Books For Burma

Been recently talking with John Wood, the founder of Room to Read (nonprofit that has built over 2,500 schools and libraries in an effort to end childhood illiteracy around the world by 'simply' providing books and spaces for reading/studying).  Have been re-reading his recently published book Leaving Microsoft to Change the Wold as well in preparation for a Q&A I'm working with he/his assistant to publish soon.  Needless to say, while much banter about the 'future of learning' goes on here in the "think:lab" playground, sometimes all we need to do is get one more book into the hands of one more kid.  Simple.  Infinite.  Let the rest take care of itself.

Was recently contacted by the Books for Burma folks while thinking about this premise.  Appreciated their approach.  Not an ask, so much as an "thought you might like to know" sort of message.  Crucial difference here in the blogosphere when press releases use vague emails to get bloggers to post.  Find a connection.  Make it authentic.  Leave the door open.  Do good.

Here's what I now know about Books for Burma:

• Books for Burma is a project to bring educational resources to the people who need them - refugees and exiled activists from Burma who for political and financial reasons are unable to obtain or continue their  formal education.
• Books for Burma gives individuals a chance to help their cause by donating new or used books - to activists who are on the frontlines of the struggle for democracy in Burma, or refugee children who are unable to attend local schools
• From November 1 through December 1, books and multi-media resources like CD-Roms will be collected here in the U.S. through book drives andonline donations.
• The donated books will then be shipped to various exiled student, youth, and refugee organizations in Thailand and Malaysia, to help them build resource libraries and to educate
  themselves and their children.
• For more information on the project, how to contribute and donations guidelines just visit www.freesuukyi.org.

Appreciated this final sentiment in particular.  If you do as well, consider getting involved:

This is the best way we could think of to make a real difference. By helping those individuals who are working for change to help themselves, we can play a part in bringing peace and democracy to the region one book at a time.