IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Autism Speaks

Autism Speaks seeks to change the future for all who struggle with autism spectrum disorders through funding global biomedical research into the causes, prevention, treatments, and cure for autism; to raising public awareness about autism and its effects on individuals, families, and society; and to bringing hope to all who deal with the hardships of this disorder and are committed to raising the funds necessary to support these goals.


INTERNATIONAL ISSUES

The Women's Global Network

The Women's Global Network is a community of businesswomen who support, network, and hope to make life-long connections with each other. With integrity, skills, and experience they are stepping into global leadership roles and using this network to advance positive change in our communities. The vision of WGN is for each member to realize her greatest potential, to develop a worldwide presence and to provide members access to a solid global network of dynamic women.

WGN programs include:

  • Global Business Partners: Through member donations, WGN participates in microfinance programs that make small loans to women-owned businesses in underdeveloped countries.
  • Educational Panels: Monthly Events including dinner panels on topics of interest to businesswomen, and assistance to women changing careers or starting their own businesses.
  • The Young Professionals Group: Networking events and mentoring opportunities for women aged 21-30 who are embarking on their careers.


DOMESTIC ISSUES

Do Something

Do Something believes that young people have the power to change the world and uses the internet as an agent to implement that change. The Do Something site features volunteer options highlighting a cross-section of causes -- from animal welfare to teen homelessness to discrimination, global warming, school violence and more. It is their aim to inspire, support and celebrate a generation of do-ers: people who see the need to do something, believe in their ability to get it done, and then take action to make the world a better place.


REGIONAL ISSUES

Special Olympics
Southern California (SOSC)

SOSC provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community.


Council On Aging Orange County

The mission of the Council on Aging-Orange County is to promote adult empowerment, prevent abuse and advocate for the rights and dignity of those experiencing health and aging challenges.

A Word From Our Founder

Hi All -

So far, April has been a whirlwind of activity for nonprofitshoppingmall.com. As I've outlined previously, our current focus is on building our network of regionally based organizations through our external linking program. In the last month, however, we've also made a number of improvements to the site's function, have added several great new retailers and have implemented a couple of new shopping categories.

We got our very first ‘print' article in one of the country's leading glossy, shelter-based magazines, Country Living. Thanks to our ace publicity team and our retail partner, Smith & Hawken, you can find us on page 105 at newsstands, bookstores and grocery stores nation-wide, so pick up a copy while you're out.

A special thanks to John Schneider for hosting this month's People Who Care feature. His interview gives real insight as to why he supports Autism Speaks, what the future might hold for all those struggling with autism spectrum disorders and what it's like to have a differently-abled child. I love that term - I borrowed it from the Toys R Us website, as they as very big sponsors of Autism Speaks and have a huge array of toys and learning tools available for differently-abled children. Because April is Autism Awareness month, I was pleased to see that another of our retailers, Barnes & Noble, has a national Let's Be Friends Storytime campaign in place - you can find out more about that here. While Anne Fontaine -- maker of the quintessential white blouse isn't one of our retailers - 10% of all nationwide sales will be donated to Autism Speaks through the end of April. On our end, we've made Autism Speaks our default beneficiary for the month.

We're up to over 200 retailers now and I'm very happy to finally host Sephora on our site. They've always had a couple of great product exclusives that have absolutely warranted a drive to the mall in years past - now - I may never have to leave the house to shop again. For that matter, I may never have to leave the house to apply for a credit card, buy insurance or find a new car. With our new services categories, almost everything can be done on line - even finding a school for those creative minds looking for careers in computer animation, digital arts and design or video game development. I wonder what I'll do with the extra time … maybe I'll read more books. Ah - that reminds me - noted journalist, television personality and Susan G. Komen for the Cure Ambassador Rene Syler has her book Good Enough Mother available in paperback this month. Buy it at Amazon and have yourself a good laugh along with a healthy dose of reality - it's not easy being a working mom - but with Rene's GEM tips - you'll rest assured that you're not the only one passin' those birthday cupcakes off as homemade...

And while we're touching on motherhood in general - you'd best not forget that Mother's Day is just ahead. Whether you live in Japan, India, France or right here in the land of mom and apple pie, this Mother's Day i'ts likely you'll be purchasing flowers for a women near and dear to you. Statistics show florists see their highest sales in May, ($1.98 billion in 2006, according to the National Retail Federation). For some great gift ideas, check out our Mother's Day shopping category - we've got you covered from organic flowers, to gardening tools to something tasty sweet and more.

Last but certainly not least, please welcome our newest NPSM partners - each now has a shopping window installed on their site, which allows them to mobilize and monetize their existing support base by shopping for everyday goods and services from their own sites while using our technology to do so. Please take some time to read more about these groups -- Do Something, Special Olympics Southern California, Council On Aging Orange County and The Women's Global Network. Thanks for bringing us into your everyday shopping experience and for changing the way you shop by turning everyday shopping into everyday giving, everyday!

Talk to you all again soon -


Corine Couwenberg

Actor John Schneider Speaks About Autism

Actor John Schneider, known for his roles in The Dukes of Hazzard, Smallville, Dr. Quinn Medicine Woman and most recently for his starring performance in the hit Broadway musical Chicago, speaks about autism.

Read our interview with John...

Action Sports Retailers



With summer fast approaching, I thought it might be a good time to highlight some of our Action Sports retailers. From sand and surf to hiking, snow-boarding and ridin' the trails, this short overview is certain to get you in the mood for some daring outdoor fun.

Read more in our Action Sports Retailers blog...

Children's Collection - Toys & Books



Due to our focus on autism spectrum disorders this month, it seemed fitting to showcase those retailers that speak to the younger set, especially those that have special products and programs in place to support the growing needs of differently-abled children.

Read more in our Children's Collection - Toys & Books blog...

Pass It On!

If you'd like to share this newsletter with family, friends or peers, please copy and paste the following link into an email and let them know how easy it is to turn everyday shopping into everyday giving, everyday!

http://nonprofitshoppingmall.com/contact/newsletters/04-08