Mi Voz

YOUTH LEADERSHIP SUMMIT: JULY 21, 2010

2010-07-05T08:54:00.000-07:00

It's a great pleasure to inform you that the Hispanic Heritage Foundation's Latinos on Fast Track Program has organized an event for Latino interns in Washington, DC. The event will consist of a Congressional briefing and networking reception. It will be a great opportunity to connect with peers, leaders in the Latino community, and prominent lawmakers.

Latinos On Fast Track Youth Leadership Summit:

This summer, nearly 100 LOFT members from across the United States are interning in Washington, D.C. In the spirit of the program’s mission, HHF is coordinating a leadership summit in order to:

1) Connect with each other,

2) Introduce them to top Latino professionals,

3) Expose them to the America’s decision-making process and policy-makers

Agenda:

The one day program includes a lunch with Congressional representatives at Capitol Hill, followed by a White House briefing. In the evening a networking reception will take place where students will interact with prominent Washington leaders across all sectors: White House and elected officials, community and business leaders, governmental agency leadership, media, and a special celebrity appearance.

Beyond the summit, HHF will follow up with participating LOFT members through social media to facilitate and track their success and relationships made through the Youth Leadership Summit.

Activities & Timing:

Capitol Hill Congressional Lunch

Date: July 21, 2010

Time: 12:00-2:00 p.m.

Attendees: Students, Capitol Hill representatives, and invited media.

White House Briefing

Date: July 21, 2010

Time: 4:00 – 6:00 p.m.

Attendees: Students, Obama Administration appointees, and invited media.

Reception

Time: 6:30-8:00 p.m.

Attendees: Students, Obama Administration appointees, Capitol Hill Representatives, Government Officials, Corporate and Community Leaders, other influencers in D.C., and invited media.

About:

Established by the White House in 1987, the Hispanic Heritage Foundation (HHF) has identified, prepared and positioned Latino leaders in the classroom, community and workforce through their year-round programs.

The Latinos On Fast Track (LOFT) program, is the workforce arm of HHF and was created to systematically identify, prepare, place and retain emerging Latino professionals on a management track in key fields to bolster America’s future workforce. Through its efforts during the last eight years, LOFT has connected highly qualified candidates with Fortune 500 companies and government agencies.

The key to LOFT’s success is its flexibility to meet the employer’s (corporate, non-profit or government agency) unique diversity needs by either creating a talent-field-specific pipeline or feeding existing diversity initiatives. Among its platforms, LOFT provides its national network of 100,000 emerging Latinos with leadership training, mentoring, educational grants, webinars with experts, networking events, online and social networking with peers and experienced professionals, conferences/summits/workshops, fellowships, internships, and full-time positions.

Visit www.HispanicHeritage.org for more information about HHF. To rsvp, please contact Dante Doig-Acuña at dante@hispanicheritage.org.

FutureConnect Forum on Online Social Networking and AIDS Communication

2010-04-27T16:08:00.000-07:00

A close colleague sent me info about a social media event that will be taking place for a series of 6 weeks in the area of public health. I wanted to share this with you all and hope you benefit from this forum. You are welcome to share this info within your university or professional entity.

Aids2031 and the Communication for Social Change Consortium is inviting you to join the Future Connect Forum on Online Social Networking and AIDS Communication. The forum will be hosted on the website of the Communication Initiative from April 26-May 31.

Background:
In 2009, Aids2031 and the Communication for Social Change Consortium published a research looking into how online social networks were developing in Brazil, South Africa, Thailand, India and the UK and the potential opportunities and risks of these platforms for HIV/Aids communicators. The report, Future Connect, outlines global trends, reviews how development organisations are using the platforms to support their work and recommends ways in which Health Communicators could exploit their potential in safe ways. The research found that NGOs and development organisations outside of the wealthier OECD countries are only just beginning to explore how to use these platforms. Following an open meeting to discuss the report on March 2010 in London this discussion aims to address some of the questions which were raised there with a wider audience

The aim of this discussion is to:
1) promote the report as a way to spread ideas on how to maximise their potential in safe ways; 2) identify examples of good practice from different parts of the world;
3) Explore issues of trust: people are turning more to social networks of friends and associates they trust for information, data and help - even medical advice, with huge implications for health professionals; and,
4) Identify good practice in personalised support services offered through online platforms such as Social Networks.

Pete Cranston, Ann Kao and Tim Davies will be facilitating the discussion. To join please register first on the CI site (www.comminit.com). After your membership has been approved, log in and join the group "Future Connect Forum on Online Social Networking and AIDS Communication." The Manager/Administrator of the group will approve your request and you can participate.

Here's the link: http://groups.comminit.com/node/313158

About:

The Future Connect forum is part of the ongoing work of the Communication Working Group of the aids2031 initiative, a collaboration of various individuals and institutions who are looking a the long-term management of AIDS. CfSC leads this group, with the active involvement of 20 development and communication professionals from around the world.

The comments and results will be summarized every few days on the CfSC website and at the end of the conversation on the aids2031 website . We hope that you will participate during the coming weeks. If you have questions about this forum or about aids2031 or the CFSC Consortium, please email Lourdes Caballero of the CFSC Consortium on lcaballero@cfsc.org

¨Knowledge is power, but shared knowledge is even more powerful.¨

Grammy Award-Winning Salsa Singer, Luis Enrique, is performing LIVE in DC May 14th

2010-04-24T14:24:00.001-07:00

For all of those lucky ones that will be able to see one of my favorite salsa artists, Luis Enrique, all I can ask is for you to TAKE LOTS OF PICTURES. This salsa brings me lots of great memories from Lucky Bar's Salsa Mondays and Havana Village on Saturdays...

This event is made possible thanks to Cato Z Productions. For ticket info, click on the picture above. Also, LatinVIP.com (great people to work with!) has secured VIP tables at the Hyatt Regency Hotel (on Capitol Hill) located in front of the stage for only $90.

About the artist:

Born and raised in Nicaragua, Luis Enrique was a pioneer during the era of "Salsa Romantica" (which many believe lead the way to other successful artist such as Marc Anthony and Victor Manuelle). Last year with the release of the hit song, Yo No Se Manaña, Luis Enrique won the Grammy Award for Best Tropical Latin Album.

http://www.latinvip.com/newsletter/bulletin.html

Volunteer Opportunity: US Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Legislative Summit

2010-02-27T13:38:00.000-08:00

The United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (USHCC) invites individuals to volunteer at the upcoming gathering of Hispanic business leaders at the USHCC 2010 Annual Legislative Summit on March 22-24, 2010 in Washington, D.C. Over the span of three days, the USHCC will host a variety of workshops, business sessions and special events focused on building business relationships and creating procurement opportunities for participants from all industries.

Since its creation in 1979, the USHCC has encouraged, promoted and developed more than 2.5 million Hispanic-owned businesses in the United States. At this year's Convention in Denver, they are looking forward to celebrate the success of all the Hispanic-owned businesses and the more to come. The USHCC will keep providing Hispanic businesses with technical assistance, promoting international trade between Hispanics and Americans, and increasing business partnerships between the corporate sector and Hispanic-owned businesses.

Any adult/ student can volunteer from Monday, March 22, 2010 through Wednesday, March 24, 2010 in exchange for free tickets to Summit events. *

•To receive a free ticket to a reception or workshop, you must complete a minimum of ten (10) hours.
•To receive a free ticket to a meal event you must complete a minimum of fifteen (15) hours.
•Anyone who completes a total of twenty (20) hours will receive a full Legislative Summit registration (a $300 value).

*Please note that in order to receive free tickets, you must be on time, dress appropriately, and work the agreed-upon hours.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Volunteers will be assisting with the following tasks:
•Summit Bag Stuffing
•Registration
•Meal Event and Reception Set-Up/Ticket Collectors
•Workshop Assistants
•Press and Media Room
•Production Assistants
•Signage Runners

Almost all events will take place at the Renaissance Washington DC Hotel located on 999 9th Street Northwest, Washington, DC 20001 unless noted.

Those interested in volunteering are highly encouraged to attend the orientation meeting scheduled on Monday, March 22nd at 10:00 a.m., at the Renaissance Washington DC Hotel to review summit procedures, meet USHCC staff, get changes to the program, questions and answers, and any additional information needed. Business Casual dress is allowed for orientation and assignments before Wednesday evening, except for Registration.

Please email shalimar@305commevents.com, if you are interested in volunteering or have any questions about this opportunity with the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (USHCC).

The Disposable Worker

2010-02-25T14:48:00.000-08:00

Exactly. That’s what I said…disposable? I know we workers are more than that. But, that’s how BusinessWeek called us in an article they published on January 18, 2010. You may react defensively to the title at first, but once you read the article, the idea of us being considered ‘disposable’ makes sense. The article talks about how pay is falling, benefits are vanishing, and one’s job is secured. Particularly, it showcases in an interesting way how companies are making the era of temp more than temporary…go figure.

When I moved to Washington, DC after graduation back in the Fall 2008, I risked it all. I actually relocated with no job offers and with only my first month of rent saved up. Trust I didn’t leave this for last minute. I spent the entire summer, literally, applying to jobs both in Atlanta, Georgia and in Washington with no hope. I called to follow up on my applications and nada. So when I say I understand what the unemployed is going through I truly mean it. To make my story short, I found a job through a temp agency thanks to a close colleague’s recommendation to do so. Although it was a low-paying job, with no health insurance, no sick days, no vacation, and no access to unemployment benefits during 6 months, I was truly grateful. Just like Tammy Smith – the independent temp agent featured in the article who earns $.25 per minute she’s on a call – this job was a life-saver for me. It was truly a very difficult time for me until I was able to secure a better offer, as a temp however, with access to the things I didn’t have such as health insurance. I cried of relief…

“…more jobs will be freelance and temporary, and even seemingly permanent positions will be at a greater risk“, said the article. “The idea that any job is permanent has been proven not to be true…we are all temps now”, they added. And if you think about it, it’s true. Companies are creating or converting permanent jobs into temp jobs to save money and if necessary, let go easily of people if necessary. Nevertheless, they also pointed out that this era of ‘disposable’ workers has its big implications in which workers are being affected by chronic unemployment and underemployment while employers can end up with dispirited workforce resulting job dissatisfaction, poor performance and ultimately profit loss.

There it is. After this recession, we - and when I say ‘we’ I refer to us workers - have become so powerless that simply getting the minimum is our only choice. Not even the most competitive and highly educated candidates are safe now. Without question, the situation isn’t likely to improve soon; unfortunately, some economists predict it will be years before we are able to regain our bargaining power in the workforce. Yet, I hope that when I come back from my Peace Corps service in 2012, 26% of America’s workforce is not classified as “non-standard” anymore, a classification which positions temps as a flexible resource, and gives us workers higher rates of depression, anxiety and instability.

Eve Ensler at Busboys & Poets TODAY!

2010-02-24T08:04:00.000-08:00

So today is one of those days where I wish I was in DC! Eve Ensler, an American playwright, performer, feminist and activist, who's also best known for her play The Vagina Monologues (TVM), signs and discusses her latest book, "I Am an Emotional Creature: The Secret Life of Girls Around the World" at DC's famous Busboys and Poets Restaurant. Her experience performing TVM in NYC inspired her to create V-DAY, a global movement to stop violence against women and girls. I became involved with Eve's VDAY movement back in 2009 as one of a 3-women planning committee which was part of Omega Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.'s Washington, DC Professional Chapter annual initiative to end violence against women through awareness and advocacy efforts. My chapter was one of the community organizers in the area which hosted a sold-out event that raised $6,000 for Vday.org and WEAVE, Inc.

Before her book was published, a few of our cast members and myself had the opportunity to meet Eve last year at Busboys and Poets! Andy Shallal - an Iraqi-American artist, activist, founder and owner of Busboys and Poets - is also an active supporter of Eve's efforts and sponsored our post-production event hosted at his 5th and K St location back in April. She read an excerpt of her book which had a great impact in the lives of the 100+ people that were in attendance that day.

WHEN: Today, Wed. February 24, 2010

TIME: 6:30pm

WHERE: Busboys and Poets Restaurant

The event will open with a performance by drummers from The Young Women's Drumming Empowerment Project (http://www.youngwomendrum.org/). It's free and open to all and the book is available for purchase at Busboys and Poets' Bookstore. The only thing I highly suggest is for you to be there EARLY! The last time I went to one of her events, I literally had to sit in the back of the stage to see her...yes, really!

To watch interviews featuring Eve, click on the links below:

Meet the Writer by Barnes and Nobles Studio

One on One with Maria Hinojosa

The Tavis Smiley Show

"I am an Emotional Creature" is a celebration of the authentic voice inside every girl and an inspiring call to action for girls everywhere to speak up, follow their dreams, and become the women they were always meant to be. For an excerpt of the book, click on the book cover below.

If you are interested in getting involved, you can join the V-Girls Network. Go here for details: http://www.v-girls.org/connect.php. A program called V-MEN for men and boys that would like to get involved and take action was also created. Click on the following link for more info http://www.vday.org/take-action

To ending violence against women, together!

Teach for America reaches out to Hispanic Leaders

2010-02-17T08:42:00.000-08:00

Not too long ago I received an email from the Young Nonprofit Professionals Network about the opportunities Teach for America (TFA) is offering to leaders like us to make a difference in our local communities. Although by that time I was already committed to Peace Corps, I quickly identified with TFA’s mission: to eliminate educational inequity. For this reason, I interviewed Teach for America’s Senior Outreach Director and Corps Member, Thomas Clark, so we can learn more profoundly about this prestige organization and why Hispanics play an important role in their quest to accomplishing their mission.

Based on an article released by LaVozColorado.com, 7.3% of about 4,000 teachers placed by TFA during the 2009-2010 school year identified themselves as Hispanic or Latino. That’s only 292 teachers of Hispanic descent that had the opportunity to have a positive impact in the lives of our Latino youth that reside in the low-income communities TFA corps serve. This of course, represented an increase of over 1.3% of Hispanic teachers compared to the previous school year for TFA. “Given the diversity of the students we teach and the additional impact that Latino corps members can make as role models in the classroom, this is critically important to us,” said Mr. Clark.

You also said that being part of Teach For America was “the most meaningful, life-changing challenge you'd ever faced - a challenge that everyone who is serious about social change should embrace.” Would you mind stating why?

Serving as a corps member was one of the most eye-opening experiences of my life. I taught high school Spanish in Baltimore, MD, and though I knew the city well and had heard all of the statistics about the achievement gap in our country, I didn’t really get the extent of the problem until I got into my classroom. The city-wide graduation rate was only 38.5% at the time, the second lowest in the country – which meant that, of the 110 students I was teaching every single day for two years, almost 70 were expected to drop out of fail out before I got them to graduation.

I had to work incredibly hard to get my kids caught up and on track for graduation and college – relying on the expertise of veteran teachers to help me become a better instructor, reaching out to parents and families who had been disengaged by the school’s lack of communication with them, and investing my kids’ coaches, ministers, bosses, mentors, and friends in our collective community effort – but it paid off. Because by the time my students finished high school, we had nearly doubled the graduation rate together. Seventy-three ended up graduating from Southwestern High School that year, and several dozen headed off to college that fall.

Being a teacher was the hardest job I’ve ever had, but it also made me realize that this problem is 100% solvable. If you get passionate, talented role models, who are willing to go above and beyond the call of duty, into our nation’s lowest-performing schools, we can close the achievement gap one classroom at a time. And the insight and skills I developed as a teacher opened my eyes to the ways that I can help systemically reform the way schools work and end educational inequity.

In your opinion, how can this opportunity enable Hispanics have a greater an impact in the lives and future of today’s youth?

There is a tremendous need for Latino role models in the classrooms that Teach For America serves. Only half of the kids in low-income communities graduate from high school, and the ones that do are, on average, only able to perform at a middle-school level at age 18. Since Hispanic students are three times as likely as white students to grow up in poverty, we need as many teachers as possible to prove to our kids that they can beat the odds. When I was being trained through Teach For America, I taught English as a Second Language in South Central, Los Angeles, and many of my students were very recent immigrants to the U.S. Aside from feeling at ease in a new environment, my kids needed teachers who could engage their communities and relate to their experience. The additional impact that Latino teachers had on our students was profound.

What are the main characteristics Teach For America is looking for in an applicant?

Over the past 20 years that Teach For America has been serving school districts around the country, we’ve identified some common trends that make our most exceptional teachers stand out in the classroom. In essence, we’ve found that great leaders make great teachers, so that’s exactly what we’re looking for in our candidates. There are many ways to demonstrate leadership qualities, and we view applicants holistically by looking for evidence of:

Demonstrated past leadership and achievement: achieving ambitious, measurable results in academic, professional, extracurricular, or volunteer settings
Perseverance in the face of challenges
Strong critical thinking skills: making accurate linkages between cause and effect and generating relevant solutions to problems
Ability to influence and motivate others
Organizational ability: planning well, meeting deadlines, and working efficiently
Understanding of and desire to work relentlessly in pursuit of our vision
Respect for students and families in low-income communities

Lastly, what would say to those individuals that want to maximize their impact in their local community but don’t know if Teach For America is right for them?

Take a risk and try something new! There are plenty of great opportunities to serve the community out there, so find something that you’re passionate about and seek out service options that work for you. It can be a little intimidating to commit yourself to something so life-changing, so research well-established and respected programs like AmeriCorps. Consider full-time service programs like Teach For America, where you can earn a full salary, benefits, and financial incentives like academic grants and transitional funding to serve others while still supporting yourself.

The final deadline for submitting applications is Friday, February 19, 2010. Those interested can obtain information about requirements and present their applications online at https://www.teachforamerica.org/online/info/index.jsp?action=applyNow

Meet two 2009 Corps Members

*After being heavily involved in the Latino community in Washington, DC, Melissa Dreyer (Houston ’09) graduated from George Washington University last spring and is now teaching bilingual early childhood in Texas. This picture shows Ms. Dreyer and her collaborative teachers at the summer training institute.

*Oscar Perez (DC Region ’09) uprooted from his home in Los Angeles to come teach high school English here in DC. Many of his Hispanic students tell him that he is the first teacher they’ve ever had who looks like them, which has allowed him to have a deeper impact in his classroom and establish stronger relationships with his kids and their families.

Teach For America is the national corps of outstanding recent college graduates of all academic majors and career interests who commit two years to teach in urban and rural public schools. It offers an excellent opportunity to candidates willing to help their communities while at the same time allowing them to obtain a full-time job with a competitive salary, health benefits, financial support and training in different areas to ensure their success as educators and offer them the tools to become leaders and highly qualified professionals inside or outside the field of education. BusinessWeek ranked TFA #7 in "Best Places to Launch a Career" in 2009 and for the third year in a row was the top ranked non-profit organization.

*pictures are courtesy of Teach for America.

Food and Friends Urgently Needs Volunteers

2010-02-09T13:55:00.000-08:00

With more snow predicted to hit the DMV area this week, Food & Friends truly needs the help of the community to ensure that each of the 1400+ people they serve receives the food that is vital for their health.

This Thursday, Feb. 11, 2010, Food & Friends needs 20 volunteers to deliver meals, especially those with 4-wheel-drive vehicles. Meals may be picked up from Food & Friends between 10am and 12 noon; they will provide detailed directions and routes should not take more than 3 hours. To volunteer, please email chenderson@foodandfriends.org ASAP. You can also visit http://www.foodandfriends.org/ for more details.

Food and Friends is the only nonprofit in Washington, DC that provides meals, groceries and nutrition counseling to people living with HIV/AIDS, cancer and other life-challenging illnesses.

So what are you waiting for, email them now! Someone's future meal is your hands...

Moving Sale - Last updated 2/2/10

2010-01-31T08:26:00.000-08:00

As some of you know, this past December, I was invited to become a Peace Corps volunteer in Costa Rica. This week will be my last week here in Washington, DC and as I prepare for my trip, I decided to make an effort to earn a little money for my Peace Corps Fund. Here's a list of items I am selling. Prices are negotiable.

Enjoy!

Furniture:

Item: 2-Piece Computer Desk

Price: $50

$1 each, good for decoration

Clothes:

Men's Green Nike Jacket, Size XL

Price: $40

Women's Winter Hooded Coat

Size: Small (but runs big)

Price: $50

Shoes:

Open-toe 3-strap Party Shoes
Condition: New
Size: 7 1/2
Price: $15

Santo Franco Black Shoes

Condition: Used

Size: 8M

Price: $6

SOLD

Leila Rose Open-toe Shoes, tied at ankle

Condition: Used Once

Size: 7 1/2

Price: $10

Brown Open-Toe Wedged Sandals

Condition: Used

Size: 7

Price: $5

Books:

Good condition, Soft cover
$8

New with CD, Hard Cover
Reg price $24.99, Sale $18

Good condition, Hard cover
Good for Business Management study
Reg price $22, Sale $10

Like new, Soft cover
$5

New, Soft cover, Self-help material
$5

New, Hardcover
Great Fitness tips
$4

If you are interested in a particular item, please contact me at moliee92@yahoo.com. Everything has to go now! Pick up of items is the buyer's responsibility but arrangements can be made.

Thank you for your support.

OPBSI Provides Relief Support for Victims in Haiti

2010-01-20T08:32:00.000-08:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
JOCELYN TEJEDA, DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC RELATIONS
PR@OMEGAPHIBETA.ORG

New York, New York…January 18, 2010. Omega Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated (OPBSI) has launched the Haiti Relief Campaign in efforts to provide aide to those affected by the massive 7.0 earthquake that struck shortly after 5:00 PM on January 12, 2010. OPBSI will be partnering with the Brooklyn Tabernacle and The American Red Cross to raise funds for the 2010 Haiti Relief Campaign and send a medical team to assist with relief efforts. The casualties continue to rise with women and children at the forefront of the death toll with homes, buildings, and the capital, Portau-Prince destroyed. Members of OPBSI as well as the National Step Team and the undergraduate and alumnae chapters and colonies will be working tirelessly to raise funds for this much needed cause.

Haiti is one of the poorest countries in the nation and will desperately need help from people all over the world to face the worst catastrophe in the last two hundred years. The donations collected by OPBSI will assist with relief and reconstructive efforts such as the purchase of medical supplies, food, water, and rebuilding materials to bring faith to a country that holds on to very little hope and houses the poorest of the poor. In addition to nationwide donations of members, families, and friends, the Soul Steppin’ Divas of OPBSI’s National Step Team has donated all proceeds made from the ticket sales of the Bringin’ It Back Tour performance that took place on January 16, 2010.

OPBSI will also be hosting a fundraising event to aide with the efforts on Tuesday, January 19, at 5:30 pm at Red Sky Bar in New York City. Vanessa Santiago, President Elect of OPBSI states “During this time we'd like to extend our prayers to sisters, families and the rest of the Haitian and neighboring communities who have been affected by this disaster. This is truly devastating to us all. We need to stand as one people and support Haiti during their time of need”. To make a donation to the Haiti Relief Campaign please go to ttps://www.paypal.com/cgibin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=11144984 or visit http://www.omegaphibeta.org/.

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies nearly half of the nation's blood; teaches lifesaving skills; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a charitable organization — not a government agency — and depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit www.redcross.org or join our blog at http://blog.redcross.org.

The Brooklyn Tabernacle has a congregation of nearly 10,000 and the ministry continues to grow under the leadership of Pastor Jim Cymbala. Pastor Cymbala and his wife Carol, who directs the popular Grammy Award winning Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir, have been used by the Lord not only to preach the Gospel in the inner city of New York, but also to see new churches grow out of the congregation across New York, as well as domestically and internationally. The ministry of the Church has from the outset reached out to the cross-cultural melting pot of New York City. It is comprised of men, women, and children of all ethnic and national origins. However, central to the growth and expansion of the Church has been the continual emphasis on rayer, from the Tuesday Night Prayer Meeting that is attended by thousands to the Prayer Band, members of the Church devoted to boldly “calling on the Lord” for needs from all over the globe.

Omega Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated, a member of the National Association of Latino Fraternal Organizations, NALFO, is a Latina-oriented sorority founded on March 15, 1989, at the University at Albany, State University of New York. Seventeen women of various ethnic and cultural backgrounds came together to defy the injustices suffered by women, particularly women of color, in the academic, professional and political arenas. The purpose of OPBSI is to serve and educate people of diverse backgrounds through sisterhood, leadership, and guidance. As positive role models, we promote unity of all cultures, focus on the empowerment of our gender and raise the standards of excellence in our academic, social, and personal endeavors. For further information visit: http://www.omegaphibeta.org/.

###

Haiti: What now?

2010-01-13T08:34:00.000-08:00

It didn't take 24 hours for the news to spread around the world about the massive earthquake that hit Haiti late Tuesday, January 12, 2010, killing hundreds of people and wounding many more. The quake, measuring 7 on the Richter scale, has caused widespread damage in and around the capital Port-au-Prince, leaving a large number of people homeless and hungry, including UN officials, U.S. government representatives and international peace advocates.

Moments ago, President Obama pledged support and aid to Haiti, who has faced great devastation and catastrophe for decades. As you've also noticed, SMS donations are being advertised via social media platforms such as Twitter and Facebook. Both short codes in use right now, 501501 and 90999, are tracing back to registered twitter accounts and are considered authentic at this point, based on the Associated Press. 90999 is associated with the red cross (@redcross), 501501 is associated with Wyclef Jean (@wyclef) - Haitian-born singer and founder of Yéle Haiti Foundation.

Twitter has been covered with retweets of the message today. Hundreds are passing his message on by the minute, and it appeared the website for Yele had crashed under the traffic. Additionally, a number of companies set up services to allow donations to be send via SMS message. The approach is pretty simple. You text a message identifying your cause (e.g. "HAITI") to a special short code configured by the recipient.

A "short code" is a 5 or 6 digit number configured to receive your message pretty much like a regular phone number. These short codes are frequently advertised via twitter in messages. One thing that doesn't fit into the twitter message is that the cost of the donation will be billed to your phone bill. Typically $5 or $10. Legitimate providers of this service appear to limit you to one donation per day.

Here's other ways you can help:

If you have family in Haiti:

· Call the Emergency Hotline for the familes of UN staff members in Haiti at 212-963-4139

· For information or inquiries about U.S. citizens in Haiti, call 888-407-4747. Outside of the U.S. and Canada, call 202-501-4444.

Ways to donate:

· The people of Haiti need food assistance as quickly as possible to prevent hunger worsening the misery already caused by the disaster. Click here to donate and help the World Food Programme provide food assistance to the survivors. They are already in the country to ensure this assistance is managed properly.

· CNN has compiled a list of relief organizations seeking donations in order to deliver vital aid and logistical expertise to Haiti.

· National Public Radio is also putting a list called "Haiti – Some Ways to Help."

· Please text ‘Yele’ to 501501 to donate $5 to YELE HAITI. Yéle Haiti Foundation, an organization that uses music, sports and the media to reinforce projects that are making a difference in education, health, environment and community development in his native Haiti.

· Please text 'HAITI' to '90999' and a donation of $10 will be given automatically to the Red Cross.

Volunteer:

· Read Idealist’s article about disaster volunteering, published by their Volunteer Resource Center—remember that you can help the victims without even leaving your own community.

Additional resources:

· Visit ReliefWeb’s page on the Haiti earthquakes for continuing coverage of the disaster response. To follow Spanish language news, click here for Univision.com's updates.

· If you're a Twitter user, follow a list such as CNN's @BreakingNews/haiti-quake list or The New York Times' @NYTimes/haiti-earthquake

· To follow Spanish language news, click here for Univision.com's updates.

Interview featuring food blogger Sasha Mercedes

2010-01-10T16:44:00.000-08:00

My blog is about people helping people. I know this purpose is a little broad but it’s that way for a simple reason: helping others comes in many forms, shapes and types. And this is the reason I decided to feature someone that is determined to help others eat better using a different approach.

Sasha Mercedes, founder of Fit Foods for Thought blog, is a Cornell University alumna with a strong passion for helping others. She manages a Google Group known as Fit & Fabulous where she provides advice and support to those interested in losing weight in a healthy way. When she is not helping others, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, listening to music, eating, and making the world a better place, in any way she can. She is also a weight loss coach at Lucille Roberts and an aspiring graphic designer who helped plan environmentally-conscious events at Cornell University such as The Crayon Carnival: Go Green Project and Betas Go Green Campaign, as well as the developer of http://www.cornellbetas.com/.

Fit Foods for Thought educates people about the health and environmental benefits of acquiring a healthy lifestyle primarily by eating better quality food. Fit Foods provides advice, tools, resources, and opportunities for weight management (loss and maintenance); food product and restaurant reviews; news reports and opinions about food-related issues; other information regarding food, health, nutrition, fitness, wellness, healthy living, agriculture, and the environment.

Tell me a little bit about where your passion for being fit and more health conscious came from?

My passion came from my younger sister. Inspired by Dr. Oz, who she learned about while watching Oprah, she changed the foods she ate - not to lose weight, but to become a stronger and healthier person and live her life the best way possible. She began to educate the family about nutrition but it was not until after I graduated from college that I truly decided to listen. It was then that I began focusing on improving my own health and, in doing so, successfully lost weight in a healthy manner.

How did Fit Foods for Thought come about?

I had been managing my Fit & Fabulous Google Group for about 3 months when I realized I had way too much information to share with the group. Rather than risk becoming spam in their inboxes, I sought a means of sharing my knowledge and ideas in a less invasive manner. While spending a weekend at my older sister's apartment, her fiancé (who had also committed to losing weight) brought up the idea of starting a food blog as an outlet for expressing random food thoughts he encountered during his day-to-day weight loss journey. A light went off in my head and I immediately created Fit Foods for Thought, which was originally meant to be a collaborative blog between myself, my younger sister, and my older sister's fiancé but ended up being just my own endeavor.

Has your perspective about food changed since you created Fit Foods for Thought?

No it hasn’t. What I can say, however, is that I have learned so much more about health and nutrition because of my blog. This blog has really enriched my life and cultivated a passion within me for nutrition that I never thought I would have and I am very grateful for that.

Why is it important for you that people educate themselves about eating fit foods?

Plain and simple: FOOD IS LIFE; we cannot survive without it. Moreover, food affects us more than we think. The quality and amount of food as well as the frequency in which we eat determines so much for us. To be frank, our food choices can make or break us: choosing to eat unhealthy foods can worsen the quality of our lives and decrease our longevity.

How is your blog different from other nutrition blogs?

I think I relate and appeal more to my readers primarily because I LOVE FOOD and I am not afraid to show it! I used to be overweight. I used to overeat. I used to eat really unhealthy food. But I made a change; and if I can do it, so can they. Additionally, because staying informed is essential to keeping my blog up-and-running, I conduct a lot of research about food and food-related issues on a regular basis. Thus, I learn and grow alongside my readers rather than act as an all-knowing encyclopedia of food. One thing I stress in my posts that other nutrition blogs and programs do not emphasize is that people can eat the foods they love, just a better quality version of it. I do not believe in recommending what I call "superficially healthy" products like those 100-calorie snack packs and other popular dieting foods. I actually look deep into the products I recommend and make sure that they are not only delicious but also packed with vitamins and minerals that your body needs to function properly. Lastly, and most importantly, I eat and practice what I preach.

Lastly, what do you recommend is the first thing someone needs to do to start being healthier and actually act on it?

Know your numbers and know your body which can be achieved by getting a routine physical exam at the doctor's office and going for blood work. The key is not just going for the checkup but also analyzing the results in comparison to normal (low health risk) statistics. As I wrote in a recent post, these statistics are more than just numbers; they tell us a lot about ourselves. Knowing our numbers is essential in taking better care of ourselves. Do not just go by what the doctor says as he/she flips through the file, because "you are fine" or "you have nothing to worry about" is subjective and does not hold any real value. This is where knowing your body comes into play because we are our best doctors sometimes; we are the ones who know firsthand when something is a little off with our bodies. But in order to best act upon it we must be well informed. Knowing your family's medical history is also very helpful.

For more info about Sasha’s work, nutritional resources, her awesome Food Review Fridays, and her NEW Tip Tuesday posts, visit http://fitfoodsforthought.wordpress.com/ or follow her at http://twitter.com/fitfood4thought

Stay tuned for our upcoming giveaway!

Happy, healthier eating!

Will you tweet for women?

2010-01-08T09:49:00.000-08:00

Please join me and hundreds of other activists on twitter to create a buzz about Secretary Clinton’s statement and ICPD2015, because it’s time to get all of our twitter followers thinking about U.S. support for women’s health and rights!

Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton will deliver a major speech TODAY, Friday January 8th at 2:30pm to mark the 15th year of the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD), where 179 governments agreed that education, maternal health and reproductive health and fundamental global needs. Watch the speech live on www.icpd2015.org starting at approximately 2:30 pm, and join the coinciding tweet chat at #icpd2015 lead by Americans for UNFPA. They will leading this tweet chat until 3:30pm.

If you haven’t participated in a tweet chat before, the process is simple. You can follow our lead on twitter (@unfpa) or you can make up your own tweets. Just remember to include the hashtag #icpd2015 in your tweets. Or, you can log on to www.tweetchat.com and type in that hashtag (icpd2015) and you’ll view all the collected tweets on the topic.
It makes it easy to re-tweet, to share interesting links related to this cause, and it will help all twitter influencer friends take notice.

How can you get involved?
-Ask your key influencers to retweet
During the speech
-Re-tweet powerful lines, give your commentary, and ask questions. Make statements/tweets on behalf of your leadership.
-Provide links back to your own websites to draw attention to related publications, fact sheets, press releases, etc.
You can ask questions such as:
-What ideas do you have for new tactics and strategies to ensure universal access to reproductive health care? -How can we better ignite the activism of women here in the U.S. on behalf of those around the world?
-Which challenges to women's health and dignity do you think are most urgent?

So please join me in a few hours or help spread the word.

About UNFPA
UNFPA is the United Nations Population Fund and the largest international source of such assistance that provides women's health care and promotes the rights of women in more than 150 countries.

About AMERICANS FOR UNFPA
It’s a nonprofit organization that builds moral, political and financial support within the United States for the work of UNFPA.

For more info, go to http://iam.americansforunfpa.org/ or https://www.unfpa.org/public/.

Monster.com Diversity Leadership Program

2010-01-06T09:01:00.000-08:00

Would your peers consider you outgoing, motivated and creative? Would you like to be a leading advocate about something you believe in on your campus? If you answered yes to both, then you should join Monster.com's Diversity Leadership Program (DLP) and be part of their staff team by being part of their Campus Ambassador Program.

If I wasn't going out of the country and was still an undergrad, I would have been doing this! I am actually a DLP alumni and loved every minute of this experience back in 2004. The staff was surprisingly energetic and the scholarship opportunities were beyond belief. After I finished the program, I wish they had this opportunity available while I was an undergrad at Buffalo State College.

But, if you are an undergrad student, you can be the voice of Monster DLP on your Campus. Campus Ambassadors are highly motivated, innovative Alumni students that recruit the best of the best (like you) to participate in the 2010 Monster Diversity Leadership Programs (DLP). DLP Campus Ambassadors serve as Monster’s primary marketing liaison on college campuses nationwide.

Use your talent for something you believe in. This is a great experience for anyone interested in a business-focused career; especially in sales, marketing, or public relations. This program can serve as an extension to your academic courses to sharpen your skills in these areas. Monster will even provide you with a comprehensive Success Kit along with marketing collateral to create and execute your own marketing strategies! Isn't this great?

If this is not enough, Monster rewards talent by awarding all ambassadors a Certificate of Completion at the end of the Admissions year (August, 2010). They also have awarded exceptional Ambassadors with giftcards to retail stores such as iTunes, Best Buy, or even American Express! Not to mention that Monster has served as a professional reference for past Alumnus’ participation in the DLP Campus Ambassador Program, as they apply for full-time positions or internships.

Apply today to begin your DLP Campaign. If you are interested, send an email by January 15th to DLPevent@monsterdlp.com with DLP Campus Ambassador as the subject line. Along with your email include a 100 to 150 word short essay stating:

What are 5 unique ways in which you would market the DLP on your campus?
Why do you want to be an ambassador?
At the end of the email, please list:
Your College/University (Full name & address)
The campus clubs/organizations you belong to
Your current address

You will be notified by February 1st, 2010 if you are selected. So, hurry! For more info, go to http://www.monsterdlp.com/start/.

Washington Post's 2010 Mega Job Career Fair

2010-01-06T08:09:00.000-08:00

Look out!
Washington Post MEGA Career Expo at the Dulles Expo & Conference Center

Tuesday, January 26th, 2010

11 AM—5 PM

4368 Chantilly Shopping Center, Chantilly VA 20153

Details available in this Sunday's paper! The careers areas will be the following:

Engineering, Technology and Security Clearance:
Candidates must have US citizenship and at least 2 years of Engineering, Technology or Defense industry experience on top of related degree (or prior military background). No Exceptions. Some employers may require an active security clearance.

Healthcare:
Candidates must have previous Healthcare experience and/or education. Please watch for updates on job specifics and employer list.

Professional and other areas:
For all levels of experience, including management. Please watch for updates on job specifics and employer list.

Government Agency: Candidates must have US citizenship. Some employers may require a degree. Please watch for updates on job specifics and employer list.

A message from the ADA about Health Care Reform

2009-12-24T06:48:00.000-08:00

This morning, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act passed in the Senate. This vote couldn’t have been possible without the ongoing support of Diabetes Advocates like you.

The bill, while not perfect, is a significant step forward in changing the future for people like Deborah in Oklahoma who couldn't afford insurance because of the high premiums charged because she has diabetes. The bill will help people like Christine from Tennessee, whose mother was dropped by her insurance company because she has diabetes. After having to wait a year before she could get on another plan, she’s had two strokes and now she owes about $16,000 in medical bills.

This vote is a positive step forward for the thousands of other families struggling with the cost of health care and for all of us with diabetes who could be denied coverage simply because we have this disease. But we're not done yet.

In January, significant differences between the House and Senate bills will need to be resolved before health care reform can be signed into law. We will continue to work to ensure the final bill does the best job possible to address the needs of people with, and at risk for, diabetes.

Thank you for all you have done to advocate for people with diabetes this year.

Sincerely,

George J. Huntley,

CPA Chair of the Board American Diabetes Association

Hanes Uses Social Media for Virtual Sock Drive

2009-12-24T05:06:00.000-08:00

Just when I thought helping others couldn't get better!

It's impressive how imagination combined with the use of social media platforms can create even the simplest of ways to give to others this season. Hanes(R), known as America's No. 1 apparel brand, announced on December 21, 2009 that it will donate up to 100,000 pair of socks to the less fortunate this holiday season. How? They will donate one pair of comfortable real socks for every virtual pair of socks that social networkers send to friends.

Hanes' Facebook page visitors (www.facebook.com/hanes) may select a predesigned pair of Hanessocks that can be virtually sent to a friend. For each virtual pair of socks sent, Hanes® will donate one actual pair of socks to the United Way, one of Hanes' longtime charitable partners.

Their campaign asks supporters if they are aware that socks are the most requested items in homeless shelters. And, to be honest, I wasn't aware of that although it makes a lot of sense. When they are not in the shelter, homeless people spend their entire day walking around looking for food or simply another place to stay, carrying whatever belongings they have left. For this reason, socks and shoes become one of their most valued and needed items.

Here's why you should participate:

According to the National Alliance to End Homelessness,

Homelessness does not discriminate.
Families with children, single adults, teenagers, and elderly individuals of all races struggle with the devastating effects of homelessness.
Homelessness exists across the country, in small rural towns, suburban neighborhoods, and large metropolises.
The primary cause of homelessness is a lack of affordable housing.
Over 5 million low-income households have serious housing problems due to high housing costs, substandard housing conditions, or both.

So what are you waiting for? Go to www.facebook.com/hanes for details!

About Hanes(R)

Hanes is a leading brand of intimate apparel, underwear, sleepwear, socks, and casual apparel. Hanes(R) is a flagship brand of Hanesbrands Inc.(HBI:NYSE). Hanes(R) products can be found at leading retail stores nationwide and online direct to consumers at www.hanes.com

About United Way

United Way is a worldwide network in 45 countries and territories, including nearly 1,300 local organizations in the U.S. It advances the common good, creating opportunities for a better life for all, by focusing on the three key building blocks of education, income and health. The United Way movement creates long lasting community change by addressing the underlying causes of problems that prevent progress in these areas. LIVE UNITED is a call to action for everyone to become a part of the change. For more information about United Way, please visit: LIVEUNITED.org.

Benefit Concert Featuring Elizabeth Joy Roe

2009-12-15T21:45:00.000-08:00

On Thursday, December 17, one of the nation's foremost young concert pianists, Elizabeth Joy Roe, will play a private recital for guests of the Esperanza Education Fund at the Carnegie Institution of Washington, and I am delighted to be able to attend this wonderful event. Hailed as “brilliant” (The New York Times), “electrifying” (The Dallas Morning News), and “an artist to be taken seriously” (The Chicago Tribune), Elizabeth has appeared in concert halls in New York, Paris and Seoul--and on NPR, the BBC and MTV. The concert will be followed by a champagne reception in the Carnegie's rotunda with music by the Peach String Quartet.

Prices are as follows:

$100	Individual seat
$250	Orchestra seat
$1,000	Patron, including up to four orchestra seats
$2,500	Champagne reception host, including up to six orchestra seats
$5,000	Concert host, including up to ten orchestra seats

As communicated by the Fund, patrons, reception hosts, and concert hosts will be recognized in the program and will receive signed copies of Anderson & Roe: Reimagine, Elizabeth’s four-hands debut with Greg Anderson, as featured on MTV’s Total Request Live and National Public Radio’s From the Top.

Why do I support Esperanza Fund?

In the last two decades, the capital region has emerged as one of the nation’s fastest-growing and most diverse immigrant gateways. The foreign-born population in the District of Columbia metropolitan area has nearly quadrupled since 1980, jumping from 6% to 20% of the total population. Today, one million immigrants call the capital region home.

This immigrant population faces a severe education deficit. Immigrants in the area are three times more likely to lack a high school diploma than their native-born peers, and 50 percent more likely to have never gone to college. This education gap creates a serious economic disparity. Foreign-born families in the capital region are nearly twice as likely to be poor as native-born families. Immigrants in the capital region need access to higher education, and to the opportunities and leaders that higher education forges and provides.

Taking this into consideration, Esperanza Fund tried to create a different strategy that would set them apart from other similar programs because:

Their scholarships are financed by the communities we serve. Many scholarships rely on corporate sponsorships or private endowments. We raise our funds from individuals, businesses and institutions in the capital region itself;

They make long-term, capital- and time-intensive investments in our students. Most scholarships provide smaller awards of $250 to $2,500 and have no further contact with recipients. They award $5,000 for two-year degrees and $10,000 for four-year degrees, and enroll all Esperanza Scholars into an intensive academic and professional Mentorship Program; and,

They serve all immigrant students regardless of national origin, ethnicity, and immigration status. The most prestigious scholarships open to immigrant students, e.g. the Hispanic Scholarship Fund and the Asian & Pacific Islander American Scholarships Fund, typically limit their awards on the basis of ethnicity and immigration status. This Fund targets and serves all immigrants, from Bolivian to Japanese, from citizen to non-citizen.

So what are you waiting for? Purchase your tickets today! Visit http://tinyurl.com/y9l8e9k

Raffle to benefit H.A.C.A.N.

2009-12-14T18:53:00.000-08:00

This season, Hispanics Against Child Abuse and Neglect (H.A.C.A.N.), a nonprofit founded in 1985 with a mission to strengthen families and prevent child abuse and neglect by providing culturally competent education, intervention, and community advocacy with focus on the Latino/Hispanic community, is doing a benefit raffle.

Tickets are being sold until December 18, 2009 and the drawing will be done that same day. They are raffling this great oil painting donated by Ms. Ofelia Borges titled:

“Paisaje Cubano”
(33 x 27 inches)

What do they do?

For Parents: Fortaleciendo la Familia (trans. Strengthening the Family) is a Spanish-language parenting curriculum developed for immigrant families that HACAN has successfully taught for seventeen years to nearly 2,000 parents. It is based on the premise that child abuse and neglect can be prevented by providing parents with the skills needed to resolve family conflicts in an atmosphere of mutual respect, cooperation, love and understanding. In addition, HACAN offers trainer certification to individuals from other local agencies that have experience working with low-income, Latino families.

For Youth: For the past eleven years HACAN has served low-income girls, ages 7-16, through the Morning Star program. At weekly meetings, Morning Star provides participants with a safe environment that empowers & educates them to make wise decisions as they transition into a new culture. Through fun and interactive skill-building workshops, activities, and field trips, we strengthen their self-esteem and encourage the growth of their leadership potential as a means of breaking the cycle of poverty, low-education and any family violence or neglect. HACAN also makes regular homes visits and connects participants and their families to many other beneficial community resources. HACAN offers a variety of other prevention programs to youth from at-risk communities, including teaching the “Good Touch, Bad Touch” curriculum to elementary and middle school children and offering mentors through a community agency partnership. Since its inception HACAN has empowered over 1,000 children.

For the Community: HACAN collaborates with many local and state agencies to advocate for the availability of community resources to help prevent child abuse. HACAN has offered workshops, trainings and presentations; participated in media activities; and created materials to spread awareness in the English and Spanish speaking communities. In addition, each April, in honor of Child Abuse Awareness Month, HACAN invites hundreds of individuals, organizations and businesses to join together and work towards ending child abuse and neglect at their Annual Child Abuse Prevention Breakfast.

Raffle tickets are $10.00 For tickets and more information, please contact Marissa Yzita at 703-208-1550 or email info@hacan.org.

21 Days of Gift Giving by Forever XXI

2009-12-14T17:41:00.000-08:00

I think Christmas just got a little more exiting!

Go to www.forever21.com/holiday for a chance to win a $500 gift card valid at any Forever XXI.

You will need to make a purchase and use your receipt information for this!

Offer is valid until 12/17/2009 so hurry!

Limit one entry per customer.

ZUMBA FOR DIABETES IN WASHINGTON, DC

2009-11-28T16:53:00.000-08:00

The American Diabetes Association (ADA) relies on fundraising events like their annual Step Out Walk to support their mission to prevent and cure diabetes and to improve the lives of all people affected by diabetes, like my father who battled with it until the end. Since its inception, ADA has invested more than $450 million in research projects. Here are some examples of significant the ADA has made through the support and generosity of donors just like you and I:

Invention of the first glucose meter
Oral diabetes medication to help control type 2
Introduction of more effective forms of insulin
Invention of the portable insulin pump
The relationship between nutrition and diabetes
Laser treatment to prevent blindness

Now, the ADA will be having a fundraise r that’s perfect for those (like me) that want to lose those extra pounds gained thanks to that deliciously-flavored Thanksgiving Dinner. Join me and other local DC residents burn off those extra pounds at the American Diabetes Association’s:

ZUMBA FOR DIABETES FUNDRAISER

Where: YMCA of Metropolitan Washington 1711 Rhode Island Ave NW Washington, DC 20036

When: Sunday, December 6, 2009
From 1:30-3:30 PM

RSVP aconley@diabetes.org or (202)331-8303 ex. 4514

Fee: $10.00 minimum donation to participate. 100% of donations will benefit the American Diabetes Association (checks and cash accepted and we will graciously accept more!)

It’s a good cause! For more information on how you can get involved, visit www.stopdiabetes.com

From an ADA Supporter…

Omega Phi Beta Steps Out to Fight Diabetes and Helps Raise Over $5,000

2009-11-09T14:48:00.000-08:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
ELISA MOLINA
ALPHAGAMMA@OMEGAPHIBETA.ORG

Washington, D.C… October 30, 2009. For a fourth year, the Alpha Gamma Alumnae Chapter of Omega Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated (OPBSI) teamed up with La Unidad Latina/Lambda Upsilon Lambda Fraternity, Incorporated together with Latinas Promoviendo Comunidad/Lambda Pi Chi Sorority, Incorporated and Lambda Theta Alpha Latin Sorority, Incorporated in the American Diabetes Association’s (ADA) Annual Step out to Fight Diabetes Walk. The ADA is the nation’s leading nonprofit health organization for diabetes research, information, and advocacy.

Aside of online efforts, the team hosted a happy hour and a raffle in order to raise funds and awareness of diabetes in the Washington, D.C. community. Educational materials provided by the ADA, both in English and Spanish were given out to everyone that attended and together we raised over $5,000. “This year the team worked effectively to pull the event together while each organization made equal efforts to make the programming and fundraising endeavors a success. This was encouraging because it showed our capacity to make an impact in the community as a diverse group of Greek-lettered organizations,” stated Kourtney Bennett, Director of Programming of Alpha Gamma. Others like Alberto Dominguez, a brother of LUL and Team Captain since 2001, considered this year to be a special one and added, “I will never forget how over 70 men and women came together for one cause: to represent Latinos with pride, to help eradicate diabetes, and to honor my father who battled diabetes.”

According to the ADA, 24 million children and adults in the United States live with diabetes. 57 million Americans are at risk for type 2 diabetes and 1 out of every 3 children born today will face a future with diabetes if current trends continue. More alarming is the fact that 10.4 percent of Hispanics/Latinos ages 20 years or older have been diagnosed with diabetes with prevalence rates of 8.2 percent for Cubans, 11.9 percent for Mexican Americans, and 12.6 percent for Puerto Ricans, with the highest among Native Americans and Alaska Natives (16.5 percent), which is followed by African-Americans (11.8 percent).
During the American Diabetes Month this November, the ADA launched a bold movement to confront, fight and eventually Stop Diabetes and we are asking you to join it. There are concrete steps you can take to end this disease and here’s a few ways how:

GIVE
You can dedicate time, effort and funds to support critical activities in your neighborhood.

ACT
You can help build momentum for the Stop Diabetes movement whether you want to run, walk, bike or simply tell a friend, there are many ways.

LEARN
StopDiabetes.com has many resources that will help you or a loved one that already has diabetes or is at risk of Type 2 such as lifestyle and motivational information to prevent this disease and more.

SHARE
Inspire others to join the movement by sharing your personal story. Visit StopDiabetes.com and join the ADA on Facebook and Twitter to learn about all the exciting ways to be a part of the Stop Diabetes movement.

It is not too late to donate to the American Diabetes Association. For more information or to donate, please visit our team page.

Omega Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated, a NALFO organization member, is a Latina-oriented sorority founded on March 15, 1989, at the University at Albany, State University of New York. The purpose of OPBSI is to serve and educate people of diverse backgrounds through sisterhood, leadership, and guidance. As positive role models, we promote unity of all cultures, focus on empowerment of our gender and raise the standards of excellence in our academic, social, and personal endeavors. For more information about Alpha Gamma Chapter, please click here.

###

CHNRI International Essay Contest 2009: $1,000 Cash Prize

2009-11-04T11:30:00.000-08:00

The Child Health and Nutrition Research Initiative (CHNRI) announced the CHNRI International Essay Contest 2009 today. It is CHNRI’s mandate to advocate research programmes directed at addressing the conditions responsible for the most important diseases suffered by children, especially in developing countries, where the major burden of disease remains. In particular, CHNRI aims to influence policy decisions and program development to fast track the adoption of cost-effective and sustainable solutions.

The deadline for electronic receipt of the applications is 5 pm (Pacific Time) on December 11, 2009, Friday. The winners will be notified by end of December 2009.

Theme:
CHNRI is looking for the best examples of how research has been translated into policy that improved the child health and/or nutrition status at national, regional, or global level within the past 20 years. Interested participants should provide a specific example of how the evidence was generated to help establish, modify or implement a policy, based on research. The essay should describe the context in which the described case took place, which may include the history of the institution, and provide a substantiated and specific example of how research results influenced policy-making as well as program development.

Rules and Guidelines:
-Eligible papers may be submitted by any researcher working in the field of child health and nutrition research.
-Each applicant can submit only one essay.
-The essay must not have been published previously.
-The essay should be in English of a maximum of 2,000 words and an abstract of maximum 300 words.
-Each essay should have adequate references.
-Entries will be judged on originality, expression of ideas, presentation, and understanding of the research environment, and be evaluated by an evaluating committee of experts via blind review.

Submission must include a cover sheet with the applicant’s name, date of birth, institutional affiliation, official designation i.e. title (if any), mailing address, e-mail address, phone and fax numbers. Entries must be submitted in an electronic format to Dr. Tanvir M. Huda, Coordinator, CHNRI Secretariat: e-mail chnri@icddrb.org

Prizes
-The 12 most outstanding essays will be published in an anthology and the authors will be featured on the CHNRI's official website throughout the year.
-The best 5 essay winners will receive cash prizes of US$1000 each.
-The first prize winner, in addition to cash prize, will receive financial support for presenting his/her paper at a relevant international academic conference. Grant assistance from CHNRI will be subject to acceptance of the paper in the conference.

For more information, please visit http://www.chnri.org/announcement/chnriessaycontest09.

CASA Looking for Volunteers!

2009-10-25T15:02:00.000-07:00

In Fairfax County , a new case of child abuse or neglect enters the court system once every 30 hours. When these children come from the Hispanic Community, they are at an extreme disadvantage; there are not enough Spanish speaking CASA volunteers to help ensure that these children receive the same care, attention, and services as other child victims of abuse.

Fairfax Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) recruits and trains volunteers to investigate a child's situation and to advocate for the best interests of the child in court. We seek volunteers fluent in both English and Spanish to close the language gap and make sure our Hispanic children grow up in safe and permanent homes. No prior experience in child welfare or the law is required.

If you seek a volunteer role with real purpose that can create real change, please attend one of Fairfax CASA's upcoming information sessions. For dates or to reserve a space, call or email Elisa Kosarin, Recruitment and Training Manager at (703) 273-3526, ext. 22 or ekosarin@casafairfax.org.

Estos son nuestros niños olvidados!

Facebook: Win $50,000 for your Charity

2009-10-20T06:47:00.000-07:00

America's Giving Challenge
America’s Giving Challenge, also referred to as the “Giving Challenge” or just the “Challenge,” is a 30-day national competition that encourages people to leverage their personal networks and online social media to help win cash awards that will total $170,000 on behalf of their favorite nonprofit. Participants in America’s Giving Challenge will compete for daily and overall cash awards based on the number of donations generated for a cause, not dollars raised. Awards will be given to the nonprofit beneficiaries of the causes that garner the highest number of unique daily donations** between 3:00 p.m. EDT October 7, 2009, and 2:59pm EST on November 6, 2009.

Awards
$50,000 will be awarded to the cause with the highest total number of unique daily donations over the 30 days of the Challenge. There are 7 awards in total divided like the following:

$25,000 to the cause with the second highest number of unique daily donations over the 30 days of the Challenge

$10,000 to the next five causes with the highest number of unique daily donations over the 30 days of the Challenge

Daily Awards (2 per day, 3PM ET to 3PM ET):

$1,000 each day to the cause with the most unique donations that day

$500 each day to the next cause with the most unique donations that day; *these awards made possible through funding by the Aspen Institute's Program on Philanthropy and Social Innovation.

Organizing Partners
Causes, the Case Foundation, and PARADE Publications have partnered to organize America’s Giving Challenge. I highly suggest you visit the Partners Page for more information and progress on the rankings.

Also, keep in mind that The Giving Challenge is not focused on how much money you can raise, but on how successful you are at building collective action and inspiring members to donate to your cause. To succeed, the goal is to get as many unique daily donations as possible (minimum of $10), to your cause each day. By encouraging people to give what they can - no matter how big or small - America’s Giving Challenge seeks to demonstrate that philanthropy is about real people coming together to make an impact and that's why I support this initiative.

So, start asking! Click here to start now!

**A unique daily donations is defined as one single donation per individual per day.

2009-10-19T16:54:00.000-07:00

Winners - Hispanic Heritage Book Giveaway

2009-10-17T14:32:00.000-07:00

It is my pleasure to announce the winners of this year's Hispanic Heritage Month Book Giveaway. They are:

1st: Cristine

2nd: Edmontonjb

3rd: Marcela Beatty

4th: Jvinasco20

5th: Marjorie

I want to thank each and every one of you that participated in my first giveaway. This giveaway wouldn't have been possible without the generosity of Hackett Book Group and Valerie. Each winner will receive a copy of the following titles:

Zumba® by Beto Perez with Maggie Greenwood-Robinson

Evenings at the Argentine Club by Julia Amante

Tell Me Something True by Leila Cobo

Damas, Dramas, and Ana Ruiz by Belinda Acosta

Amigoland by Oscar Casares

All winners were randomly selected using random.org. Each individual will be contacted via email and has 72 hours to respond otherwise another person will be chosen.

Thank you for the support and stay tuned for more giveaways!

Help me stop Diabetes, One step at a time!

2009-10-13T19:25:00.000-07:00

This fall I will be joining more than 100,000 fellow walkers from across the country in this year's Step Out: Walk to Fight Diabetes to raise money for the American Diabetes Association.

I will be gathering donations and walking to help stop diabetes in memory of my beloved grandfather who died of Diabetes Type 2 in the Dominican Republic in 2006.

I am asking for your help. By making a donation on my behalf, you will be helping the American Diabetes Association provide community-based education programs, protect the rights of people with diabetes and fund critical research for a cure.

Diabetes is a disease in which the body does not produce or properly use insulin. Insulin is a hormone that is needed to convert sugar, starches and other food into energy needed for daily life. The cause of diabetes continues to be a mystery, although both genetics and environmental factors appear to play roles.

I believe that my participation in this year's Step Out: Walk to Fight Diabetes - one of the American Diabetes Association's biggest fundraisers - can and will make a difference. With the help of people like you, the American Diabetes Association can raise over $20 million to help stop diabetes.

Please help me reach my goal of raising $150.00 by supporting me for this year's walk. Please follow the link below to my personal Web page to make a secure, 100% tax deductible donation.

Click here to donate: http://tinyurl.com/yf9nvtc

Here are more reasons why you should:

~ Diabetes now affects nearly 24 million people in the United States, an increase of more than 3 million in approximately two years. This means that nearly 8 percent of the U.S.population has diabetes.

~10.4 percent of Hispanics/Latinos ages 20 years

or older have diagnosed diabetes.

~Among Hispanics/Latinos, diabetes prevalence rates are 8.2 percent for Cubans, 11.9 percent for Mexican Americans, and 12.6 percent for Puerto Ricans.

~The prevelence rate was highest among Native Americans and Alaska Natives (16.5 percent), followed by African-Americans (11.8 percent).

Together we can stop diabetes. One step at a time.

40 Ways to Help

2009-09-27T10:19:00.000-07:00

So Others Might Eat (SOME) will be celebrating 40 years of helping the Washington, DC community so those they assist may eat. SOME is a community-based organization that offers a holistic approach to caring for the homeless and extremely poor citizens in our city, which unfortunately are many.

In lieu of their 40th Anniversary Celebration, they came up with 40 different ways people can help and care for others in the modern world. Try to do some of them, anything counts.

1. Become a Corporate Mentor to a student at SOME’s Center for Employment Training (CET).

2. Volunteer to provide assistance to a vulnerable homebound senior in SOME’s Caregivers program.

3. Host a drive for seasonal men’s clothing.

Please contact Brian Bilenki at donations@some.org for additional information.

4. Start a “Penny War” at your school or in your classroom.

5. Bring your friends and family to 71 “O” Street, NW and take a tour of SOME.

6. Going on a trip? Collect your hotel’s trial size toiletries for SOME.

7. Ask guests to contribute to SOME in lieu of bringing a gift to your birthday party, wedding or other special event.

8. Provide new underwear, socks and thermals for homeless women and men.

9. Organize a food drive in your community or in your office.

10. Make a financial contribution to SOME.

11. Bring some popcorn and host a movie night in the community space for the families at one of SOME’s affordable housing programs.

12. Have you been meaning to clean out your garage? You and your family can host a yard sale to benefit SOME.

13. Help your child host a bake sale or set up a lemonade stand to benefit SOME. Contributions may be sent to SOME, 71 "O" Street, NW, Washington, DC 20001. Please let us know how it goes and send photos of the event that we can put on our website. E-mail us at some@some.org or post a message on ourFacebook page.

14. Stuff a backpack with school supplies for a homeless or very poor child.

15. Donate your used Metro fare cards to help students at SOME’s Center for Employment Training
get to class.

16. Gather your family together and spend the afternoon landscaping a low-income senior’s yard.

17. Attend one of SOME’s Empty Bowls events in March.

18. Ask a SOME representative to come talk to you and your community about how you can
address homelessness in DC. Then, take action and join our Advocacy network.

19. Provide paints, paper and other art supplies for our programs.

20. Sign up for regular updates through SOME’s e-newsletter.

21. Serve as a mentor and tutor to a child in one of SOME’s affordable family housing programs or at SOME Place for Kids.

22. Give a homeless person a fresh start with a donation of new or gently used washcloths, towels and sets of twin sheets.

23. Host a “percentage day” for SOME at your store or business.

24. Bridge the digital divide and teach a basic computer skills course to SOME clients.

25. Increase a Center for Employment Training student’s self-confidence and help him/her prepare for the working world with professional hair and make-up assistance.

26. Be a sight for sore eyes – purchase eyeglasses for homeless patients in ourMedical Clinic.

27. Share your special skill, talent or hobby with residents of one of our affordable housing programs.

28. Help a man in recovery take his next steps. Donate a pair of new boots that he can wear at SOME’sresidential addiction program in West Virginia.

29. Warm and woolies! Collect coats, hats, gloves, scarves and thermals from November – January.

30. Help SOME Go Green! Donate Compact Fluorescent light bulbs to help supply SOME’s more than 30 properties.

31. Encourage the graduates of SOME’s Center for Employment Training by attending a commencement ceremony.

32. Honor a loved one on their birthday or anniversary with a gift to SOME.

33. Form a team for the Thanksgiving Day Trot for Hunger.

34. Work with your church, synagogue, book club or other community and provide monthly meals for hungry men, women and children.
SOME relies on the support of Provide-A-Meal groups to serve more than 800 hot nourishing meals each day in our Dining Rooms.

35. Prepare, serve and enjoy a lunch or dinner at one of SOME’s transitional housing programs.

36. Monopoly, anyone? Host a game night for kids or seniors in our residential programs.

37. Use a charity search engine such as GoodSearch that earns money for designated charities (SOME!) every time you do a search. It’s a great way to help while you do what you do every day – look up information on the internet!

38. Become a SOME Sustainer and have your monthly gift to SOME automatically deducted.

39. Stay Connected: Follow SOME on Facebook, Twitter, Flickr, MySpace and YouTube.

40. Take them out to a ball game. Provide tickets to cultural and sporting events for our clients.

Hispanic Heritage Book Giveaway!

2009-09-17T07:11:00.000-07:00

Join me and Hachette Book Group as we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with a book giveaway in support of Latino authors, an offer you can't resist. Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated from September 15th through October 15th every year.

Each winner will receive one whole set (5 books) of the following books:
Zumba® By Beto Perez , Maggie Greenwood-Robinson ISBN: 0446546127
Evenings at the Argentine Club By Julia Amante ISBN: 0446581623
Damas, Dramas, and Ana Ruiz By Belinda Acosta ISBN: 044654051X
Tell Me Something True By Leila Cobo ISBN: 0446519367
Amigoland By Oscar Casares ISBN: 0316159697

To enter, all you have to do is the following:

1. Post a comment stating who your favorite Latino book author is and why. If you don't have one, whose book you interested in reading

2. Follow MI VOZ privately or publically; it's up to you! Click on the 'follow' icon that can be found on the right-hand side. If you’re already a follower, let me know!

3. Follow me on Twitter (@moliee92) and tweet about the giveaway by saying, I just entered a Hispanic Heritage Month Book Giveaway by Elisa Molina. For details, go to http://tinyurl.com/yep9852 @Moliee92 Pls RT. Provide me with the tweet url in your comment. Note: One tweet per day until the giveaway ends, so go ahead tweet away!

EXTRA ENTRIES:

4. Subscribe to my posts via email. The subscriber options (drop-down menu) can be found on the right-hand corner, above the list of followers (1 entry)

5. Blog about the event and provide me with the url of your post (2 entries)

6. Join me on Facebook and promote this giveaway. Add (1 entry)

Remember to leave a separate comment for each entry. This contest will end on Thursday, October 15th, 2009 at 11:59pm EST. I will choose the FIVE winners with random.org to make it fair. The winners will be notified via email and will have 72 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. Remember if you don't have a blogger account leave your email in the post so I can find you!

Only U.S. and Canadian residents can enter to win. No PO Boxes please. You must do 1, 2 OR 3 to be entered. Spread the word. This is my first giveaway!

Good luck!

Listen

2009-09-01T19:54:00.000-07:00

Today I received an email with a very interesting title: Listening to Latinas: Barriers to High School Graduation. Of course, it only took me seconds to click on the link to learn more about the one of the most important issues that's affecting the future of our young Latinas today.

The National Women’s Law Center and the Mexican American Legal Defense and Education Fund published a new report titled, Listening to Latinas: Barriers to High School Graduation, which explores the causes of the dropout crisis for Latinas and identifies the actions needed to improve their graduation rates and get them ready for college.

Latinas are dropping out of school in alarming numbers. It was truly disturbing to learn that 41% of Latina students do not graduate with their class in four years—if they graduate at all. As you may know, many Latina students face challenges related to poverty, immigration status, limited English proficiency, and damaging gender and ethnic stereotypes. And the high teen pregnancy rate for Latinas — the highest of any ethnic group — reflects and reinforces the barriers they face.

They have a well put-together report and I highly recommend you read it. Their Executive Summary is a good way to start; it explains the reasons of this initiative, identifies their research methods and describes their recommendations to both schools and policymakers as a result of their findings.

You can also get involved by clicking here to support Latina students. I will, because all I thought about while reading this was my sister...

About:

The National Women’s Law Center is a nonprofit organization that has been working since 1972 to advance and protect women’s legal rights. The Center focuses on major policy areas of importance to women and their families, including employment, education, health and reproductive rights, and family economic security.

Founded in 1968, the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund (MALDEF) is the nation’s leading nonprofit Latino legal organization. Often described as the “law firm of the Latino community,” MALDEF promotes equality and justice through litigation, advocacy, public policy, and community education in the areas of employment, immigrants’ rights, voting rights, education, and language rights.

16 in Paradise Sweepstakes from Real Simple

2009-08-17T07:53:00.000-07:00

Trip includes:
Roundtrip air
Transportation
Hotel accommodations at The Reef, Atlantis
Private dolphin interaction for your group
Daily dining plans

Click on the image to enter!

No purchsae necessary.

Odds of winning will depend on the number of eligible entries received.

Sweepstakes begins at 12:01 a.m. Eastern Time ("ET") on 8/10/09 and ends at 11:59 p.m. ("ET") on 9/24/09.

Inter-American Development Bank launches a Regional Short Story Competition

2009-08-14T07:49:00.000-07:00

Your read right! The Inter-American Development Bank invites young people (16-20 years old) born in Latin America and the Caribbean to participate in a Creative Writing Competition with cash prizes. The competition is called "bettertomorrow@now" and will open a dialogue between the IDB and young people, to learn more about their ideas, goals, challenges, and dreams for the future. The stories will focus on one of the five priority initiatives of the IDB: poverty reduction; education; sustainable energy and climate change; water and sanitation; and opportunities for the majority. For competition details: click here

*ESPAÑOL:
El BID invita a los jóvenes a involucrarse en la construcción de un mejor mañana para la región convocándolos al Concurso Regional de cuentos "mejorfuturo@ahora". A través del relato corto, el BID busca estimular un diálogo abierto con los jóvenes, de 16 a 20 años, para conocer sus ideas, metas, desafíos y sueños del futuro sobre América Latina y el Caribe. Los cuentos deberán basarse en una de las cinco iniciativas prioritarias del BID tales como: reducción de la pobreza; educación; energía sostenible y cambio climático: agua y saneamiento; y oportunidades para la mayoría. Para más detalles del concurso: entre aquí

*PORTUGUÊS:
O Banco Inter-Americano de Desenvolvimento convida os jovens a envolverem-se na construção de um amanhã melhor para a região, apelando a que estes participem no concurso de Histórias Regionais: "umamanhãmelhor@agora". Através de pequenas histórias, o BID quer estimular o diálogo aberto com os jovens, dos 16 aos 20 anos, para saber quais as suas idéias, objetivos, desafios e sonhos sobre o futuro na América Latina e nas Caraíbas. As histórias irão centrar-se em uma das cinco iniciativas prioritárias do BID tais como: redução da pobreza; educação; energia sustentável e mudança climática; água e saneamento; e oportunidades para a maioria. Condições do concurso: clique aqui

*FRANÇAIS:
La Banque interaméricaine de développement invite des jeunes, de 16 à 20 ans, nés en Amérique latine ou dans les Caraïbes à participer à un concours littéraire créatif avec des prix à la clef. Ce concours, qui se nomme "avenirmeilleur@maintenant", permettra d'engager un dialogue entre la BID et les jeunes afin de connaître leurs idées, leurs buts, leurs défis et leurs rêves pour l'avenir. Les thèmes de votre nouvelle devront porter sur une des cinq initiatives prioritaires de la BID, à savoir: la réduction de la pauvreté, l'éducation, l'énergie renouvelable et le changement climatique, l'eau et l'assainissement, et les opportunités pour la majorité.
Vous pouvez accéder au réglement du concours sur le site: Cliquez ici pour

*These translations were provided by the IDB. Spread the word.

For general information about the IDB Cultural Center and its programs, visit http://www.iadb.org/cultural
To learn more about the IDB’s five priority initiatives, visit http://www.iadb.org/topics

NSHMBA 2009 Annual Conference: Plan on attending...Plan on Volunteering!

2009-08-13T15:37:00.000-07:00

Click on the picture for more details!

The National Society of Hispanic MBAs is looking for volunteers for their 2009 NSHMBA Conference & Career Expo

October 8-10, 2009

Minneapolis Convention Center

1301 Second Avenue South

Minneapolis, Minnesota 55403

Benefits include:
-Interview with over 250 companies for a wide range of positions
-Connect with peers, employers and resources in a very efficient manner
-Gain professional development at cutting edge workshops
-Post their resumes and search and apply for job openings
-Attend interview clinics for one-on-one critiques on improving their resumes to land the perfect job
-Receive free admittance to the Career Expo, workshops and more by volunteering

For questions about volunteer shifts and registration please email volunteers@nshmba.org.

Hurry! First 50 Volunteers to commit and complete 12 hours will recieve the entire Brillante Evening Event.

First Volunteer Meetup by Calvary

2009-08-06T14:27:00.000-07:00

“Always do what’s required and beyond”, were the words of Guest Speaker Ty Davidson at a Volunteer Meetup, which took place on July 23, 2009, hosted by Calvary Women’s Services for people like you and I interested in helping others. This was Calvary’s first local meet up organized by Kelly Myers, Community Outreach Coordinator, which turned out to be a very interesting discussion.

“We decided to implement the meetups because we have over 230 volunteers who never get a chance to interact with each other” said Kelly, which is true. This first meetup consisted of an interactive discussion related the field of social work, which goes in line with the background of the majority of the women and men that work at nonprofits like Calvary. Yet the things discussed went far beyond the field. The sacrifices that are made and boundaries social workers and volunteers in the service field can’t cross have me speechless. “Don’t bring the personal into the professional” said Ty, “because once you have crossed that thin line between doing your job and being a friend of those you serve, its over.”

Calvary Women's Services is a nonprofit organization in Washington, DC, that provides housing and support services to homeless women. Their mission is to provide homeless women with a place to live and basic services and to help educate and empower women for independent living. This is the reason members of organizations like Omega Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated in Washington, DC volunteer their time or provide their resources knowing any help can make a difference in the lives of these women. By implementing these meetups, Calvary hopes to use the information gained from these discussions to present in-service trainings with community professionals free of charge for interested volunteers.

For more information on how to volunteer at Calvary, you can go to: http://www.calvaryservices.org/volunteer.html

For resources on how and where to volunteer, I suggest you read The Idealist.org Handbook to Building a Better World - a very practical guide to putting one's desires to help others into action.

The (RED) Thing to Do @ Starbucks

2009-07-27T16:06:00.000-07:00

I am pretty sure you have heard about the (Product) Red initiatives. If not, it's the amazing idea of utilizing consumerism as a financial force to help others, in this case, those living in the Motherland. In order to do this, (RED) has partner with the most popular companies that sell some of the most sought products worldwide, and one of them is Starbucks.

I support local businesses but have made an exception with this corporation because of its Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives that are now global - a project the company calls, "Shared Planet™ - our commitment to doing business responsibly." I was introduced to Starbucks' responsibility efforts and core values as an international business major in college and has been their advocate ever since. Ironically, I know work at Pan American Health Organization with the person in charge of mobilizing Global Fund resources to those countries affected by HIV, Malaria and Tuberculosis and I see the dependency of the Fund.

So every time you buy a (STARBUCKS) RED product or pay with your (STARBUCKS) RED Card, they make a $1 contribution to the Global Fund to help provide treatment for children and adults living with HIV, helping to save lives in Africa. Wouldn't that make every sip better for all of us?

Based on end-of-the-year reports, with our help they've already generated contributions equalling more than 4,000,000 daily doses of life-sustaining treatment. Similarly, Starbucks has always cherished the amazing flavors and aromas of African coffees by not only bringing those products to us, but also by opening Farmer Support Centers in Rwanda and Ethiopia, and working directly with farmers to improve the quality and sustainability of their coffee for years to come.

So, next time you go to Starbucks and order that tall caramel-white-moca-white moca, take a look at their (RED) products and don't leave w/o purchasing one of them.

For more info on (RED), go to http://www.joinred.com/

For info on the (STARBUCKS) Red campaign, click here.
For more info on Starbucks Shared Planet™ initiative, click here.

Casting Call for Models & Dancers for a local HIV/AIDS Awareness Campaign

2009-07-17T15:47:00.000-07:00

Becoming the Change & Jobair Productions are hosting a casting call for a fashion show (3G A2) & a national HIV/AIDS awareness photo campaign in Washington, DC. Selected models for fashion show will also be chosen to model on WUSA-CBS channel 9 during a promotional showcase.

They are looking for models and dancers, amateurs to expert are welcomed. Here are some details:

-Must be 18 & over (photo i.d. required).
-Bring portfolio(s), if experienced.
-Dress appropriately - females: jeans.tank.heels. males: jeans.tank. hair pulled back, neat.
-Dancers will have 45 sec to listen to song & then 45 to perform. Please bring your A+ game!- you will leave right after your audition slot, you will notified of your results ASAP.

www.jobairproductions.com & www.ode2change.com
in partnership with:
iD3sign & Co. www.id3sign.com
MIGO Productions www.migoproductions.com

Becoming the Change: The mission of this organization is to uniquely and through innovative approaches, challenge individuals to become what they desire to be, while inspiring others in change. Change what is outside by working from within.Current efforts for BTC are bringing a national awareness to HIV/AIDS via a dramatic, high impact photo campaign & raising funds for research & cures.

Please click on the link below for details!
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?ref=home#/event.php?eid=51868144945&ref=ts

Sorority Raises over $6000 to Raise Awareness of Violence Against Women in Washington, DC

2009-07-16T14:23:00.000-07:00

The Alpha Gamma Alumnae Chapter of Omega Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated (OPBSI) raised over $6,000 in accordance with their National Philanthropy of Raising Awareness of Violence Against Women through Eve Ensler’s award-winning benefit production, “The Vagina Monologues.” Proceeds from the show benefited WEAVE, Incorporated (Women Empowered Against Violence) and V-day.org. WEAVE is a non-profit organization based out of Washington, DC whose mission is to work closely with adult and teen survivors of relationship violence and abuse, providing an innovative range of legal, counseling, economic, and educational services that lead survivors to achieve safety for themselves and their children and live empowered lives.

Founded in 1997, V-Day is a global movement dedicated to end violence against women and girls. The most renowned component of the V-Day movement, Eve Ensler’s “The Vagina Monologues,” is a staple performance in various cities around the world.

The OPBSI-sponsored shows ran Friday, April 17th, and Saturday, April 18th, at the Warehouse Theater located in NW Washington, D.C. Both nights welcomed local sponsors, friends, family and community members to a candlelit reception area completed with music, wine and a visual exhibition before entering the theater. Guests enjoyed an artistic exhibition of the Mirabal Sisters who stand as a symbol against the victimization of women and were the inspiration behind the establishment of International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women in 1999, courtesy of Dominican artist, Angie del Riego. While leaving the production, one audience member exclaimed, “Of all the productions I have seen in the last few years, this was by far the best.”

The 2009 production of “The Vagina Monologue” was sponsored by DPS, GLAMOUR, Vosges, LUNA Open Square Foundation, W Hotels Worldwide, Goodwill Greater Washington, Aiyana Burnette Printing, Center for Neuromuscular and Massage Rehabilitation (CNMR), SV Designs, and Julia Sanders Photography. The talented and dedicated 9-woman cast was the epitome of diversity, something that was important to the Director, Melanie St. Ours, and the 2009 V-Day Planning Committee. Through this variety of cultural backgrounds, age, and personal experiences, the cast was able to make a real connection with the audience, bringing this production to life.

This year's initiatives were discussed in the TV Talk Show Genereacion Latina - a cable television program that aims to educate the Latino/a youth in Montgomery County about various topics - hosted by Carolina Peña, which featured Marielys Garcia, Chapter President, and Anne Garcia from WEAVE, Inc.

“Violence disrupts the lives of women irrespective of language, neighborhood or color. It is important that we restate this point to both women and men in a captivating way,” said Marilyn Guzman, a sister of Alpha Gamma Chapter and active V-Day participant since 2006. For this and many other reasons, Alpha Gamma has made a commitment to continue to engage in the Vday movement every year.

For more information on how to support WEAVE, please visit: www.weaveincorp.org
For more information about the V-Day movement, please visit www.vday.org
For information about the Alpha Gamma Chapter of Omega Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., please visit: Alpha Gamma Chapter Website.

I would like to acknowledge Nicole Williams, PR and Marketing Chair of the 2009 Vday Planning Committee for her contributions to this piece.

Click to Empower!

2009-07-15T17:57:00.000-07:00

Domestic violence impacts the lives of women and their families. The Allstate Foundation supports survivors through resources targeted to build financial independence and educates the public on how hard it is for people to leave an abusive relationship without economic resources.

Go to clicktoempower.org every day and vote for your charity of choice for victims of domestic violence. If you have a Facebook page, you can also vote through Facebook by searching for Click to Empower.
Remember it's free to vote and this is a way to engage your friends in an issue you care passionately about.
Remember to go onto the site every day and cast your vote. The voting period starts today July 15th and runs through September 15th. Every vote counts and shows your support for victims of domestic violence!

The Allstate Foundation started the Click to Empower campaign to give a voice to victims of domestic violence. This is your chance to support these victims and spread the word about this important issue.

I casted my vote, have you?

Michael Jackson's Memorial - LIVE!

2009-07-07T11:56:00.000-07:00

News updates on MJ's memorial:
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,530322,00.html

To watch the memorial live via the internet, go to:
http://www.tmz.com/2009/07/07/michael-jackson-memorial-live-dc/

Into Her Own

2009-06-02T16:20:00.000-07:00

So one of the main reasons I took two days off and traveled to GA last week was because the one I call 'lil sis' was graduating from High School May 28th, 2009. Newnan, GA never saw a day so beautiful, almost being 85 degrees outside. The commencement ceremony took place at the Newnan High School football field - half of it full of graduates - which started exactly at 7:30pm. Females wore all white and males wore a dark blue. I don't think she understood how excited I was to see her walk up that stage and accept her diploma. And I also don't think she realized the magnitude of her accomplishment, as a Latina and as an adolescent in this country.

She didn't understand that I was proud of her because nationally, about 70 percent of U.S. students graduate on time with a regular diploma and about 1.2 million students drop out annually, and that last year, nearly three of 10 Latinos, including recent immigrants, were dropouts. Most importantly, she did not understand that among the findings in the report, "Left Behind in America: The Nation's Dropout Crisis", Georgia had the highest dropout rate for the examined population at 22.1 percent (http://tinyurl.com/ck4qsl), and she was not part of that statistic.

We all know high school these days is not easy and the students acknowledge that. But during her speech, the Salutatorian brought up the fact that H.S. is about change and growth, and during those few days at home I was able to discover how much my lil sis has grown into her own. Now that I think about it, I'm not surprised. In D.R. she was raised by everyone except her mother until the age of 10. Upon arriving to the U.S., she had to repeat her grade because she new no English, which caused her to feel she was always behind compared to her peers. After her freshman year in H.S. in GA, she had to get a car because she was not eligible for the school bus anymore. But in order to pay for that car and the expenses that come with such responsibility, she started working 30 hours/week at a fast food restaurant, meaning no time for extracurriculars. She told me, "four more bank payments manita and that car is mine." All of this doesn't include taking care of the twins - our younger brothers - and taking care of the house/cooking/cleaning/ while mom was gone working 10 hr shifts m-f. Did I need any more proof to realize she was not my lil sis anymore? Maybe not.

'Life is about progress and progress doesn't end at graduation," I told her before my departure. 'You have matured...I get that", I said. "Pero tu futuro depende de it."

Not Us

2009-05-20T18:48:00.000-07:00

This year I had the tremendous opportunity to be part of the Hispanic College Fund Scholarship Selection Committee, one of the nation’s leading scholarship funds that provides ‘a comprehensive set of programs that work together to fuel a pipeline of Hispanic students into professional careers, while supporting them along the path to success’.

This year they received a record high of 50,000 applications from Hispanic high school and recent college students seeking financial assistance to continue their education. So, I asked myself, ‘if I cannot contribute financially to this cause, why not contribute with my time? And so I did. To this day I remain speechless and I wish you reviewed these applications with me. The caliber, the work ethic, the sacrifices, and the leadership potential demonstrated through these students’ stories, supported by their record were amazing.

Education is one of the most important things in my life and it’s so for many of our youth despite all the stereotypes that surround our community. A 22-year old who’s a single parent of two, current undergrad, and community activist said, “As a psychologist, I want to work with adolescents and teenagers. I will counsel, teach, and motivate our children to achieve their personal and educational goals. I want to show the youth that a life built upon the foundation of education provides the most promising future.”

These kids have goals and I admire them for seeking out ways on how to accomplish them. They want to be influential like this high school senior who stated that “Not having an education makes it very difficult to move upward in society and make an impact in the world. I want to be a journalist so I can change the world. I may not be a politician, but I will be able to write articles that influence politicians globally.” They are also warriors against adversities such as the ones this fellow Dominican experienced. “I know poverty,” he said, “It has been no stranger to my family. Last year my father died. It was his dream that I graduate and go to law school.” Despite all of this he obtained 3.68 weighted gpa during this time and worked part-time time at a grocery store to support his mother, who is unemployed because of an illness. He is currently a high school senior whose goal is to attend college as a pre-law major.

Nevertheless, there was one kid whose story almost made me cry, not for sympathy but because of this reality. He said, “I want to be a positive role model to the community, especially to the young people, in particular to at-risk youth. Five years ago I was one of them. I could not see myself graduating from high school. I was not in a gang, but my friends were. There were “drive boys” in the neighborhood. I experimented with drugs. My life was heading in a downward, spiral direction. My parents recognized some of what was happening and decided to move to Texas…” Now, thanks to the help of his mentor and the positive influences that surround him, he is now in the top 10 of his graduating senior class in high school and is an active volunteer at his school’s Ministry. But, there was one thing that helped him change his life: the decision his parents took. They saw something was wrong and they took action before it was too late, regardless if they had to sacrifice changing jobs, friends, or enduring the start of a new life. A lot of parents don’t know what their kids are going through yet they need to understand that without their support and commitment, are work to help our youth doubles.

Without question, this is just a minor example of the reality we live in. But like my friend Christian Cabrera said to me once, “we are working on it”. I am going to end this experience I have been meaning to passionately share with you with what this prospective graduate student whose work ethic is exemplary said:

“Through times of adversity, I have learned that success can only be attained through our own volition and desire, engendered solely by our rancor for failure and irresponsibility,”

For more info, visit www.hispanicfund.org. It all starts with you.

Thought of the Day

2009-05-19T16:50:00.001-07:00

"If love is the answer, would you please rephrase the question?" ~ Lily Tomlin

STAND UP BY SITTING DOWN!

2009-03-04T16:32:00.000-08:00

You can enjoy the most satisfying meal you'll have all year! Have dinner at a participating restaurant in the Washington metropolitan are and a portion of your bill will be donated to Food & Friends to help support children and adults battling HIV/AIDS, cancer and other life-challenging illnesses. Each day, Food & Friends' staff and volunteers prepare, package and deliver thousands of nutritious meals and groceries to your neighbors in need.

On Thursday, March 5th, 150 restaurants in the Washington metropolitan region will join together to raise awareness and funds for men, women and children facing HIV/AIDS, cancer and other life-challenging illnesses. Check out their list for your fav dining spot, or select a place you've been hoping to try. No matter which restaurant you choose, your support will provide critical nutrition for your neighbors in need. I plan to go to Busboys & Poets Restaurant who will donate 35% of my bill. Where are you eating?

Click here for a list of participating restaurants!

V-Day Fundraiser & Happy Hour in D.C.!

2009-02-18T16:17:00.001-08:00

Join Omega Phi Beta's Alpha Gamma Alumnae Chapter & LatinVIP.com for a Happy Hour Fundraiser!

Friday, February 27, 2009
6:00-10:00pm
@
Eyebar Lounge

1716 I Street, NWWashington, DC

(Closest Metro: Farragut North and Farragut West)

This event will help raise funds that will allow us to host our third benefit production of Eve Ensler's award-winning play, "The Vagina Monologues", that will benefit Vday.org and Women Empowered Against Violence, Incorporated in the Washington, DC area.

There is no charge for admission; we only request a $10 donation that can be made at the door.

ABOUT VDAY: V-Day is a global movement charged with creating awareness of and ending violence against all women and girls. Through the promotion of creative events like The Vagina Monologues, V-Day raises awareness and funding to combat the injustices plaguing females including rape, battery, incest, female genital mutilation, and sexual slavery.

ABOUT WEAVE, INC.:Women Empowered Against Violence (WEAVE) is a non-profit located in Washington, DC that offers holistic services to victims of domestic violence. The organization aids women and teen survivors of domestic abuse by providing legal, counseling, economic, and educational services while empowering their clients to take and feel in control of their own individual cases.

Co-hosting opportunities are still available.

If you are interested, contact Elisa Molina at vday.alphagamma@gmail.com

Eyebar will graciously provide 10% of the sales from the bar to the fund-raising effort that evening!

Scholarships for MBAs!

2009-02-02T11:26:00.000-08:00

A hugger or a kisser?

2009-01-29T15:02:00.000-08:00

So, as Valentine's Day approaches, I feel lonely already. I keep getting reminded that I am in a long-distance relationship, which I don't regret, by every commercial, by every pink and red merchandise being sold almost everywhere, you get the idea. I mean, this is hard. I know some people think Vday is just a day for companies to make profit, which they do. But, I think its meaning is special, for both friends and lovers. And, even though this year I will be on the friends’ side, I was asked very interesting questions: are you a hugger or a kisser? which one is more romantic to you? which one do you prefer?

The experts: Psychologists often divide people in “types” – introverts vs extroverts, serious vs goofy, logical vs intuitive. It goes to follow, then, that you’re either a hugger or a kisser. Without thinking about it too much, which do you think you are? People have been hugging and kissing since recorded history, but we rarely take the time to explore it. Why do we hug and kiss and what does it say about us?

Why not...

2009-01-28T07:00:00.000-08:00

1. Take a 10-30 minute walk every day. And while you walk, smile. It is the ultimate anti-depressant.

2. Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day. Talk to God about what is going on in your life. Buy a lock if you have to.

3. When you wake up in the morning complete the following statement, 'My purpose is to__________ today. I am thankful for______________'

4. Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants and eat less food that is manufactured in plants.

5. Drink green tea and plenty of water. Eat blueberries, wild Alaskan salmon, broccoli , almonds & walnuts.

6. Try to make at least three people smile each day.

7. Don't waste your precious energy on gossip, energy vampires, issues of the past, negative thoughts or things you cannot control. Insteadinvest your energy in the positive present moment.

8. Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a college kid with a maxed out charge card.

9. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.

10. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.

11. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.

12. You are not so important that you have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.

13. Make peace with your past so it won't spoil the present.

14. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.

15. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.

16. Frame every so-called disaster with these words: 'In five years, will this matter?'

17. Forgive everyone for everything.

18. What other people think of you is none of your business.

19. GOD heals everything - but you have to ask Him.

20. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.

21. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay in touch!!!

22. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.

23. Each night before you go to bed complete the following statements: I am thankful for__________. Today I accomplished_________.

24. Remember that you are too blessed to be stressed.

25. When you are feeling down, start listing your many blessings. You'll be smiling before you know it.

2009-01-22T07:05:00.000-08:00

“Everyone has the right to a standard of living

adequate for the health and well-being of himself and of his family,

including food, clothing, housing and medical care and necessary social services,

and the right to security in the event of unemployment,

sickness, disability, widowhood, old age or

other lack of livelihood in circumstances beyond his control.”

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights
Adopted and proclaimed by General Assembly resolution 217 A (III) of
10 December 1948, United Nations

Cultural Influences

2009-01-21T16:26:00.001-08:00

The National Institute for Latino Policy (NiLP) brought up a couple of good points about our people's influence not only in the U.S. but in the world and I want to share it with you. A few of these cultural influences are the following:

"Junot Diaz won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction for his novel, The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao in 2008; "Beverly Hills Chihuahua" did really well at the box office; there were separate films about Cuban musicians: singer Celia Cruz, pianist Bebo Valdes and bassist Israel "Cachao" Lopez; there was the Christmas movie, "Nothing Like the Holidays" with an all-star Latino cast; Time magazine wrote about the Mexican influence on Italian food in the US and the New York Times did a big article on pasteles; Grammy winners included Alejandro Sanz, Calle 13, Black Guayaba, Juan Luis Guerra, etc.; a statue was erected of boxing champion Oscar De La Hoya in Los Angeles; Kate Del Catillo's movie about the immigrant experience, "Under the Same Moon," was well-received; Chipotle Mexican Grill started opening restaurants in Europe; Univision's telenovelas, "Fuego en la Sangre" and "Cuidado Con el Angel" get bigger audiences than the English-language television networks; sociologist Clara Rodriguez wrote the book, Heroes, Lovers and Others: The Story of Latinos in Hollywood and anthropologist Arlene Davila publishes Latino Spin: Public Image and the Whitewashing of Race; Las Comadres launched the National Latino Book Club; and a more relevant "West Side Story" begins its journey to Broadway. There's much more, but you get the picture. With probably the most unique Presidential election in US history, 2008 was an exciting (and exhausting) year for most of us, getting much too many people addicted to the cable news shows! Its outcome has resulted in some of the greatest challenges ever facing Latinos and the rest of the country, but, ironically, it also brought with it a great sense of optimism and hope. ¡Que cosa!"

The thing is that I am currently reading "The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao", my grandma loved the Chihuahua movie, Juan Luis Guerra is one of my fav musicos, I go to Chipotle all the time in D.C. and order the same freaking thing: 3 tacos de carnitas w/ a touch of limón! It's so full that some people have to eat standing up...my favorite novela is Fuego en La Sangre and Doña Barbara; I hate Cuidao con el Angel! But what can I do? And, I recently joined the National Latino Book Club, and I have yet to see "West Side Story". Interesting...

Inauguration Wknd: Sunday!

2009-01-19T00:02:00.000-08:00

One of the highlights of my weekend was this concert: We Are One! I really appreciated the fact that it was free of charge. The only thing I had to worry about was transportation money. But, overall, it was one of the best experiences I've had in D.C. It was amazing. I estimated at least more than 10,000 people were in attendance. Those in the front I assume got to the Mall as soon as doors opened (8:00am). That was my plan but I ended up arriving there at 12:30pm - bad idea, bad idea!

One aspect that amazed me was the event logistics. I mean, the planning committee thought of everything: refreshments, huge screens, huge speakers, security check points, merchandise, speeches, news coverage, todo. They not only started 10 minutes earlier than programmed, but they finished on time people. I had no idea Obama was going to address us - now that was an amazing experience.

The best part was the people. Despite some pushing, screaming, and kicking - nothing big really - there was an outstanding sense of unity. We told jokes, helped each other to get up and sit down, which was impossible, sang and jumped together. No one new each other. I knew no one except my roommate. It was cold as hell too, 15 degrees the most.

But if you were not able to make it, go here to watch the concert.

FREE Suze Orman Book: Limited Offer!

2009-01-14T13:28:00.000-08:00

If one of your new year's resolution is to better your financial situation, isn't having an action plan towards financial stability your best bet? Well, I think it is.

My hopes increased when I got an email today from one of my Sorors this morning giving me the wonderful news that our one and only Oprah is giving out Suze Orman's latest book titled, 2009 Action Plan, for FREE. You read it right! Free. Zero cost. Nada.

For those who do not know, Suze Orman is an Emmy Award-winning television host, New York Times bestselling author, and one of the most acclaimed motivational speakers today. She is one of America's favorite personal finance expert, at least for me. She is the host of The Suze Orman Show on CNBC. She has written six consecutive New York Times Best Sellers; has written, co-produced, and hosted six PBS specials based on her books; and is the most successful fundraiser in the history of public television, based on Wikipedia.

I first met Suze when I was an Avon Representative in Miami, FL. Avon Products, Inc. created a partnership with her to help us aspiring businesswomen effectively manage our "business". I actually paid little attention to her advice and ask me if I am still with the company; No. But, I have seen her shows and managed to read her book reviews and was quite impressed.

After reading 2009 Action Plan, my goal is to read Young, Fabulous & Broke. Quite the title huh? But if you want to download a copy of the book for free, there is no time to waste. You may view and download the file, but you may not copy the file or share or forward it to any other person. Offer expires at 11:59 p.m. on Thursday, January 15. Click here to download it in both English and Spanish.

Thanks Oprah!

Taken for granted

2009-01-10T23:38:00.000-08:00

I never thought I would be able to have my own blog. I mean, I never thought blogging would become part of people's daily lives. Google, Inc. describes it as "A personal diary. A daily pulpit. A collaborative space. A political soapbox. A breaking-news outlet. A collection of links...whatever you want it to be." This is amazing and a privilege. But, there are people in this world that consider blogs to be a... how can I say it? A waste of time. And, I respect that. Like we have a write to comment on people's blogs, others have the right to criticize its value, and ultimately, its impact.

One day I told someone, "I think I'm gonna create my own blog." What does he say? "Don't waste your time." No doubt I got disappointed. But, I have been reading other people's blogs for months now, and I thought becoming part of the movement would be an awesome thing to do. So, I did - as you can see. But, today I remembered the story of the Cuban blogger Yoani Sanchez, winner of the prestigious Ortega y Gasset prize- from Spain's leading newspaper El Pais - for digital journalism in recognition of her blog Generacion Y or Generation Y. Then I realized that sometimes we take this privilege for granted.

Bloggers in Cuba "defy their government's blockade and censorship of the internet...armed with their sense of citizen journalism determined to expose the realities of life in the island," as stated by HISPANIC magazine. And this is why sometimes we take things for granted. Because we have the freedom to take advantage or not of the liberties we have to express ourselves, freely without the government being on our asses all the time; without being afraid that today could be the last day I write to the world and make them aware of all the crap we go through to practice what should be my human right, because if I get caught, I'll disappear faster then flash himself. Ordinary Cubans in the island can forget about freely surfing the 'net' since internet cafes are either forbidden to locals or cost between $8-15/hour. Now that means that it's either surf the net, secretly blog and don't eat, or give up that right since the average monthly salary for a fairly educated cubano ranges b/t $15-$20 a month. How does Sanchez and her followers do it? "Practically in the dark" she told HISPANIC.

This movement is so amazing that the blogs created in Cuba has prompted Cuban bloggers in Europe and the U.S. to organize a transaltlantic conference titled "Bloggers For A Dream". It's supposed to take place this summer in Miami, based on reports. To learn more about it, go to www.desdecuba.com/generationy. To learn how we can make a difference, directly or indirectly: Keep blogging.