How You Can Code Global Poverty Away

This post is in response to Blog Action Day. This year’s topic is one that is important to everyone – poverty.

Back in the first years of my computer infancy, one website struck a core nerve with me – The Hunger Site. It was the first time I saw a website completely dedicated to the greater good of humanity. It is rare that we as software developers get the chance to utilize our talents for the sole purpose of making the world a better place, but there is always opportunities if we keep our eyes open.

While passing through Sioux Falls, SD this weekend on a family vacation, the family and I decided to take a road break at a local mall. While bopping around we discovered a store unlike any other called Catharsis. Catharsis is a small, local art studio with some of the best local talent I think I have ever seen.

Since I am a chatty guy, I started chatting with one of the owners and he began to tell me a story that the entire store actually operates like a non-profit organization and that all proceeds go to local charities such as animal shelters, half-way houses, and the local Luther League. I was absolutely humbled by these guys and their generosity (as must have the mall, because they practically donated the space even through the xmas season).

Long story short, they said they were new to the internet and needed a website – I decided this was one of those opportunities to help. I donated a small amount of money, time, and personal resources and help them to create Experience Catharsis. It is literally only hours old and still slightly under construction, but it is a start of something I feel could be larger than local to Sioux Falls.

Many small hands move mountains, but small hands with the power of the internet can change the world. I hope you search and find at least one opportunity in your career to donate your time and skills as the rewards you inadvertently may find might be greater than anything you could ever imagine.

– Max