Give a Damn about Poverty?

King Leopolds Ghost

2012-01-31T05:33:00.001+11:00

I have just finished reading King Leopold's Ghost and despite the horrific contents I really enjoyed learning more about what happened in the Congo and what led to the history I am only aware of in more recent times. This is a truly horrific story of our time but unfortunately not that un common in our history. What is different in some ways here is the scale. The book is easy to read and pulls you in with great descriptions of the central characters on all sides of this.

What stood out to me is the amazing commitment from the early advocates that fought Leopold and tried to raise awareness of the atrocities in the Congo. They where truly amazing for what they achieved and did amongst significant odds. They where able to work networks very well. They also knew how to fund raise and where able to resource the mission effectively. The key characters where heroic in the determination they showed to stop what was happening.

The systematic approach of Leopold and his men to extract as much of the Congo's riches at any cost is wrong and hard to comprehend how men can do this? The greed that drove them and disconnection from the impact they had and the end result is hard to get your head around.

It is no wonder there is so many challenges in current day Africa and the Congo given its traumatic history. Definately worth a read!

Th Gap Matters

2012-01-22T18:19:00.000+11:00

http://www.amazon.com/Spirit-Level-Equality-Societies-Stronger/dp/1608190366

Was just out for a run and listening to Rob Bell preach on generosity. He talked a lot about the book the Spirit level and how what it says is reflected in the gospel. The premise of the spirit level is that the larger the gap in a society between the richest and poorest the more unhealthy and unhappy for all the society is and the smaller the gap thus the greater equality the better for all. Robs reflections after spending some time with the authors where profound. He talks about how salvation in the new testament was often referring to more than the spiritual as we often like to limit it to in our current world view but also the physical and social. He talks about how God created the world and wanted all to have enough in it and people who follow him have a job to make sure of this. That our job was to close the gap. Any way Just wanted to share reflections on the gap and how it matters.

Failing Foward

2012-01-05T07:22:00.000+11:00

When asked what I learned in my development studies I will often say " I learnt that i know nothing, and so going in to a community you have to ask lots of questions." I firmly believe Communities hold the answers to what they need. The role of outsiders is to help them discover connect and resource it. I am aware that there is a tension though in the development word between the practice of development and what Donors want. The clip below looks at part of this tension and David I believes challenges us to fail forward. Check it out.

What do you think about the idea David had to publish a failure report? I love the idea but equally believe it needs to be spread amongst the sucess report as well. Balance is what we need to get the right picture accross.

It is all the small things! Wisdom from Seth Goddin.

2012-01-02T14:28:00.001+11:00

I was reflecting on how life is like this story from Seth's blog. Often we think we need to find the one thing to change to make a difference but as i go through life i am discovering more and more it is the 100 small decisions day to day that make the difference to our world and our relationships in it. It makes me think the ethical decision at the shop and the 10mins helping out someone who i see in need or playing with your kids when you are 'busy' is really where it is at.

As you start your year I pray you make smart decisions in the small ones as they impact the bigger picture.

Check this out 100 little thingsBy the way really big fan of Seth's wisdom and story telling! Makes things complex make sense.

How to change the world | World Vision

2011-12-30T11:04:00.000+11:00

Great video explaining what it means to be an advocate

WVNZ Team Blog: 11 photos from 2011

2011-12-30T09:27:00.000+11:00

Thought you may like to check out these shots selected by Jon Warren. I am blown away constantly by the contrast we see in our world.

WVNZ Team Blog: 11 photos from 2011: Photo blog: John Warren is a photographer for World Vision. Below is his selection of the best photos taken by him and his colleagues this ...

The Patriot - some ramblings about life

2011-12-22T20:25:00.000+11:00

Tonight I finished watching The Patriot for the first time in a long time. I was really sucked in watching Benjamin Martins story through the war for Independence in the US. What spoke to me and is relevant here ( which most of the movie is not I agree ) is the way this man reflects and learns as the movie goes. I really loved how he wrestled so much with the tensions of justice and revenge. The movie shows the true horror of war in a more sanitised way than more recent movies post the Millennium but in a way that shows how unjust it is and how in reality no one wins. What shines through is the best and worst of humanity. I loved the challenge that lives in being an example of the best this speaks to me to be better and stronger in areas of life I am not so strong. In many ways you see the key difference is courage to stand up as the difference. Standing up for things we stand for even with pain and hurt is important to see change in our world. Anyway this is a bit of a rant and ramble but wanted to share as I reflected and downloaded after the movie!

Feel Lost - Slowing Down - Time to reflect

2011-12-18T19:14:00.000+11:00

Have you ever felt you are lost? It has been a wet weekend in Auckland and when normally everyone would be out and about enjoying the beauty of this beautiful place they have had to change plans. For me it has been a massive year and so it draws closer and closer to the end I am realising how tired I am. It is very easy in this to feel lost. My standard responce in this situation is to get busier. This weekend we have not done much at all except hang out as a family. What I realised this afternoon is how good it is to slow down to breath and enjoy time. I also found as I did I reflected and was reminded on what I love in life and want and what I don't. As some one who runs a million miles an hour I am reminded to slow down is as useful as speeding up. As you seek to change the world and show how you can give a damn take time to reflect. Slowing down to breathe is so important. I thought I would share with you a shot my wife took at 5.30am watching the sun rise on her daily walk. The beauty of what God gives us daily never stops amazing me. I often look at a sky like this and feel I am no longer lost.

Below is a poem I have come across and been reflecting on. It really is speaking to me about the need to slow down as the year ends and listen more see more and reflect on the year and what I want life to be about in 2012. Hope this speaks to you as well.

Lost
Stand still.
The trees ahead and the bushes beside you Are not lost.
Wherever you are is called Here,
And you must treat it as a powerful stranger,
Must ask permission to know it and be known.
The forest breathes. Listen. It answers,
I have made this place around you,
If you leave it you may come back again, saying Here.

No two trees are the same to Raven.
No two branches are the same to Wren.
If what a tree or a bush does is lost on you,
You are surely lost. Stand still.
The forest knows Where you are.
You must let it find you.

An old Native American elder story rendered into modern English by David Wagoner, in The Heart Aroused - Poetry and the Preservation of the Soul in Corporate America by David Whyte, Currency Doubleday, New York, 1996

Take 5

2011-12-15T10:47:00.000+11:00

I spend most of my days living breathing one big question. How do you engage people to fight global poverty? I am completely convinced that the reason the world is the way it is, is because of will to change it. We have the power the resources on the whole but still change seems to be taking so long for the millions of kids that die each year. One of the issues to over come is to help people see they can make a difference they can do something and it can help change the world. The other day the idea of taking 5 came to me. If people took 5 mins or $5 each day it could change the world. Imagine if people all gave a small achievable step each day to helping others. if this was all added together it literally could help change the lives of communities around the world.

As we draw closer to the end of the year consider if you could take 5 in 2012.

Saying No - New Years Resloution

2011-12-14T18:16:00.000+11:00

A few years ago I was developing a strategic direction for an organisation and a guy working with me called Steve taught me a clear lesson I will never forget about Strategy. He said you only have a strategy if you can say no to something. Ever since in all work I do I try to work out if we make this choice what are we not doing.
In the article from Jim Collins he asks a great question that as you plan your new year resolution it is a great time to decide what you will stop in the coming year.   The key point of the message is best captured in this quote

"the idea of "making your life a creative work of art." A great piece of art is composed not just of what is in the final piece, but equally important, what is not. It is the discipline to discard what does not fit — to cut out what might have already cost days or even years of effort — that distinguishes the truly exceptional artist and marks the ideal piece of work, be it a symphony, a novel, a painting, a company or, most important of all, a life." Jim Collins
The idea of stopping some things and shaping your life is some thing I am considering as an approach in the coming year.   Life has been busy this year and I am tired. I am not keen 2012 is like this in the same way as 2011.   The only way for this is to say no to some things so the ones I want to do I have time to do.   So as the year starts to wind up I am asking what I will say no to in 2012.

Thanks Steve for that lesson and Jim for this reminder!

This reflection is pulled together after I read this short article by Jim Collins you may like to check out as well http://www.jimcollins.com/article_topics/articles/best-new-years.html

Great blog from Richenda - on making things personal in customer relationships

2011-12-13T10:02:00.001+11:00

I have recently read this and thinking deeply about some of the points it raises.

http://www.imrichenda.com/?p=324

Let me know what you think?

Great to see Matilida making a difference

2011-11-29T05:21:00.000+11:00

Thanks Mike for sharing this great challenge to all of us that we can do something to make a differnece

Mike Crowl's Random Notes: There's enterprise for you!: Matilda Helm, a seven year old self-confessed chatterboxfrom Southbridge Primary School in Canterbury, saw World Vision's East Africa App...

Is it about the Crowd?

2011-11-28T06:38:00.001+11:00

I came across this article and found it a good read and challenge to the conventional conversation around leadership driving things. The article raises the question is leadership about when to get behind the crowd? There is also a good conversation around story telling and the role it plays in shaping our world. I liked how the reflection talks about how leaders are the way we frame stories. The central conversation of the article aplies the thinking to the http://occupywallst.org/ movement. This is a movement that is hotly debated at present. It recognises it has refused to name a leader and as such is challenging the traditional model. "By refusing to name a leader, Occupy Wall Street presents a challenge to this view. With no one figure to credit or blame, with no face to put on a sprawling inchoate movement, and with no hierarchy of power, we simply don't know how to process what "it" is, and therefore how to think about it. And because this absence of a familiar personality-centric narrative makes us uncomfortable, we are tempted to reject the whole thing as somehow not real" Really interesting stuff to challenge thinking here

I found this a great stimulating Monday morning wake up check it out and let me know your thoughts.

http://blogs.hbr.org/cs/2011/11/what_are_leaders_really_for.html

WVNZ Team Blog: Impending disaster

2011-11-21T19:51:00.000+11:00

WVNZ Team Blog: Impending disaster: Seth Le Leu is World Vision New Zealand's director of international policy and programming. He recently visited Niger in West Africa. A pla...

The CEO

2011-11-16T19:54:00.000+11:00

Great video worth checking out.

Innovation - Great example of simple solution giving great value to communites

2011-11-15T12:11:00.001+11:00

Came accross this great little example of innovation being used to develop a great technological solution for communites.

http://www.fastcoexist.com/1678329/the-worlds-cheapest-lightbulb-is-made-of-just-a-plastic-bottle

How World Vision microfinance works

2011-11-03T18:14:00.000+11:00

Was checking this out and thought you may like to.

One step closer: The End of Polio

2011-11-02T18:08:00.002+11:00

I thought I would share this from Hugh and the team at GPP. I really like the tone energy of this video and campaign. It is great to see how they are focused and can show the tangable changes made. Well done guys! Great to see how you are giving a damn.

Thought for the week!

2011-10-27T08:35:00.000+11:00

"A genuine leader is not a searcher for consensus but a molder of consensus." Martin Luther King Jr

Inspiration

2011-10-26T20:00:00.000+11:00

I went to a conference last week run by the EMA and it was great to see some of the ways sucessful buisness leaders from accross NZ and globaly are approaching the challenges in our world. I was intreguied by the stories I heard. I was impressed by the way a number of these speakers who showed how they had selected one key area and exploited it for sucess. In reflection on the fight against poverty this is always the challenge I find is to quickly the problem becomes to broad and to wide and as such the actions less impacting or effective. In thinking about groups I really admire in the fight against poverty Charity Water would be one I rate really highly. The Charity water story shows a similar approach to many of these for profits strategies. It involves innovation and agility but also very clearly aligned to focused action around the issue of water. Each activity is connected and aligned to the one fight and cause. Any way I am inspired by some of the stories i heard this week and reminded of many of the challenges to over come to be effective in fighting poverty.

Soul Surfer

2011-10-10T06:19:00.001+11:00

Movie - Soul Surfer

- I watched on DVD this weekend the Bethany Hamilton story. It was a well made film, a bit on the chick side but it was good. It is a story I am aware of after seeing a doco on Bethany but the film brought this to life. I was blown away by this girls courage and dermination. She overcomes the impact of losing her arm and feeling of loss by getting some perspective change. This comes from many others who hear her story and are encouraged by it but also by a trip with WV to Thailand post the tsunami where she meets others with profound loss. I found this a good story of how change in perspective can affect us in such powerful ways. If you have yet to see it it is worth a watch on a free night.

WVNZ Team Blog: What is World Vision doing to help in the Horn of ...

2011-09-07T11:00:00.001+10:00

Great summary of what is happening on ground.
WVNZ Team Blog: What is World Vision doing to help in the Horn of ...

Irony

2011-09-06T19:42:00.002+10:00

I was surfing the web tonight before going to chat to team at Life FM tomorrow around what is happening in east Africa to catch up on what is being published and came across this article.
http://www.mindfood.com/at-famine-declared-in-new-somalia-region.seo
It is great to see mind food raising good content for women on issues like this and so thumbs up to them what threw me was the irony of the fact around the story was Weight watchers advertising. This irony just reminded me how unbalanced our world is! This makes speaking up so much more important and more than speaking up but also showing change is possible by righting imbalance through giving a damn.

Just One Idea

2011-08-31T18:48:00.002+10:00

Here is a great oppurtunity to make a difference and give a damn. We are looking for Ideas from people to help end global poverty. Check it out and share your solutions. This is a great way to make a difference. http://www.justoneidea.co.nz/

Famine No More

2011-08-30T09:00:00.002+10:00

Over this coming week you have the chance to say Famine No More. As part of the response to the situation in East Africa World Vision globally is looking to raise awareness and dollars for the response needed. http://faminenomore.org/ If you go to this link you can donate no matter where in the world you live and also use your voice and presence to make a difference. There is no excuse I can think of for why you cant give a damn in this way! More to come on this.

Tippen - What changed? The power of One

2011-08-12T08:02:00.011+10:00

I have been pretty involved as you may expect in the east Africa response and trying to raise awareness and resources for the teams on the ground. What I have been struck by is the situation we are seeing and the stories coming out.

The numbers are horrific it is now upwards of 14 million facing starvation. Not hungry but starving. Let this sink in because it is horrific to think what this means. It is great it has got some media in our part of the world but it is still not dominating what we are talking about as a nation. In NZ we are talking about the price of all blacks rugby jersey being to much. What does this say about who we are? Is it just that it is to hard to far away to disconnected?

As I have trawled through footage blogs and other info this week the story of Tippen has stood out. One of the images we have used and stories we have been telling was of a boy Tippen whose family was one of the thousands affected. Tippen made it to the camp and was being treated for severe malnutrition. We found out this week he has died. Our reaction has been deeply impacting as we mourned now not for a big number but for one. We now had a face a name and a story and it changed everything. I am still coming to terms what this says and means about us about me. What I am aware of is that often to cope with our word we see numbers not people and this is wrong. I know our job in the fight against poverty is to tell peoples stories and allow people to see them selves in situations

As I was writing this I came across an quote on twitter that seems to connect. It was
"Evil is more about the absence of something than the presence of something." Celia Lashlie. I wonder if we knew all the names of the people affected in East Africa we would be more inclined to respond. My challenge is how do we make a connection to allow change to stop the evil occurring in East Africa.

Organisations and movements

2011-06-14T06:26:00.002+10:00

Some one sent this to me and I wanted to share.

Taken from Seth Goddins Blog

"An organization uses structure and resources and power to make things happen. Organizations hire people, issue policies, buy things, erect buildings, earn market share and get things done. Your company is probably an organization.

A movement has an emotional heart. A movement might use an organization, but it can replace systems and people if they disappear. Movements are more likely to cause widespread change, and they require leaders, not managers. The internet, it turns out, is a movement, and every time someone tries to own it, they fail. "

I like the ideas here!

What do you think?

Queens Birthday

2011-06-13T10:37:00.000+10:00

Food.

2011-06-09T06:29:00.005+10:00

Recently I went 40 hours with out food as part of the 40 Hour famine. In doing this I realised how our lives are oriented around food. It was really hard but I managed to make it. I did feel ill but was reminded how easily we become soft. I got a major headache and felt i missed out despite the fact so many do this
do this each day.

I saw the image attached in the latest TIME and was reminded of how big an issue this is and yet we hear so little about it. My reality for 40 hours is the reality for so many and this is wrong. It is so hard to live in a world so imbalanced.

What I am inspired by is there is things we can do.

ACTIONS

One thing I am considering as a next step is giving to The World Food Program through World Vision

I am also planning to read over this report from Oxfam on the issues.

http://http//www.oxfam.org/sites/www.oxfam.org/files/growing-a-better-future-010611-en.pdf

LOVE WITHOUT MEASURE - PARACHUTE BAND

2011-04-18T12:49:00.000+10:00

Take 5 And watch this.

Millennial Donors - Worth a read

2011-04-11T07:15:00.001+10:00

http://millennialdonors.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/MD11REPORT-execsummary-1.pdf

Easter

2011-04-11T05:48:00.002+10:00

http://www.fairtrade.org.nz/get-involved/campaigns/make-fairtrade-choice-easter

Go hard out for the hungry

2011-03-21T13:23:00.002+11:00

Christmas Reflections

2010-11-30T18:40:00.003+11:00

Well it is December tomorrow and another year has come and gone. I often am amazed how each minute added together makes and hour and the hours make a day and the days make up weeks and you know the rest...

Life goes on and on and we either choose to make a stand for something or we are dragged from thing to thing. Kept busy but often not on the things that matter most. Before we head toward the time for new years resolutions to change all we do not like about where our life is I wonder who can look at December and resolve to make it count to make it be the month to stand for something. To determine to be generous to those in your community and the world. As you know I am a christian and believe God loves us and wants us to make the world right in the way we live and work. Wouldn't it be great if in the month we celebrate the greatest gift of all to this world - Jesus that we all tried to live for him each day and be generous. If every person who calls themselves a Christian concentrated on this in December I believe we could end poverty.

If you are like me you say I do my bit I do what I can and that is good enough but I am in a reflective mood and wonder is that enough? Why cant I do more? Why cant I find new ways to bring joy to those who are poor? Why cant we change the way this world works through love! The answer is we just need to do it because we can. We can change a persons day from down to up. From anger and worry to love and peace. In your choices you have the power to create great experiences for someone else.

I hope to reflect more and do what I can to show love and generosity in December to fight against poverty and show I give a damn. Will you fight with me? Will you choose to step up and make a change?

Floods deal Niger another blow

2010-10-18T18:47:00.000+11:00

Story on Niger Crisis worth a look.

Floods deal Niger another blow

Blog Action Day - Water

2010-10-15T06:07:00.002+11:00

Today globally people around the world are all writing and or sharing about Water. So I wanted to join in!

Water globally is a key thing it unifies us all and connects us. Watter is one thing all of us need to survive. We will all have contact with it in some form most days. Some of us will have good water and some not so. Some a lot and some not so. Some will have to work hard to get it and other not so. For some it will make them sick and others it will help them heal.

The world is full of gaps between those that have and those that don't.

This is unacceptable. What will you do about the gap?

Here is a video that may help you see what the gap is.

Smiles Gift Catalogue - How it Works

2010-10-14T19:43:00.000+11:00

Global Hunger report now avalaible

2010-10-12T20:00:00.004+11:00

Check out where is countries with greatest hunger around the world. http://www.ifpri.org/publication/2010-global-hunger-index

Sunrise- Wanted to share it

2010-09-28T04:57:00.003+10:00

On the way to work this morning saw this amazing sunrise and was reminded of the amazing beauty we can find in our world. As you start your day remember to look up and be inspired!

MDGs Summit

2010-09-23T10:16:00.000+10:00

There has been a lot of conversation on this week in New York with many world Leaders meeting to discuss the MDGs .

News just out is there is some firm commitments or calls for action and a renewed plan to help focus on woman and children over the next 5 years. This is really encouraging. I think now we need to all write to our leaders and ask them to support the plan and do all they can to make it realuity and go further. There is some criticism this is not enough and this is just an announcement for some good press around the meeting. This may be right but what I think is that it is something and that is better than last week! We need to mobilise people to ensure it is delivered to create political and moral will for more action.

I hope an pray this new commitment and focus is worked through and added to for the final 5 years to achieve the targets set globally. A real effort is key to ensure we address and mobilise what is needed to get there. This includes you.

The Girl Effect: The Clock is Ticking

2010-09-22T20:02:00.000+10:00

Check out this great simple yet powerful message from the Girl Effect.

Conny Lenneburg in Sharbarhq, Pakistan.

2010-09-19T11:43:00.000+10:00

Flood Relief Efforts in Pakistan Continue

2010-09-07T15:12:00.000+10:00

Tim Costello Pakistan Debt Moratorium Pledge

2010-09-01T14:02:00.000+10:00

Cabbage -Great story of someone joining the movement

2010-08-25T18:19:00.001+10:00

This is a great clip and shows someone giving a damn!

Pakistan - Responces slow

2010-08-23T08:32:00.005+10:00

Saw this on the BBC and thought worth sharing. Shows how slow a responce we are seeing to Pakistan despite the need and number affected being greater than the other emergincies combined.

There is a good discusion on some thoughts as to why the responce is slower. Check it out here.

Pakistan Flood Emergency - Why??

2010-08-21T14:17:00.002+10:00

Why is it that this emergency is so different?

It is by far affecting more people than any other in recent years.

It has yet to see a large responce.

but the people are in desperate need and are just like you.

Watch this and consider what you can do.

Response to this massive disaster has been slow and much smaller than the largest of the past years. For some reason the normal outpouring of international Aid has not occurred. We have started to see some in the last few days after significant calls, but this has been getting worse for weeks. Why are we not seeing the same levels of response? The Children in Pakistan are no different to the Children in Haiti or in Australia they are just living in a different place. To often we forget how we are all the same and so need to respond. I have given and am doing all I can to talk and encourage others to as well. If you have not done something for Pakistan and do give a damn about people this is the time to show love and compassion.

Pakistan Flooding Emergency

2010-08-13T15:16:00.000+10:00

Lack of access & Situation - Breaking through relationships

2010-08-10T10:09:00.000+10:00

I watched the movie Precious on the weekend. It is a very sad and moving film well made to show the lack of access and choice poverty brings. It is the story of a young girl and the situation she is found in and what that means for her. Her story is horrific in so many ways abused and isolated by those closest to her in her short life. Many choices taken away. But at the same time it is story of relationships and breaking through what has happened to what can be. I encourage you to see it and remember we are all created equal yet some of us have a much harder environment and start to life. We see these real glimpses through this movie of a person wanting more for her life and to break through and who with some help manages to do this.

Check out what is happening in Pakistan

2010-08-09T07:20:00.000+10:00

Every Human has Rights - Human rights as a base for achieving the MDGs

2010-08-08T00:10:00.000+10:00

Just came across this and thought I would share it is important to never forget that it is about rights not just poverty and they are very connected. How we see people as equal or not affects our responsibilities to fight poverty.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2010/jun/15/un-poverty-millennium-development-goals

Responsibility

2010-08-07T07:29:00.003+10:00

I have been listening to a few Brooke Fraser songs a bit this week on the Ipod. There are few lines in them I feel are really cutting and true. One is in the song Albertine and it is "Now that I have seen I am responsible. Faith without deeds is dead" I think this is a really simple yet cool Idea to consider in how you move through and see the world. If you see something you create a responsibility to it you create a reason to act and this is key. As i walked it immediately affected me as I saw a guy struggling to put up an umbrella by himself in the main street market and looked saw and almost kept going but felt compelled to help given the struggle I saw in him in this simple day to day to task. It is a small thing but to me it is where all change must start and I still struggle with this. I often think about how we will see the end of global poverty as I do know it is possible but the will is often the thing missing in bringing that change. I am wondering if only we could create a real sense of global responsibility where people need to act. If this can start in the small and we get good at this it can then join together to bigger and bigger changes.

Woman hold up Half the Sky

2010-07-30T15:35:00.010+10:00

This is a great book that is increadiably challenging it shares stories that stick with you. I have been reading this with my wife and still going but highly recomend it to anyone wanting to be challenged and stired.

There is also a great number of really good quotes used opening each chapter I particulary liked.

Check it out here

Tree man

2010-07-22T16:58:00.000+10:00

Niger Needs Help

2010-07-22T16:52:00.000+10:00

Fairly Local

2010-07-03T07:55:00.002+10:00

Checkout this really practical tool created for people to source fair trade products. It is great to see how Scott has used his skills to set this up and then people are able to search and share where products are available. If I had an Iphone would love to test it!! If you do and have used it let me know how it goes.

http://www.fairlylocal.com.au/

Help African Kids Reach Their Dreams - Sponsor a Child

2010-07-02T10:55:00.000+10:00

The hidden Niger Food Crisis

2010-06-27T14:33:00.000+10:00

I have been really moved by this video. It is hard to believe these kinds of situations still occur in our world. This is in the same continent where we are all watching game after game in the world cup. I hope that the G20 leaders that are meeting this week are able to spend some time looking at situations like this in our world. I am all to aware of the priorities that our globe faces but surely one must be to stop the needless deaths of kids due to lack of attention and access to food we have in supply but do not share.

I was thinking today about the Declaration of human rights and how so often we use these when they are convenient but ignore them when they are not and this is not right. I Think for all who believe and claim we are equal and thus deserve basic rights because of being human and we have resources we must share and support situations like this. Please look at this video then tell others about this situation and if we can raise some awareness maybe we can raise some response to address it. I can not imagine what the parents in this situation must be feeling in watching their kids waste away before them.

Today

2010-06-21T17:22:00.003+10:00

Today was a big day. I was tierd and distracted as we did not get much sleep. I got home to find a letter for one of the kids we have sponsored since moving to NZ. As I read this I realised there is so much I still have to learn about this world. There is so much that we take for granted just because of where we where born and who our parents are. I am glad though I can make a difference in what I do day to day but also by sharing some $$ to help another child I have never met in their community on the other side of the world.

The World Cup's in Africa The richest fans are there. So are the poorest...

2010-06-19T09:30:00.000+10:00

At the moment there is a so much of the worlds attention on Africa. The richest and poorest football fans in the world will be there cheering for there heros. No matter what the situation children will be dreaming of the games playing with what ever ball they have and having fun. There is another side to Africa than the success stories that we are seeing and hearing there is also the fact that we cannot avoid the shocking reality that so much money can be found to put on a massive celebration and tournament yet we till have kids dieing by the hour of preventable stupid things. These include diseases easily treatable such as malaria and diaharia, from hunger and malnutrition. I think this really highlights that the reason for the poverty in our world is so much about will or lack of it. Those of us that where lucky to be born in the countries that have resources education and so much need to all have the will to bring change and be prepared to do something to do our bit to stand up and say enough! I believe the lack of will and connection is why we have so much poverty when it could be addressed and eradicated with all we know about the world. The resources are there but governments individuals and companies choose not to address it and make it a priority in the day to day choices they make.

We need a team of people to unite and say we will stand with the poor in our world and make a choice to share a small amount of what we have to help them have. I know by giving it is a 2 way exchange and it is my belief we who have so much are better for it we learn to not hold on so tightly to what we have and learn the importance of generosity and others.

My challenge to you as you watch the football is to say what can I do what can i give to help some football loving kids a chance at a better future in their communities. What message can i send by standing up and being counted in the team bringing change to our world. Hear is a short clip that Talks about one way you can do this but there are many others as well.

Paul Newnham | 40 Hour Famine

2010-04-26T18:00:00.001+10:00

Paul Newnham | 40 Hour Famine

Posted using ShareThis

Worship Evangelisim and Justice

2010-04-23T18:13:00.000+10:00

I read this book in the last few weeks after last hearing Mike speak at Parachute in Jan and really recommend it as a great accessible read that connects these 3 topics in a way I have not seen before. Often these 3 areas are seen as competing yet Mike shows how they need each other.

One thing that really was challenging in this book is Mike talked about giving and how where our money is spent shows what we treasure. He posed the question. If someone looked at your Credit card statement what would it say about what is important to you? Would it say you love having latest tech gadgets? Would it say you like latest clothes? Would it say anything about what you stand for? I think this is really a big challenge today is s many people say one thing but do not back this up in action. To often this is me and I was challenged to really ask some questions. This analogy is not just for Money but also our time and so what do you spend time on what gets in your diary? How do you prioritize? Is your time given to what you say is most important or do you spend it on many other things.

I think this whole area of integrity is a big challenge and one I am asking a lot of questions about and hope you are challenged to as well. How much do you give a damn?

Slumdog Millionaire

2010-04-17T11:04:00.003+10:00

I finally watched Slumdog Millionaire this week after having it for over a year on DVD. For some reason the idea of a Indian movie about who wants to be a millionaire did not make it on the priority list for viewing despite all the awards it won. I must say It is a great movie very well crafted and put together. It also really balances many tensions and issues of poverty and life in India.

The part that really stuck in my mind though is the guy stealing children and then blinding them intentionally to send them out to beg for him. This abuse of vulnerable children made me sick. I think this is exactly why we need to have people in countries like India and others where poverty is a major issue standing up for Child's rights. These kids represent many that are abused and mistreated because they are poor and vulnerable. If you have not seen the movie I encourage you to and as I did get angry and appalled by this so you will tell others about it and also work more passionately to fight against poverty in what ever way you can. For me I am looking to sponsor a few more children and will definitely try to have one in India as my stand against this sort of thing.

Haiti Earthquake - How money is being spent

2010-03-29T16:09:00.003+11:00

http://www.worldvision.co.nz/haitiearthquake/haiti-thankyou-update.aspx

Young people

2010-03-20T19:20:00.004+11:00

Today I spoke to a group of 150 young people at a student Leaders Summit and was reminded by the passion of young people I spoke to 2 people who both where so moved they where keen to pursue a career in Development and find a way to make a difference. I loved seeing them asking questions and seeking to find out how to make their lives count and be part of the solution to the suffering that occurs each day. It was a real highlight and so wanted to share and encourage people to ensure they are coming at the poverty with what they can to make their lives count. This world does have hope and it is every question that asks why the world is the way it is.

Fighting Poverty

2010-03-09T07:09:00.001+11:00

As I am lucky to be in a role that exists to fight poverty and its causes I am exposed day to day with information and stories that show so much to do so much need. It is interesting how this affects you personally where you often go through periods where you feel paralysed to act. You can talk and talk on what needs to be done but when you look in the mirror you struggle to do. I have been trying to work out if this OK if this is a symptom of where we live and all around us. I wonder is there a way through this is there a way to change to be more consistent in my action? I am thinking more and more to bring life long change to behaviour like in anything it only comes through discipline and practice. Thus I need to have more self discipline and be more strategic as I practice how i am generous and live more simply and ethically. I also need to go back to the Step by Step approach and try not change it all at once but concentrate on doing what I can where I can.

This is Post I wrote late last year and never posted but in looking at it feel it was worth sharing as I feel often we are all to hard at sharing where our struggles are and yet it is through struggle we need to reflect and change.

Starting a movement - Leadership & Following

2010-03-05T07:58:00.000+11:00

Hugh Jackman Asking you to support Haiti

2010-01-28T18:39:00.001+11:00

Haiti

2010-01-15T14:58:00.000+11:00

Project 4 Awesome

2009-12-21T20:07:00.002+11:00

Keith Don in the office sent this over today and I found it a really interesting Idea to use Social media to get a message out! Worth a look to see what people are doing. Interwesting to see views over 15 k

Great Christmas Ideas

2009-11-30T11:56:00.001+11:00

As Christmas draws near don't forget to consider Smiles gifts as a way to show your friends and family you give a damn about poverty!!

Man in the Mirror - Micheal Jackson

2009-11-23T10:07:00.006+11:00

Well I went to see "This is it"And was really taken as the movie ended and MJ started to sing Man in the mirror. Now I know we all know this song and I have heard it sung it but never listened and heard it. I realized how powerful this song was and how its message was very similar to many parts of the bible. It is a real anthem for people who give a damn about poverty. About a month ago another story in Blue Like Jazz that raised the mirror and who we are and how this is the most important step to bring change really comes back to me. If we all changed the way we live the way we consume the way we loved the world would change and to often the fight against poverty is about "them." We often make it about others and what they do or dont do yet to bring change we need to spend more time looking in the mirror more time working on who we are what we do how we work to make this world a better place.

This song I have heard and understood and now will never listen to it the same way. It is a anthem calling people to repent and change. To put in action what they believe or see, so What to do with this?

My Idea is to use mirrors all over the place to remind and share what we are doing. I once read a stat that said in our houses today we have so many mirrors that we see ourselves in each day. I think this is a great oppurtunity to put each of us in the problem to put each of us as part of the solution.
So find a mirror you look in regulary and grab a white board marker and write what you are going to do to end poverty. Maybe stick a photo of someone or something there and as you look in the mirror commit to ask God to help you achieve this change. I also think that we can creatively Encourage others by using mirrors and a question

What change are you going to make today?

Would not it be great to have everyone read this as they look in the mirror.

Please share if you have done this

Words - (Hit link for full words)

I'm Gonna Make A Change,

For Once In My Life

It's Gonna Feel Real Good,

Gonna Make A Difference

Gonna Make It Right. . .

As I, Turn Up The Collar On MyFavourite Winter Coat

This Wind Is Blowin 'My Mind

I See The Kids In The Street, With Not Enough To Eat

Who Am I, To Be Blind?

Pretending Not To Seether Needs

A Summer's Disregard,

A Broken Bottle Top

And A One Man's Soul

They Follow Each Other

OnThe Wind Ya 'Know'

Cause They Got NowhereTo Go

2 secs to do something for Child Health Now.

2009-11-23T08:19:00.004+11:00

"Today 24,000 children under five will die of preventable causes such as diarrhoea, malaria and pneumonia. We're facing a silent emergency, one that's bigger than any natural disaster the world has ever seen. Join the Child Health Now campaign and help save millions of children."

I just signed the petition after seeing this on someones facebook it took me 2 sec and another 2 sec to share it. If you have more time then learn a bit more but if not at least acknowledge this is wrong and say so.

If you want to start the week by doing something to show you give a damn then this is so easy! Just do it!

Kidz Case

2009-11-17T23:14:00.003+11:00

Ever wanted to engage your kids in issue of poverty If so check out this great program World Vision has just released. It has Videos and games aimed at kids and and resources for parents it is only just been released and more content is on its way but if you have kids or know kids you want to give a damn then check it out.

http://www.worldvision.com.au/learn/KidzCase.aspx

MEND

2009-11-11T21:12:00.001+11:00

Love this. Very good way of doing this.

MEND Explanation Video from MEND on Vimeo.

If you stand for Nothing You will fall for anything!

2009-10-30T11:38:00.000+11:00

Heard this quote on Twitter and been thinking it is so true. We need to all think about and be clear about what we give a damn about.

World Food Day is today! Great campaign

2009-10-17T02:56:00.005+11:00

This is a really simple message and campaign that is so powerful. This World food day is an important day to recognise given that in a world with so much we still have a billion people with not enough to eat. Find out more http://www.fao.org/getinvolved/worldfoodday/en/

Pass on this video to your friends

Climate Change - Blog Action Day 2009

2009-10-15T06:23:00.000+11:00

I have been in Chile and seen some of the best most beautiful places in our world.

So why should we who care about poverty care about the environment?

This is a big question but in reality such a simple answer. Because the environment can affect poverty and peoples oppurtunites more than many other factors. Most of the worlds poorest people still survive in agricultural communites where they are reliant on the weather. There is many others because of there poverty are forced to live in low lying areas where storms tsunamis Earthquakes affect the place. This has been so evident in Asia in the past month and this has compleatly changed the future of so many people. These events are happening more and more and this means more and more people suffer more an more people are affected. Why do we still have people dout the world is changing why do people doubt this is about people and there future?

I think all of us should make a pledge this day to do waht we can to make changes that will raise the issues and demand govt action in Copenhagen in Dec. We need to look at how we live and try to reduce our impact and find a way to live in a low impact way.

Who Made you bag?? Great Idea and well presented - MEND

2009-10-11T07:46:00.001+11:00

Great to see what is happening on the ground

2009-10-06T13:37:00.000+11:00

Time to Give a Damn!

2009-10-03T11:32:00.001+10:00

Blue like Jazz - who do you see in the mirror?

2009-10-03T11:03:00.003+10:00

I have just read a book by Donald Miller called "Blue like Jazz" and really enjoyed Donalds style and approah. He is a great story teller and links together complex ideas simply.

I found there where a range of particulary helpful analogies he used to connect faith and reality. The chapter on Money was quite challenging in how he explained tithing and why this was important to build trust in God.

I also really liked how he said that he relised the biggest problem in the world was actually him as often we look at things and say isnt that bad. We protest something yet go on contributing to the problem. In essence we are essentially often selfish people and the change needed in our world needs to start in our own hearts. we need to consume less. We need to be more ethical in choices we make. More genourous with where we spend time and resources. We need to look in the mirror into our own heart and ensure we are part of the solution. I really liked this as it put things back in our control and lap. It is not easy but it is possiable to change your self and in doing so impact the world.

If you have not read this it is worth a look.

Cafe of the Entrepreneurs

2009-10-02T00:17:00.005+10:00

This small cafe we visted had the best Lemon tart. It was run by a lovely lady high up in the mountains in Alto Alto Chile. She was helped to start the buisness through some support and her and 8 other ladies now run the buisness. World Vision bought some trays and supported them in this intially and the amazing story is now they all sponsor children them selves. This was a great example of Economic development and how it can work and really bring change. And also some great food!

The priest in Alto

2009-10-01T23:35:00.007+10:00

I was lucky enough to go visit a community in the remote mountains in Southern Chile. This was a beautiful place and home to the local Mapuche Indigenous people.

World Vision works with the community there in Economic Development and a range of other programs. The remote nature of the mountains mean the community is very isolated and many have never traveled more than an hour from there homes.

We met the local Catholic priest and he invited us to a small community he was visiting. He goes to all the small groups of families once a month to visit and have mass and we where able to join him on this vist.

We arrived at a small building on the side of a mountain. We where in a small room with 5 familes for the mass. I was so impressed by the approach of this priest he was so considerate encouraging and supportive of the community. He was a great ally for World Vision in the community. He had a great approach in encouraging the people to advocacte for the govt to support them and he talked to them about how important where the children. He said it was important to care for them. He had an obvious commitment and connection to them

I shared some experience on indigenous communites in Australia and then heard about the similarites with this community.

The Community talked about many of the issues facing them and how life was a struggle being so remote. They talked about how Climate was changing and this was a concearn for the future.

I really was impacted by the dedication and approach of this priest and how he really cared and connected with this community.

YOUth Decide and Next steps

2009-09-23T10:45:00.004+10:00

I have been fairly busy over the past 3 months running with a large team a campaign called youth decide. This culminated this last Monday and was a great example if I can say of how an idea can be rolled out and reach a large number of people on an important issue. It took a lot of work by a lot of people but we engaged just under 38000 people across Australia to vote on the world they want to inherit. We had a massive concert and 330 local events around the country. All of this together creates an opportunity to now tell a story to go deeper to add to the narrative of the climate debate and show our leaders people want them to lead. The results and stories will be told and added to in the coming weeks and I hope the leaders are listening. In this debate it is important to remember that some of the people most affected will be the poor and so this is an issue for all who believe we need a world where everyone has the opportunity to a fuller life outside of poverty. Climate change for a long time has been about the planet and it still is but equally the debate needs to be about the people who will be effected. If you where by chance involved in the YOUth Decide vote check out the resource to take it further. http://www.youthdecide.com.au/

Youth decide is coming

2009-08-31T09:52:00.000+10:00

Cadbury goes Fair trade in Aus!!

2009-08-26T10:54:00.004+10:00

Very exciting news just in Cadbury is going fairtrade in Aus on its main product!

This means that the farmers growing cocoa in Ghana and other places will be guaranteed fair prices. This also will place big pressure on other brands and products by substaintially raising the profile of fair trade in Australia. Great work Cadbury!

Check out the anouncement!

http://www.cadbury.com.au/About-Cadbury/News.aspx?newsID=45

These Guys give a Damn!

2009-07-16T08:24:00.001+10:00

Great to see this creativity and action on the issue of Climate change as I start the day.

What are you doing to be heard and have your voice count?

More info On Youth Decide

2009-07-14T20:08:00.001+10:00

Bite Back Rant

2009-07-14T19:58:00.004+10:00

I still have no sponsors! I am trying to raise $1000 and not having much luck. Why with so many friends on Face book and other spots do I have yet to raise a $1 when so many people over 1 Billion need help. I am having a rant but keen it motivates someone out there to take action and sponsor me! I am biting back at Hunger and want you to support me!

G8 release first communique - World Vision responds

2009-07-10T07:37:00.000+10:00

G8 release first communique - World Vision responds Check it out

Youth Decide

2009-07-09T21:56:00.003+10:00

This weekend Youth Decide 09 has been launched this is something I have been spending a lot of time on and wanted to share it and ask you to support it and sign up. It is your chance to have a say on the future of this planet and all of us who call it home.

Check out Youth Decide

G8 Action on Global Health

2009-07-02T16:06:00.003+10:00

Great opurtunity to Act.

Whereamiwearing

2009-06-28T20:07:00.002+10:00

Someone just flicked this to me and I thought I would share. It is about looking at where things we wear are made by who etc. It is an interesting question to ask and Kelsey has done just this. I will have to try get his book. It looks an engaging look at how we are all connected.

http://whereamiwearing.com/

Silent Tsunami

2009-06-25T22:46:00.001+10:00

This is worth a watch

40 Hour Famine

2009-06-23T21:16:00.006+10:00

Hey,

Did you know that the Global Food Crisis is into its second year?? In the last year over 100 million more people have been affected by a food crisis.

* People in 33 countries around the world are suffering from the effects of the Global Food Crisis.
* There are over 900 million chronically hungry people around the world, and approximately 1.4 billion live in extreme poverty.
* Malnourished children are more likely to die from ordinary illnesses like diarrhoea, malaria, tuberculosis and respiratory disease.
* Every day an estimated 25,000 children die from hunger and preventable diseases.

Well I've had enough or hunger and starvation. This year I'm biting back at the Global Food Crisis and doing the 40 Hour Famine. I'm giving up Food for 40 hours to raise money to help hungry kids affected by the Global Food Crisis.

Would you like to help hungry kids too ? Just $40 helps 5 kids for 1 month! My target is to raise $1000.

Please donate online now (https://famine.worldvision.com.au/famine.cgi?a=SPONSOR_&pn=671036408) ! My 40 Hour Famine Number is: 671036408

Thank you for supporting me and helping hungry kids!

Paul Newnham

PS Donations are tax deductible depending on your personal tax position. The minimum amount is $2. You will receive a tax receipt via email as soon as you've made the donation.

Why is fighting poverty so hard?

2009-06-09T22:07:00.006+10:00

After a 4 day weekend and a busy day I am sitting at home wondering what tomorrow holds putting off all on the to do list and wondering why fighting poverty is so hard. There is always so much to do and so many things to give attention with 4 kids life is busy when you work full time and then also try to learn act and share your adventures in trying to give a damn about poverty. I often wonder is it all worth can I make a difference do I make a difference in what I do. These questions are important and I believe is what keeps us honest helps us decide where to focus and why. IT does not make it easier but I do not believe this is what we are here for either. We are here to do all we can to impact the people in our world that have less and if we can keep changing how we act live and grow then this is important. I am not sure if this resonates but it makes sense to me and thus I share! I think through the sharing of stories we inspire each other.

Powershift Conference

2009-06-03T13:18:00.001+10:00

I am planning to be at this conference and see how young people here and around the world can build a sustainable future. If you have not check it out.

A Climate for Change

2009-05-26T20:11:00.000+10:00

Visit A Climate For Change

Great to see people showing they give a damn in Melb today

2009-05-17T20:44:00.003+10:00

I have just watched Sixty Min's story on the Maldives and was struck how urgent it is we see big changes in our country and how it views the future. We need to be bold and step forward with some aggressive action to reduce Australia's impact and hope the rest of the world can be convinced to join us.

It is great to see this message today being sent to Canberra. I hope and pray people are starting to listen!

My challenge to you is how are you going to show you care!