We want to do a Peace Corps-like program — who’s got suggestions?
My partner and I would like to spend some time working/volunteering abroad. We have talked about joining the Peace Corps and have friends who have had great Peace Corps experiences. But we’re wondering about alternative programs (specifically, programs that are not government-affiliated). Does anyone have experience with or know of Peace Corps-like organizations?
My son, the elephant: Fostering an elephant at an orphanage in Africa
There was one Disney character that touched me so deeply, ruined me so wholly, that the effects are still in place today. I refer to Dumbo, the big-eared elephant. As an adult, I began to research the plight of elephants in captivity — in particular, those in circuses. Overwhelmed by the callousness and cruelty, and feeling powerless, I also researched ways I could help. This is how I came to foster a baby elephant.
Nekkid Lady Party: My tips on how to host a clothing swap
About 8 years ago I moved from Portland to Seattle and realized I had way. Too. Much. Crap. I thought to myself, “Self, you can either donate to Goodwill or you can see if your friends want to pick through your stuff.”
I chose the latter. Girlfriends came over, some brought over clothing and shoes, and thus Lily’s Nekkid Lady Party was born. I’m here to tell you how to throw your own…
How to use your powers — and parties — for good
On New Year’s Eve, we raised over $2,000 for a local food bank by dressing up, showing off, and getting cheerfully smashed with 30 or so of our best buds. We don’t have loads of cash, a fancy venue, or any (particularly) super powers, so how’d we pull off this feat? By focusing on what we do have.
What to do with gifts you don’t want
By now the holidays have come, gone, and given way to a heap of crumpled wrapping paper, sugar withdrawal, and perhaps a trail of pine needles. Every year when Christmas is over I realize I am blessed with a lot of people in my life I love…and a lot of STUFF I do not. What do you do when this STUFF is gifts?
Choosing a charity to support this December
Every year our family chooses a charity to donate to instead of giving each other more “stuff.”
This year it is my turn to choose, and I am having a hard time finding a useful legitimate charity to donate to. I am interested in a group that is involved on local fronts as well as global, I want the money to go towards what they say it will and I would love for it to be less widely known (not Salvation Army or Toys for Tots — while they are great I would love to donate towards a smaller charity).
Do you have any ideas or a good place to start looking?