Design a better world.

Ever thought about how to design earthquake resistant schools? What about tsunami resistant homes? Inexpensive, but functional refugee housing? These and other design and architecture challenges are being met everyday by the folks at Architecture for Humanity. If you are an architecture or design student or professional, or if you just like good design, take note:

Architecture for Humanity is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization founded in 1999 to promote architectural and design solutions to global, social and humanitarian crises. Through competitions, workshops, educational forums, partnerships with aid organizations and other activities, Architecture for Humanity creates opportunities for architects and designers from around the world to help communities in need. We believe that where resources and expertise are scarce, innovative, sustainable and collaborative design can make a difference.

If this sounds like the kind of work you like to support, check out these ways to get involved:

* Volunteer with AFH by spreading the word, fundraising, advocating and more.

* Donate either financially or in kind to support the work of AFH. They're non-profit so your gift will be tax-deductible.

* Learn more about humanitarian design and architecture. They even list socially responsible design education programs around the country.

* Buy cool stuff, and support AFH in the process.

Architecture for Humanity promotes "architectural responses to humanitarian crises". Their motto is "Design Like You Give a Damn". Sounds good to me!

"The best politics is right action." -Mohandas K. Gandhi (1869-1948)