When I first got to Baruch in 2006, I heard a question raised about our prized diversity at Baruch from President Waldron. She said we know we are the most diverse institution but how does that translate to our culture or school on the whole?
Students from both sections of ANT1001 today agreed to launch a plan to invite the Baruch Community to participate in a ONE LAPTOP PER CLASS campaign (classes of 20 or more). We can donate money for an XO laptop for a child in the Third World that is being nationally advertised on TV and radio.
(How many classes do you think there at Baruch?)
DIVERSITY AT BARUCH AND FOR THE WORLD
As a diverse school representing over 121 countries, we as Baruch College have a unique opportunity to give laptops to educate the children of the world. The buy one get one campaign is $349 a pair but its only $199 to give a laptop. Let's just give laptops!!
With 20 students in a class, that $10 per person. $20 for two.
With 30 students, it's only $6 per person or $12 for two.
There are 57 students combined in both sections. 95% of those present were willing to support the campaign and/or contribute to a laptop. I am going to contact OLPC and see if THEY'LL set up a system for us. I already sent the email just now.
We have a committee of 8 students (Daniela, Enki, Bilal, Kashif, Ellie, Nuzzy, and Diana and maybe Angel) working to organize things.
ON THU DEC 11: We are creating a viral video on Thu and if approved it would be shown on the video kiosks on campus and linked as an announcement on Baruch sites and emails.
VIRAL CAMPAIGNING
We are on to an effective viral campaign. It could be city wide universities and colleges or even nationwide. Every child should have access to an education no matter where they are from. By tapping our own diversity at Baruch we can bridge the gaps that divide us (between students/faculty/staff, between nations/ethnicities, sexes, abilites, etc.).
If we play it right, we should contact OLPC with this as a idea to launch at all universities and colleges with Baruch as the leader.
I am writing for your support and participation. Regarding collecting money, given the short notice, we will simply use Amazon.com this year and create an old-fashioned (paper and pen) system of accounting for how much each class raises as well as posting it on our blog.
DATES
The span of the campaign would be from Fri Dec 12 to Wed Dec 23. If anyone wanted to contribute through Dec 31 online that would be fine too as long as they could note that on our blog.
I am aiming for at least 400 laptops this year. Next year? let's see how we do this year!
The mission of the OLPC campaign is to be able to provide laptops children can take home every night in an entire school. I think we could do something amazing (Obama like) in just 10 days.
CAN I COUNT ON YOUR SUPPORT?
This is a SIMPLE viral, online and email campaign. No paper flyers. I want to send an announcement inviting all faculty and staff to participate in all three schools by Friday.
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
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4 comments:
Caroline Camilo
Ant 1001 TV24A
This is a great opportunity to show what students at Baruch are capable of. Giving is receiving and receiving is giving. We are trying to be successful in college, helping children in third world countries will be an honor. We have so much opportunities knocking on our doors, why not help a child own a laptop that can expand his/her learning? I am for this campaign to the fullest and Professor Gaunt, if you don't mind I would love to help Daniella, Kashif, Nuzzy and the rest of the crew set up this exciting experience.
One laptop per child is an amazing opportunity for all of us who want to make change in the world. I know giving money in this “depression” is very hard, but you should think on what do you spend $10-$13. As everybody know, when you walk out of your home, the money “runs” away from your wallet. The money you would spend attributing to one laptop per child is approximately 3 drinks in Starbucks. I am sure the most people would be able to sacrifice these 3 Starbucks' drinks. Look how much good you could do to these children who are unable to get better education because they do not have available resources. Imagine yourself without being able to use a computer.
Last summer I bought a laptop and camera for my family back home, in Croatia. That was one of the best gifts I ever gave them. Since than, we are able to communicate whenever we want and share thoughts and feeling daily. My sisters are able to do better in school because they have resource – INTERNET- to do any additional research, study about anything they desire. Their lives became easier because now with the laptop and INTERNET they can keep up with the world. Eventually One Laptop Per Child will bring kids in the developing countries very close to what we have now with the computer technology.
The opportunity to help people that really need it is more than experience. It is a chance of lifetime. I am in great service to help in anyway that I can. It is not about a laptop, it is about changing lives. People who decide to give show compassion and care for others. Our country is in an economic crisis but we are not asking for your check. We are asking to give something that shows you have a sense of remorse for children in another country. The thought of giving away something to children who need should bring a tear to your eye. It is not the giving that counts, it is the thought of giving that counts. The thought of knowing that there are children out there that have nothing is hurtful but helping them could put a joy in your heart that you did not only the right thing but a great and compassionate thing.
I attended the early section yesterday and I was impressed with how much it can be accomplished in just one class section. Professor Gaunt thew an idea out and everyone came up with more ideas, not long after, these ideas grew into a tangible project. I learned so much from this process.
-Jouman
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