tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-86120532024-03-13T10:33:30.555-04:00So what can I do?So What Can I Do is the public service weblog promoting ethics in action. This award-winning blog has been featured in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Positive Thinking Magazine, DarynKagan.com, <i>Our Day to End Poverty</i>, and numerous other print and online publications.
Helping make the world a better place since 2004. The 10th anniversary ebook is available now at https://payhip.com/karama .Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger469125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8612053.post-32907343462828888962015-07-09T00:00:00.000-04:002015-07-09T00:00:00.350-04:00Make a promise. The positive correlations between <a href="http://www.brookings.edu/research/reports/2013/06/13-facts-higher-education">educational attainment and economic mobility</a> are clear. But the <a href="http://www.npr.org/2014/03/18/290868013/how-the-cost-of-college-went-from-affordable-to-sky-high">rising cost of higher education</a> makes getting a college degree seem more challenging for the very people who need it most. I say "seem" because while the list price of a college education has increased dramatically, the <a href="http://www.brookings.edu/research/reports/2013/06/13-facts-higher-education">actual cost</a> for students from families with low or moderate income has not changed much. How can we ensure those student see college as attainable and worth the effort? <a href="http://citiesofpromise.com/">Make a promise</a>.<br />
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Promise communities have a place-based scholarships that fund all or part of every child's higher education expenses. The <a href="https://www.kalamazoopromise.com/Research">benefits</a> include:<br />
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<li>Increased economic vitality in the community</li>
<li>Increased enrollment in local schools</li>
<li>Increased enrollment in and completion of college</li>
<li>Improved elementary and high school academic performance</li>
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As you can imagine, these efforts can be expensive, particularly in larger cities like <a href="https://www.kalamazoopromise.com/">Kalamazoo</a>, MI, and even in smaller ones like <a href="http://arkadelphiapromise.com/">Arkadelphia</a> or <a href="http://www.eldoradopromise.com/">El Dorado</a>, AR, But in very small towns, ensuring every high school graduate has a chance to <a href="http://southernpartners.org/assets/sbcp_caseyChildSavings_final_screenVersion_20120328.pdf">get to and through college</a> may not cost as much as you think. </div>
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In very small, low wealth communities, many of the students will qualify for significant need based financial aid like Pell Grants. And if students receive academic and other scholarships as well, they may be able to cover much of their tuition on their own so that the promise scholarship is only responsible for gap funding. In these communities a well off, though not necessarily wealthy, individual may be able to <a href="http://www.karamaneal.com/?page_id=64">make a life changing difference </a>for people in her hometown. </div>
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So consider working with a local <a href="http://sowhatcanido.blogspot.com/2008/03/invest-in-your-community-foundation.html">community foundation</a> or other entity to make a promise in your community. It can be a game changer for the people and community you love. </div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">Please visit http://sowhatcanido.blogspot.com to offer your comments and suggestions, forward this post, and peruse the archives. Thanks for reading "So what can I do", the public service weblog promoting ethics in action. - Karama Neal</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8612053.post-58296002004245879422015-07-06T23:05:00.003-04:002015-07-06T23:06:43.908-04:00Speak up.As a lifelong member of the <a href="http://www.ame-church.com/">African Methodist Episcopal Church</a> and as a human being, I was truly saddened by the recent killing of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emanuel_African_Methodist_Episcopal_Church">nine members of Emanuel AME Church</a> in Charleston, South Carolina. This was one of those occasions in which it is difficult to answer the central question of this blog, "So what can I do?" As a society, we answered by considering removal of <a href="http://www.postandcourier.com/article/20150706/PC1603/150709636">Confederate flags</a> from public spaces, discussing reductions in <a href="http://www.gunviolencearchive.org/">gun</a> <a href="http://www.bradycampaign.org/">violence</a>, and making <a href="http://www.theroot.com/articles/culture/2015/07/_3_million_donated_to_scholarship_fund_for_emanuel_ame_church_community.html">donations to</a> <a href="http://www.emanuelamechurch.org/">Emanuel AME</a>. <br />
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All of this is important and worthy work, but it does not address the core issue of racism and hate. We such a complicated, problematic, and entrenched understanding of <a href="http://sowhatcanido.blogspot.com/2009/01/rethink-race.html">race</a>. It is easy to understand why we shy away from dealing with it, but we must because racism results in part from our collective unwillingness to honestly address race. <a href="http://tolerance.org/">Tolerance.org</a> has numerous resources to help facilitate these important conversations.<br />
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We also must speak up when we hear friends or acquaintances say or talk about planning something cruel. Sometimes silence isn't enough. There are times when we have to show disapproval in an effort to help stop something tragic from happening. And if that conversation is too difficult or too dangerous, then it's time to talk with the police or other authorities. Better to do that than to have to ask "So what could I have done" after something tragic has occurred.<div class="blogger-post-footer">Please visit http://sowhatcanido.blogspot.com to offer your comments and suggestions, forward this post, and peruse the archives. Thanks for reading "So what can I do", the public service weblog promoting ethics in action. - Karama Neal</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8612053.post-76147902619019820752015-07-03T23:37:00.000-04:002015-07-06T23:38:41.645-04:00Ban the box.If you've ever applied for a job, you likely had to respond to a question about past criminal convictions. If you have none, you may never have thought much about the box. But if you have a past conviction or care for someone who does, you know that checking that box means lost opportunity to contribute positively to society and one's family. <br />
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The <a href="http://bantheboxcampaign.org/">Ban the Box Campaign</a> is a national movement to give those with prior convictions a fair chance to live decently, work productively, and provide for themselves and their families. Here's how you can help:</div>
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<li>Take the Fair Chance Pledge and <a href="http://bantheboxcampaign.org/?page_id=14#.VZtElflViko">endorse the Ban the Box Campaign</a>. </li>
<li>If you are an employer, <a href="http://bantheboxcampaign.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/Sample-Fair-Chance-Hiring-Policy.pdf">adopt a Fair Change Hiring Policy</a>.</li>
<li><a href="http://www.nelp.org/campaign/ensuring-fair-chance-to-work/">Talk with your local government about passing Ban the Box reforms</a>. They won't be alone. To date, 18 states and more than 100 municipalities have implemented various Ban the Box reforms. </li>
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Attorneys can also organize an expungement clinic to provide free legal assistance to those wanting to clean up their records.</div>
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Employers shouldn't reject qualified candidates who want to work because of a debt to society that has already been paid. Ban the Box so everyone has a fair chance. </div>
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">Please visit http://sowhatcanido.blogspot.com to offer your comments and suggestions, forward this post, and peruse the archives. Thanks for reading "So what can I do", the public service weblog promoting ethics in action. - Karama Neal</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8612053.post-91807807577237090582014-10-06T18:52:00.002-04:002014-12-26T11:51:55.935-05:00Change the world.<div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 16px;">
<i><a href="https://payhip.com/b/YsJG">The Best of So What Can I Do - A Tenth Anniversary Celebration of Service</a> </i> is now available for purchase! </div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 16px;">Join the conversation on</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 16px;"> </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/sowhatcanido" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 16px;">Facebook</a><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 16px;"> </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 16px;">and</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 16px;"> </span><a href="http://www.twitter.com/sowhatcanido" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 16px;">Twitter</a><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 16px;"> </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 16px;">using the hastag #SWCID. </span><br />
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How will you make our world a better place? <br />
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* <a href="http://sowhatcanido.blogspot.com/search/label/health">Health</a> and <a href="http://sowhatcanido.blogspot.com/search/label/education">education</a><br />
* <a href="http://sowhatcanido.blogspot.com/search/label/economics">Economics</a>, <a href="http://sowhatcanido.blogspot.com/search/label/social%20entrepreneurship">social entrepreneurship</a>, and <a href="http://sowhatcanido.blogspot.com/search/label/microloans">microfinance</a><br />
* <a href="http://sowhatcanido.blogspot.com/search/label/food">Food</a> and <a href="http://sowhatcanido.blogspot.com/search/label/water">water</a><br />
* <a href="http://sowhatcanido.blogspot.com/search/label/energy">Energy</a> and <a href="http://sowhatcanido.blogspot.com/search/label/electronics">technology</a><br />
* <a href="http://sowhatcanido.blogspot.com/search/label/women">Women</a>, <a href="http://sowhatcanido.blogspot.com/search/label/children">children</a>, and <a href="http://sowhatcanido.blogspot.com/search/label/family">family</a><br />
* <a href="http://sowhatcanido.blogspot.com/search/label/environment">Environment</a>, <a href="http://sowhatcanido.blogspot.com/search/label/land">land</a>, and <a href="http://sowhatcanido.blogspot.com/search/label/sustainable">sustainability</a><br />
* <a href="http://sowhatcanido.blogspot.com/search/label/faith">Faith</a><br />
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<b>Your efforts change the world.</b><br />
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<a class="payhip-button payhip-button-grey payhip-button-medium " data-key="YsJG" href="https://payhip.com/b/YsJG">Buy eBook</a><script src="https://payhip.com/btn.js" type="text/javascript"></script><div class="blogger-post-footer">Please visit http://sowhatcanido.blogspot.com to offer your comments and suggestions, forward this post, and peruse the archives. Thanks for reading "So what can I do", the public service weblog promoting ethics in action. - Karama Neal</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8612053.post-1288049474578690972012-06-19T08:13:00.001-04:002012-06-19T08:15:20.174-04:00Celebrate Juneteeth, end slavery.Today is <a href="http://sowhatcanido.blogspot.com/search/label/Juneteenth">Juneteenth</a>, my favorite holiday. It marks the "end" of slavery in the United States in 1865 and feels particularly relevant because is linked, at least peripherally, to my great-great-granddaddy, <a href="http://sowhatcanido.blogspot.com/2009/06/celebrate-world-free-your-mind-day-june.html">Griffin Henry Belk</a>. </P>
But one cannot honestly celebrate Juneteenth these days without recognizing the slavery is not over in the United States or elsewhere. Today there are <b><a href="http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/ngm/0309/feature1/">more people enslaved</a> <a href="http://www.facebook.com/CNNFreedom">than at any time in human history</a></b>. Many of those enslaved are women and girls; many are in the United States. </P>
I often wonder why so many people sat idly by while people enslaved other people like my great grandparents and great-great-grandparents. Many of those people knew slavery wasn't right, wasn't just, but they did nothing. How will history look at us during <i>this</i> time? <a href="http://sowhatcanido.blogspot.com/2005/06/end-slavery.html">What are we doing to end slavery?</a> </P>
Here are some things you can do: </P>
* Learn more about human trafficking (slavery). There are numerous websites where you can get reliable information. Try the <a href="http://www.fbi.gov/about-us/investigate/civilrights/human_trafficking">FBI</a>, <a href="http://aspe.hhs.gov/hsp/07/HumanTrafficking/LitRev/">DHHS</a>, <a href="http://aspe.hhs.gov/hsp/07/HumanTrafficking/LitRev/">DHHS</a>, or the <a href="http://kristof.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/04/23/human-trafficking-in-the-united-states/">New York Times</a>. </P>
* Learn the indicators of modern slavery and report suspected trafficking. The <a href="http://www.dhs.gov/files/programs/humantrafficking.shtm">Department of Homeland Security</a> tells you how to do this. </P>
* Get involved. There are <a href="http://www.google.com/#hl=en&sclient=psy-ab&q=report+human+trafficking&oq=report+human&aq=0&aqi=g3g-K7&aql=&gs_l=serp.1.0.0l3j0i30l7.545734.550910.1.552604.18.15.3.0.0.0.161.1470.10j5.15.0...0.0.UyJuu8FWsFE&psj=1&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.r_cp.r_qf.,cf.osb&fp=e73c6c504ca5aea8&biw=1342&bih=613">numerous organizations</a> dedicated to ending slavery in the US and around the world. </P>
* Spread the word. Post on Facebook. Tweet. Blog. Talk with those you know about what you've learned. Encourage them to get involved. </P>
If you do, perhaps history will look kindly upon us. </P>
<i>"In giving freedom to the slave, we assure freedom to the free - honorable alike in what we give, and what we preserve. We shall nobly save, or meanly lose, the last best hope of earth. Other means may succeed; this could not fail. The way is plain, peaceful, generous, just - a way which, if followed, the world will forever applaud, and God must forever bless."</i> Abraham Lincoln's Second Annual Message to Congress, December 1, 1862.<div class="blogger-post-footer">Please visit http://sowhatcanido.blogspot.com to offer your comments and suggestions, forward this post, and peruse the archives. Thanks for reading "So what can I do", the public service weblog promoting ethics in action. - Karama Neal</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8612053.post-90189510313006384942012-03-08T21:15:00.003-05:002012-03-08T21:34:54.255-05:00Send a girl to school.Happy International Women's Day! One great way to celebrate is to invest in the women of tomorrow and the communities they'll create. You can do that by helping send a girl-child to school. <br /><br />According to <a href="http://www.camfed.org">CAMFED</a>, <span style="font-weight:bold;">"When you educate a girl in Africa, everything changes. She’ll be three times less likely to get HIV/AIDS, earn 25 percent more income and have a smaller, healthier family."</span> <br /><br />Consider supporting <a href="http://www.camfed.org">CAMFED</a> as they help girls all over rural Africa pay school fees, purchase school books and uniforms, and get a life-changing education. <br /><br />And if you'd like other ideas for today and everyday, check out the So What Can I Do <a href="http://sowhatcanido.blogspot.com/search/label/women">archives</a>. <br /><br />Enjoy the day!<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">"It is very important for young people not to be afraid of engaging in areas that are not common to the youth. Get involved in local activities, get involved in local initiatives, be involved in leadership positions because you can’t learn unless you are involved. And if you make mistakes that is alright too because we all make mistakes and we learn from those mistakes. You gain confidence from learning, failing and rising again."</span> - Wangari Maatai<div class="blogger-post-footer">Please visit http://sowhatcanido.blogspot.com to offer your comments and suggestions, forward this post, and peruse the archives. Thanks for reading "So what can I do", the public service weblog promoting ethics in action. - Karama Neal</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8612053.post-36174174032765948952012-02-22T23:32:00.008-05:002012-02-22T23:58:29.978-05:00Sacrifice, save, serve.Today is the first day of <a href="http://http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lent">Lent</a> and many Christians are giving up some luxury as a way of preparing for Easter and focusing their thoughts and prayers on Christ's sacrifice for us. If you are giving up something for Lent this year, and if that something costs money, consider donating your savings to a worthy local, national, or international service organization. <br /><br />* If you're giving up pop for Lent, you could save and donate $30 to help a family use agriculture more self sufficient by supporting <a href="http://www.heifer.org">Heifer International</a> (where I got this idea).<br /><br />* If you're giving up desserts for Lent, you could save and donate $100 to help women and babies worldwide live through pregnancy and birth by supporting <a href="http://www.care.org">CARE</a>.<br /><br />* If you're giving up eating out for Lent, you can save $250 to help a family increase their income through microenterprise through supporting <a href="http://www.microplace.com">Microplace</a> or <a href="http://www.kiva.org">Kiva</a>.<br /><br />Any amount helps your neighbors, your community, and our world. Search the archives of So What Can I Do for more giving ideas. Your sacrifice can not only strengthen your relationship with God, but also be a means of serving God's children. <br /><br />Blessings to all!<div class="blogger-post-footer">Please visit http://sowhatcanido.blogspot.com to offer your comments and suggestions, forward this post, and peruse the archives. Thanks for reading "So what can I do", the public service weblog promoting ethics in action. - Karama Neal</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8612053.post-47720513332412325482012-01-06T23:02:00.007-05:002012-01-14T10:24:06.652-05:00Make it a day/life of service.I remember one Martin Luther King day many years ago, when I was in grad school, that I spent in the lab. That wasn't too unusual because I generally went to the lab <span style="font-style:italic;">every</span> day. But one of my colleagues (who was also working) asked me why I was in the lab on the King holiday. I replied that I thought Dr. King would want me to get my PhD. <br /><br />I still think of the King Holiday as a day on rather than a day off, but now that I have finished school, I have a bit more time to be of service to others on that day. Readers of So What Can I Do are likely to feel the same, so I offer two resources to find local service projects for the King Holiday:<br /><br />* <span style="font-weight:bold;">Visit <a href="http://mlkday.gov/serve/index.php">MLKday.gov</a> to find a service project in your area.</span> Perhaps you'll prepare a vacant lot for a community garden or provide basic home repairs for a family or neighbor in need.<br /><br />* <span style="font-weight:bold;">Peruse the archives of <a href="http://sowhatcanido.blogspot.com">So what can I do</a>.</span> Maybe you'll decide to donate blood (January is National Blood Donor Month) or sort products at a food bank or medical reclamation facility.<br /><br />Most importantly don't let it be a just single day of service. Make a lasting commitment to make a read difference in our world. Happy birthday, Dr. King.<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">"He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God."</span> Micah 6:8<div class="blogger-post-footer">Please visit http://sowhatcanido.blogspot.com to offer your comments and suggestions, forward this post, and peruse the archives. Thanks for reading "So what can I do", the public service weblog promoting ethics in action. - Karama Neal</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8612053.post-4630793838965860112012-01-06T22:30:00.004-05:002012-01-06T23:44:57.825-05:00EITC: Ask for it!Tax time is upon us once again. You've got a couple of extra days this year - til April 17. <br /><br />And here's another piece of good news: lots of folks, many of whom don't know it, will qualify for the <a href="http://eitcoutreach.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/English-Flyer-2012.pdf">Earned Income Tax Credit</a>.<span style="font-weight:bold;"> EITC can mean up to $5,751 in your pocket.</span> That's money to pay bills, save for college or a downpayment on your home, or stash away for a rainy day. Find out if you're <a href="http://eitcoutreach.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/English-Flyer-2012.pdf">eligible</a> or ask your tax preparer about it.<br /><br />Remember you have to file a tax return (even if you're not required to or do not owe) in order to claim the EITC.<br /><br />You've already earned it. Now go claim it.<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">"Next to being shot at and missed, nothing is really quite as satisfying as an income tax refund.”</span> — F. J. Raymond, humorist<div class="blogger-post-footer">Please visit http://sowhatcanido.blogspot.com to offer your comments and suggestions, forward this post, and peruse the archives. Thanks for reading "So what can I do", the public service weblog promoting ethics in action. - Karama Neal</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8612053.post-8457355526189566232009-06-20T23:40:00.002-04:002009-06-25T00:52:27.104-04:00Join the So What Can I Do blood donation team.I went to the Red Cross blood center today and gave a pint. Regular readers and regular donors know that blood donation is a fast and easy way to save up to three lives. You never know when you or someone you know will need blood. So please consider donating blood, platelets, or red cells. <br /><br />And if you do, you’re invited to join the So What Can I Do Red Cross Racing Team. Here’s how:<br />• Visit <a href="http://www.redcrossracing.com"> redcrossracing.com </a>.<br />• After you register scroll to the bottom and click <b>“Team Competition.”</b><br />• Enter the So What Can I Do team code: <b>O?67SO </b>.<br />• Remember to <b>log your donations</b> to win points and prizes.<br /><br />Hope to see you on the team! <br /><br /><i>"Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim. Silence encourages the tormentor, never the tormented."</i> -Elie Wiesel, writer, Nobel laureate (b. 1928)<br /><br /><a href="http://www.givelife.org"><img border="0" src="http://www.redcross.org/images/psabanners/all/blood/arc_banner-a.gif" alt="Donate Blood"></a><br /><a href="http://www.redcross.org/psa/bannerorder/all/redirMM.asp?OID=so What Can I Do?&DID=06252009&BanID=rcr_banner_728x90&TargetID=http://www.redcrossracing.com"><img border="0" src="http://www.redcross.org/images/psabanners/all/728x90/rcr_banner_728x90.jpg" alt="Red Cross Racing"></a><div class="blogger-post-footer">Please visit http://sowhatcanido.blogspot.com to offer your comments and suggestions, forward this post, and peruse the archives. Thanks for reading "So what can I do", the public service weblog promoting ethics in action. - Karama Neal</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8612053.post-52477915081177609522009-06-19T00:07:00.002-04:002009-06-21T00:19:40.027-04:00Celebrate World Free Your Mind Day – June 19th.I spent this <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Juneteenth">Juneteenth</a> thinking about what my family would have been like if my great-great-granddaddy <a href="http://sowhatcanido.blogspot.com/2007/06/free-your-mind.html"> Griffin Henry Belk</a> hadn’t walked off that plantation when he did. I expect it would have made a huge difference, because when Griffin Henry Belk left, he was able to travel (searching for his parents), purchase land (160 acres for $11 in Ozan, Arkansas), and generally prepare to provide for his wife and five children to come. <br /><br />So I woke up <a href="http://sowhatcanido.blogspot.com/search/label/Juneteenth">Juneteenth</a> morning and told my daughter about her great-great-great-granddaddy. Even though she’s only two, I expect it resonated with her, or will soon. But when I wished <a href="http://seekwadjowrite.wordpress.com">Kwadjo</a> a Happy Juneteenth, I thought, “How is this holiday - my favorite one - relevant to him?” But thinking about Griffin Henry Belk made me realize how Juneteenth is relevant to each of us. <br /><br />See, Griffin Henry Belk was enslaved, but he didn’t need the Emancipation Proclamation to know that he was free. He was already <a href="http://sowhatcanido.blogspot.com/2007/06/free-your-mind.html">free in his mind</a>. and since it’s most important to <i>recognize and cultivate your own freedom</i>, in honor of all those everywhere who struggle to be free, I declare <b>June 19th World Free Your Mind Day!</b> Now that’s something we can all celebrate with pride!<br /><br />O happy day!<br /><br /><i>"There are two ways of spreading light; to be the candle or the mirror that reflects it."</i> - Edith Wharton<div class="blogger-post-footer">Please visit http://sowhatcanido.blogspot.com to offer your comments and suggestions, forward this post, and peruse the archives. Thanks for reading "So what can I do", the public service weblog promoting ethics in action. - Karama Neal</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8612053.post-86518138775600404422009-06-12T00:04:00.002-04:002009-06-12T00:12:41.568-04:00Make Kiva microloans in the US.I’ve written frequently about <a href="http://sowhatcanido.blogspot.com/search/label/microloans">microloans</a> - how the concept spread as a <a href="http://sowhatcanido.blogspot.com/2009/04/follow-through-on-your-good-idea.html">tool for economic development</a>, how to lend and get your money back – sometimes with <a href="http://sowhatcanido.blogspot.com/2007/11/get-your-money-back.html">with interest</a>, making a loan a <a href="http://sowhatcanido.blogspot.com/2006/02/click-to-donate.html">no cost</a> to you, etc. But my most popular post on the topic discusses <a href="http://sowhatcanido.blogspot.com/2008/04/support-us-microloans-and-microlending.html">microloans in the US</a>. I’m pleased to report that there is now another option for those interested in making microloans in the US. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.kiva.org">Kiva</a> now offers the opportunity to make microloans in the US. If you’re in the US, this is a great way to help your neighbors move ahead through entrepreneurship. <br /><br />And if you need a microloan, this means there are more people around to sponsor your business. Contact <a href="http://www.accionusa.org/">Accion USA</a> or <a href="http://www.opportunityfund.org/">Opportunity Fund</a> for more information on getting a loan for your small business.<br /><br />If you join Kiva or are already a member, consider joining the <a href="http://www.kiva.org/app.php?page=community&action=viewTeam&team_id=223">So What Can I Do Kiva lending team</a>. And if you happen to be connected with Swarthmore College, consider the <a href="http://www.kiva.org/community/viewTeam?team_id=2188"> Swarthmore College and Community lending team</a>. Find a team that fits your style or start your own. You'll be amazed at the difference your group can make. Since its launch less than a year ago, the So What Can I Do lending team has already loaned over $5,000! <br /><br />Microfinance and microlending are great ways to help others reach financial stability and promote economic justice. And it doesn't take much to get started. Happy lending!<br /><br /><i>He who postpones the hour of living is like the rustic who waits for the river to run out before he crosses.</i> - Horace, poet (65-8 BCE)<div class="blogger-post-footer">Please visit http://sowhatcanido.blogspot.com to offer your comments and suggestions, forward this post, and peruse the archives. Thanks for reading "So what can I do", the public service weblog promoting ethics in action. - Karama Neal</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8612053.post-21991309051045197132009-05-25T22:58:00.004-04:002009-05-25T23:04:36.178-04:00Be the match: Join the Marrow Registry for free June 8-22.Earlier today when I wanted to forward my post on <a href="http://sowhatcanido.blogspot.com/2006/02/donate-your-babys-cord-blood.html">cord blood donation</a>, I realized that most of the links had gone dead. While updating them, I was pleased to learn about the upcoming <a href="http://www.marrow.org/HELP/Events/Marrowthon2009/index.html"> Marrowthon</a> from the <a href="http://www.marrow.org/">National Marrow Donor Program</a>. NMDP has set a goal of adding 46,000 new members to the marrow registry during this drive. Each new member increases the odds that someone with a life threatening blood disease will live, and live well – disease free.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.marrow.org/JOIN/Join_Now/join_now.html">Joining is easy: </a> just take the eligibility quiz, fill out a form, and swab your cheeks for a cell sample. (I had to give a bit of blood for testing when I joined years ago– so now it’s even easier.) That’s it, you’re on the registry. Just keep your address updated so that if you ever match someone in need, NMDP will know how to contact you. If that happens and you choose to donate, your choice may well save someone’s life. Remember, it is a <i>choice</i> - there’s no obligation to donate even if you match. <br /><br />Usually, it costs $52 to join. The fee covers the testing and maintenance of the registry and is tax deductible. But <a href="http://www.marrow.org/HELP/Events/Marrowthon2009/index.html">joining is free from June 8-22</a> during the Marrowthon! <br /><br /><a href="http://www.marrow.org/HELP/Events/Marrowthon2009/index.html">Joining the marrow registry is just one way to help.</a> Here are some other <a href="http://www.marrow.org/HELP/index.html"> ways to get involved</a>:<br /><br />* Make a tax-deductible donation to the <a href="http://www.marrow.org/">NMDP</a>. It actually costs ~$100 to place one person on the registry so your donations help defray expenses.<br /><br />* Spread the word. Encourage others to join, especially during the <a href="http://www.marrow.org/HELP/Events/Marrowthon2009/index.html">Marrowthon</a> when it's free!<br /><br />* If you’re pregnant, <a href="http://sowhatcanido.blogspot.com/2006/02/donate-your-babys-cord-blood.html"> donate your baby’s cord blood</a>. It’s free, painless, doesn’t alter the birth process, and can save someone’s life.<br /><br />So think about the options you would want for yourself, your child, your spouse, or a loved one upon a blood disease diagnosis. Now consider joining the <a href="http://www.marrow.org/JOIN/Join_Now/join_now.html"> Be the Match Marrow Registry</a>. You may be the one to save a life.<br /> <br /><i>“Sickle cell is now a part of my past. One year after my transplant, I was pronounced cured. Stem cells saved my life. Thank you.”</i> - Keone Penn, 2003, the first person cured of sickle cell anemia by umbilical cord blood donation from an unrelated donor, in a US Senate hearing.<br /><br /><img style="visibility:hidden;width:0px;height:0px;" border=0 width=0 height=0 src="http://counters.gigya.com/wildfire/IMP/CXNID=2000002.0NXC/bT*xJmx*PTEyNDMzMDExODYyMDkmcHQ9MTI*MzMwMTE5NDM2OCZwPTEyMDc*MSZkPTNRQ1Z6dmw4RlprdHlNZ*QmZz*yJnQ9Jm89OTZjNDdkYzlkMmRkNDBjODgxYjVhNGQxNDUwNzY5N2Ymb2Y9MA==.gif" /><object classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" id="playerLoader" width="260" height="279" codebase="http://fpdownload.macromedia.com/get/flashplayer/current/swflash.cab"><param name="movie" value="http://farm.sproutbuilder.com/load/3QCVzvl8FZktyMgD.swf" /><param name="quality" value="best" /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><param name="wmode" value="transparent" /><embed src="http://farm.sproutbuilder.com/load/3QCVzvl8FZktyMgD.swf" width="260" height="279" name="playerLoader" align="middle" wmode="transparent" play="true" loop="false" quality="best" allowScriptAccess="always" allowFullScreen="true" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" pluginspage="http://www.adobe.com/go/getflashplayer"></embed></object><div class="blogger-post-footer">Please visit http://sowhatcanido.blogspot.com to offer your comments and suggestions, forward this post, and peruse the archives. Thanks for reading "So what can I do", the public service weblog promoting ethics in action. - Karama Neal</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8612053.post-21849424063209680052009-05-18T23:49:00.001-04:002009-05-18T23:52:20.991-04:00Call 211.Lots of places allow residents to <a href="http://www.google.com/custom?domains=sowhatcanido.blogspot.com&q=call+211&sa=Search&sitesearch=&client=pub-4066631109689994&forid=1&ie=ISO-8859-1&oe=ISO-8859-1&cof=GALT%3A%23008000%3BGL%3A1%3BDIV%3A%23336699%3BVLC%3A663399%3BAH%3Acenter%3BBGC%3AFFFFFF%3BLBGC%3A336699%3BALC%3A0000FF%3BLC%3A0000FF%3BT%3A000000%3BGFNT%3A0000FF%3BGIMP%3A0000FF%3BFORID%3A1&hl=en">call 211</a> to get local help with food, housing, employment, health care, counseling and other social services. But did you know that you can also call 211 to learn how <i>give</i> help? <br /><br />When <a href="http://seekwadjowrite.wordpress.com">Kwadjo</a> and I moved from Atlanta to Little Rock, we found we had lots to give away just before we were planning to leave. The organizations to which we normally donated would do scheduled pick-ups but the available dates were too far away. And we were too busy packing to make a drop off. So I called <a href="http://www.google.com/custom?domains=sowhatcanido.blogspot.com&q=call+211&sa=Search&sitesearch=&client=pub-4066631109689994&forid=1&ie=ISO-8859-1&oe=ISO-8859-1&cof=GALT%3A%23008000%3BGL%3A1%3BDIV%3A%23336699%3BVLC%3A663399%3BAH%3Acenter%3BBGC%3AFFFFFF%3BLBGC%3A336699%3BALC%3A0000FF%3BLC%3A0000FF%3BT%3A000000%3BGFNT%3A0000FF%3BGIMP%3A0000FF%3BFORID%3A1&hl=en">211</a> to get find some organizations that could do an immediate pickup. Thankfully, it worked out well. <br /><br />Wondering if your town has 211 for social services? Visit <a href="http://www.211.org/">211.org</a> and search by city, state, or ZIP code. I was pleased to see that Arkansas also has 211. And like many other states and municipalities, Arkansas 211 also has a website (<a href="http://www.Arkansas211.org/">Arkansas211.org</a>). <br /><br />So <a href="http://www.google.com/custom?domains=sowhatcanido.blogspot.com&q=call+211&sa=Search&sitesearch=&client=pub-4066631109689994&forid=1&ie=ISO-8859-1&oe=ISO-8859-1&cof=GALT%3A%23008000%3BGL%3A1%3BDIV%3A%23336699%3BVLC%3A663399%3BAH%3Acenter%3BBGC%3AFFFFFF%3BLBGC%3A336699%3BALC%3A0000FF%3BLC%3A0000FF%3BT%3A000000%3BGFNT%3A0000FF%3BGIMP%3A0000FF%3BFORID%3A1&hl=en">call 211</a> or visit your local <a href="http://www.google.com/custom?domains=sowhatcanido.blogspot.com&q=call+211&sa=Search&sitesearch=&client=pub-4066631109689994&forid=1&ie=ISO-8859-1&oe=ISO-8859-1&cof=GALT%3A%23008000%3BGL%3A1%3BDIV%3A%23336699%3BVLC%3A663399%3BAH%3Acenter%3BBGC%3AFFFFFF%3BLBGC%3A336699%3BALC%3A0000FF%3BLC%3A0000FF%3BT%3A000000%3BGFNT%3A0000FF%3BGIMP%3A0000FF%3BFORID%3A1&hl=en">211 website</a> next time you<br /><br />• need social services<br />• would like to offer help<br />• want to list your organization’s services<br /><br />It’s a valuable local resource and it’s just a call or click away.<br /><br /><i>"This is the miracle that happens every time to those who really love; the more they give, the more they possess."</i> - Rainer Maria Rilke<div class="blogger-post-footer">Please visit http://sowhatcanido.blogspot.com to offer your comments and suggestions, forward this post, and peruse the archives. Thanks for reading "So what can I do", the public service weblog promoting ethics in action. - Karama Neal</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8612053.post-52525836409612954452009-05-06T08:27:00.003-04:002009-05-10T08:39:38.167-04:00Build 1 Well.One of the great things about <a href="http://sowhatcanido.blogspot.com/2008/09/join-so-what-can-i-do-kiva-team.html">Kiva</a>, <a href="http://sowhatcanido.blogspot.com/2008/04/support-us-microloans-and-microlending.html">Prosper</a>, and <a href="http://sowhatcanido.blogspot.com/2009/01/give-gift-of-learning.html">Donors Choose</a> is that donors get to select the projects they fund. Giving is much more personal when you know the recipient of your gift and how it will be used. <a href="http://1well.org/">1 Well</a> has taken this concept and combined it with <a href="http://sowhatcanido.blogspot.com/2008/11/join-so-what-can-i-do-giving-team.html">giving teams</a> in a whole new way.<br /><br /><a href="http://1well.org/">1 Well</a> is a nonprofit that connects “socially conscious individuals, groups, and businesses” with residents of “communities in high need areas of the world” to “partner to build critical life-sustaining projects – wells, toilets, childcare centers, etc – that meet the basic needs of poor communities and give them the opportunity to work for a living wage.” For example:<br /><blockquote>* A 1Well project in <a href="http://1well.org/vachharajpur_case_study_1">Vachharajpur, India</a>, provided clean drinking water for more than 550 villagers. Women have started small businesses because they no longer walk five hours a day to collect potable water.<br /><br />* Another 1Well project in <a href="http://1well.org/sedla_case_study_1">Sedla, India</a>, provided irrigation water for more than 100 farming families, improving the quality and quantity of their crops, reducing their costs by 75 percent and providing jobs for those who would otherwise migrate in search of work.</blockquote><br />Isn’t that a great way to make a difference? If you think so, then you can take financial responsibility for a 1 Well project <a href="http://1well.org/available_projects">1 Well project</a>. Sign up to be the <a href="http://1well.org/become_svc">social venture capitalist</a> for a project that will raise $2,900 for a solar lantern manufacturing and repair facility in Haji Bhachudiwandh, Gujarat, India. Or manage the effort to raise $1,000 to build a classroom in Ica City, Ica, Peru. <br /><br />You can sell baked goods, organize a road race, host a silent auction, or use other <a href="http://1well.org/svc_toolkit">activities</a> to raise money for the project you are sponsoring. When the project is complete, you’ll know you played a key role in making it happen.<br /><br />So visit <a href="http://1well.org/">1well.org</a>, select the project you want to fund, then choose the methods you will use to raise money for it. Your efforts will make a difference for years to come. (Thanks to <a href="http://www.frankmagazine.org/">Frank</a> for the tip!)<br /><br /><i>"The way to get things done is not to mind who gets the credit.”</i> - Benjamin Jowett, 1817-1893<div class="blogger-post-footer">Please visit http://sowhatcanido.blogspot.com to offer your comments and suggestions, forward this post, and peruse the archives. Thanks for reading "So what can I do", the public service weblog promoting ethics in action. - Karama Neal</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8612053.post-44018422755712731392009-04-25T22:36:00.006-04:002009-04-26T22:29:42.966-04:00Follow through on your good idea.I always like to be a bit ahead of the curve, so I was really pleased that I had already written about <a href="http://sowhatcanido.blogspot.com/2005/07/make-microloan.html"> Muhammad Yunus’ Grameen Bank</a> before Professor Yunus won the 2006 Nobel Peace Prize. But I was no where near as ahead of the game as <a href="http://sowhatcanido.blogspot.com/2009/02/bank-southern.html"> Southern Good Faith Fund</a>. In the early 80s, Professor Yunus visited Arkansas to help start the peer lending component of Southern Good Faith Fund. <a href="http://www.nwanews.com/adg/News/257862/">Yunus returned to Arkansas</a> earlier this week to work on another iteration of <a href="http://www.grameenamerica.org/">Grameen</a> and I got to meet him! <br /><br />Professor Yunus spoke, took questions, and left us all inspired. I always enjoy hearing about how people follow through on their good ideas. Muhammad Yunus could have easily continued teaching economics especially after the banks in Bangladesh told him that no one would lend money to women who are poor. He could have given up, gotten angry, or just theorized about why his idea would work. Instead, <b>he followed through on his idea and made it work.</b><br /><br />How many times have you had a great idea and sat on it, only to see someone else implement it? It has happened to me more times than I can count. But when I hear folks like Muhammad Yunus speak, I’m encouraged not to let it happen again. I challenge us all to act on our good ideas. Who knows what the result could be? You could win a Nobel Prize, or maybe, even <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1433208385?ie=UTF8&tag=sowhcaido-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1433208385">create a world without poverty</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=sowhcaido-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1433208385" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" />.<br /><br /><iframe src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=sowhcaido-20&o=1&p=8&l=as1&asins=1433208385&fc1=000000&IS2=1<1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="width:120px;height:240px;" scrolling="no" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" frameborder="0"></iframe> <iframe src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=sowhcaido-20&o=1&p=8&l=as1&asins=1586481983&fc1=000000&IS2=1<1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="width:120px;height:240px;" scrolling="no" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" frameborder="0"></iframe><br /><br /><i>”It is not the strongest of the species that survive, nor the most intelligent, but the one most responsive to change.”</i> - Charles Darwin<div class="blogger-post-footer">Please visit http://sowhatcanido.blogspot.com to offer your comments and suggestions, forward this post, and peruse the archives. Thanks for reading "So what can I do", the public service weblog promoting ethics in action. - Karama Neal</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8612053.post-50336900122894491032009-04-18T04:20:00.003-04:002009-05-25T23:44:17.434-04:00Join the Doe Network.I cannot imagine the horror of someone I love going missing. Hopefully, you can’t imagine it either, and never will. But for some of us, that horror is all too real. And the longer a person is missing, the harder it is to find them. That’s why there are so many <a href="http://www.fbi.gov/wanted/kidnap/kidmiss.htm">unsolved missing persons cases</a>. That’s where the <a href="http://www.doenetwork.org/">Doe Network</a> comes in.<br /><br />The <a href="http://www.doenetwork.org/">Doe Network</a> is “a volunteer organization devoted to assisting Law Enforcement in solving cold cases concerning Unexplained Disappearances and Unidentified Victims from North America, Australia and Europe. It is our mission to give the nameless back their names and return the missing to their families.” They work in three ways:<br /><br />• using their website to give the cases exposure <br />• organizing volunteers search for clues on these cases and making possible matches between missing and unidentified persons<br />• soliciting media exposure for these cases that need it<br /><br />This process has been used to close numerous cases through <a href="http://www.doenetwork.org/cases/located.html">finding the missing person</a> and <a href="http://www.doenetwork.org/cases/identified10.html"> naming or finding an unidentified person</a>. You can help solve more cases by volunteering with the <a href="http://www.doenetwork.org/">Doe Network</a> or its sister agency <a href="http://www.nampn.org/"> North American Missing Persons Network</a>. Many states and other organizations have their own <a href="http://www.google.com/custom?domains=sowhatcanido.blogspot.com&q=missing+persons+network&sa=Search&sitesearch=&client=pub-4066631109689994&forid=1&ie=ISO-8859-1&oe=ISO-8859-1&cof=GALT%3A%23008000%3BGL%3A1%3BDIV%3A%23336699%3BVLC%3A663399%3BAH%3Acenter%3BBGC%3AFFFFFF%3BLBGC%3A336699%3BALC%3A0000FF%3BLC%3A0000FF%3BT%3A000000%3BGFNT%3A0000FF%3BGIMP%3A0000FF%3BFORID%3A1&hl=en"> networks</a> which can use support.<br /><br />So if you are good at solving mysteries, if you never forget a face, if you want to reunite loved ones, consider joining the Doe Network. Someone will be very grateful for the closure your efforts can help bring.<br /><br /><i>"Only when we are no longer afraid do we begin to live."</i> - Dorothy Thompson<div class="blogger-post-footer">Please visit http://sowhatcanido.blogspot.com to offer your comments and suggestions, forward this post, and peruse the archives. Thanks for reading "So what can I do", the public service weblog promoting ethics in action. - Karama Neal</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8612053.post-76901299616475308712009-04-13T23:50:00.001-04:002009-04-13T23:51:51.957-04:00Be a VITA volunteer.It mid-April and that means tax season. If you’re one of those rare people who don’t mind filing your taxes (They really exist! I’ve met some!), consider volunteering to file taxes for others. The IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program trains and certifies people to file taxes for low- and moderate-income clients helping them take advantage of the Earned Income Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit, and Credit for the Elderly. The EITC is particularly important - it is one of the largest antipoverty tool in the US but one quarter of qualified working people miss out on it each year. If you’d like to help hard-working families keep more of what they earn, consider becoming a <a href="http://www.irs.gov/individuals/article/0,,id=107626,00.html">VITA Volunteer</a>.<br /><br />VITA volunteers are trained through community organizations and nonprofits throughout the country (like <a href="http://sowhatcanido.blogspot.com/2009/02/bank-southern.html">Southern Good Faith Fund</a>). According to the IRS, “VITA sites are generally located at community and neighborhood centers, libraries, schools, shopping malls, and other convenient locations. Most locations also offer free electronic filing.”<br /><br />* <b>To volunteer, call 1-800-829-1040</b> to find a VITA site near you. Then contact the sponsoring organization to get trained and volunteer your services during the next tax season. <br /><br />* <b> To file your taxes, call 1-800-829-1040</b> to find a neighborhood VITA site and see if you qualify for this free service. Hurry! It’s almost April 15th!<br /><br />* The IRS also sponsors the Tax Counseling for the Elderly Program which “provides free tax help to people aged 60 and older.” As part of this program, AARP offers the Tax-Aide counseling program for senior citizens of low- or moderate- income. Call <b>1-800-829-1040</b> to learn more about TCE. To locate the nearest <b>AARP Tax-Aide site, call 1-888-227-7669 or visit <a href="http://www.aarp.org/money/taxaide/">aarp.org/money/taxaide/</a></b>.<br /><br />These are great ways to serve your your neighbors and help them keep more of the money they earn and keep it working in your community. Happy filing!<div class="blogger-post-footer">Please visit http://sowhatcanido.blogspot.com to offer your comments and suggestions, forward this post, and peruse the archives. Thanks for reading "So what can I do", the public service weblog promoting ethics in action. - Karama Neal</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8612053.post-86125136869754822012009-03-05T23:42:00.002-05:002009-03-06T00:01:20.167-05:00Move greenly.My family and I recently moved from Atlanta to <a href="http://sowhatcanido.blogspot.com/search/label/Arkansas">Little Rock</a>, and though the process wasn’t nearly as bad as I had feared (thank you, Kwadjo!) we did create much more waste than I would have liked – packing material, tape, household items, and all those boxes!<br /><br />The process inspired me to find ways to move greenly, that is, in an environmentally responsible manner. (Yes, I finally succumbed to using the word green and not meaning a color.) So if you’re planning a move, consider these methods to reduce your footprint to only those required to get from your old home to your new one:<br /><br />* <b>Donate usable items</b> that won’t make the move with you. Clothes, books, kitchenware, and other items are often gladly accepted by human services agencies. The key here is to start early. If you wait until the last minute, you may not have time to drop off the items and the agencies may not be able schedule a pickup on short notice. In many communities, you can call 211 to find a list of local human services agencies. <br /><br />* <b>Reclaim used boxes.</b> You can often get them for free at grocery stores. Or try <a href="http://sowhatcanido.blogspot.com/2004/10/freecycle-network.html">Freecycle.org</a>, <a href="http://www.craigslist.org">Craigslist.org</a>, or <a href="http://www.usedcardboardboxes.com">UsedCardboardBoxes.com</a>.<br /><br />* <b>Choose reusable plastic boxes</b>. There are some great services now that deliver clean, sturdy, reusable plastic boxes, then pick them up at your new place after you move. Find them at <a href="http://www.rentagreenbox.com"> Rentagreenbox.com</a>, <a href="http://www.greenmoversusa.com"> greenmoversusa.com</a>, <a href="http://earthfriendlymoving.com/greenbox/">earthfriendlymoving.com</a>, or other companies.<br /><br />* <b>Use biofuel for the move.</b> A number of companies now promote their use of biodiesel fueled trucks for moving.<br /><br />* <b>Donate your boxes</b> to <a href="http://www.usedcardboardboxes.com">UsedCardboardBoxes.com</a>. They’ll make sure they get a second life. This is also a great opportunity for companies that go through a lot of boxes. <br /><br />* <b>Recycle your boxes</b> once you unpack them at your new place. Check early to find out your new pick up dates or drop off locations.<br /><br />These are just a few of the many ways to make your next move less painful for you and for our planet. <br /><br /><i>"Forever is composed of nows." </i> - Emily Dickinson<div class="blogger-post-footer">Please visit http://sowhatcanido.blogspot.com to offer your comments and suggestions, forward this post, and peruse the archives. Thanks for reading "So what can I do", the public service weblog promoting ethics in action. - Karama Neal</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8612053.post-8330590379698485182009-02-26T23:24:00.002-05:002009-02-26T23:32:34.847-05:00Give an inspired gift.What do you give the person who has everything? How about the knowledge that their gift helped save a child’s life. <a href="http://www.unicef.org">UNICEF</a> now makes this possible with their <a href="http://inspiredgifts.unicefusa.org/">UNICEF Inspired Gifts</a>. These are truly amazing gifts – every thing from Plumpy Nut which successfully treats malnutrition to antimalaria bed nets to water purification kits. Gifts are organized into three categories:<br /><br />• Education and Play<br />• Immunization<br />• Water<br />• Nutrition<br />• Health<br />• Emergency<br /><br />* Honor your favorite teacher with a <a href="http://inspiredgifts.unicefusa.org/site/PageServer?pagename=ig_cat_education">school in a box</a> and ensure that 80 children can continue their education even in times of emergency.<br /><br />* Know someone who rides their bike to work? Celebrate their efforts with a <a href="http://inspiredgifts.unicefusa.org/site/PageServer?pagename=ig_cat_immunization">bicycle for health workers</a> that will enable workers to reach remote villages and serve the people there.<br /><br />* Thank your child’s pediatrician with a <a href="http://inspiredgifts.unicefusa.org/site/PageServer?pagename=ig_cat_immunization">vaccine carrier</a> that keeps immunizations effective even in hot climates.<br /><br />These items can make a life-saving or life-changing differences for a child. Want more evidence? Just watch . . .<br /><br /><embed src='http://www.cbs.com/thunder/swf30can10cbsnews/rcpHolderCbs-3-4x3.swf' FlashVars='link=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Ecbsnews%2Ecom%2Fvideo%2Fwatch%2F%3Fid%3D4201082n&partner=news&vert=News&autoPlayVid=false&releaseURL=http://release.theplatform.com/content.select?pid=ZlkVH0nHQBg2Oey2nUlkclKYlGKtk6Ge&name=cbsPlayer&allowScriptAccess=always&wmode=transparent&embedded=y&scale=noscale&rv=n&salign=tl' allowFullScreen='true' width='425' height='324' type='application/x-shockwave-flash' pluginspage='http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer'></embed><br/><a href='http://www.cbs.com'>Watch CBS Videos Online</a><br /><br /><i>”To find yourself, think for yourself.”</i> - Socrates<div class="blogger-post-footer">Please visit http://sowhatcanido.blogspot.com to offer your comments and suggestions, forward this post, and peruse the archives. Thanks for reading "So what can I do", the public service weblog promoting ethics in action. - Karama Neal</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8612053.post-12767046135313255562009-02-22T23:19:00.003-05:002009-03-07T23:37:58.743-05:00Join the Carnival for Change - Booth 14.Welcome to the <a href="http://sowhatcanido.blogspot.com/search/label/Carnival%20for%20Change">Carnival for Change</a> where we explore the web for interesting items relating to social justice, health, education, and opportunity. Today’s entries are from the mailbag . . . <br /><br />* <a href="http://www.womenforwomen.org/">Women for Women International</a> is hosting an <a href="http://www.womenforwomen.org/events-supporting-women/international-womens-day.php#call">international conference call</a> on their work and other ways to celebrate <a href="http://www.internationalwomensday.com/">International Women’s Day</a>. The call is March 5. More later on the holiday (March 8).<br /><br />* Emily, a 12 year old girl from Pennsylvania has started a charitable e-greeting site. Visit <a href="http://www.ezgreetings.org">EZgreetings.org</a> and choose a $5 singing gram card to send to a friend. 100 cards are available for all occasions and Emily sings the greetings herself. Proceeds go to food allergy research. Way to go, Emily! <br /><br />* Join the <a href="http://pledge5.starbucks.com/">I’m in</a> campaign from Starbucks and the HandsOn Network and pledge to volunteer five hours in your community. Every little bit helps!<br /><br />* In <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0979685036?ie=UTF8&tag=sowhcaido-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0979685036">The Trouble with the Alphabet: Through The Eyes Of Innocence</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=sowhcaido-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0979685036" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" />, each letter is represented by a beautiful painting, a country and a way to help improve lives of the people there. Check it out.<br /><br /><iframe src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=sowhcaido-20&o=1&p=8&l=as1&asins=0979685036&fc1=000000&IS2=1<1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="width:120px;height:240px;" scrolling="no" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" frameborder="0"></iframe><br /><br />Thanks for visiting the Carnival for Change! If you'd like space at the next booth, send your items to me with "Carnival for Change" in the subject. See you next time! In the meantime, subscribe to <i>So What Can I Do</i> (see sidebar) or follow us on <a href="http://twitter.com/sowhatcanido">Twitter (@sowhatcanido)</a><br /><br /><i>"We are continually faced by great opportunities brilliantly disguised as insoluble problems."</i> - Lee Iacocca<div class="blogger-post-footer">Please visit http://sowhatcanido.blogspot.com to offer your comments and suggestions, forward this post, and peruse the archives. Thanks for reading "So what can I do", the public service weblog promoting ethics in action. - Karama Neal</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8612053.post-29613515082175704792009-02-13T16:38:00.001-05:002009-02-13T16:42:19.344-05:00Bank Southern.I don’t watch a lot of old movies (or movies in general, for that matter), so I saw <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000HEWEJO?ie=UTF8&tag=sowhcaido-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000HEWEJO">It's a Wonderful Life</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=sowhcaido-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B000HEWEJO" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /> for the first time fairly recently. Many of you already know <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/It's_a_Wonderful_Life">the story</a> - a guardian angel shows a depressed and suicidal banker how much worse his community would have been without him and helps him value his life and the positive difference he makes in the lives of others. I remember being struck by the beneficial role the bank played in the small town. I didn’t recognize it at the time, but the bank was a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Community_development_financial_institution">community development financial institution</a>.<br /><br />When my family and I decided to move to Arkansas (where I grew up), I took the opportunity to look for a position that made my interest in and commitment to social justice an asset. I consider it a blessing that I found meaningful work at <a href="http://www.southernbancorp.com">Southern Bancorp</a>. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.southernbancorp.com">Southern Bancorp</a> is a community development financial institution and is the largest rural development bank in the United States. Southern channels profits from three community banks (with more than 40 locations) into three nonprofit affiliates. The nonprofits work with residents in the bank service areas to help them improve their communities. This <a href="http://southernbancorp.com/mission/">model of social entrepreneurship</a> is making a real difference for the people in the communities we work in, some of which rank among the poorest in the nation. <br /><br />Southern excites me for two main reasons. First, our work focuses on rural areas in southern Arkansas and the Delta region of Arkansas and Mississippi. Because my mom is from southern Arkansas and my dad is from the Delta, I have <a href="http://sowhatcanido.blogspot.com/search/label/family%20stories">family</a> all over the region we serve. So it’s personal. More importantly, Southern is implementing an <a href="http://southernbancorp.com/mission/">ambitious and innovative community development model</a> that is proving to be effective, scalable, and reproducible. Southern’s rural hub development strategy is revitalizing communities by <a href="http://www.deltacollegeprep.org">educating children</a>, helping their parents find <a href="http://www.southerngff.org">jobs</a> and <a href="http://www.southerncdc.org">homes</a>, and creating a myriad of good reasons for people to stay in or return to the towns they love. It’s helping turn dying towns into <a href="http://www.deltabridgeproject.com">vibrant places to live.</a><br /><br />If this work and these ideas inspire you as they do me, here’s how you can get involved:<br /><br />* <b>Open an account</b> at a <a href="http://banksouthern.com/">Southern bank branch</a> in your area. By banking at Southern you’ll be supporting your community.<br /><br />* <a href="http://southernbancorp.com/invest/build-communities">Open a Certificate of Deposit</a> at Southern. Your FDIC-insured investment will earn interest and support community development work. You can even choose to donate a portion of your interest earnings to the Southern nonprofits.<br /><br />* <a href="http://southernbancorp.com/invest/change-lives">Donate</a> to Southern’s direct service nonprofit, Southern Good Faith Fund. Remember, your contribution is tax deductible.<br /><br />* <a href="http://www.goodsearch.com/">Search the web</a> through GoodSearch and select Southern Good Faith Fund as your nonprofit. Every search generates a donation to Southern, so search often.<br /><br />* <a href="http://www.goodshop.com/">Shop online</a> through GoodShop for Southern Good Faith Fund. Every purchase results in a donation to Southern.<br /><br />* <b>Learn more</b> about Southern. Start by perusing the <a href="http://www.southernbancorp.com">website</a>. You can also watch <a href="http://www.aetn.org/programs/delta_dreams/delta_dreams_home">Delta Dreams</a>. This 2007 documentary focuses on Helena-West Helena, Arkansas, where Southern first implemented its innovative community development strategy. And you may want to read <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1557287783?ie=UTF8&tag=sowhcaido-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1557287783">Doing Development in Arkansas</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=sowhcaido-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1557287783" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /> for an early history of Southern. It's important to note that Southern's development model has been significantly refined in the years since this book. It is this new strategy that is creating the real results we are seeing now.<br /><br />*<b>Spread the word.</b> If you are from Southern Arkansas or the Delta or know someone who is, let them know about the many ways to support or participate in Southern’s community development work.<br /><br />Isn't it nice to read a good story about a bank? Especially these days. Now you know why <a href=http://southernbancorp.com/mission/>I'm proud to bank Southern.</a><br /><br /><iframe src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=sowhcaido-20&o=1&p=8&l=as1&asins=B000HEWEJO&fc1=000000&IS2=1<1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="width:120px;height:240px;" scrolling="no" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" frameborder="0"></iframe><br /><br /><i>” Just a minute — just a minute. Now, hold on, Mr. Potter. You're right when you say my father was no business man. I know that. Why he ever started this cheap, penny-ante Building and Loan, I'll never know. But neither you nor anybody else can say anything against his character, because his whole life was...Why, in the twenty-five years since he and Uncle Billy started this thing, he never once thought of himself. Isn't that right, Uncle Billy? He didn't save enough money to send Harry to school, let alone me. But he did help a few people get out of your slums, Mr. Potter. And what's wrong with that? Why...Here, you're all businessmen here. Doesn't it make them better citizens? Doesn't it make them better customers? You...you said...What'd you say just a minute ago?...They had to wait and save their money before they even ought to think of a decent home. Wait! Wait for what? Until their children grow up and leave them? Until they're so old and broken-down that they...Do you know how long it takes a working man to save five thousand dollars? Just remember this, Mr. Potter, that this rabble you're talking about...they do most of the working and paying and living and dying in this community. Well, is it too much to have them work and pay and live and die in a couple of decent rooms and a bath? Anyway, my father didn't think so. People were human beings to him, but to you, a warped frustrated old man, they're cattle. Well, in my book he died a much richer man than you'll ever be!</i> - George Bailey, <i>It’s a Wonderful Life</i> (1946)<div class="blogger-post-footer">Please visit http://sowhatcanido.blogspot.com to offer your comments and suggestions, forward this post, and peruse the archives. Thanks for reading "So what can I do", the public service weblog promoting ethics in action. - Karama Neal</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8612053.post-36567596990275271102009-02-11T23:53:00.001-05:002009-02-11T23:54:55.995-05:00Lend a hand.Have you ever tried to organize friends and family to help out a loved one in a time of need? It can be a challenge to respond to needs following a medical crisis, arrange meals for a new parent, caregiving for a parent, or support for the family of a deployed soldier. <a href="http://www.lotsahelpinghands.com/how/">Lotsa Helping Hands</a> can help make that process a lot easier.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.lotsahelpinghands.com/">Lotsa Helping Hands</a> is a free online service that helps people organize “circles of community who are eager to help those in need.” Simply visit their website to set up private and secure network. Your community of friends and family can then sign on and sign up to lend a hand. Use it to<br /><br />• Organize meals, transportation to doctor’s appointments, and home visits to someone dealing with a debilitating illness.<br />• Keep those who care up-to-date on medical progress or family activities.<br />• Securely share medical, legal, or financial information with designated people.<br />• Plan group activities, volunteer projects, school or religious events.<br /><br />It takes only minutes to build your site. And once you do, your community members can sign up for tasks, receive email reminders of commitments, view a calendar of activities, and much more. <a href="http://www.lotsahelpinghands.com/">Lotsa Helping Hands</a> is certainly better than endless emails and phone tag. So when you need to get a group together for a set of activities, us Lotsa Helping Hands to facilitate the process. It makes lending a hand a lot easier.<br /><br /><i>"Forever is composed of nows." </i> - Emily Dickinson<div class="blogger-post-footer">Please visit http://sowhatcanido.blogspot.com to offer your comments and suggestions, forward this post, and peruse the archives. Thanks for reading "So what can I do", the public service weblog promoting ethics in action. - Karama Neal</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8612053.post-29184995047648976832009-02-06T00:18:00.003-05:002009-02-08T00:55:33.931-05:00Show your love with a loan.<a href="http://sowhatcanido.blogspot.com/2006/02/be-fair-trade-valentine.html">Valentine’s Day</a> is almost here. Those who want to offer a token of love to their sweetheart have lots of options – chocolates, cards, flowers, and more. Now here’s one more option to add to the list of <a href="http://sowhatcanido.blogspot.com/2006/02/be-fair-trade-valentine.html">socially responsible Valentine’s gifts.</a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.microplace.com/gift?cid=eminvestor20090204">MicroPlace</a> is a <a href="http://sowhatcanido.blogspot.com/search/label/microloans"> microloan</a> service provider that has a special offer for Valentine’s Day. Make a $20 investment in microloans and honor your someone special with a free card and fair trade, organic Divine Chocolate Hearts from Ghana. Your sweet gets a treat, you get an interest earning investment, and someone else gets a chance to move out of poverty and make a better life for herself and her family. <br /><br />So visit <a href="https://www.microplace.com/gift?cid=eminvestor20090204">MicroPlace.com</a> to open your account. You can invest in $100 increments anytime, but the $20 offer is only available until Valentine’s day. Send your gifts by February 9 if you want to chocolates to arrive on time. And if you’re <a href="http://sowhatcanido.blogspot.com/2005/08/spread-love.html"> getting married</a> this Valentine’s day, don’t forget to <a href="http://sowhatcanido.blogspot.com/2005/08/spread-love.html">spread the love</a>! <br /><br />Mmmm, chocolate! <a href="http://sowhatcanido.blogspot.com/search/label/microloans">Mmmmmm, microloans!</a><br /><br /><script type="text/javascript" src="http://cdn.widgetserver.com/syndication/subscriber/InsertWidget.js"></script><script>if (WIDGETBOX) WIDGETBOX.renderWidget('88988bb2-24fb-49be-bb36-b274e5314b44');</script><noscript>Get the <a href="http://www.widgetbox.com/widget/turn-small-change-into-big-change">Turn small change into big change</a> widget and many other <a href="http://www.widgetbox.com/">great free widgets</a> at <a href="http://www.widgetbox.com">Widgetbox</a>!</noscript><script type="text/javascript" src="http://cdn.widgetserver.com/syndication/subscriber/InsertWidget.js"></script><script>if (WIDGETBOX) WIDGETBOX.renderWidget('20b88079-01cb-43c9-9a92-52a80ef46f21');</script><noscript>Get the <a href="http://www.widgetbox.com/widget/women-microfinance">Women microfinance</a> widget and many other <a href="http://www.widgetbox.com/">great free widgets</a> at <a href="http://www.widgetbox.com">Widgetbox</a>!</noscript><br /><br /><i>"Only when we are no longer afraid do we begin to live."</i> - Dorothy Thompson<div class="blogger-post-footer">Please visit http://sowhatcanido.blogspot.com to offer your comments and suggestions, forward this post, and peruse the archives. Thanks for reading "So what can I do", the public service weblog promoting ethics in action. - Karama Neal</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8612053.post-80049548766804050422009-01-26T23:41:00.006-05:002009-02-01T23:48:09.258-05:00Give the gift of learning.Every now and then, I take a look at the archives of <i>So What Can I Do</i> to see how organizations have grown and developed since I first wrote about them. <a href="http://www.donorschoose.org">Donors Choose</a> is a perfect example of why it's important to revisit organizations. When I <a href="http://sowhatcanido.blogspot.com/2005/02/support-public-education-united-states.html">first wrote about Donors Choose</a> almost four years ago, they were only active in certain cities. But now, they are nationwide! Want to know why I’m excited?<br /><br />We all know that many public schools are underfunded, particularly in low-income communities. But every child, regardless of family income, deserves a rock solid education that prepares her to take advantage of the many opportunities life brings. Even with dedicated, caring, and effective teachers, some classrooms still need help. <br /><br />At <a href=”http://www.donorschoose.org”>Donors Choose</a>, public school teachers from across the US, post the specific needs they have for their classroom, and then we, the donors, choose to fund them. Here in Arkansas, a teacher needs $419 to buy “5 sets of science materials including 10 dissecting pans, a dissecting kit, blood typing kits, and two anatomy videos” for her high school biology class. A teacher in Pennsylvania needs $230 to buy “30 glue sticks, 24 scissors, and dry erase markers” for her elementary students. And a teacher in Nevada would like to buy “8 copies of each of 3 different chapter book series - Freckle Juice, Judy Blume's Fudge Box Set, and the Ralph Mouse Collection” for $457. <br /><br />You can help these and other educators and students by making a donation a tax-deductible donation of as little as one dollar to support a child’s education. Donors Choose collects the funds, buys the supplies at a negotiated best price, then, ships them to the teacher. I’m so glad this opportunity is now available to all US public school teachers. Ready to get involved?<br /><br />* If you want to donate, visit <a href=”http://www.donorschoose.org”> donorschoose.org</a> to get started. The teachers will even send you a thank you note!<br /><br />* If you need supplies for your classroom <a href=”http://www.donorschoose.org”>donorschoose.org</a> to register your class and request materials.<br /><br />* If you want to help, then spread the word. Tell your friends. Forward this message to a teacher you admire. Encourage others to participate.<br /><br />What a great way to give the gift of learning. <br /><a href="http://www.donorschoose.org/?utm_medium=banner&utm_content=dc_banner_234_60&utm_campaign=banner"><img border="0" width="234" height="60" src="http://www.donorschoose.org/images/link/dc_banner_234_60.jpg" alt="DonorsChoose.org - Give the gift of learning - Go"></a><br /><br /><i>“Thank everyone who calls out your faults, your anger, your impatience, your egotism; do this consciously, voluntarily.”</i> - Jean Toomer, poet and novelist (1894-1967)<div class="blogger-post-footer">Please visit http://sowhatcanido.blogspot.com to offer your comments and suggestions, forward this post, and peruse the archives. Thanks for reading "So what can I do", the public service weblog promoting ethics in action. - Karama Neal</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1