I Am Powerful

Quick intro to a good organization:

"About CARE

CARE is a leading humanitarian organization fighting global poverty. We place special focus on working alongside poor women because, equipped with the proper resources, women have the power to help whole families and entire communities escape poverty. Women are at the heart of CARE's community-based efforts to improve basic education, prevent the spread of HIV, increase access to clean water and sanitation, expand economic opportunity and protect natural resources. CARE also delivers emergency aid to survivors of war and natural disasters, and helps people rebuild their lives."

CARE's website features the "I Am Powerful" workout campaign:

"About the I Am Powerful Workout
In 2006, Eric Harr, best-selling author, fitness expert and professional triathlete, committed himself to the fight against poverty by joining CARE. He pledged to help people feel healthy, empowered and inspired to support women around the world in realizing their full potential. The result was the I Am Powerful Workout, a call-to-action to raise awareness and money for CARE just by working out. Eric is keeping his own personal pledge by training for the Ironman Triathlon World Championships, which will be held October 11, 2008."


Ok, so this is inspiring to me. All you have to do is go here and log your work out hours in order for Erik to donate $5 to CARE for each hour you train. I usually don't promote fundraisers, etc., but this takes two seconds and the idea is kind of an answer to a philosophic conundrum for me. I really love when people realize how to combine self-interest with a genuine concern for others. Yes, I do it to benefit myself, but I also am motivated to help those in need simultaneously (without expecting anything in return).
Take that, Ayn Rand.