I have already been looking into opportunities to get financial support for this project, in order to propose concrete solutions during my interview. Although the Internet will probably not give you a huge amount of money, solutions exist and some of them are very good to raise small amounts and efficiently help reduce poverty. Global Giving, for example, is a great platform to easily donate money and fund projects helping people in need.

Microcredits are also a great way to help fight poverty. By lending small amount of money, which banks usually wouldn’t even consider giving, you can help entrepreneurs from developing countries buy the tools they need to start an activity, generate revenues and reimburse their loan. You should definitely have a look at Kiva, which does just that and allow people to lend money directly to people who need it.

If you are looking for a way to support your prefered charities with sponsors on the Internet, you should also read my previous note about SocialVibe.

I’m convinced that a signature or some publicity can help non-profit just as much as money. As a fresh graduate looking for a job, I don’t have the mean to support any project financially. On the other hand, I can invest time and energy for them from the comfort of home.

The actions that you can do online are various, you can:

1. sign a petition

Petitions are very popular, a lot of organisations propose people to add their signature online. It’s quick and easy, which is good because they need lots of them.

2. pledge to take action

Some non-profits let you create a profile on their website and encourage you to take actions. WWF Passport is WWF attempt at creating a social network to publicize their campaigns and get the public involved. You can choose the continent where you’d like to help and sign up for a campaign. You are rewarded with points to reach higher levels and you can get a personal certification for the actions you took.



3. write about a non-profit on your blog

You heard of a really cool project in your local area or want to support your preferred NGO. Then why don’t you start writting about them on your blog. A little publicity to show your love cannot hurt.

4. sign up for a newsletter

Newsletter is an easy way to get news and most non-profits do propose people to subscribe. I receive one email per week or per month and they are due to give you a link to unsubscribe in case you feel spammed or expected something better.

5. donate online

Most charities propose you a way to donate online by credit card or Paypal. You can sometimes decide to give a regular monthly donation, and some of them will reward you with goodies.



6. volunteer for a non-profit

If you’re ready to do administrative work on your free time, some organisations might need your help by sending emails or translating content.

7. show your support on social networks or your blog

Social networks have become very popular, so you shouldn’t be surprised to find your favourite NGOs on Facebook. If you have a website, some of them propose banners to promote and link to their campaigns.

And if you are ready to take action, I found two very inspiring videos that will probably help convince you to support the AIDS cause. The first one is a video from AVERT to help stop AIDS in children.

Stop AIDS in Children from TM ( Thomas Michalak ) on Vimeo.

The next one is a documentary made by Hunter Richards for the non-profit Africa Mission Alliance (it’s about orphans in Africa and not just from AIDS). It’s just so well filmed and edited that I can’t wait to see the full version.

SEKA- The Africa Mission Alliance Partnership Film (TEASER) from Hunter Richards on Vimeo.

I am also concerned about the all the issues surrounding Third World countries and wanted to share my thoughts on this website. I used to work in Laos last year and was deeply touched by the generosity and philosophy of life in this country. It was my first contact with a Third World country and I wish I could do more than just write about them in the future.

So here is what you’ll find on Stainless Planet:

• You’ll read news about the environment, conservation and Third World countries.
• I’ll share great finds from the Internet.
• I’ll review websites and products that could help us live a greener life.
• You will not find extensive reviews of the latest model of wind turbines, I cannot afford it right now.

If you want to know more about me or this website, feel free to check the About page.

The first edition was clearly a success with over 20000 bloggers discussing about the environment. I remember that I wrote a note about recycling in South East Asia. In just a few days, more than 2300 bloggers registered to participate to the 2008 edition, exceeding a 4 millions readers audience.