One Way Every Day: March 8 - One Day's Wages

According to UNICEF, approximately 3 billion people live on less than US $2. day and 1.4 billion people live on less than US $1.25 day - the definition of those living in extreme poverty. The numbers are staggering but are absolutely real. Behind each number is a human being: a mother, father, sister or brother. In the midst of these staggering statistics, what can one person do? What can a person's "one day's wages" do in the face of such staggering statistics?

While we might not be able to save the world, we can absolutely make a difference. We can help change the world and in turn, be changed. While the issues are complex, experts and global organizations are in agreement: We have the capacity to end extreme global poverty.

One Day's Wages was started by an average family that chose to donate their entire 2009 salary - in hopes of inspiring people to simply donate their one day's wages (0.4% of one's annual salary) at least once/year. We don't have to be rock stars, billionaires, or famous. We can all make an impact. ODW is you, me, us, and them: giving, dreaming, and working together.

In response to the overwhelming statistics about extreme global poverty, we often have more questions than answers:

What can one person do?
What is the impact of one day's wages?
Can I really make a difference?

The answers are an emphatic "Yes."

Yes, one person can make a difference. Imagine when many individuals work together to change the world - and be changed in that process. We not only have much to give but we actually have much to receive and learn.

Yes, a person's "one day's wages" can make a difference. An average working person's daily wage is approximately 0.4% of their annual salary. Consider the impact we can make for another person, a family, a village, or an organization that is on the ground working to uplift people out of poverty:

Malaria Net: $10
Clean Water for one person for 20 years: $20
Child's Tuition for Education: $45
Teacher's Salary in jungles in Burma: $60/year
Training & Sewing Machine for one woman: $125
Machine Drilled Well for a Village: $1400

While compassion is an important aspect of our humanity, The goal of One Day's Wages is not only to distribute funds, but rather, to partner with organizations already working to allow people to lift themselves out of poverty. The good news is, there are already individuals and organizations around the world doing amazing work to end extreme global poverty. ODW is not trying to re-invent the wheel but rather to collaborate and partner with those out on the field doing the work.

How about it? Are you willing to make a difference by donating ONE DAY'S WAGES to help others?

Get Involved:

Donate to ODW or one of the partner charities.

Start your own Campaign for a Cause.

Shop online at the ODW Store.