Today I am highlighting an organization that is very close to my heart: United Cerebral Palsy (UCP).

I joined the UCP of Greater Birmingham Junior Board just over a year ago, really knowing very little about the non-profit.  My involvement up until that point had simply been handing over a check after Chappy’s Luau & BBQ Bash (more on that to come).

It is very difficult to sum up everything they do at UCP in few words.  Cerebral palsy itself is an umbrella term of sorts for a multitude of conditions that impair motor function.  The definition is quite broad.  As you might imagine, accommodating this wide range of disability is a formidable task, and this is why UCP has a diverse schedule of programs.  The two main focuses are subdivided into care for children and adults.

For the kids, there are specialty classrooms housing highly trained teachers and communication devices that allow every child to interact.  Full time therapists are on staff to help with the learning process.  Hand in Hand, as the program is called, also emphasizes an integrated environment, where students without disabilities sit alongside those with cerebral palsy.

Those over the age of 21 are privy to everything from living assistance to job training and actual employment on the grounds.  With help, some participants are actually able to acquire full-time positions in the community.  UCP of Greater Birmingham’s adult facility, LincPoint, houses several full-functioning business that provide an avenue for many smiling faces to earn a paycheck.

From infants to adults, UCP is doing wonderful things for those living with disability.  And as with any non-profit, there are a myriad of needs that you can help them with.  Monetary donations are always appreciated, and you can give online.

If your company currently uses a document shredding service, please consider switching to “Gone for Good” one of several companies under UCP.  They have an impressive list of clients and have every appropriate certification (they contract with hospitals and the IRS).

Check here for information on how you can get involved in your local branch of UCP.

DoGood!

Matt

Please email me with any questions, comments, or stories on how you are doing good! matt@DoGoodedness.com

Of the most basic daily accoutrements, we often take our shoes for granted.  Undoubtedly, you have a handful in your closet right now.  All of them tailored for different applications and outfits.  As a dude, I claim to possess a minimal amount of footwear, but upon closer inspection my closet contains no fewer than eight pair.

Sadly enough, there are approximately 300 million people around the world who do not have this luxury.  Whether they are homeless, or merely the victims of an impoverished society, a good pair of shoes can be a welcomed asset.  Additionally, without the right protection on their feet, these individuals run a much higher risk of injury and infection from the littered streets they traverse.

To meet this need, a host of organizations and companies have stepped up to help distribute footwear to those less fortunate.

Soles4Souls

This Nashville based group began in 2006, in the wake of Hurricane Katrina.  The founder and CEO, Wayne Elsey, saw an urgent need, and used his connections to collect shoes for victims.  He continues to carry out that same mission today through dedicated collection sites and large corporate donations.  Their mission is simple – to change the world one pair at a time.  Please visit Soles4Souls.com to find out how you can help their noble cause.

50000Shoes.com

Here’s a movement that has focused specifically on the need in Haiti.  They have set an ambitious goal of collecting 50,000 pairs in 50 days.  I am happy to report that they are well on their way, but could certainly use your donation.  Visit their website for more info and a few celebrity appeals for the cause.

TOM’S Shoes

With a growing fan base and expanding commercial success, there is a good chance you have heard of these folks.  Since the beginning, TOM’S “One for One” concept has won over many consumers.  After all, simply purchasing a pair provides shoes for a child in need.  How cool is that?  You have to love that kind of fashion statement.

The Trak Shak

If you are Birmingham resident, and a runner, then there is no better place to pick up a new pair of kicks.  This local chain keeps their prices competitive by offering a $10 discount when bring in your old pair of shoes.  If they are in decent shape (and don’t smell too bad) then your trade-in is donated to one of three local charities: The Jimmie Hale Mission, The Brother Bryan Mission, and Mega Missions.  Since 1995, the fine folks at the Trak Shak have given over 15,000 pairs to charity!

DoGood!

Matt

Please email me with any questions, comments, or stories on how you are doing good! matt@DoGoodedness.com

It has been a while since we have touched on the topic of personal health, so I wanted to share with you my new favorite way to battle a dormant winter.

Last year, Santa delivered a Wii to our house (and the houses of countless others).  Within a few months we had worn out the Tennis, Bowling, and Golf and thus became largely disinterested in the gaming system.   This time around, Christmas brought Wii Fit Plus.  Originally touted as a gift for my wife, I eventually gave it a try and have since become hooked.

Of course I will always encourage exercising outdoors when possible, but this is great when the elements prevent such measures.  With Birmingham hovering around the twenties for the past few weeks, I was more than happy to move indoors for a stint.  When riding my stationary bike gets old, it is great to have an alternative.

One of the biggest challenges with maintaining an active lifestyle is holding yourself accountable.  We are all human, of course, and more often than not, fall short of our ambitious goals.  Thankfully, Wii Fit can be your impetus to stay the course.  It will monitor your activity, keep you on a schedule, and assist in working towards a goal.

If you want to casually play some of the more entertaining games (while burning a few calories), this is a lot of fun.  For the serious folks, there are plenty of intense workouts that are quite challenging.   A virtual trainer ensures that you know how to do each exercise correctly.

Admittedly, if you happen to be getting ready for a marathon or competitive event, I would not rely too heavily on the Wii Fit for your preparation.  However, the strength and balance programs will serve as a wonderful supplement to your workouts.  As someone who considers himself a decent athlete, it was shocking to see how off-balance I really am.   Because of this, my “Wii Fit Age” had me pegged close to 40 (I am 26, btw).  The challenge of bettering myself in this area has been great motivation, and I can already feel a difference in daily activities.

So, whether you are the serious athlete, recreational gamer, or simply want a fun way to stay in shape, I highly recommend the Wii Fit (or Wii Fit Plus).  Whatever you do, be active and enjoy a healthy lifestyle.

DoGood!

Matt

Feel free to email me with any questions, comments, or thoughts (matt@DoGoodedness.com).

Photo by Kelvin255 via Flickr

Volunteer and get your spin on!

My fellow Americans,

We are two playoff games away from deciding the participants of Super Bowl XLIV.   Are you excited?  I know I am.  Well, as long as the Jets are not involved.  But I digress…

Equally synonymous with the game itself, as you all know, are the commercials.  Companies pay a pretty penny to put their products on display and interrupt your bathroom breaks or beer runs.  Each year tends to bring out the usual players – a few beer companies, the soft drink conglomerates, cell phone carriers, financial institutions and the lot.  Last I checked, thirty-second spots were going for around two and a half million dollars, but there seems no shortage of takers, even in a down year.

Pepsi Refresh Project

That being said, the lineup in 2010 is devoid of one of its long-running contributors; Pepsi.  Instead, the corporate giant has decided on very different marketing campaign, one that I think is quite admirable of them.  Rather than battle it out with Coke on TV spots, Pepsico has turned their focus on a cause-centered campaign they call The Pepsi Refresh Project.  Each month, they will be accepting 1000 submissions from you (the general public) on how you can make a positive impact in your community with their financial assistance.  There are going to be millions of dollars given out, in increments from $5,000 to $250,000, the winners of each award being decided by online voters.  If you have ever wanted to dream big and make a difference, here is your chance for sponsorship!  Listed categories for submission include Health, Neighborhoods, The Planet, Education, Arts & Culture and Food & Shelter.

If you are up for the challenge and make a submission, please tell us here at DoGoodedness so we can let our readers know to vote for your idea!   Email me at Matt@DoGoodedness.com!

Disney’s “Give a Day, Get a Day”

Another idea that I am very pleased with is Disney’s “Give a Day, Get a Day” campaign.  If you have Kids, they probably are quite fond of Disney World.  Heck, I am quite fond of it myself.  It may very well be the happiest place on earth.

The process is simple – volunteer your time with a registered program participant and Disney will give you a free day to one of their theme parks.   One might think that the parameters of this would have to be quite specific, but a quick search near my area code turned up a bevy of qualifying service opportunities.

Click this Link to get started.  I highly recommend a visit to Epcot Center.  Where else can you have a margarita in Mexico, ride the log flume in Norway, and take a nap in the Hall of Presidents in a day?

After a year that had too many front-page stories featuring “corporate greed,” it is wonderful to see that doing good can be a marketable concept.

Have a great week!

Matt

Photo by beatnickside via Flickr

In the wake of the earthquake that destroyed Port-au-Prince, Haiti on Tuesday, there has been a massive outcry for aid.  In a town with an estimated population of two million, tens of thousands are presumed dead and many more are injured.  Those that survived are more than likely without a home.  There is obviously an immediate need for help in this area.  Disaster relief agencies are on the scene or en route, but will still require your support.  DoGooders, here are the things you can do to help.

Donate

This is the easiest and possibly most effective thing you can do to help in a crisis.  There are trained personnel and specialized goods being sent to Haiti, but they will be limited without ample funds to back their efforts.  In the past few days, there have been a host of social networking-based campaigns that have raised millions.  Even if you missed a chance to get involved with these, there are plenty more opportunities.

Props to former President Bill Clinton for establishing a Haitian relief fund with easy and quick giving options.  You can text “haiti” to 20222 to donate $10 to the cause (text message fees apply, obviously).  The Clinton foundation also has a webpage dedicated to collecting funds.

Red Cross has just released $10 Million to aid disaster victims, and is happily accepting donations on their site.  Additionally, you can check Google’s information page for other organizations that are accepting money.

Much more is needed, so please recruit others to join you in giving.  Take up money around the office or start an email chain to spread the word.

Give Blood

The American Red Cross is shipping a massive amount of blood and blood-related products to Hispaniola.  This increased demand can only be met if donors step up to the challenge.  If you live in or around Birmingham, here is a listing of the donation centers and upcoming drives.  Can’t find an event in your area?  Contact the Red Cross affiliate in your area to schedule one at your office, church, school, etc.

Start a Food Drive

Although this may seem insignificant when the current situation calls more for emergency and medical supplies, there will soon be an overwhelming need for food as well as drinking water in Port-au-Prince.  Collect non-perishables and drop them off at designated places in your town.  Check here for locations in Birmingham.

Volunteer Your Services

Currently, getting to Haiti would be quite difficult (as well as dangerous), but the more ambitious of you may want to consider making a trip there in the coming years to assist with whatever rebuilding effort may come next.  As seen with Hurricane Katrina’s aftermath, a massive cleanup effort awaits, and there should be no shortage of organizations looking to fill spots on such crews.  Anticipate this need for years to come.

Consider adoption

I know.  This is a big one.  As far as commitments go, there are few that are as heavily vested as adopting a child.  There have already been reports of an overwhelming number of orphaned children in the Port-au-Prince region.  They are going to need good homes, and some may be relocated to the United States.  If you are looking to add to your family, then please give this some consideration.

Please keep your thoughts and prayers with the victims of this terrible tragedy.  If you want the slightest understanding of what Haiti was like BEFORE the earthquake, then I highly recommend reading Mountains Beyond Mountains about Dr. Paul Farmer and his work there.  Sitting in our cozy houses, it is tough to imagine…

DoGood!

Matt

Email any comments, suggestions, or ideas to Matt@DoGoodedness.com

Stephen Kellogg & The Sixers

As I mentioned in the previous post, my last five days have been spent aboard The Rock Boat – a floating, nearly non-stop music festival put on by Sixthman Promotions. The house still seems to be swaying, hearing is a bit dulled, and my voice is scratchy, but all in all things are slowly returning to normal. Oh, and I kept the rock & roll facial hair going to lift my spirits as I re-acclimate to the real world.

While I am still in the mood, let’s talk a bit about what the recording industry is doing to make this world a better place: the musicians, campaigns and efforts that are making a difference. This past week, I heard from a few bands regarding the organizations that are near and dear to their hearts. I want to pass some of those along and mention a handful of others as well.

Stephen Kellogg & The Sixers

Ill start with these fellas because a) they are awesome, and b) they were the toast of Rock Boat 10 putting on several great shows.

Stephen Kellogg and his band are involved with several non-profits through charitable auctions, merchandise sales, and free concerts.  Here is a little snippet from their story.

Our opportunity to do some good for children came in November 2006. With no gig available while driving through Memphis, Tennessee, our manager, Steve Bursky, offered our services to the St. Jude Children’s Hospital. They accepted and our lives were forever transformed. Seeing joy that wasn’t built on vanity but dignity, seeing little ones with so much to be angry or sad about who were so much less angry or sad than me…it just put things in perspective. That day SK6ERS developed the Rellogg Foundation concept where we would auction off personal items and donate the proceeds to the charities of our individual choices, based on what we cared about. That is of course only the beginning, we’re thinking out loud here…but to date the Rellogg foundation has donated to several charitable organizations including St. Jude, The Make a Wish Foundation, The Raptor Trust, Johns Hopkins University and a host of others. We’ve donated thousands of dollars and have had the privilege of performing for some of the most lovely audiences in our half decade of performance. 2009 has been a great year as far as SK6ERS involvement with the Armed Forces. The band traveled to Kuwait, Israel, Bahrain, Germany and a half dozen other countries performing for troops and personnel. They even capped off the 4th of July by performing for Israeli Prime Minister Netentyahu. Thank you for taking the time to go beyond the music with us.

Sincerely,

SK, Kit, Boots and Steamer

Check them out!  The music is great and they are truly some nice guys.  Consider purchasing a band calendar – All the proceeds go to St. Jude!

The Edge and Bono (U2)

That’s right, I put The Edge first, because he by far has the sweetest nickname ever. These two have certainly put out some catchy tunes in their tenure, but their efforts off the stage are also worth noting.

David Howell Evans (The Edge) is a large supporter of Mencap, a non-profit based in the United Kingdom that strives to assist those living with learning disabilities. His efforts have also been linked to Angiogenesis (medical advancement that is showing promise against cancer) research and most notably a charitable auction that bought instruments for those who lost theirs in Hurricane Katrina.

Bono, as you are full aware, is quite the outspoken Irishman.  He has been a prominent figure with African and Humanitarian causes, namely DATA, EDUN, the ONE Campaign and numerous other civil rights efforts.  His vested interest in the (RED) Campaign to fight AIDS sang to the tune of $40 million raised on Valentine’s Day last year.  Undoubtedly, Bono has accomplished some great things throughout his career, both musically and on a global scale.

Sister Hazel

Here is another Rock Boat act (co-founder actually) that is doing great things through the Lyrics for Life Foundation. To quote their website:

Lyrics For Life is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization whose mission is to make a difference in the fight against pediatric Cancer. It was founded by Sister Hazel front man Ken Block in memory of his younger brother Jeffrey, who ultimately lost his four-year battle with Cancer.

The charity unites musicians and celebrities for concert events, auctions and other
fundraising efforts. The monies raised are donated to groups that are working to find a cure as well as those aiming to enrich the lives of patients and their families. From research to summer camps and family support groups, we are surrounding this disease and conquering it from every angle.

Check out their website if you would like to attend a Lyrics for Life event, donate, or bid on some sweet rock & roll memorabilia.

Dave Matthews

This quirky South African native may or may not have accidently allowed his tour bus to drop 800 pounds of poo off a bridge outside Chicago (and on to a riverboat), but we will forgive this on account of his dedication to helping the city of Charlottesville, Virginia. Through his Bama Works Fund, Matthews (and his band mates) supports programs that provide for disadvantaged youth, the disabled, protection of the environment, and the arts and humanities in this area. Since its inception, more than $5 Million has been put to good use.

Elton John

Driven by the loss of close friends to the disease, Sir Elton set out to help fight the AIDS epidemic and established the Elton John AIDS Foundation in 1992 (1993 in the UK).  This organization has since raised $150 Million: implementing a host of programs that seek to educate, advocate, and establish preventative measures against HIV/AIDS.  Take some time to read this letter from Elton himself.

Willie Nelson

In 1985, Willie was instrumental in establishing the Farm Aid Concert, which is still active today – raising money for Midwestern farmers in financial crisis.  He is also a huge advocate of Biofuels, personally investing in manufacturing and distribution facilities across the country.

Dispatch

Although their current existence as a band may be questionable, Dispatch has been unwavering in their philanthropic involvement.  In the likeness of their song, the Elias Fund was founded in 2005 with the mission statement “To provide hope and opportunity to Zimbabwean youth through community development and education while empowering the American youth culture to embrace their global role and make it an active one.”  Keep it up guys!

In a self centered industry, it is great to see that there are those who still give back to the community and world around them.

DoGood!

Matt

Please email me: Matt@DoGoodedness.com with any suggestions, comments, or feedback that you may have.

Hey gang,

Sorry to make this brief, but I wanted to throw an idea at you before heading out of town for The Rock Boat Cruise.  Once I have my feet back on dry land and a functional laptop, DoGoodedness will reopen for some well-intentioned business.

Call me a weenie, but when the temperatures here in Birmingham settle into the sub-freezing range, I become quite irritable.  My skin cracks, my cheeks get all rosy, and getting out of bed takes every ounce of effort.  I do some apprehensive finger crossing and pray that my water pipes don’t explode and drown Artimus while I am at work.  Maybe I’m just a big wuss, but this is not a fun time of year for yours truly.

As miserable as it may be for those of us who take refuge with our heating systems, the climate this time of year is much more crippling for our homeless population.  Those who cannot find safe harbor in shelters run a very high risk of freezing to death when the temperatures start dropping.  (Side note: I think this is why San Diego has so many homeless people.  After all, if you are going to be outdoors, why not be in a beautiful place?)

As you are replacing your old jackets with the new ones that Santa & Co. delivered, consider dropping them off at the local homeless shelter.  They will be much more appreciative than the moths in your closet.  If you live in Birmingham, might I recommend the Jimmie Hale Mission (tell them Chappy sent you) or the Firehouse Shelter.  Additionally, they will gladly accept blankets, gloves, and scarves.

If there is not a drop-off location in your neighborhood, then feel free to play distributor to those who are in need of such comfort (albeit carefully).  Buy some hand warmers (these are very cheap) and give them out, or pick up an extra cup of coffee for the guy thumbing a ride off of your exit.  

Do Good! 

Matt

Greetings!  I hope everyone celebrated the New Year in style.

Aside from a spike in calendar purchases, the one thing synonymous with January 1st is the New Years resolution.  Admittedly, we all make at least one.  Embedded in our less-than-perfect nature is the inherent love of a fresh start.  Whatever you did last year, here is your chance to do it better.  We love the opportunity to have a clean slate.

Along with this idea, I wanted to offer up a little support to keep you on track and motivated as the year progresses – because nothing sucks more than failing to keep a promise to yourself.  From my experience, here are the best ways to stay in the groove and accomplish those goals.

Read This

If books are your outlet, then here are a few of my favorites by category:

Environment: If you want to lessen your environmental impact and put in the extra effort to do good this year, I suggest “The Lazy Environmentalist on a Budget.”  This handy work will keep everything in perspective while holding you accountable.  All credit to Santa Claus for delivering this one to the Chapman house.

Health: As most of our resolutions fall into the “getting into shape” realm, I have a few to get the blood pumping.  If you find that keeping up the regular exercise as easy at is used to be, then pick up “Every Second Counts”  by Lance Armstrong (with Sally Jenkins).  Whatever difficulties you are going through, they probably isn’t as stifling as a bout with multiple forms of cancer.  Leave it to the seven-time Tour De France champion and Cancer activist to get you off your butt.

If running is your passion, I highly recommend “Born To Run” by Christopher McDougall.  It will definitely help you find joy in putting one foot in front of the other.  This helped me get ready for a 200 mile relay, and the highly entertaining romp is enough to get anyone moving.

Community: If you want to feel like your altruistic self is lacking, then pick up “Mountains Beyond Mountains.”  In this revealing account, Tracy Kidder details the life and efforts of Paul Farmer, an M.D. who has done more good for the world than any of us can imagine.  Mad props to my buddy Ben Wilson for this one; it completely changed my perspective on what one person can accomplish.

Watch This

Maybe I’m just a goob, but Rocky IV gets the job done, regardless of what type of motivation I require.  Once you see Sly running up snow covered mountains, chasing chickens, and carrying logs, you might just want to get things together.  Unless you are taking on the Communist regime and a juiced up Giant, then whatever you have in the works will seem much more doable.  (ps – this is just a movie, but you and I both know it rocks your face off).

“Without Limits” will get you signing up for every road race on the calendar…guaranteed.  This mini-bio of Steve Prefontaine is the stuff of legends.

My wife highly recommends “Pay it Forward” if things are looking down for your non-profit efforts.  This will give you the inspiration necessary to keep going and do as much good as possible.

If All Else Fails…

Nothing will keep you going like a buddy.  I have trained for several marathons by myself, and the outcome for both was regrettable.  Make things easier on yourself and find a partner to corroborate your efforts.  Whether it be an athletic goal, a fundraising effort, or a resolve to detach from the grid, it always helps to have someone on your side. 

DoGood!

chappy

Please feel free to email me with any comments, suggestions, or ideas: Matt@DoGoodedness.com.