So I voted or the Grassroots.org toolbox. No big surprise there. I work with Grassroots.org, and I believe in what we're trying to accomplish. I have not once met a small organization that was looking for an easy, cheap online solution. So I love working with Grassroots.org, and I am happy to know that I work for, and vote for, something I believe it. But what else to chose?

Don't despair! We have until the 14th and 9 more tools to cover, so I will get on my soapbox here and try to explain why I voted for all the projects I chose. It's quite a bit of work thinking about all the different ways these projects help save the world, so I'll try to limit this to one or two projects a day.

I might as well start with the toolbox.

The Grassroots.org Toolbox

I covered most of this in my opening paragraph. It's what I know most about, for one. But it still feels good every time a new non-profit signs up to use our tools. It feels good to know that every one of our members is using our tools to help make the world a better place. It feels good to know that we are playing a vital part to help protect reefs, get educators organized, support inner-city youth programs, or any of the thousand other reasons that people give up the flashy corporate world and start working for a non-profit. Every time we give a small non-profit the tools to succeed, the tools that they may not have the resources to get on their own; every time I see or hear the hope, the drive and the dedication of every one of our members...every time that brings the idea of social change home. It is no longer a grand philosophical concept: social change is happening, every day, every hour, through our members, even through the tools with which we empower our members, and by extention through us: not just Grassroots.org, but through Angela, and Katie and Dave and all the other people who make up grassroots.org.

Darn, I'm getting deep here. Better lighten it up a notch. Who's next?

FamilyFarmed.org

I don't tend to talk much about food at these events where we may have met. At best, you may have heard me complain about the rubbery chicken, or make a joke in bad taste. (hah!) But I really really despise the fact that my food comes to my table from a factory farm in California or Chile via 3000 miles of diesel fumes. Don't get me wrong: I love Californian and Chilean food. The only thing is, I don't live in either of those fine places, yet. Meanwhile, somewhere a few miles from my house, a small time family/CSA/local farmer is struggling to survive, and your local SuperFoods doesn't even carry his produce. I am also happy to know some small farmers, and have an idea what it takes to make it as a small farm. We tech geeks who are up coding until 5 in the morning don't hold a candle to these guys and girls. (For the sensitive: these men and women.) So this is another thing that's near and dear to me.

I have tried to find some locally, in the DC area. There are some farmers markets, and some local food stores where I can find stuff if I'm willing to drive a few hours. More diesel again. Or surf for a few hours: but who will spend the time besides me and a few othe freaks who bring their "sustainable fish" card to the Whole Foods? There's gotta be an easy way for consumers and local farmers to connect. So, get off the electron hype and help FamilyFarmed.org.

By the way, have you ever wondered why the radishes and beets taste better at that fancy restaurant where your corporate moneygrabbing friends bought you dinner for your birthday? It may very well be because said restaurant uses local, CSA produce. I love that this is becoming more and more commonplace with fancy restaurants. Now if only the places the rest of us can afford drop in line.

OK, that's it for now. I'm a tease. I know. You'll get one or two more tomorrow.