That's exactly what GlobalGiving partner Participant Productions wants moviegoers to do through a new website, www.participate.net. Founded in 2004 by Jeff Skoll, one of the co-founders of eBay, Participant Productions is using the media to power social change, with a goal of delivering compelling entertainment that will inspire audiences to get involved in issues that affect us all.

The movie is just the beginning. Individuals who see the company's films—including Good Night, and Good Luck, starring George Clooney and David Strathairn, and the just released North Country with Charlize Theron—can take action through participate.net, which provides ideas and tools for getting involved. Sign a petition, write an elected official, host a discussion on topical issues—these are some of the many things you can do to make a difference.

And, through GlobalGiving's collaboration with Participant, individuals and groups also can make donations to "campaigns"—beneficiaries of which include projects on GlobalGiving and other organizations that focus on the issues addressed in the films. Campaigns tied to current films include "Report It Now," which promotes free press and its role in participatory governance, democracy building, and conflict resolution, and "Stand Up," which empowers women by providing access to education and training, building rights awareness, and offering help to women in need.

This fall, we hope you'll check out these movies and consider donating to a participate.net campaign. For the price of popcorn and a soda, you can have a positive impact on the world.

The fisher-folk village of Chinnamainavani Lanka lies in the southeast part of India, tucked into the Bay of Bengal in the state of Andhra Pradesh. Moka Latchayya, a 52-year old fisherman, is an example of what hard work and responsibility can produce in Chinnaminavani: over the years he had managed to procure his own boat, and his two elder sons fished with him. His wife Durgamma sold the catch to nearby villages. In addition, Latchayya owned three nets that he could use to fish in the rivers as well as the sea.

Last December's Tsunami, in addition to taking the lives of several villagers and injuring others, destroyed much in its path. The Latchayya family in particular was devastated: the boat and their three nets were completely lost.

The family did not lack immediate relief: government workers and aid organizations distributed 20 kilos of rice to the village. Yet without the funds to purchase a new boat, the Latchayya's future remained uncertain.

Support from the Association for Rural Development and Action Research (ARDAR) financed the purchase of a communal boat for the Latchayyas and several other families. Boat repair costs are shared, and different families use different nets to increase catching opportunities. ARDAR also is working on reviving a fishing cooperative in the village, and has organized women's thrift and credit groups. The organization maintains a continued presence in the village, and has established a community revolving fund, which allows citizens to save money for future disasters.

Latchayya, when asked to respond on the support he received, said he did not have words to explain and simply folded his hands. But his sons clearly reported, "We couldn't imagine the fate of our family if the support did not reach us."

Thanks to your generosity, this project has been fully funded. However, much work remains to be done to help people like Latchayya rebuild their livelihoods. Consider donating to long-term tsunami recovery in India.

How can purchasing MAC lipstick or a Chicago Bears Sports Jersey help support international relief and development projects? GlobalGiving donors found the answer on eBay's GivingWorks, which allows sellers to donate a portion of an auction's profits to a specific charity. After GlobalGiving registered with the site, over 600 sellers have listed items for sale on our behalf, and just under $7,000 has been raised for projects.

Perhaps the most unique item offered to date was a 1995 Chevrolet minivan. Selling at $1500, the owner pledged to donate 50% of the profits to GlobalGiving's Hurricane Katrina Rebuilding Fund. GlobalGiving hopes that its growing presence on eBay will continue to attract such inspired and creative efforts to make a difference. Learn how to designate auction proceeds to a project on GlobalGiving.