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Here’s an obvious and potentially overwhelming fact: There is an incredible amount of needless suffering and pain in the world. And much of the human atrocity and tragedy that grips our collective heart is happening in countries that most of us have never been to, in cultures we may scarcely understand, and in contrast to our relatively cushy lives. And even though many of us, in our own ways, are involved in making the world a better place, it’s hard not to feel helpless in the face of such distance, bureaucracy, and anguish. Overwhelm tends to stifle positive action.

A few years ago, one of my favorite friends, Yasmina Zaidman, asked a simple, potentially revolutionary question: What can 100 friends do? Luckily for me, I was one of those friends. And in our small way, we have provided some relief to Rwandan orphans, Pakistani students, and earthquake survivors—to name a few. The momentum of this collective keeps me inspired, informed, and feeling useful and responsive in a more global way. What’s more, it’s been so incredibly easy to participate! Which reminds me, I need to propose a cause for our next bi-annual 100Friends project: Every minute, one woman in the Congo is raped as a tactic of war. I am thousands of miles away and my life is very full. But I have 99 friends (most of whom I’ve never actually met) who can help me make a difference that is felt. So do you.
- Danielle

THIS WEEK’S IDEA:

Create your own 100Friends network Or 50… 20… 10 Friends. Just start. It’s easy. Here’s Yasmina and Marlowe’s How To List:

1. Twice each year, email 100 friends and ask them to cast their vote for one of three causes that are about an urgent crisis or unacceptable living condition, and that are already aligned with a non-profit organization that can channel donations.
2. The greatest number of votes locks in the cause that will receive the Friends’ donation.
3. Each friend sends a cheque to the Friends organizer, made out to the non-profit, for at least $100—or whatever they can give. Set a deadline for when cheques need to be in. Move forward even if not everyone can contribute financially.
4. Bundle the cheques and send them to the non-profit with a letter explaining who you are and what you’re doing. Make sure to forward to all Friends any response you receive from the recipient (which is often heartbreakingly grateful).

When you’re in it together, you can make all the difference in the world.