23 October 2006

Things can change

More Suebobian action over at Linkateria.

The other day I wrote about lying awake at 3 a.m. in despair over my government and how they are behaving.

The next day I heard Hugh Masekela talking about South Africa.

Suddenly, it hit me. We won that one. Despite all odds, justice and mercy and goodness prevailed over evil.

I was no Steve Biko, but I wrote dozens of letters about apartheid. I protested, I boycotted - and many of the college students I knew did the same.

Our part may have been a teeny tiny drop, but in the end, people all over the world filled that bucket to overflowing and apartheid, which seemed as if it would last forever, disappeared from the face of the earth. Hallelujah.

If we can end apartheid, what else can we do if we get together? Imagine. That's the first step.

And while you're doing that, I am going to ask for help with one of my favorite projects. Women for Women International is a sponsorship organization that started in Bosnia and spread to other war-torn areas of the world.

For $27 a month, you get matched with a woman somewhere in the world who needs help. You support her and send her letters while she goes through a structured program to get back on her feet. If you are lucky, you may get letters back. The organization provides the translation services.

My goal is to convince 10 women to become sponsors before the end of the year. Naturally, I had to start with my cyberfriends, because you can't humiliate me by turning me down face to face.

Please let me know if you decide to sponsor. Even if you can't afford to do that, please consider a link over here to help me and these women out.

I have been doing this for over 5 years. With some women I have gotten letters. With others, nothing. It just makes me feel good to know for the price of a pair of cheap shoes, I can change a woman's life and make it so that she can feed and educate her children. My teeny tiny drop. Please consider filling the bucket with me.

Update: 3 pledges TODAY. Only 7 more to go!! Woo hoo! Thank you, thank you, thank you!

15 comments:

Lucia said...

It's always so good to see people like you who care about what's happening in the world and have a sense that things can change.

ecogrrl said...

I love WFW, but I had forgotten about them! Thank you so much for the reminder. I am unemployed right now, and we are strapped, but I will link over here. Hope it helps. :)

Anonymous said...

Count me as your first recruit. I signed up this morning.

Anonymous said...

I'd heard about WFW, too, but forgot about them. I am going to visit the site now. Thanks.

super des said...

You're such a good person, suebob. I think I love you.

Anonymous said...

Recruit #2

spotted elephant said...

What Meg said. I will link.

Lisa said...

What a wonderful idea and thought. will provide a link....

Stephanie said...

It's also nice that if you can't make a $27/mo committment, you can make a one-time donation :)

meno said...

You mean i have to write letters to a stranger? Can't i just give her the url for my blog?
Just kiddin'
Count me as #3.

SUEB0B said...

Wow, women! I am so pleased and amazed. Thank you Jane, Jess and Meno for your pledge to support a woman, and to Meg, SE and Lisa for the link love. Woo hoo! I will sleep better tonight!

Her Bad Mother said...

This is such an awesome cause, Suebob - can I add it to my Action list?

SUEB0B said...

HBM - Oh, yes, please!

Anonymous said...

This is a wonderful call to action! Great job, Sue! I will go check out their site and probably make a donation.

Anonymous said...

I'm signing up! I just read through their entire website. I think I need a way to step outside my own box - thanks for the reminder and the right way for me to do it.

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