You Can Make A Difference

September 2006 All Together Now International

You Can Make A Difference,

But Together We Can Make A Change

www.alltogether.org | +1 (720) 565 8777 | info@alltogether.org | PO Box 7111 · Boulder, CO 80306 · USA

All Together Now International …is a leading developer of innovative programs and visionary alliances that promote international peace by creating greater economic, educational, and health care opportunities for disadvantaged people in some of the world's poorest regions.

HIGHLIGHTS IN THIS ISSUE

Back to School!
Announcements and Activities: ATNI boosts its volunteer program and plans a world music concert!
Project Spotlight: Shanti Sewa Griha
Taking a Break
News: Check out online articles concerning the developing world.

Back to School for All Children

As the care-free summer days begin to fade away, many of us prepare for the start of another school year. But what about the children who so desperately want an education, yet can’t even afford one uniform or notebook? As we head back to school in the U.S., it is important to remember the many children in less-fortunate countries who would love a chance to go to school. Education is one of the most important ways that developing countries can improve the lives of their people. This year, hold back on a couple of items you may not truly need and instead donate to ATNI to benefit children in Nepal and South Africa. For only $30 a month, you can help house, clothe, feed and educate a child.

Donations can be made online at: http://partners.guidestar.org/controller/searchResults.gs?action_donateReport=1&partner=networkforgood&ein=84-1418750

Announcements and Activities

ATNI BOOSTS ITS VOLUNTEER PROGRAM...To better provide for ATNI's charities and sponsors, All Together Now International is enhancing its volunteer program with the addition of new volunteer positions in accounting, event planning, fundraising and writing. To learn more about these positions, contact Gwendoline Van Doosselaere at GVanDoosselaere@alltogether.org or 720 565 8777.

ATNI WELCOMES...Lindsay Mitchell recently joined ATNI as a volunteer researcher and writer. Lindsay graduated in May from Colorado State University, where she received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Cultural Anthropology. She has always had a passion to help those who are suffering in the developing world. After returning from a trip to India this past June, where she volunteered with street children, her desire to work for those less fortunate intensified. Lindsay is very excited to be a part of ATNI and welcomes the opportunity to gain some experience with an NGO that is working to improve living conditions in some of the world's poorest countries.

AND...Dale Betterton is a software developer based in Boulder, CO. He has experience working with medical aid projects in Latin America and Africa. Dale is currently the computer and technical guru at ATNI.

WORLD MUSIC...Looking to the success of ATNI's January 2003 benefit concert, A Night of Spiritual Music, ATNI plans to provide another night of musical entertainment in the upcoming months. To reflect and embody ATNI's expanded focus and growth, this event will be a world music concert, with proceeds benefiting the multiple charities ATNI supports. At this stage in the planning process, ATNI needs help finding bands and sponsors. Individuals with event planning experience are a welcomed resource! If interested in participating or lending a hand, please contact Gwendoline at GVanDoosselaere@alltogether.org or 720 656 8777.

THANK YOU! ATNI mailed its long overdue print newsletter last month thanks to the generous help of Doug at Design Source, designs@earthlink.net or 303 651 1266, and 3J's Mailing Service, 303 442 2069. We owe many thanks to Matt Coburn who volunteers his time to update our website. Check out Matt's graphic design website at www.nuage9.com or e-mail him at mariah4435@yahoo.com. ATNI would also like to thank the following people who provided us with great, and much needed, technical support: Connie and Timm from Sentient Publications.

Shanti Sewa Griha

Shanti Sewa Griha means “Peace Service Home”--and that is precisely what this project in Katmandu, Nepal provides. Since 1992, Shanti has offered the following services, free of charge, to the many suffering people of Nepal:

Shelter to people affected by leprosy and other needy people
Medical services and medicines to patients
Rehabilitation services
Vocational training for leprosy-affected, handicapped, and other patients
An infrastructure to produce goods for own use and sale
School education for children
Food for the poor, school children, and patients
Nourishing food to malnourished children and training for mothers about nutrition and health
Education to leprosy-affected people, who were victimized or ostracized from their native communities, and to their families
Childcare for children of people who work in the workshops
Care for domestic refugees

Shanti’s center is growing every day, with a strong conviction to never turn a needy person away. The center now shelters 1,100 people, including 200 children. In order to better care for this growing population, Shanti is currently in the process of building its own hospital to care for the poor and suffering people of Nepal. They hope to finish within three years.

Shanti is also presently building a dormitory for the schoolchildren, made of their own sun-dried mud-bricks. The hope is to provide a safe and positive environment for the children of Nepal, as many have gone through the terrible suffering of violent attacks on their villages by the rebel Maos.

Finally, another very important project in expansion is the development of an eco-village, which uses biogas, a solar cooker, and solar electricity to grow organic vegetables and fruits for the people of Shanti Sewa Griha. Many of the disabled population of Shanti are able to be employed by working in the eco-village. However, more land is greatly needed to provide enough food for those in need.

The people of Shanti Sewa Griha need our help now more than ever. The summer events of the World Cup drew attention away from the tremendous suffering of poor people in Nepal. Donations from ATNI help Shanti to continue on the path to its goal of self-sufficiency and independence. Make your donations online at www.alltogether.org.

Donate, Volunteer or Support...All Together Now welcomes your tax-deductible contributions, your time and skills, and your support! For information regarding donations, volunteer opportunities and ways in which you can support ATNI's upcoming events, please visit us online at www.alltogether.org, e-mail us at info@alltogether.org or call us at 720 565 8777.

Woza Moya Director Sue Hedden Needs a Break

Woza Moya of South Africa recently alerted ATNI of their plans to arrange for a much-needed vacation for hard-working director Sue Hedden. Tireless in her dedication to Woza Moya, Sue's strength has propelled the non-profit from project to project. However, Sue's meager paycheck doesn't allow for the replenishing break she deserves. Please join us and the staff at Woza Moya as they organize a holistic health retreat for Sue over the December holidays. Send donations marked "Sue Hedden Break" if interested in contributing.

News

Browse the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) website to gather information about corners of the world that interest you. Every year, the UNDP issues a human development report advocating change and recommending ways in which to better the world as the Millennium Development Goal of halving poverty by 2015 steadily approaches: http://www.undp.org/.

With the hurricane season underway, this World Bank article on natural disaster "hotspots" warns of the dangers facing much of the world's population: http://www.earthinstitute.columbia.edu/news/2005/story03-29-05.html.

What is Sustainable Development? To find out what this term means, what the major issues are, and how you're involved, visit http://www.globalissues.org/TradeRelated/Development.asp.

All Together Now International's Mission...is to advance in underdeveloped countries unique programs that foster self-sufficiency, personal responsibility, and community building while addressing people's most basic human needs. Find out how at www.alltogether.org!

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

ADVISORY COUNCIL

David Spiegel, MD · Pediatric Orthopedic Surgeon