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GreaterGood News
May 2009
Random acts of kindness
From friendly smiles and free balloons in America, to comedians on street corners in South Africa, the kindness movement is spreading. Mindsets around giving are changing, and people are beginning to realise that they can make a difference – regardless of who they are, or what they have. As these inspiring stories illustrate, all it takes is a little intention, and a lot of ingenuity. Find out more.
Social networking and NPOs
There’s growing pressure on non-profit organisations to ride the wave of social networking, and set up an online presence. Websites like Facebook and Twitter make communication cheap and easy – but only if you have the right technology. GreaterGood SA researcher Annie Devenish gives a brief insight into the world of social networking and the digital divide it has yet to cross. Read more.
Going green: 365 ways to change our world
Well-known weatherman Simon Gear has published a book on going green in South Africa. He’s penned a tip a day to reduce our carbon footprints and make a difference. From making your own wine, to home transformations, the book is a DIY greening kit. One of Simon’s tips is to support GreaterGood SA by donating your time, skills or goods, so we thought we’d give away a copy of Going Green to a lucky reader. To enter, drop us a line and tell us what you're doing to green your life. The winner will be announced in the June newsletter.
Are you on Facebook?
We are, and we’d like you to become a fan of our page. Simply log in to your Facebook account, search for GreaterGood SA and click 'Become a fan'. It’s quick and easy, and you’ll be able to keep up to date with our news, events and campaigns. We're also on Twitter, so please follow our microblog – again, just search for GreaterGood SA. This month's survey looks at how many of our readers use social networking sites.
You said no to greyhound racing
Last month, we asked whether you thought greyhound racing should be legalised in South Africa. The answer from 98% of you was a resounding 'no'.
Good views
Building community foundations
Last month we spoke to renowned researcher and author, Susan Wilkinson-Maposa, about horizontal philanthropy and its role in South Africa. Subsequently, we had a chat with Jenny Hodgson, Director of the Global Fund for Community Foundations, about the nature and role of community foundations – organisations that put horizontal philanthropy – that is, poor communities helping themselves – into practice. Read more.
Good connections
- Need a photographer? Donnavan, a Cape Town-based freelancer, would like to help. View offer.
- Give a child capoeira gear. Sponsor a uniform for a disadvantaged child as recognition of their dedication and hard work in the sport. View request.
- Drowning in paperwork? A skilled volunteer would like to help with secretarial work for organisations in Parktown and Sandton. View offer.
- Educo Africa need stationery, sunblock, costumes and other goods for their outdoor education programmes. Can you help? View request.
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