A new initiative being taken on by a group of Rotaractors, Rotarians, and non-affiliated do-gooders, Durban Writes is a playful take on fundraising in the traditional pledge format.

Essentially, Durban Writes is piggy-backing on the NaNoWriMo or National Novel Writing Month event to raise money for Literacy materials at underprivileged schools in the greater Durban area.

But first, some background. NaNoWriMo was started in 1999 by a group of writers in the San Fransisco Bay area. The idea was to try and write a 50,000 word novel during the month of November. The idea spread and it's now a global phenomenon with manythousands of participants annually.

Not to step on toes, NaNoWriMo.org raises funds from its writers to support the building of libraries in developing countries - a very noble project.

In parallel with this project, then, a few enthusiastic NaNoers in the Durban Rotaract Club decided to up their personal ante, and while they would continue to support NaNoWriMo's object, they would pledge support from friends, family, coworkers, and everyone else they could think of, to support local needs.

It's an innovative idea, and has managed to bring together Rotaractors, Rotarians, and members of the public of whom roughly thirty have signed up. Truly, it's a Rotary Shares initiative, and is looking to be very successful.

For thoughts, questions, or to sponsor a Durban Writes NaNoer for literacy, feel free to drop me a line!