Organizations to Follow

Today I would like to highlight several organizations that were shared with me by a close friend and fellow young philanthropist. These organizations are using innovative strategies to make lasting changes for generations to come. They are not afraid to tackle the complex problems facing humanity and are taking responsibility for improving the status quo even beyond their own backyards.


Invisible Children
This southern california based organization was started by three young filmmakers, who on a journey to discover adventure discovered a much darker reality. Upon traveling through Uganda they witnessed the violent tragedy facing the people of the north. They created an eye-opening film which led to the development of the non-profit organization, Invisible Children. Their goal is to expose the cruel reality of life which faces the people of this war-torn region abroad and provide aide and solutions to end the violence. They specifically focus on child soldiers and night commuters. Since their journey began in 2003 they have made incredible strides in providing awareness and continue to grow and provide aide where it is needed most. To contribute to this cause please visit this website. You can also follow the cause on twitter @invisible.


Charity Water
This organization addresses one of the most essential and yet overlooked issues facing humanity: clean drinking water. Their website notes some pretty shocking statistics which will open your eyes to the reality of this issue. Some of these numbers are:
1 billion: Almost a billion people on the planet don’t have access to clean drinking water. Unsafe water and lack of basic sanitation kill more people every year than all forms of violence, including war.
1 in 8: One in eight people on the planet drinks water that's likely to make them sick. The water crisis and poverty go hand-in-hand.
So how are they addressing this issue? 
Charity Water is creating clean water projects in 19 countries across the globe and, with proper funding, will continue to expand this growth until all people have access to clean drinking water. I encourage you to visit their website to learn more about the incredible changes they are making and how valuable clean water can be to solving other important issues such as gender equality and economic stability.
For more info, check out their blog here and get involved, or donate!


Carolina for Kibera
In one sentence, this organization defines their mission as: Carolina for Kibera exists to develop local leaders, catalyze positive change and alleviate poverty in the Kibera slum of Nairobi. Even more impressive than this plight, is the inspiring story of the organization's inception. Founded by three unlikely friends: Rye Barcott (North Carolina undergrad), Salim Mohamed (community organizer) and Tabatha Atieno Festo (widowed nurse and mother of three), the organization began with a gift of just $26 and has grown to assist over 30,000 people annually in one of the harshest slums worldwide. This organization provides funding for resources for community leaders of Kibera so that they have the power to change the face of their community. Please visit their website for a more complete story of how this organization's unique structure is changing lives.