Thinking about Volunteering Abroad?

photo: Vladstudios. Cool typography art by other artists here.

Got this info from Melissa Brennan, a fellow HeadCount Team Leader, based in NYC. Thanks, Melissa!

From Erin Barnhart at Idealist.org:

Maybe you've been thinking about volunteering abroad, but aren't sure how to go about it. Where should you go? How long can you afford to stay? What is volunteering abroad really like? How can you be sure you’ll contribute to a meaningful and positive impact?

If you live in New York City, Philadelphia, or Washington, DC, join us next week at one of our 2010 Global Volunteering Fairs where you can chat with representatives from international volunteerism organizations with volunteer projects in communities around the globe.

Click the links to learn more and to register for these free events:

New York: Monday, February 1 at Barnard College, 6-9pm
Philadelphia: Wednesday, February 3 at the University of Pennsylvania, 5-8pm
* Washington, DC: Thursday, February 4 at Google, 6-9 pm

This is a great opportunity to learn more about your options for volunteering in another country as well as get answers to some of those lingering questions you’ve had about volunteering abroad. In addition, you can attend free workshops on topics like the basics of international service and strategies for making volunteering abroad more affordable.

Not in New York, Philadelphia, or Washington? No problem.

You can check out Idealist’s free, comprehensive International Volunteerism Resource Center for information, tools, and strategies for exploring, researching, and preparing for international service (plus some resources for those who have recently returned from volunteering abroad.)

* Note: if you’re in Chicago or Los Angeles, you’re in luck; we’re hosting Global Volunteering Fairs in your cities on February 22nd and 25th, respectively. See you then!

Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee Fellowship Program Accepting Apps

Just got this in an email:

The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) is the official campaign arm of the Democrats in the House of Representatives. The DCCC is the only political committee in the country whose principal mission is to support Democratic House candidates every step of the way.

The DCCC is currently recruiting for its Fellowship program.

Are you looking for an opportunity to break into politics? Want to have a leadership role on a top tier Congressional campaign? Would you like to work for a current or future Member of Congress? Want to receive top-level campaign training?

The DCCC’s Fellows program will be training and placing Fellows in top tier Congressional races around the country. This is a great opportunity to help Democrats keep the majority in 2010 and learn the in and out’s of a Congressional campaign.


Who are we looking for?
· Smart, energetic, fun people committed to protecting the Democratic majority in 2010.

· People who are leaders in their communities.

· Persons interested in increasing or starting their involvement with politics.

· Someone who is willing to share his or her experiences out on the campaign trail.


What do Fellows get?
· Top-Level campaign training from the DCCC. Learn what it takes to win a competitive Congressional race.

· A leadership role on a Congressional campaign.

· Access to the DCCC’s Conference Call Series. This weekly series will have guest speakers who are experienced campaign workers where you can share your experiences and what your hearing out in the field.

· Access to the DCCC’s DC Networking Session Post-Election. This will be an opportunity to meet other Fellows from around the country and network with other political types.


Fellowships are unpaid and persons must attend a DCCC campaign training in their region of the country before they will be assigned to a race. Housing will be provided if necessary by the campaign.

Trainings will be held at the end of May for the summer and full sessions, and at the end of August for the fall GOTV session.

The Fellows Program will be offered on three different schedules:
Summer Session: June-End of August
Full Session: June-Election Day
Fall GOTV Session: End of August-Election Day

To apply for this program fill out this app and submit a one page resume and cover letter. App deadline is April 1, 2010. If you have additional questions please feel free to contact Makese Motley at (202) 863-1500 or email DCCCFellows AT DCCC.org.

This is Our Moment

The Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) released this today:



Take action on US Senate climate change legislation here.

Obama to Answer YouTube Questions about State of the Union Next Week

President Obama's environmental messaging during last night's State of the Union.



"That means building a new generation of safe, clean nuclear power plants in this country. It means making tough decisions about opening new offshore areas for oil and gas development. It means continued investment in advanced biofuels and clean coal technologies."

HUH??? I didn't sign up for that.

According to the Huffington Post,

The Obama administration's new media guru, Macon Phillips, posted a note on the White House blog announcing the interactive strategy for the president's address:

"After the President's speech begins this Wednesday (1/27) at 9pm EST, anyone will be able to submit a follow-up question and vote on others at YouTube.com/CitizenTube. Then next week, the President will answer questions in a special online event, live from the White House."

Submit your question here.

The Energy Action Coalition wants you to help them ask Obama why he wants to waste our limited financial resources on dirty energy when we should ramp up efficiency, wind and solar, which are economically sustainable and create clean and safe jobs for our generation?

PS - Read the full transcript of his speech here.

Good News from the White House for Student Loan Borrowers

Yesterday the White House's Middle Class Task Force, chaired by VP Joe Biden, proposed strengthening the Income-Based Repayment Program. IBR was established through the College Coast Reduction and Access Act of 2007, and went into effect last July.

The Middle Class Task Force's proposal would:
* Lower the cap on federal student loan repayments from 15% of a borrower's discretionary income to 10%.

* Shorten the time it takes to forgive student loan debt from 25 years to 20 years.

These proposed changes will be included in President Obama’s budget proposal for fiscal year 2011. President Obama will send his budge proposal to Congress on February 1st.

Check the Middle Class Task Force's official blog for more info.

In addition to these proposed changes to IBR, the US Senate is considering student aid reform legislation.

To learn more about the Middle Class Task Force watch President Obama and VP Biden's announcement on YouTube -Part 1 and Part 2.

A Plea to all Runners & Cyclists :: Use Your Waistband

photo: Katie Benson

A fellow Surfrider Foundation activist, Katie Benson from the San Diego Chapter posted a great plea to runners and cyclists on her blog yesterday.

(Note: I've blogged about her brother Marty's work before.)

Katie's blog post was circulated by the Surfrider Foundation via Facebook and by Jason Mraz on his blog Freshness Factor Five Thousand.

Here are some excerpts from Katie's post:











To continue reading go here.

Teen starts solo sail around the World

In DC? New Middle East & South Asia Language Institute

DC Internationals' mission is to foster enriched understanding of foreign cultures, perspectives and experiences through foreign language courses, music, lectures, and dance performances.


photo: DC Internationals founder Ross Kaplan & the Dalai Lama

DC Internationals announces the grand opening of its innovative and progressive Middle East and South Asia Language Institute(MESALI).

MESALI will offer Persian/Dari, Urdu, Pashto, Hindi, Arabic, Kurdish, Turkish, Hebrew, Berber, French, ESL and preparation for the TOEFL examination.

DC Internationals' said that their courses are far cheaper than their competitors - MESALI’s entire intensive ten week course is $300. This includes admission to the monthly career development seminar series and the monthly cultural events.

MESALI’s course starts the week of February 8. Registration is open now.

More information and the course syllabi can be found here or by emailing ross (at) dcinternationals.com.

On February 6, join DC Internationals for the MESALI Kick-Off Event @ the United Methodist Church on G Street. Listen to NPR's Morning Edition for announcements and ticket giveaways!

The Invisible Children of Uganda :: Child Soldiers

In the spring of 2003, three young filmmakers from So Cal traveled to Africa in search of a story. By chance, they discovered a tragedy where children are both the weapons and the victims.

After returning to the USA, they created the documentary "Invisible Children: Rough Cut." The film was originally shown to friends and family, but has now been seen by millions of people.

Here's some background on the filmmakers, their journey, and the film:



Watch the full film, for free here.

The overwhelming response to this film is "How can I help?" To answer this question, the filmmakers created the non-profit Invisible Children, Inc.

From the Invisible Children website: We are individuals part of a generation eager for change and willing to pursue it. We use the power of media to inspire young people to help end the longest running war in Africa. But our work extends far beyond storytelling.

This spring, for the very first time, the children featured in the film are coming to the USA to share their stories with us. To host a screening on the Legacy Tour call 619-562-2799.



Meet an Invisible Children roadie. Invisible Children was accepting apps for the Legacy Tour, but unfortunately the app due date has passed.



The Roadie app deadline might have passed, but Invisible Children recently posted that they are accepting apps for intern positions.

To keep up to date on Invisible Children, check out their blog, sign up for the newsletter, or become a fan on Facebook.

Another Conference for Big Thinkers :: Momentum

Momentum 2009 brought together a group of 300 dynamic participants comprised of forward-thinking activists, philanthropists and social entrepreneurs. The issues that face society today defy simple solutions. Only by understanding how our issues and work are interconnected can we hope to create the change that is needed for a healthy, just and vibrant world.

Momentum is more than a conference – it is a creative space, an opportunity for connection, and a place where boundaries are broken and bridges are built. At Momentum, the best new thinking provokes conversation, invites debate, and inspires leaders to view their work through new lenses all the while forging dynamic new relationships.

It's organized by Tides.

Yay! You can watch videos of 2008 and 2009 Momentum conference presentations here.

For example, here's Jessy Tolkan's September 9, 2009 presentation - Executive Director of the Energy Action Coalition.


The Momentum 2010 details have not been announced yet, so join their email list to get the updates.

SOCAP10 :: Social Entrepreneurship Conference

I hope to make it to this conference this year - Social Capital Markets (SOCAP10.)

Check out last year's program. SUPER exciting stuff!

This video interview with co-founder Kevin Jones is about last year's conference.



Check out their blog here.

The conference organizers are accepting applications for interns. Positions begin Feb 1, 2010 and are based at The Hub in Berkeley, CA.

What's Up With Bottled Water :: The Real Deal

I was just reminded of the documentary "Tapped", produced by the same people who made "Who Killed the Electric Car" and "I.O.U.S.A."

"Tapped" looks at the privatization of our world’s greatest natural resource – water. The trailer alone is pretty informative.



"Tapped" is not listed, but you can watch the 100 Best Science Documentaries (including "An Inconvenient Truth") for free, here.

Also check out this Penn & Teller expose on Bottled Water. Sooo funny :)



"Tapped" highlights the dangers of BPA and how it affects our water. Just last week the US Food & Drug Administration (FDA) agreed to reconsider the harm of BPA.

Also check out this list of foods that Food Safety Experts will not eat. After reading this, I returned my organic canned tomatoes to Trader Joe's.

Finally, if you missed it then check out my recent Pop Culture Activist post about how to make your drinking water safe.

Eco-Comedy Video Competition Spring 2010

$1,000 Prize!

Sponsored by the Center for Environmental Filmmaking, Friends of the Earth, Mill Reef Productions, and EcoSense

Guidelines: The contest is open to anyone who prepares a short, funny video for YouTube which communicates a clear message that strongly motivates a specific behavior change (for example, driving a fuel efficient car, turning down thermostats, or donating to a conservation cause).

Submissions must:
* Be humorous!
* Address a critical environmental issue
* Be an original production
* Reach a broad audience beyond just environmentalists
* Be less than 4 minutes

There will be six judges representing the Center for Environmental Filmmaking, Friends of the Earth, the US Environmental Protection Agency, Mill Reef Productions, and EcoSense.

Submissions are due by March 1, 2010.

The winner will be announced at American University on Tuesday, March 23 at the DC Environmental Film Festival.

For more information regarding submission guidelines and contest rules, go here.

Questions may be addressed to Chris Palmer at palmeramerican.edu

Seven Whales die of Plastic Bag Ingestion

In December, seven sperm whales that beached at Foggia, Italy, died from ingesting plastic in the ocean.

Giuseppe Nascetti, who teaches marine ecology at Tuscia University said that the plastic "strangled" the whales' stomachs, which also contained pieces of rope, tin cans and other containers.

More info here.

Take the Surfrider Foundation pledge to Rise Above Plastics here.

Alliance for Climate Education @ X-Games

The Bay Area based Alliance for Climate Education (ACE) has teamed up Disney, ESPN, and the Aspen Ski Co for the Winter X-Games to raise awareness about the science of climate change and the opportunities for young people to take action to stop it.

They want to make sure there’s always going to be snow to shred in Aspen!

This is the first of several video installments from Bridget and Michael's X-Games adventure.

ACE's March to the Winter X-Games volume 1 from ACE Space on Vimeo.

Keep up with Bridget and Michael on the ACE blog.

Sneak Preview:

ACE is launching the DOT – Do One Thing – campaign at the Winter X Games. What are you doing to lower your emissions and raise your voice? What’s your DOT? Tell us by texting “DOT” to 30644!

Surfrider Music Outreach Program Updates - Kapakahi & Oceanroyal

Just decided to start cross-posting here from the other blog I manage, the Surfrider Foundation's Music Outreach Program blog. In case you're curious about my actual "pop culture activism." :)


photo: Hanging out at the Surfrider Music Outreach Program table at the Kapakahi show

This past Friday Surfrider San Francisco Chapter volunteer Zachary and I set up an outreach table at a Kapakahi show at Slim's in San Francisco. More photos and review here.


photo: Mike from Kapakahi and Zachary

I'm psyched to announce that the Music Outreach Program has a brand new supporter - the Bay Area based band Oceanroyal. More info about the band and our first scheduled show with Oceanroyal here. Special thanks to Nick from our Chapter who set this partnership up!


photo: Left to Right: Oceanroyal's Kurt Seefeld, Brian London, Chris Garber, David Chen

Surfrider spotlights Music Outreach Program

This is a belated post, but on December 10th the Surfrider Foundation's CEO Jim Moriarty spotlighted the Music Outreach Program that I started in late 2006/early 2007 on his blog, Oceans Waves Beaches!

I found out about it indirectly through Twitter - didn't have anything to do with it:)

Conan's Parting Words To Young People

"All I ask is one thing, and I'm asking this particularly of young people who watch. Please don't be cynical. I hate cynicism - for the record it's my least favorite quality and it doesn't lead anywhere. Nobody in life gets exactly what they thought they were going to get. But if you work really hard and you're kind, amazing things will happen. I'm telling you, amazing things will happen. I'm telling you - it's just true." - Conan

It's Game Time (again) Obama! :: Upcoming State of the Union Address

I just received the below email message from Pete Griffin, Campaign Director of the Energy Action Coalition.

The Energy Action Coalition is a youth-led coalition of 50 organizations working together to fight for a clean, just and renewable energy future.


The White House responded to 2-out-of-3 of the Energy Action Coalition's "It's Game Time!" requests last fall, when we asked him to meet with youth leaders, to address the country on climate and energy, and to attend Copenhagen in person. The President's top climate and energy advisers organized the first-ever Youth Clean Energy Forum in December, and while Copenhagen did not result in a fair and binding agreement, President Obama did directly engage on the issue. We know they are listening to us, so let's get loud.

Next week President Obama will outline his 2010 strategic plan for our country in his State of the Union address to Congress, which the whole world will be watching. As his advisers decide over the next few days what issues will be prioritized in Wednesday's crucial speech, it's essential to let the White House know that we expect him to tell us exactly how our government will work toward solving the climate and energy crisis.

Sign the petition to tell President Obama "It's Game Time!" and that he needs to address the nation on climate and energy during the State of the Union.



As the new administration got to work last year, we waited patiently for our economy to stabilize, for a new strategy in Afghanistan and for an important health care debate to take place.

Now after Tuesday's vote in Massachusetts, the balance in Congress has changed, and may alter again after the critical midterm election in November. Likewise, the Supreme Court ruled yesterday that corporations - like the dirty energy companies! - can donate huge sums of money without regulation to political campaigns. This will have an impact on not just the possibility for progress on climate and energy, but the country's broader agenda.

It's time for leadership on the issue that underscores everything. We need a clean environment in an energy independent world now, so that we can end violence and begin reinvesting resources in other important areas.

Let President Obama know that it's time to get specific and deliver on our last remaining request. Sign the "It's Game Time!" petition and tell him we want to hear his plan.

Free "Green House Calls" provided by employed Bay Area Youth

photo: The CYES 2009 Richmond Site with US Senator Barbara Boxer

Rising Sun Energy Center is a 501(c) nonprofit that was founded in Santa Cruz, CA in 1994. Now based in Berkeley, CA the organization runs the Community Youth Energy Services (CYES), a summer youth employment and community efficiency retrofit program.

CYES hires young people ages 15-22 and trains them to become Energy Specialists, serving their Bay Area communities with a FREE "Green House Call."

Ah, the Sweet Smell of Chemicals

Here are some excerpts from an email I received today from Sheryl Eisenberg at the Natural Resources Defense Council. I added the Axe ad.

Walking into my teenage son's room the other day, I nearly gagged. No, it wasn't the smell of unwashed clothes or half-eaten food that got me. It was the opposite problem—air freshener. His own personal can.

Like many young people, my son has been conditioned to expect everything to have an aggressively pleasant, artificial smell.

It's a mark of the times. From fabric softener to garbage bags, and moisturizer to lip gloss, today's household and personal care products are perfumed. Cleanser companies encourage us to choose their products based on scent rather than cleaning properties. Personal care items are advertised as fashion statements. The deodorant made by Secret is promoted, literally, as a form of self-expression.



To me, it's absurd, but I'd say "to each his own" if it were just a question of fashion. Unfortunately, it's also a matter of health.

An individual fragrance may be made with dozens if not hundreds of synthetic chemicals and need not be cleared for safety before going to market.

Not only doesn't government require safety testing. It doesn't require that the ingredients in fragrances be identified on product labels. The ingredients are protected as trade secrets.

A 2007 study of air fresheners by NRDC found phthalates (pronounced tha-lates) in 12 of 14 brand-name products NRDC tested, including some marketed as "all-natural" or "unscented." Phthalates are endocrine disruptors that can cause hormonal abnormalities, birth defects and reproductive problems. None of the air fresheners tested listed phthalates on its label.

Similar results were found in a 2002 study of cosmetics by a coalition of environmental and public health organizations.

Other hazardous chemicals in fragrances include volatile organic compounds, some of which are carcinogenic and cause neurotoxic and respiratory effects. Another class of chemicals of concern is synthetic musks, which, according to preliminary research, may be endocrine disruptors, like phthalates.

For reasons that are not yet well understood, fragrances also seem to trigger allergic-like reactions in certain people. People with MCS may experience headaches, nausea, confusion, abdominal pain and a host of other symptoms when exposed to common chemicals.

What do to about this? Eliminate or cut back on your use of scented products, especially if you are of childbearing age.

* Avoid air fresheners. Open the windows instead.

* Use water, white vinegar and baking soda for routine cleaning jobs. If soap is needed, try castile soap.

* Look up fragrance-free products and homemade alternatives in the Guide to Less Toxic Products.

* Check Skin Deep, the Environmental Working Group's cosmetic safety database, to see if your favorite personal care products are safe and to find safer alternatives.

* Make sure the words "fragrance" or "parfum" do not appear in the ingredient list of cosmetics.

* Use fewer cosmetics and reduce or eliminate your use of perfume.

Do not rely on product claims of being "unscented" or "fragrance-free." A product labeled as such may still be made with fragrances.

Nor should you rely on the words "natural," "organic" or "hypoallergenic." They do not guarantee the absence of fragrance.

As to my own efforts to protect my son—I've thrown out his air freshener and forbade him to get more. Our next battlefront: deodorant.

Simple Tips :: Cleaner, Safer Personal Drinking Water

Just received this email from the Environmental Working Group:

Dear Nicole,

We all want to drink clean water. But the truth is, tap water across America isn't as clean as it should be, and bottled water isn't necessarily any better. To help you start drinking cleaner water, EWG researchers put together some simple tips.

You'll learn:

* How to identify the contaminants in your home tap water
* How to choose a filter that works
* Why you should skip the bottled water
* How to find safer reusable water bottles



What's the problem with tap and bottled water?

In recent months, EWG has thoroughly researched both tap and bottled water -- and we're not very impressed with either. Tests we compiled from water utilities nationwide show more than 300 pollutants in the nation's tap water, more than half of which are unregulated -- meaning they aren't subject to any health or safety regulations and can legally be present in any amount. Bottled water may be just tap water in a plastic bottle, often minus the contaminant testing reports provided by your water utility.

The good news is you can easily drink safer water by filtering your tap water and skipping the bottled water. Check out the simple tips compiled by EWG researchers!


Thanks for reading!

Environmental Working Group

Hip Hop Caucus Conference Call on Haiti

photo: US Congresswoman Barbara Lee

Nearly 700 people joined a great Hip Hop Caucus-sponsored Haiti Action conference call this past Monday, organized by the Hip Hop Caucus.

You can listen to the archived recording of the conference call below.

Rev Yearwood of the Hip Hop Caucus was joined by Congresswoman Barbara Lee, Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus; Nicole Lee, Executive Director of TransAfrica; Dr. Ron Daniels head of Institute of the Black World 21st Century Foundation; Rappers David Banner and MC Lyte; Omarosa of the Apprentice.


Find more music like this on The Hip Hop Caucus

After listening to the call you can take action on this Hip Hop Caucus' sponsored website.

Simple Shoes "Fan of the Month"

I liked this e-mail promo from the very awesome company Simple Shoes:)




a close up view of the text:

Paid Summer Political Internships in DC and Chicago through the Roosevelt Institute's Campus Network

Just saw this:

The Roosevelt Institute's Campus Network Summer Academy combines a full-time internship with a training curriculum and weekly networking events as part of an integrated program of leadership development.

Their objective is to bring new, diverse, and progressive voices into the political process.

The program runs for 10 weeks, from June 3rd to August 12th, 2010.

During the summer of 2009, Roosevelt ran two concurrent programs: The Washington, DC Academy and The Chicago, IL Academy.

Each fellowship comes with a minimum $1500 stipend. Applicants with financial need may qualify for additional funding. The Roosevelt Institute is deeply committed to assembling a diverse group of Academy Fellows and will work with each person accordingly.

The program includes trainings, such as: policy 101, communications, online organizing and social media, field organizing, lobbying and fundraising, and coalition building.

It also includes guest speakers. Past speakers include: Greg Ehrendreich from Midwest Energy Efficiency Alliance, Adele Simmons from Chicago Climate Action Plan, and Paige Finnegan from LEED Council.

More info and application details available here. Deadline is February 26, 2010.

Brower Youth Awards now accepting Nominations & Apps for 2010 Class

I received this Facebook message today from the Brower Youth Awards:

We’re looking for six amazing leaders, ages 13-22, to award with a $3,000 cash prize, an all-expenses paid trip to San Francisco to speak at an inspirational award ceremony, media coverage, and ongoing leadership support. If you know someone looking to take their activism to the next level, this award can do it.

Apps are due on May 15, 2010. More info here.


photo: 4 of the 2009 Brower Youth Award recipients

For more info about the 2009 Award recipients and the Brower Youth Awards check out this October 2009 Pop Culture Activist blog post.

Two Millennials Running for Mayor of Athens-Clarke County. Yeah, TWO.

On November 15th 20 year-old political science major and senior at the University of Georgia, Glenn Stegall announced his candidacy for Mayor of Athens-Clarke County.

The election is on November 2nd. Glenn's advantages are a Barack Obama fundraising model, Facebook, and a life that began in poverty and transcended into the middle class – an advantage that he thinks, sets him apart.

“My life has also prepared me for this journey. I grew up in a small south Georgia town. The socioeconomic status of just about everyone was poor. Most people I came in contact with on a daily bases had little education…The difference I can make by simply talking about the issues, and raising awareness is worth my effort alone. If we wait for the perfect time to help people, the problems they face may not persist anymore. Our ability to help may not be the same. So I say why not, why wait, and why not step up to the plate now.”



Glenn is running against another Millennial, 23 year-old Brandon Shinholser who also had a challenging childhood.


photo: Brandon Shinholser

Brandon always had a passion for politics dating back to his early childhood. "Politics was always in the background. I grew to admire leaders like Jack and Robert Kennedy, even though I did not know much about them until I got older, of course. The thing that attracted me to politics was the potential- you know, actually coming to the realization that in politics, with a good heart and ambition, you can really change things for the better," said Brandon.

Hold Onto Your Butt!

In advance of a big 'Hold On To Your Butt' announcement later this week, the San Diego Chapter of the Surfrider Foundation has just put this great PSA online. Thanks to Marco Gonzalez (Executive Producer) and Ian O'Roarty (Director/Producer) for creating it.

Fish Don't Smoke - Surfrider Foundation from Surfrider Foundation San Diego C on Vimeo.

More great PSA's from Surfrider SD in this previous Pop Culture Activist post.

Win a Trip to DC for the 5th Annual One Voice : Reproductive Health & Population Summit

photos: from previous One Voice Summit

There is a direct connection between our health and the health of the planet. Today, more than one billion youth – the largest number ever – are entering their reproductive years. At the same time, we face dwindling access to sexual and reproductive health information and services as well as pressing global challenges like water scarcity, global warming, and poverty. The voices and decisions of this generation will have an impact on our world for years to come.

US residents between the ages of 16 - 24 can win a trip to Washington, DC (flight, accommodations, and meals) to attend the 5th Annual One Voice : Reproductive Health & Population Summit from March 26 - 29, 2010.

The One Voice Summit is a two-day training and policy maker education day for youth activists who are interested in environmental and reproductive justice issues domestically and globally.

Participants will:
* Share info about the intersections of sexual and reproductive health & the environment through a human rights framework
* Develop media relations skills
* Learn how to work with policy makers
* Community Organizing skills
* Advocacy skills

Participants will also participate in a policy maker education day, meeting with their Members of Congress to request support for domestic and international policies supportive of evidence-based sexual and reproductive health programming.

In order to enter the contest you must be between the ages of 16 - 24, and you must live in the USA. To enter, write an essay 500 words or less about the potential roles youth can play in advocating for a more just and sustainable world, where all people have access to sexual and reproductive health services and a healthy environment.

Deadline is 5pm PST on February 3rd.

To enter the contest go to www.onevoicesummit.org.

Sponsored by Advocates for Youth, SIECUS (Sexuality Information and Education Council of the US), and the Sierra Club.

"I Know the Heart of Life is Good"

John Mayer joins celebrities and activists to help Haiti on CNN's Larry King two-hour special last night.



From Mayer's Twitter feed:

7:17 AM Jan 18th from Twittelator - Just recorded my song for CNN's "Haiti: How You Can Help" special, tonight at 8pm EST. Made with lots of love and hope.


4:47 PM Jan 17th from web -Tune in to CNN tomorrow at 8pm EST for Larry King Live: Haiti: How You Can Help. I'll be contributing a tune from London.


10:03 AM Jan 14th from Twittelator - Not in case you haven't seen it but in case you haven't done it: text "HAITI" to 90999 to donate $10 to @RedCross relief efforts in Haiti.

Nancy Pelosi's Office responds to my Letter

photo: House Speaker Nancy Pelosi with husband Paul Pelosi at the 2008 Kennedy Center Honors Award










January 19, 2010


Dear Nicole:


Thank you for contacting me to express your views on health care reform for women. I appreciate hearing from you on this critical issue.

In our current health care system, women often face higher health care costs than men and multiple other barriers to obtaining health insurance. Fewer women are eligible for employer-based coverage, and in the individual insurance market, women face discrimination - often being charged substantially higher premiums for the same coverage as men or being denied coverage for such "pre-existing" conditions as pregnancy, giving birth by Cesarean section, domestic violence, or breast cancer. In a recent study, more than half of women reported delaying needed medical care due to cost.

On July 14th, the Chairmen of the three Committees with jurisdiction over health policy in the House?"Chairman Henry Waxman and Chairman Emeritus John Dingell of the Energy and Commerce Committee, Chairman Charles B. Rangel of the Ways and Means Committee, and Chairman George Miller of the Education and Labor Committee?"introduced H.R.3200, America's Affordable Health Choices Act of 2009 to curb out-of-control costs, encourage competition among insurance plans to improve choices for patients, and expand access to quality, affordable health care for all Americans.

On October 29th, I was proud to announce that House Democrats had achieved consensus to create one bill, H.R.3962, the Affordable Health Care for America Act. The Affordable Health Care for America Act is founded on key principles of American success: opportunity, choice, competition, and innovation.

This legislation directly addresses the issue that women are charged nearly 50 percent more than men for the same coverage when they purchase insurance in the individual market. H.R.3962 makes it illegal for insurance companies to use "gender rating" - charging women more than men for the same coverage. This bill also makes it against the law for insurance companies to deny coverage or charge higher premiums based on "pre-existing" conditions, such as pregnancy, C-sections, domestic violence, or breast cancer.

H.R.3962 also protects reproductive and preventive care services that are essential to a woman's health. Maternity services are included in the essential benefits package outlined in the bill. As a result, all health insurance plans in the Health Insurance Exchange would be required to cover maternity services and over time, plans outside the Exchange would be required to do so as well. This bill also makes key preventive services, ranging from mammograms to well-baby care, more affordable by eliminating all co-pays and deductibles for recommended preventive services.

Both pro-life and pro-choice Members of Congress worked with Representative Lois Capps (D-CA) to craft a compromise amendment adopted by the House Energy and Commerce Committee to H.R.3200 that would maintain longstanding federal policy on abortion services. This amendment barred federal funding for abortions as consistent with the Hyde amendment, which bans federal funding for abortions in all cases except in the cases of rape, incest, or life endangerment; however, private insurance companies would continue to be able to offer abortion coverage using private funds. Additionally, the Capps amendment provides that at least one plan in each market area must offer such services and one plan must not.

During debate on the House floor on November 7th, Representative Bart Stupak (D-MI) and Representative Joe Pitts (R-PA) offered an amendment to H.R.3962 that would go beyond current law. This amendment would extend the Hyde amendment restrictions and ban coverage for most abortions from all public and private health plans in the Health Insurance Exchange created in this bill. It also requires women to purchase a separate policy rider for abortion services. The Stupak-Pitts amendment passed by a vote of 240 - 194.

On November 7th, the House of Representatives passed the Affordable Health Care for America Act, H.R. 3962, in a bipartisan vote of 220-215.

The Senate followed suit on December 24th and passed their version of health insurance reform, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, H.R. 3590, by a vote of 60 - 39. This bill includes an amendment crafted by Senator Ben Nelson (D-NE) that would permit private and public health care plans to offer abortion services, but would bar federal funding for abortions as consistent with the Hyde amendment. Rather than requiring women to purchase a separate policy rider for abortion services, this amendment requires that enrollees make two separate payments: one for their basic policy premium and one for coverage of abortion services.

The Stupak-Pitts amendment goes beyond current law to place restrictions on private plans. I am working with my colleagues to ensure that we pass health care reform for all Americans, while still maintaining current law regarding abortion services.

I have long been a supporter of a woman's right to affordable and accessible reproductive health care, and I am firmly committed to health insurance reform that protects that right and ends insurance discrimination against women. Please be assured I will keep your comments in mind as I continue to fight for legislation that puts Americans and their doctors back in charge, holds insurance companies accountable, guarantees stability and peace of mind, lowers costs, and provides more choices for higher quality care.

Thank you again for contacting me on this critical issue. I hope you will continue to communicate with me on matters of concern to you. For more information on this or other issues affecting our city and our nation, please visit my website at www.house.gov/pelosi or sign up to receive e-mail updates at www.house.gov/pelosi/IMA/subscription.html.


Sincerely,
Nancy Pelosi
Member of Congress

Wyclef Jean :: "Because I Want You To Hear Us"

photo: remember this album? :)

Hip-hop artist, former member of the Fugees, and Haitian native Wyclef Jean has led efforts to help Haiti for years through his charity Yele Haiti.

The term "Yele" comes from a Haitian Creole word meaning 'to yell,' and when asked by CBS's Scott Pelley why he chose this name for his charity, Wyclef responded "Because I want you to hear us."

Jessica Calefati at Mother Jones reported on Wednesday that Yele spends $100,000 a year on athletic programs for Haitian children and helps feed 50,000 people a month with food donated by the UN.


photo: Angelina Jolie and Wyclef Jean in Port-au-Prince in January 2006, celebrating Yele's 1st anniversary. Credit: Brennan Leslie / Associated Press.

When Wyclef received word of the disaster, he immediately acted, sending a “flurry of tweets” for people to donate $5 by texting 501501. He has already returned to Haiti to help.

More details on Wyclef's actions over the past few days here on Treehugger.com.

Saw this on Twitter today, from @dosomething:

NEWS: we're offering grants of $500 for people under 25 who are working on Haiti relief projects.

Simply Put, I love TechSoup

I just received the below content in an email from the company TechSoup Global: the Technology Place for Nonprofits. According to this San Francisco Chronicle article - TechSoup Global, which was founded by social entrepreneur Daniel Ben-Horin, is a San Francisco nonprofit that connects charities to computer companies. But they do so much more than just that -

New Year's Technology Resolutions — a Four-Part Series
Resolution #2: Learn new skills.

Whatever your resolutions are this year, updating your skills and the skills of your staff and volunteers – computer-based and otherwise – should definitely be at the top of your 2010 to-do list. Luckily, TechSoup can help you brush up on old skills and learn new ones, and you won't even have to leave your desk. We've highlighted some of our best skills-focused resources for you below.

Sharpen Your Skills with Nonprofit-Focused Online Courses from the Society for Nonprofit Organizations (SNPO)
These valuable online courses ($77.50 each) are designed to teach the core skills needed to lead and manage a successful nonprofit organization. Choose from eight different courses in marketing, board governance, leadership, resource development, volunteer management, and strategic planning. Or, take all eight courses and earn a Learning Institute Certificate. Continuing education credits are also available through SNPO and Michigan State University.

Computer and Professional Development Courses from the ICWFD Discount Program
The International Commission on Workforce Development (ICWFD) has teamed with TechSoup to offer discounts on its e-Skills360° computer-based courses in information technology and professional development. Staff and volunteers can access more than 1,500 courses for practical training on a variety of in-demand skills. Many courses cover technology systems and software, such as Web Design Basics, Cisco Internetworking Technologies, and The Linux Operating System, and others offer professional skills and development, like Communicating Clearly: Write to be Understood and Diversity Awareness: The Evolving Labor Force.

Microsoft e-Learning Courses from Software Assurance
Get access to self-paced, interactive training developed by Microsoft experts. Courses are designed for maximum skill transfer in minimal time. Assessments, hands-on virtual labs, expert advice, and an interactive, nonlinear approach make for an engaging and flexible e-learning experience. Courses range from beginner-level software training such as Core Training for Microsoft Excel, to more advanced subjects such as Designing Microsoft Office SharePoint Server 2007. Access to e-Learning courses are available for free to organizations that have received donated Microsoft products with software assurance.

TechSoup's Learning Center
Gain valuable insight and information from how-to articles, worksheets, and product comparisons written for nonprofits of all sizes and all levels of technical expertise. Here you'll find original TechSoup content as well as relevant material from partner organizations, consultants, and nonprofit leaders. For the latest articles from the TechSoup Learning Center, subscribe to our RSS feed and our weekly community newsletter, TechSoup By the Cup.

TechSoup Webinars
Webinars on everything from Mobile Technology for Advocacy and Activism, to Storytelling & Social Media, to a helpful Roadmap to Microsoft Training. These webinars are all available to view at your convenience, and, best of all, they're free! Check out our webinars page for all archived and upcoming topics, and sign up for our next one on January 28, 2010 Avoid the Junk: How to Get Quality Used Computers.

TechSoup Forums
Find answers to your questions, learn about new technologies, and network with others in the nonprofit community. Over 70,000 users have contributed to over 9,000 threads and more than 10,000 posts so far. If what you're looking for isn't there, just ask, and someone will probably have your answer.

In addition to these awesome online resources, TechSoup also organizes and hosts free community forums at their offices in downtown San Francisco for Community Managers. I've only been able to attend 2 of these meetups in the past year, but they were fantastic!

TechSoup even published my favorite Pop Culture Activist blog post from 2009, on the NetSquared.org site! (NetSquared.org is also a great resource.)

Take Action Today :: Women's Reproductive Rights & The US Health Care Bill

Today is the Not Under The Bus Campaign's Take Action Day, sponsored by the Women's Media Center.

Right now, the US Congress is reconciling the US House of Representatives' and the US Senate's versions of the health care bill behind closed doors. According to The Hill newspaper, the pace will pick up Wednesday, January 13th when six House Democrats (Reps. Pelosi, Rangel, Steny Hoyer (Md.), James Clyburn (S.C.), George Miller (Calif.), and Henry Waxman (Calif.)) join a group of five Democratic senators (Sens. Dodd, Harry Reid (Nev.), Dick Durbin (Ill.), Max Baucus (Mont.) and Tom Harkin (Iowa)) at the White House.

One of the issues up for debate is women's reproductive rights. I've blogged about this before, but here's a nice recap from the National Women's Law Center:

The Stupak-Pitts amendment in the House bill prevents women from using their own personal funds to purchase an insurance plan that includes abortion coverage in the new health insurance exchanges -- taking away essential coverage that most insurance plans provide today. Senator Ben Nelson's addition to the Senate bill also contains an unworkable and unfair approach to abortion coverage by imposing arbitrary and burdensome hurdles to secure access to abortion care.



Please sign NARAL Pro-Choice petition by 12noon on January 20th, here.

The other petition I like, that I think you should sign is the National Women's Law Center's petition hosted on the Change.org website, here.

If you sign one or both of these petitions then you'll be in good company! Change.org reported last month that the Berkeley, CA City Council sent coat hangers to 20 Members of Congress.

From the Change.org blog post:

"It's great to send a letter, but I think it's more effective to send a coat hanger," Councilmember Kriss Worthington argued before the vote. So the care package included both, the letter reading: "The City of Berkeley is sending you this coat hanger as a symbol of the horrible pain and suffering endured by women as a result of years of anti-choice policies imposed by our government. ... We strongly support health care reform but it is unconscionable that this should come at the expense of a woman’s reproductive rights."

If you are a student then join The Hanger Project by printing out the above graphics as tags, attaching them to wire hangers, and displaying them around your dorm or campus. More info here.

Jason Mraz sings about Going Outdoors on Sesame Street

If it had been up to 18 - 29 year olds ...

This map comes from Future Majority's website. Future Majority researched and commissioned it after the November 2008 presidential election.

Future Majority also has maps of the electoral vote from 2004, and 20 year trends in youth partisan voting.

Undergrad Perspectives :: the Business of Changing the World

Net Impact sought to take the pulse of how undergraduates' opinions about have evolved on responsible business, their role in affecting change in their careers, and whether they are prepared to do so.

They administered an online survey to 1,650 undergraduates in Spring 2009. 45 different colleges and universities across the U.S. were represented, including schools both outside and within the Net Impact undergrad network.

The survey results are presented in this brand new January 2010 report Undergraduates Perspectives: The Business of Changing the World.


I found this section of the report particularly interesting:

Today’s undergraduates feel they have at least a moderate understanding of issues like corporate responsibility and environmental sustainability, but lack the same level of confidence in international development, social entrepreneurship, and nonprofit management.


note: graphic was taken from the report

New Obama Loyalty Initiative

Generation 44 ("Gen44") is named for the 44th US President, Barack Obama. This is the Democratic National Committee's effort to build upon the 2008 presidential campaign's "Generation Obama" initiative.

Gen44 was created to cultivate and empower a rising generation of business, government, public and private sector leaders under the age of 40 for the Democratic Party - for fundraising initiatives both for the Democratic National Committee and for President Obama's "Organizing for America." It will also serve as a platform for political mobilization so that President Obama can implement his policy ideas.

Garbage Dreams :: "Can I Really Say No To God?"

photo: Garbage Dreams on Flickr

"Garbage Dreams" follows three teenage boys born into the trash trade and growing up in the world's largest garbage village, on the outskirts of Cairo. It is the home to 60,000 Zaballeen, Arabic for "garbage people." Far ahead of any modern "Green" initiatives, the Zaballeen survive by recycling 80 percent of the garbage they collect. When their community is suddenly faced with the globalization of its trade, each of the teenage boys is forced to make choices that will impact his future and the survival of his community.

"Garbage Dreams" was the Winner of the Al Gore Reel Current award for film - and many other awards.





See the film for free in Oakland, California (outside of San Francisco) on Wednesday, January 27th @ 6:30pm or in San Francisco @ the Civic Center Library on Tuesday, January 19th @ 5:45pm.

Check here for community screenings nation-wide; it's an extensive list of screenings - all coming up very quickly!!

Or look for it on PBS beginning in April 2010.

If you're into independent films like this one then check out this website for an online calendar of upcoming events in your area! Awesome resource.

Finally, if you are a teacher and are interested in learning more about the films plans for educational outreach, then go here and click on "How To Help." You can also learn more on Facebook.

But what's up, Proctor & Gamble? This was taken from the Garbage Dreams website:

The Recycling School is located in the heart of Mokattam. The school was built in partnership with multinational cosmetic companies, such as Proctor and Gamble. These multinationals wanted to put an end to the fraudulent activity of refilling their discarded shampoo containers with cheap soap and water, which are later resold on the Egyptian market.

The school’s curriculum is built around the recycling of shampoo bottles. First, each student collects empty plastic shampoo bottles from local neighborhood merchants. They bring these bottles to the school and count them. The students apply their math and literacy skills to fill out forms indicating how many bottles they retrieved. Then, the multinational companies pay students for each bottle recorded.

The students then convert the shampoo bottles into plastic powder in order to sell it to recyclers in their neighborhood. The income generated from such sales covers part of the salaries of the teaching staff.