Pick One: Ways You Can Help the World, the Nation, Your Region, Your Community

For years now I and my many friends and associates have been inundated with solicitations. Under guise of surveys, questionnaires, dramatic alerts, etc., they all want money. And many political groups and non-profits send out pleas for dollars over and over again, even when you've just donated. The sheer bulk of the solicitations and the frequent misrepresentations are enough to turn most people away from giving anything. Me, too! But I thought there's got to be a better way. So I began a lengthy research effort (I'm a professional author and researcher) into international, national and local charities. I learned which ones have great reputations but don't spend money wisely, and the many unknown ones that do terrific work efficiently. All this came together when my lifelong friend, publisher Bob Reed, thought this was an idea worthy of investing. This resulted in Pick One being published and distributed in the U.S. and worldwide. I think you'll find a wealth of information in this book, in handy form, and that it will enable you, too, to make a difference in the world. Thanks for your attention.

Reviewed by Carol Hoyer, PhD, for Reader Views (7/09) How many times have we seen on the news homelessness, abused children, poverty and neglect? How many times have we said to ourselves "I should get involved," and yet do nothing about it? How do we know which organizations are legitimate? The authors have given us those answers in their very detailed and well-researched book. The list covers international, national, and local charitable organizations that anyone of us could contribute to. Regardless of your financial status or your busy schedule, it doesn't take much to help. Sometimes it just means setting aside time to help in any way you can from making phone calls to stuffing envelopes. Do we make a difference when we contribute our time or money? If you touch one person's life- you have made a difference. Even children can get involved. We shouldn't do this for personal glory or bragging rights- we need to do this because we really care. Each section is broken down into different levels of volunteerism- from international to local. The author's provide an overview of the mission of the organization, and how it is recognized. There is an alphabetical list in the back of the book of each legitimate organization as well as things an individual or organization can do - very simple things such as reduce waste, driving courteously, donate household items or just doing random acts of kindness. "Pick One" by Colin Ingram and Robert D. Reed is a very organized and well-written book. It certainly will give readers varied options on how to help and lists web sites or contact numbers for further information. All you need to do is take time from watching sports or posting on Facebook to help.

Making a difference is not a difficult thing to do. One just needs to approach it right. "Ways You Can Help, Pick One: The World, the Nation, Your Region, Your Community" is a guide to making a difference by focusing on what one really wants to do and finding out how to help that cause. Attempting to inspire readers to believe in the innate goodness and power of people, authors Ingram and Reed offer a positive, educational message about literally changing the world. "Ways You Can Help, Pick One" is a practical world saver's guide, highly recommended.

Few of us think of ourselves as Philanthropists but we all are faced with choices when it comes to making a contribution of time and or money to worthy charitable causes or if volunteering to help directly in needy projects. Colin Ingram and Robert D. Reed collaborate in "Pick One: Ways You Can Help: The World, The Nation, Your Region, Your Community." "Pick One" is a compilation of charitable organizations. The book provides an alphabetical list of organizations, which is also arranged topically by the type of service each renders. The entries describe what the organization does, sources of funding, and how the funds are used in service, ministry, administration, and fund raising. Your burning passion may be fighting worldwide hunger, improving health care or eliminating poverty. Whether you choose to volunteer on disaster relief projects, short term mission service through your church, or involvement in urban renewal, you will find direction in locating those organizations which are in need of volunteers. The section "Ways to Volunteer" will be a valuable resource in leading you to take that first step in exploring a mission or a cause which will challenge you to make a positive impact beyond your wildest dreams. I found the listing of major charity rating organizations to be a valuable tool in researching additional information on organizations of particular interest to me. The alphabetical index of organizations is another important feature. "Pick One" is written to enable the reader be well informed in ways to contribute locally, regionally, nationally, and worldwide. This is an important and timely resource for individuals, family foundations, and Philanthropists.