Writing on the Web and Helping Others out of Poverty

This is my first blog entry at Digital Journal. I have never really blogged before though I do regularly maintain my own websites. I write for a number of different outlets on the web. From time to time I'll talk about the different places that I write for and the amount of money that can be earned from different places (based on my experience). Meanwhile, on a more philanthropic note, I thought I'd use this first blog entry to plug a charity. Heifer International is a charity that provides basic agricultural equipment or livestock to needy families or villages around the world. Thay aslo provide training and business education so that the recipients can succeed at developing a small, self-sustaining business and work their way to prosperity. There are a few catches though. First, Heifer International insists that women be given an equal voice in the enterprise's decision-making. This is new to many of the third-world countries where they operate, but it has been incredibly effective in demonstrating that women can contribute intellectually in these societies. The women who have participated have said they they have become empowered not just within the family, but within the entire community as a result. Second, the recipients of Heifer International's aid must agree to pass on a portion of the livestock's offspring to other needy families or villages in their region. Over time, this can create regional prosperity and lift entire communities out of poverty through their own hard work and a kickstart from Heifer International. Find out more here.