I saw this type of engagement while spending time at Life Community Services in George, South Africa.  This relatively small local NGO starts with providing the most basic need – food and then continues to engage the children intellectually and emotionally while getting to know their individual situations.

Each morning, dedicated staff sort through food donated by local grocers, and begin to prepare meals for 3,000 children.  The meals are not elaborate, but are often the only nourishment the children receive during the week.  In a country where 57% of the population lives below the poverty line, basic amenities are frequently scarce and food not taken for granted.  The meals are distributed to the children at centers (often houses or shacks similar to the surrounding buildings) in the neighborhoods where the kids live.  The only rules are that the children must show up on time and bring a utensil and a receptacle from which to eat their food.

These decentralized distribution centers allow for more personal interaction with the kids.  It is easier for the teachers to know when a child has been missing for a few days.  They know which children live in child-headed homes due to the high prevalence of HIV/AIDS.  They know where and with whom the children live. This knowledge is powerful- it means that the staff at Life can walk with the children through difficult times, and lift them up whenever possible.

I have seen this dedication first hand.  My aunt Sally, who helps run the Life Community Center, has poured her time and energy into all the children, including a young girl named Nissi whom she adopted a few years ago.  Nissi’s mother, who lives in the neighboring township, struggles with many of the vices of poverty including alcoholism and substance abuse.  When these issues led to Nissi being locked in their shack without food or water for days, and to violent abuse, the staff of Life stepped in to help.  Unable to find Nissi an adequate safe home, my aunt made the decision to become her legal guardian.  Nissi has been part of the family for several years now, and she is an utter joy.  It has been amazing to see her learn and grow and become a star athlete at school.

Not every child faces the types of challenges that Nissi did but the hurdles that poverty creates are immense.  Without really knowing the circumstances in which a child lives, we will never be able to resolve the root of the problems or provide timely help in an emergency.  This is why the dedicated staff at Life make a huge difference.

To learn more about their work go to: http://www.lifecomonline.org/

…
I am really excited about this new division of Invisible Children, an advocacy group based out of California. Mend is a project that connects consumers to the people who are making the products that they purchase. By using technology and a bit of creativity, Mend allows you to ‘meet’ the woman who put her skills to use to make you something beautiful.

The video clearly explains how we as consumers have been increasingly removed from the process of production. Not very long ago, we used to grow our own food, trade with our neighbor for basic commodities and know the tailor who sewed our suit. Our grandparents and even our parents, just one generation removed, can tell stories of making their own clothes and knowing the proprietor of the corner market so well that they would get treated to a free Coke on hot days.

Advances in technology and the boom of mass production, however, have created processes that cut many of the links that tied producers and consumers together. The assembly line, advanced machinery, sprawling factories, flashy advertising, and the recent phenomenon of globalization have created a less costly, more convenient market for the exchange of commodities.

The human connection that we once had in our consumption of goods and services gave us a reason care about these things. Today, without a face-to-face exchange, it is easy to forget about the people who make our food, clothes and other products. In blind consumerism like this, our ignorance is bliss.

Distorted Costs:

No one I know would ever intentionally harm another human being to get a pair of jeans or a good cup of coffee; however in today’s economy we seldom know the real cost of what we buy.

Human capital, especially labor, is one of the most costly commodities in a production cycle. The cheapest labor, of course, is free labor. In the worst-case scenarios this means the use of slave labor. Slavery has a long history, from the pyramids of Egypt to the cotton fields of the old south. Today, most slavery is underground, but the use human life for profit remains prevalent around the world.

In many cases, it’s not the use of free labor that keep costs down, but rather it is the common practice of exploitation through inequitable pay, unsafe working conditions and cutting corners. It’s not about simply paying factory workers a lower wage than they would make in the US. It’s about people being chained to machinery and refused bathroom breaks, the use of child labor in the rug industry and conflicts funded by profits made from the mining industry.

Conscientious Consumer:

It isn’t always easy to identify where things come from, or who is affected by our purchases. We may be far removed from the other end of the assembly line, but we can still take steps to be more conscientious consumers. As we increase our awareness about the products we buy, it becomes easier to make informed, principled choices regarding how we spend money. The more we seek to know about the persons at the other end of the production chain, the better equipped we will be ensure that the human cost doesn’t outweigh the sticker price.

What are some ways you can build a human connection back into your consumption habits? Intentional, informed and creative choices abound. Think about buying a bag from MEND. Find out if there is a local farmers market where you can meet the people who grow the foods they sell. Ask about clothes designed and made by people within your community. Maybe you will make a friend or two! You may even find a new trade or skill that interests you and change more than your purchasing habits.

MEND

Using scalable technology: Expanding Markets & Decreasing Poverty

Water scarcity is an issue that affects 800 million subsistence and small share holder farmers around the world.  Global Easy Water Enterprises is a for-profit company that is taking advantage of this untapped market by, but developing small drip irrigation systems that are affordable for farmers living on less then two dollars a day.  This system has proven to dramatically increase productivity and lift people out of poverty.

As farmers increase their productivity in a less labor intensive way, the benefits go beyond the new source of income and food.  In Pakistan where this same drip irrigation system is being used, one farmer told his children no longer need to travel as migrant laborers and now can attend school.  He not only is allowing his boys to attend school. but also his daughters.  The positive outcomes of income generation are vast, and include opportunities for gender equality, education, and a decrease in the disease transfer often associated with migrant labor and food security.

Jacqueline Novogratz, founder and head of the Acumen Fund, a nonprofit that takes a businesslike approach to improving the lives of the poor, explains the linkages between creative solutions and poverty alleviation.

Opportunities in Adaptation for U.S. Businesses:

On September 15, 2009 representatives from Nike, General Electic, Starbucks, Levi Straus & Co. and Calvert met with Senate staff to explain the need for increased funding for adapatation (3%) in the Senate Climate Bill.  These large companies know that changes in climate will effect their bottom line, whether it’s related to cotton or coffee.  They also know that there is a huge opportunity when it comes to developing new technologies that address challenges related to climate change.

In a report release on the same day, Oxfam America highlighted some of the areas where U.S. companies were already investing in the adaptation markets.   The report highlighted that “with focused investment and innovation, the private sector can be an important part of what
we term the new “adaptation marketplace.” Building preparedness for climate change through investments in adaptation can incentivize new and expanded economic activity, help create jobs, and reinforce efforts to reduce emissions. We have identified seven sectors where early and rapid growth is most likely.” The report includes company names and products by state.  Download it here.

“ We see investments in adaptation as a win-win. Adaptation efforts that respond to more severe climate impacts at home and abroad can create new jobs and drive economic growth. They can also help developing countries cope with a changing climate.”
—Brian Bieron, Senior Director, Federal Government Relations and Global Public Policy, eBay Inc.

“ Paul Schuler of General Electric’s Water Technologies Unit says that GE wants to ensure that its products, everything from systems that recycle wastewater to high-tech purifiers, are the go-to technologies for drought-prone regions. … ‘In all honesty, it’s a money-making strategy, but you can do the right thing and make money. They’re not mutually exclusive.’”
—National Public Radio’s Marketplace, June 25, 2009

For those interested in exploring new products and markets, the possibility of income from scalable products in rural markets has never been greater.

On Friday, two friends of mine- Jonathan and Lindsay- will be heading to Africa to document the story of a woman named Rose- Check out her story DTJ’s site.

While in Africa working to document Rose’s story, Discover the Journey will also have the opportunity to run an arts workshop for children affected by war in the Congo. But here’s the deal-They need art supplies.

As someone who loves using art as a way to process my own experiences I am extremely passionate about giving others this same outlet. DTJ will be working with a local organization that works with the children year-round, to help them have an opportunity for expression and creativity.

Can you help me? We need the supplies (mainly brushes and paints) by Friday July 3rd 2009.

If you live in DC you can drop off stuff at Greenworks Florist, Eastern Market on Thursday and Friday. You can also donate online to help with buying supplies or with their other financial needs.

Help Change Live. With much Love.

Fay

Greenworks- Drop Off Supplies!
Discover The Journey Financial Needs
Cool Blog on DRC: Condition Critical
The PAIX Project

Go to the Love>Revenge Site and vote for one of the organizations which will be given 50% of the proceeds from Tremolo’s newest album. It is a great way to get involved- check it out!! What if love was the greatest revenge?

What if a record could produce not just sound, but change? This site represents Tremolo’s desire for change in the world. The band is donating 50% of all paid record royalties into this fund, and you get to decide where the money goes.

Some of the greatest inventions were born from a desire to serve the public and meet its needs – the light bulb, the train, the automobile. Sure these inventions became massive industries, but they began with public service in mind. Love Is The Greatest Revenge is Tremolo’s first invention, and hopefully, a public service as well.

Love>Revenge Site

When my brothers and I were young we each began to sponsor a child that was the same age as us. By the time I was 18, she was on her own and living a happy and productive life. Now I continue my sponsorship by supporting a girl named Snatra who lives in Zambia. I love hearing how she is doing in school and seeing how much she grows each year.

Around the world, millions of children like Snatra, are still suffering. That’s why I’ve joined the Connect Your World campaign – to connect caring people in my world with children in need.

I’m asking you to join me in doing something that’s both easy and life-changing – sponsor one special child.

Every day, nearly 30,000 children die, most from things that child sponsorship can prevent. Imagine – you could be the difference between a life of hope and a life of despair. You could be the difference between life and death, and it costs you almost nothing.

For the amount that I can spend on one meal out with friends, I can provide schooling, food, medical supplies and support for communities living in poverty. Why not get involved?!?

I’ve partnered with World Vision because I know they’re effective and trustworthy. Last year, 87% of their total revenue went to programs benefiting children, families, and communities in need.

Will You Join Me? I hope so. If you have any additional questions, don’t hesitate to contact me!

All my best,

Fay

Learn More Here- Get Involved!!

(The Follow has been taken from the ONE Campaign website)
What is ONE?

ONE is a new effort by Americans to rally Americans – ONE by ONE – to fight the emergency of global AIDS and extreme poverty. ONE is students and ministers, punk rockers and NASCAR moms, Americans of all beliefs and every walk of life, united as ONE to help make poverty history. ONE believes that allocating an additional ONE percent of the U.S. budget toward providing basic needs like health, education, clean water and food would transform the futures and hopes of an entire generation in the world’s poorest countries. ONE also calls for debt cancellation, trade reform and anti–corruption measures in a comprehensive package to help Africa and the poorest nations beat AIDS and extreme poverty.

What does ONE aim to do/change?

ONE aims to help Americans raise their voice as ONE against the emergency of AIDS and extreme poverty, so that decision makers will do more to save millions of lives in the poorest countries.

Who supports ONE?

ONE is a broad movement of Americans from every state and walk of life–more than 2 million people have lent their voices to ONE by visiting ONE.ORG and signing the ONE Declaration. More than three million Americans are also wearing white bands as a show of support for ending extreme poverty and global AIDS. ONE is Americans spreading the word in churches, coffee shops, on television, college campuses and the Internet.

Global Giving is a website created to facilitate the connection between the needs of the poor and the donors who want to know where their money is going.

Read below about Global Giving, and then log onto their site to search through projects and donate directly online through paypal or other mechanisms.
“GlobalGiving was founded by two former World Bank executives who decided to use the Internet to create a highly efficient marketplace. The GlobalGiving platform enables more funding to reach projects throughout the globe, and, at the same time, provides a more transparent, engaging way for donors to give.

Because we enable donors to give directly to projects, they know exactly where their money is going. Donors can see progress updates on most projects as funding is received and goals are met.” (except from website)

Global Giving

From A Reader
Hi Fay, my name is Vinay and I write in from India… The areas of Art activism & Students for Arts Based AIDS Education (SABAE) was encouraging to read and to know that there are folks that are actually thinking and working along these lines and it’s not a lone effort here in India…I’m 25 and live in a city called Chennai… I run a small recording studio based in Chennai itself, where I divide my time between taking classes in Basic Sound Engineering and recording for local & upcoming artists & bands.

And I’ve been wondering how one could effectively mesh arts in general and social issues in order to bring about positive change in the places we live in and in society as a whole. It’s quite easy to stay cocooned in our comfort zones and turn a blind eye to all that’s happening around. As a maiden effort, am trying to swing a 6 city tour up in the North east of India with a local act & with the whole impetus of the tour being “AIDS Awareness & prevention”.
-Vinay, India March 2006

Thanks for your question! It is wonderful that you are combining your passion for music with wanting to make a difference within your community!

Education Through Art vs. Bringing Attention To An Issue

In the area of arts based activism, the work I have been involved in has taken two forms. The first has been using art to engage an audience for the purpose of education. An example of this would be a poster campaign some friends and I did encouraging safe sex. Another was giving art supplies to students, allowing them to express how they felt about AIDS through the pictures they drew. The other form has been to use art as a medium for fundraising and creating awareness around an issue. The best example I have of this is a band who uses the money they receive from CD sales to promote various causes.

Providing Information to Your Listeners

You and the bands that you manage and record could do various things. You could use the lyrics of the songs to spread the message, or you could use the music to draw peoples attention. Once you have gained an audience you could then present the information in another form, such as fliers or a brief speech around the issue of HIV/AIDS. If you would like to use the tours to educate people, without having to provide the educational material yourself, it would be important to have information available at the shows. Studies of India have shown that it is important, depending on the literacy level of your target demographic, to have this material available in picture form for those who cannot read and in Hindi and the local state languages. It is also essential that you make sure the information you provide is accurate and easy to understand.

Collaboration and Fundraising

Another way you and the bands you work with could use a tour, would be to work in collaboration with groups already doing education around social issues in your area. This would remove the need to be experts on the issues, while providing visibility to the given issue the non-profit or educational group was working on. If there is not one group that the tour would aim to support, you could provide information about services, such as free HIV testing, within the area you are playing. By combining your musical talents with a groups who is fighting for a good cause, you will be assisting them in reaching a larger audience.
You could also assist with fundraising. One group which combined fundraising and education is the band Tremolo. This band began a fund called Love Is the Greatest Revenge. This fund, managed by the band, donated 50% of its royalties to a cause chosen by its listeners. As more people listen to their music not only are they given an opportunity to raise money for a cause, they can also participate in determining where that money goes. Below is a link to the fund and to their band site if you would like to have a look.

Thanks for writing, and please continue to send in questions and comments about what you are doing around the world!

Love Is The Greatest Revenge
Tremolo
YRG CARE, India