charity water This post will be a little different.

My birthday is almost here. I’m usually excited about celebrating my bday and the awesome life I have, but this year I’m particularly thankful to have lived another happy, healthy year. Why?

As I attended the 2012 World Domination Summit in Portland, Oregon, I saw Scott Harrison – founder of charity: water – speaking on the main stage about his journey from New York nightclub promoter to humanitarian. Scott’s story is fascinating (you can see an interview with him here), but what’s more – I haven’t forgotten what Scott told us that day:

Millions of kids around the world don’t live to see their fifth birthday because they don’t have access to clean, safe drinking water.

We can help change that.

  • I believe in giving back. I have a lot of respect for entrepreneurs that make “giving back” part of their business model. I want to do the same.
  • I also believe in the power of community. Doing things together will get you and your cause (yes, that includes your business) further.
  • I believe that you can use your voice to do good. It’s our motto at Communications Rebel. We can all fuel positive change, and it usually starts with our voice. Great communication, like an inspiring story, spurs people into action. Scott Harrison and his moving story certainly inspired me to act.

So here I am, giving up my birthday for charity: water.

Will you help me reach my goal? Please donate to my birthday campaign: http://mycharitywater.org/ninabirthday

The 100% Model

Scott Harrison in Cambodia

I’m asking everyone I know for a small contribution. Every penny of the money raised will directly fund clean water projects in developing countries. Even better, charity: water will show us exactly which projects we funded once they’ve been fully completed (which takes about 18 months). That means we’ll know the locations and names of the communities we helped.

That’s a smart thing Scott Harrison did. He transformed the model of giving to charity as we know it. 100% of your donations will go directly to the field to fund water projects. You can read about The 100% Model at charity: water here.

I can’t think of a better way to celebrate my birthday than by giving the gift of clean water to people in need.

Please join me: http://mycharitywater.org/ninabirthday

Thanks for making this my best birthday ever!!!

Onward, rebel!

-Nina

Photos courtesy of charity: water.