Change.org recently launched a new section to their site with 13 bloggers each talking about a specific set of global issues. A great article was written on the Newsweek website about the impact and implications this could have if it continues to grow. If you have not yet taken a look at Change.org I think it is a fantastic site so please check it out. And the article is here.

GlobalTV has posted video segments of the recipients of their Everyday Hero awards. There are some great little quick clips you can check out and pass along to others. Educators are using them in class curriculum to discuss global citizenship but they can be used for any purpose you come up with. They are posted here for your perusal.

I got an email the other day mentioning that applications are now being accepted for CGI U 2009. I had an incredible time last year and while I have yet to fulfill my commitment I am diligently working on it. I encourage everyone to check out the CGI U website and think about attending. I have posted pictures on my facebook page (feel free to add me) and if you go through the blog archives there is a roundup and detailed transcripts of the sessions I attended.

Came across this great project spearheaded by Siemens in the US. It is a really interesting challenge for youth grades k-12 that challenges youth to be active global citizens. Here is a brief description from the website:

About the Challenge

As citizens and future stewards of our planet, today’s students are in a unique position to become active agents of environmental change. The good news is that many of them are very interested in learning about and taking responsibility for their environment and their future.

Today’s young people will inherit a world that’s very different from the one their parents inherited. Climate change; polluted air, water and soil; endangered species; shrinking coastlines; and a rapidly increasing population are among the many issues that threaten our global environment.

The Siemens We Can Change the World Challenge gives students the opportunity, tools and inspiration to become those agents of change. Beginning in fall 2008 through March 15, 2009, middle school student teams from across the country will be challenged to create sustainable, reproducible environmental improvements in their local communities.

Top prizes will include a chance to appear on Discovery Network’s Planet Green, a share in thousands of dollars in cash prizes, a one-in-a-lifetime Discovery Adventure trip and more.

Today’s students are ready to change the world. Let’s get them started.

Check out the challenge and sign up to take part here on the We Can Change The World

I saw a brief news slip about this new online custom clothing store called 2 Love. Many celebrities have designed their own t-shirts, with the proceeds going to their favorite causes. If you are interested in making your own t-shirt or purchase one of the many available ones log onto their website at 2Love

What an incredible show! If you had a chance to catch the live airing on September 5th, you saw one star studded affair with all the benefits going to various cancer organizations. I am really glad I watched. I had no idea how high the rate of cancer was and how many people just breast and prostate cancer affected. So many celebrities took part I wondered whether I was watching a fundraising event or the Oscars!

This is an excerpt form the Stand Up to Cancer website:

“Here we stand, on the verge of unlocking the answers that will finally conquer the devastation that is cancer.

We now understand the very biology that drives cancer. With knowledge gained from the mapping of the human genome, we can now target the genes and pathways that are involved in turning normal cells into cancerous ones. We are on the brink of possessing a toolbox full of new, advanced technologies just waiting to be adapted to benefit patients. Right before us, so close we can almost touch them, are scientific breakthroughs in the prevention, detection, treatment and even reversal of this disease.

For the first time we can envision the possibility of stopping cancer in its tracks. But just when science is on the verge of giving us the breakthroughs that can end cancer, the will and the funding to do so are disappearing from the national agenda and from our collective consciousness.

Cancer takes one person every minute. One life in a moment. They are our brothers, our sisters, our fathers and mothers, our husbands and wives, our best friends, our children, ourselves. Every day in America 1500 people die and yet the means to save them are literally within our reach. To wait any longer for someone else to save our lives and the lives of those we love is unforgivable.

Inspired to act by our own personal experiences with cancer, we recognize that we can no longer rely on the current system alone to give us the breakthroughs we need. So, we are calling on the public to help take matters into our own hands, investing in a revolution that will change the way scientist and clinicians work to understand and treat these diseases. Stand Up To Cancer is more than a rallying cry. It is a galvanizing force created to urgently move cancer research forward.

This is where the end of cancer begins: when we unite in one unstoppable movement and Stand Up To Cancer.

How?

Working with the top experts in cancer research, Stand Up To Cancer is forging a new way to develop breakthroughs that will end cancer. We’re putting together the best and the brightest minds in cancer research – those on the edge of accomplishment – investing in their projects and taking the bureaucratic obstacles out of their way. We are building interdisciplinary “Dream Teams” of scientists, clinicians, technicians and other experts, who will focus on a specific cancer problem. We’ll track their progress in real time, so that everyone who invests can see how their participation is creating real change.

Funds will be administered by the American Association for Cancer Research, the largest scientific organization in the world focusing on every aspect of high-quality, innovative cancer research. Together with their scientific Blue Ribbon Advisory Committee, comprised of world-class scientists across several disciplines and patient advocates, the most promising projects will be identified.

There are many ways you can support the cause. I purchased the song available on iTunes and am looking into getting a t-shirt to wear around in support. If the consumer approach isn’t for you there is an easy method to donate on their website at StandUp2Cancer.org. Even if donating is not within your means, I urge you to check out the website and learn about cancer and what you can do to help. Just learning about it is the best way to prevent yourself from becoming another statistic.

I got an email the other day about an event being held at the Highline Ballroom in New York City on September 21st, 2008 at 7pm by Harmony4Kidz, a not-for-profit committed to improving the lives of needy and homeless children throughout the world. The event will be a benefit concert with several artists including Ray J, Irena and the Bermuda Road, Badi, Bellringer, Raye 6, and Shakti amongst others. A great mix of known and up-and-coming talent. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased online through their website at Harmony4Kidz.org If you aren’t able to attend the concert there are other ways to support the growth of the organization, including joining their Facebook Page and becoming a FAN. Check them out and leave them a note of encouragement.

Here is the press release:

RAY-J TO PERFORM AT BENEFIT CONCERT FOR THE HOMELESS KIDS OF NEW YORK CITY
Harmony4Kidz Presents Their Second “Artists Who Care” Benefit Show

Harmony4Kidz is proud to present its second annual New York City “Artists Who Care” benefit concert featuring R&B superstar Ray J and DJ Whutevva from Power 105.1 FM on Sept. 21st at the Highline Ballroom. All proceeds from ticket sales will help a child find shelter immediately.

Harmony4Kidz is committed to transforming the lives of homeless children by providing shelters, educational and developmental programs. The organization specializes in creating musical events to benefit children focusing on giving, peace and sharing through a message of hope. Harmony4Kidz is partnering with others in the music industry to develop creative, fund raising events that will help get homeless children off the streets. The event will be hosted by Power 105.1 FM’s DJ Whutevva and will feature a performance from superstar actor, entertainer and top celebrity, Ray J in addition to an international lineup of upcoming acts: Irena and Bermuda Road, Badi, Bellringer, Raye 6 and Shakti.

The founder of Harmony4Kidz is Irena Makarchuk who is also a singer, songwriter and composer. She will perform her song, “Save The World” which was her inspiration for creating the Harmony4Kidz organization. Irena’s passion for music and her commitment to helping others is a huge part of her life. She came up with the idea for Harmony4Kidz when she was planning another musical event in New York City. She encountered a group of children eager to help her promote the concert and she was shocked to discover that over 200 of the kids were actually homeless. Irena was amazed that in spite of all their problems the kids still had great attitudes and they wanted to be involved with the event and set up booths to sell their artwork. Irena was moved by their strength and courage and the next morning she wrote her song, “Save The World”.

The “Artists Who Care” Benefit will take place on Sept.21st, 2008 7:00 PM at the Highline Ballroom, tickets are available for $25.00 online and $28.00 at the door. During the evening auditions will also be held for the Harmony4Kidz reality TV show. People will also have a chance to submit their artwork, poetry, and music to be considered for publication in the Harmony4Kidz upcoming book and Mix CD. Submissions for any Harmony4Kidz projects will only be accepted at the event.
For more information on Harmony4Kidz visit:
www.harmony4kidz.com/benefit-concert.php
Visit The Harmony4Kidz Facebook Page
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uwi0SvQsO4Y

If you have an event that you would like to share, please don’t hesitate to whip me an email about it with details about the event as well as about the organization. If I think it is a worthy cause I would be more than happy to put something on this blog for others to see, and if I am in the area I would love to attend.

It is official, September 22nd will mark my first day as a member of Plan Canada. I will be joining the team as Youth Engagement and Development Education Specialist. It has been a busy couple of weeks as I had taken on two internships and a part time job. Starting this week I will be transitioning out of these positions and into my role at Plan. My posts may be sparse in the mean time as I have to find an apartment in Toronto and get settled. I have so much to share about both of my internships and then what my role will entail at Plan. Lots of great information to come so please bear with me!

Teamwork and Geese:

As each goose flaps its wings, it creates an ‘uplift’ for the birds that follow. By flying in a “V” formation, the whole flock flies 71% farther than any single bird could fly on its own.

Lesson – Each member of the team benefits from the others’ presence

When a goose falls out of formation, it suddenly feels the drag and resistance of flying alone. It quickly moves back into formation to take advantage of the lifting power of the bird immediately in front of it. When the lead bird tires, it rotates back into formation to take advantage of the lifting power of the bird immediately in front of it.

Lesson – It is important that the head of the team work as hard, or harder, than all the members of the team. This will provide an example of others to follow. And if that member of the team needs support or a “rest”, then the other members of the team must be there to step into the leadership role.

The geese flying in formation honk to encourage those up front to keep up their speed.

Lesson – Constant support and encouragement are essential in helping the team feel a sense of togetherness.

If a goose gets sick, wounded, or shot down, two geese will drop out of formation and follow it down to help and protect it. They stay with it until it dies or is able to fly again. Then, they launch out with another formation or catch up with the flock.

Lesson – Any member of the team who has troubles should never be left to handle them on their own. Supporting team members during difficult times is critical in helping them overcome challenges

“When working as a team, everyone must fly together. Then you will ALL soar above the rest.” – anon (if you know where this quote came from please let me know and I will site it accordingly)

Teamwork can often be the most trying and difficult part of our daily work. It is also the most rewarding. I think we often fail to recognize that our entire lives are a result of teamwork. None of us will attain our goals and achieve success without the support of a team. There is a myth that we can exist on our own. That we can survive without assistance and that individual success is individual. We are all a result of a team of people teaching us and imparting advice and knowledge. No man is an island, as the saying goes. Although we may face individual challenges and overcome obstacles on our own, to do so is not in isolation. We are equipped with the ability to do so by others.

What if instead of approaching our lives as if it is every person for themselves, we approached it as if everything is for each other? What if every day you woke up you attempted the day as if it was with everyone around you? In the developing world the expression is often used that “it takes a village to raise a child”. We are all apart of this village, we are all a goose in the ‘V’. Approach everyone you encounter, everyone you work with and alongside, as if they are your teammate. In each of these interactions you will make each other better for having done so. You will learn new things and teach others.

The world is a far more surmountable obstacle when we believe in one another, when we trust in one another. We are all a team and the minute you realize it will be the minute you become more than yourself. We can learn a lot from Geese, but especially that no one is greater than a team.

Blog Action Day 2008 Poverty from Blog Action Day on Vimeo.

Very cool international call to action taking place October 15. Bloggers from around the world will unite to bring into focus Poverty as it affects us all. If you are a blogger then please take the opportunity to sign up your blog and join everyone in the discussion. This is the website for Blog Action Day. No matter what the topic of your blog is take this one day to let everyone know about Poverty and what they can do to help.

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About
Who am I? I am a gen-y enthusiast working in the ‘let’s change the world’ sector. I see my generally perceived weaknesses of youth and inexperience as my greatest assets. I dig new: new projects, new organizations, new culture. I am not an expert and I am not afraid to say so – who can be in the constantly evolving landscape of youth. I am an idea person so if you are looking for one then hit me up online somewhere (here if you want).

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