Today is October 15th and as most of you reading this blog entry know, today is also Blog Action Day 2008! For those of you who don't know, Blog Action Day is an annual event aimed at raising awareness and facilitating global discussion. What better way to get people involved and talking about something important than through social media tools like blogs and podcasts! Each year a different topic is picked and this year poverty is the issue of choice.Poverty is such a far fetching problem its hard to imagine a world without it (as depressing as that is). However, that does not mean we should consider it a lost cause and give up on trying. I believe that if there is a chance at ridding the world of poverty (or decreasing it at the very least) we have to start at home.
I was looking online for local Austin organizations that focus on helping those in need and the homeless and came across the nonprofit organization House the Homeless. While the website is basic and albeit some of the links do not work, I was impressed with all the site and the organization have to offer.
Not only do they provide a forum for discussion and surveys regarding poverty and homelessness but they also provide information regarding event opportunities in the area. Some of them are pretty interesting reads and they make for great educational and conversational pieces.
Other organizations I found in my search include the Basic Needs Coalition of Central Texas, Habitat for Humanity, and Mobile Loaves and Fishes. I encourage those who are serious about helping those in need to volunteer at organizations like these in your own town and do what you can to help the less fortunate. If we all put in a little bit more effort to get the word out and help, together we can make a difference.
