tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55871361939562728082024-03-12T20:20:05.474-07:00LET'S GIVE!Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger10125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5587136193956272808.post-40583765322214043222009-01-05T23:59:00.000-08:002009-08-10T10:37:11.757-07:00Now's The Time!<strong><span style="font-size:180%;color:#cc0000;">Howdy, Welcome to Let's Give!</span></strong><br /><br />Let's get one thing straight; this site exists because of You. The purpose for this website is to bring together our ideas on how to give more strategically, intelligently and most importantly, abundantly. Let's Give is also a resource for activism and learning about global injustices happening in Our world today. Anyone can contribute their ideas, and their stories. There are no limitations. Let's Give explores and encourages just some of the ways we can all use our treasures and talents to change lives in Our world. The season of serving is year round! Now's The Time!<br /><br />Coming Soon: World Bicycle Relief! worldbicyclerelief.orgUnknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5587136193956272808.post-29046030461480900452009-01-05T19:54:00.001-08:002009-01-08T20:27:21.492-08:00Shirts for Change!Believe it or not, most of the stuff we buy in America, isn't from America. Some of us struggle with not knowing where our day to day possesions come from and some of us just might not know what to think. Unfortunately most products made or produced outside of the United States aren't guaranteed to be fair trade nor sweatshop free. Attempting to steer our lives (and our wardrobes) into a socially concious place can be difficult. Let's take a small step together towards something that will make a real impact in this world!<br /><br /><strong>Buy a shirt, Save lives!</strong><br />Let's Give has 2 brand new T-shirts for purchase. When you purchase these T-shirts, not some, but ALL of the proceeds will go to various Anti-Human Trafficking non-profit organizations. When you purchase these shirts, you are making a financial contribution to Ending Slavery through the works of several organizations. Through these 2-design limited print T-shirts we will be donating a total of $10,000! Again 100% of the proceeds will go straight to the organizations. Buy a shirt, save lives...simple, right?<br /><br /><img src="http://www.bbqchickenrobot.com/letsgive/SDCMLM.jpg" /><br /><br />'<strong>Simple</strong>' comes in Royal Blue, Green (picture above), Red, Coal, and Brown<br />Front reads: "See Diversely_ Consume Moderately_ Live Minimally_"<br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Limited quanitites of Small, Medium, Large: $25.00</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><img src="http://www.bbqchickenrobot.com/letsgive/URPBIRD.jpg" /><br /><br />"<strong>Birds</strong>" comes in Light Blue, Coal, Red and Green.<br />The design comes with a special duo-tone Gold and white.<br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Limited Quanitites of Small, Medium, Large: $25.00</span><br /><br /><strong><span style="color:#cc0000;">How to Order:</span></strong><br />We are using a PayPal method which can be used on the right panel under '<strong>Shirts For Change'</strong><br />1. Select your size on the drop down menus for 'Simple' and 'Bird' shirts.<br />2. Click "<strong>Add special instructions to merchant</strong>" and tell us the following:<br />Please put either "Bird" or "Simple", Name, Address, and Phone Number.<br />3. Click "Pay Now"<br />When we receive payment we'll ship the shirt out to you!<br /><br /><strong>Shipping:</strong><br />To keep things simple, Shipping will be a standard $3.00 USD. International Orders please email us <a href="mailto:letsgive@gmail.com?subject=I">here</a>.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5587136193956272808.post-4947360516845770482009-01-05T12:57:00.000-08:002009-01-09T14:21:10.264-08:00Frequently Asked Questions!?<img src="http://www.bbqchickenrobot.com/letsgive/questions.jpg" /><br /><br />These are some frequently asked questions about our JMFs and $1/Month Club. If you have any other questions please check out our contact page <a href="http://letsgive.blogspot.com/2009/01/dare-to-make-your-ideas-heard.html">here</a> and we'll be super glad to help.<br /><br /><strong><span style="color:#cc0000;">Why give?</span></strong><br />Good question! Will it make Earth a better place for your children? Because God says so? It’s the right thing to do? Because others are not as fortunate as you are? Whatever the reason, consider what Christ says to his disciples in Matthew 25 about intervening into the lives of the poor, the sick and the lost. In this time of economic recession, the marginalized will be hit harder than ever. The loss of jobs and global poverty will increase human trafficking. The funding for local programs to help the poor or after school programs can potentially see sharp decreases. The lists go on and on.<br /><br />Also consider the profound words in Matthew 6:21, where Jesus says that your heart will follow your treasures and not the other way around. If your talents, time, and treasures are used to do good, imagine where your heart would be! Where is your heart today?<br /><br /><strong><span style="color:#cc0000;">Do I need to be a Follower to start or join a JMF?</span></strong><br />No, definitely not. You are definitely welcome to join! Jesus asks his followers to give graciously and the JMF was geared towards that, however, you don’t have to have faith to give.<br /><br /><strong><span style="color:#cc0000;">Is Let's Give part of a church or organization?</span></strong><br />Nope. It’s just a simple idea to take up the tremendous responsibility set before us.<br /><br /><span style="color:#cc0000;"><strong>I want to participate, but I’m a poor college student. How can I help</strong> </span><strong><span style="color:#cc0000;">?<br /></span></strong>Glad you asked young scholar! JMF isn’t necessarily about the amount you give; it’s to encourage you to start thinking critically about giving and the world around you. Check this out! If you and 10 friends save $5/week, You’ll have $2,600 in a year and there are millions of non-profits doing great work who would gladly take the donation. This is easier than Geography 101!<br /><br /><span style="color:#990000;"><strong><span style="color:#cc0000;">I want to Give, but I’m not the best at budgeting. Can You Help?</span></strong><br /></span>Intentional budgeting and saving are a huge part of strategic giving. Save More, Give more. But it is sometimes easier said than done. Here are some practical materials on how to budget in your everyday life as well as some more indepth resources. Also find out if your local community or faith-based organizations have financial budgeting classes.<br /><a href="http://financialplan.about.com/cs/budgeting/a/Budgeting101.htm">Budgeting 101</a><br /><a href="http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/04/23/budgeting-101-how-a-simple-budget-helped-me-and-can-help-you-too/">The Simple Dollar</a><br /><a href="http://www.thebeehive.org/money/budget/family-budget-tool?gclid=CLiH-bCWgZgCFQsQagodYlCDBw">Family Budget Tools</a><br /><a href="http://www.kiplinger.com/tools/budget/">Kiplnger Worksheet</a><br /><a href="http://mappingyourfuture.org/money/budget.htm">Mapping Your Future</a><br /><br /><strong><span style="color:#cc0000;">Where does Let's Give get their information?</span></strong><br /><span style="color:#000000;">We use several sources including NGO websites, US Department websites, publications, articles you name it. We've done the research! We want to be a resources to others so we will continue to research and get the most accurate information possible. At the same time we encourage you to seek after the truth! Research, read, and continully learn more. There's never enough to know about this world. Explore it! </span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5587136193956272808.post-30901099789075528362009-01-03T19:14:00.001-08:002009-01-09T14:48:17.472-08:00Dare To Make Your Ideas Heard?<img src="http://www.bbqchickenrobot.com/letsgive/about.jpg" /><br /><br />These days we have so many forms of communication, AIM, Texting, Twittering, Wall posts, voicemails, emails, snail mail, cell phones, you name it, we're connected. Take advantage of it!<br />We want your ideas. As individuals, or together, we can make a serious change in this world. What are you waiting for? Drop us a line now!<br /><br />If you have any suggestions, comments, or questions, please feel free to contact us <a href="mailto:letsgivenow@gmail.com?subject=What">here</a>.<br />If you’d like to volunteer with JMFs or $1/month club please email us <a href="mailto:letsgivenow@gmail.com?subject=I-want-to-volunteer!">here</a>.<br /><br />___________________________________________________________________________ <strong><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></strong><br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">Who We Are</span></strong><br />With all the issues that our world faces today, taking the opportunity to give has become vital and quite obvious. In Summer 2008, Let's Give began with the simple idea that giving shoulnd't be so hard, nor does it have to be boring. Let's Give was inspired by individuals like you who have taken advantage of the opportunity and responsibility to be good stewards of their talents and treasures.<br /><br />We have the right idea, and we have the motivation to do MORE, but sometimes we don't know how or where to start. Let's Give is just another way, another idea, and another opportunity to learn and serve those around us who are in need. We are not a non-profit, we just know that injustices are going on right now, and God's got something to say about it. Enough said, Let's Give!Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5587136193956272808.post-44770976184341767852009-01-03T19:04:00.000-08:002009-01-08T10:00:34.369-08:00Jesus Mutual Fund<img src="http://www.bbqchickenrobot.com/letsgive/JMF_image.jpg" /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:180%;">What is a Jesus Mutual Fund?</span></strong><br /><br />Well let’s quickly talk about what a mutual fund is. According to Wikipedia, a mutual fund is a professionally managed type of collective investment that pools money from many investors and invests it in things like stocks, bonds, and securities. Many individuals, groups and companies engage in these funds because the benefits of the investments are “mutual” and if all goes well, YOU benefit. You put in some to get some more. Of course ALL investments include some kind of risk. You risk losing some or all of the money you put in if the investment runs sour, not to mention investor fees and expenses. We can also assume that with our current economic mess, the risks just got bigger!<br /><br />A Jesus Mutual Fund is a collective investment where individuals or small groups invest together with an objective to change the world. A Jesus Mutual Fund is an intentional and strategic way of giving with different initiatives every 6 months. It’s an opportunity to be challenged; it’s an opportunity to learn; it’s an opportunity to respond to the growing injustices of our world. A Jesus Mutual Fund can be modified and adapted dependent upon the group of individuals engaging in it. It’s up to YOU!<br /><br /><span style="font-size:180%;"><strong>How It Works:</strong></span><br />_________________________________________________________________ <strong><br /></strong><strong><span style="font-size:130%;color:#cc0000;">1. Pick Your Partners:</span></strong> Get with 3-5 friends, co-workers, family members, or neighbors who are ready and willing to give. These individuals are your investment partners and should have similar convictions and interests in poverty, human trafficking, clean water, etc. Those you trust or want to build more trust with are highly recommended as partners but not necessary.<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;color:#cc0000;">2. Choose Your Investments:</span></strong> There are literally tens of 1,000s of non profits and causes out there. As a team, first discuss which causes you want to support. Then choose which organizations to go with and try to be as specific as possible. The possibilities and combinations are endless. This step will probably require research into the issue and organizations. Here’s an example: Fight Human trafficking by starting a JMF partnership with the Million Kids non-profit to provide safe housing, education and basic needs for former sex trafficked children in Cambodia. (Check out suchandsuch.com for ideas on where to give)<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;color:#cc0000;">3. Decide How Much You’ll Give:</span></strong> Here’s the challenge you’ll give to yourself and to your partners. Challenge one another to give a certain percentage of income or fixed amount every month for 6 months. Keep in mind, if $1 will sponsor a child for a day, then $1,800 will provide for 10 children in 6 months. In a group of 4, that’s $75 a month per person. A few dollars saved a day can literally save lives, so Think Big!<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;color:#cc0000;">4. Choose An Investment Manager:</span></strong> This individual’s main duty will be collecting the money to give to the organization(s), sending it to the organization, giving status updates, recording the numbers, and organizing meet-ups. It’s the organizer of the group; You know who you are!<br /><br /><strong>After 6-months:</strong> Consider increasing the amount of giving as a group, choose to continue to give to the current organization(s) or choose new ones. After 1 year the group will have an annual portfolio and can compare the results of the two 6-month periods of strategic giving.<br />_________________________________________________________________<br />Here’s an <strong>example</strong> of a JMF that is actually happening right now!<br /><em><span style="color:#333333;">Mike, his best friend, his aunt, and a college buddy meet up twice a month at Starbucks and currently invest $1,400 every month at an average of 18% of their total incomes. Their first 6-month JMF included funding over 40 entrepreneurs in Kiva’s microfinancing program, sponsoring 3 children through Compassion International, supporting a safe-house in Myanmar, funding student ministries at local campuses, purchasing materials for underground student movements in China and providing supplies for a local after school care enrichment program. Their next 6-months focused more on the issues of human trafficking and their giving increased to $2,000.</span></em><br /><br />If we have 20 JMF groups, giving an average of $2,000 every month, that’s nearly half a million dollars in a year!<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;color:#cc0000;">Go and get started!</span><br /></strong>_________________________________________________________________<br /><em><span style="font-size:85%;">It doesn't matter how much you have. What matters is how much you are willing to give from what you have. 2 Corinthians 8:12</span></em>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5587136193956272808.post-32034304200130768742009-01-03T19:02:00.000-08:002009-01-09T16:44:08.781-08:00DOLLAR A MONTH CLUB<img src="http://www.bbqchickenrobot.com/letsgive/onedollar_image.jpg" /><span style="font-size:180%;">"<strong>Together, we can change the world!"</strong></span><br /><br />At some point in your life you've probably heard those words before and perhaps began to wonder when all the change was going to happen. Well Together we WILL change the world with Dollar A Month club. It's another easy way for US to give together in hopes to serve others around the world. Dollar A Month club is open to anyone and everyone and it only costs $1 a month to be a part of the club.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:180%;"><strong>How It Works:</strong><br /></span>_________________________________________________________________<br />1. Budget and Give $1 dollar a month to Let's Give. It'll be put into the general fund.<br />2. Every month members will be able to vote for where the funds will go for that month. You can see the current vote on the main page <a href="http://letsgive.blogspot.com/">here</a>. At the end of the month the cause with the most votes will receive a donation from ALL of us!<br />3. 100% of every dollar in the fund will go directly to an organization/cause. No adminstrative holds here!<br />4. There are membership fee options: You can give $1.00 each month, or you can pay 6-months or 12-months ahead.<br />BONUS: If you sign up for a whole year, you'll receive the official Dollar A Month T-shirt FREE! and we'll ship it for free too!<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">Join the Dollar A Month Club NOW!</span></strong><br />You can join the club NOW by sending a check or via PayPal.<br />Please include: Your Name, Email, Address and of course $1.00. (Remember you get the FREE Dollar A Month T-shirt when you pay for a whole year, Only $12.00!)<br />E-mail us here for the <a href="mailto:letsgivenow@gmail.com?subject=I-want-to-join!">Let's Give</a> official Mailing address.<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0O2D7u_nKUI/SWPjxo8YChI/AAAAAAAAAaU/DPuu7pFnuBQ/s1600-h/Dollar_origami.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5288320829406841362" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 230px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 252px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0O2D7u_nKUI/SWPjxo8YChI/AAAAAAAAAaU/DPuu7pFnuBQ/s320/Dollar_origami.jpg" border="0" /></a>Why ONLY a Dollar?</span></strong><br />If there are 2000 people in the club, that's $24,000/year! With that, we can feed the hungry, Free slaves, support orphans, build wells, treat and rehibilitate individuals. Yes, a buck is such a small amount. But the truth is, most people don't give even $1 a month to much of anything other than food, rent and gas. Sometimes when we think of giving, we think of donations where we have to sacrifice coffee for a week, or no movies on the weekends. We don't think a dollar donation will really help, so Why do it in the first place? This club proves to us that it doesn't take a lot to serve others. It's another small step for all of us. You can buy a burger from a value menu, 1 of anything at the dollar stores, 4 gumballs, and literally contribute to saving lives. Please join now!<br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></strong><br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">Club Rules:</span></strong><br />1. The First rule of Dollar A Month Club is that you Talk about Dollar A Month Club everywhere and anywhere!<br />2. 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It has quickly become one of the easiest ways to globally invest into the growing low-income and poor population. Microfinance has already helped literally tens of thousands of individuals, families, and groups. Without these small or "micro" loans, many wouldn't have anywhere else to turn for financial services. It's important to keep in mind that these individuals have lots of ideas, a willingness to work hard, and goals to expand their businesses so they can make a better life for themselves and their families. The World Bank estimated that in 2005 there were approximately 2.5 billion people living on less than $2 a day. This just goes to show that these people are not asking for huge loans. You can start funding someone for just $25! Ready to be an investor? Entrepreneurs need you Now!<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:180%;">How It Works:</span></strong><br />_________________________________________________________________<br />1. We've compiled just a few of the many microfinance sites below! Choose one and start exploring the different areas they are serving. If you have a country or region in mind, chances are, they'll have something. There are descriptions of the individuals and their aspirations, their businesses, and some goals they are ready to achieve.<br />2. Loan out some money. Through Kiva.org, you can help fund individuals starting at $25.00!<br />3. You can continue to go back to the site anytime to fund more entrepreneurs, there isn't a limit!<br />4. Through the next few months you'll begin to receive payments back from the entrepreneur(s) that you have funded dependent upon the terms. Some even give you interest on top of what you intially invested. Woah!<br />5. Repeat steps 1-4.<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">Microfinance Organizations and Websites:</span></strong><br /><a href="http://www.kiva.org/">Kiva</a><br /><a href="http://www.optinnow.org/">Opt In Now</a><br /><a href="http://www.unitus.com/unitus-in-action/background-poverty-and-microfinance">Unitus</a><br /><a href="https://www.microplace.com/">Microplace</a><br /><a href="http://www.endpoverty.org/">EndPoverty</a><br /><a href="http://www.grameenfoundation.org/what_we_do/microfinance_in_action/">Grameen Foundation</a><br /><a href="http://www.globalpartnerships.org/">Global Partnerships</a><br /><a href="http://www.womenstrust.org/content/wt-microlending">Womens Trust</a><br /><a href="http://forgenow.org/">Forge</a><br /><a href="https://www.accion.org/">Accion</a><br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;color:#cc0000;">Challenges:</span></strong><br />1. Get with some family members or friends and try funding entrepreneurs together.<br />2. After receiving your investment back, invest it again. It's the gift that literally keeps on giving.<br />3. Research and Learn more about the culture and country of your entrepreneurs.<br />4. If you are planning a vacation or mission trip, consider visiting one of your entrepreneurs.<br /><br /><strong>Addition Resources:</strong><br /><a href="http://www.forbes.com/2007/12/20/microfinance-philanthropy-credit-biz-cz_ms_1220microfinance_table.html">Forbes Magazine first ever 50 Top Microfinance Institutions</a><br /><a href="http://www.uncdf.org/english/microfinance/">United Nations Capital Development Fund</a><br /><a href="http://www.globalissues.org/article/4/poverty-around-the-world#TheWorldBankandPoverty">Global Issues: Poverty</a><br /><a href="http://www.smallthingschallenge.com/?cid=cim:gglsmall_us_kivak12AFEs">Small Things Challenge</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5587136193956272808.post-89186375538986907412009-01-03T18:58:00.001-08:002009-01-09T01:04:17.675-08:00End Slavery NOW<img src="http://www.bbqchickenrobot.com/letsgive/bricks.jpg" /><br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:180%;color:#cc0000;">1-888-3737-888 - National Human Trafficking Hotline</span></strong><br /><br />The Modern Day Slave trade is in a new wave and has far surpassed the number of slaves at any time in history. It goes on everywhere in the world including the United States. It might be hard to imagine that something like this happens in the US but the truth is, for criminals it's "safer" because of that exact reason. We don't really suspect it and we don't know what it looks like which makes it difficult to detect and report. This page contains resources on how to recognize victims and take further action, types of slavery, a glimpse into the global slave trade and how to take further action to end this injustice.<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">What is Human Trafficking?</span></strong><br />Human trafficking is the recruitment, transportation, harbouring, or receipt of people for the purposes of slavery, forced labor (including bonded labor or debt bondage), and servitude.<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">Types of Trafficking:</span></strong><br />There are two main types of trafficking that involve women, men and children.<br /><strong><span style="color:#cc0000;">1. Sex Slavery:</span></strong> Many women and children are exploited, kidnapped and forced or tricked into brothels. Commonly, an attractive job working in larger cities is offered to poor women and children. When these individuals arrive at their new jobs, they are forced into a debt situation that they cannot ever pay back. Brothel owners use various tactics such as threats to harm the families of vitims. Many oppressors force the victims to situations of repeated rape, physical abuse and drug use. There are reports of children as young as 3 years old exploited in brothels and sex tours.<br /><br /><strong><span style="color:#cc0000;">2. Labor Slavery:</span></strong> This type of slavery also has many forms whether it's young boys working in cocoa farms, children working in brick kilns without food or pay, growing number of child soldiers, and domestic servitude. Sometimes entire families are "owned" because of a small debt that they cannot repay. Overtime they owe interest and find themselves trapped indefinitely. In Africa, girls are kidnapped and sold into the UK as domestic servants. Labor slavery continues to grow in all industries all over the world.<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">What Fuels Human Trafficking?</span></strong><br />Human trafficking is a market-driven criminal industry that is fueled by the demand for the labor, services, and commercial sex acts of human trafficking victims. Traffickers, who are motivated by money, force victims into the labor, services, or commercial sex industry because they can generate large profits. Unlike drugs, people are a "reusable" commodity. <a href="http://actioncenter.polarisproject.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=51&Itemid=63" included="null">Read more..</a><a href="http://actioncenter.polarisproject.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=51&Itemid=63" included="null">.</a><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>Human Trafficking in the United States</strong></span><br />Cases of trafficking going on in the US are increasing rapidly. Individuals are smuggled or "recieved" through the borders and exploited in labour and sex slavery. Threats of deportation and harm to a victim's family are common to control victims. US citizens are also kidnapped, tricked and forced into situations of prostitution and labor. See more facts below.<br /><img src="http://www.bbqchickenrobot.com/letsgive/trafficking_chart.jpg" /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>The Facts:</strong></span><br /><strong>>></strong>There are estimated <strong>27 million</strong> people living in slavery around the world today.<br /><strong>>></strong>Every <strong>10</strong> <strong>minutes</strong>, a woman or child is trafficked into the United States for forced labor.<br /><strong>>></strong>Human trafficking has become a <strong>$10 billion</strong> a year global industry.<br /><strong>>>600,000-800,000</strong> trafficked internationally each year<br /><strong>>>80%</strong> of victims are women and children, 50% are under the age of 18.<br /><strong>>></strong>Trafficked children are significantly more likely to develop mental health problems, abuse substances, engage in prostitution as adults, and either commit or be victimized by violent crimes later in life.<br /><strong>>></strong>Women who have been trafficked for the purpose of sexual exploitation experience a significantly higher rate of HIV and other STDs, tuberculosis, and permanent damage to their reproductive systems.<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">More Resources:</span></strong><br /><a href="http://www.salvationarmyusa.org/usn/www_usn.nsf/vw-sublinks/323F7FB8E28FE18B85256F6600598FB3?openDocument">How to Identify Victims of Trafficking </a><br /><a href="http://www.notforsalecampaign.org/action-downloads.html">Not For Sale Campaign Abololitionist Guide</a><br /><a href="http://slaverymap.org/">The Slavery Map</a> - An interactive map pinpointing cases in specific areas. Have a look.<br /><a href="http://www.state.gov/g/tip/rls/tiprpt/2008/">Trafficking in Persons Report</a> - Global perspective on the trafficking situation country by country.<br /><a href="http://www.stopthetraffik.org/getinvolved/act/acts.aspx">Stop The Traffik</a> - Download free guides on how to take action in your community.<br /><a href="http://www.abolishhumantrafficking.com/">Abolish Human Trafficking</a> - Local events and links to many resources.<br /><a href="http://www.actioncenter.polarisproject.org/learn-more/human-trafficking-101">Polaris Action Center</a> - A crash course on trafficking.<br /><a href="http://www.callandresponse.com/takeaction.html">Call+Response: Take Action</a><br /><a href="http://www.govtrack.us/congress/billtext.xpd?bill=h110-7311">William Wilberforce Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act of 2008</a><br /><br /><strong>Human Trafficking News video journals:</strong><br /><a href="http://www.actioncenter.polarisproject.org/resources/video-clips">PSAs, News Stories, Clips</a><br /><a href="http://abcnews.go.com/Nightline/Story?id=5326508">How to Buy a Child in 10 Hours</a><br /><a href="http://snagfilms.com/films/title/women_on_the_frontline_nepal/">Women on the Front Line: Nepal</a><br /><a href="http://www.cnn.com/video/?/video/us/2008/04/28/human.trafficking.cnn?iref=videosearch">Migrant Slavery in Florida</a><br /><a href="http://www.cnn.com/video/?/video/international/2008/02/29/wus.trapped.part.1.cnn?iref=videosearch">Untold Stories: Part 1 of 4</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5587136193956272808.post-74422345781963309132009-01-03T16:56:00.000-08:002009-01-03T16:57:15.616-08:00Welcome to Let's Give!Howdy Howdy Howdy Howdy Howdy Howdy Howdy Howdy<br />Howdy Howdy Howdy Howdy<br />Howdy Howdy Howdy Howdy<br />Howdy Howdy Howdy Howdy Howdy Howdy Howdy Howdy<br />Howdy Howdy Howdy Howdy<br />Howdy Howdy Howdy Howdy<br />Howdy Howdy Howdy Howdy Howdy Howdy Howdy Howdy Howdy Howdy Howdy Howdy Howdy Howdy Howdy Howdy Howdy Howdy Howdy Howdy Howdy Howdy Howdy Howdy Howdy Howdy Howdy Howdy Howdy Howdy Howdy Howdy Howdy Howdy Howdy Howdy Howdy Howdy Howdy Howdy Howdy Howdy Howdy Howdy Howdy Howdy Howdy Howdy Howdy Howdy Howdy Howdy Howdy Howdy Howdy Howdy Howdy Howdy Howdy HowdyUnknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5587136193956272808.post-72464598358709971432007-01-03T18:56:00.000-08:002009-01-06T14:28:08.164-08:00Everyone Needs Clean Water!<a href="http://www.afdb.org/pls/portal/AFDB_APP.download?p_file=5123967.JPG"><img style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 253px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 265px" alt="" src="http://www.afdb.org/pls/portal/AFDB_APP.download?p_file=5123967.JPG" border="0" /></a> According to the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), more than 1 billion people – about one in six people in this world – have no access to clean and safe drinking water while over 2.5 billion lack access to adequate sanitation. The effects of unclean water often lead to an endless cycle of poverty, conflict, disease and death. All this while you and I enjoy nearly 100 gallons of water <strong>EVERY DAY</strong> here in the United States. It is estimated by the US Geological Survey that in 2000, we used 408 billion gallons per day!<br /><br />There are several ways we can help families and children around the world who do no have what we have. First things first, <strong>water conservation</strong>. No, go ahead and continue to take showers, but consider the <a href="http://www.wateruseitwisely.com/100-ways-to-conserve/index.php">100 Ways To Conserve </a>list as you find new ways to conserve water.<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Check out these statistics:</span> </span></strong><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">>><strong>97.5%</strong> of the earth's water is saltwater. If the world's water fitted into a bucket, only <strong>one</strong> teaspoonful would be drinkable.</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">>>At any given time, almost <strong>half the population</strong> of the developing world is suffering from one or more of the main diseases associated with inadequate provision of water and sanitation.</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">>>Over <strong>1 billion</strong> people in the world do not have access to safe water. This is roughly one in eight of the world's population.<br />>><strong>2.5 billion</strong> people in the world do not have access to adequate sanitation, this is almost two fifths of the world's population.<br />>><strong>1.8 million</strong> children die every year as a result of diseases caused by unclean water and poor sanitation. </span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">>>The simple act of washing hands with soap and water can reduce diarrhoeal diseases by over 40%. (British Medical Journal)</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">>>The average European uses<strong> 200 litres</strong> of water every day. North Americans use <strong>400 litres (105 gallons)</strong><br />>>The average person in the developing world uses 10 litres of water every day for their drinking, washing and cooking. (Water Supply and Sanitation Collaborative Council (WSSCC))</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">>>On current trends over the next 20 years humans will use 40% more water than they do now. (UN Environment Programme (UNEP)</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">More statistics can be found <a href="http://www.unwater.org/statistics.html">here</a>.</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><strong>Take Action!</strong><br />A simple search in your browser will show tons of organizations who are searching sustainable ways to get people water. You can get involved but it's really up to you. There are people who need Your help now. Go grab a glass of water, sit down and consider getting involved in saving lives through ending water poverty! Here are just some link to organizations who give relief and who seek solutions to water poverty:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.endwaterpoverty.org/">End Water Poverty</a><br /><a href="http://www.wateraid.org/">WaterAid</a><br /><a href="http://www.globalcitizencorps.org/">Mercy Corps</a><br /><a href="http://www.wherevertheneed.org.uk/">Wherever The Need</a><br /><a href="http://thewaterproject.org/">The Water Project</a><br /><a href="http://www.unwater.org/flashindex.html">UN Water</a><br /><a href="http://www.dropinthebucket.org/">Drop In The Bucket</a><br /><a href="http://www.waterwellsforafrica.org/">Water Wells For Africa</a><br /><a href="http://africare.org/programs/water/overview.php">Africare </a><br /><a href="http://www.playpumps.org/">PlayPumps<br /></a>More links to come!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com