Educating America.

[swestrup]

I'm just helping to spread the word here. LiveJournal has announced that it will be mailing out 30$ gift certificate codes to whoever asks before October 1st. The codes can then be used at DonorsChoose.org to help pay for school supplies for American kids. Basically, teachers post saying what they would do with the money, and how much they need, and you choose what particular project to put the money towards.

As a Canadian, I am very concerned with the massive lack of education evidenced by our Nuclear-equipped neighbors to the south of us, and anything I can do (especially for free!) to help mitigate this is time well spent. I've already sent away for my Gift Certificate.

Comments

[ellenk.livejournal.com]

Thanks! I just requested mine!

[paphos-sk.livejournal.com]

I got the impression Canadians can't get a certificate?
When I clicked the link to the LJ staff notice (that is in your post), I saw in the comments (http://community.livejournal.com/lj_biz/242903.html) that you have to be US-based.
Since this is cyber-coupons etc. I don't get that US part.

[swestrup]

Nah. If you read all the comments you'd see that anyone at all can get a coupon. Its just that they're only good for that one cause, and they only help Americans.

Still, its typical of LJ's botched attempt at communication that they caused such confusion.

[sps.livejournal.com]

I'm utterly confused. I read the comments and they seem to me to be clearly stating the opposite: anyone can get a cookie, but only US schools can apply for the funding.

[swestrup]

I believe you are correct. This is only good for educating Americans. Still, I think that's worth doing.

[sps.livejournal.com]

Goodness knows but some of them seem to need it. But I cannot see how to use this tool to accomplish anything useful! It would take months to read through and evaluate all this stuff, and none of it is at the level of, e.g., 'bribe textbook manufacturers to make pro-Evolution and pro-UN texts cheaper than the alternatives' (which is the sort of thing I would be attempting as a foreign government).

[metawidget]

Yeah, I can't seem to find anything like that.

I did see one where they want to give out goodie bags with STI and contraceptive info to students heading off to prom, though. As the closest thing to an activist proposal I could find, I guess I'll use the $30 of LJ's money I'll get for that.

[thebabynancy.livejournal.com]

I was not aware that it was open to canucks to participate...

[thebabynancy.livejournal.com]

A quick note to our international members: We know it's frustrating that this is another U.S.-centric effort, but this was a special project that really gave us a unique opportunity to help our students here. Don't worry -- we haven't forgotten about you, and we're sure you agree that better-educated American students will be a good thing for all of us in the future.


I think I will wait for the more international flavour of donating comes down the pike...

[swestrup]

Nah, that just means that the coupons can only help Americans. Anyone can request one. You don't even seem to need an LJ account...

[wintersweet.livejournal.com]

Heh!

America thanks you. :p