Ideology

I have to give a big shout out to a very dear friend of mine whom recently started a side initiative and is taking it to the streets. His enthusiasm and passion for success in life always helps to inspire my own.

The three business partners have started a company called Viva Media in Cape Town, South Africa.

"A changing South African consumer landscape necessitates the birth of a publishing house that represents, and talks to, a new upwardly mobile emerging market. Cue Viva Media, a young organization who takes pride in celebrating Africa’s greatest assets: its people and commodities."

One of their first projects is the magazine Ideology.

The annual publication will provide a comprehensive overview of the founding aims and objectives of the National Youth Policy 2009 – 2014, which was approved by South Africa’s cabinet. 

Ideology is a set of beliefs that represents an idea or philosophy. This is an apt title for a publication that aims to encourage big businesses, government, non-profit organizations and the youth – along with their respective communities – to interact and share their knowledge, expertise and resources towards youth sustainability and development in South Africa. It also encourages them to pledge their continued support to achieve the fundamental aims of youth empowerment in South Africa. 

In line with the overall vision, objectives and implementation strategy of the National Youth Policy, Viva Media’s publication will focus on how to achieve greater success for youth in the following target groups: women, the disabled,  the unemployed,  those in rural areas, and those at risk.

I couldn't be more proud when they asked me to do a little bit of re-organization for them. Check out Viva Media here and watch for big things to come! 

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Woah.

I wanted to post about the entire Kony matter, but I'll say it right now: in no way am I pretending to be an expert, nor do any of these statements have anything to do with anything other than my opinion. I'm just extremely interested in the entire matter and thoroughly surprised as to how this has all played out.

My thoughts, my simple, simple thoughts:

One thing that gives me so much faith in humanity? This entire movement was an example of how powerful and connected our generation is now. It gives me goosebumps. Within a few moments, I had a friend text me to watch the Kony video. I did. I became downright passionate about it. Within another second and refresh of my news feed, I noticed an article on "Visible Children." Once I read that article, I realized there was two very distinct sides to this story. Beyond those thirty minutes in which that all happened, it exploded.

A) Weren't we all thoroughly affected by seeing that video? I know I sure was. It tugged on heartstrings (and mine seem to be somewhat connected directly to that continent)? It presented powerful facts and had George Clooney in it! If he believes it is the best course of action, I do too!

B) Then the backlash. Woah. Read an article on visiblechildren. Second thoughts. Woah. I watched bloggers from Uganda talk about how they were VISIBLE (read 'em here).  Rosebell Kagumire wrote, "This is me talking about the danger of portraying people with one single story and using old footage to cause hysteria when it could have been possible to get to DRC and other affected countries get a fresh perspective and also include other actors." Good point. But then another blogger states, "Let’s call Joseph Kony what he is: a narcissist, a pedophile and a terrorist," (writes Ghanaian-American blogger Malaka Gyekye Grant in a post titled Joseph Kony Is Still At Large and It’s all My Fault.) "Why are we not speaking out until our voices are impossible to ignore? Here’s a better question: Why did an AFRICAN not start the Kony2012 campaign?"

It's all pretty overwhelming...but the one element that sticks out to me is that there is room for all kinds of NGOs in this world. Honestly, the more out there with good intentions, the better...if we can learn to work together. There will be the ones that raise a lot of money and use it to promote awareness and advocacy, as Invisible Children is doing. And that's okay - as long as the people who are funding that understand where the money is going. Then there are aid organizations, where almost 100% of their funding goes directly to food, water, health and education projects. And that is really important too, so long as they have the funding and a plan to sustainably back it up.

It really all comes down to transparency. We have to learn what is the organization doing, what are their values, and how are they doing it? Then let's support them!

I'm just SO excited that social, peer-to-peer media (not THE media) held us accountable and transparent this time. Our peers - those we do and don't know - shed light on the real facts. We choose what we read, what we watch, who we donate too and what conversations we have. If nothing else, this enriches my soul that so many people are talking about policy makers and Africa and advocacy and aid. This is our time as a generation.

If you're overwhelmed (like I am) challenge your limitations.

Stop.

Educate yourself.
Learn.
Give (when and where you can).

and most of all?

LOVE.

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A Happy Ending in Zim

A client of mine recently went to Zimbabwe. During their time there, they rescued a baby elephant. The videos heartwarming and had me in tears.Worth watching all 9 minutes!

 

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Mal D'Africa

When I got to Sicily after visiting Africa two years ago, I was a bit of a mess. My two girlfriends were VERY sick of hearing me talk about Africa and how homesick I felt for the land, which I myself thought was bizarre.

When I tried to describe it to my friends Italian family, Zia told me of the term "mal d'africa" which is a common Italian/French phrase. "Africa sickness refers to the feeling of nostalgia for those who have visited Africa and want to go back."

Excuse me while I have a really short and ridiculous pity party. In the midst of my day today I found a great blog on Rwanda and became enthralled for about an hour reading articles on the genocide and someone volunteering there. I dug out the book I read last year, "We Wish to Inform You That Tomorrow We Will Be Killed With Our Families." I went back through some of my highlights and notes and got really heartsick. Two years ago, as I left Africa, I promised myself I'd get to Rwanda and back to Zimbabwe. And now, hmmm, I'm going on a major trip, one that I am SUPER pumped about, but it's not back to the wonderful, soulful land of Afrique.

Bah. Silly I know. But I really, really miss it. Maybe saying it out loud will mean in the next two years I'll be back there. Maybe India will capture my heart just like Africa did. I know my heart will be open to it.

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New Micro-Doc Series Explains Fair Trade in Two Minutes or Less

Take two minutes of your life to watch this video. Easy.

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Sustainability

Sustainability isn't about the quick fix or the cheap solution. Generally it means making a commitment and trying, as best we can, to honor it. In any worthwhile enterprise, from protecting the environment to preserving a relationship, we are going to encounter difficulties. The good life is not a problem-free life. In point of fact, the process of overcoming adversity often produces some of the most rewarding experiences we will ever have. Human beings need to be challenged to 'test their mettle,' as it were. Throwing in the towel at the first sign of trouble or small inkling of distress may be the easy thing to do, but it doesn't help our self-concept. Most of life's troubles can be overcome if we are willing to work through them with patience.

- Michael A. Schuler

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This is one of those 'impact on my life' posts.

Two years ago this April, I had just finished my volunteer placement in South Africa. I was disheartened to leave the conservation that came to be like home and my routine of countless hours under the African sun, getting my hands dirty, learning so much of the culture, eating the amazing food from our South African cook, taking sunset drives on the veld, waking up with coffee looking over the veld, taking weekly trips into Pretoria, and getting lost in Jo'burg on the way to my Mandela tour. I had a 5 day trip in Zimbabwe that affected me deeply, and then I was off to Cape Town for a 5 day stay at LongStreet Backpackers. Without a doubt, the best hostel on earth.

While there I made lots of friends through sushi dates, mountain hikes, vineyard tours, Ethiopian restaurants, markets, cider and playing chess on the street. I still catch up with many of these souls due to the wonders of facebook. But I met one person there that believes so much in me and is now - two years later - helping me to reach my goals.

I am officially sitting on the board of a company in Zimbabwe, effective today. My role is 'International Representative/Advisor Non-Executive Director for the Clean Green Zimbabwe CGZ Project' Reeship PVT LTD is a company started by two women that I know through a friend, and they are effectively changing the world. They have started this initiative to try to bring the efforts of recycling to Zimbabwe offices and businesses.

Explosion of alternate endings? Much, much more to come on this one...

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April 25th --> Silent Support

Create a silence that will be heard around the world:

For the last 25 years, thousands of people in central Africa have been silenced by the LRA (Lord's Resistance Army). So for 25 hours, thousands of participants around the world will go silent so that the victims of the LRA are heard. Money raised from the 25 event will fund The Invisible Children Protection Plan and bring life saving communication and rehabilitation projects to the victims of the LRA.

www.invisiblechildren.com/25

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Cry Freedom

Richard Attenborough definitely got something right when creating the film Cry Freedom. Denzel Washington portrays the accent and spirit of Stephen Biko so well. In the film, South African journalist Donald Woods is forced to flee the country after attempting to investigate the death in custody of his friend, the black activist Steve Biko. The idea that Attenborough created this film in '87, with Mandela still in jail and so much ongoing uncertainty in SA...is well, brave.

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Art Safi Self Help Group - Kisii & Nairobi, Kenya

My mom, sister & I went for a little excursion in Virden yesterday. There is a new health store that opened up and is quite good. Helpful for Virdenites who can't make the 45 min. trip to Brandon each time they want to try something natural.

Towards the back there are all kinds of gems. I found this little soapstone guy, I call him Henry. He is not only adorable, but was made in Kenya and the money goes back to the people in Kisii and Kibera. This is what I learned through my purchase of Henry:

Kisii is the region where most of the world's soapstone originates. Over many generations, the people of Kisii have learned to carve beautiful artifacts from the stone. Some are hand painted while others are left natural. Despite this, the area is extremely poor. There are few cars and no electricity apart from a few shops. Most of the children walk barefoot and the poverty is obvious when you visit. Everyone here lives a subsistence lifestyle. Sticks & Bones ensure that producers are being paid 25 - 50% above average local market price in Kenya. At present there are about 25 people working on these orders. We want to see a significant change in our soapstone producers standard of living and hope that in the future this will encourage other buyers in Kisii to pay a price that allows these skilled people to move forward.


Thank you for your purchase with Sticks & Bones. A portion of your purchase will be donated to the "Little Rock school" in Kibera, Kenya. This is a donation funded school that provides schooling, nourishment and most importantly, love, to some of Africa's neediest children, including those affected by HIV, orphans, and special needs. They believe that no matter your social and economic background, a child is capable of dreaming and achieving their goals.

I'm always amazed at what one individual can do to make a difference in other's lives. A women in town here visited Kenya and came back with a cause. I think that is wonderful and we should all work together more like this.

Passion for change. Beautiful.

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A New Chapter for IC & the DR Congo

Invisible Children is an organization I've blogged about a couple of times. They have a video about the Lord's Resistance Army and their move for a Invisible Children Protection Plan in Congo, a strategy to protect innocent civilians from brutal LRA violence.

Please watch this video. And if you can, donate the $25 to their cause. It may be the most important $25 you ever spend.

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FIFA WORLD CUP 2010: Support South Africa & Little Travellers

Get a piece of South Africa's own for the World Cup: order a Little Travellers Soccer Player

Fun Facts: South Africans love playing soccer, and they also love having guests to their beautiful country. This is why it is so exciting that the 2010 FIFA World Cup is in South Africa this June & July!

The crafters who bead Little Travellers dolls were asked to create a 4 metre beaded map of Africa for one of the soccer stadiums at the World Cup.

For $8, contribute to a GREAT cause, plus get your piece of the World Cup: http://www.littletravellers.net/specialty-travellers

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Don't Let Africa Become the Forgotten Continent...

Dear Tamara,

In the past, Africa has been to referred as the "forgotten continent" and sadly with so much going on in the world this may well again be true.

However, my experience with people in countries like Kenya, Uganda, South Africa and Ghana has been one of joy, perseverance, and resilience. Not the poverty pornography that has been displayed across our TV screens. Working in partnership with people in need can be such an illuminating, loving, and rewarding experience.

I just got back from spending time with communities in Kenya and Uganda and my passion has been refuelled. I was touched once again by the power of personal connection and I urge everyone to please consider a volunteer placement today. Whether or not you can give two weeks or ten weeks of your time, you can make a difference and change the lives of those in need.

Please review our program options and help put Africa back in focus:

http://www.globalvolunteernetwork.org/programs/africa

With gratitude,

Colin Salisbury
Founder and President


Global Volunteer Network
http://www.globalvolunteernetwork.org

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Women of Zimbabwe Make History

Powerful. Mary Robinson ~ of The Elders:

"I stressed that with the drafting of a new constitution, Zimbabwe faces an opportunity to reaffirm and give true meaning to what Article 1 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights proclaimed more than 60 years ago: All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. I also noted that women are finding the opportunity to link significantly and that they need the strong support of the Inclusive Government. Prime Minister Tsvangirai embraced this way forward and President Mugabe said that he is "Open, amenable and ready" to support women working together to build the nation.
With their recently declared commitment to cooperation and the equal rights of all citizens, Zimbabwe’s women are providing their male counterparts with an example they would do well to follow."

http://www.theelders.org/media/news/women-zimbabwe-making-history

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Invisible Children does the Impossible: LRA Bill Passes Congress

I've blogged about Invisible Children before --> after much hard, hard work on their part, they've got the LRA Disarmament and Northern Uganda Recovery Act. bill passed. It's on it's way to Obama's desk to be signed into law as we speak. Please please watch the video...

Watch the video about the LRA bill here and how they did it.

Gives me chills.

Congrats to an AMAZING organization.

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Invisible Children

When I was in Toronto for my search marketing conference, one of the final presenters was the agency that did the digital launch of Invisible Children.

It's an utterly amazing organization:

There is an invisible war in Africa: one man, Joseph Kony, terrorizing 5 countries.

It is the longest running conflict on the continent and the solidiers are children abducted from their homes and forced to fight.

Invisible Children is a movement seeking to end this conflict and bring them home. They seek to rebuild schools, educate future leader, and provide jobs in Northern Uganda.

Read all about them here, give what you can, contact me to discuss them! I crave and love energizing talks about how we can collectively help these issues, what the best organizations to support are and how we can individually get involved.

MOTHERS DAY: It's coming up people - Sunday, May 9th. if you're thinking of a PHENOMENAL gift for your momma, make it your first step of contribution to Invisible Children, click here.

Spread the love in so many ways.

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The Elders New Year Initiatives

Just a quick note about one of my FAVOURITE initiatives of all time: The Elders. I've blogged about them before. Here's a quick New Years note from Desmond Tutu with an update on all of their goals and missions. What an inspirational group. Can you imagine being in a room with these people?

View the newsletter here.

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Ripples of Difference

What an exciting time...big things have been happening this past week, big shifts in my life and those close to me and I can feel the winds of change coming.... I have been talking exciting projects with a great soul love of mine, and everything seems to be aligning. Woke up early this morning, went for a lap swim, came into work early and received an email from the organization that I went to Africa with - Global Volunteer Network.

In honour of International Volunteer Day (Dec. 5th - which I'm pleased to say I'll be working two booths for UNICEF and Little Travellers this weekend) ;) they have released this fantastic book, that you can actually download off their website, called Ripples of Difference. Visit the website: http://www.ripplesofdifference.org/pdf/index.php

Exciting news to come...in the meantime, create the life you imagine, here's to your own ripple of difference!

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Miss Library

Just received the monthly newsletter from Room to Read (Founder: John Wood - the man who changed my life), and of course was inspired. The best part was this excerpt:

"As those of you who have traveled to Africa can attest, there is no way words can do justice to the impact this continent and its people have on one’s mind and spirit. On one hand, you bear witness to such grinding poverty and the impact malnourishment and HIV/AIDs is having on a population that is faced by so many challenges. Yet, on the other hand, you are greeted by smiles, dancing and music everywhere you go and by a power in the voices of the people that gives one hope the future will be different. We visited girls in Zambia that are supported by our Girls’ Education program and flourishing because of it. We also traveled to a community school that was one of the poorest communities I have ever been in; yet, the positive energy of the children was addictive. We experienced some of the most well-managed and utilized libraries in South Africa, including one which serves orphans and vulnerable children that have little else in their lives except for the teachers and schools that act as their safety net.

But, the story that I really want to share with you is a poem called "Miss Library" that's in our Story Time section (see box to your right) and one I think everyone on the trek would agree was the most memorable and inspiring. It belongs to a student called “Mr. Poet” whose own words prove our work, with your help, make our results possible and so tangible.
Here’s to empowering more student poets through the power of education!"


And the poem: Miss Library:
The following poem was written by “Mr. Poet,” a student and frequent visitor to a Room to Read library in East London South Africa.

Miss Library

Miss Library, you are the quiet lady full of respect and dignity.
You attend to people who take time to seek information and never get disappointed.

Your shelves are full of books filled with knowledge, inspirational information and amusement.
Through you I shared in the ideas of very important people like William Shakespeare and Gcina Mhlophe.
The dinosaurs became extinct before our time but you kept record of them and make them alive to us.
Anytime I visit you seeking knowledge, I depart more powerful which confirms the saying ‘knowledge is power.’
When I seek a good story, she leaves me inspired. Oh Miss Library you are one of a kind.
You are a mother of all nations.
You feed the nations with knowledge and wisdom.
Feed us."
WOW. Here's to my bookstore & library program...one day...
Visit http://www.roomtoread.org.

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Inspired. alllwaaays.

Wooooowza. Was just talking to a friend and thinking about my week next week and this is what I discovered: moulon rouge the ballet Saturday, volleyball Sunday along with a zombie walk, business trip to Brandon Monday, followed by a board meeting at night for a new board I'm sitting on - Nine Circles, Volunteer for 3 hours at Siloam Mission Tues. night (and am excited to be bringing a good friend to it!), have a training Wed. night for work, volleyball Thursday night, a wedding reception followed by a vampire party Friday night and volunteering for unicef saturday and then it's halloweeeen night. Followed by volleyball Sunday morning. I AM SLOWLY GOING CRAZY. But it feels good. But draining, but a good kind of draining.

Then yesterday I get a large envelope in the mail and it has come from Africa. I look inside and see a Certificate of Recognition for 'volunteer' contribution from ZOTE Worldwide...the organization that YOU all helped me purchase the backpacks, books, and school supplies for. http://www.zoteworldwide.com/

The certificate was personally signed by Nyawira, the amazing woman I met while there and her husband, the Chief. I wasn't expecting the package, but in that instant I got a surge of energy and tears because when we are tired or stressed, we have to just keep on going!!! People say I'm crazy, I say THEY ARE.

Yah, this is kind of rambling, so don't pay much attention. Just inspired, again, always. LOVE

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