Published October 22, 2009 @ 03:00PM PT

Planning on becoming involved in the philanthropic sector in China? Here are two things you should know before you start. The National Intelligence Council's 2008 report states that "China is poised to have more impact on the world over the next 20 years than any other country". China's impressive rise on the world stage has created intense international interest, both politically and economically. This interest has only strengthened amidst the turmoil of the recent financial crisis: in 2008 alone, China received $82.7 billion in foreign direct investment, a 13.8% increase since 2006. It makes sense that many individuals and corporations with interests in China would also be interested in becoming involved in philanthropic work in China.  Becoming involved in philanthropy in China... Read More

Published September 23, 2009 @ 01:16PM PT

Do you sit and complain about something, or do you take action? I received an e-mail this morning from New Orleans Outreach, one of our partner organizations. The beginning of the message began this way: "There is an old phrase, 'Everybody talks about the weather, but nobody does anything about it.' I suppose it comes from our need to discuss (usually gripe about) problems that we don't think we can change, that we are powerless to affect. "For years, for New Orleanians, the 'weather' was public education. It was so bad all we could do was gripe and bemoan. No more. Last year, more than 2,000 people decided to change the weather. They came to volunteer in a New Orleans school or they made a donation so that New Orleans Outreach could bring in professionals to enrich students' educati... Read More

Published September 15, 2009 @ 07:05PM PT

Herbert is a very quiet 8th grader.  He doesn't talk much, but is always respectful and courteous, and good academically.  When New Orleans Outreach started offering the Power Ties career awareness workshops to Herbert and his classmates, he questioned whether it would be useful for him, and whether he'd have anything to contribute to his resume.  "I haven't done anything, so maybe this workshop is not for me..." he said.  The Outreach coordinator probed a bit and discovered that Herbert has a passion for cooking.  In fact, he had cooked for many family gatherings and cooked dinner regularly at home.  He had no idea that this would be good fodder for his resume, or that his enjoyment of the cooking process could lead to a career. The coordi... Read More

Published September 08, 2009 @ 01:13PM PT

As part of our "Back to School in New Orleans" campaign, this is the third in a series of short anecdotes about the children helped by one of our partner organizations, New Orleans Outreach and the volunteers and partners they utilize that are dedicated to making a difference in the lives of one - or thousands - of children each day. -- Rayshad. Rayshad is in the third grade.  He is a person who is very creative and sensitive, and to a great extent, seems to prefer to keep to himself. Academically, he is struggling. He has a difficult time keeping on task, and would much prefer to draw. In spite of his academic difficulties, many saw Rayshad shine last year at the school showcase that New Orleans Outreach coordinated.  Rayshad and a few other students cr... Read More

Published September 02, 2009 @ 06:25AM PT

As part of our "Back to School in New Orleans" campaign, this is the first in a series of short anecdotes about the children helped by one of our partner organizations, New Orleans Outreach and the volunteers and partners they utilize that are dedicated to making a difference in the lives of one - or thousands - of children each day. -- The New Orleans Charter Science and Math Academy (Sci Academy), a new high school that opened last year, focuses on preparing its students for college success.  Often students enter the 9th grade years behind academically, but they persevere.  They want to graduate from college and then change the world.  These are big goals.  Arianna is an Outreach tutor who has been working one-on-one with a Sci Academy 9th grader who is learning... Read More

Published August 29, 2009 @ 05:24AM PT

Do you know what microlending and micro credits are? In reflecting on my Ghana experience, it occurred to me that there were participants on the trip with very high-level business backgrounds, who each made the comment, "I had heard of micro loans and micro credits, but I suppose I did not fully understand what it meant." Since that is common in my experience, I realized others may well have the same experience. I thought I should take this opportunity to explain in my own way, the simple brilliance of micro-lending. We can all certainly deduce from the various names, that micro loans or micro credits have something to do with "small loans." But in the end, there is nothing small about them.  The sequence is as follows: a micro credit or micro lending organization establish... Read More

Published August 26, 2009 @ 03:46PM PT

Four years ago this week, Hurricane Katrina changed the landscape of the entire city of New Orleans. It left a path of devastation in its wake that even now, years later, is still visible.   As we remember this week all that once was and all that has happened since, we ask you to think about all that can be.  KNOW that we have a long way to go but RECOGNIZE the progress we have made.   So many have done so much to help New Orleans rebuild.  One person can make a difference.  One person acting in concert with many, many others can make the impossible possible. And, in fact, there are many out there who as one person have made a great difference in the lives of children living in New Orleans. As part of our "Back to School in New Orleans" campaign, this... Read More