Tell Us, How Do You See Change?

#GivingTuesday began in response to “Black Friday” and “Cyber Monday” as a way to highlight that the holidays are about giving and charity, not just consumerism. For the third year, the Aga Khan Foundation U.S.A. (AKF USA) is joining #GivingTuesday – the Tuesday after Thanksgiving – as a partner to raise awareness and funds for a good cause.

AKF USA is launching a month-long online campaign on November 2 leading up to #GivingTuesday, December 2. The campaign centers on stories of self-reliance told through the voices of people throughout the Aga Khan Development Network. The stories (hashtag #HowISeeChange) come from people who witness change close up in the Network’s programs in Asia and Africa.

Our theme, “How I See Change,” brings together stories that illustrate transformation and positive change in some of the most challenging regions of our world. For the Aga Khan Development Network, growing self-reliance is at the core of what we do. Because self-reliance is at the heart of how many of the poorest among us are already transforming their lives away from poverty, with your generous support.

We ask you to celebrate with the Foundation by donating toward our Giving Tuesday goal of $20,000. And we ask you to share how you see change.

With our partners at Whole Planet Foundation (the philanthropic arm of Whole Foods), we will share these stories through their network. And we need to hear from you!

Our first story is about a young child high in the mountains of Central Asia. How can we see change in his life and prospects, far from the comforts we take for granted?

The stories then take us across Asia and Africa to hear how change is happening through savings groups, health programs, entrepreneurship and microfinance. From the Kyrgyz Republic in Central Asia to Mali in West Africa, you will be encouraged by the momentum you see and the hope you witness. To keep the hope alive and growing we need your help. Every gift – of any size – makes a difference.

Watch this inspiring short video from our partners at the U.S. Agency for International Development to see how far we’ve already come toward ending extreme poverty, and how we can get the rest of the way there.

Learn more about AKF and GivingTuesday here, watch for the stories, and prepare to share how you see change on Facebook and Twitter. Stay tuned!