August 14, 2006
Social Activism Made EasierNon-profits
A wise man once said, “When the world around you is full of shit, it is a good idea to pick up your shovel” That man is probably my dad, it sounds like something he would make up on the spot and in turn attribute it to some credible source (“Confucius said it”). The words do ring true but anyone who has ever picked up that shovel will know that between shovel and shit there exists a whole barrage of questions. Where do I begin de-shiting? Will this shovel do OK for all this shit? It is too much shit, how should I get others to help me in getting rid of it all? Snakes on a plane?
Twenty two year old British Columbia native Dev Aujla’s organization Dream Now appears to have some answers. Dream Now is a great initiative that helps youth organize their efforts in creating and running grass roots non-profit projects. They provide management tools and, more importantly, mentorship to participants around the globe. It all starts with an idea and rest is made easier with step-by-step guide from brain storming to project completion.
Dev’s younger brother, Aaron Aujla has also begun spreading the good word through his clothing label Auj. Every cashmere tee has an access code which, when entered, will result in a phone call from a Dream Now mentor. Cashmere tees? Yes. Preppy? Most def. Making saving the world sexy? Hopefully. Current customers include students who patented a free water purification system in Uganda, a “future dentist” who is starting an organization to bring relief to children, and Simon Jackson.
The two brothers, who have relocated shop to the centre of the universe a.k.a. Queen St. West, Toronto, have been featured in CBC’s new docu-series ‘Make Some Noise’. The series chronicles the efforts made by young people to create change in the world around them. Watch their segment. Watch it! Makes my cynical bones itch with enthusiasm.
Big ups to the Aujlas for their energy and dedication to making and helping make do-good dreams come true.
neha on August 14, 2006 10:48 PM in Non-profits · T·r·a·c·k·b·a·c·k address · Direct link · Email post
¤ tasneem khalil said: 360° - 15/8 2006
Confucius say: "between shovel and shit there exists a whole barrage of questions."
Daddy!
When the world around you is full of shit, it is a good idea to pick up your shovel
When the path is full of stones, don't be foolish and try to pick them up.
Just wear sandals.
hehe
awwwww, a heart-warming post by a cynical canadian (i didn't even know that any such thing existed). perfect month for it too -- thanks, neha!
Damn, why does saving the world have to be so expensive? Doesn't the MAN take enough of our money?
At least there's someone out there trying to do something!
Shameless self-promotion in the cause of goodness: DonorsChoose is another easy way to pick up the shovel with a click of the mouse. We also mix metaphors for free!
Damn, why does saving the world have to be so expensive?But it's free to sign up to Dream Now. You don't have to buy the tee. Unless you're the type that likes to look country-club while changing the world and such.
The MAN takes all my money. Burn the bank!
Thanks bunches for the link M E -L, y'all are doing some superb work. Very cool and so simple!
