of a wealthy man who left his riches to help the poor as a member of the clergy. In Pope Francis’ speeches, he has often championed the themes of poverty, hope and social justice which are the interests of the poor. Helping the poor is the constant theme of his papacy which has been warmly received wherever he has visited.

In his short ministry, he has visited the Italian Island of Lampedusa which is the frequent destination of fleeing African Immigrants seeking better economic and social opportunities in Europe. Every year many Africans unsuccessfully embark to the island with the hopes of ending their poverty but, instead, drown in the Mediterranean before reaching their goal. In his visit to the island, the Pope wept for those that had died and suggested repurposing church resources to accommodate African migrants.

As one of the most admired figures in the world, the Pope has always had a tremendous impact on not only his religious followers but leaders of nations across the world. The Pope is trying to use his office as a worldwide leader to be an advocate for improving the livelihood of the poor. His admirable example is one that should be emulated by leaders throughout the world.

– Travis Whinery

Sources: CNN, CNN Blog, Time, BBC News, Fox News, Forbes
Photo: The Times

How to Teach Kids to Give Back

Teach Kids to Give Back
1. Teach kids to be empathetic toward others in need. Children naturally want to help others, with a little guidance and encouragement it comes easily. For example, when a child at a playground sees another child fall down, their automatic instinct is to help. Foster this instinct and lead by example.  When you’re walking into a store with a food drive bin, toss in a can of soup. Offer change to a homeless man on the street or water to a stray dog. These simple yet impactful acts of giving will instill empathy in children. Also, allow them to see you do this and they will have questions. This opens up conversations about giving at a very early age.

2. Take advantage of every opportunity to give back. There are always times when someone is in need of help. When you spot that need, fulfill it. The help could be as simple as holding a door open for an elderly woman or as big as volunteering at the food bank holiday drive. Moms and Dads are a child’s first and most important role model.  Let your kids see that helping others is simple and an everyday occurrence.

3. Create a list of annual charity events the whole family can be involved in. There are many organizations that allow whole family involvement and help from smaller kids. In fact it’s encouraged. For instance, make it a point to give change every time your family sees those familiar bell ringers with their red kettles. Doing this each time will cause your little ones to become excited to give.  Use those opportunities to start the dialog about who the money in the red kettles benefits and what a difference they are making. The Tree of Sharing is another great campaign held annually.

Children feel good knowing they are making another child’s Christmas gift wish come true. Trick or Treat for UNICEF is also a fun way for children to give back to others globally. For over 60 years UNICEF has joined little ghosts and ghouls on their journey for treats. Children simply say trick or treat for UNICEF and hold up a UNICEF print out box to hold donations. Participating in the various walks and runs for charity is a perfect way to give back in the warmer months, as well.

Make giving a part of your everyday life and it will become a part of your child’s as well.

– Amy Robinson

Sources: Giving Tuesday

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Non-Governmental Organizations, What Are They?

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Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), in general terms, are nonprofit organizations composed of like-minded individuals that seek to influence society on the local, national, or global level. NGOs serve a wide variety of functions, but their main focus is to foster accountability and to inform the public of social issues. There are thousands of NGOs around the world, and each has its own particular goal. Some organizations may follow a general mission such as gaining equality for all women, while others have a specific focus such as providing clean water to Ugandan youth.

Each organization maintains a certain orientation in order to carry out its goals. These may include a basis of service, participatory, charitable, or empowerment orientation. Charitable groups may donate food or clothes to the poor. Participatory organizations focus on self-help programs in their area and are usually on-going. Service groups normally give time and provide much needed services in an area needing improvement. Empowerment focused organizations generally focus on the outside forces that contribute to an issue, such as social pressures and policies.

Organizations can also be classified as operational or advocacy based. Operational NGOs follow specific guidelines in order to design and carry out projects. For instance a local group hosts literature nights in order to increase female literacy in the area. In contrast, an advocacy based organization may utilize the media to inform the public of the low literacy rates and increase public support for education.

NGOs are defined by their lack of government affiliation or control. However, business leaders may become involved in several ways, such as serving as board members. Because each country has its own guidelines determining NGO status, the exact number of current nonprofits remains unknown but they usually fall into three levels:

1. Local NGOs

Local or Community-based NGOs focus on the needs of the immediate, regional area. These groups often have a particular focus group or membership such as a women’s group or a farmers association. Success is often inclusive and beneficial only to the members involved.

2. National NGOs

National NGOs operate on a wider plane and target policy in order to influence a cause or issue. They often serve the role of mediators between the public and policy makers. For example, The Borgen Project advocates an end to global poverty by directly informing American citizens of the effects of poverty and directly urging US lawmakers to maintain policy in support of foreign aid.

3. Global NGOs

Global NGOs, such as Amnesty International, advocate and design programs in order to deal with global issues. Focused primarily on developing countries, it is common for these groups to conduct several programs simultaneously in different regions of the world. Also, many of these organizations work in conjunction with the United Nations, following predetermined guide lines like the Millennium Development Goals.

– Jasmine D. Smith

Sources: NGO.org, Amnesty.org, NGO Handbook

Photo: X-Pert Services

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Louis and Anne Abrons Foundation

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The Louis and Anne Abrons Foundation is a private foundation stationed out of New York, NY. Started in 1951, the Abrons Foundation provides gifts, grants, and loans to other organizations in need. Today, its assets range roughly from $10,000,000 to $50,000, 000.

From schools like New York University (NYU) and Wilberforce University to institutions like the Metropolitan Opera House and Henry Street Settlement, the foundation has donated to all types of causes. Most recipients of the Abrons Foundation hail from areas like the District of Columbia, Illinois, Ohio and New York, though funding is not limited to these areas.

Richard Abrons, acting President of the Abrons Foundation, wishes to keep the majority of foundation spending near the home office in New York. “As the president of the Louis and Anne Abrons Foundation, I have overseen grants to more than 200 nonprofits… Most benefit our city (New York), which is our emphasis,” he said in an interview with The Huffington Post.

Richard Abrons is also a well-known playwright in the New York and Los Angeles communities. He is extremely well educated, receiving his BA from Yale, his MBA from Columbia and his MFA from NYU. In addition to the Abrons Foundation, Richard Abrons is Managing Director of First Manhattan Co., an investment management company, and Vice Chairman and former President of the Henry Street Settlement. He is also the director of GrowNYC.

–Meagan Hurley

Sources: Huffington Post, Idiologic, GuideStar, FAQs
Photo: Henry Street

 

3 Steps to Finding Your Perfect (Charity) Match

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Christmas decorations line the shelves of stores nationwide and carols aren’t far behind. With each day leading closer to the holiday season, everyone is (somewhat) feeling the giving spirit. But how does one chose to whom to give? What places one charity organization above another? Here are three steps to finding your perfect charity match.

1. Know Yourself

With any great relationship, compatibility is essential. Not an early riser? Then Saturday morning marathons are not for you. Races like 5Ks are common around this time of year and each program raises funds for an important cause. But if you are not ready to make the 6:00 am commitment, feel free to find another way to give. Many participants match funds. For each mile completed, a donor promises a certain amount to give. If the neighbor’s kid is expecting $1 per mile and runs 5 miles, you have given $5 to a good cause (but feel free to give more).

2. Find Common Interests

Stick to things in which you are interested. Love to shop? Many stores and online retailers offer free donation programs. Even if you only have the funds for the basic necessities, there are still ways to give. Check out the Borgen Project’s Amazon portal. Shop as you normally do and up to 4 percent of your purchase goes toward ending global poverty without costing you a single penny!

It’s important to find an organization that shares your interests. Otherwise, you are more likely to stop participating. If you have a life-long love of any activity, look for programs that incorporate it into their cause. For example, basketball lovers may be interested in Ball For All, a program sponsored by Peace Corps, that uses sports teams to encourage leadership among female youth in Africa.

3. Communicate

Feel free to ask questions to determine if a potential organization shares your values. Honesty and loyalty are highly valued in today’s society. Many non-profits are aware of this and strive to maintain a level of transparency. Education advocates may be interested in organizations that deliver books to poverty-ridden areas like the World Literacy Foundation which sponsors programs that encourage literacy through digital reading and tutoring in developing countries.

Want to find out where your money is going? Ask. Many organizations provide financial statements or summaries for their donors on their websites. Also, feel free to ask about program follow up. It has become common for organizations to have a Newsletter or Press Release section on their websites. So feel free to research programs and track their accomplishments.

Most importantly, remember that choosing a charity is a lot like choosing a partner. Know the qualities for which you are looking in a charity and don’t be afraid to question a potential organization. As a donor, you owe it to yourself to know all the facts.

– Jasmine D. Smith

Sources: The Borgen Project, Ball for All, My Perfect Match, World Literacy Foundation
Photo: Sadlier

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5 Benefits to Giving Back to the Community

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There are a variety of ways in which giving back to the community, both local and global, are beneficial:

1. Giving back can foster growth in a company or for an entrepreneur by providing an opportunity to listen and learn from the community (what it wants, and what it needs, and what it means to give). The act of giving back doesn’t have to proceed without thought of what the company needs or even what the company desires to give. Developing a standard policy about the causes you’re willing to donate to and support will allow the charities and organizations that approach you to be in support of your commitment.

The conversation can grow beyond guilt and into one of support. When it comes to listening to the community your business or organization might serve (be it a specific location or a certain demographic) you become more informed by the goals and needs of the community you’re attempting to serve and can tailor future projects towards these goals and needs.

2. An obvious benefit of giving back is that it helps the community, whether the help is on a global scale (foreign aid donations, clothing/food/etc. donations in the wake of natural disasters, or volunteer work) or a local one (donating food to a food bank, volunteering to help students after school, or aiding in cleaning up local waterways), the community improves.

Especially when aid involves helping others make progress beyond the limits of economic, educational, or social blockades. While the changes may be more difficult to grasp on a global level, at the local level the progress made is also visible. Which leads to…

3. Giving back, especially on an individual level (such as tutoring, mentoring a child or volunteering in a soup kitchen), is good for your health. Depending on the work one is doing: physical health can be improved by increased activity, regulated sleep schedules, and better sleep in general, stress relief, and can help reduce the risk of certain health problems, like heart attacks and strokes.

There are studies that show volunteer work can make people happier by boosting not only physical health but also by promoting social interactions and of course the good vibes that come from contributing to the community. This potentially happier and healthier mindset promotes a desire to give back more.

4. Maybe you’re looking for a career change or a career boost, a volunteer opportunity would be a great and beneficial way to begin. Whether you’re writing grants in your spare time or building houses, volunteering is work.

It takes and builds skills and understanding and provides the professional or someone just starting out with a network of people just as invested as they are in the progress of whatever project is in the works. In similar fashion, volunteer work provides a foothold into and gives one a stake in the community

5. Having a stake in the community means coming in contact with community members who may often be overlooked, ignored, or outright scorned depending on their situations. This works both on a local and global scale.

It’s easier to see why more needs to be done on a legislative level if one can see that even with aid programs there are still limits to what someone working full-time or someone on disability or someone without running water, electricity, the list goes on, is capable of doing when the law ignores, fails to protect, or actively works against them.

Meeting other members of your community may also be as simple as visiting a retirement community with your dog or helping out in the community garden. Whatever you end up doing you’re getting a better understanding of the community of which you are a part and its needs.

– The Borgen Project

Sources: Huffington Post, Southern Alpha 
Photo: NCHS

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5 Great Male Writers Recognize the Importance of Giving Back

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These 5 great male writers express in their writing the importance of giving back:

 

I slept and dreamt that life was joy. I awoke and saw that life was service. I acted and behold, service was joy.

– Rabindranath Tagore, a Nobel Prize winning Indian writer, whose novels and poetry are still admired by the whole world today. Famous works include Gitanjali, The Home and the World, and some select poetry.

 

No one is useless in this world who lightens the burdens of another.

– Charles Dickens, a 19th century English writer who was well known and renowned for his giving voice to the poor through his writing. Famous works include A Tale of Two Cities, Great Expectations, and A Christmas Carol.

 

To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded.

– Ralph Waldo Emerson, a 19th century American transcendentalist writer, who wrote mostly philosophical essays. Famous works include “Self Reliance,” “Nature,” and other select essays.

 

Charity itself fulfills the law/ And who can sever love from charity?

– William Shakespeare, the great bard, perhaps the most well-known playwright in history, toyed with themes of politics, society, and family. Famous works include Romeo and Juliet, Hamlet, Much Ado about Nothing, and a collection of sonnets.

 

While we do our good works let us not forget that the real solution lies in a world in which charity will have become unnecessary.

– Chinua Achebe, a 21st century Nigerian author who writes from a post-colonial perspective, tying his stories back to the colonial era. Famous works include Things Fall Apart, Arrow of God, Anthills of the Savannah, and a particularly controversial criticism of Joseph Conrad’s Heart of Darkness.

– Aalekhya Malladi

5 Great Female Writers on Giving Back

Sources: Goodreads, Moveme Quotes
Photo: Paste Magazine

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Birmingham Partnership Walk Raises Money to Fight Global Poverty

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On September 22, 2013, over 2,200 people participated in the Birmingham Partnership Walk in order to raise awareness and money for those around the world living in poverty as well as the organizations that are pledged to help them.

The partnership walk was held at the city’s Railroad Park, and hosted a 5K run, a 1K youth run, a 100-yard dash, and a 3K family walk. Attendees could partake in these events while various groups, such as local marching bands and choirs, entertained the participants. Last year, 1,950 people participated in the partnership walk, raising $300,000. This year’s walk matched that goal.

The annual paternship walk is an event conducted by Aga Khan Foundation USA (AKF USA), which conducts similar Partnership Walks in 10 other cities around the United States. Aga Khan Foundation USA is a nonprofit humanitarian organization that focuses on agriculture, education, healthcare and other forms of development in Africa and Central Asia. All of the money raised at the walks organized by AKF USA goes to fund projects that directly battle global poverty.

Volunteer organizer Salima Mulji remarked that people should consider themselves part of a single global community, and, as such, it is the responsibility of everyone to help those in need. As a native resident of Southeast Asia, Mulji knows the advantages of growing up in the United States. Volunteering with AKF during the partnership walk is her way of giving back.

– Rahul Shah

Sources: ALL Alabama, Partnerships in Action, Alabama 13
Photo: Aga Khan Foundation USA

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Soles4Souls Barefoot Movement

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Soles4Souls is a nonprofit, humanitarian organization based in Nashville, Tennessee, that is fighting global poverty by collecting and distributing shoes and clothes to the world’s most vulnerable. It also  supports micro-enterprise around the world. Sole4Souls engages in direct distribution of these supplies and also creates sustainable employment by providing shoes and textiles for impoverished people worldwide to sell to their communities.

On October 10, Soles4Souls urged the world’s privileged to make a choice and live a day without shoes with the Barefoot4Them initiative. Sole4Souls hopes that by going barefoot, people can raise awareness of the conditions that the world’s poor have to experience every day and which will the serve to spread the word about the organization.

By completing an online form, those who wished to participate in the global event received a printable card with the story of someone who is living in poverty and who needs shoes and clothing. Soles4Souls stresses the powerful impact that can be made by “going barefoot, sharing their story, and engaging others to get involved.”

Social media is also playing a large part of this initiative, with KindRunner.com donating $1 for every photo posted of an individual going barefoot with the hashtag #barefoot4them.

Thus far, Soles4Souls has received and distributed millions of articles of shoes and clothing and has provided for many sustainable micro-enterprise jobs that have helped those in places where it is very hard to make a living.

– Rahul Shah

Sources: Soles4Souls, Sports & Social Change, PR Web
Photo: Imugr

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David Ortiz, DH (Designated Helper)

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David Ortiz could take a shot at running for Massachusetts governor, and he would probably make the race a close one. Ortiz is the most popular baseball player in the New England area, and the most accomplished designated hitter (DH) in baseball history. Ortiz is known for his flair for the dramatic, pulling victory from the jaws of defeat with his mammoth home run power. However, Ortiz is not just another egotistic human with a knack for hitting baseballs. David Ortiz is a man driven by nature to help others less fortunate than him, in any way he possibly can. The David Ortiz Children’s Fund (DOCF) was founded to aid less fortunate children around the world to obtain the best supplies and circumstances they can.

The DOCF was founded in 2006 after Ortiz visited a local hospital in Boston, Massachusetts. Ortiz was shocked by the resilience of the children who had just gone through heart surgery, and he vowed to help children throughout the world that could not have access to the facilities New England children could. Therefore, DOCF was founded to assist the other children worldwide.

Since its founding, DOCF has been making a difference through its partnership with two other charities, Heart Care Dominicana and World Pediatric Project. By joining forces with these programs that have similar goals, Ortiz is fulfilling his goal of benefiting children that would otherwise be faced to fend for problems on their own.

Heart Care Dominicana is a non-profit organization that provides cardiovascular care for families that cannot afford it in the Dominican Republic. Heart Care Dominicana has two main goals: providing the care needed and training personnel in communities to solve problems internally. The program began its first operation in 2006 and has been working hard to accomplish its goals. DOCF is one of the major financial backing forces behind the program, and with continued support the cardiovascular care program will continue to thrive.

World Pediatric Project (WPP) is focused on improving the quality of life and providing healthcare services to children in the Caribbean and Central America areas. WPP has four main goals: to send surgical and diagnostic teams to communities to provide care, to develop illness prevention programs, to provide transportation for children who need treatment in American facilities, and to build up the local healthcare workforce.

By aligning with these programs, DOCF is achieving its starting goals. Ortiz is helping the world’s children through the programs with which he has partnered, impacting lives in droves. The health programs have been successful for many years. With continued support from DOCF and other charities, WPP and Heart Care Dominicana can continue to change lives. Ortiz is living up to the vow he made in 2006, and he proves it every time a child receives healthcare that was previously unattainable.

– Zachary Wright

Sources: World Pediatric Project, Heart Care Dominicana
Photo: Boston Sports