Nonprofit Profiles
Clinton Global Initiative: Investing in Female Changemakers
Published October 21, 2009 @ 11:26AM PT
The plight of women and girls in the developing world is a book of sobering stories with very few happy endings. Year after year, we are reminded of some of the most jarring injustices of our time, most of which go unrecognized, let alone unpunished. And yet, hope for action is on the horizon. The Clinton Global Initiative, along with some inspirational stories to both humble and inspire us, just might have signal the arrival of this increasingly crucial issue to the forefront of the agenda.
The 5th annual CGI meeting, held this past September, serves as the gathering grounds for hundreds of influential leaders, scholars, business executives, celebrities, and journalists to discuss and engage in multi-sector cooperation towards a common development goal. Tackling poverty alleviation, climate change, and the promotion of economic opportunity - CGI annually highlights the most critical development issues of our time - topics worthy of the utmost global recognition and concern. This year CGI is again addressing these subjects, but to the hope of many there is a new issue on the agenda: the subject of investments in girls and women.
Adding this new component of CGI may very well begin elevating the issues of women's inclusion to a top priority on the global development agenda. CGI has an opportunity to truly assert women's development, making it an argument that can no longer be viewed as 'soft' or only relevant to women, elevating it from a distant second relative to poverty alleviation, AIDS prevention, climate change, etc. to other development issues. In fact, one could even argue that women's development underpins the advancement of each of these agendas.
Investing in women has a domino effect of sorts, with women's empowerment adding to the prosperity of entire societies. Women and girls who earn money reinvest up to 90% of it into their families, as compared to only 30% or 40 % by men. Furthermore, if girls' enrollment in schools increases by only 10%, the country's economy will grow steadily by 3%, showing again how investments in girls and women benefit both genders, community, and country. Top scholars and leaders are arguing more and more that investing in women, unequivocally, simply makes sense for everyone, and it is time we looked at how this agenda could play out, and took note of some of the key changemakers in this movement.
Are More Women Farming Today?
Published October 15, 2009 @ 09:04AM PT
In my work traveling around the country for OrganicNation.tv, the majority of farmers I've come across happen to be men. That's why I was really excited when I saw the Women, Food & Agriculture Network booth at FarmAid 2009.
I was lucky enough to get a chance to talk with WFAN's Executive Director, Leigh Adcock, about the importance of women's roles in building sustainable food systems as mothers, gardeners, landowners, activists and farmers:
WFAN is a community of women involved in sustainable agriculture whose mission is to "link and empower women to build food systems and communities that are healthy, just, sustainable, and that promote environmental integrity."
The network's main goals are:
1. To promote sustainable agricultural and community structures.
2. Insist on social and ecological justice for current and future human and non-human communities.
3. Provide opportunities for education on economics and environment that articulate a holistic view of agriculture, instill a sense of place, and draw forward useful experiences from the past.
4. Create networks that support communities of growers, consumers, workers and others who strive for sustainability, increase effective access to and use of existing resources, engage participants in experiential learning, provide safe places for self-expression, and respect the spirituality of the land and people.
5. Advocate change by exploring alternatives and challenge the globalization of economies, cultures of domination and institutionalized discrimination, the disintegration of landscapes, and oppressive conceptual frameworks.
If you're interested in learning more, be sure to check out their 10th Annual Fall Harvest Gathering of Women in Sustainable Agriculture Nov. 13-15 in Whalan, MN.
Photo of farmer Gail Thorpe by Mark Andrew Boyer
Apply Now: National Summit to End Domestic Violence
Published September 28, 2009 @ 08:07PM PT
Given the intense discussions about domestic violence we've had lately here at Change.org, I thought it appropriate to share this opportunity:
Mary Byron Project is a national non-profit organization with a core mission of eliminating domestic violence. The agency is named in honor of the young woman whose murder led to the creation of VINE (www.vinelink.com ), now used in 2,300 communities in 47 states to notify crime victims when their offenders are released from jail.
The Mary Byron Project will host a National Summit to End Domestic Violence on November 8 - 10, 2009 in Louisville, Kentucky. This one-time-only event will showcase innovative programs from across the country that are proving successful in ending domestic violence. Fifty scholarships to attend the Summit have been made available. Recipients will receive a $500 stipend, $300 of which will cover the cost of registration and meals, and the remaining $200 can be used for airfare, hotel, or other travel expenses. Applicants can use the attached form to apply; the deadline is Friday, October 9, 2009.
You can find details at www.marybyronproject.org/NationalSummit.html.
Pull Me Up: New Leaders Council Launches 11 Chapters in 2010
Published September 10, 2009 @ 09:06PM PT
I may be only 25, but I am still concerned about the progress of those around me. I want to make sure all young people have the tools, the networks, the opportunities to succeed and make this world a better place. I wouldn't be where I am today without someone pulling me UP and having faith in the person I can be.
This is why I volunteer as the Chief Technology Officer of New Leaders Council. We are a completely volunteer non-profit that is extending to 11 cities around the country in 2010. By January, we will have infrastructure to train the next generation of progressive political entrepreneurs in the following places: San Francisco, Los Angeles, Sacramento, San Diego, Chicago, Louisiana, Missoula, Atlanta, New York, Washington DC and Boston.
The mission of the NLC is to identify, train and support these new leaders across the country - those who are leading industries, setting trends, and building institutions that support robust civic and political life in a global America.
NLC believes in recruiting emerging leaders from outside of the traditional power structures, engaging them on both local and national levels, and equipping them to be civic leaders - not only for elective office, but also in their communities and workplaces.
NLC accomplishes this mission primarily through the NLC Institute; the nation's premiere political entrepreneurship training program that builds local teams of outstanding young professionals in twelve cities across the nation. NLC Fellows engage in ten days of intensive training over a five-month period to learn cutting-edge entrepreneurship, leadership, and political management skills from over 150 industry-leading volunteer faculty. Upon graduation, Fellows are paired with career mentors, join a national alumni network, and agree to fundraise to support the next class of Fellows.
The result of NLC is a growing corps of diverse and highly-skilled new progressive leaders who rise to the top of their fields, working together across sectors and in their local cities to build, expand, and improve the progressive infrastructure necessary for strong democracy, social justice, and equal opportunity.
On September 15th, 2009 we have a fundraiser in Washington DC with former Gov. Howard Dean, California Assemblywoman Fiona Ma, and several other elected officials to celebrate the expansion of this notable leadership training program. On October 14, we will celebrate 11 events in 11 cities across the nation that will work to recruit, inform and engage the progressive community about our mission to train the next generation of political entrepreneurs. On October 18th, we will accept applications from those young leaders (age 22 - 35) who want to be part of the NLC fellowship program in 2010.
I am an activist. But I am also a teacher. We can't act unless someone reaches down to then pulls us up.
I hope you will consider joining the NLC event in Washington, DC on 9/15, participating in a local event for NLC Day on October 14th or applying to be a fellow in the 2010 NLC Institutes. You can also become a Fan of NLC on Facebook, or follow us on Twitter @NewLeadersCncl.
Are you ready to change the world? I am. Let's go.
New Leaders Council Celebrates Young Political Entrepreneurs
Published June 12, 2009 @ 07:09PM PT
The New Leaders Council (NLC) - an organization I volunteer for - is proudly hosting the second annual 40 Under 40 Leadership Awards the week of June 22, 2009. Celebrations of the top 40 young, progressive leaders in business, non-profits, and government will occur in Los Angeles, San Francisco, New York City, Boston, and Washington, D.C.
NLC invites you to join Mark Walsh, the NLC Chairman and founding member of Air America Media, along with special guests, as NLC celebrates the 40 Under 40 honorees' extraordinary achievements and offers a glimpse into the future of progressive leadership across the nation.
MONDAY, JUNE 22 - Los Angeles
40 Under 40 Fundraiser
Hosted by Chairman Mark Walsh
7:30 PM - 10:00 PM
Suede Bar & Lounge
404 S. Figueroa Street
Los Angeles, CA 90071
Tickets
$35 Before June 22nd
$40 at door
Buy tickets here: http://tinyurl.com/NewLeadersCouncil-LA
Follow on Twitter: @NLC_LA
TUESDAY, JUNE 23 - San Francisco, CA
40 Under 40 Reception
Hosted by Chairman Mark Walsh
At the Home of Patrick O' Heffernan and Lynn Gutstadt
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Tickets
Event Fee: $100
Host committee: $200
Buy tickets here: http://tinyurl.com/NewLeadersCouncilBay
***
40 Under 40 Fundraiser
8:00 - 10 PM
Orson Restaurant, Bar & Lounge
508 4th Street
San Francisco, CA
Tickets
$20 online
$25 at the door
Buy tickets here: http://tinyurl.com/NewLeadersCouncilSF
**
NLC Luncheon Honoring SF City Attorney Dennis Herrera and Deputy City Attorney Therese Stewart
Tuesday, June 23rd
12:00pm-1:00pm
Offices of O'Melveny & Myers LLP
Two Embarcadero Building, 28th Floor
$50/person
Food and beverages will be served
Buy tickets here: http://tinyurl.com/NLCLuncheon
Follow on Twitter: @NLC_SF
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 24 - New York, NY
40 Under 40 Fundraiser
Hosted by Chairman Mark Walsh
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Pranna Restaurant
79 Madison Avenue
New York, NY
Tickets
$40 from now until June 14
$60 from June 15 until June 23
$100 at the door
Buy Tickets here: http://tinyurl.com/NewLeadersCouncilNYC
Follow on Twitter: @NLC_NYC
THURSDAY, JUNE 25 - Boston, MA
Strengthening the Leaders of Tomorrow
Hosted by Chairman Mark Walsh
Keynote Speaker - Michael Ross, Boston City Council President
Pre-Reception Guest Speaker - Martha Coakley, Attorney General of Massachusetts
6:00 PM - 8:30 PM
Mantra Restaurant
52 Temple Pl.
Boston, MA 02111
Tickets
$100
$25 (Students/Young Professionals)
$50 (NLC Supporter)
Buy tickets here: http://tinyurl.com/NewLeadersCouncilBoston
Follow on Twitter: @NLC_Boston
FRIDAY, JUNE 26 - Washington DC
"Young & Talented" 40 Under 40 Fundraiser
Hosted by NLC Chairman Mark Walsh
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Chi Cha Lounge
1624 U St NW
Washington, DC 20009
Tickets
$25 until June 15, 2009
$40 at door
Buy tickets here: http://tinyurl.com/NewLeadersCouncilDC
Follow on Twitter: @NLC_DC
Among the honorees of last year's inaugural event was Kentucky Attorney General Jack Conway, who has since launched what may be the most exciting Senate race for the 2010 elections. Similar to those who are being spotlighted this year, Conway exemplifies the mettle and creativity of progressive political entrepreneurship that NLC highly values. Other 2008 honorees included Aimee Christensen of the Apollo Alliance; the New Organizing Institute's Judith Freeman; Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords of Arizona; Ricky Le, now Mayor Gavin Newsom's political director; and Young People For's Shaunna Thomas, among many others. The announcement of this year's winners is anticipated next week. For a complete listing of last year's award winners, please go here.
Started in 2003, NLC is a completely volunteer organization that offers highly skilled training during a five-month long leadership institute. The program is currently in full operation within five cities and NLC is working towards having over 10 Institutes open nationwide by 2010, which will allow the most promising progressive leaders to be trained in political entrepreneurship. Over 80 Fellows graduated from NLC's five Institutes currently in operation this spring.
Women: Get Paid to Make Art
Published June 01, 2009 @ 12:26PM PT
You're creative, you have a great idea for a work of art, a play, film or performance and you want to share it with the world! Great, but how are you going to fund it? No matter how brilliant the artist, funding is often a major obstacle in the quest for creative expression. That's why I'm continually encouraged by organizations like The Fund for Women Artists who are "dedicated to celebrating and supporting art that tells the truth about women's lives".
The Fund for Women Artists is founded on the belief that women artists have the power to change the way women are perceived in our society. We want to make sure that artists have full access to the financial and other resources they need to do this crucial work. We focus mainly on women in theatre, film, and video, and we have two main goals:
- To Challenge Stereotypes - We challenge gender and other stereotypes by supporting the creation and appreciation of art that reflects the full diversity and complexity of women's lives.
- To Increase Opportunities - We advocate for women artists to be paid fairly and to have more opportunities to make a living from their creative work.
The Fund for Women Artists has recently added three pages to their website that list ongoing opportunities for female artists: Ongoing Calls for Films & Videos, Ongoing Calls for Plays, and Ongoing Artist Residency Programs.
Once you win that grant or have your work accepted to a festival, be sure to announce your success story to the Fund of Women Artists' Associate Editor, Deborah Steinberg, at info@WomenArts.org. Afterall, a success for one of us is a success for all of us!
GIRLS ROCK! Summer Camp Volunteers Needed
Published April 27, 2009 @ 11:43AM PT
DEADLINE: MAY 4, 2009
Girls Rock! DC Rock and Roll Summer Camp for Girls and Teens
Camp Location: Kingsbury Day School, 5000 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20011
Camp Dates: Monday, August 10 - Friday, August 14, 2009, 9:00 am - 5:30 pm
Showcase Date: Saturday, August 15, 2009
Girls Rock! DC is a one-week day camp for girls age 8-18, culminating in a performance showcase of campers' original songs to be held at the 9:30 Club. The non-profit camp is sponsored through the Washington Peace Center, and will be staffed by local teachers and volunteers.
We need volunteers for the week of camp from August 10-15, 2009 (instrument instructors, workshop facilitators, band coaches, cooks/support staff, roadies).
Interested in getting involved? Download a Volunteer Application from our website:http://www.girlsrockdc.org/2009/03/2009-volunteer-application-is-up/
With a base in music education, Girls Rock! DC aims to create a supportive, inclusive and creative space for girls to develop their self-confidence, build community, stand up and rock out! We offer small-group instrument instruction based on skill level in electric guitar, electric bass, drum kit, keyboard, turntables, vocals. While learning an instrument, campers will also form bands and collaborate to write and perform an original song.
In addition to building musical skills, the camp will focus on building girls' self-confidence, leadership and cooperation skills. We also offer workshops on gender and cultural identity, making your own band merchandise, band promotion and business, conflict resolution, effective communication, self-defense, and other skills young women need to take over the world (of rock!)
Remember, the future of rock is in your hands!
Find volunteer applications here: www.girlsrockdc.org
Email applications to: volunteer@girlsrockdc.org
