Give Back
November is the start of the giving season in many cultures around the world. Literally every little bit helps. Floods, hurricanes, earthquakes, extreme poverty and disease have no part of the world untouched. There is enough pain to go around for all.
Get out there and start making a difference. Even a flood starts with tiny drops of water. Be part of that flood of good will and good energy. Don’t know where to start? Here are a few suggestions. These organizations have the means to do it right

http://www.ifrc.org
International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies
This is the world’s largest humanitarian organization. With member societies in 181 countries the IFRC makes it easy to think globally and act locally. The website is easy to navigate. Get involved. You can contact the IFRC directly or use the directory to find a local Red Cross or Red Crescent organization. Volunteer some time and energy in your local community. Donate blood. It literally gives life. There are more ways to donate than just money, but that is always a good idea too. The IFRC crosses all boundaries – political, social, cultural, economic and otherwise. It is an organization about people helping people on a local and international level and great way to make a positive impact in the world around you.

http://www.unicef.org
UNICEF
The United Nations Children’s Fund focuses on the youngest members of society. The current focus of UNICEF is on children that are AIDS / HIV positive. Children that had no choice about becoming infected with disease. Here again the website is quite user friendly. It is easy to see where the need is the greatest and where your donation will be put to a good use. One of the easiest ways to donate is via those little orange boxes that you see every fall. Yup, Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF. It is something I did as a child that I have carried into adulthood and am glad that my son as decided to carry the tradition as well. The box goes on my desk every fall and I ask co-workers to just donate whatever they have for spare change. This year we collected just over $100 or change that we knew would help children in need. It is good tradition to teach – kids helping kids. Here again this is a great way to add a little positive energy to a world so full of pain

http://www.one.org
The One Campaign
The One Campaign does not ask for your money or your time, just your voice. The focus of this US based organization is to raise awareness. We live in a time where the world has the resources to globally eradicate extreme poverty, yet uses those resources to other means. The One Campaign has united aid groups from around the country and around the globe to centrally focus efforts and to speak with one voice to politicians on a national and international level. Just one percent of the national budget from the G-8 countries could make a global difference for everyone on this planet. One percent. The one campaign has the media means to ask politicians to make that commitment, but they need to show that they have the support of the people. Here again, this group crosses all political and social boundaries. Their only focus is about making a difference. Consider adding your voice to others also willing to stand up and change the world.
Spread some positive energy in the world around you.
Until next month.
LA. Judge / nodeaf