If there’s an issue you’re passionate about, I believe you should make it an ongoing part of your life to address it. Writing checks to charity is great, but you have so much more to give. Sometimes it can be hard to know where to start. The good news is that there’s a wonderful community of people out there who are dedicated to the same issue you are, whether it’s Ending Homelessness (like me), Genocide, Poverty, Global Warming, Women’s Rights or one of a dozen others. That community is over at Change.org (Not to be confused with Change.gov, President Obama’s web site set up during the transition to collect Americans’ ideas for change.)
One of the most popular aspects of Change.org are the blogs dedicated to each topic. Some of my favorite writers cover the news in their issue areas along with an important dose of expert opinion and analysis. This isn’t blowhard blogging, these folks have real experience. As one example, the new blogger for the Criminal Justice issue has spent the last 20 years in prison. He provides first-hand knowledge of the problems with our prison system and prospects for reform. The lead writer on Humanitarian Relief, Michael Kleinman has an impressive resume filled with experience in the Sudan, Iraq and Afghanistan. Alanna Sheikh has taught me so much about international aid through her blog Blood and Milk, and now she’s chief blogger on Global Health over at Change.org. Check out her reaction to the Pope’s comments about condom’s being ineffective in the fight against HIV/AIDS
In addition to the top notch commentary, Change.org will provide you with ways to take action on the issue. Signing petitions and sending letters to your politicians are popular actions, and you can do it right from the site–no pen and paper needed. In Stop Global Warming, other actions include a pledge to use reusable bags and, for those who are serious about reducing their consumption and their water and carbon footprint, you are urged to “Go Vegan!” or at least go meatless one or two days each week.
Change.org also highlights nonprofits who are working on the issues (although I wish they would expand the concept to include any organization whose work is valuable to the fight against social problems, not just nonprofits. For example, in Stop Global Warming, why not include for-profit social entrepreneurs who create technologies for alternative energy, or green building products, etc.)
So if you’re looking for a first step to get more involved with an issue, join the community at Change.org. You can start slow, like becoming a regular reader of the blog. Pick a few simple actions and recruit a few friends. Six months from now, you’ll be better informed, more passionate and well-armed to make a difference. You’re on your way to living an integrated life.
Tags: change.org, charity, nonprofit, philanthropy
March 26, 2009 at 5:23 am |
Thanks so much for the compliment! And Change.org does plan to include social enterprises of all kinds on the site. At the moment we’re pulling from existing non-profit databases; it’s much harder to find a social enterprise database.
March 27, 2009 at 3:43 pm |
Interesting dilemma, I hadn’t thought of that challenge because I didn’t realize you were pulling from a database. Have you looked into a partnership with someone like xigi.net? That would really be fascinating…