Giving Tuesday 11/29/16

Sad News…

My apologies for not having written any posts for some months. My heart was broken and my world upturned by the passing of my mother late spring. Thankfully we’d talked extensively about her end of life wishes…no hospital, no extreme measures, no prolonging things because we have the medical capabilities to do so. Instead, loved ones rallied round her to say goodbye and help the process be as graceful, painless, and natural as it could be. The loss is unspeakable for me. For us. Our great sadness is slowly being replaced with lovely memories of her sparkle, her charm, her delightful quirky, humor along with huge admiration for her sense of civic duty and responsibility.

Some of you met my mom when she joined me in my travels. Others may feel as though you knew her from having read “Is This Thing On?” or from hearing about her during my talks. Mom was an integral part of my career and life. She was my inspiration for the work I do and so much more. Mom loved meeting my readers and was proud to help people get over their fear of technology. Thank you for making her feel special – because she was.

It seems only fitting to post the news about Mom on Giving Tuesday as Mom’s philosophy in life was to donate 30% of her time/money to worthy causes. In her honor, please volunteer your time or send your suppot to a worthy cause and thank Nancy for the inspiration.

I raise my glass to the one and only Nancy Angell Pemberton Stokes Clark,
Abby

If you want to know more about Mom, here’s a link to her obituary.

GIVING TUESDAY

5 Tips for Donors

1. Visit Give.org and review their Charity Reports to be sure your donation is going where you would like it to. Ideally AT LEAST 65% of your donation should go to the programs and not administration.

2. Small Token is the first mobile app designed for you to make a contribution to a nonprofit as a gift to someone important to you from your smartphone or tablet. Small Token is committed to passing on 100% of the proceeds. Visit the App Store on your device or click here to download. It’s FREE!

3. There’s nothing more fulfilling than donating YOUR TIME or as a family. Visit VolunteerMatch.org to find a worthy project. You can specify interests, skills, and preferred distance from home.

4. Increase your donation by asking if your employer offers a matching gift program to stretch your dollar.

5. If you donate online, be sure to print the receipt and hang on to it for your records.

ABBY’S TOP 5 SUGGESTIONS…

OneClickStandUp

OneClickStandUp is a curated directory of action opportunities aimed at some of the endangered issues facing our country. Links are all curated and vetted by the people, for the people. One click is a step towards action. Keep spreading the word!

CLICK HERE TO GET STARTED

KIVA

Kiva is a great gift opportunity to teach children and grandchildren about both investing and making a difference. “Kiva is a non-profit organization with a mission to connect people through lending to alleviate poverty. Leveraging the internet and a worldwide network of microfinance institutions, Kiva lets individuals lend as little as $25 to help create opportunity around the world.” (They have a 98.45% repayment rate!)

CLICK HERE TO INVEST

Older Adult Technology Services

The Senior Planet Exploration Center and SeniorPlanet.org are OATS’s groundbreaking flagship programs. “OATS harnesses the power of technology to change the way we age. Since 2004, they’ve innovated one of the nation’s most powerful models to shape the future of aging. The OATS approach begins with a strong commitment to creative and responsive program design. We develop programs that engage seniors as change agents — in the classroom, in the community, and at home.” (80% goes to programs.)

CLICK HERE TO DONATE

Rhino Rescue Project

I found out about the Rhino Rescue Project when I had the good fortune of enjoying an African Safari. “The Rhino Rescue Project’s mission is to offer a sustainable, cost effective defensive strategy to protect rhinos in South Africa and elsewhere from poaching. Their all-inclusive, holistic protection program is focused largely on the devaluation of rhino horns as commodities by infusing them with an animal-friendly toxin and indelible dye as well as added security measures like microchips, tracking technology and DNA sampling and storage.”

CLICK HERE TO HELP

Human Rights Watch

“Established in 1978, Human Rights Watch is known for its accurate fact-finding, impartial reporting, effective use of media, and targeted advocacy, often in partnership with local human rights groups. Each year, Human Rights Watch publishes more than 100 reports and briefings on human rights conditions in some 90 countries, generating extensive coverage in local and international media. With the leverage this brings, Human Rights Watch meets with governments, the United Nations, regional groups like the African Union and the European Union, financial institutions, and corporations to press for changes in policy and practice that promote human rights and justice around the world.” (78% goes to programs.)

CLICK HERE TO DONATE