What's your cause?

That one totally selfless group/organization/cause that you activly involved in? If you can, please give some details as to what the group is, why it got started and who it helps.

I'm looking to make a difference in this world. I'm looking for that THING that it that just embraces my heart and screams to me HELP. I feel certain causes get tons of help already (cancer for instace, millions and millions of dollars go to cancer [most to research though]).
I need drive, I need inspiration and need to figure out how I can pour my heart and soul into it. My physical abilities dictate to me that I can't do marathons or bikathons or things of that kind of physical nature.

I' liiking to be inspired so that I may inspire. I'm trying to find something off the beaten path, not meainstream and in desperate need of help.

Re: What's your cause?

Um...you. Details...a great bunch of women want to donate to you, have kids & want photos.

In college, it was the Mexico-Peru project run by Fordham. I went down & helped build a ranch house for an orphanage. When the kids reached an older age, they were given jobs on a ranch to raise food for the orphanage. It helped them learn a trade by working there - electrical, farming, etc. and helped them manage their money. Starting at 16, they had to pay "rent" (very little) , put most in savings & got a small allowance.

I know that's not something you can do. DH told me the one place he would donate to was a charity that helped create small businesses in Africa. He saw it on a some TV special (probably Channel 13). It sounded like a great cause. They lend money for start ups. Each person has to have a business plan, etc. If they get approved, they get a small loan (which goes a long way there) which is approved by the Board members. The Board is made up of people who received the loan previously & were successful. When they're up & running, they need to raise money to repay your loan so the project keeps going. He said for very little investment, you can make a huge difference in a family, a village's life. I've tried to track down the name but haven't been able to find it.

Re: What's your cause?

well as a younger person I did all the "usual" things, walkathons, attending big fundraisers for orginizations like the american cancer society. I still give donations to St Jude's & others.
In my more mature life, my "cause" starts with me. Changing the way I live to preserve our natural resources & environment for future generations.
My biggest effort is to steer people away from "affluenza" or "conspicuous consumption". I've even conviced my wealthy, self centered boss to get a fuel efficient car when he gives back his HUGE SUV. I realize I will not save the world but I am trying to make a small impact.
Also my boss, myself & one other staff member are looking into signing up for a doctors without borders mission for next year, we'll probably go to south america.

Re: What's your cause?

Though it's mainstream, anything that has to do with inner city kids and education is in desperate need of help. Especially something that promotes literacy. I wanted to have my students do a publicity campaign about the lack of bookstores in disadvantaged areas, but I didn't have time to fit it in. It would be really interesting to see if there was a correlation between reading scores and the availability and quality of books in those areas.

Re: What's your cause?

Before I became a SAHM I gave up working for a big company (and a big salary) to work for a non profit that rescues, rehabilitates and rehomes animals. I'm not currently actively involved with any organizations other than financial support.

Causes we currently support:
* Parkinson's (my grandmother suffers)
* Cancer (we've lost several family members, plus 2 mid 20's family members have been diagnosed this year)
* Animal rescue
* Multiple Sclerosis (my aunt has been suffering for 20 years)
* Local community (library, fire deparment, ambulance corp, etc)
* National Marfan Association (my FSIL works there)
* We sponsor people in walks, etc as we are made aware of them.

I'm also in the VERY early stages of researching my own non profit to start. Trying to find a unique way to get kids involved and helping other kids less fortunate than they are, both in the US and around the world.

Re: What's your cause?

Little Hearts

Re: What's your cause?

My "cause" has always been discrimination and civil rights, and thankfully, for me, that's what I do with my new job, so I don't volunteer with any outside organizations all that much because my day-to-day is dedicated to helping public school students in their fight against discrimination.

When I was younger, however, I used to do a lot of volunteer work outside of work. My favorite was habitat for humanity - it's more hands on and I love hte physical exertion element to it. There's also an organization called Americares - in Philadelphia they have an offshoot called Philacares.

Every month they send a newsletter of monthly volunteer activities. I made it a point to do something twice a month, with a group of my closest friends. I really liked it because I wasn't pigeon-holed into one activity - I could pick and choose whatever interested me, and if there was one activity that I particularly enjoyed, I would keep going back. They organize volunteer work for virtually everything - elder care, reading to children in shelters, helping clear paths at an environmental center, cooking meals for battered women, etc.

Re: What's your cause?

My "cause" would be Marfan Syndrome...I try to attend every local event they have and send them a donation.
Since my brother was diagnosed last year, I have seen what research and donations can do firsthand. We are blessed to still have him with us and I try to do what I can for the foundation.

I give blood and platelets regularly - it doesn't cost me anything and one donation can save many lives.

Personally, like KellyFG, I am trying to do what I can for the environment.
I use only "green" products for cleaning the house and laundry, no chemicals on the lawn or garden, I feed the birds and grow veggies. I recycle both paper and plastic and use biodegradable bags for the cat litter, dog poop and regular garbage. I also try to use as little water as possible in my everyday doings.

We were given this planet and I really think it's about time we gave back a little before it's destroyed.

Message edited 7/20/2007 8:01:52 AM.

Re: What's your cause?

You're reading my mind Deb, I was thinking of posting this subject a few days ago.

From 17 to 25, I was actively involved in a volunteer ambulance corps. I drove the ambulance, was a paramedic treating patients, served on committees, the board of trustees and the chief's office. I also worked for ambulance/ambulette companies, caring and transporting people for dialysis treatments, therapy, etc.

When I was going to computer classes, I became a tutor to other students. Later, I became the technical trainer at my employer also, I really like to teach/train.

I've also supported animal related charities and companies like Canine Companions for Independance & the ASPCA.

Environmental issues have become more important to me in recent years and I'm taking steps in my own life first. I would like to get involved in planting community gardens, and in my new community as a whole once we move.

Re: What's your cause?

In January I joined TNT - Team in Training - and raised over $2600 dollars for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society My brother was diagnosed with multiple myeloma (a blood cancer) the year before and so my sisters and I decided we wanted to do something...we trained for 3 months and ran the Long Island Half Marathon. It was an incredible experience. It felt so good to know that I was helping and together with my sisters we raised close to $7000! My mother is also a breast cancer survivor so we would like to eventually do the Avon walk.

I also donate to causes helping animals and the environment but am not a member of any particular group.

Re: What's your cause?

This is not a well known fund, but something that is very near and dear to my heart. Also it is not a widely known fund....infact it really only benefits the town of Commack. I'm sure they would greatly appreciate anyone that can help.

http://john-garramone.memory-of.com/

It's a shame that people are taken from this world so early!!!

Re: What's your cause?

so many causes so little time and money

I'm actively involved with the Susan G. Komen foundation.

At work, I'm involved with Big Brothers and Sisters. The kids need someone big time.

Since I have (had) Crohns, I'm an active member of the Crohns and Colitis Foundation.

Most recently, I am working on putting together some information to stir up some support for Traumatic Brain injury in our local and not so local government. Healthcare companies deny people's rehab when it's crucial. I heard of a 19 year old man in a coma and they only granted 6 days of rehab. 6 Days! It could take years!!! My brother so far is very lucky with his health plan but not everyone has a great health plan. Some are better than others. I would eventually like to get congress/senate to force insurance companies to pay for the rehab for these injuries.

Also, working with Jamaica Hospital I am working on getting my firm to sponsor a pay it forward to expand the program for long term patients like my brother to add acitivies and recreation above and beyond rehab. After rehab, they put them back in bed and they just watch TV and basically rot. That's why I go so much..It's a hospital based program and it's mostly short term but some are there longer like my brother. It's a blessing and a curse. They don't have Wifi or a computer set up for people..they just don't. It's an urban hospital that needs to upgrade the program.

So there's my soap box for the day.

Re: What's your cause?

At work I am involved in Everybody Wins!--I read with an elemenatry school child once a week and read with her during her lunch hr.

Re: What's your cause?

I am active in Habitat for Humanity and I donate to and walk in the American Liver Assosication events.

My sister is great...she donates to St. Judes and she sponsors children. She gets pics and bios of them. She is also active in ROnald McDOnald House.

Re: What's your cause?

My cause is making health insurance available and affordable to all Americans... I am involved through researching alternatives, contacting politicans, and finding and supporting organizations that support my cause

Re: What's your cause?

I support 2 causes currently Breast Cancer Research and Music Rising. Breast cancer killed my mom and a lot of other kids moms so I support the cause so that maybe another child would be spared my sorrow.
Music Rising is a foundation started by Edge of U2 to help restore the music in New Orleans. I have been going to New Orleans every summer with DH for about 5 years for one of his annual conventions. Since Katrina a lot of the structures have been rebuilt but the soul is a little lost. Music Uprising supplies instruments to the musicians who llost their instruments in Katrina. The foundation also gives instruments to local schools so that the music can continue for another generation.

Re: What's your cause?

DH and i donate to Long Island Cares--The Harry Chapin Foodbank.
they give food to needy families on Long Island.

Re: What's your cause?

My cause is MADD. My younger brother was killed by a Drunk Driver 5 years ago. I donate money and participated in activites such as "Strides for Change".

It is very sad that no matter how much money or awareness we raise that still people think nothing of getting into their car after they have been drinking.