Welcome to The Kettle!

Primarily, "The Kettle" publicizes and manages the "Three Cups of Tea Book Project." However, as described in our very first post (click here), we also hope to use "The Kettle" as a medium for individuals interested in social issues to become more aware of the lives of those less fortunate. Ideally, whatever we write or publish here will take that nascent concern and transform it into action. To inspire any action, small or large, in the genuine interest of doing better for the world is our ultimate goal.

Though heavily slanted towards Pakistan and Afghanistan presently, we do try to include news, opinions, and reference materials regarding diverse topics, including poverty, reconstruction, human rights, Africa, "Green" developments, Micro Finance, and other solutions and considerations for what are essentially man made problems in the world. In the universe of charitable options, we endorse and support multigenerational solutions and initiatives for multigenerational problems.

The education made possible by the Central Asia Institute is one such solution, but there are certainly others. We encourage the commitment of resources and people that goes beyond merely "patriarchal" handouts to the multitude of people in need. We agree that it is good to charitable, but charity that only treats the symptoms and not the root causes has proven to be insufficient. A consistent commitment to work with the local communities of people in need to provide and/or improve education, nutrition, access to capital, human rights, security, sustainable development/redevelopment, and environmental stewardship are what will lead to an enduring improvement in people's lives.

If you have any questions, general comments, and suggestions for improvements, please leave a comment on any of the posts below, and we'll follow up with you!

The Kettle's shared items

Friday, May 8, 2009

Book Project: Letter in Books

I continue to tweak the letter which I include in the books. Below is what I have currently. I'm open to any suggestions on how to improve the letter! I know that some of the transitions aren't as smooth as I'd like.

-- The Kettle Rumbles

----

Dear Reader,

You were chosen by the holder of this book before you because he/she believed that you would benefit from this gift. Three Cups of Tea is the story of one man’s journey to improve the lives of children in poor, remote villages in Pakistan and Afghanistan. This man is Greg Mortenson, and his organization, the Central Asia Institute (CAI), has built over 70 schools along with other humanitarian projects in one of the poorest and most dangerous regions in the world. Against all odds, Greg Mortenson overcame near fatal failure, heart ache, hostile mullahs, lack of money, and huge cultural differences to maintain his promise to an impoverished people. He followed his heart and built a bridge of understanding and friendship that has done more to foster peace than all the weapons in the world ever can. It is my sincere hope that you will find his story as inspirational as I did when I read this book.

It was after reading this book that I decided to start “The Kettle,” and with it, an experiment/fundraiser/awareness building initiative that we (everyone who has held this book before you, including myself) call the “Three Cups of Tea Book Project.” We ask that you read the book and consider donating to the CAI, but please do not feel compelled to do so. We only ask that you read the book as soon as you can and then give it to another individual who you feel you would most benefit from reading it. If you do wish to contribute to the CAI’s mission of peace, please do so via the “Donate” link on our website (listed below) or directly to the CAI on their website (www.ikat.org/make-a-donation). Our goal is to raise $50,000 (or as much as possible!) for the CAI. $50,000 is enough money to build and support a school in Pakistan or Afghanistan for 5 years. In order for the project to work, we will need to track certain information. If we do not follow up with you directly, please contact us via the email listed below and inform us of the following:

* the book number of your particular book (found on the very first page of the book),

* the amount you’ve donated or plan to donate (if any),

* the name, email, and location (city, country) for the individual to whom you’ve given this book (Note: Email addresses will never be shared with anyone. We only need email information so that we can follow up with project participants.),

* and any comments, suggestions, or questions you may have.

We hope to eventually launch 200 books (maybe more!) as part of the “Three Cups of Tea Book Project.” We track the progress of each book and the funds raised on our website (listed below). On the website, you will find the path taken and stops made by each book around the world. You will also find posts and other materials concerning Central Asia, the war in Afghanistan and Pakistan, poverty, and other social issues. Please join us in building awareness for the often maligned or ignored people of Central Asia and other social issues which deserve attention. We hope to hear from you soon. On a final note, may the example of courage and integrity demonstrated in this book give you the strength and patience to move mountains in your own life!

Sincerely,

“The Kettle Rumbles”

New York, NY, U.S.A.

http://hotteakettle.blogspot.com/

hotteakettle@gmail.com

P.S. Please register your name, location, and any comments you may have in the Reader Log at the end of this book. Thank you!

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