some interesting resources

Here are a series of links to organizations that I have found especially interesting or inspiring. These are excellent non-profits, videos, or funding opportunities that are things I want to pursue further.

http://www.worldpulse.com/
World Pulse is an online forum and publication, that examines global issues through the eyes of women. The Afghani students showed it to me, and several students at AUW have been published on it. It's a great place to read the unheard voices of women from all over the world.

http://www.globalfundforchildren.org/
The Global Fund for Children makes small grants to innovative community-based organizations that work with at-risk and vulnerable children.

http://artfullyaware.org
Artfully Aware is an organization that one of my friends, Eugenia, is currently working for in South Africa (she received a CPGC grant also). I really want to get involved with this project, it is a non-profit that uses art therapy in parts of the world that barely get basic needs, let alone the integral parts of being human like music and dance and culture...
"Artfully AWARE (AfA) aims to strengthen sustainable futures in both developed and developing societies by using the arts to enrich, educate and empower individuals and communities. Through the implementation of our fine art, drama, dance, music and media programs, Artfully AWARE also seeks to support the development of psychological well-being, increase self-esteem and enhance community capacity building. We use the arts as an important tool for social improvement and emotional recovery of persons who have experienced traumatic events, disabilities or living conditions. And we also believe in the ability of the arts to inspire, promote positive change and provide hope in communities worldwide. We currently work in the United States, United Kingdom, Uganda, Rwanda, South Africa and Swaziland."

http://www.kiva.org/
Kiva is the first online community that connects impoverished artisans in developing countries, with the funding sources of people in the United States and Western world. Micro-loans (from $25 dollars to $500 and anywhere in between) give people the capital they need to start their business, which they then repay with their profits.
"Kiva was born of the following beliefs:

• People are by nature generous, and will help others if given the opportunity to do so in a transparent, accountable way.
• The poor are highly motivated and can be very successful when given an opportunity.
• By connecting people we can create relationships beyond financial transactions, and build a global community expressing support and encouragement of one another.

Kiva promotes:

• Dignity: Kiva encourages partnership relationships as opposed to benefactor relationships. Partnership relationships are characterized by mutual dignity and respect.
• Accountability: Loans encourage more accountability than donations where repayment is not expected.
• Transparency: The Kiva website is an open platform where communication can flow freely around the world.
• As of November 2009, Kiva has facilitated over $100 million in loans.

Just some cool stuff for everyone to look at...