"These past few days have been a wild cyber ride in regards to Uganda. I have mixed feelings about the KONY 2012 campaign. It is brilliant in its scope, reach, film-making technique, etc. I wish it was more accurate in its depiction of current day Uganda. I also wish people weren't rushing to send all of their money to IC to stop KONY, when there are some wonderful programs on the ground in Uganda, run by Ugandans, that would be more useful to fund at this point. I have 5th graders emailing me in tears because they are terrified that Kony is going to kill their pen pals in Kampala. I hope this emotionally-triggered awareness will, at some point, result in some support for programs that are currently happening to rebuild Uganda. I am approaching this as an opportunity to shine a light on issues currently facing Uganda. I just want to be sure and do so in a thoughtful, responsible way. I want to highlight the difference between reactive activism and conscious activism.
Global Shine Project is planning a trip back to Uganda in May 2013. We will be continuing our support of OTM projects, Building Tomorrow & Shanti Uganda, as well as working with our new partner, Breakdance Project Uganda. We will also be traveling to Gulu this go round. We are currently planning itinerary and hope to have it out soon. We are already filling spots!" - Amanda Stuermer, co-founder of Global Shine Project, fellow participant in Seva Challenge 2009: Uganda, and super smart friend!
Thursday, March 15, 2012
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
AlliedForUganda Relaunched!
Dear Family & Friends,
Three years ago, with the help of my amazing community, I raised over $20,000 and traveled to Uganda for 3 weeks with leaders from Off the Mat, Into the World (OTM). Twenty-one other women from all over North America also went on the trip, and collectively, we raised over half a million dollars. Our money built a birthing center, a seven room school, and provided rice, beans, medicine & other essentials for forty families living in the Acholi Quarters. We also gave $10K to YouthAids and provided new mattresses, a water filtration system and a small library for the New Hope Orphanage. I look forward to personally following up with each of these organizations in May of 2013 when I return to Uganda with Global Shine Project (GSP)!
My personal commitment: To raise $6,000 by April 1st, 2013. This will cover the expenses of my trip + roughly 50% of the funds I raise will support the following organizations:
Life In Africa- A successful community based organization that supports families living in extreme poverty in the Acholi Quarters.
Shanti Uganda- This is the center that our collective OTM funds built in 2009.
Building Tomorrow- This is the seven room primary school in Gayaza that our collective OTM funds built in 2009.
Breakdance Project Uganda- This is a new organization that Global Shine Project started working with in 2011. Their mission is to engage & empower disadvantaged youth in Uganda through breakdancing to promote leadership skills & social responsibility.
The exact project details for each organization will come later. As we get closer to the trip, GSP will have a clearer idea of the current, immediate needs.
Uganda holds a very special place in my heart & calls me to be of service. Together, we can help each worthy organization reach their next goal. You can help by donating time and/or money. There will be events throughout the year to give donors an opportunity to receive something in return for their generosity and be in community with like-minded people. If you are interested in helping out with these events, please let me know! The more people that are involved, the better. Individual donations anywhere from $1 to $1K will make a positive impact. Your participation will not only help Ugandans achieve a better quality of life, but you also contribute to my growth as a leader, and that means the world to me! I am deeply grateful for your support & sponsorship on this sacred journey.
With Gratitude,
Megan
Estimated Cost Breakdown:
(GSP is still working on finalizing exact quotes, so these numbers may change slightly):
$1,300 plane ticket
$1,100 hotel (9 nights)
$300 food (10 days)
$300 group bus rental/tips
$3,000 in donations to the organizations listed above.
My fundraising goal:
$6,000 in 12 months
$500/month
$120/week
$18/day<-- This covers the cost of one birthing kit for Shanti Uganda!
You can donate via cash, check, or credit card through PayPal. To donate via Credit Card/PayPal click here. You can make checks payable to "Megan Ridge" & post to the address below:
Megan Ridge
334 E North Street
Bethlehem PA 18018
Any donations raised after I meet the costs of my trip are tax deductible & GSP can provide a tax receipt. Please specify if you require a tax receipt.
NAMASTE!
Three years ago, with the help of my amazing community, I raised over $20,000 and traveled to Uganda for 3 weeks with leaders from Off the Mat, Into the World (OTM). Twenty-one other women from all over North America also went on the trip, and collectively, we raised over half a million dollars. Our money built a birthing center, a seven room school, and provided rice, beans, medicine & other essentials for forty families living in the Acholi Quarters. We also gave $10K to YouthAids and provided new mattresses, a water filtration system and a small library for the New Hope Orphanage. I look forward to personally following up with each of these organizations in May of 2013 when I return to Uganda with Global Shine Project (GSP)!
My personal commitment: To raise $6,000 by April 1st, 2013. This will cover the expenses of my trip + roughly 50% of the funds I raise will support the following organizations:
Life In Africa- A successful community based organization that supports families living in extreme poverty in the Acholi Quarters.
Shanti Uganda- This is the center that our collective OTM funds built in 2009.
Building Tomorrow- This is the seven room primary school in Gayaza that our collective OTM funds built in 2009.
Breakdance Project Uganda- This is a new organization that Global Shine Project started working with in 2011. Their mission is to engage & empower disadvantaged youth in Uganda through breakdancing to promote leadership skills & social responsibility.
The exact project details for each organization will come later. As we get closer to the trip, GSP will have a clearer idea of the current, immediate needs.
Uganda holds a very special place in my heart & calls me to be of service. Together, we can help each worthy organization reach their next goal. You can help by donating time and/or money. There will be events throughout the year to give donors an opportunity to receive something in return for their generosity and be in community with like-minded people. If you are interested in helping out with these events, please let me know! The more people that are involved, the better. Individual donations anywhere from $1 to $1K will make a positive impact. Your participation will not only help Ugandans achieve a better quality of life, but you also contribute to my growth as a leader, and that means the world to me! I am deeply grateful for your support & sponsorship on this sacred journey.
With Gratitude,
Megan
Estimated Cost Breakdown:
(GSP is still working on finalizing exact quotes, so these numbers may change slightly):
$1,300 plane ticket
$1,100 hotel (9 nights)
$300 food (10 days)
$300 group bus rental/tips
$3,000 in donations to the organizations listed above.
My fundraising goal:
$6,000 in 12 months
$500/month
$120/week
$18/day<-- This covers the cost of one birthing kit for Shanti Uganda!
You can donate via cash, check, or credit card through PayPal. To donate via Credit Card/PayPal click here. You can make checks payable to "Megan Ridge" & post to the address below:
Megan Ridge
334 E North Street
Bethlehem PA 18018
Any donations raised after I meet the costs of my trip are tax deductible & GSP can provide a tax receipt. Please specify if you require a tax receipt.
NAMASTE!
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