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24 JAN 2013
A Guide to Giving, a writer's reflection
Publications have always been a big part of my life. From my grandfather who always had his nose buried in a newspaper to spending years after class in a student pressroom, I can think of no better way to give power to an idea or message than publishing and sharing it with others. It reminds me of the philosophical thought experiment that asks, "If a tree falls in a forest and no one is around to hear it, does it make a sound?" I have had the honor of working with Givology for two years now, and the beautiful acts of transformative giving that occur with the help of our grassroots NGO partners never cease to amaze me. We have developed and contextualized giving in a manner that fits our organization; however, we also did not want our work to be like that tree in an empty forest. By sharing the Givology story with the large network of do- gooders and social entrepreneurs in the non-profit sphere, we look to make a sound with [i]A Guide to Giving[/i]. Getting to interview Je... -
01 APR 2012
Interview with Global Peace Exchange Director Alison Giest
With the mission to create sustainable, grassroots development projects through student exchanges, the Global Peace Exchange has a two-fold effect: local communities would receive benefit at the grassroots level and students would also be exposed to opportunities in the humanitarian field. The hope is that students achieve a shared understanding of the common human struggle to survive, a moral and ethical education about the issues affecting a particular area or culture, and the hope to aid in the building of a new “civilization” of humanity. I was able to get some insight from the Global Peace Exchange's director Alison Giest regarding her involvement with the organization and what it means to give What is your role in the organization and how long have you been involved? What are your responsibilities? For this academic year August 2011 till now I have been co-Director. This is my third year with the organization. Currently, I: oversee a 15 student-volunteer board to manag... -
18 MAR 2012
Featured Partner: Dave Welch of the D.O.V.E. Fund
Determined to bring the greatest impact per dollar to Vietnamese communities, the D.O.V.E. Fund has taken an enlightened philosophy with its allocation of donations: 100% of all donations go directly to the construction of schools, scholarships, medical care and disaster relief. The D.O.V.E Fund's mission is, "To provide humanitarian and development assistance to areas in Vietnam; to provide communication, education and cultural exchanges that reflects the best qualities of both cultures. To create an environment brightened by hope and sustained by peace." For veterans of the Vietnam War who have been scarred by memories for decades, a return to Vietnam can provide the ultimate healing. It is in this environment where many veterans finally put Vietnam in perspective. The generous nature of the Vietnamese people helps many veterans deal with the images of their wartime experience and see a new Vietnam. To help those who were once enemies is a remarkable personal journey... -
08 MAR 2012
Featured partner: Darius Getanda of Carolina for Kibera
School is an impossible luxury for families in Kibera, many of whom subsist on two dollars a day. However, Carolina for Kibera (CFK) has taken an enlightened philosophy: a family's economic situation should never limit a child's potential to succeed in school. CFK creates sustainable, positive solutions by seeking out local leaders to champion change both inside and outside of the community. Having founded Carolina for Kibera in 2010, Darius Getanda works through his organization to realize the impact of giving through education in Kibera. 1. Why did you start Carolina for Kibera? My inspiration in working for Carolina for Kibera is to give students a chance to succeed in education, especially for students in high school, which is not affordable for many in Kenya. These are kids that almost dropped out of school. To be given them a second chance, it gives me satisfaction. I believe in education is one way you can escape poverty. I love working in the communities. It was like... -
27 FEB 2012
Featured Student: Christopher Onyango
Growing up in the Nairobi region of Kenya, 19-year-old Christopher Onyango has not only struggled with the death of his father but also leaving school in order to support his family financially. A class prefect at Olympic High School in charge of the school's keys, Christopher also supports his family of five sisters and three brothers. Christopher aspires to become a doctor some day in order to give back to his community. He sees the suffering within his community and the waste of human life that ends as a result of curable diseases. By helping young people, Christopher hopes to treat students in order for them to continue their educations. Christopher writes more about his journey in education with an update to the Givology community. Students like Christopher are supported by Carolina for Kibera (CFK). Carolina for Kibera exists to develop local leaders, catalyze positive change and alleviate poverty in the Kibera slum of Nairobi. Driven by local needs, Carolian for Kibera...