Thailand was an incredible learning experience. I saw the significant need to combat human trafficking and met dedicated people who are doing all they can to stop this evil. My understanding of the issue was relatively good because my own daughter is one of those dedicated people. But after the trip, my appreciation for the need to do something is much stronger.
There are three things I want you to consider doing. Each is unique in it’s own way, and you might want to do more than just one of them. But I’ll let you decide.
First, before my daughter completes her time in Thailand, she needs to get a fence built around The SOLD Project Resource Center. This will deter theft when the facility is unattended. In addition, they have a significant need to create a computer lab at the Resource Center so the kids can begin learning the basic skills necessary to compete in the job market.
Students learning in the Resource Center
Total cost? About $7500, of which $1000 is already raised. And 100% of what they raise will be spent in Thailand; no overhead of admin fees are included in that.
The second thing you might consider doing is a bit less tangible but equally as important. My daughter and her colleague at SOLD have been invited to participate in the 2011 Summit Series. This is a unique conference for the most outstanding millennial leaders across the world: entrepreneurs, artists, astronauts, athletes, politicians, philanthropic leaders, etc. It’s a relatively small group of 750 who are invited, and past speakers have included President Clinton, Mark Cuban, Ted Turner, Jessica Jackley, Philippe Cousteau, Ishmael Beah … you get the idea.
Rachel and her colleague will have a chance to interact with and learn from these leaders. Past conferences have raised millions for charitable endeavors, and the networking opportunities can’t even be measured. The impact this could have on SOLD is unbelievable.
Can you help them go? The cost is about $7500, of which $2500 has been raised. Most of that goes to the conference organizers and a small amount is for travel costs to the East Coast. This is an intangible thing to support financially — it’s not like fences or computers. But the impact on SOLD could be huge. So please let me know if you can help.
The third thing I want you to consider is going to Thailand and seeing the program in person. A trip like this is transformational. Your understanding of global issues, trafficking, and poverty will all deepen. Interested? Let me know and I’ll put you in touch with Rachel.
Thanks for your support of SOLD. It’s a young organization led by young people with a huge passion for the work. Your support will have a profound impact on kids in Thailand and the communities around them. What’s not to like about that?