The 2morrowknight

Water covers less than 70% of the earth, but less than 70% is drinkable. In fact, 443 million school days are lost each year due to water related-illnesses. So ‘clean water’ is not simply a health issue, but a way to empower families and communities. It is one of the defining, moral issues of our time, and it requires serious action.

This is why I joined the #12DaysofGiving, a twelve-day bonanza of giving, sharing, and promoting social good from December 13th to Christmas Eve. Spearheading this amazing effort are do-gooders Amy Neumann, Joseph Ranseth, and Katie McCormick. They are aiming to raise a combined $12,000 for the causes and charities highlighted.

Of the twelve charities, I chose Charity: Water, because of their amazing efforts to bring clean, safe drinking water to billions of people who don’t have it. A billion people. That’s one in every 8 of us. Charity: Water responds to the need by building freshwater wells, rainwater catchments and sand filters. These are transforming lives in places where “the only source of water is a polluted swamp.”

Photo Courtesy of Charity: Water

So far, in nineteen countries, over forty-hundred projects have been funded, meaning two million people will receive clean water.Over the years, Twitter’s Alyssa Milano has been a consistent supporter of their work, raising both money and awareness. This CBS story cemented just how highly regarded their work is.

How can you help? Go to social media platforms like Twitter, Facebook, GooglePlus, LinkedIn, Chime.in and then share this post. You can also make a small donation at the Charity: Water page on Crowdrise.com/12DaysofGiving. The World Health Organization says that for every $1 invested in water and sanitation, there is an economic return between $3 and $34. So your Charity: Water donation will be a gift that truly keeps on giving.

I am so honored to work with the amazing #12DaysofGiving Team. This inspiring, twelve-day initiative is just what we need for the holiday season. Something that greatly connects us to the world’s pain, and moves us to do something extraordinary.

Happy holidays everyone! Keep on giving.

~2K

On January 15, 1968, Dr. King spent his entire birthday in the basement of Ebenezer Baptist Church. He was there all day with white activists from Appalachia, and Latinos, African-Americans, Asian-Americans, Native-Americans and other groups from around the United States. He believed in understanding the color-specific differences that make us unique, and vigorously embracing the color-blind commonalities that bring us together.

And at this very moment in time, Dr. King would be immensely proud of how international citizens, through the power of technology, have marshaled tremendous resources to help the island nation of Haiti. From Alyssa Milano’s wonderful $50,000 Tweet challenge, to the upcoming telethon George Clooney is organizing in concert with MTV Networks, socially conscious celebrities are also lending a hand.

However, Dr. King would be most proud of the dedication, and creative thinking, many nonprofits and charities are employing to assist Haiti. Care, The Red Cross, OxFam, Charity: Water, Yele, and so many others are making a difference. The most powerful way they’re making a difference is through the successful fundraising campaign involving texting. The Denver-based mGive Foundation is running the campaign for Haitian Relief. In fact, they raise money on behalf of 200 charitable organizations by text messaging.

Tens of millions have already been raised. According to the social media website Mashable, more than $20 million was raised on January 17 alone after it urged its readers to give generously. All of this speaks volumes about the human spirit, and the power of social networking sites.

Parts of this glorious, beautiful world have always been in pain. This is what fueled Dr. King’s thought-provoking sermons; his well-attended marches; and his awe-inspiring acts of civil disobedience. He felt connected to the world’s pain. He believed that forming constructive partnerships was the best way to affect change. The texting campaign for Haiti would most certainly qualify.

We can use this method of charitable fundraising going forward to not only rebuild Haiti, but to also relieve the human suffering and degradation that exists in every corner of the globe. Embrace. Empower. Educate. Expand. Enlighten. Let’s do it.