Earlier this year I was inspired to celebrate family & friends’ birthdays by donating to organizations that are contributing to positive change in the world.  Simultaneously, I am reading Bill Clinton’s book – Giving.  Clinton writes:  The modern world, for all its blessings, is unequal, unstable and unsustainable.  And so the great mission of the early twenty-first century is to move our neighborhoods, our nation, and the world toward integrated communities of shared opportunities, shared responsibilities, and a shared sense of genuine belonging, based on the essence of every successful community:  that our common humanity is more important than our interesting differences.

The donations for the past three months are donations that are local to New England, but relevant to all since there are organizations everywhere that serve our youth and feed the hungry.  An there are many organizations, like yogaHOPE and Off the Mat, Into the World, that make a difference with the practice of yoga.

March donation – to the Boys & Girls Club of Woburn – my sister’s birthday was in March and she suggested this donation in lieu of her birthday gift.  It is in honor of Mark Lennon – a friend of our family who died, unexpectedly, in February of this year.  This donation celebrates Mark’s life and his commitment to his community.  Consider donating to your local Boys & Girls Club – they inspire youth to live a productive, responsible life.

April donation – The Friendly Kitchen in Concord NH.  The organization’s message is simple: “Eating isn’t a privilege – it’s a human right.  The building that The Friendly Kitchen operated out of burned down in April and so they need donations now more than ever – to continue their mission and to rebuild.  End Hunger Now is a national organization that you might consider donating to.

May donation – yogaHope.  Sue Jones founded this amazing organization that is dedicated to establishing rehabilitative yoga programs in residential facilities for underserved women in substance abuse recovery, poor and homeless women, and victims of domestic violence.

And for those who cannot donate money, consider donating your time…. and contribute to strengthening your community.

Namaste.