Mobilize your network
Get the word out that you support READ Global! Host a casual fundraiser or start an email campaign and mobilize your network to help rural communities in Asia. Together, you can help fill a library with books, build a Women's Empowerment Center or even fund an entire READ Center.
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In 2010, 14-year old Claire Thomsen spent a year of her life traveling to the far reaches of the world with her parents. After visiting 27 countries, she was most deeply moved by what she experienced in rural Bhutan. “None of the Bhutanese children I met had heard of America, and many only knew of the countries that neighbor Bhutan. After spending time with a few kids my age, I knew right away that I wanted to help them learn about the rest of the world. I just had to figure out how.” With the support and guidance of her family, and after meeting Thinley Choden, country director of READ Bhutan, Claire decided to raise $50,000 to help build an entire Community Library and Resource Center in Chuzagang, Bhutan. Through a direct mail campaign and email appeals, Claire motivated her family, friends and peers to make $25,000 in donations. Then in December 2011, the Thomsen’s hosted a fundraising event inspired by the unique Bhutanese culture. In less than a year, this exceptional high school student has already reached 70% of her fundraising goal! She plans to visit the READ Center in Chuzagang once it has been built.
Nicole Melancon and her father, avid hikers, always dreamed of traveling to Nepal. Last fall, they celebrated their 40th and 70th birthdays with this long-awaited trip. Nicole decided she wanted to give something more to Nepal, and after searching out organizations that supported rural empowerment and education she found READ Global. "The fundraising idea came to me over the summer. I had recently spent a week volunteering in Costa Rica and realized the importance of giving back to the community. I was amazed by how in a week's time, I felt like I was really able to contribute. I decided that from now on, I want to give back to each country I visit." A stay-at-home Mom, Nicole creatively mobilized her network of friends and family to raise money for READ. She babysat on Fridays, started a lemonade stand with her kids and held a garage sale. She inspired her friends and neighbors to make donations and sought out a matching donation from her husband's employer. In total, Nicole raised $4,000. This past October, she and her father trekked the world-famous Annapurna Circuit and walked through villages scattered among 25,000 feet Himalayan giants, where they saw first-hand the beauty of Nepal and also the immense need for educational resources. "I learned how important education is to the people of Nepal," Nicole wrote to us, "especially the remote villagers who don't have schools." Read more about Nicole Melancon on her international travel and culture blog Third Eye Mom.