Education (2011 Q1)

Featured beneficiary in the EDUCATION category for first quarter 2011:

Roots & Wings International is a small, effective charity providing educational opportunities for indigenous people in Guatemala. Programs include college scholarships, tutoring, and computer literacy.

RWI began its work in 2004 when founder Erik Swanson secured funding to donate computers and books to a school run by an international non-profit. When Erik moved to Guatemala, he was motivated in promoting education, he became convinced that sustainable development required local individuals to identify and design programs that meet the needs of their own communities.

"Education is the best tool to empower indigenous communities to break the cycle of poverty," says Erik Swanson. It's an idea also found throughout the humanist literature and often expressed by members who support our Education beneficiaries.

RWI's website includes a specific non-sectarian statement: "Roots & Wings Int'l is not affiliated with any church or political organization, and we do not promote any religious or ideological perspective. Our goal is to encourage students to develop their own world view based in their own culture and life experience."

LEARN MORE ABOUT ROOTS & WINGS INTERNATIONAL
Website:	RootsandWingsIntl.org
IRS 990 (2009):	RWI990
GuideStar report:	RWIGuideStar

ABOUT THE SELECTION PROCESS

Foundation Beyond Belief highlights ten charitable organizations per quarter. Among other considerations, beneficiaries are chosen for efficiency, effectiveness, moderate size (annual budget under $10 million), compatibility with humanist focus on mutual care of this world and this life, and geographic diversity. All categories feature secular organizations with the exception of "Challenge the Gap," which gives members the option of supporting one progressive, non-proselytizing religious organization each quarter.

Active members can help us choose future beneficiaries by researching and nominating charities and by discussing, debating, and advocating for the causes of their choice through our social network and discussion forums. Final decisions are made by the Board, but collective member input is among the most important considerations.

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