The first people I met at BlogHer ’13 – besides my fabulous roommate, Nicole Melancon of ThirdEyeMom – were Phil and Tanya from Save the Children. They just happened to be heading out of the hotel in search for food at the same time as Nicole and me. We chit chatted in the lobby a bit and ended up going out to dinner together.
The next night we met again for dinner, this time for a more formal presentation on Save the Children’s work both in the US and internationally. I was elated to meet some of my fellow Global Team of 200 members at this intimate dinner.
photo by a waiter at phil stefanis 437 rush
As people arrived to the dinner, we chatted, drank wine and wrote our answers down to 5 questions Phil and Tanya posted on the wall. They included questions like “How many children around the world die before they turn 5?”
It seems that we are all very aware of the dangers to children in this world because we all overestimated the problems! (I’m guessing we were an unusual group. I think most people would have underestimated.)
While our numbers weren’t overly accurate, they are still stunning. From Save the Children’s State of the World’s Mothers Report:
- Three million newborn babies die every year, mostly due to preventable or treatable causes such as infections and complications at birth or of prematurity
- Newborn deaths account for 43% of all deaths among children under age 5
- Sixty percent of infant deaths occur in the first month of life
- Nearly all newborn and maternal deaths occur in developing countries where pregnant women and newborn babies lack access to basic health care services
By the end of the dinner, I found myself especially interested in Tanya’s work in helping US schools and child care centers to become prepared for disaster. Though no one really likes to talk about disaster, natural or otherwise, recent events such as Hurricane Sandy, Sandy Hook and the Oklahoma tornadoes show us the importance of a plan, particularly when children are affected in a disaster. As mothers around the dinner table, we couldn’t imagine being separated from our children during a disaster and not knowing when or if we’d see them again.
Internationally, Save the Children reaches children in 120 countries. Jennifer James, founder of Mom Bloggers for Social Good, also spoke during our dinner about her recent trip to Zambia, where she had the chance to observe some of Save the Children’s work first hand. In Lusaka, the capital of Zambia, Save the Children works with street kids and orphans by funding the Sport in Action program at Fountain of Hope. They provide a safe place for the many street kids and orphans in Zambia and use sports as a way
Here is a great video that Jennifer shared with us from her visit to the Fountain of Hope.
As I become more active and deliberate in my philanthropic work, I realize that the closer I get to an organization, the more likely I am to give money.
For my Giving Pledge this month, I am donating to Save the Children. Another no-brainer for me.
Did you donate to a nonprofit this month?
Are you willing to take the giving pledge and donate every month to a nonprofit? Grab the badge below and tell the world.
More posts tagged with Save the Children:
- Philanthropy Friday: Food For Thought on Global Nutrition
- Sign a Petition for a National Commission on Children
- Philanthropy Friday: Celebrating and Honoring Health Workers
Why does it not surprise us that you spent time at BlogHer with other philanthropists and that it was the first thing you wrote about upon your return?. You rock, Jennifer. We’re going to personally take this pledge. –The Dose Girls
The Dose of Reality recently posted..CAPTCHA, I *STILL* WANNA PUNCH YA!
You rock, Dose Girls! Love that you are both taking the pledge.
anotherjennifer recently posted..My #BlogHer13 Recap (Vlog)
I agree with the Dose Girls. You are a power of example of all of us. I love the Sport in Action program and the idea of giving kids tools to help them stay focused and build skills. That does so much for a child.
Ilene recently posted..My Aha Moment from #BlogHer’13: Thank You Sheryl Sandberg
I loved seeing that video when Jennifer shared it while in Zambia. So powerful. Sports can do so much for kids. It’s sad to hear how many are orphans, many because of HIV/AIDS.
anotherjennifer recently posted..Philanthropy Friday: CentUp for Creators and Charity
Amazing. I have learned so much from your blog. There are so many places to give and serve. And, it is so important to be that example to our children so we can help shape the next generation. I have some regulars that I give to, but you have me thinking to spread some more love!
Leah.Davidson recently posted..My Girl
Your comment makes me so happy, Leah! I think there is always room to explore the ways in which we give. This is why I write these type of posts. So much to learn!
Thanks for writing about your experiences at BlogHer with Save The Children. How exciting to get to meet representative in person and have a discussion with them about the work they do.
Elizabeth Atalay recently posted..Meet Jennifer James; My Travel Partner To South Africa & Founder of The Global Team of 200
It was really great, Elizabeth. Wish you were there too! It was so nice being with other GT200 members, even if there were only a few of us.
anotherjennifer recently posted..Wordless Wednesday: Open Farm Day, Maine
This one hits me hard. My son was put in the NICU for a week after birth for a perceived infection. I’ll never know if he had one or not but the care and attention we were lucky to receive..in strong theory kept him alive and healthy and set for a decent start in life. I cannot imagine not having that.
Tamara recently posted..The Memory Keepers.
It’s amazing what some kids lack in other countries. But there is so much need here too. It was great to learn of Save the Children’s work all around the globe. They really are everywhere!
anotherjennifer recently posted..A Stroll Down Maine Street, Brunswick
Funny, I was thinking EXACTLY what the Dose Girls wrote! I was really happy to see that your take -aways started with philanthropy. And then I got really sad when I realized that it’s even necessary to ask questions like “how many children die before they are five?”
This is such a great organization and place to give money. Funny that you should mention the emergency preparedness, because I was actually writing a post in my head earlier about the topic. One of my favorite parts of my old job in counter terrorism was actually the emergency preparedness element and the “all hazards” planning. DHS/FEMA actually has some great tips and tools on their websites – Sesame Street characters and videos, coloring books, checklists, etc to help with planning and preparation for children for large scale disasters. How to make a preparedness kit, etc.
You’re awesome!
Alexa recently posted..Home Again, Home Again
That’s awesome, Alexa. And so are you! I really hope to write more about Save the Children’s domestic work.Can’t wait to read that post that’s in your head!
anotherjennifer recently posted..Philanthropy Friday: Miracles on Water
Wow, Jennifer, we are so honored! Running into you and Nicole was pure fate, I am sure of it. And the dinner was really exciting for us. So inspiring to be around such engaged, creative women using their voice for the greater good. So many great questions, and ideas! I swear, the issues we’re addressing seem infinitely more surmountable in such company. Thanks for this wonderful post, sparking great conversation with your followers and the giving pledge. Again, we are honored and look forward to keeping in touch about creating lasting change for children!
My pleasure, Tanya! I had fun hanging out with you in Chicago. I look forward to working with you more in the future.
It was so nice meeting you Jennifer! I was sad I had to take off right after dinner, because it was definitely a highlight of my week!
Kristine recently posted..Mamatea! Special teas for mamas. Save Babies Blogger Baby Shower Sponsor Announcement
It was great meeting you too, Kristine! Wish we all had more time together.
anotherjennifer recently posted..Wordless Wednesday: Pemaquid Lighthouse, Bristol, Maine