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Today, we join thousands of bloggers across the globe in Blog Action Day 2008 [2], an annual event that aims to unite the world’s bloggers, podcasters, and videocasters to post about the same issue on the same day -- this year's topic being poverty.
Let's face it, global issues like eradicating poverty are incredibly complex. But through the voices of thousands of bloggers and thier millions of readers, perhaps the solutions aren't as far off as we might think.
As the effort gets underway, it's no secret we are in the midst of the largest financial meltdown of our lifetime -- yet the world has never been so prosperous. Nearly 1 billion people live on less than $1 per day -- but according to the UN Millennium Development Campaign [3] the world has enough money, resources, and technology to end poverty forever.
Yes, the economic crisis is having a dramatic effect on people who are already struggling to survive, but it's times like these that we must come together and work even harder to support those in need.
So, what are we gonna do about it? Over the course of the past few days, I've been reading a lot about how people are using technology to come together and make their voices heard to address issues of extreme poverty, not least of which is by bringing thousands of bloggers together through today's Blog Action Day.
But if you want to take action and don't have a blog, here are some other ways you can get involved in the fight:
- Stand Up to Poverty [4]-- Stand Up is a global mobilization to end poverty and inequality. Last year, more than 43 million people joined Stand Up worldwide, setting a new world record. This year, they are asking people to Stand Up and Take Action October 17-19, to ensure governments worldwide hear the demands to end poverty and inequality
- ONE Campaign [5] -- with the Presidential campaign about three weeks away, it is important for our leaders to hear that fighting global poverty is still a priority. By signing the ONE petition, you’ll help send a clear message to the candidates that we expect them to keep their commitments to the world’s most vulnerable people.
- Kiva [6] -- this is the world’s first person-to-person micro-lending website, empowering individuals to lend directly to unique entrepreneurs in the developing world. With those loans, the entrepreneurs would have money to develop their businesses, earn money to provide for their families, grow towards economic independence, and get out of poverty.
Comments
It's a fantastic cause! I work for an international non profit, World Concern, and Poverty is a huge issue... I mean huge!
Check us out: www.worldconcern.org [8]
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