Heifer International—Ending Hunger, Caring for the Earth. From Heifer Project International, 1 World Avenue, Little Rock AR, USA 72202. Web site, available at http://www.heifer.org. Accessed August 25, 2007.

Abstract

Heifer International—Ending Hunger, Caring for the Earth. This slogan is a simple and accurate summary of the work of this organization that has increased food security, through encouraging self-reliance and stewardship of communities and natural resources throughout the world. In the early 1940s when Heifer International founder Dan West came up with the phrase “not a cup, but a cow,” he probably could not have foreseen the continued need and relevance of the organization that grew from his initial modest efforts to help hungry people become self-reliant. Heifer International’s approach to providing global assistance to struggling communities in countries all over the world is characterized by long-term development, rather than short-term relief. The simple idea of giving families a source of food rather than short-term relief caught on and has continued for over 60 years. Today, millions of families in 128 countries have been given the gifts of self-reliance and hope. Heifer fulfills its mission to end hunger and poverty and to care for the earth by working within communities to empower people with the economic means—such as livestock, training, and other resources—to rebuild their families, their neighborhoods, and their hope for sustainable futures. As people share their animals’ offspring with others—along with their knowledge, resources, and skills—an expanding network of hope, dignity, and self-reliance is created that reaches around the globe. Self-reliance and sustainability of food-producing resources rather than dependence on aid are central to Heifer’s work. The Heifer International Website is appealing and easy to navigate. The content is written in clear language with options for linking to expanded text. The navigational topics—Our Work; Get Involved; Give; Learn; and Inside Heifer—are intuitive and easy to explore. When mousing over each of the main navigation buttons, subordinate menus pop up for easy preview and selection. A quick exploration of the site yields an understanding of the organization and its work and the impact of that work domestically and internationally. If you’re not in the mood to read, the Our Work section provides videos of several international and domestic projects, the headquarters, learning centers, and public service announcements. One PSA enlists the star power of Heifer supporters Ted Danson and Mary Steenbergen, who co-chaired Heifer’s 60th Anniversary Gala. A world map allows easy access to descriptions of Heifer projects and activities. The mouse-over brings up each country’s name and a graphic of the national flag, further reinforcing Heifer’s commitment to education. The site provides easy navigation, allowing viewers to quickly access information about the organization’s three essential components: Livestock and other material goods; Training and extension work; and Organizational development, which includes planning, management, record keeping, passing on the gift, reporting and evaluation. Through its complementary and wonderfully playful website Read to Feed http://www.readtofeed.org/, Heifer invites children to learn about the world beyond their schoolyards and communities and how they can help poor people around the globe. Going beyond the home page (complete with mooing cows and orgling llamas), educators can find educational programs and support materials to use in formal and nonformal settings. The Heifer International website states the organization envisions “a world of communities living together in peace and equitably sharing the resources of a healthy planet.” The website provides powerful enticements to be a part of its important work.