25 April 2008

GreaterGood.org

By Kelye Lotz
One of MAU's principles (and this month's focus) is to "follow the money." Being educated about what our purchases are funding is as important as knowing the ingredients in the food we feed our family. This can be a daunting task, but there are a few places we can go and know that without even spending a dime we are serving the greater good. One such marketplace is the collection of websites supported by GreaterGood.org.

As an organization, their goal is: "to connect those looking to help with those who are on the ground helping." To that end, they have created a family of websites dedicated to improving the health and well-being of people, animals and the planet. Just by visiting the websites and clicking on the prompt, the sponsors of each site donate money (or food, or books, or free mammograms, etc.) to those in need. In addition, the reader sees the names of those socially responsible sponsors, and has the opportunity to visit their websites, to shop there or donate …or not. There is no obligation, and your name is not added to any spam or mailing lists.

GreaterGood.org is a big supporter of Fair Trade businesses and practices. They have their own virtual gift shop where everything you buy benefits the cause designated by the shopper. Since learning about these sites, I have not only done my own gift shopping there, but have requested GreaterGood gift certificates for my own birthday and holidays. People love to give gifts that they know will not only please the recipient, but will make the world a better place.

With so many great causes and giving opportunities, it would be easy to forget these websites unless…you make it your homepage, and remember to click every day for the greater good. It takes less than two minutes to click through all six websites, and you can start your day knowing that you've already made the world a better place before even checking your e-mail. To get started, visit any of the following, and make one of them your homepage. The rest will appear as tabs. It is up to you how many or how often you want to "click to give." Visit: www.the breastcancersite.com, www.thechildhealthsite.com, www.therainforestsite.com, www.theliteracysite.com, www.theanimalrescuesite.com, www.thehungersite.com, and click 'till it feels good!
By Kelye Lotz

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