Giving Back — Page 5

Little Hands & Big Hearts – #CleverMembersUnite #spon

Giving back has always been really important to me. As a little girl, I grew up very poor. My dad got really sick, and my mom was raising 4 kids under the age of 6. We relied on help from our community to get through those years – which made me realize how much that help can matter to someone in need. As I’ve become a mom myself, I better appreciate how hard it must have been for my mother back then – so it’s important to me to give back when I can, to support other mothers with families in need.

“Be the change that you want to see in the world.” – Mahatma Ghandi

Growing up with very little makes me very appreciative of what I have now. And donating extra food, clothing, and toys to organizations in our community who get them to families who need it helps me remember how lucky I am. So I want to pass that on to my daughter, so that she grows up with compassion and empathy for others too. She’s only 19 months old, so she is too young to fully understand these concepts – but we still include her in our volunteering campaigns, so she can grow up surrounded by great people doing good things. And she is already just the sweetest little giver – if she has a cookie, she’ll share half with you. If she’s got a dolly to hug, she’ll bring one to you too. I love that she’s off to a good start… {hopefully that attitude of giving and sharing sticks around through the terrible 2’s, right?}

“Don’t judge each day by the harvest you reap, but by the seeds you plant.” – Robert Louis Stevenson

One amazing group of great people doing good things is the team over at MembersUnited. They have put together a very unique way for families to donate money to some really wonderful causes – You choose your families donation amount, and then you get to vote for your favorite cause. Imagine American Idol – Each week you come back to check out the group of amazing charities to choose from, and vote for your favorite to help them make the next round. Reading about all of the different organizations can really start some great conversations with your kids, and help them realize that there are so many needs, and so many ways to help!

“One person giving $20 is a drop in the ocean. One thousand people giving $20 brings clean water to a village for a lifetime.” – Members Unite

Thinking about big world problems can sometimes feel overwhelming – what could I possibly do to make a difference? But, with a site like MembersUnite.com, you can really see how your dollars and your vote are making a difference!

For as little as $5 bucks a month – the price you’d pay for one latte, or one Happy Meal – you and your family can get started making a difference. My goal is to inspire 10 of you amazing readers to sign up, and get your families involved with this amazing organization! If you do join – leave a comment here to let me know which cause YOU chose to support!

Posted by Meagan Paullin on March 7, 2012 Filed Under: Giving Back | 8 Comments

What You Can Do To Help Protect Infants Now

Protect Infants Now from Meningococcal Meningitis

When I was approached by Mom Central about participating in this campaign, I of course gave an enthusiastic YES right away. Any time that I can use my voice her on my site to help spread the word about important causes, I jump at the opportunity to help. I have heard about Meningitis, and knew that it was a dangerous disease for babies – But I had thought that this was something all babies are vaccinated against regularly. I was shocked to learn more about what a devastating disease this is, and that the CDC does not currently require this to be a part of routine care for babies.

Leading Cause of Preventable Infant Death in the US

I had NO idea that, after neonatal complications and accidental injuries, this disease is one of the leading causes of death in infants. Very scary. One out of every 16 babies who contract this disease will die from it, and among the survivors, one in five will suffer seizures, blindness, amputation, paralysis or learning disabilities. I had no idea. The worst part? Over 50% of these deaths could have been prevented if the baby had been vaccinated. Right now, the CDC is trying to decide whether to recommend that all children ages 2 and under be vaccinated against this disease. Keep reading to see how you can help influence this decision.

Are you crying by now too?

This absolutely breaks my heart, and I cannot even imagine how life goes on when such a devastating loss happens in your life. I can’t imagine ever going through something like that, and I will do my part to ensure that no other mother has to endure that either. If you’d like to join us, learn more about how you can help…

Protect Infants Now!

Ask CDC to Recommend Infant Meningococcal Vaccines – Sign this petition to add your name to the growing number of parents who are showing support for this campaign.
Learn more about the Meningitis Angels, and what you do to show support.
Visit Protect Infants Now to learn more about the fight to vaccinate and educate to stop Meningitis.

Has your life been affected by this disease?

Have your friends or family ever been touched by this disease? How do you feel about the fight to vaccinate all babies against this tragic disease? Show your support by signing the petition, and share your stories in the comments below.

{I participated in a campaign on behalf of Mom Central and Meningitis Angels. This campaign was made possible in part through support provided by Novartis Vaccines. A small donation to a charity of my choice was made in my name from Mom Central as a thank-you for participating. All opinions in this posting are 100% my own.}

Posted by Meagan Paullin on January 31, 2012 Filed Under: Mommy Thoughts | 1 Comment

Love Yourself Giveaway: Supporting Domestic Violence Survivors

Love Yourself Giveaway Event

CEO of Me, Inc.com, Sunshine & Sippy Cups & This n That with Olivia are very excited to be teaming up with 40 other amazing Blogs and great Sponsors for the “Love Yourself Event & Giveaway” from Feb 1-14. The mission of this event is to raise awareness about domestic violence and to celebrate the brave women, children (and men) who have made the decision to leave abusive relationships and environments.

This Giveaway is very near to my heart…

Each of the blogs participating paid a fee to participate. 50% of that fee was donated to Brave Woman.org. (The other 50% went towards the grand prize Kindle Touch & Amazon Gift Card). Brave Woman.org is a wonderful charity that supports domestic violence awareness and changing the perception of victims of domestic violence. Many of you may remember me sharing my story, and how the Brave Woman organization helps domestic violence victims, in a post about a month ago – It was the hardest post I’ve ever written, but the feedback from other women was amazing.

Domestic Violence Survivor – My Story

Brave Woman.org is much more than a charity though, it is a movement. It is about brave women, children, (and men) coming together “with messages of overcoming life fears, picking ourselves up and trying again” to support survivors of domestic violence. There is no need to be ashamed if you have been a victim of domestic violence. You can find support, information and assistance through many resources.

We want to encourage you to visit Brave Woman.org and Take the Pledge and support this cause by joining the community of other Brave Women. Please also consider donating or volunteering to Domestic Violence shelters, centers and charities local to you.

If you have been or are currently in an abusive relationship or environment, please reach out and let other Brave Women & men help you. “You are not alone, even when you feel small, unsure and maybe even terrified.” – BraveWoman.org

To enter this giveaway use the Rafflecopter form below!

Thank you so much to the participating blogs and sponsors. Please be sure to visit their sites too!

Frugal Fanatic, Thrifty Jinxy, Coupon Spice, Kat’s Cafe, Rainy Day Pennies, Tracer’s Coupon Affair, I am a Couponer, Food N Service, My Un-entitled Life, Meg’s Moxie, Madame Deals, This n That with Olivia, Suburban Coupon Mom, Coupon Savings in the South, Coping with Frugality, Money Saving Parent, Sunshine & Sippy Cups, Rewards Station, Front Page Freebies, CentsLess Deals, 4 Little Monsters and Me, CEO of Me, Inc., Full Price? Never!, Cori’s Coupon Corner, Debt Free Spending, Sweeties Freebies, The Shopper’s Apprentice, Whole Lotta Mama, MyCouportiera, Growth in God, SAVING with a Working Mom, The Tales of Bubba & Mack, Pharmapack, Fit Moms for Life, Sunshine of Autumn, Scentsy Consultant Jennen Gonzalez, AVON Consultant Sandy Kearns, Zija Weight Management, Mary Kay Consultant Olivia Douglass and The Homestead Company.

[Read more…]

Posted by Meagan Paullin on January 31, 2012 Filed Under: Giveaways | 25 Comments

Dream Big for Africa: Easy Way to Do Good & Chance to Win

One Child Dies Each Minute

It’s incredibly hard to imagine living in the United States, but in Africa, Malaria kills one child every single minute. Stop for a minute, and think about that – every single minute, another mother loses her child. Devastating. And it can be so hard to think about this kind of thing, when it feels so big and overwhelming and sad – and what can you even do about it?

Busy Mom Solution: An Easy Way to Do Good!

An amazing campaign from Malaria No More makes it so simple for you to do something good – And they even sweeten the deal, so not only are you helping to save lives, but you’re also getting a chance to win an awesome prize!

Text DREAM to 85944 to donate $10 to @MalariaNoMore and be entered to win a trip to Africa with @NBCSmash star @katharinemcphee. #socialgoodmoms

As a member of Mom Bloggers for Social Good, I’m so excited to be able to share such life-changing campaigns with you guys, and let you know about such a simple way to help save lives!

Learn More

Mom Bloggers for Social Good – Dream Big for Africa Campaign Page

Malaria No More – Dream Big Information Page

Posted by Meagan Paullin on January 25, 2012 Filed Under: Fun Stuff | 1 Comment

Searching for 8 Extraordinary Moms on a Mission

“Let us not be satisfied with just giving money. Money is not enough, money can be got, but they need your hearts to love them. So, spread your love everywhere you go.” – Mother Teresa

Earlier this week I shared my big news with you – I’m incredibly proud to be a founding member of Mom Bloggers for Social Good, and am excited to let you know that their new website is live now too – Check it out. And I’m EXTRA excited today to share one of our first partners with you, since they’re already a favorite of mine – Healthy Child, Healthy World.

Moms on a Mission

Healthy Child, Healthy World is all about helping families reduce the toxins in their lives – Learn more in their 5 Easy Steps to Healthier Living. And they’ve got a very cool contest going on, to help them find some of America’s most amazing moms. Read more –

“Nominations are now open at HealthyChild.org to find eight extraordinary parents—one of whom will become our 2012 “Mom on a Mission.” From January through August, Healthy Child will select and honor one finalist each month; in September and October, the general public will vote to choose the winner, who will honored with a grand prize at a gala event in New York City in November.”

Meet 2011’s Mom on a Mission, Tamara Rubin of Portland, OR

Watching Tamara’s video makes me feel so motivated and energized – and reminds me that ANYONE can make a difference – so EVERYONE should! Every small action you make in your own community has ripple effects, and you never know what great things you can accomplish until you get started. If you know an extraordinary “Mom on a Mission” – take a minute to honor her by nominating her today. And I’d love it if you’d share her story here in the comments too!

Learn More:

Celebrating its 20th anniversary year, Healthy Child Healthy World began in 1992 after five-year-old Colette Chuda died of a rare form of non-hereditary cancer linked to environmental factors. Playing a leadership role in one of the most important public health and environmental movements of the 21st century, today Healthy Child Healthy World ignites the movement that empowers parents to protect children from harmful chemicals. More information can be found at www.healthychild.org.

Support Healthy Child, Healthy World on Facebook & Twitter. And learn more about the work we’re doing at Mom Bloggers for Social Good by following the hashtag #socialgoodmoms on Twitter.

{Disclaimer: No compensation was received for this post – as a member of Mom Bloggers for Social Good, I’m proud to share information about great people doing great things – with easy ways for you to get involved too!}

Posted by Meagan Paullin on January 13, 2012 Filed Under: Contests | No Comments

I’m Supporting Brave Women – #BraveWoman #CBias

Did you know that ONE in FOUR women will experience domestic violence in her lifetime?

A few weeks ago, I told you guys my own story – how I used to be that ONE out of four women. Sitting down at my desk to write about that time of my life, about dealing with domestic violence – that was THE hardest post that I’ve ever written. It was difficult to let myself think about those times, to be honest about how weak I was, and to share all of that incredibly personal information with others. BUT – I was overwhelmed by the amazing feedback I got from all of you. The comments, the messages on Facebook, and the emails sharing your own stories – they were so powerful, so moving, and I shed a ton of tears for you all too! But I love that most of you also had stories of strength to share, with happy endings. Let’s help other women find a better future too, by supporting BraveWoman.org!

“A woman with a voice is by definition a strong woman. But the search to find that voice can be remarkably difficult.” – Melinda Gates

The Brave Woman campaign is all about helping EVERY woman find her voice. To encourage her to tell her story, to help the next woman realize that she’s not alone. To help others understand that, as the website says, “Leaving a life of domestic violence is a series of moment-by-moment decisions requiring brave choices and bold actions. It can be hard to believe in ourselves when we have been beaten down by circumstance.” I’ve read so many other women’s stories by searching the hashtag on Twitter – #BraveWoman – and this one really stood out to me: Rebecca Parsons, from Cre8tiveCompass.com, describes it like this, “abuse takes away your rational thinking and is replaced by a ‘just let me keep everything perfect so he won’t blow up’ mentality” – and I’m sure that there are hundreds of other women who understand that all too well.

“It doesn’t matter who you are, where you come from. The ability to triumph begins with you. Always.” – Oprah Winfrey

Will you join us in signing the pledge on BraveWoman.org? By supporting each other, we can begin to bring this issue out of the shadows it hides in, and put an end to it.

“I pledge to honor and respect brave women and children who tackle the difficult journey of change from domestic violence to a new life. I acknowledge my own moment-by-moment bravery, will remain aware of what is happening to others around me, and speak up against violence in any form. I will stand up for human dignity and safety for women and children.”

“No matter what accomplishments you make, somebody helped you.” – Althea Gibson

For more information on the Brave Woman organization, please visit www.BraveWoman.org. Follow them on Facebook and Twitter, watch their totally empowering videos on YouTube, and tell your friends about them too! And I would love for you to join us at our Twitter party on January 17th, 8-9 pm ET to support Brave Woman, use hashtag #BraveWoman to follow along.

{THIS POST HAS BEEN COMPENSATED AS PART OF A SOCIAL SHOPPER INSIGHTS STUDY FOR COLLECTIVEBIAS. ALL OPINIONS, IDEAS, AND PHOTOS ARE 100% MY OWN. #CBIAS, #BRAVEWOMAN}

Posted by Meagan Paullin on January 12, 2012 Filed Under: Mommy Thoughts | No Comments

Mom Bloggers for Social Good – #socialgoodmoms

Announcing the Official Launch of Mom Bloggers for Social Good

I am incredibly proud to be a founding member of Mom Bloggers for Social Good – and extremely excited to announce that they’ve just launched the website and social media sites. It is so important to me to use the voice that I have here on this site to give back, and I can’t wait to see how this group of amazing women bloggers comes together to promote some amazing causes.

“The moment a child is born, the mother is also born. She never existed before. The woman existed, but the mother, never. A mother is something absolutely new.” – Rajneesh

This is my very favorite quote of all time. When we become mothers, a new place grows in our hearts – who would have ever believed how much love you could feel for this tiny person? It’s completely life-changing. You also grow another new part in your heart – You suddenly have so much love for every other mother and child in the world. Every story of a child abused, neglected, or unable to have the basics that they need to live happily – those pull at that new place in your heart, and you feel driven to do something to help them. My heart breaks to imagine mothers in some parts of the world who have no food or medicine for a sick baby, who can’t send their daughters to school, who struggle just to provide clean water to their families.

“Never Doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” – Margaret Mead

I’ve always been the type of person who wanted to “save the world” – and while that might be a bit out of my reach, I’m excited to at least have the opportunity to make a small difference. Connect with Mom Bloggers for Social Good – and spread the word: