Parent Hacks

  • About the Book
  • About the Author
  • Buy Now
    • Amazon
    • Powell’s Books
    • B & N

"Just...genius." — Buzzfeed

The best of the Parent Hacks blog is now a brilliant little book, perfect for gift-giving.

About the book

Ending poverty in Africa starts with something you rely on every day…and don’t even notice

in: Advocacy, Etc.

This story ends with an invitation: to sign the ONE Campaign petition to support the Electrify Africa Act. Ready now? Scroll to the bottom of this post. Want to know more? Read on.

When I travel, my assumptions get blown wide open. Observing the habits and realities of people living in different circumstances changes my definition of “normal” and “necessary.”

Mykonos sunset

My daughter in Mykonos, Greece, a few weeks ago. Look at that light!

We just got back from a visit to Greece. We happened to be there as the Greek financial crisis came to a head. To watch people anxiously waiting in ATM lines to withdraw whatever cash they could made me realize how I take the security of and access to my money for granted.

Something else I take for granted: electricity. I barely notice its constant availability. The lights always turn on, the appliances always work. When they don’t, it’s a fun occasion to light candles and play hide-and-seek. I know the lights will come on again soon enough.

589 million people in sub-Saharan Africa — 68% of the population — have no electricity.

Reliable access to electricity is a huge part of reducing extreme poverty. With electricity:

  • Food stays refrigerated that would otherwise rot in the heat.
  • Vaccines and medications remain viable that would otherwise spoil without temperature control.
  • Hospital equipment operates.
  • Lighting enables children to study, businesses to run, and doctors to treat patients after sundown.
  • Safe, clean cooking and lighting reduces deadly kerosene-fueled housefires and toxic smoke.

At no cost to US taxpayers, the Electrify Africa Act will bring electricity to 50 million Africans for the first time – with a focus on rural and under-served areas.

The thing is…the act needs to pass both the House and the Senate. This is far from guaranteed, so it’s time to speak up NOW.

Sign the ONE petition by filling in the yellow box below. You’ll add your voice to the tens of thousands who’ve already signed…and you’ll have done your part to bring light to those who need it most.

ONE will never ask for your money — only your voice. Want to know more about #ElectrifyAfrica? Visit ONE.org. Want to DO more? Share this post, or post your own light-filled image on Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook with the tag #ElectrifyAfrica and #LightForLight, along with this link to the ONE petition: 

http://bit.ly/1GStA0E

Let’s start an avalanche of light! Tomorrow, Leticia Barr will share her light-filled post. — Asha

Get updates from Asha.

I'll email you when I have new writing, events, or news to share. This isn't an automated newsletter -- it's a personal note from me. Low-frequency (I respect your attention & inbox), privacy always, unsubscribe any time.

*indicates required

About Asha Dornfest

Asha Dornfest is a writer, parent, and insistent optimist living in Portland, Oregon. She is the author of PARENT HACKS, co-author of MINIMALIST PARENTING, and co-host of the Edit Your Life podcast.

Comments

  1. George says

    July 26, 2015 at 8:53 am

    Great post. I hate to comment on the most insignificant part, but my cousin’s are planning a trip to Greece soon and we aren’t sure if they should reconsider. Do you think visiting Greece now is fun for a vacation. We/they spend time in a low income country, and are interested in relaxing and enjoying sites on vacation rather than expanding horizons. Does the financial crisis make such a trip depressing right now, or is it still a lot of fun to visit?

    • Asha Dornfest says

      August 19, 2015 at 8:53 pm

      Visiting Greece this summer was truly wonderful (fun, relaxing, beautiful) AND it expanded my horizons. I felt, in a small way, we were helping the shop- and restaurant owners by spending our money there. Much more to say, but that’s the gist.

  2. Mary-Claire says

    August 21, 2015 at 7:02 am

    Who will pay for the electricity and its installation? We as Americans tend to root for the underdog and vote to help. Ultimately, the money needs to come from somewhere. Just curious. Thanks!

    • Asha Dornfest says

      August 28, 2015 at 10:33 am

      Let me get some details and follow up — thank you for asking, Mary-Claire.

About the Book

Parent Hacks, a book for new parents

About the Author

Asha Dornfest is the author of Parent Hacks, co-author of Minimalist Parenting, and co-host of the Edit Your Life podcast. More about Asha »

Copyright © 2019 All Rights Reserved | PARENT HACKS is a registered trademark owned by Asha Dornfest | Terms/Privacy Policy