Give Something Back

[babylonsister]

http://www.commondreams.org/archive/2008/05/14/8943/

Give Something Back
Catherine Cooper


snip//

I asked each team member to describe what the world might be like if everyone actually sent a percentage of their refund check to a charity of their choice.

Phil wrote, “The world would be like the best of human came out…. We’d be encouraged by our priorities. We could have followed ‘the program’ and spent it all on ourselves, but we didn’t - we thought of those in real need of the gift… I’d call it a miracle. I’d call it a shift, a sea change… a new face for America.”

As the clock ticked, we found, that even as a team we simply didn’t have time to complete our tasks. We were idealistic — and not one bit sad about it. We didn’t create a website, the video has not been shot and the blog is in sketch stage. But, the dream is still alive and the idea simply needs to be broadcast — one person to the next — which is what I’m doing with this column.

Instead of taking that rebate check — whatever size you might happen to receive, and spending it solely on yourself, take some percentage of it — whatever makes your heart feel fuller, and direct it toward someone with greater need. There are so many that could use your help — those who are hungry, or have no access to clean water or an education.

The list of charities is as long as you might imagine. Annie’s favorite web organization is www.charitynavigator.org/ which functions as an evaluator for causes and non-profits seeking donations. They have a rating system on over 5,000 of America’s best-known charities.

“Everyone is in this world together, and we have to make it work. There is no option,” wrote Annie. “The world is only as strong as its weakest link, ever action affects something, and since this is such a great action, it will be felt by everyone… You don’t have to be a millionaire to do so, every single person can make a difference.”

Play it forward.

[sfaprog]

1. The Bush regime has already decided who my charity will be...