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Margie ClaymanMargie Clayman

Marietta, OH

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A Blogging Hiatus Till We Get This Done

October 23, 2011 by Margie Clayman 71 Comments

ETA: At the current rate, I will reach 400,000 contributors in about 300 years. While I’m optimistic I will live that long, I can’t bank on it. Therefore, I will end my blogging hiatus satisfied that 26 wonderful people helped and many many more helped spread the word. Thank you!!! πŸ™‚

This morning I saw an amazing story – the kind of story that puts everything into perspective and makes me want to get up and do something equally awesome.

The story was about a woman named Luma Mufleh. Born in Jordan, Luma came to the US, attended Smith College, and then got a teaching job outside of Atlanta, Georgia. A wrong turn took her to an apartment complex where barefoot children were playing soccer on a makeshift field. It was a scene Luma had seen in many other places in the world, but not in the US. As it turned out, the children were all refugees from countries that had been torn apart by war and violence.

What began as Luma bringing the kids a new soccer ball to play with evolved into the creation of a Fugees (for Refugees) soccer team. That evolved into an academy that helps the children in school, because no one was paying attention to the fact that these kids couldn’t read or write in their own language, not to mention in English.

Now, Luma wants to create a permanent home for her kids called the Fugee Village. It will be a school, a home, and a place for these kids to safely establish themselves.

But creating something like that needs money. Lots of money. And the Fugees are not funded by the government.

The minimum recommended donation is $12, because $12/week is enough to help one student get tutoring for a week. If 400,000 people donated $12, Luma would be able to build her village. How many people in the online world have that many people following them on Twitter right now?

I think this is entirely doable.

So, I’m going to leave this post up until we have gotten that many people to donate. I don’t need to write posts. There are plenty of people doing that. This is more important to me than any other message I could put here.

All you have to do is let me know you donated – you don’t have to tell me the amount. You can comment here or anywhere else you know me, and I’ll keep a running tally.

Let’s change the world, starting with one little village in the state of Georgia.

I am donating $12. You can donate here. Or visit the Fugees wishlist for in-kind donations, including clothing and soccer equipment. We’ll certainly count those contributions too!

Tally of contributors: 26

Image Credit: http://www.sxc.hu/profile/falto

Filed Under: Musings

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. SocialMediaDDS says

    October 23, 2011 at 10:55 am

    I am SO in!! You are one awesome lady margieclayman … This world could use a lot more Luma Muflehs and Margie Claymans…Thank you for caring and for inspiring

    xo

    Claudia

    Reply
    • margieclayman says

      October 23, 2011 at 11:12 am

      @SocialMediaDDS Thanks Claudia πŸ™‚

      Reply
  2. DWesterberg says

    October 23, 2011 at 11:06 am

    Done!

    Reply
    • margieclayman says

      October 23, 2011 at 11:12 am

      @DWesterberg you rock. And you’re #2 πŸ™‚

      Reply
  3. CASUDI says

    October 23, 2011 at 11:07 am

    I can relate to this. My parents bought a big house outside London around 1950.They created a residential community home, with 30+ children, many from refugee families and with special needs. It was called The House in the Sun and was operational for close to half a century. I helped out from a very early age. i will be giving….

    Reply
    • margieclayman says

      October 23, 2011 at 11:13 am

      @CASUDI Wow, that’s amazing, Caroline. Thank you for sharing!

      Reply
  4. Josepf says

    October 23, 2011 at 2:20 pm

    Done…. Will do more when I can. Great Cause margieclayman Margie; thank you, And thanks milaspage for calling it to my attention in the first place.

    Reply
    • margieclayman says

      October 23, 2011 at 2:34 pm

      @Josepf thanks so much!! You’re wonderful πŸ™‚

      Reply
  5. Tribe2point0 says

    October 23, 2011 at 3:44 pm

    Margie –

    You truly are an amazing lady! Thanks for introducing us to Luma and the Fugees.

    I just completed my donation and hope to be able to do more for the Fugees. I made a note to shop through their Amazon link – they will receive 6% from every purchase made.

    Thanks for lighting the fire!

    Kelly

    Reply
    • margieclayman says

      October 23, 2011 at 5:13 pm

      @Tribe2point0 Thanks Kelly! I really appreciate that. Let’s spread the word!

      Reply
  6. girlygrizzly says

    October 23, 2011 at 6:14 pm

    Margie!

    How wonderful! I donated and will spread the word!! Wednesday’s post will also mention yours and the Fugees. I really wanted to do more, maybe my Face Book folks will come together for this as well.

    There are so many outstanding people in the world doing outstanding things. Thank you for finding and sharing these folks and their mission with us. I think it has to be true, each prayer said, each dollar given, each message passed along, these all happen because of even more outstanding people.

    If we, each one of us, does what we can, it can make remarkable things happen.

    ~Amber-Lee

    Reply
    • margieclayman says

      October 23, 2011 at 6:43 pm

      @girlygrizzly You rock very very much, Ms. Amber-Lee. Thank you so much. So many people complain that folks in the US want to help other countries before we sort out our own mess. Well, here’s a chance to help kids who are here for better lives. Works for me!:)

      Reply
  7. LittleAnimation says

    October 23, 2011 at 8:45 pm

    Done! Thanks for the opportunity to give in this way.

    Reply
    • margieclayman says

      October 23, 2011 at 9:38 pm

      @LittleAnimation thank you so very much. I really and truly appreciate it!!

      Reply
  8. RoyAtkinson says

    October 23, 2011 at 9:18 pm

    Bravo, Margie! Done.

    Reply
    • margieclayman says

      October 23, 2011 at 9:38 pm

      @RoyAtkinson Thank you thank you!!! I am so excited to see how our social media community can make a big difference to a group who so needs help. πŸ™‚

      Reply
  9. brandcottage says

    October 23, 2011 at 10:58 pm

    Done. I’ve emailed to get involved at a deeper level. One, because we are Atlantans (misplaced in the NE for a few years) and two, i can hopefully rally the media community for their support ,as well.

    They have some really nice corp sponsors which is good to see. Thanks Margie.

    Reply
    • margieclayman says

      October 24, 2011 at 6:20 am

      @brandcottage You so totally rock. Thank you thank you!!

      Reply
  10. elbiddulph says

    October 24, 2011 at 6:30 am

    Done. Thanks for sharing the opportunity to make a difference.

    Reply
    • margieclayman says

      October 24, 2011 at 9:21 am

      Thanks so much @elbiddulph . I appreciate it!!

      Reply
  11. NancyD68 says

    October 24, 2011 at 7:09 am

    I am donating items from the wishlist and a blog post.

    Reply
    • margieclayman says

      October 24, 2011 at 9:21 am

      You are amazing, as I can’t possibly note enough πŸ™‚ @NancyD68

      Reply
  12. ThinDifference says

    October 24, 2011 at 9:11 am

    Done… changing the world one step at a time with many engaged people, that is a great choice for us to make! Thanks for highlighting a wonderful community initiative! Jon

    Reply
    • margieclayman says

      October 24, 2011 at 9:22 am

      @ThinDifference Thanks Jon! That’s what I’m going for! πŸ™‚

      Reply
  13. susangiurleo says

    October 24, 2011 at 9:30 am

    On it and spreading the word! Let’s change the world on tweet, share, blog post, child, soccer ball, classroom at a time!

    Reply
    • margieclayman says

      October 24, 2011 at 12:57 pm

      @susangiurleo Thanks Doktah Gee!!

      Reply
  14. BrandonPDuncan says

    October 24, 2011 at 10:10 am

    Margie, you’re crazy. But I love it. I can’t do much from Iraq but lend you and the Fugees my voice and blog for a week. Brandi, on the other hand, will be shopping at home for things off of the wishlist and getting them sent. She’s also posting links on her blog. I’ll get the post up today and let you know when its published.

    Let’s change the world. At least the world around us.

    Reply
    • BrandonPDuncan says

      October 24, 2011 at 11:17 am

      My post is up. http://brandontheduncan.com/2011/10/using-our-voices-for-good/ – Thank you Margie for this. I hope you meet your goal. (and quickly… can’t have you out forever!)

      Reply
      • margieclayman says

        October 24, 2011 at 12:57 pm

        @BrandonPDuncan You are amazing, BD. I’m so glad I know you!!

        Reply
  15. amysept says

    October 24, 2011 at 11:27 am

    Contribution made! Looks like this project has had some great higher-profile coverage this morning and over the weekend, too. I hope Luma is solidly on her way to reaching her goal. Thanks for sharing this story, @margieclayman!

    Reply
    • amysept says

      October 24, 2011 at 11:29 am

      @margieclayman Whoops, skipped a word in there. I mean higher-profile *media* coverage – lots of references to CBS. Great to see this story spreading!

      Reply
    • margieclayman says

      October 24, 2011 at 12:58 pm

      @amysept Thanks so much, Amy. You’re lucky 13 πŸ™‚

      Reply
  16. DonovanGroupInc says

    October 24, 2011 at 11:33 am

    Thanks for this Margie and to @amysept for sharing this morning – have shared with my colleagues at the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees here in Canada as well. Cheers, Andy

    Reply
    • margieclayman says

      October 24, 2011 at 12:58 pm

      @DonovanGroupInc@amysept Wow, that’s very kind of you! Thank you!!

      Reply
  17. NicoleFende says

    October 25, 2011 at 11:46 am

    @margieclayman You rock. I love this idea! $12 is so doable. Hats off for being the change you want. I’m in πŸ™‚

    Reply
    • margieclayman says

      October 25, 2011 at 6:09 pm

      @NicoleFende Thanks so much, Nicole!!

      Reply
  18. dabarlow says

    October 25, 2011 at 12:07 pm

    Done – One more closer to your goal of 400,000! Will submit proof of my donation at work, they will match it!
    Margie, so simple… $12 a week for a person’s education! You Rock!

    Reply
    • margieclayman says

      October 25, 2011 at 6:10 pm

      @dabarlow you’re awesome, Denise. Thank you a million times! πŸ™‚

      Reply
  19. ElizabethBailey says

    October 25, 2011 at 5:59 pm

    I’ve been a regular contributor for a while but I give extra when I can and cannot wait to see the Fugee Village become a reality. I donated through the Amazon wishlist today and will do more as I’m able. Thanks for bringing attention to this!

    Reply
    • margieclayman says

      October 25, 2011 at 6:10 pm

      @ElizabethBailey Thanks Elizabeth! I know, that village is going to be amazing. I can’t wait to see that plan become a reality!!

      Reply
  20. PaulBiedermann says

    October 26, 2011 at 7:52 am

    In! Amazing cause, amazing post, amazing Margie β€” and we want your amazing posts back in our streams!

    Reply
    • margieclayman says

      October 26, 2011 at 11:38 am

      @PaulBiedermann Thanks, Paul. I was so inspired by what this woman started on her own, it just seemed like the perfect opportunity for the online world to step in and make a difference.

      Reply
  21. danperezfilms says

    October 26, 2011 at 3:00 pm

    Done. Still don’t know if I want you to keep writing but I do hope you reach your goal πŸ™‚

    Reply
    • margieclayman says

      October 26, 2011 at 6:42 pm

      @danperezfilms thank you so much, Dan. I really appreciate it! It’s all about the spirit of sacrifice, right? πŸ™‚

      Reply
  22. ginidietrich says

    October 26, 2011 at 5:29 pm

    Add one more.

    Reply
    • margieclayman says

      October 26, 2011 at 6:42 pm

      @ginidietrich thanks so very, very much!!

      Reply
  23. Mark_Robertson says

    October 27, 2011 at 8:58 am

    Any advice for leverage $0 profit projects? I like the blog-fast. I’ve read the Fugees; I feel something vital here. Other ideas?

    Reply
    • margieclayman says

      October 27, 2011 at 9:47 am

      @Mark_Robertson Hi Mark,

      The sky is really the limit. You could just blog about that topic, you could invite guest bloggers – anything can be done to leverage a blog. Just do it πŸ™‚

      Reply
  24. courtneybosch says

    October 27, 2011 at 3:30 pm

    Donated today Margie. Best of luck with this cause! πŸ™‚

    Reply
    • margieclayman says

      October 27, 2011 at 4:06 pm

      @courtneybosch thank you so very much!!

      Reply
  25. lauraclick says

    October 27, 2011 at 7:58 pm

    Done and done. This is awesome, Margie. I used to work at a non-profit in Chicago (called Glenwood School) that was somewhat similar. It wasn’t for refugees, but for disadvantaged kids. It was a school and a place for them to live during the week (they went home on the weekends).

    It’s AMAZING what can happen when you invest in children and give them the resources they wouldn’t have otherwise. A good education and a stable home environment can make all the difference. I saw children go from no literacy to A students. There were students who were the first in their families to graduate high school and go on to college. When you focus on helping young people, you really can help change the world!

    Thanks for bringing my attention to this fantastic cause. I gladly contributed and will help you spread the word.

    So, the goal is 400,000? If so, we’ve got a lot of work to do!

    Reply
    • margieclayman says

      October 27, 2011 at 9:30 pm

      @lauraclick Thanks so much! Yeah, there’s a long way to go, but hey, I’ve got time, right? So far, the Fugees have gotten over $100,000 since their story ran on Sunday Morning. Some of that is us! πŸ™‚

      Reply
      • dabarlow says

        October 27, 2011 at 10:11 pm

        @margieclayman @lauraclick YAHOO!!!

        Reply
  26. gwenmorrison says

    October 28, 2011 at 8:52 am

    Done! Best of luck reaching your goal, Margie!

    Reply
    • margieclayman says

      October 28, 2011 at 3:01 pm

      Thank you so much, @gwenmorrison !!

      Reply
  27. melgallant says

    October 28, 2011 at 10:13 am

    Done! Great cause – thank you for raising awareness.

    Reply
    • margieclayman says

      October 28, 2011 at 3:01 pm

      @melgallant Thanks for helping!! πŸ™‚

      Reply
  28. dmalloy says

    November 1, 2011 at 10:46 am

    Margie – did it! Thank you for raising awareness and your stand for humanity…

    Reply
    • margieclayman says

      November 1, 2011 at 4:58 pm

      @dmalloy Thank you!!! πŸ™‚

      Reply
  29. rj_c says

    November 1, 2011 at 1:45 pm

    For some reason I had not gotten to this till today! Thanks for bringing this up!

    Reply
  30. ChildWillRead says

    November 16, 2011 at 4:53 am

    I wonder if they could use some boxes of American children’s books. What do you think, @margieclayman ? Let me know. πŸ™‚

    Reply
    • Margie Clayman says

      November 16, 2011 at 6:24 pm

      Absolutely!!

      Reply
  31. search engine optimization rankings says

    January 12, 2012 at 11:12 am

    wow its really very informative post.

    Reply

Trackbacks

  1. Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is « Nancy A. Davis says:
    October 24, 2011 at 7:08 am

    […] my good friend Margie Clayman posted that she will not do another blog post until we reach her goal. I think the goal is doable, and I am here to help however I […]

    Reply
  2. Using our voices for good says:
    October 24, 2011 at 11:12 am

    […] Yesterday, my attention was drawn to a group of kids known as the Fugees. They’re a group of refugee kids from war-torn countries found purely by accident by Luma Mufleh. Luma, a woman born in Jordan who came to the US to further her education, took a wrong turn and witnessed some children playing soccer barefoot on a makeshift field around an apartment complex. (Read the original article here.) […]

    Reply
  3. What You Must Know to Achieve Great Things says:
    October 26, 2011 at 10:34 am

    […] enough water to all the children in Jordan, or we can set a goal to get 100 people to donate to Fugee Village. But the goal needs to be focused, concrete and achievable. Changing the world is not a goal. […]

    Reply
  4. Let's Change the World and Other Things I Liked This Week says:
    October 28, 2011 at 8:26 am

    […] for last. Blogger, and queen of awesomeness, @MargieClayman posted this week that she was on “A Blogging Hiatus Till We Get This Done,” and of course I was instantly intrigued and had to find out more. And I’m so glad I […]

    Reply
  5. Sunday Service – The Fugee Family « Being Fully Present says:
    October 30, 2011 at 10:43 am

    […] I wondered who or what in the world this @fugeesfamily could be, to inspire such passion. So, I clicked on the link and it took me to Marjorie Clayman‘s blog, “Social Media, Marketing and Musings,” and specifically to her Oct. 23 post titled, “A Blogging Hiatus Till We Get This Done.” […]

    Reply
  6. Blog Soup 2011.11.07 Unbid Tears, Love, Hope, and Imagination « The unofficial blog of Stan Faryna says:
    November 7, 2011 at 7:16 am

    […] A Blogging Hiatus Till We Get This Done by Margie […]

    Reply
  7. Four Real Ways To Make A Difference says:
    November 30, 2011 at 5:46 pm

    […] written about Luma Mufleh and her Fugees before. For all of the info you can just revisit that post, but suffice to say that her cause is […]

    Reply
  8. Go Team Duncan – Using our voices for good says:
    February 18, 2012 at 12:58 pm

    […] Yesterday, my attention was drawn to a group of kids known as the Fugees. They’re a group of refugee kids from war-torn countries found purely by accident by Luma Mufleh. Luma, a woman born in Jordan who came to the US to further her education, took a wrong turn and witnessed some children playing soccer barefoot on a makeshift field around an apartment complex. (Read the original article here.) […]

    Reply

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