TheWordWire.com: See A Need, React: Vote to Support KnowledgeBeat

See A Need, React: Vote to Support KnowledgeBeat


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Most everything posted on TheWordWire is silliness of no consequence, and I appreciate that you stop by to read it. The fact that you can read it is thanks to a teacher, and as important, the resources he or she had available to guide you. You don't need me to point this out, but it's easy to take for granted: Your life and community are enriched because of it.

In our global community, there are areas where fundamental resources just aren't available. I bet you know that too. If you're like me, you wonder what you could possibly do about that, and go back to your regular life. If you're like a group of inspired women from San Francisco, you see a need, and you react.

They founded a non-profit called KnowledgeBeat with the goal of bringing enhanced educational resources and opportunities to rural areas of Africa. They've made great strides with their initial focus in Zambia, and are looking to take it to the next level.

Here's where you can answer that question about what you can possibly do to affect change...

GET ONLINE AND VOTE!

Turns out helping to change the world is as easy as picking up the phone for American Idol... only better because you don't have to listen to anyone sing.

See, KnowledgeBeat is competing for a prestigious grant from the Hewlett Foundation, and winners will be decided by online vote. From this Thursday through August 20th, votes will be collected. Follow the link below if you feel inspired to participate.

Hewlett Foundation and Ashoka's Changemakers Competition, Champions of Quality and Education in Africa, is a global competition to recognize innovative solutions to improve the state of education in Africa.

Voting Period:
August 6 - August 20, 2009

To Participate Go To:
KnowledgeBeat Nomination

I wasn't familiar with Changemakers until this project came to my attention, and I'm moved by the breadth of forward-thinking globally-focused organizations seeking grants. Check out the other competition categories if you have a little time. Inspiring indeed.

There are lots of things we can do to affect positive change in the world. For now, I'm going to follow KnowledgeBeat's lead: I see the need for support of their endeavor, so I'm reacting. Please do the same if you know others who may be interested — pass it on.