April 14: Step it Up 2007

Global warming is now impossible to ignore (thank you Al Gore), but we've yet to see the government to take serious action on the issue or commit to correcting climate change. An initiative has been launched to gather tens of thousands of Americans all over the country on April 14th for a call to action.

I came across Step it Up 2007 on Pategonia's new blog, The Cleanest Line, where Bill McKibben submitted a letter about the event. He writes:

Every group will be saying the same thing: Step it up, Congress! Enact immediate cuts in carbon emissions, and pledge an 80% reduction by 2050. No half measures, no easy compromises-the time has come to take the real actions that can stabilize our climate.

As people gather, we'll link pictures of the protests together electronically via the web-before the weekend is out, we'll have the largest protest the country has ever seen, not in numbers but in extent. From every corner of the nation we'll start to shake things up.

Besides the obvious, I'm especially inspired by the innovation of this movement. A virtual protest has the potential to bring together millions and make an impact unlike any before it, and I'm excited to take part in An Action.

**I have to thank Matt at Digital Perm for turning me onto The Cleanest Line

I'm an Idealist. Are you?

Ami, the director of Idealist.org had a fantastic post today about the origin of the community and an invitation to join it. Ami recalls looking over the Israeli border from a watchpost, as a member of the army at just age 19:

I thought: "Wait a second, this is all wrong. This fence here is running the wrong way. Instead of having good guys and sock thieves on both sides, wouldn't it make more sense for all the good guys to get together?" And that's when I laughed out loud. I laughed then, but the desire to reach across the border-- any border-- never left me, and it later led directly to Idealist.

I've been a member of Idealist since 2004, and it's been the greatest resource for my hopes and goals. What beliefs define an idealist? According to Ami:

1. Working with others, in a spirit of generosity and mutual respect, we want to help build a world where all people can live free and dignified lives.
2. In pursuing this goal, we do not engage in violent or illegal action, or in any action against a person or a group on the basis of race, origin, nationality, religion, language, gender, sexual orientation, or physical or mental ability.
3. Most social and environmental problems have many possible solutions, and what works in one place might not work in another.
4. Patience, empathy, and laughter often help.
   

During the week of March 12-18, members of Idealist -- so long an online community-- will be gathering in person all over the country. Learn more about how you can join Idealist, attend, or host a meeting.

On a personal note, I want to thank Ami for bringing so much optimism and opportunity to All My Causes.

Tiny Tim and Friends

First, I have to apologize for the lull in posting-- I've been busy helping Paul with his 8 Wishes since we extended the deadline.

As suggested by my friend Maggie, I added this organization to my list of causes a couple months ago, but I forgot to officially share it with all of you. Tiny Tim and Friends is a 100% volunteer based organization dedicated to the children of Zambia, where AIDS kills at least 200 people a day. "More than half a million children are already orphaned and the figure is expected to rise to one million by 2010, " according to the organization. "Half of all Zambian children under the age of 15 have lost one parent. "

Tiny Tim and Friends was founded by the family of Dr. Tim, who works in a day care in Zambia, and his adopted Zambian child, Tiny Tim. It has no offices or salaries, so 100% of the money collected is used to serve, mostly for medicine for the children, and occasionally for food and other resources.

How can you help?

1. Educate: Tiny Tim, as well as other organizations, have some astounding and saddening facts about Zambia.

2. Donate: They have partnered with Basilica of St. Mary, where you can donate and designate "Tiny Tim" their donation page.

3. Volunteer: Check out their volunteer blog and learn more about opportunities to go to Zambia and volunteer with Dr. Tim.