Travel, Altruism, and Purpose: Passports with Purpose

I’m in love with the founders of Passports with Purpose and what they’re doing in the social media world for fundraising. I never have girl crushes – just not my thing. But, I have to admit that after doing a little bit of digging and researching on the founders of the organization, I’m really digging their spirits.

Okay. So first, let me just say, for those of you who don’t really know me, butt-kissing or gratuitous accolades isn’t a game I play.  I’m a true believer that everyone has their own set of unique accomplishments to be recognized and celebrated. That being said, the types of accolades that truly feed my spirit and force me to step out of my shell to publicly celebrate others, are those of people doing big things, good things for people they don’t know.  Debbie Dubrow, Pam Mandel, Beth Whitman, and Michelle Duffy are doing just that and getting others to help them with that charge.

I don’t personally know any of them but again, I really like them. Their Passports with Purpose organization, just recently raised $80,000 (EIGHTY THOUSAND DOLLARS! –> Did you hear me?) to build two libraries for children in Zambia. Now that’s what I’m talking about! These women have stepped out of their personal bubbles they call Life, united other travel bloggers and rallied for a cause (actually, a few causes since 2008), giving back to help disadvantaged communities.

So why the crush? They’re contributing big things in a small way to international economic development in global communities. This is exactly what I went to graduate school for – to study International Economic Development and help exact social change in whatever way I can. I’ve sat many nights thinking how to mesh this new travel writing career I’ve sorta fallen into, with motherhood, my Public Policy Masters, my individual giving efforts, and make it all work. To look up and see that these four women have done just that, I can’t help but sit in admiration and slight awe. What a beautiful thing.

I have to congratulate them for their successes and thank them for helping some of the under-served, regardless of racial, geographic, and religious differences. I’m glad I was able to donate to that success. The PwP crew is awesome and if you didn’t have a chance to donate through the widget on my site this year, be sure to look out for it next year.