Being paid in cheese was certainly a unique experience. What was most empowering about setting up practice in a developing nation, though, was the realization of how easily small actions can make a big difference.
In that same spirit, we’re excited to announce Train For Humanity, a non-profit organization that I co-founded with a handful of like-minded bloggers, including Mark Hayward, and Leo Babauta of ZenHabits.
How TFH Makes a Difference
The premise is as simple as it is effective: TFH “everyday athletes” (like me) train and participate in endurance events such as triathlons and marathons. The money they raise from sponsors online goes to humanitarian causes.
We’re aiming to raise $50,000 during this pilot phase, 100% of which will flow through to the Darfur Peace and Development Organization. Darfur is currently the scene of one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises, the biggest U.N. aid operation, and the 21st century’s first genocide.
How You Can Help
1. Sponsor Me
As one of the three pilot project “everyday athletes”, I’ll be running the Niagara Falls Half Marathon on October 26, 2008. You can sponsor my run here. You can sponsor for any amount you like -even a dollar can make a difference.
Helping isn’t just about money. If you have a blog, a website, a Facebook or Twitter account, or just an email address book, I’d like to ask you to take just a few moments of your time to post, Digg, Stumble, forward, tweet, email, or otherwise help spread the word about Train for Humanity. You can find pre-written blog posts, badges for your site/blog, and other easy word-spreading ideas right here.
We’ll soon be opening TFH to other “everyday athletes”. Anyone with a desire to make a difference can participate – the only requirement is that you take part in an endurance event, such as running, walking, cycling, or swimming. The distance isn’t important. Some TFH participants will run marathons, others will walk a few miles, but they’ll all be making a difference. You can signup here.
Thank you all in advance for your time, and for helping to make a difference.
With much gratitude,
Dan
