"Why?" with Kevin Kuster

Image copyright Kevin Kuster. All rights reserved.

by Skip Cohen

I started this series to introduce you to the movers and shakers in imaging, and that's definitely today's guest, But he's been going one step further with his focus on a life-changing direction of giving back. Chicago-based Kevin Kuster joins me, and he's a testimonial to the power of social media, too - especially when it comes to growing friendships.

We met online just before ClickCon in Chicago in 2019 and then live at the convention that year. Our friendship simply grew, as did my respect for him. Kevin's one of the founders of Watts of Love, and there are too many of you who don't know about this organization.

From their website, here's how they describe their ability to empower communities around the world:​

Financial independence is a foreign concept to those living in pervasive poverty. We break the cycle of poverty and help people create their own vision for economic independence. 

• We first deploy free solar technology that replaces kerosene, increasing household income by as much as 30%.
• Then, we teach those we serve how those savings can be reinvested – whether by buying an animal, starting a business, or sending their kids to school.
• This jumpstarts dreams about a better future. Recipients decide for themselves how to use their new income.
• No two paths look alike because individual and community priorities differ.
• Women and girls reinvest 90% of their earnings into their families. [International Women’s Development Agency]
• The gift of time is given to people who can now work at night to increase income, to tend to animals, help with family issues, and who no longer have to walk to charge cell phones. ​

Kevin is no stranger to SCU. He's been featured in a half-dozen different posts since 2019. They're all just a click away.  The image Kevin shared was captured nine years ago on his first trip with the organization. Visit the Watts of Love website with a click on Kevin's favorite image, or their logo below.

The service you do for others is the rent you pay for your room here on earth.
Muhammad Ali

I hope you'll take the time to listen to Kevin's story. Then you'll understand why his "rent" is paid in full for a long time to come!

"NEARLY 1 BILLION PEOPLE LIVE WITHOUT ELECTRICITY.
That means more people live in darkness today than when the light bulb was invented."