Comments on: Guest Post: Andrew Carnegie, version 2.0

By: anna, Northampton, MA, USA

anna, Northampton, MA, USA — Wed, 13 May 2009 09:36:24 +0000

You can donate to Room to Read but the organization, I understand from the website, will NOT take used books. They have to be new. I can understand that any old books will not do, but many of us have acess to many wonderful “almost new” books that is seems a waste not to take these kinds of children’s books. We are not all wealthy so I would think in these economic times these books could make the same difference as a brand new book.

That said, the work and book by John Woods is totally inspiring.

By: Jade, Melbourne, Victoria, Asutralia.

Jade, Melbourne, Victoria, Asutralia. — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 06:06:40 +0000

Simply inspiring work. Thanks for sharing.
http://www.jadeleonard.com

By: Adri, Chicago, IL

Adri, Chicago, IL — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 15:38:32 +0000

Great post! I’ve been a volunteer with Room to Read for over seven years and will say that there is plenty of opportunity and need for all types of support. R2R has a great program called Students Helping Students to support student groups at elementary, middle and high schools. College students can partner with Better World Books to donate used textbooks for resale, the proceeds of which can go to Room to Read. And most major cities in the US and abroad have a volunteer fundraising chapter. As David S said, R2R offers the opportunity to make a direct, measurable, immediate impact on the world.

By: Barb, Calgary, Alberta, Canada

Barb, Calgary, Alberta, Canada — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 14:02:57 +0000

Great article John! For people interested in getting involved/donations please visit http://www.roomtoread.org. I heard John speak at a Power Within engagement in Calgary two years ago, read his book and felt compelled to get involved. For me Room to Read offers the best investment of my philanthropy dollars.

By: Elsa Brule New York, NY

Elsa Brule New York, NY — Sun, 12 Apr 2009 03:23:40 +0000

Right now there is a challenge grant to match EVERY dollar donated to Room to Read designated for LAOS. Great opportunity to double the results of one’s gift!
The need is great, the children worthy.
World Change Starts with Educated Children. Let’s do it!
http://www.roomtoread.org

By: Yak, Buenos Aires, Argentina

Yak, Buenos Aires, Argentina — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 18:37:14 +0000

Hey John, nice idea and initiative…and although those people you mention at the end of the article may help (and it would be really useful) you need the help of millions of “Johns”, like me, and the others reading this article. Is there where this project will make a difference, when we all start helping. Maybe the biggest challenge is finding the “how” millions of people around the world can help you help.

By: Dilli Neupane, Washington, DC

Dilli Neupane, Washington, DC — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 14:28:55 +0000

This is very inspiring. I have read his book. I am originally from Nepal, the country where John’s “spark” ignited. I attended a similar school in my childhood (in the 70’s). At our kindergarten age, we used dirt (dust) placed on a wooden plank to write alphabets. Many rural schools are still in the same condition. As already commented by Preeti, not only Billionaires, but all of middle class people can make a huge difference by contributing a small amount at a time.

By: Dilli Neupane, Washington DC

Dilli Neupane, Washington DC — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 14:19:34 +0000

Preeti,
You can donate books. Info on how to do that is posted at Room to Read’s web page under “Frequently Asked Questions”

or follow this link: http://www.roomtoread.org/about/questions/donations.html#q12

By: David S. Lesperance Toronto Canada

David S. Lesperance Toronto Canada — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 12:46:51 +0000

After a long search for an effective efficient sustainable vehicle for my philanthropy, I finally settled on Room To Read. For anyone from a college student, to a young parent, to a wealthy entrepreneur who is looking for “value” in an NGO, you should really look at Room to Read as an existing organization that can allow you to have an IMMEDIATE impact on the world.

To a wealthy individual who believes in the positive impact of literacy, you have two choices. Spend a great deal of time, energy and money to attempt to build a model like Room to Read and maybe have an impact in a few years OR immediately tap into this organization and be able to visit the children you want to impact in their new school or library before the first of July.

By: Alvin, Phoenix, Arizona

Alvin, Phoenix, Arizona — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 11:49:37 +0000

Hey, the kids can really learn a lot more from Umberto Eco than Dr Seuss.

By: Marcy Morrison, La Jolla, CA

Marcy Morrison, La Jolla, CA — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 21:42:29 +0000

John is an incredible inspiration and what he has done with Room to Read is miraculous – everyone needs to read his book: “Leaving Microsoft to Change the World.” It will inspire you to follow your heart and live your passion. Thanks John and Room to Read for inspiring me and helping so many children/communities around the world. Marcy Morrison, Careers with Wings/Children with Wings (www.careerswithwings.com)

By: Preeti, Redwood City, CA

Preeti, Redwood City, CA — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 16:24:02 +0000

Inspiring! I have to ask why the challenge goes out to Billionaire entrepreneurs only – there’s a lot that the middle class can do to help. As a mom of two kids, I’ve always wanted to find a way to pass on books to projects such as this one that go a long way towards helping children in the developing world. Perhaps there is a way that I’m not aware of – how can I donate books that make their way into these libraries?