Activists perish…but their vision lives on

The Petit family was struck by tragedy on July 23, 2007, wife Jennifer Hawke-Petit and two daughters Michaela, 11 and Hayley, 17 were killed in a home invasion. Father, Dr. William Petit Jr. was the only survivor. The murder trial is underway for ex-con Steven Hayes, while Joshua Komisarjevsky, also caught at the scene of the crime, awaits trail. Learn more about the trail and watch justice unfold.


http://abcnews.go.com/US/TheLaw/gruesome-petit-trial-testimony-suspects-snapped-photos-assaults/story?id=11710077

The suffering and lost of these activists is truly tragic.

Jennifer Hawke-Petit was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) in 1999, leading Haley Petit, Michaela's to begin a fundraising charity for MS called Haley's hope at the age of 11. The charity raised over 30 thousand dollars for Multiple Sclerosis in six years!

Haley was set to attend Dartmouth College in the fall of 2007, and handed her charitable legacy to her younger sister Michaela, who was re-naming the charity "Michaela's Miracle.” Michaela planned to carry on the spirit of service and was greatly motivated by the words of Mahatma Gandhi, “You must be the change you wish to see in the world.”

The Petit Family Foundation (PFF) was established in 2008, to honor the memory of Jennifer, Hayley and Michaela. PFF wants to help with the education of young people, help those affected by chronic illness and help and protect those affected by violence.

 

PFF host events to raise funds to support their efforts, such as the annual golf tournament and 5k family run. Learn more about the foundation, get involved, and make a donation.

http://www.petitfamilyfoundation.org/.

Remember the good in all.



The Girl Effect...Break the Cycle of Poverty

The Girl Effect, n.: the powerful social and economic change brought about when girls have the opportunity to participate.




The Girl Effect is a campaign launched to break the cycle of poverty. Research has shown that girls have the greatest potential to be change agents in their communities. The goal is to end poverty. Making girls visible in their communities, providing them education, stays health and HIV free, a choice of when they marry, and then she can change the standard of living for her family, community, and country. Nicholas D. Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn's book Half the Sky, shows through statistical evident and personal accounts that the Girl Effect is possible, investing in women within a community can eradicate poverty.


The Girl Effect is an initiative of the Nike Foundation. Here's how you can get involved send a girl to school, or help her fight a legal case, or give her a microloan, visit www.globalgiving.com/girleffect to get started. Or just spread the word, the more people know the greater their ability to be a change agent. Read the Girls Count: A Global Investment & Action Agenda http://www.cgdev.org/content/publications/detail/15154
for more information.

The Girl Effect Can't Happen Without YOU

  

For more on The Girl Effect visit http://www.thegirleffect.org/.

We Will Not Forget

8:30 PM September 11, 2001:

President George W. Bush addresses the nation.



The crash of the planes into the WTC towers triggered the largest response operation in NYC history. Within approximately 30 minutes, all local bridges, tunnels, highways and airports were closed; sensitive locations around the city were secured and government buildings are evacuated. Within an hour, all U.S. flights were halted and military fighters had established combat air control over New York City.



Of the approximately 17,400 people in the North and South Towers of the World Trade Center on 9/11, approximately 15,000 people evacuated safely. All seven buildings at the World Trade Center were destroyed and a portion of the Pentagon collapsed.

The attacks resulted in almost 3,000 fatalities -- the largest loss of life from a hostile attack by a foreign entity on American soil. The FDNY lost 343 members of its force, the NYPD lost 23 and the PAPD lost 37, the largest loss of emergency responders in a single event in U.S. history.
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The National September 11 Memorial & Museum stands in remembrance, reflection and learning for years to come. You can be apart of the memorial heres how:

$1000 will sponsor one of the granite pavers that will create elegant walkways leading to the Memorial.

$500 will sponsor a cobblestone to be placed on the Memorial Glade, a small clearing in a grove of trees for gatherings and ceremonies.

$100 will sponsor a cobblestone to be placed on the paths of the Memorial Plaza, a beautifully landscaped space surrounding the Memorial.

$25 to receive a National September 11 Memorial Builder Certificate and lapel pin.

Visit the official site http://www.national911memorial.org/.

Someone's Watching...Human Rights Watch

Human Rights Watch, also described as the international watch dog, is an independent organization dedicated to defending and protecting human rights. For 30 years HRW has been working to lay legal and moral groundwork to create change and bring justice and security to all people around the world. HRW produces several publication including in-depth research and personal accounts which hold abusers accountable and challenge governments to address the events that are taking place under their watch. HRW’s World Report summarizes human rights conditions in more than 90 countries and territories worldwide, reflecting extensive investigative work and close partnerships with human rights activists. Visit www.hrw.org and search through over 100 issues and topics as well as multimedia products.

HRW is powered by a team of over 80 researchers. From permanent field researchers to those that work within or close to the locations they focus on which can range from Cairo to Bangkok and those in the main offices; researchers establish consistent methodology with field experience at its core.

“Researching the problem goes hand-in-hand with researching the advocacy approach: our research is not just about victims and perpetrators, but about determining who can and should take responsibility for stopping rights violations and providing redress, the detailed and specific steps they need to take, and who else can bring influence and leverage to bear. “ –Human Rights Watch

How you can get involved:

HRW offers fellowships and grants find out if you qualify for one. Make a donation and sign up for news alerts, stay abreast of growing world issues. Or take action, view various issues you can support such as eliminating the rape kit backlog, urge Members of the US Congress to support and co-sponsor the bipartisan Justice for Survivors of Sexual Assault Act of 2009: http://www.kintera.org/c.nlIWIgN2JwE/b.5706887/k.37FC/Eliminate_the_Rape_Kit_Backlog/siteapps/advocacy/ActionItem.aspx

Emergency Relief Efforts....

In the wake of the 5 year since Hurricane Katrina devastated the city of New Orleans and the surrounding area, we are reminded that the unthinkable can happen. The Red Cross and many other relief organizations have played a huge role in helping families recover. But this world is still working to overcome the impact of natural disasters. This year alone there have been several deadly disasters impacting China, India, British Columbia, Haiti, Pakistan, and Uganda to name a few.

Many countries do not have the funds and means to full support emergency relief efforts. This is where we come in. Amazing programs like Eat So They Can provide a platform for us to raise funds and awareness to support developing countries in there emergency relief efforts.

Ebony donates to Emergeny Relief Efforts online at http://www.eatsotheycan.org/

I recently hosted a dinner for Eat So They Can and was able to raise over 700 USD to support relief efforts in Haiti and Kenya. There is still time to donate visit www.eatsotheycan.org/host/kimberly-jones and make a donation.

Eat So They Can Dinner for Emergency Relief

Want to host your own dinner, lunch or any creative meal you can come up with visit http://www.eatsotheycan.org/ become a host raise awareness and funds to better the lives many around the world.

This is the house we worked on, we installed window frames

If you can travel and are interested in helping onsite then volunteering with Habitat for Humanity is a great idea. I volunteered in New Orleans last year and it was a wonderful experience. HFH has project throughout the world visit http://www.habitat.org/eca/ to find more information on how you can get involved.

Volunteering with Habitat For Humanity, New Orleans 2009

The Global Volunteer Network also places volunteers throughout the world to work on various projects. Want to help out in Haiti, visit http://www.globalvolunteernetwork.org/haiti to schedule your volunteer trip to Haiti. A variety of opportunities are available to assist with rebuilding and rehabilitation efforts.

We are reminded of preparedness, ensuring our families, schools and business have a plan and an emergency kit in place should disaster happen. We are also reminded of the courage of survivors as they work to rebuild their lives.

Got Talent...Use It For Good

Got talent…put it to use for charity at www.allthis.com. Allthis is offering a new way to contribute, no time to volunteer with an organization you want to support, already sent a check; well this is the new alternative to take actions for your cause.
The mission of Allthis is to create a living marketplace that lets people turn their time and skills into cash for their favorite causes. We hope to make this process easy and efficient through allthis.com, the most diverse collection of people, things and unique experiences on the Web.


Here’s how it works
There are two ways to support a charity be a bidder and bid on an existing deal or create a new deal for using your talents for others to bid on. Teams can work together to raise money for a common cause. Everyone involved can contribute whatever it is he or she has to offer and decide what cause the money raised will benefit.


Everyone can participate. Use this site to raise funds for your favorite charity.


Watch Sting perform for on 9.11 we will never forget those we lost. We will always remember the strength and unity of the United States of America.

CHILDLINE...Connecting Children to the Help They Deserve

There is help for all children; the journey begins with one step. CHILDLINE is India’s first 24 hour, free emergency phone outreach service for children in need of care and protection. Children throughout India can call 1098, day or night and receive assistance and relief from abuse and violence, trafficking, child labor, drug abuse, child marriage, and missing children. CHILDLINE also protects street children from abuse and mistreatment.

When a call is placed the child will receive immediate crisis intervention to include emotional support and guidance as well as referral services. After the emergency is address CHILDLINE explores options with the child to study, learn a trade, go back home etc. Based on the decision of the child, CHILDLINE links the child to an appropriate organization in the city.

As of December 2009, CHILDLINE has received 17 million calls from children across the country, in its twelve years of existence. The Government of India has presented CHILDLINE as its response to the Child Rights Convention.

CHILDLINE has assisted children in taking action against violators through the legal system and has taken a case to the Supreme Court. See case studies on the work CHILDLINE has done to end cruelty to children http://www.childlineindia.org.in/1098/research-studies.htm.

There are various ways you can assist CHILDLINE in its effort to help all children in India. Make a donation and spreading the word, http://www.childlineindia.org.in/1098/donations.htm.

The UK has a program similar to CHILDLINE sponsored by the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children, called ChildLine. This service provides a line for children to call (0800 1111) for assistance and a line for adults to call if they are concerned about the well being of a child 0808 800 5000.

The NSPCC's vision is to end cruelty to children in the UK. They too, campaign to change the law, provide ChildLine and the NSPCC Helpline, offer advice for adults, and much more. If you are interested in volunteering or making a donation visit http://www.nspcc.org.uk/get-involved/volunteer-your-time/volunteer-your-time-hub_wdh72793.html.

Take a step to help the children in your community and abroad.

Make Time for Peace

Do you live in Ann Arbor Michigan? Is it a short drive away? Are you planning a trip to the area? If so make time to visit the ultimate community initiative, Peace Neighborhood Center.

Peace Neighborhood Center' mission is to provide programs for children, families, and individuals who are affected by social and economic problems. Peace helps people discover options, enhance skills, and make choices that lead to self-sufficiency and positive community involvement.

Executive Director, Bonnie Billups Jr. explains that Peace Neighborhood Center is in it for the long haul, to ensure that those who come through the door receive the continued support need to be self sufficient and find their greatness.

Peace Neighborhood Center has been serving the Ann Arbor Community for over 38 years and over time has expanded in order to meet the challenges of integrating communities, combating drugs and violence, and addressing educational and economic equalities.

There are a variety of youth programs. REACH and Alternatives for Youth after school programs offer activities to promote the development of social skills, healthy positive attitudes, leadership skills and goal setting. These programs are support by more than 150 volunteer tutors. In addition to after school programs , Peace Neighborhood Center offers summer day camp, College/Career Prep Club, mentoring, and Performance Arts Academy.

This organizations commitment to family is evident in the variety of programs for youth as well as adults. The Center offers several groups and programs to assist with substance abuse recovery and prevention, counseling, advocacy and assistance, and homelessness.

Peace Neighborhood Centers Family Enrichment Program represents the cornerstone of family togetherness. Participants enjoy family cooking, internet/email workshops, a family fun and are reward for their participation.

Peace partners with a host of local organizations to include United Way, Ann Arbor Jack and Jill, the University of Michigan. As well Peace has an extremely diverse group of board members representing a wealth of experience and commitment to the Ann Arbor community, and is a model for new and growing nonprofits to emulate. Starting & Building a Nonprofit: A Practical Guide

The center has a lot to offer the entire community, with innovative programs and ways to get involved. Current volunteer opportunities include after-school tutoring, program assistants, and grounds maintenance. You can also make a donation no matter where in the world you are with their secure online donation page http://www.peaceneighborhoodcenter.org/donate.php.
Peace Neighborhood Center is generously supported by local area grocery stores through their community rewards programs. With very little effort, you can support Peace every time you shop, learn more at http://www.peaceneighborhoodcenter.org/grocery_cards.php.
With the Script Card Program, buy a gift certificate from there page and Peace will receive a percentage donation from the company with no cost to you. You get the exact amount of goods or services that you pay for. Find out more at https://www.peaceneighborhoodcenter.org/scrip_options.php.

Make time for peace in your neighborhood.

With the World Cup coming to an end, let us not forget Africa

Music sensation Shakira is determined to leave a legacy that will have a positive impact on African development. Shakira’s camp released this news statement about the Barefoot Foundation's project in South Africa.

“Barefoot founder and 1Goal Ambassador Shakira visited a school in Soweto with the 1GOAL campaign, an international campaign to ensure that education for all is the lasting legacy of World Cup 2010. 1GOAL is supported by the Global Campaign for Education (GCE) and FIFA and co-chaired by Her Majesty Queen Rania Al-Abdullah of Jordan. 1GOAL asks fans to lobby their country's leaders and help ensure all boys and girls have access to quality primary education.

Shakira visited the school in the township of Soweto, sharing her own experiences with students and advocating for the importance of education. She celebrated the heroic efforts of the teachers and students at the school before teaching the students a few dance moves. Shakira's song, "Waka Waka - Time for Africa," is the official anthem of the World Cup and benefits education programs.” –Barefoot Foundation news release.

The Barefoot Foundation‘s aim is to improve education and quality of life for children and partners Colombian Nonprofit, Pies Descalzos. Together the two organizations have launched projects that range from global advocacy and school construction to food programs and psychological counseling.


With projects in Columbia, Haiti, and South Africa, the Barefoot Foundation can use your help. Learn how you can sponsor a child, make a donation, volunteer, spread the word and much more at http://www.barefootfoundation.org/.

More celebraties are lending a hand to improve education. Serena Williams, tennis pro, opened a second school in Kenya with the help of Build African Schools, a non- profit organization dedicated to building schools, installing electric power and providing computers and other educational equipment for children in Africa, http://www.buildafricanschools.org/

The Andre Agassi Foundation for Education (AAFE) has reached tremendous heights toward improving access to quality education for children in the US, through Agassi Prep located in Nevada. "AAFE, is more than a school or a set of beliefs, it is a movement committed to transforming education so that all children have a shot at success," express the Agassi camp, http://www.agassifoundation.org/.

Learn more about what celebrities are doing to impact social change and also contact them via http://www.looktothestars.org/.

If You Wanna Make the World a Better Place

This weekend was tremendous, a vision came full circle, and Team Ramstein was formed. A few amazing women joined together to raise $2,806 USD and run for Women for Women International UK’s Run for Congo Women Initiative. This was the first run hosted by the UK office and raised over $30,000 USD, 100% of which will go to support the training program in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Women sponsored into this program receive food, clean water, and clothing for themselves and their children, school for children, education programs to improve literacy, job skills training to start a business and empower a woman to change her community. There are real people behind what we are doing, meet Honorata a survivor, business woman, community leader, graduate of Women for Women program, a success!

I am truly proud of our team, Terri Miles, Ebony Johnson, Rebecca Cave, Lauren Almond, Heather Perry, Michelle Miller, Marissa Skidmore and myself. We pushed ourselves in different ways, some running in their first race, others far exceeding their fundraising goals, and all of us increasing awareness of how women are affected on a global scale.

Being compelled to change the things we see as unjust or in need of improvement, takes self reflection. As the late King of Pop, Michael Jackson said, “If you wanna make the world a better place, take a look at yourself and make a change,” serve your local and global community. We all have the power to inspire and enact positive change. See US based and international organization that would love to have your support, no matter how far or near you are, no matter how much or how little time you have to spare.

Save the Children, works to ensure children get proper healthcare, food, education and protection. They are saving lives in emergencies, campaigning for children's rights, and improving their futures through long-term development work. More than 9 million children are still dying every year before their fifth birthday. We need to act together, now, to change this appalling reality. Find out how you can assist http://www.savethechildren.org/.

Eat So They Can is a movement that is committed to helping children and women across Africa, Asia, and South America break the poverty cycle. Sign up to host your own dinner and choose to support one of our important causes: Orphaned and Vulnerable Children, Women's Empowerment, Emergency Relief, or Anti-Trafficking. Find out more http://www.eatsotheycan.org/.

 

The United Nations Volunteers (UNV) program contributes to peace and development through volunteerism. UNV is inspired by the conviction that volunteerism can transform the pace and nature of development and by the idea that everyone can contribute their time and energy towards peace and development. With partners, UNV advocates for volunteerism, integrates volunteerism into development planning and mobilizes volunteers. The enormous potential of volunteerism is an inspiration to UNV and to volunteers around the world. Learn more about how to become a UN volunteer http://www.unv.org/how-to-volunteer.html.

Women for Women International believes that when women are well, sustain an income, are decision-makers, and have strong social networks and safety-nets, they are in a much stronger position to advocate for their rights. This philosophy and our commitment to local leadership, builds change and capacity at the grassroots level. To join this effort or sponsor a woman visit http://www.womenforwomen.org/help-women/help-women-globally.php.

Earthwatch is an international environmental charity which is committed to conserving the diversity and integrity of life on earth to meet the needs of current and future generations. We work with a wide range of partners, from individuals who work as conservation volunteers on research teams through to corporate partners, governments and institutions. Find out how you can become directly involved in environmental research and conservation at http://www.earthwatch.org/getinvolved/

Please don't feel limited to these organizations, research, continue to read this blog and find the best support for the change you wish to see in the world.



"Man In The Mirror" Man In The Mirror (Remastered Version)



I'm Gonna Make A Change,
For Once In My Life
It's Gonna Feel Real Good,
Gonna Make A Difference
Gonna Make It Right . . .

Michael Jackson - Man In The Mirror (Official Music Video). Watch more top selected videos about: Michael_Jackson

Shop The Thread Loop...15% Off, Make a World of Difference

Hello my Fashionistas, I’ve found a great way for us to stay chic and have a positive impact on social change. My good friend Jo Blundell left the corporate world and started an “eco fashion” online boutique. The Thread Loop is a shopping hub where you can buy clothes and things that are more than pretty. They’re all created with a consciousness toward people, communities and the planet.

So what’s eco fashion...Sustainable fashion, also called eco fashion, is a part of the growing design philosophy and trend of sustainability, the goal of which is to create a system which can be supported indefinitely in terms of environmentalism and social responsibility. Sustainable fashion is part of the larger trend of sustainable design where a product is created and produced with consideration to the environmental and social impact it may have throughout its total life span, including its "carbon footprint". (courtesy of wiki)

According to the May 2007 Vogue appears not to be a short-term trend but one could last multiple seasons. While environmentalism used manifest itself in the fashion world through a donation of percentage of sales of a product to a charitable cause, fashion designers are now re-introducing eco-conscious methods at the source through the use of environmentally friendly materials and socially responsible methods of production. (courtsey of wiki)

The Thread Loop was founded by Jo Blundell (on the left) whose background is a far from fashion or green having come from a marketing and financial services background. She was inspired to make the change after reading an article some years ago on the enormous social and environmental damage of the current fashion industry business model.

Currently the Thread Loop features six designers, who have developed a wide range of sustainable products to include blouse, dresses, bags and accessories and much more.

Shop www.thethreadloop.com and receive 15% off with this code: globalactionsblog (the offer expires 31 July 2010...act now).

How can you get involve...although many of us are conscious of recycling our newspaper, buying organic produce and using energy efficient appliances in our efforts to “save the planet,” we don’t put the same level of energy into where our clothes come from and how they are made.

By learning more we make a difference.

Check out Jo’s page on Big issues... http://www.thethreadloop.com/The-big-issues_234.aspx

Eco fashion is not a trend; see the Vancouver Fashion Week 2009 EcoFashion show. Also check out amazing eco fashion magazines such as Boho...and find out if you’re a Boho girl at http://www.bohomag.com/.

Three Cups of Tea

I recently finished the book Three Cups of Tea, by Greg Mortenson and David Oliver Relin, a heroic story of Greg Mortenson’s journey to improve social conditions in rural areas of Pakistan and Afghanistan, through the gift of education. Tom Brokaw describes it as, “one of the most remarkable adventure stories of our time. Greg Mortenson’s dangerous and difficult quest to build schools in the wildest parts of Pakistan and Afghanistan is not only a thrilling read, it’s proof that one ordinary person, with the right combination of character and determination, really can change the world.”

 

His story was inspirational and intriguing as he came upon many challenges and obstacles to accomplish his goals. There are many things to learn from Mortenson’s successes and failures, three which really hit home for me were 1. Never give up, 2. Learn what the people need, not what you think is best for them and 3. Immerse yourself in the culture, i.e. learn the language and customs it will open doors and increase your impact. Mortenson’s first school, the Korphe School (left) was completed in 1996.

Mortenson’s nonprofit organization the Central Asia Institute (CAI) continues to promote and support community-based education, especially for girls, in remote areas of Pakistan and Afghanistan. To make a tax deductible donation visit CAI website http://www.ikat.org./ Or if you want to get involved the organization promotes Pennies for Peace (P4P), which is ideal for mentors, families and teachers to introduce children to cross cultural experiences and all them to see the impact they can have on others. P4P educates children about the world and how they can make an impact, one penny at a time http://www.penniesforpeace.org/.

Be The Change

Global Volunteer Network’s (GVN) founder Colin Salisbury leads a program called Be The Change. I recently attended this program in Tuscany, Italy. For me Be The Change provided inspiration and focus, that I don’t think I could have discovered elsewhere.

17 people representing 13 different countries shared their desires to be catalyst of social change. Colin, Courtney and Nadine, leaders in the field of social change, led seminars and mentored participants during the week long course. They help us mold our thoughts, dreams and much confusion into a defined plan that we could put into action.

My experience was phenomenal. Meeting like minded individuals and finding incredible mentors has inspired me to create this blog, invest in French language immersion and pursue social change with NGOs on the ground working toward solutions in areas I believe in. But most importantly I returned home with a sense of possibility; I can make a difference on a global scale…one person at a time.

Be the change you want to see in the world. – Gandhi



To learn more about Be The Change and it's facilitators visit Globalvolunteernetwork.org

My Purpose

I’m Kimberly and I want to make a difference in the global community. My quest to figure out how to do this has led me here. I grew up in the United States and graduated from Howard University and the University of Oklahoma. I am a proud sister of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated. My career started in the United States Air Force in 2005 and I have since served one tour in Iraq. Service to all mankind has been my passion for some time now. My first volunteer pursuits include working with Teach for America  and AmeriCorps programs Jumpstart and Heads Up. These wonderful experiences were eye opening and have fueled my desire to do more.

Along the way I’ve meet amazing people who too are working to impact social change throughout the world and I’ve learned about organizations that are implementing programs and touching lives around the global. I’m continuing to learn more through reading about change makers with extraordinary stories. I want to share this with you and create a single location to connect with people, organizations and stories driving global actions.

Join my quest by following this blog. You will learn more about current movements, be connected to global social change, and have easy access to ways to get involved and take action on issues you are passionate about.

Share your experiences with me and be featured in www.beaboutchange.blogspot.com

It’s as easy as giving free hugs.

Run for Congo Women

The Ramstein Team is official and ready to run for a cause: Terri Miles, Ebony Johnson, Rebecca Cave, Lauren Almond, Heather Perry, Michelle Miller, and Kimberly Jones. The run will be July 3, 2010 in London, UK at Regents Park.  This truly means a lot to us to have friends and family help impact the lives of others. Please spread the word. Make a donation at  http://www.active.com/donate/runforcongowomen/Womenrun4congowomen.


 

I dedicated my first half marathon to the women of the Congo, on May 8, 2010. Training was difficult, I ran hills and pushed myself each time to go further. On race day I gathered with 7 friends, who also supported the cause and wore the Run for Congo Women logo. There were over 10 thousand race participants and you could feel the excitement in the air. We all finished the race and left knowing we pushed through not just for ourselves but to help others. Several friends, family, and charitable hearts donated to the cause, we raised 838 USD, exceeding our goal. I couldn’t be more thankful for their support.

Now with a team of 7, we are running a 10k in support of Congo Women. Some of us are new runners and some are experienced but our goals are the same, to help Congo women and finish the race. But I need your help, Through Women for Women International the money that is raised will go support the women in the war torn country by providing:

• Food, clean water, and clothing for the women and their children
• School for Children
• Education programs to improve literacy
• Job skills training to start a business and empower a women to change her community
We have a webpage that will make donating so much easier. Use the secure link and you can donate right now. It’s so easy. Make a donation.




Learn more about the Congo
Learn more about Women for Women International