BE the Change

Both myself and Andrew have blogged about "being the change." But what does that mean? It means DOING SOMETHING! Doing something to fix something else. This world is filled with injustice. The only way to fix that injustice is to BE the change. Although we can't actually stop hunger by ourselves, WE CAN do something about it.

I've compiled a list of legitimate organizations that change the world. By donating to or buying from these organizations, YOU are changing the world. Click the link and you should be taken directly to the website.

1.) World Vision--Adopt a Child 
http://www.worldvision.org/sponsor-child

This organization allows you to "adopt" a child in a third world country. It costs $35 per month and you get to pick a child. You can correspond with your adopted child and send them small gifts. For about a dollar a day, you provide that child with clean water, food, healthcare and more. This organization is close to my heart. I got to SEE World Vision in action in Nicaragua. I knew their work was legitimate, but actually seeing in action was remarkable.

2) World Vision Gifts
http://donate.worldvision.org/OA_HTML/xxwv2ibeCCtpSctDspRte.jsp?go=gift&&section=10389

Have a friend or in-law that is SO difficult to shop for? World Vision has the perfect solution. You can donate in honor of someone.
You can donate:
-an animal: you can donate chickens, goats, cows, etc. to families so that they can create a sustainable farm      and have a constant food supply
-clean water: you can provide a well, water pump, or water filter to a family or community to provide them      with clean water.
-clothing and shelter: you can provide clothing or shelter for a family in need
-education: you can provide education for a child
-emergency aid: help provide aid in the food crisis or disaster relief all over the world
-food: help provide MEANS to get food:  fishing tools, farming kits and tools, and fruit trees for families in      need
AND MORE... like job training, sewing machine, small business loan, bicycle, new mother starter kit

These gifts are WONDERFUL!

3) Sevenly
http://www.sevenly.org/

Each week, they choose a different organization to donate to. Each week, they have new clothing to support that organization. Their clothing is fashionable and at a good cost. Each item you buy, they donate $7 to that week's campaign. This week, they are partnering with Invisible Children, helping children in Africa that have been forced to be soldiers for Kony's army. Previously, they have donated to an autism awareness group, to stop bullying, help the clean water crisis, fight against abuse and the china sex trade, etc.
I personally purchase from this company and love it!

4) Blood: Water Mission
https://secure3.convio.net/bwm/site/Donation2?df_id=2240&2240.donation=form1

Blood: Water Mission empowers HIV-affected communities in Zambia. With your donation, you can donate HIV testing, mosquito nets, or even a water filter for a community.

5) Exile International
http://exileinternational.org/

Oh, goodness! This is another cause so so so close to my heart. The girl that founded this organization is from Murray, and I've worked with her some over the years. If you click on "store" you will see the jewelry that I helped sell because my heart was so much into this organization. Bethany is a psychologist that works with previous child soldiers. Some of these kids were stolen from their home to fight for Kony. Bethany told me that sometimes the people make the children kill and eat their own parents in order to be "brainwashed" by the army. The bracelets and necklaces they make are made from recycled magazines cut up and rolled---she uses this in therapy, teaching the children that even though they are cut up and ugly, they can be made beautiful  (just like the beads that those magazine papers make). Each time Bethany goes to Africa, she returns with drawings from the kids that can be purchased. Her whole presentation is beautiful. I recommend this organization 120%.

What are YOU going to do to be the change? Consider making one donation a month to one of these wonderful organizations. Change the world one donation/purchase at a time. It all starts with you.

Blessings,

Faith