Blog Action Day: Fight Poverty by Helping Others Help Themselves

One of the most effective ways to fight poverty, I think, is to provide opportunities that allow others to succeed. And that, I think, is something that we can all do with our personal finances. Whether it is participating in microfinancing, donating to organizations that provide educational opportunities to the underprivileged, working to get rid of homelessness, or just donating time and effort to the local soup kitchen or Habitat for Humanity, there are many ways that you can help others help themselves.

Helping others acquire the skills, knowledge and start-up financing needed to build a good foundation is more important than just throwing money at a problem. In many cases, those who have been helped succeed and in turn help others in their communities. It is important that money used to help others be used to good effect. It reminds of the old proverb:

"Feed a man a fish, and feed him for a day. Teach him to fish and feed him for a lifetime."

There are many programs out there designed to fight poverty by helping others help themselves. To my mind, these are excellent candidates as recipients for my money. I believe that it is important to fight poverty -- after all I lose nothing when others prosper. And the world in general becomes a better place to live.

Tags: Blog Action Day, fight poverty, poverty, microfinancing, economy, Habitat for Humanity, personal finance