U Touch the World!

Hello Friends,

I learned about a wonderful organization called U-Touch, which I am very excited to be a part of and  wanted to share it with all of you.  The Mission of  U-TOUCH is to transform lives in disadvantaged regions by facilitating innovative solutions for individual and community development by providing Technology, Training and eMentoring.

Their audience is currently in Uganda, but the founder @Deb Plotkin has an interest in helping Disadvantaged youths,gloally and locally, with a focus on empowering women.  Why Uganda?  The people of Northern Uganda, from 1986 -2006 lived as captives under the reign of the LRA War, children were kidnapped and forced to become child soldiers, and entire communities were relocated to Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps. While atrocities ruled in North Uganda the western world moved on and the information age exploded with innovative technologies and communications. Uganda, like many other impoverished countries had been left behind.97% of Ugandans have no access to Internet,  Illiteracy high-especially high in females- over 75% can’t read). But- we can help!

Computers and the internet are powerful tools that provide opportunities for people to improve their social and economic well being. U-TOUCH provides the following resources:  Computers with Internet Access, Computer -training and eMentoring.

Deb is currently in Uganda, and this is the letter I got from her yesterday, "Every day from the ground we are hearing exciting news of people from the U-TOUCH Centers!  Today, I am delighted to share that NellyBrian, previously never having had a job or computer experience, gained a strong education in computer technology and health at the U-TOUCH Center in Gulu.  I am thrilled to report that she applied for a job online and successfully gained employment.  We are sad to see NellyBrian depart and  will miss her exuberant energy and bright smile but are extremely proud that she accomplished her goal and is part of the change in the community that U-TOUCH serves!  It is most exciting to witness these positive changes in this war-torn, extremely needy region of the world!"

In addition to this great news from the ground,  I would like to share the exciting news that U-TOUCH has been nominated for the 2012 Classy Award for Small Charity of the Year! The Classy Award is one of the most prestigious recognitions within the nonprofit industry. It has become a nationally-recognized honor, awarded to the most outstanding and compelling philanthropic achievers by their peers and supporters. As a young organization we need YOUR support!

I would be most grateful if you would please support U-TOUCH by voting and then share this news with your network of colleagues, friends and family!

1. Please click on this link: http://www.stayclassy.org/classy-awards/vote
2. Select the Western region
3. Scroll down to "Small Charity of the Year" and Select U-TOUCH
4. Click Submit My Final Ballot
5. Confirm your vote via Facebook

The Classy awards are covered by the national media and your vote brings us one step closer to the opportunity to share U-TOUCH with a nationwide audience.

Voting closes TONIGHT July 26th at midnight PST.

With your VOTE and that of your friends, colleagues and family you too will be a part of the amazing transformation!  We would be most appreciative!  Please help vote, and check out UTOUCH STORY! http://www.u-touch.org/

Thank you, thank you, thank you!

Join us in the change with the touch of your fingers. Reach across the world as U-TOUCH the hearts and souls of those so deeply in need!

With deep gratitude,
U-TOUCH Team
The lives you change are the lives U-TOUCH!