MKOTBlog

My friend QD, whom you have already met in this post, just guided me to an astonishingly simple and powerful Web site called Stop Poverty Now. Through this interactive donation site, The Grameen Foundation, which supports microfinance programs that enable the poor to lift themselves out of poverty and make better lives for their families, is truly putting the “social” in social giving.

When you visit Stop Poverty Now, you’ll see a gridded picture of two young women holding a baby. Each pixel equates to $10 in donation, and donors get to choose the location and area of their square(s) to show off their contribution (or remain anonymous), along with an uploaded picture and a personal message.

For example, see QD’s pixel here, and mine below:

I’ll tell you why I say this particular initiative puts the “social” in social giving. You’re seeing an example right here, right now.

How many times have I seen or heard about a good cause and failed to follow through on it? Too many times.

So what stopped me from doing the same here?

Because I saw QD’s picture of herself and her mother bubbling out of that tiny square, along with this poignant message of hope and encouragement: “We are put on this earth to see each other through. Poverty takes many forms & everyone is fighting a battle. Love your neighbor.” Seeing such an intimate visualization of QD’s good deed compelled me to give, too.

And love the neighbor, I did. I claimed the pixel immediately to the right of hers.

So go get your own pixel and help stop poverty now. It’s one of the best pieces of real estate – virtual or real – you’ll ever invest in.