Where the $$ goes...

80% of this year's funds will support the organizations below
20% will support OTM's nationwide yoga for at-risk youth programs

$150k to Shanti Uganda To build an eco birthing center with a sustainable garden and to support birthing education and training programs for women with HIV/AIDS.http://www.shantiuganda.org/

$125k to Building Tomorrow To build a primary school, housing for all seven teachers and their families and to develop a farm on the school's property. With additional funds we can support the organization in updating and improving Building Tomorrow academies.http://www.buildingtomorrow.org/

$10k to PSI/YouthAIDS To support their work in stopping the spread of HIV/AIDS worldwide. http://www.youthaids.org/

$10k to New Hope School To support the orphans and improve/ update existing facilities.
*Breakdown of funds courtsey of OTM

What I've Learned

Americans have clean water to drink and a free opportunity to public education. We can go to a hospital or choose midwifery to ensure safe childbirth. We are working hard to eradicate the HIV/AIDS epidemic spreading worldwide, and for those infected in America, offer the support and treatment necessary to get through a very difficult time. In third world countries, these needs are dreams. Ugandans live in fear. Fear of death, genocide, abduction, rape, and exploitation. Children are afraid to sleep at night not knowing what the dark hours will bring. Most would rather sleep outside in large groups, squeezing together tightly for safety and warmth rather than sleep at home where they are at risk for abduction. When they wake, a million of these children do not have a school they can attend. Some will walk 5 or more miles for fresh water. Women are passing the HIV/AIDS virus to their babies and many are dying in childbirth. And on top of all this, the Lord’s Resistance Army threatens civilians’ safety 24 hours a day.

I’ve spent the past couple weeks diving deep into Uganda’s political and social history. Emotionally, this has not been easy. Uganda is a small country with many problems. It has birthed a generation of people who live in constant fear, and it is truly affecting the world on a psychological level. Every time we see a photo, a video, hear a news report about what’s happening in Uganda, fear is imprinted somewhere in us. The same fear and horror Ugandans live with every day gets lost in us if we do not acknowledge what is happening. Once we start to learn, we can never go back. It is impossible to ignore. There is no “us” and “them,” there is only “we.” And WE must ALL accept the emergency happening in Uganda if we intend to heal, moving from fear into love.

Shanti Uganda, Building Tomorrow, and YouthAids are already helping this war-torn country. Off the Mat, Into the World will bring additional funds to these organizations. With our help, Shanti Uganda will build a clinic and teach women how to midwife. The transfer of the HIV/AIDS virus from mother to child is easily prevented when safe birthing practices are applied. Getting children into schools will help the country and its people on a multitude of levels. Building Tomorrow will not only bring children into schools, but also provide housing for the teachers and their families. The government will pay the teachers salaries and with additional funds, we can help improve their academics. With enough support and funding, YouthAids can educate the population of Uganda on how to reduce and eventually eliminate the spread of HIV. It takes time to heal, that’s why Off the Mat has designed this Seva Challenge to ensure we will leave a legacy in Uganda, a lasting impact to improve their present and future.

As of June 29th, you’ve helped me raise $10,164 for this cause. My goal is to raise $20K by December 15th, 2009. A donation of $5 or $5,000 will be instrumental in its inevitable success. Together, we can change the lives of the people living in Uganda, because it’s no longer “us” and “them.” There is only WE.

Off the Mat, Into the World

In Uganda, one million children between the ages of 6-12 are not in school. Five people per minute become infected by HIV and the AIDS virus kills one child every minute. Families travel miles to gather fresh water. Off the Mat, Into the World's Seva Challenge 2009 exists to help the people of Uganda experience a life where human, basic needs are met.

Off the Mat, Into the World is a non-profit organization formed by three yogis- Seane Corn, Suzanne Sterling, and Hala Khouri. These women wanted to create a forum for people to come together and brainstorm projects in support of conscious activism. Their annual seva (service) challenge asks participants to go out into their local and global communities to individually raise $20,000 in support of countries that need assistance. This year's spotlight is Uganda, a country that has been plagued by civil war for more than 20 years. OTM is partnering with 3 different organizations- Shanti Uganda, Building Tomorrow, and YouthAids to fund the building of an eco birthing center, sustainable farms, and a seven room school house in Uganda.

My name is Megan Ridge and I signed my letter of intention in January to take on this challenge. I have officially raised $10K and now have until December 15th to raise the full $20,000. If my goal is reached, I will travel with the Off the Mat team to Uganda in February of 2010 to help lay the brick and dig the wells for these projects. The trip will be very physical and interactive. To prepare mentally, emotionally and physically for this kind of work, the group will do 2 hours of yoga in the morning and processing work in the evenings. Our support system is strong, and we will leave Africa knowing that we have saved many lives.

If you or anyone you know might be interested in contributing to this cause, please visit www.meganridge.com/uganda for more information on how to donate. All donations are tax deductible. If you would like to be included in email updates concerning my progress, I can add you to my mailing list. Emails will also include any upcoming events/products for sale in support of the challenge. Just write an email to meganaridge@gmail.com with "ADD TO LIST" in the subject line.

This project is something I'm drawn to because whether I raise the full $20,000 or not, I know that 100% of the donations are going to save lives. As little as $15 will provide a new birthing kit to the Shanti Uganda clinic, ensuring a safe birth for mother, child and midwife! Contributions to this cause, whether $5 or $5,000 will be instrumental in its inevitable success. Together, we can change the lives of the people living in Uganda. I know that this journey, no matter the outcome, will change my life, and I thank you for sharing in the experience.

Namaste,
Megan