Guiding Vision

I suppose this is an online version of the “how well do you know your friends” email forward. I rarely participate in those but this blog meme thing is kind of cool.

Basically one blogger writes on the topic and then tags 5 others. Kidino, who created the cover art for my first e-book in 2004 (The Beginner’s Guide) has tagged me. So here they are, the top 5 reasons that I blog… (more…)

In honor of Earth Day here are some quick links to interesting sites and blogs…

1. Earth Day Network was founded by the organizers of the first Earth Day in 1970 and promotes environmental citizenship and year round progressive action worldwide.
2. Global Green is the US Affiliate of Green Cross International
3. The Green Pages posts environmental news of interest to Canadians
4. Lighter Footstep offer 10 First Steps to a lighter more sustainable lifestyle (it’s easier than you’d think.)
5. And finally a point well taken from Annie that Earth day should not be a festival of consumerism

The April issue of Sojourners magazine focuses on the role of government in society. There are several great articles that examine the role of government in regards to public health, disaster relief (including Katrina) and poverty among other topics. Providing a good introduction is Jim Wallis’s editorial All Hands on Deck (registration required to view). (more…)

I’m working on a few Squidoo lenses today and happened to find their list of 59 smartest nonprofit organizations. The organizations were chosen on the basis of how they connect with supporters using online media.

These organizations are winners because of their web 2.0 smarts and a willingness to engage their constituents far beyond asking them to dig into their pockets.These are organizations that give their volunteers and members a voice and get out of the way. They’re pros at mobilizing awareness online. They’re experimentors. Innovators. On a mission. They’re fearless.

I could spend hours surfing this list (and probably will!) 59 Smartest Orgs Online

A couple of weeks ago I attended the Association of Fundraising Professionals conference in Dallas. Actually I was just there for one day, heard the opening session and toured the exhibit hall. But it was enough to make a big impression. I’ll definitely be going next year.

One of the amazing people that I met was Janet Ginn. She is the President of Heifer Foundation, the endowment and planned giving arm of Heifer International.

While many companies were at the exhibit all — it took all day to visit all the booths — Janet was there simply to publicize Heifer and give away copies of her book Circle of Giving: Donors’ Stories of Wisdom. Actually, when someone asked why they were exhibiting, she said, “I’m just here to encourage you, to know that we’re all in this together.”

More Photos from AFP