How do You Shine a Light in the Darkest Corners of the World?
An interview with Megan Birney, president of Unite to Light
I came across Unite to Light at our local travel store, Circa Terra. I was intrigued by these solar-powered lights and chargers that were for sale and learned from the owner that the company distributing them is local. He then explained their platform and I was hooked! And in that same moment, I had a flash. I could see these urgently needed products in Ukraine! I asked him if he knew the owners and whom I should reach out to see if they might want to participate in our Ukraine fundraiser. He directed me to their president, Megan Birney, and when I called to ask her, she was on board without a blink of an eye.
Over time it became apparent to me that this was another beautiful example of a kinder brand, but this time as a nonprofit. As you’ll see, Unite to Light is a value-based, mission-driven organization dedicated to making a difference in some of the darkest corners of the world.
Over time it became apparent to me that this was another beautiful example of a kinder brand, but this time as a nonprofit. As you’ll see, Unite to Light is a value-based, mission-driven organization dedicated to making a difference in some of the darkest corners of the world.
ML/CR: Tell us about Unite to Light and how it was founded.
MB: Unite to Light started with a visit from Ghanaians Pastor Kofi Fosuhene and Dr. Osei Darkwa to the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB) in 2009. They explained that many people in Africa, who rely on kerosene for reading, suffer health problems and financial hardship because kerosene emits harmful air pollutants that can impair lung function and is expensive. Aware of the work being done at UCSB’s Institute for Energy Efficiency (IEE) on high-efficiency LED lights and high-efficiency solar cells, Fosuhene and Darkwa asked if the Institute could design an affordable reading light. Although solar-powered flashlights were available at the time, they were relatively expensive for students. They were interested in reading lights because so many students in their country did not have light to complete their homework and were forced to drop out of school.
The IEE team, in conjunction with UCSB’s Engineers Without Borders, designed, developed and began distribution of our original light in 2010 through the newly created nonprofit Unite to Light. As of 2021, over 165,000 lights have been distributed to people in 78 countries. Since then, the original lamp has been redesigned to be waterproof and stronger, it has been renamed Luke Light, and we have added an important Solar Charger to the product line because of how vital communication and connectedness are around the world.
ML/CR: What are Unite to Light’s vision and values?
MB: Unite to Light values people, the environment and collaboration, and we believe that access to clean and a affordable light and energy are critical to improving health, education and prosperity. We focus on projects that help children study at night, equip midwives with the tools they need to save lives and offer relief to those suffering from disasters and experiencing homelessness. Our lights have significant benefits to the planet by decreasing air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, improving education efficacy and enhancing economic development. These tools give people the opportunity to thrive.
ML/CR: When I think of Unite to Light, I’m reminded of the importance of “thinking globally and acting locally.” How do your values reflect this practice, and how do you put those into action on a daily basis?
MB: Every solar light has the chance to make a significant impact in the lives of someone in need, and for only $10, we can ship a solar light almost anywhere in the world! For example, if you donate $10 to Unite to Light, we can ship a solar light to Malawi, or Honduras, and the student that receives that light has a 30% greater chance of staying in school and graduating.
Similarly, when you purchase a solar light or battery charger, we will ship one to a student or person in need around the world. In addition, when we replace kerosene use by helping someone switch to solar, we are helping the planet by reducing greenhouse gas emissions. In that way, our projects are very circular; while the impact starts somewhere far away, the benefits come back to Santa Barbara too.
ML/CR: Education is probably the most common impact associated with Unite to Light. Can you tell us about the other less familiar but equally powerful impacts you are making?
MB: Helping students study at night and stay in school has always been a core focus area for Unite to Light, but we also work in disaster response, health and homelessness. We work with Direct Relief to respond to hurricanes and earthquakes where infrastructures are wiped out. We also have ongoing projects to provide light and power to midwives in places like Bangladesh and Haiti. These women are often the only trained medical providers in their communities and having a light to see, as well as power for phones to call for assistance or advice, can help them save lives. Closer to home, we provide solar-powered battery chargers to our neighbors experiencing homelessness. Cell phones are crucial during times of hardship because they provide access to basic services like medical care, food and shelter, as well as the ability to connect with employers.
ML/CR: I understand you have an event coming up in October. What can you tell us about it, and how people can get involved.
MB: From Oct. 6 through 8, we are inviting people to an art exhibition and fundraiser: Unite to Light the Night. Over the three nights, we’ll be hosting an elegant gala, a fun cocktail party, and a public showcase at the Community Arts Workshop in Santa Barbara. Our art exhibition will highlight the Central Coast’s talented artists, featuring creative works that evoke the Power of Light. People can sign up for our newsletter or follow us @unitetolight on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn to get updates and be the first to know when tickets go on sale.
ML/CR: Unite to Light participated in The United Women for Ukraine fundraiser in May. Proceeds from the sale of their products helped them send a third shipment of lights and chargers to refugees and internally displaced people in Ukraine. To date, Unite to Light has shipped over 1,700 Luke Lights and 1,500 Chandler Chargers to Ukraine.
Monica & Claudia
Megan Birney is the president of Unite to Light and can be reached at 858-344-5816 or [email protected]. To learn more about Unite to Light, visit www.unitetolight.org. And to enjoy the full video interview, visit www.monicalenchesre.com/ community-matters.