Patagonia, ChilePhoto by International Rivers
I’ll admit I had never heard about International Rivers until last year when my younger sister Emily started working there. She was so excited to be joining this organization and was eager to tell me about it. During her first few months she helped launch the Power4People campaign to promote energy alternatives to large hydropower, and supported a campaign to stop five dams proposed in Patagonia, Chile – a campaign that was successful this past June! Her excitement over the work they do and the impact they have on the world’s rivers really inspired me and encouraged me to consider how I could support the causes I care about.
While I’m not a scientist, the idea of helping rivers stay rivers is an easy one for me to support. A river that is blocked from flowing naturally is like a clogged artery -something that isn’t good for the planet or our bodies.
Last year, around this time of year, I had the opportunity to give to a cause of my choosing through my employer. I was faced with a long list of organizations, which all looked fantastic and worthy of my support. I tried to do more research in addition to reading the short blurbs about each organization, but I remained unsure of where to donate.
When I saw that International Rivers was on the list, my search was over. Because of my inside view of International Rivers, I had the confidence of knowing exactly what my gift would support. I felt comfortable knowing that I was donating my hard-earned money to an organization that I could trust to authentically represent the voices of communities whose rivers and livelihoods are threatened.
That’s why this year for #GivingTuesday, I’m helping rivers stay rivers by donating to International Rivers.
I know that International Rivers’ staff around the world is working tirelessly on an issue that’s less well-known than most – the impact that over-exploitation of our rivers is having on the health of our planet. And I know they’re they only organization doing this work on a global scale.
As a social media expert by training, I’m excited to be participating in #GivingTuesday – a global day of online philanthropy dedicated to giving back – especially after the craziness and scramble of Black Friday and Cyber Monday.
The holidays are an important time to give thanks and be grateful for all that we have, while also finding ways to help make the world better for everyone. That’s why I’m donating to International Rivers again this holiday season – because without the work my sister and her colleagues are doing to protect our rivers, we’d all be worse off.
- Please join me in helping rivers stay rivers by donating to International Rivers on #GivingTuesday. Every donation makes a difference.
This year they’re embarking on an ambitious and exciting challenge to secure more gifts in 24 hours than ever before. If International Rivers receives 200 donations on #GivingTuesday, they’ll secure an extra $10,000 matching grant from the George and Miriam Martin Foundation to kick-off their year-end giving. This means that each gift will be worth $50 more than what you donate!
Your gift of any amount over $2 will go a long way to protect rivers worldwide. If you’re able to, consider becoming a member with a gift of $35 or becoming a monthly sustainer with a gift of $10 per month.
Thanks for your support and happy holidays!
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Olivia lives in the Bay Area and works as an Account Manager at Google. She earned her BA in Cultural Anthropology at Emory University and enjoys horse-back riding, reading and seeing live music.
