Talking about Africa on World AIDS Day

Today is World AIDS Day. I haven't even been back in DC for 24 hours (and since I've been back I haven't set foot off campus) so while I'd like to go see the big red ribbon at the White House or go to Starbucks for their first day of partnership with (PRODUCT) RED, today is just not the day. Today, however, is the day for the launch of the new Mocha Club campaign that I did a very sub par job of blogging about a week ago. Although my blogging may have been bad (It was the day before I went home for Thanksgiving break, what do you expect?) the idea is totally not. Here's a little snippet:

I NEED AFRICA MORE THAN AFRICA NEEDS ME

When I think of Africa, the following images immediately come to mind: Starvation. AIDS. Child soldiers. Genocide. Sex slaves. Orphans. From there, my thoughts naturally turn to how I can help, how I can make a difference. “I am needed here,” I think. “They have so little, and I have so much.” It’s true, there are great tragedies playing out in Africa everyday. There is often a level of suffering here that is unimaginable until you have seen it, and even then it is difficult to believe. But what is even harder is reconciling the challenges that many Africans face with the joy I see in the people. It’s a joy that comes from somewhere I cannot fathom, not within the framework that has been my life to this day. [read more]

So, who's on board to start a team with me? For only $7 a month (which is the price of two mochas, hence the name) you can help to support a number of projects: child mothers, education, HIV/AIDS, job creation, orphan care, and Sudan regrowth. All of Mocha Club's work is done through trained indigenous leaders - which is enormously cool - and through them supporters receive monthly updates on exactly where their money is going. Personally, I want one of the "I need Africa more than Africa needs me" t-shirts. So, go check out the website. Really. It's worth it. I know that even on the days when I'm feeling most poor I can still rationalize paying for a $4 grande carmel apple spice at Starbucks. This is the same thing, just better.

(If you're not feeling convinced yet, here's a video that might help.