Author: Nick Edinger

SEATTLE — Uganda’s government has begun promoting vasectomies as a way to reduce its high fertility rate. This strategy seeks to mitigate one of the world’s fastest growing populations in one of the world’s poorest countries. But what are the chances of this tactic succeeding? Uganda’s vasectomy plan has both opportunities and challenges ahead. PRO: Vasectomy is a cost-effective alternative to birth control Religious activists may have objections to providing Uganda with contraceptives. Cautious philanthropists may not want to donate their money to temporary solutions. Vasectomies, as a compromise, are a simple, safe, highly effective and private way to control…

SEATTLE — Those in extreme poverty need more than bread and water to live; they also need a reason to keep on living. The Borgen Project previously discussed how art programs give impoverished children opportunities for success and platforms for advocacy. But bestowing art is not a one-way street in terms of benefits. When artists donate their time to the needy, they are enriching their own lives. This is the story of how Freddy Sam helped the poor through his murals and thereby enriched his own life. Freddy Sam, the alias of Ricky-Lee Gordon, began an ambitious project in 2011.…

SEATTLE — J.K. Rowling made headlines in 2012, though it wasn’t for one of her books. Forbes reported that J.K. Rowling is no longer a billionaire due to her charitable giving. In tandem with paying high British taxes, the author gave the U.S. equivalent of $160 million to charity in 2011 alone. Such high donations can be common among the rich, but remain uncommon among artists. Rowling herself is the first billionaire female novelist — did she only begin donating when she had wealth to spare, or did she help save the world even before she found worldwide success? Before…