Shalom Existence

If you don’t, then you should. In 2000 these targets were composed and agreed upon at the UN Millenium Summit. Sadly, the world has seen little in justice for these causes. Charity continues, yes, but until people are willing to say these things are PLAIN wrong, it will remain just that- charity, not change. Do you write your senator? Do you talk to your friends about what is happening? I am not judging, only pointing out that the more the word gets spread the more people will let that awareness lead to their action. EVEN if it is a small local action opposed to global. Live in a nice part of town? I am SURE that poverty still exists somewhere for someone. I am THINKING, brainstorming, PRAYING about how to make a global move or contribution. But while I am doing that I am doing a little of this and a little of that where I live. There are small ways to help. Food pantries- are running dry like never before. The crisis that many of us see as an end to luxuries is an end to food for some. After-school programs- most exist for low income families that HAVE to work, but their kids have to get their homework done too. Sometimes mom and dad just aren’t there, sometimes mom and dad simply can’t help because they have no formal education themselves, or a first language interference their child simply doesn’t have. Shaping children shapes for a better future. Make a donation to a local co-op or organization. They use your “junk” as a provider for their services. The money they make from selling it goes to some great relief programs. This is my last suggestion, find a local non-profit that employs your interests and simply say “What can I do to help?” There are so many out there, and while they have salaried employees that take care of their “business” aspects, most will tell you their volunteers are their hands and feet.

So, the MDGs? These are millenium development goals that 191 countries wanted to be on their way to solving by 2015. The problem? Their people have not heard them. The UN and large human rights organizations, often the go-between between the poor and those who live in clean water running homes with toilets and electricity, get the message somehow lost. So spread the word, read them, and ask your Savior what you can do. It’s not about what he did, that saved us, here, it’s about what he sent us to do.

1. eradicate extreme poverty and hunger
2. achieve universal primary education
3. promote gender equality and empower women
4. reduce child mortality
5. improve maternal health
6. combat HIV/AIDs, malaria and other diseases
7. ensure environmental sustainability
8. develop a global partnership for development

In the recent past Congress has worked on legislation for both maternal health and debt forgiveness from the World Bank to countries like Haiti. Don’t be afraid to write your senator, and let him or her know you care. It might not make one drop of difference, but it might make all the difference. Let your words be a light in darkness.

Peace.

Popularity: 1% [?]