Imagine taking six months off work to volunteer with poor kids in a developing country. Building-Blocks (www.bblocks.org) can make it happen. A sort of Peace Corps for corporations, BuildingBlocks places professionals with community organizations in 48 countries for between six weeks and a year.
The volunteer assignments bring valued expertise to participating community groups and their clients. But BuildingBlocks founder Jennifer Anastasoff says they also "prepare 21st century leaders who can work across different sectors." Companies build their talent base, and volunteers learn new leadership skills.
BuildingBlocks is mostly looking for volunteers for the program; you can apply online. But Anastasoff won't turn down cash donations. A gift of $200, she says, is enough to assist the equivalent of 100 children for a year and to help ensure a community group's survival.
It all began with baseball. Sergeant Jay Smith, a Special Forces officer in Afghanistan, started a Little League team with money raised by his wife and community. He taught Afghan kids to play ball; in return, the locals helped protect the American base from Al Qaeda attacks.
When technology entrepreneur Jim Hake heard Smith's story, he knew it was what he had been searching for since September 11: a way to help. He started Spirit of America (www.spiritofamerica.net) to support projects sponsored by American military and civilians for the people of Iraq and Afghanistan. As with DonorsChoose, givers select a project on the Web site, then click to donate cash or goods. Spirit of America has funded almost 25 projects, from soccer gear to TV equipment. "It's person-to-person interaction," Hake says, "a way to improve relations, change perceptions, and nudge countries and communities in the right direction."
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