What can I do to help the situation in Darfur?

Question

As an Ameircan consumer, I want to help. I talk about this (and other world issues) with people all the time. They're frustrated and want to help. But no one I've spoken to knows how to go about doing their part, other than donating money.

When you donate money only about %30 (that is what is required by law in order to be catagorized as a charity for tax reasons) actually goes to the intended.

So, my question is what can I do to help without actually donating money to some online site. I would appriciate links or even groups in the NY, PA, and NJ metro area.

Please if you're not going to be helpful, just don't respond.

Answer 1

advocate work for poor children, there are tons of web sites always looking for volunteers to do work for them online and offline in your community

Answer 2

It's sad to see what's going on over there.  There are a lot of ways to help.  I've listed a few websites for you to check out.  

Thank you for thinking of the people who cannot help themselves.

Answer 3

I attended an event last week regarding the Darfur situation.  I actually got to see a film called "Grace", which took place there.  

One way I am planning to help is, Many organizations are accepting donations to purchase solar ovens for the women to use for cooking.  They had one of the aluminum stoves on display, which I was very impressed with.  Because the women have to leave their village so often to find wood and other items to cook, they are often times raped and beaten.  To keep these women in their village and not risk danger because they have to leave, these stoves were invented.  

Here is a link so you can see what they look like!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solar_cooke...

I know you are a bit apprehensive about giving money, but at least with this, you would know what you are paying for.  I think its a great idea, and a very good tool for the women to use. At least they will be able to feed their kids.

Answer 4

"When you donate money only about %30 (that is what is required by law in order to be catagorized as a charity for tax reasons) actually goes to the intended."

That's not true at all. Where in the world did you pull that "statistic" from? If you don't want to donate money, that's fine, but don't make accusations about how money is handled unless you can cite a source.

Here are some suggestions for non-monetary ways to support the people in Sudan who are being oppressed:

(1) Write your elected officials (US Representatives, US Senators  and the President) to say that you want the USA to continue its pressure on the government of Darfur to stop the killings and land grabs

(2) Write the embassy of Sudan in the USA to tell them you want the killings and land grabs to stop, and you are encouraging your own government to continue to address this issue.

(3) Encourage your friends and family to do the same. In fact, you can have a letter-writing-party, where you bring everyone together, provide paper, pens and envelopes, and samples of letters to write, as well as appropriate addresses. And provide pizza. Gather all of the letters up at the end of the evening and send them.

(4) Link to all of the various organizations addressing the situation in Darfur on your various online profiles (your Yahoo profile, your MySpace profile, FaceBook, etc.) and encourage your online friends/connections to do the same.