dispatches from the new world of work

Christmas Giving:
Not Too Late to Do Good

Sure it's late, but here are a couple of suggestions:

OLPC. Nicholas Negroponte's One Laptop Per Child program is a gem. At laptopgiving.org you can give a kid in a developing country a laptop for $200 or, for $399, do "Give One. Get One." You give a developing country child one, and get one for your child.

BoGo Light. About Two Billion people have no electric lights. Substitutes, such as kerosene, are dangerous and play havoc with the environment. Enter Mark Bent, inventor of a $25 solar-powered flashlight. BoGo is "Buy One, Get One." Go to BoGoLight.com, and for $25 plus shipping you get one—and he sends one to the relief group of your choice. You can choose pink or orange. Please choose pink!! Orange was the sole color, but men routinely stole them from women. Men are not so inclined to swipe the pink ones. In a tale reminiscent of the development of micro-lending, the guys use the lights to sit around and do nothing; women use the lights to teach each other to read, do family chores such as gather firewood, etc.

FYI, I am a participant in both programs, though I am not associated with either one other than in the role of Cheerleader.

Tom Peters posted this on 12/20/07.

Comments

This is a great marketing and philanthropy approach. As you are both receiving and giving at the same time. That trend is apparent in web 2.0, as in order to receive attention from others or build relationships, the act of giving is critical.

Posted by Dan Schawbel at December 20, 2007 11:30 AM

Just reordered the BoGo lights. Giving some as gifts and spreading the word. I live in a somewhat remote area and flashlights are a necessity. Besides the do good part the LIGHTS ARE SOLID, WELL DESIGNED PRODUCT.

Posted by Doug Kerseg at December 20, 2007 11:40 AM

What about feeding the kid first. And....Provide him with adequate care. And .... Help his parents. And.... Educate him. And .... help him access to electricity. Then ..... Give he the Computer.
I believe there are more steps to take (fulfill) before giving the CHILD IN A DEVELOPING COUNTRY ACCESS TO a $200(Almost a Year of Household income)Computer. LET'S RE-image this Giving.

Posted by Gary at December 20, 2007 8:53 PM

Gary, hard to disagree, and I was staunchly on your side about this program at first. (Not only did I agree with you, but I know Negroponte and don't like him.) I'd only urge you to go to the site and examine the rationale behind the program. Of course there's another answer--do both!

Posted by tom peters at December 21, 2007 9:15 AM

Tom,
Thank you so much for making my NEW YEAR. I tried many times (posted 4 replies during the past year) to get a reply from you, but was not successful.
In the eve of the new year, May the Good Lord giveth you many more years to Health and happiness so you keep on strengthen your community and other souls.
Do not forget that you are always adding a little beauty, hope and quality for those of us who follow you.
Keep up with the good works.
By the way I was born and raised in West Africa (Togo).

Posted by Gary at December 21, 2007 9:04 PM

OK, Gary, if lap-top computers are too high-tech, then how about a $150 bicycle? http://www.wheels4life.org/
It will carry the kids to school, and the food back home ... without batteries.

Posted by Mike L. at December 22, 2007 1:12 AM

Thanks for all, merry Christmas and happ new year from Poland.

Posted by Niechorze at December 25, 2007 11:35 AM

Awesome, Tom.

Just bought a BoGoLight on line and designated one to go to via a charity I have confidence in, Samaritian's Purse.

I spent 6 years in Swaziland and Lesotho and saw what the dark does. Those places have sunshine and not a lot else...this will help.

What a cool idea...may it keep shedding light.

Merry Christmas, Tom.

Posted by Joe Ely at December 25, 2007 4:21 PM