<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><rss xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" version="2.0"><channel><title><![CDATA[Spirit in Action]]></title><description><![CDATA[Spirit in Action]]></description><link>https://www.spiritinaction.org/blog</link><generator>RSS for Node</generator><lastBuildDate>Sat, 05 Sep 2026 05:27:38 GMT</lastBuildDate><atom:link href="https://www.spiritinaction.org/blog-feed.xml" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml"/><item><title><![CDATA[Breaking barriers for women in Burundi]]></title><description><![CDATA[“Before Tubunganire Women’s Association, what would it have taken for a woman to have 400,000 Burundi Francs [about $65]?” Mwibutsa Ndagijimana, SIA African Advisory Board member from Burundi, asked the Tubunganire Executive Committee during our visit in Ryansoro. “Nothing.” “There’s no way she could have,” were the responses from Gereni, Clautilde, Agnes, and Concilia. “Before, it was painful to have some small need and not be able to get it yourself,” said Agnes. She explained that before,...]]></description><link>https://www.spiritinaction.org/post/breaking-barriers-for-women-in-burundi</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a871c2b566689c28ad6a6a3</guid><category><![CDATA[Local Organizations]]></category><category><![CDATA[Success Stories]]></category><pubDate>Thu, 20 Aug 2026 15:56:09 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/58a465_54874a49b6b6426581c9a8f78057bade~mv2.jpeg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_960,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>SIA Team</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Prutazio shares about the impact of ULA's inspiring program]]></title><description><![CDATA[A "men for women's empowerment" training in Uganda is helping families come together for harmony and chaos-free living.]]></description><link>https://www.spiritinaction.org/post/prutazio-shares-about-the-impact-of-ula-s-inspiring-program</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a58524a4ee79d90036f5978</guid><category><![CDATA[Local Organizations]]></category><category><![CDATA[Success Stories]]></category><pubDate>Thu, 16 Jul 2026 18:52:05 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/a81864_e609f76f36794703bda69de1f9d5d3ea~mv2.jpeg/v1/fit/w_504,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>SIA Team</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Conjestina’s Learning Journey at Ubuntu’s Training Center]]></title><description><![CDATA[How local organization helps young mothers like Conjestina in Kenya and trains them in hair, beauty, massage, caregiving, and entrepreneurship skills to achieve economic independence. ]]></description><link>https://www.spiritinaction.org/post/conjestina-s-learning-journey-at-ubuntu-s-training-center</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a37450ecf36b7ec02e2500b</guid><category><![CDATA[SIA Grants]]></category><category><![CDATA[Success Stories]]></category><pubDate>Mon, 22 Jun 2026 22:40:11 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/a81864_d3a02c0685e5456495179e55a0cf7a69~mv2.jpeg/v1/fit/w_787,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>SIA Team</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Local expertise helps raise healthy pigs in Burundi]]></title><description><![CDATA[How local expertise helped a women's association raise healthy pigs in Burundi]]></description><link>https://www.spiritinaction.org/post/local-expertise-helps-raise-healthy-pigs-in-burundi</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a0f4f242b5c18841b93e013</guid><category><![CDATA[Local Organizations]]></category><category><![CDATA[SIA Grants]]></category><category><![CDATA[Success Stories]]></category><pubDate>Thu, 21 May 2026 18:31:56 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/58a465_7ba3bf993d5e455990888934d25fff0e~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_856,h_884,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Tanya Cothran</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Thoughtful discussion with SIA Reads]]></title><description><![CDATA[Earlier this week, thirteen people gathered on Zoom for the inaugural session of the SIA Reads book club. SIA North American Board members, staff, and donors discussed the first third of King Leopold's Ghost: A Story of Greed, Terror, and Heroism in Colonial Africa, by Adam Hochschild, to better understand the history and legacy of European colonialism in Africa and in philanthropy, and to use that increased knowledge to work in solidarity with Spirit in Action’s grant partners.  The first...]]></description><link>https://www.spiritinaction.org/post/thoughtful-discussion-with-sia-reads</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69ea5850b17cf497ceb4472d</guid><category><![CDATA[Tanya's Reflections]]></category><pubDate>Thu, 23 Apr 2026 17:44:28 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/58a465_99dedbe4a5c046ddaca170f39d6145fb~mv2.jpeg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_960,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Tanya Cothran</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Tanya: How I got involved with Spirit in Action]]></title><description><![CDATA[Last weekend, the Spirit in Action North American Board gathered for the first time since 2019. We've been meeting online for the past six years, and most of our current members had never met each other in person. Since we focus so much on building relationships, we figured it was time to get together in person to deepen our connection offline, to enhance our online interactions. From Left to Right: Tanya Cothran, Danny Thomas, Kathleen King, Becky Sutherland, Amber Picou, and Tawanda Mutasah...]]></description><link>https://www.spiritinaction.org/post/tanya-how-i-got-involved-with-spirit-in-action</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69bdda5dcf14a7a450ca5320</guid><category><![CDATA[Tanya's Reflections]]></category><pubDate>Sat, 21 Mar 2026 00:13:12 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/58a465_cf7f0d39419544969292afbcb5ef6a73~mv2.jpeg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Tanya Cothran</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Wisdom from Barbara: Practice Gratitude]]></title><description><![CDATA[This simple little exercise, the simple act of paying attention to things that were good, and giving thanks, became transformational for her, a real renewing of her mind. It shifted her focus away from the things that were hard, and painful, and sad, -- away from all the losses – and toward the things that became like shining jewels in her days.]]></description><link>https://www.spiritinaction.org/post/wisdom-from-barbara-practice-gratitude</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6998b7bb6624c1d60f16c790</guid><category><![CDATA[Wisdom]]></category><pubDate>Fri, 20 Feb 2026 19:56:57 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/58a465_2246686fc2414536ae477265c2964832~mv2.jpeg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_851,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>SIA Team</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Wisdom from Del: Agree with the Reality of Harmony]]></title><description><![CDATA[We begin 2026, Spirit in Action's 30th Anniversary Year, with wisdom and encouragement from SIA's founder, Del Anderson. Del was 90 years old when he founded SIA. We are never too old to keep learning, growing, and striving to create a better world.]]></description><link>https://www.spiritinaction.org/post/wisdom-from-del-agree-with-the-reality-of-harmony</link><guid isPermaLink="false">697272379f5bcea2284f9da8</guid><category><![CDATA[Wisdom]]></category><pubDate>Thu, 22 Jan 2026 19:09:43 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/58a465_c948e7e4d3304d61b2a374210d2c0c39~mv2.jpeg/v1/fit/w_960,h_630,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>SIA Team</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[SIA: Reassurance in the midst of challenge]]></title><description><![CDATA[In November, representatives from the seven Burundian SIA Grant Partner organizations gathered in Bujumbura to network, share skills, and think outside the box in fundraising  for their work. (See group photo below.) These organizations aim to help people with disabilities  find jobs, support youth  in starting vegetable gardens, empower rural women  to improve their financial security, and assist vulnerable individuals  in accessing legal aid . This year, with the funding landscape changing...]]></description><link>https://www.spiritinaction.org/post/sia-reassurance-in-the-midst-of-challenge</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69446ce4142838fcf0656f88</guid><category><![CDATA[Local Organizations]]></category><pubDate>Thu, 18 Dec 2025 21:34:08 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/58a465_0041db0d26a740649eeb27ef41397ca6~mv2.jpeg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_790,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Tanya Cothran</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Making Our Meetings More Welcoming]]></title><description><![CDATA[Using check-ins and reflection questions to help board members get to know each other on a human level.]]></description><link>https://www.spiritinaction.org/post/making-our-meetings-more-welcoming</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6920bc1535662176f69bad9e</guid><category><![CDATA[Tanya's Reflections]]></category><pubDate>Fri, 21 Nov 2025 19:52:25 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/a81864_792986a2f1a946feb21e238e82053cef~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_960,h_503,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Tanya Cothran</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[SIA Partners contribute to international epilepsy conferences]]></title><description><![CDATA[This month, we highlight two SIA Grant Partners who are helping diagnose, treat, and raise awareness about epilepsy. These organizations are helping people understand that epilepsy is a medical condition that can be treated, and that seizures aren't caused by evil spirits. In addition to working in their communities, they are also contributing to the global conversation about epilepsy by presenting about their experiences.]]></description><link>https://www.spiritinaction.org/post/sia-partners-contribute-to-international-epilepsy-conferences</link><guid isPermaLink="false">68eedcdb2f5af0b1a8965428</guid><category><![CDATA[Local Organizations]]></category><pubDate>Thu, 16 Oct 2025 13:54:07 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/58a465_18d89b8f7d2647a2bc98d49215374350~mv2.jpeg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Tanya Cothran</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[More than a training centre: The fullness of the Adolescent Psychosocial Support and Resource Centre’s work.]]></title><description><![CDATA[When I visited the Adolescent Psychosocial Support and Resource Centre (APSARC) in Nakasongola, Uganda, in July, I knew I would see a vocational training centre and meet some of the students, aged 15 to 25, who had attended the classes. As with all visits to SIA Grant Partner Organizations, it’s never as straightforward as the short description suggests. It’s more than the classroom The room is a simple cement-block building, with three sewing machines along one wall and sample dresses...]]></description><link>https://www.spiritinaction.org/post/more-than-a-training-centre-the-fullness-of-the-adolescent-psychosocial-support-and-resource-centre</link><guid isPermaLink="false">68cacd19345efb3a8835491a</guid><category><![CDATA[Local Organizations]]></category><category><![CDATA[SIA Grants]]></category><pubDate>Thu, 18 Sep 2025 13:30:17 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/58a465_b7078822814b4bddbf17110423b5b17d~mv2.jpeg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_720,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Tanya Cothran</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Celebrating 20 years of SIA's Small Business Fund ]]></title><description><![CDATA[20 years ago, SIA started its Small Business Fund program. Here is a short history of how this impactful program came into existence. ]]></description><link>https://www.spiritinaction.org/post/celebrating-20-years-of-sia-s-small-business-fund</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6848766f5e033c6175006221</guid><category><![CDATA[Small Business Fund]]></category><category><![CDATA[Tanya's Reflections]]></category><category><![CDATA[Sharing the Gift]]></category><pubDate>Thu, 21 Aug 2025 14:23:04 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/58a465_18ac434ce84041fabeaad92e05dbe885~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Tanya Cothran</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Douglas Akello - in 2019, 2022, and now! ]]></title><description><![CDATA[Seeing the progress and impact of the Small Business Fund in 2019, 2022, and 2025 in rural Uganda.]]></description><link>https://www.spiritinaction.org/post/douglas-akello-in-2019-2022-and-now</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6877d801d6f9cbb315712450</guid><category><![CDATA[Small Business Fund]]></category><category><![CDATA[Success Stories]]></category><pubDate>Wed, 16 Jul 2025 17:03:14 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/58a465_e67c99825d3b47eebf7e39e0ceb30e84~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Tanya Cothran</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Supporting Transformational Grassroots Change in Eastern Africa: What It Means to Support, Not Do]]></title><description><![CDATA[Transformation doesn’t come from outside. It comes from within communities through trust, affirmation, and the courage to do things differently. By supporting, rather than imposing solutions from outside, we affirm the power and potential that already exists across our partners. ]]></description><link>https://www.spiritinaction.org/post/supporting-transformational-grassroots-change-in-eastern-africa-what-it-means-to-support-not-do</link><guid isPermaLink="false">68498e993f129b86dcb546c4</guid><category><![CDATA[SIA Grants]]></category><pubDate>Thu, 12 Jun 2025 13:11:08 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/a81864_685685a1497b45e1803bc160e2b9026e~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Elizabeth Stanley</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Meet Elizabeth Karagata in Tharaka, Kenya]]></title><description><![CDATA[Meet Elizabeth Karagata, a dedicated member of the Utumi Self-Help Group, who is transforming her family's future thanks to Rural...]]></description><link>https://www.spiritinaction.org/post/meet-elizabeth-karagata-in-tharaka-kenya</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6800f76ec741c797663f32d7</guid><category><![CDATA[Local Organizations]]></category><category><![CDATA[SIA Grants]]></category><category><![CDATA[Success Stories]]></category><pubDate>Thu, 17 Apr 2025 13:13:12 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/58a465_bb4bfd23a9564b3680f0979a93f06134~mv2.jpeg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_960,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Tanya Cothran</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Shining Light on Women Who Motivate Us]]></title><description><![CDATA[March is Women’s History Month—a time to celebrate the incredible contributions women have made to history, culture, and society. We...]]></description><link>https://www.spiritinaction.org/post/shining-light-on-women-who-motivate-us</link><guid isPermaLink="false">67da9a865a09f785759d867f</guid><pubDate>Thu, 20 Mar 2025 11:36:41 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/a81864_f5c085aab15b4b0abbad8c617d18ebdf~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_391,h_510,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Elizabeth Stanley</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Back Office Reflections: Elizabeth Celebrates Two Years With SIA]]></title><description><![CDATA[Anniversaries invite us to pause. Whether celebrating a birthday, marriage, or honoring the memory of a loved one, they offer a moment of...]]></description><link>https://www.spiritinaction.org/post/back-office-reflections-elizabeth-celebrates-two-years-with-sia</link><guid isPermaLink="false">67b33ff8e08de5656df8278a</guid><pubDate>Thu, 20 Feb 2025 16:07:21 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/a81864_e69bb304620c4c9cb6f5b3d677956b1d~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_888,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Elizabeth Stanley</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Celebrating the Season With Spirit In Action]]></title><description><![CDATA[The holidays are upon us, and here in the US, the hustle and bustle of last-minute shopping coupled with an abundance of holiday parties...]]></description><link>https://www.spiritinaction.org/post/celebrating-the-season-with-spirit-in-action</link><guid isPermaLink="false">67642c4134d9f3fc09bf4cfd</guid><pubDate>Thu, 19 Dec 2024 21:25:06 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/a81864_836cc4a13b4a45328757a52ec14229b9~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_320,h_240,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Elizabeth Stanley</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Wisdom from Del: How to Disagree in Love]]></title><description><![CDATA[Wisdom from SIA's founder, Del Anderson, titled "How to Disagree in Love"]]></description><link>https://www.spiritinaction.org/post/wisdom-from-del-how-to-disagree-in-love</link><guid isPermaLink="false">673f6393dadc256faa37a4cf</guid><category><![CDATA[Tanya's Reflections]]></category><pubDate>Thu, 21 Nov 2024 17:00:12 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/58a465_32469f817f8846339f8f3274625c6263~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_876,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Tanya Cothran</dc:creator></item></channel></rss>