This year I had the pleasure to learn about the AVIVA CENTER– a comprehensive child-family service agency. They help teen girls with safe harbor, educational and training. They also provide foster care and adoption services, including in the LGBT communities.
The AVIVA CENTER will be on my list of charities to show some #SocialGood #SocialMedia love to this #GivingTuesday.
What is the AVIVA CENTER? Their website explains it best and is summarized below:
Each year Aviva Family and Children’s Services serves more than 6,500 clients, including 1,530 children and youth ages birth to 21, most of whom come from homes below the federal poverty level.
Aviva helps remove emotional, social or other barriers which make it possible not only to transform the lives of individuals, but also to help halt the vicious cycle of abuse and neglect.
We do this by providing compassionate support, therapeutic services and guidance to at-risk children and families in four main program areas:
This post may be one of the most controversial posts that I have ever written. But here it goes…
This is a photograph of a poster I purchased at the Holocaust Museummore than a decade ago. “I didn’t speak up … and then they came for me”.
I interpret the words of Pastor Martin Niemoller as an important lesson. We need to be the voice for the voiceless. We should never forget humanity and to help the less fortunate. For if we do… then what?
Yet, I am afraid that many of us might have forgotten, as now we are filling our social media timelines, newspapers, magazines and on – air programming with comments that are often unkind words towards others or filled with vile protests. How can that be when the United States is a human tapestry full of cultural richness? The majority of who are reading this blog can trace via Ancestry.com their roots to a place across the great oceans of this world. And, while most of us were not refugees, we are largely the decedents of immigrants who may have left their homelands due to oppression or in times of war.
I know that my ancestors arrived during what we may call “different times”. Before the 9/11 era. Before the Paris bombings a week ago.
However, the concern a parent has over the welfare of their child is a concept that is timeless. The hunger of a child is just as upsetting and real in 2015 as it was in 1915. A parent who loves their child will stop at nothing to protect them. Mothers and fathers will persevere and risk great danger solely because they are motivated by love and a dream to find for their family a safe harbor where they can raise their family in peace.
So when the refugees from Syria arrive in California I will show my support and greet my new neighbors. I will find a way to bring food and other supplies to help out these families that have traveled so far and experienced so much adversity.
My helping those from Syria also will not mean that I am turning my back on the needs of those who are already in my community. I promise you that. In fact feel free to join our family as we help the FRIENDS MOVEMENT feed the homeless on Thanksgiving Day.
And if you wish – check out these websites that are ways to help refugees from all over the world be safe.
Tikkun Olam – is a Hebrew phrase literally meaning to “repair the world”. Some people interpret these words to mean a call for “social justice”. And then there are others who feel certain that Tikkun Olam is a call to action – within ones’ own heart.
To me Tikkun Olam means that we need to stop and just breathe. A time to reflect on what is good in this world and try to make better what is going wrong. Time to help feed the hungry, give aid to a family in need or other small acts of kindness – within our own communities. Tikkun Olam means we give of our time – not just our money.
Tikkun Olam also means that we need to stop and listen. Others don’t need to agree with our opinions, but we need to be respectful and listen to each other. Without shouting. Without maliciousness. Without guns. Without war. Without hate.
Tikkun Olam is not a concept exclusive to Jews. Others feel they can repair the world through acts of charity or #socialgood without placing on the deed(s) a religious connotation. That is fine. I get that.
And note, I have yet to meet anyone who wants to make the world WORSE. Don’t we all in our hearts want to improve the world? Who would put a halt to efforts to improve medical advancements? Who would end programs to try to end climate changes?Who would choose not to save lives when possible? Those who would be against offering help to improve our human condition are probably the same people who can’t see the value of practicing Tikkun Olam.
So ,while much of the world is rolling in to “holiday season” mode – let’s switch focus from discussions about the kind of cup Starbucks is using and spend more time figuring out how we can fix a world gone topsy- turvy!
A teen with a rare blood type receives a transfusion. A shelter is opened for families who lost everything in a tornado. A parent learns CPR before the birth of their baby. An earthquake hits Nepal a few years after another has devastated Japan. What do all of these scenarios have in common? The Red Cross .
I have seen firsthand the work of the Red Cross. It was during Hurricane Agnes while I was living in a small town in Western New York. One day we had a beautiful village with several schools and a hospital. The day Agnes stalled over our village we were left with only half of the schools and lost much of the hospital as it collapsed in to the Genessee River. Who came to help those who watched their life savings float away? The local chapter of the Red Cross. As a young “tween” I was in awe as the dedicated volunteers assisted those who were displaced and in need of items that usually we take for granted – such as drinking water.
Jones Memorial Hospital in the aftermath of Hurricane Agnes.Photo credit: regionalnewsnetwork.blogspot.com
Fast forward to just a couple of years ago when raging tornados tore apart areas surrounding Oklahoma City. Ironically, I was scheduled to speak in that area on disaster preparedness, but instead found myself in the center of a response and relief effort. Again, the Red Cross played a huge role in the helping families almost instanteounsly after the tornado dust had cleared. What many don’t know is that people who come in to shelters are out of their element and find it extremely challenging. Much more is the case when the family is not English speaking, Deaf or has a family member with disabilities or challenges, such as Autism. Bravo to the Red Cross and other groups who provide assistance for recognizing the need for training their staff, including volunteers, to help people with access and functional needs.
♦ Did you know that the Red Cross has pre-made disaster preparedness kits that are available online or via retail stores such as Target? The reason is to make it easy for families to be prepared with the correct items needed for most disasters.
♦ Did you know that the Red Cross has created an app known as Safe and Well to let you alert and notify your families after a disaster, such as an earthquake or tornado, that you are OK and where you are located?
♦ Did you know that the Red Cross is made up of over 90% volunteers?
♦ Did you know that the Red Cross responded to over 140 large disasters and thousands of smaller ones in the United States during 2013 alone?
♦ Did you know that your donation(s) is what helps sustain the Red Cross?
Now it is time to give back and acknowledge the amazing work of the Red Cross during a very special cross-cultural event being held in Culver City the week of October 26, 2015 – The Asian World Film Festival. This melding of film and philanthropy is the culminatation of months of preparation. On November 1st a special event will be the Global Change Gala being held in Culver City. There internationally renowned actor and musician Miyavi, who hailsfrom Japan – will be one of the three honorees and performers of the evening dedicated to spotlighting the global works of the Red Cross.
Miyavi will be performing at the Asian World Film Festival Global Change Gala on November 1st
In addition there has been a very special online auction with many one- of – a kind experiences being offered. Dine at favorite restaurants such as Spago or Nabu. Click FIJI off your bucket list of “must sees”. Or perhaps journey to Napa Valley and be treated to the best accomodatons and fine wines the region has to offer. There is something for most on this auction site set up by Charity Buzz. Bids are now open and rules are on the auction page.
To participate in the auction (and grab yourself or family member a fabulous gift) – click here
Let’s get social with the Red Cross and the Asian World Film Festival
Follow the Red Cross and Asian World Film Festival endeavors with these social media links:
I recently was referred to by a potential client as “One of those mommy bloggers”. It made me take pause for more than a moment before I replied,”What!?” (It also crossed my mind that perhaps in this person’s opinion “mommy bloggers” were less credible than any other type of blogger and not worthy of doing business.)
When our conversation was over I started to wonder about all the women I know who are great mom bloggers. They are dynamic, smart women and many are amazing entrepreneurs, as well. However, unlike many of my friends and colleagues who are mom bloggers, my blog doesn’t seem to fit in to this “traditional” category.
So, now I need to figure out if I am not a “mom blogger” then what kind of blogger am I?
Education blogger? Lifestyle blogger? Random thoughts blogger? Other?
Then it dawned on me that perhaps, I am a “Social good blogger”. I would like to think that I am someone who dedicates much of her time writing about causes and events that help others. My intent has been to make connections and create a safe virtual environment where people can share, learn and laugh. Most of all, I hope that my blog inspires others to help within their own communities.
I am not sure if “social good blogger” is a real blogging category. What do you think? And, let me know if you consider yourself also to be a “social good blogger” by commenting below or simply tweeting me (@LouiseASL) with the hashtag #SocialGoodBlogger. This way we can connect!
~Have a groovy week and may our virtual paths cross soon!
Tomorrow is a day to focus on Multiple Sclerosis– the disease most commonly known as “MS”. It will be a day for us to applaud researchers, doctors, and organizations who dedicated themselves to helping those with the disease by seeking cures and advancements with treatments. Moreover, we will honor those with MS who fight the disease daily, their families and friends.
There are many paths to becoming an art therapist or counselor. As a School Psychologist I have heard many accounts about why people have chosen these fields of study and practice. So, when I learned about Nelly Toll – an art therapist AND a counselor who works with victims of violence – I was a bit taken aback. You see her biography reads like a book of fiction as Nelly was a counselor who as a child had survived the most harrowing of times. An artist who used her limitless imagination while forced in to isolation. A survivor of one of the worst atrocities to befall the human race – the Nazi era and WWII. A child who was with her mother was forced in to hiding for two years until she was able to safely get passage to the United States. And now the newest addition to my list of heroes.
I have raised two creative kids – and I could not fathom either or both of them in seclusion – quietly – for two years. But, that is what Nelly Toll purportedly did. She used the deep burrows of her imagination to create a world of wonderment and normalcy in a world that made absolutely no sense to any adult – let alone an eight year old. She painted with watercolors on bits of paper and now her creations are telling a story that gives hope and inspiration to many.
While I have known for decades about the story of Anne Frank, I am embarrassed to say this month is the first I have heard of Nelly Toll. So to get up to speed I did a bit of research and found this awesome website with learning tools for teachers. For Judaica teachers this would be a treasure trove full of information that gives balance to the story of the Holocaust – Shoah.
Also, there are efforts to bring Nelly’s story as a documentary. IMAGINING A BETTER WORLD, The Nelly Toll Storyis a film that will be made shortly about how this young girl was able to be so resilient. Now this young lady holds a doctorate, campaigns for anti – bullying programs and is a sought after speaker.
Here is how the filmmakers describe their project:
In this exclusive one-hour documentary, the viewer will travel with Nelly through her two worlds, as she leaps into her bright future, escaping her present living hell. Vérité cinematography and rare archival footage will be combined with visually stunning 2D & 3D animation of Nelly’s watercolor paintings. Virtual reality recreations will amplify the telling of Nelly’s time in hiding and her inspirational career as a teacher, counselor and art therapist after the War.
Follow the ongoing news about the Nelly Toll Story – Imagining a Better World via TWITTER @NellyTollStory
FACT: Multiple Sclerosis aka MS is a serious neurological disorder. A disease that has impacted hundreds of thousands, if not millions – worldwide. For many the first symptoms seem akin to a case of the flu – for others much more severe and acute. Visual problems, difficulty with motoric skills- including walking, vertigo, muscle spasms, tingling of the extremities, depressive thoughts, headaches all can be “first signs”. Often striking those in the prime of their lives – 20- 30- 40 years of age and both males and females alike. A friend of mine recently reminded me that nearly everyone is touched by this disease. Whether a family member, school teacher or perhaps a social media acquaintance- this disease knows no limits, demographic boundaries or socio-economic parameters.
How to is the diagnosis made?
Note no single test can be definitive with diagnosing MS. Many MS informational websites indicate that commonly an MRI, intensive physical exam, lab chemistries, and a “spinal tap” (lumbar puncture to evaluate the cerebral spinal fluid) are ordered to see if the brain has altered severely and is now demonstrating evidence of the tell – tale signs of MS -damage / changes of the myelin in the brain. (Google search)
Current efforts being made
I know several people who have MS. I have seen up close and personal their bravery and how they fight the disease while still trying to have a semblance of normalcy in their lives. This week I will honor my friends by dedicating my time as a social media correspondent for the Race to Erase MS fundraiser gala. It will be my privliege to support the efforts of Nancy Davis, founder of the Race to Erase MS and so many others associated with this organization. It is all of our hopes that someday soon we will erase multiple sclerosis from the present and put it where it belongs- in the medical history books.
One of the most interesting pieces of the information I found in my preparation for this article is that the Race to Erase MS organization is focused on research, treatment and medical advancements via their Center Without Walls. Monies donated to Race to Erase MS have allowed physicians from all across the United States to be able to work in cooperation in order to understand better this disease. In addition, they have achieved break- throughs which have resulted in advanced treatments for MS patients.
From the EraseMS.org website this quote seemed to be one of hope and demonstrate the “why” behind this organization:
The landscape of MS…There are now nine drugs with FDA approval to help stop the progression of MS and three more coming out in the very near future. The future is bright for the person being diagnosed today with multiple sclerosis.
How to support Race to Erase MS or learn more about current research efforts?
See the watch on the top of this article? This can be YOURS (or other groovy items) from their store. Shopping not your style? Then check out the other ways you can help or simply share their information to educate others about MS.
Or… simply dedicate a second to TWEET support for the Race to Erase MS efforts! Please use the hashtag #EraseMS in your tweet!
