War Dance

Heartbreaking and uplifting at the same time, War Dance is one of the most powerful documentaries I have seen in a while. I highly recommend it. It gives you a glimpse of what is happening in Uganda which is where our focus is for this challenge, and shows the power of the human spirit regardless of circumstance. It is amazing!

The Challenge

I have taken on the challenge to raise $20,000 for the people of Uganda. I am getting involved a little late in the game, am a bit overwhelmed, but am optimistic that this goal can be reached! With the help of all of you of course! This is an opportunity to make a difference and get involved with an organization that I truly believe in; Off the Mat, Into the World. I am so excited that I stumbled across this organization and learned about the Seva challenge - I don't think it was coincidence. I feel very strongly about offering my love, support and resources to those less fortunate and have also been getting more and more involved in yoga so it seems a natural crossroad. We all get so involved in our own lives that it is rare to step outside the boxes we live in and acknowledge the suffering being felt by millions of people in different areas of our world. And to not only acknowledge it but to be able to do something about it. This is such an opportunity! We will be working with a few different organizations (see below for details on each) and what really speaks to me and called me to action is the work we will be doing for the children of Uganda.

When I reach the 20k mark I will be amazingly blessed with a trip to Uganda to meet and work closely with the people whose lives we are changing as well as the other participants and leaders of the Seva Challenge. I believe that this will be a life changing experience. And I do believe it is an opportunity for everyone involved - especially those of you making donations. Every single penny will be accounted for and put to good use and every donation makes such a difference. Nothing is too small! Please check back for information on upcoming events and to keep tabs on my progress towards reaching my goal. Thank you so much for your support!

Where does the money go?

80% of this year's Seva Challenge funds will support the following organizations and 20% will support OTM's local initiatives, including our nationwide yoga for at-risk youth programs.

This year we hope to double the amount raised for the following organizations working to provide basic needs and education to Ugandan communities.

The Goal:
$150k to Shanti Uganda to build an eco birthing center with a sustainable garden and to support birthing education and training programs for women with HIV/AIDS.

$125k to Building Tomorrow to build a primary school, housing for all seven teachers and their families and to develop a farm on the school’s property. With additional funds we can support the organization in updating and improving Building Tomorrow academies.

$10k to PSI/YouthAIDS to support their work in stopping the spread of HIV/AIDS worldwide.

PSI/YouthAIDS is an education and prevention program of PSI, that uses media, pop culture, music, theatre and sports to stop the spread of HIV/AIDS and reach 600 million young people in more than 60 countries with life-saving messages, products, services and care.

We will work closely with YouthAIDS in order to become educated about HIV/AIDS in Africa and will support their work in stopping the spread of HIV/AIDS worldwide.

$10k to New Hope School to support the orphans and improve/ update existing facilities.

The New Hope School, Entebbe, Uganda, is run by a local Ugandan and provides shelter and schooling for orphans and young children without adequate homes.

We will be supporting NHS by providing new beds for the children and orphans and supporting the improvement of their water system and educational programs.

This organization is very small and unfortunately there is no website.

Seva Challenge 2009 - In OTM's words

Seva Challenge 2009
Bare Witness: African Humanitarian Tour
in partnership with Ambassadors for Children

The war in Northern Uganda has been called the most neglected humanitarian emergency in the world today. For the past 23 years, the Lord's Resistance Army and the government of Uganda have been waging a war that has left nearly two million innocent civilians displaced. Millions of children have been orphaned by AIDS and thousands of women die annually in childbirth. An entire generation has never known peace...

OTM is committed to continuing our work to support cultures and communities where basic human needs are at risk and to offering our hearts, hands and resources in joyful and practical service.

We will be working with the following organizations:

Shanti Uganda
Building Tomorrow
Youth Aids

The Seva Challenge asks participants to raise significant funds in support of a select few organizations working to eradicate the tremendous financial and health crises that exist in Africa, and creating sustainable solutions for communities in crisis. This effort helps participants know that they are leaders who have the ability to find, support and manifest a dream. We then take a small group of leaders and push them to expand their self-confidence and capabilities by exposing them to unique physical and spiritual challenges. We will leave Africa knowing we have been in deep service and have left a powerful legacy. Participants will have until November 15, 2009.

Through the transformative practice of daily yoga, extensive hands-on experience and leadership training, we will create a powerful container in which to learn, discover and become effective agents for change. The integration of practical and spiritual tools is an important part of the journey.

Each day will start with two hours of yoga followed by hands-on work building an eco birthing center with a sustainable farm, working with local villagers building schools, immersing ourselves in local culture, learning about the HIV/ AIDS epidemic in Africa and playing with children at local orphanages.

Join Seane and Suzanne on an inner and outer journey. Take on our seva fundraising challenge and join us on a journey of transformation and deep service. Be a part of the emerging movement of sacred activism, touch a soul and change a life… perhaps your own.