Tag Archives: Blogger Neighborhood Series

Host of the Carnival for Change, this Blogger Neighbor asks, “So What Can I Do?”

Many of us are familiar with the Carnival for Non-Profit Consultants, but has everyone taken notice of the Carnival for Change? It’s a current carnival started by this week’s Blogger Neighbor Karama Neal @ the blog, So What Can I do?

In the Carnival for Change, Karama “explore the web for interesting items relating to social justice, health, education, and opportunity.” To submit posts or to see past carnivals, click here. In the meantime, enjoy learning more about another great addition to the neighborhood!

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Blog Name: So What Can I Do? – The public service weblog promoting ethics in action.

Blog Topics: Posts focus on actions readers can take that make a positive difference in our world. My goal is for readers to recognize that we all are able to contribute to a better society, and be inspired to do so. Mahatma Ghandi’s quote, “Be the change you want to see in the world,” is our mantra.

About the Author: Karama Neal is originally from Little Rock, Arkansas, and am a proud Southerner. I live with my husband and daughter in the Atlanta area.

If you could live on any street, what would that street be named and why?

I’d live at the corner of Justice Drive and Peace Way.

Who would be your dream real-life neighbor?

Octavia Butler. She’s my favorite writer, as her characters remind me that vastly more is possible than most of us believe.

What first prompted you to blog?

The conversations at my dinner parties always turned to the problems in society. My friends and I could go on for hours about what was wrong with the world, but after a while I wanted to focus more on solutions. I decided to create a forum for collecting, disseminating, and discussing all the ways we can make a positive difference in the world. Blogging is the perfect medium for my idea, and in October 2004, I launched So What Can I Do.

If you customized your own license plate, what would it say and why?

“NO XQS” It’s so easy to find reasons not to do what we know is right or good. I try not to let myself do that. Likewise, I encourage my readers (and myself) to act for a better future rather than rationalize the status quo.

What’s your favorite blog post and why?

Sometimes folks think the only way they can contribute to solving the world’s problems is by donating money. Of course, that is not true, and my favorite posts tend to focus on ways almost everyone can give, regardless of how much money they have. Examples include donating blood, tissues, and related items, using cloth napkins, and gaming for change.

What’s one lesson you’ve learned from blogging?

Because the blogosphere is so accessible, the act of blogging makes one particularly accountable for what one writes. I’ve transferred that idea to my professional life, where I’ve become an advocate for open access publishing. Most academic research is published in expensive, hard-to-find journals. Open access publishing puts research papers on the web, where the public (who often funds research) can read, critique, and use it. It’s like blogging for tenure.

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Past Blogger Neighbors Include:

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This continuous weekly series highlights different blogs and their respective bloggers in the blogosphere neighborhood. Following the great Mr. Rogers, who tells us to ‘Get to know your neighbor,’ this series introduces us to our blogger neighbors, making for a more unified, collaborative voice for the social sector. Like to nominate someone or be featured yourself? Contact me @ socialbutterfly4change@gmail.com.


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The Neighbor Who Gives Everyday, Welcome Roger Carr

The newest addition to the Blogger Neighborhood is one who takes the 29-Day-Giving Challenge to the extreme by giving everyday. Roger Carr, at the blog Everyday Giving, was nominated by our last addition to the neighborhood: Jason Dick at A Small Change.

Read below to learn more about Roger and how he is working to inspire others to give…everyday. Enjoy, and stay tuned to see who Roger nominated for next week!

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Blog Name: Everyday Giving

Blog Topics: All types of philanthropy including volunteering, financial giving and acts of kindness

About the Author: Roger Carr is the founder and owner of Everyday Giving. he is a writer and speaker on the subject of making a difference. Roger is the author of the ebook “Wake Up and Make a Difference” and a co-author of the book “101 Great Ways to Improve Your Life.” He is an adviser to nonprofits regarding the establishment of an effective online presence and online marketing.

Roger is also a board member and volunteer with the Arthritis Foundation, Virginia Chapter. He has chaired the annual Fredericksburg Arthritis Walk fund raising event for the past three years. Roger lives with his wife, Kim, and son, Trevor, in historic Fredericksburg, Virginia.

If you could live on any street, what would that street be named and why?

A street named Hope Avenue would be a great address to live at. It would provide a daily reminder that we can have hope (and give hope) regardless of our circumstances.

Who would be your dream real-life neighbor?

Someone who is a philanthropist at heart. Mark Victor Hansen is the first person who inspired me to think big and make a difference. He would be an ideal neighbor to share with on a regular basis.

What first prompted you to blog?

For some guys, mid-life crisis means fast cars and women. For me, it meant discovering my life purpose, helping people help others. Blogging was one great way to help fulfill that purpose.

If you customized your own license plate, what would it say and why?

GIVDALY – Another way to spread the message to give back every day.

What you gift to a new neighbor as the perfect welcoming gift?

It depends on the neighbor. A young college student might get a home-cooked meal. For a young family, I would give a gift of babysitting for an evening. An older couple might receive flowers.

What’s your favorite blog post and why?

One of my most popular blog posts is also one of my favorites. The post, Nature Retreat in Washington DC Area, combines my love for hiking, photography and promoting a nonprofit organization, The Nature Conservancy.

What’s one lesson you’ve learned from blogging?

Blogging is not an individual sport. It is important to support fellow bloggers to be truly successful. This Blogger Neighborhood Series is a great example.

Past Blogger Neighbors Include:

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This continuous weekly series highlights different blogs and their respective bloggers in the blogosphere neighborhood. Following the great Mr. Rogers, who tells us to ‘Get to know your neighbor,’ this series introduces us to our blogger neighbors, making for a more unified, collaborative voice for the social sector. Like to nominate someone or be featured yourself? Contact me @ socialbutterfly4change@gmail.com.