Show Of Hands! How Many DU'ers Sponsor A Third World Child?

[OPERATIONMINDCRIME]

I just got an update in the email today about my sponsored child and it made me curious: How many other DU'ers sponsor children as well? I started doing it years ago and I would encourage anyone to do the same. In fact, even though right now my wife and my bills are in the red a little and I'm going through every expense trying to cut the fat, this is the ONE non-necessity that I refuse to get rid of. I'm supposed to be getting a promotion within a few weeks that should put us back in the green. If it does, I'm going to sponsor another one.

The one I sponsor now is through Children's International. Her name is Neidys Perez Month and she is 15 from Colombia. Her picture is below.

So show of hands DU'ers, I'm curious, how many of you also sponsor children? How many of you are considering it?

Thanks in advance for your participation.

Here's Neidys:

[China_cat]

1. Not until the kids here at home that need help just as badly

have sponsors. That's where my money goes.

[wtmusic]

2. Are there kids anywhere in the US

that need it as badly as most kids in Ethiopia? Where are they? :shrug:

[China_cat]

5. If you live in a city, look out your window.

[wtmusic]

7. Not even close.

There are many kids in the US that are disadvantaged by my standards. But they don't even come close to the living conditions of 90% of the world.

Have you ever been out of the US?

[China_cat]

14. Many times.

And our cities have some of the same things that third world countries do. I'm sorry that you'd rather think that those conditions don't exist, but they do. It's even worse than most third world countries because it's happening in the midst of abundance that can only be looked at and not obtained.

Have you ever been to an inner city?

Outside your locked car.

btw, I'm not saying that you or anyone else shouldn't do this...just that I would rather help those here at home who need it. I get really upset when a child from another country is flown here for medical treatment free of charge when I know that a child with the same condition, living 3 blocks from that hospital, wouldn't even have a chance in hell of being seen.

[OPERATIONMINDCRIME]

23. What's Most Important For You To Understand, Is That A Child Is A Child.

That realization may solve this argument altogether.

[China_cat]

27. That's right. And this is not an argument.

At least not from my side. I just prefer to FIRST take care of those here at home. It feels hypocritical...to me...to feed, clothe, vaccinate, medicate and educate a child 10,000 miles away when there's one a short bus ride away who can use the same help.

[Maine-ah]

37. I'm with you China cat.

[Cobalt Violet]

39. I'm with you too.

I know too many children and adults living in squalor here.

[OPERATIONMINDCRIME]

53. Do You Mind If I Ask What Percentage Of Them Are Sleeping On Dirt?

I would wager the ratio isn't nearly as large as those in the third world nations. I donate domestically as well and as long as someone is charitable to anybody at all you won't hear a complaint from me. But I would still believe overall that the children in some of these nations are far worse off than our poor here. They sleep on dirt over there. Utilities? Hell, they don't even have the infrastructure. Shoes? What are they.

I understand we have much poverty here and I do what I can to assist domestically as well, and would encourage others to do the same. But there are people elsewhere who bring a new definition to poverty that very few in America truly are on the level of, so I make certain I do what I can to assist them as well.

[Cobalt Violet]

61. Percentages? I don't know percentages.

I do know that for a close friend of mine the hour of sleep in dirt and snow is at hand. A vet with one leg. He was terminated from work a few months ago when he had to take time off to rest his sprained foot, his only foot. He has since lost most of what his life was like. He hasn't had electricity in months and can not pay the back balance of $500.00 dollars and is with out heat. The cold is approaching and he has no hope. He barely eats. He goes to the food pantry but most of the food given to him requires either refrigeration to store, or cooking to eat. He can't buy any food. He has lost so much weight. It's not as if a skinny guy 135lb. @ 5'10" really has any fat to spare. So his body is consuming itself. That to me is starving. His cheek bones are clearly visible and popping out of his face. He has no money to get to where the jobs maybe. There is only so much I can do. I can't stand to see this happen.

There are others who are in rough shape to. Some friends and some family. I don't really care to go into detail about them. I don't really see how starvation is any less starvation because it is happening here or somewhere else. It's sucks everywhere. I just don't have unlimited resources and I have chosen to help my family and friends first. At this time that is all I can do. I'm glad you can help others. I hate to see anyone starve.
Here is a picture of him playing with his kitten around the time of his job loss.

[Dorian Gray]

48. I live in the Inner City...

Brooklyn. Crown Heights. My church is filled with the lower income immigrant families from Haiti and other Carribbean countries. I, myself, am middle income, and live right on the border area, close to Prospect Park. But, I see poverty every day. And i saw it in Asian countries, as well. It's worse outside of the US. Here it can be pretty bad. There it is terrible.

I support charities both in the US that deal with poverty, AND I sponsor two children. One from Indonesia and one from Guatamala. I enjoy writing letters, and the individual touch is nice. It lets you know you really are making a difference in one person's life. But, I still donate time and money to charities that deal with poverty in my area. It's not just one or the other.

[China_cat]

49. I don't have enough for both.

So I do what I can where it makes the most sense to ME. And, I suppose, if I had enough to do both I'd probably decide to do more here.

[OPERATIONMINDCRIME]

50. .

:toast:

:yourock:

[Greyhound]

56. I have a thread for you from the last week or so, but the advanced search

is, apparently, overwhelmed right now, so nothing is coming up, I'll add the link on edit if it doesn't come up soon.

Ah, here it is;
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=364&topic_id=2161478

The point is that poverty is poverty and it is doubly evil in a world that can easily eradicate it, if only there was a will to do so.

Preemptive reich-wing answer (not that you will make it, but at least one of them will likely jump in);

For ~10% of our annual military budget, we "could provide clean water, adequate diets, sanitation services, and basic education to every person on the planet" - Confessions of an Economic Hit Man - John Perkins

1998 UN Development Program estimates;
$9 Billion Clean water and sanitation planet-wide
$12 Billion reproductive health-care
$13 Billion adequate diet and general health-care
$6 Billion universal education

:kick:

[LWolf]

3. No, thanks.

I don't trust, or sponsor, large "non-profit" groups working far away where I can't monitor them. I'm always suspect them of using their "good works" to quietly proselytize. "Children's International," for example, is the re-named "Holy Land Christian Mission."

Perhaps they just want to benefit the poor, and the thought of Christianizing all of those 3rd world countries never crosses their collective "minds," but I'll pass.

I donate food, clothing, toys, books, school supplies, etc. to my local, secular FAN to help support local children.

[T Town Jake]

30. Ah, what a brave stance!

I don't trust, or sponsor, large "non-profit" groups working far away where I can't monitor them. I'm always suspect them of using their "good works" to quietly proselytize. "Children's International," for example, is the re-named "Holy Land Christian Mission."

I resolutely admire your steadfast refusal to help out a starving kid overseas with a bowl of food because the person handing him/her that sustenance *MIGHT* whisper a scripture in that starving kid's presence while they're trying to feed him/her...that kid's belly was probably better off empty, anyway, if his/her ears was forced to endure such a thing as being "quietly proselytize." Right?

Keep us posted on future accounts of your "brave" stance in defiance of "Christianizing" the kids whom, though they ultimately starve to death, are otherwise untainted by the *words* of some person trying to hand them a bowl of food, and keep them alive.

You're just a regular American hero!

:sarcasm:

[LWolf]

41. Okay, here's the update:

Instead of handing my hardearned cash over to an organization that I can't monitor, I took a new winter jacket, two pairs of new shoes, and a load of school supplies in to my local FAN. She has a small office at my local school site, and, in addition to being available for parent requests, will check into situations when a teacher has a concern to see if the home needs some discreet help. I also deliver 3-5 dozen eggs a week, and am on notice to help out when a child needs vaccinations, medical appointments, etc..

That's my brave stance; I use my resources to help the kids in my own community who need help. How many kids in your community live through the winter with no utilities, don't have enough to eat, or need help getting vaccinations? I don't need a picture; I get to see these kids in the flesh on a regular basis.

I find "charity" as a proselytizing tool to be a unique way of bullying people with faith, so I use a different route. There are 6 billion+ people on this earth, and too many don't have the basic things they need to be safe and healthy. Just what is it about the kid several thousand miles away that is somehow more deserving than the kid next door? Community building, community involvement, being part of the "village" for the local kids...just what is it about this that brings out your sarcasm?

On edit, I notice that you didn't reply at all to the OP to say what you are doing to fill empty bellies.

[bigwillq]

4. I'm not interested in doing that at this time.

I don't want kids nor do I want to sponsor one.

It's a nice gesture but just not for me.

[wtmusic]

6. My two:

This is Dhuba Kalil Jameel, an orphan who lives in the al-Ghazalia district of Baghdad:



This is Nisar Ahmad, who lives in Laghman, Afghanistan and is about the same age as my son:



http://www.lifeusa.org

[OPERATIONMINDCRIME]

13. They're Beautiful.

[TahitiNut]

8. Colombia

:shrug:

[OPERATIONMINDCRIME]

12. Ughhhhh

I hate when people spell it with a 'U' instead of an 'O'. I don't believe I just was guilty of that myself. Ugh. Bad OMC. LOL

[TahitiNut]

15. (grin) I sorta figured that.

Therefore, it was my solemn duty to spell it correctly ... as a public service, of course. :rofl:

[malaise]

9. People from developing countries hate the term

Third World. There is only one world and in many developing countries our cities and citizens are light years more developed than rural areas in developed countries.

[KAZ]

10. We've sponsored two, for years.

I admit I don't pay as much attention to the relationship as I should, but we've been sponsors for over 12 years.

[flvegan]

11. Your intent

is pure. I don't know anything about that organization, nor do I wish to try finding fault with it. Seems that you're doing right by somebody, and that's always a very positive, wonderful thing.

I don't sponsor any children in any third world countries (I run my own non-profit, so guess where the money goes). However, kudos to anyone that makes a difference in the life of one less fortunate than he/she/I.

[Lydia Leftcoast]

16. I used to until two events coincided:

my sponsored child grew up and my finances went crazily bad.

I may do so again some day.

[Violet_Crumble]

17. I do...

Her name's Saja and she lives in a village called Battir in the Occupied Palestinian Territories. What I contribute helps go to things like education and stuff. She's 11 and I'd post a photo of her but unfortunately the only other time I mentioned my sponsor child, one DUer couldn't get past the hatred in the political situation surrounding that region and posted some extremely ugly and hateful comments about Saja on another forum and I don't want people like that getting hold of my sponsor child's photo....

[Lex]

18. We do give a good bit to Doctors Without Borders, however.

I feel really confident about their good work as well.

[OPERATIONMINDCRIME]

19. I Just Went To Their Site. It Seems Like A Really Good Place To Donate.

I'm going to check them out further. Thanks!

[pooja]

20. Just pay attention to how the breakdown of the sponsorship is

delved out. There are many organizations that are doing really good things... think about donating to http://www.sunoven.com/south%20africa.asp -- this is a company that uses solar power to bake. This is so helpful in Africa because it stops the clearing of forests. And that helps to stop droughts. Check it out. Its actually really cool. And would allow so many in Africa to live off their land without destroying it.

[Marrak]

21. Bolivia...

Great correseponadance through the years...the youngster is just amazing...and he's growing fast! (Save the Children)
<>

[williesgirl]

22. We sponsored one for 16 years. Then my husband died, my

daughter's on disability, so the money is now going to her health care. I waited until my sponsored child came off the rolls before canceling it.

[WinkyDink]

24. Two, in fact. Christian Children's Fund.

And Doctors w/o Borders donors, as well.

[oblivious]

25. Here are some New Internationalist articles that influenced my decision.

My parents get great satisfaction out of their sponsorship and suggested I do the same, but I had remembered a New Internationalist article in the 80s, when I subscribed, that turned me against this particular form of aid.

Original cover story in 1982
http://live.newint.org/issue111/contents.htm

1985: One child at a time
http://live.newint.org/issue148/one.htm

1989 - How to help children
http://live.newint.org/issue194/keynote.htm

1989 - Why you should not sponsor a child
http://live.newint.org/issue194/simply.htm

1989 - follow-up: Letters to a god
http://live.newint.org/issue194/god.htm

From the original 1982 article I read back then.

Brian Turner, Director of Christian World Service in New Zealand, writes:

I spent 1967 teaching in a Malaysian school where there were sponsored and unsponsored pupils. Looking back, I can remember how demeaning it was. Some sponsored pupils felt superior to those unsponsored — others felt inferior because they needed to be sponsored. For me it was demeaning trying to encourage the sponsored to write thank-you letters to their sponsors.

I have not entered into criticism of child sponsorship lightly. I am aware of our Lord’s warning — that he who places a stumbling block in the way of children’s rights will catch it. On the contrary I hope I am contributing to the removal of such blocks by promoting programmes in which all are assisted instead of a select few. If my word is not good enough, try Mother Theresa’s — she is a firm opponent of child sponsorship for similar reasons.

[wtmusic]

29. To each his own, but...

this is about the lamest, most ethnocentric excuse I have ever heard for not giving:

"Child sponsorship programmes can create unfulfillable desires and expectations. A child who learns of a sponsor's large house and reads about their skiing holidays or big cars can become dissatisfied with his or her own community and want to be taken away to that affluent world."

Tell a child who doesn't have enough to eat, no books for school, no toys to play with, inadequate health care, etc etc etc etc etc -- tell him or her you'd be glad to help, but you don't want to turn them into a spoiled brat.

This truly takes the cake.

[oblivious]

31. No one is saying 'don't give', but give more effectively.

[fed-up]

26. Voted yes, but technically that is not what I do-today held a rummage sale

that raised $500 to help send a child in Belize to high school. This is the 3rd rummage sale we have done and have raised over $3K total. At first it was to send two kids a year to school, now our goal is 8.

People donate items for the sale, we spend about $30 to rent a hall, a few of us set up the stuff on Friday night, Saturday is sale day and by 4pm any leftovers are donated to the LOCAL thrift store.

One doesn't always have to have their own money to help others.

I believe since we all occupy this planet and all of us are responsible for what happens to it that there are NO borders to decide who gets help.

I also have done my share of volunteer work here in America since I was in high school.

[tinfoilinfor2005]

28. You are doing a wonderful thing!

Presently I have several grandchildren whose parents (my kids) are schoolteachers, and I truly believe that charity begins at home. Although I have several charities that I support (Food for the Poor, Harry Chapin's World Hunger Organization), I must admit that my main focus, at this point, is my own family.

I was more generous before I became a grandmother to my own, but honestly I now feel that they are my greatest priority. I'm sure that I will give more as time goes by and the kids are better able to handle their bills, but at this point, I feel that I want to help them as much as I can.

So shoot me.

Just being honest. But as much as my babies are special to me, I think Neidys is an absolute heart-breaker. Couldn't you just kiss those beautiful cheeks and fall in love with this child?? I wish her a wonderful life, and the same to you, dear OMC!

[bicentennial_baby]

32. Can we please stop using this term?

It's outdated, a Cold War concept...Try Developing countries, Transitional countries, or Emerging countries....please. :)

[BlooInBloo]

51. Whatever. The only thing that matters is the meaning...

... the syntax is the most irrelevant thing in the world. To pretend that the meaning changes just because the syntax changes is asinine.

A rose by any other name would smell as sweet - so why change the name?

[REP]

33. I Support International Family Plannning, Not International Preaching

Birth control can save a lot of lives.

[OPERATIONMINDCRIME]

35. Ummmmmmm Yeah. Ok.

:eyes:

[REP]

36. Oh - Sorry; Meant to Praise your Futile Gesturing

Yes, you truly are shouldering the White Man's Burden in a graceful and humble way. May she grow up strong enough to wash your floors some day.

[H2O Man]

42. Sad. n/t

[wtmusic]

44. Interesting that you support rescuing cats and not kids

shouldn't we just be promoting "spaying and neutering" here? Wouldn't want you to undertake any "futile gestures"... :eyes:

[OPERATIONMINDCRIME]

45. First And Foremost What I Care About Is That She Grows Up At All. n/t

[spoony]

59. How bitter a true cynic's life must be n/t

[alittlelark]

34. I sponsor my Green card wielding housekeepers 3 kids.

She's been w/ me for almost 4 years. I have to clean my own walls, windows and corners. She moves at the speed of a slug. She is the worst housekeeper I have ever had.....


But her kids are just too cool! Her 7 year old has the bravery of a knight and the eyes of an angel. Her 9 year old asks amazing questions. Her 14 year old is growing up way too fast, but we can still relate.


Anna reeks as a housekeeper, but I will never fire her.... her kids are too cool.

[H2O Man]

38. My wife and I

took a homeless teen into our home. She was orphaned, quit school, was getting into trouble, and was an angry teen. After moving in our home, she got her GED, a job, a driver's permit, and a bank account. She is now in her first semester at college. She thinks she wants to become a social worker, and to work with angry, "at risk" teens.

[wtmusic]

46. VERY cool

that is a huge responsibility H20 Man.

:yourock: :headbang: :yourock:

[OPERATIONMINDCRIME]

52. Now THAT'S What You Call Truly Making A Difference. Standing O For Ya H2O

I have the utmost respect for what you and your wife did and coming from someone who lived in their car through two winters, I want to sincerely thank you for reaching out to someone like that.

[H2O Man]

60. I had been

homeless as a teenager. And, during the same general time, I was the angriest person in North America. I had the benefit of an adult taking the time to help me find my way. And I became one of a huge number of people who invest themselves in their communities, and in helping young people. I include social workers, teachers, volunteers, and surely others.

It bothers me sometimes to listen to some of our community, state, and federal leaders who pretend they care about youth. Usually, they mean youth from their social class. Or their family. The truth is that this country doesn't make the needed investment in our youth.

We need to elect democrats and other progressives at all levels of government, in order to begin to make the needed changes. But we also need to look beyond "programs," and volunteer and invest in those children in our own community.

Our friend the former heavyweight champion Muhammad Ali used to tell us that while war on nations changes maps, war on poverty maps change. One the of worst forms of poverty is homeless teens and youth. We have the power to change that.

[LeftishBrit]

40. I actually sponsor an elderly person

For some years, I have been sponsoring an elderly woman in India through "Help the Aged" (link to the program below, in case anyone is interested in it).

http://www.helptheaged.org.uk/en-gb/WhatWeDo/International/Projects/wd_projects_060306_2.htm

[DesertRat]

43. Yes, through Christian Children's Fund

My husband and I have been sponsoring through CCF for 20 years.

[RB TexLa]

47. Other, I give money to Catholic Relief Services

and buy products through them.


http://www.crs.org/

[sarcasmo]

54. Sponsor an American homeless child for crying out loud.

[OPERATIONMINDCRIME]

55. A Child Is A Child, A Need Is A Need. Geography Is Not A Factor. n/t

[sarcasmo]

57. Have you looked closely at the homeless in your city?

I feed two people that live in my city. Being a cab driver I see the local homeless problem close up and yes a child is a child, but I will help the person I see struggle every day.

[OPERATIONMINDCRIME]

58. Don't Need To.

A child is a child, a need is a need. Geography is not a factor.