Give for real change

Thank God, I am not such a Gloomy Gus today. I am able to contemplate things outside of my own little circle of existence.

I may have mentioned it before, but  Peace X Peace  is a wonderful organization dedicated to promoting women’s efforts for peace both locally and globally,and connecting women with each other to develop a greater level of tolerance and understanding. I also subscribe to their blog, Week X Week. This week’s blog is about charitable giving. They point out that most donations are made during the holiday season, and I admit that I think more about it this time of the year than I do the rest of the year. They brought up something that I hadn’t really thought about. I donate clothes, money to the Salvation Army bell ringers, toys and canned goods for needy families. All worthwhile causes. But when you think about it, they are all short term. Peace X Peace certainly doesn’t advocate leaving these out, but they would like us all to consider spending a portion of our donation budget on causes that would be longer term. Instead of only giving canned goods to the hungry,  also donate to educational programs that will help them get back on their feet, or to organizations that help train people to grow their own food and develop  more self-sustaining communities. If, like me, you don’t have much money to donate, then volunteer your time. Go to a local school or library and tutor or read. Find a way to connect with needy families in your area and help them learn to create a budget, sew and mend, cook inexpensive but tasty food. There are so many great opportunities out there for us to help people get beyond today and have hope for the future.

My Skirt! challenge: Instead of taking the easy route and putting a band-aid on the problem, think of at least three ways that you can donate time or money to help create lasting change.

 Peace.