So, there has been this picture circulating. And don't get me wrong. There is nothing wrong with Steve Jobs. I do think that he was an important and influential figure, and he did what he could to change the world and follow his dreams. What I agree with in this picture is that there is so much more to the world than personal pleasure and technology. I mean think about it. Instead of buying an Iphone, maybe if you bought a cheaper service, the rest of the monthly pay you would be using for your phone and apps could feed a whole community in a poor place of the world. I understand that this is difficult because a lot of times when people try to help then that country's government takes over and just confiscates everything. Its not right. But we can help people in our own country too. More importantly, we can help ourselves by remembering what is really important and showing a little self- restraint.
Hello my faithful followers! I have been really busy trying to get school done so I haven't been researching charities and thing. However, when charities and organizations come to me that is a bit different. Here is something that friends have been posting on facebook. And I am so glad there is another movement like the dove movement. This one is not some brand supporting a movement though. This is strictly against media. Some of the video clip sounds really feminist and dumb hehe but I agree for the greater part of it. It is not okay what the media does. Ask my boyfriend... the subconscious is way too conscious to live a happy and grateful life. Pledge to make a difference at their website
I was browsing the web for an organization that is about empowerment. This is the first one that I came across. It is another one about women, but also those in difficult situations and it is about helping them stay out of criminal behavior. This doesn't seem like a huge or popular organization, but I think it is because that is a really difficult task. It is hard to trust again when someone has broken it. It is hard to forgive someone who made a choice to do wrong. The biggest thing to recognize is people like that need the most help. Especially cause they aren't looking for it. Those are the people who spiral out of control. Just a thought. Enjoy.
I just looked up volunteering. I think I might do that more often because time is more valuable than money. Sure, if you have extra it is great to give, but more than money is the action. If you are actively taking part in people's lives, I think it shows more than just giving them something. Like if someone's favorite food was ice cream, but they were allergic to peanuts, would you think it as more of a favor to just give them a scoop of peanut butter ice cream OR make ice cream with them so you can actually know that they can't eat peanuts? Maybe people just need an extra bit of help with motivation more than just an extra dollar that they will spend in the end. Hope is priceless. Anyways, it looks like this organization has a bunch of shelters and retirement homes set up to help those with financial problems. Within those facilities, they have other sorts of programs running like birthday programs for homeless children or veteran programs and mental health programs. Fantastic.
I love these movies with all my heart.
Anyways, the past few days have been rough. Especially to stay up you know?
Here is a good clip from my favorite movie(s) to remember in bad times
this isnt the actual clip... its the sound clip cause all the videos with the clip disabled embedding. Too bad. enjoy
I wouldnt say war is a good thing ever, but I know that sometimes it happens. I am pro supporting troops because they sacrifice their lives in protecting what to believe to be just. This is a society is made up of honorary medal receivers and people can donate if they so desire. I suppose that is what makes it a charity. I dont know... it was on the list. I don't know how helpful and world changing this one organization is, but I do think that support and appreciation is due to those who serve their country. Enjoy.
So, I found this site because I was searching google to see what kind of charities NASA supports. Come to find out, they encourage their employees to join this program where they get money taken out of their paycheck that goes directly to charity and this site makes it possible to go to whatever charity the donor chooses. They have a huge huge catalogue of charities so I don't think I will have trouble finding awesome charities to explore in the future :) enjoy.
It is hard not to know anyone who has given military service. When people get deployed, it can be hard on families and such. However, think about what is going on out there. People die, and people get hurt. Post traumatic stress? Think how different civilian life is after all that war crap that goes on. Anyhow, i stumbled upon an ad for this on facebook cause it is like national alive day or something dedicated to wounded veterans who try to cope after service. Donate if can. enjoy.
Mission:
Planned Parenthood Association of Utah is committed to providing accurate information to individuals of all ages concerning the emotional and physical aspects of human sexual behavior and reproduction; providing affordable, high quality reproductive health care services; and protecting and advocating for the rights of individuals to understand and manage their own reproductive lives.
Personally, I'm not pro-choice as far as abortion goes. Imo, if the couple chose to have sex, they chose to risk having a child. And while a woman might carry the child in her, I think it is important for people to take responsibility for their actions. Abortion is basically murder and if you wouldn't kill a child after they were born then why would you kill them when its not THEIR fault that YOU got pregnant. Now, if you were raped, that is a whole other story. This just proves how irresponsible and uneducated the majority of society is. (once again, all imo). Still, I approve of an support the other things that this organization does to help promote health, smart decisions, teaching how to care or to get help for caring for a child, and making it affordable for people who would not be able to otherwise. It is helpful for society when there are a lot of dumb teenagers getting pregnant and not a lot of money to go around. Just things to think about.
The VH1 Save The Music Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to restoring instrumental music education in America's public schools, and raising awareness about the importance of music as part of each child's complete education. To date, the Foundation has provided more than $47 million in new musical instruments to 1,750 public schools in more than 100 cities around the country, impacting the lives of over 1.6 million children.
Here is another organization that is a top rated charity (that means you know your money is going somewhere that makes a difference) so if you want to help out with people that help the homeless this is a good charity to give to. Enjoy.
Sorry it has been a while again. I am working on it. There was just too much going on in my mind. Here I am though, back with another charity. This one is based in the UK, but it is a really good idea. These guys are dedicated to help people with disabilities be able to enjoy video games. Basically just putting technology to the test to see what they can do to help disabled people live a similar life to those who were blessed enough not to have those sorts of problems. Enjoy.
This charity is dedicated to helping get toys and games to children's hospitals nation wide. It is an awesome idea. Hospital stays can be super long and really expensive. Games can make it more like home AND they can stimulate the mind AND make the stay less grueling and depressing. They have a donate button. Just look at all the sponsors! Enjoy
Sorry its been ages. Ive been sick both body and mind. Im almost recovered but my mind is right. Here we are with another program I participated in my elementary years. It is a dance program for 5th graders in the Salt Lake City area where Ballet West (Salt Lake City's premiere ballet company and academy) volunteers to help teach. The style is mostly jazz, with simple gestures that the kids can easily do in sync while allowing them to have fun while exercising. At the same time, they work towards a goal. A performance at the end of the year. Also, if the kids show extra passion and ability, they are invited to the swat team where they go to dance on saturdays and learn extra dances and perform for charity exhibitions. It is fantastic, I miss it, it was a ton of fun. Good program to start in other schools as well.
My boo sent me this link too. Its an organization set to help parents learn how to built healthy attachments with their children so that they develop healthy emotions and mentalities. Its part of a broader campaign about mental health partnered with PBS. So I'm guessing there was a special on TV about this. Anyhow, if you are a parent, or just want to learn about how attachments are formed and what constitutes a healthy one, check it out.
This Organizaion is dedicated to helping children around the world with cleft palets and other facial deformities who cant afford it have operations to help out their situation. I have a few friends that have had cleft palets. One who I am super close to has been through a ton of surgeries. Imagine if you couldn't even have one? I found out about this on an ad on the side of my hotmail. Imagine that. Learn more and stop judging on looks. Instead of making fun of imperfections, why not help and fix them? Enjoy.
From my understanding, the situation here is a combination of the situation in Uganda and the Holocaust. The site urges people to raise awareness and ask their local political leaders to help pass legislation against genocide. There are also opportunities to donate to relief efforts. What effects one place in the world affects us all. learn and enjoy.
so remember that band N sync? YES YOU DO don't lie. Anyways that guy Joey Fatone from the boy band has a foundation that he made to contribute to other charities. He usually holds events that people can donate and all the proceeds go to local charities. Also, he is involved with something called my healing harmony which uses music therapy especially with kids who are recovering in the hospital. Read more about it if it interests you. Enjoy.
Its a crazy world out there. Just because people's lifestyles are not yours doesn't mean they don't have struggle. Just because people work the streets, doesn't mean they want to. Poverty, drug addiction, violence, and disease plague many cities in the world. This is one organization in Washington DC that is dedicated to helping out street walkers (if you get my use of language here). I heard about this on that National Geographic show Taboo when they had the episode about prostitution. Its as sick as it is interesting and really sad for all those who participate (mostly my opinion). Anyways. Enjoy.
So, we know that America is more obese and immobile as ever. This is a movement to change that around. Hopefully by curbing our own habits, we can help the next generation to do the same. We need to get out as much as possible and eat healthier and less. Enjoy :)
Here is another organization that is run by volunteers and donations. They do all sorts of projects around the world including helping with the efforts in Japan down to helping small communities break the poverty cycle. If you are looking for something to contribute to, this looks like it has many ways you can choose from to help. Whatever floats your boat. Enjoy :)
You know, the power of play. This is an NFL campaign to promote active lifestyles for kids. At least 60 min of active play a day. I wish this was a regime for everyone. Then people would be forced to play with me. Enjoy!
So I am a fan of Secret deodorant on facebook. Random. But they posted this organization because they were having an essay contest. I really like that they did post this, because its a GREAT idea. Oh I love it a lot. They used to have kids runs at the Salt Lake City Classic (running event in Salt Lake) and I always had fun doing it. I wasn't good and it was only a mile. This program trains girls for a 5k, but at the same time, its an after school type program where they learn lessons on how to work with people as well as how to appreciate themselves. All this mixed with a good habit of exercise is an EXTREME package. Love love love it. Enjoy :)
This program was introduced to me in high school Spanish class. If you signed up, you had the opportunity to go to another Spanish speaking country and do volunteer work while living with a local family. This benefitted the communities as well as helped students to learn Spanish. I didn't do this though, because I didn't have time to do all the fundraising. And I definitely didn't have the money to pay for it on my own. Still, it is a great program, and you can donate to it as well without actually going out as a volunteer. Help the world and bridge cultural gaps. Enjoy.
The earthquakes in Japan were crazy. I had to evacuate because of a tsunami warning here in Hawaii. Lots of people died, and we will probably all die due to developed cancer after those nuclear plant melt downs. Anyways, I love Hello Kitty and I love relief efforts. If you want to support and sport Hello Kitty and red cross relief in Japan, you should also buy a shirt... (or find the totes and chocolate bars online that I couldn't find.)
This is the dialogue for today. I don't have a lot of positive things to say about it because it is alive and well. I just had an amazing conversation with my boo about it and what it comes down to really is just love though. UNCONDITIONAL. It is hard. I know. All the racial terms and things, we just have to get rid of insults altogether. We can't ban words. People still curse. Use them wisely, kindly. Celebrate differences, and love them all. Thats how we are unique. Race is just another thing that makes an individual and connects us to some other people. Just like interests, nationalities, religions, location, and occupation. Keep on the positive. Enjoy :) Organizations to end Racism.
This young girl Kaitlyn Maher captured my attention on youtube. She sang for America's Got Talent in 2008 and made it to the top 10 at the age of four. Since then, she has gone on to do other performances and even acted in some disney movies. I found her blog (well she doesn't write it obviously being so young) and on it, it showed her going and being an Ambassador in El Salvador for the Compassion organization. This organization is one of those that allow people to sponsor children in poverty. I think it is a great idea because if you can change one person's life, think how they may begin to change others as well. Below is the video of Kaitlyn that won me over. I love that the program allows for young kids to be ambassadors. If young children can realize the global situation, they will be more grateful, and more charitable. It is especially important for Kaitlyn I think because the celebrity lifestyle is a lavish one that is usually self centered. I hope that Kaitlyn can maintain her sweet innocence. She is awesome. Enjoy :)
Okay this is a Christian site more specifically the "North American Church" I believe... as stated in one of the videos posted on the blog however much I want to respect their beliefs and recognize them properly I am more impressed with their actions. From what I read, this is a program where young people can find ways to serve others as well as try to bring religion to their lives. As many people dispute correctness of doctrines, the point here is not the doctrine, but the sense of charity and love as spread from people with purpose. To me, believing in God at all is hard to do in this day and age so from which doctrinal standpoint doesn't matter to me.I think religion begets gratitude, humility, and kindness. Not always towards one another (sad to say) but the efforts to heal the world should always be embraced. Anyways, the effort that most caught my attention was this one about a place called the Joshua Station. This place is a transitional home to help people who are homeless have a place to stay as well as fix up their lives and get back on their feet again. Amazing idea. I like it a lot. Enjoy :)
So I am going to post a link here to a blog my babe sent me a link to that is a weekly motivational blog. This guy is a coach, and if you take sports, you know coaches are all about motivation. Here it is:
Also, since last thursday's post got deleted for some reason, I am going to post a few links to affirmation sites and my affirmation youtube playlist I will post below them. Enjoy :)
I heard about this on America's Best Dance Crew. Lil Mama mentioned it, but I don't know if this was the exact one she was talking about. Anyways, the idea is what is most important. Use music and dance as a positive influence on kids. Empower them to follow their dreams. This is a pretty common theme in my blogs because im sick of seeing the future generations headed to the crapper. Read academically adrift by Richard Arum and Josipa Roska if you wanna figure out the figures HA! Anyways. Enjoy.
This website helps people raise money for whatever causes they would like. All they have to do is make a page for it. I found out about this page through my aunt Deanna Purcell who is trying to raise money and awareness for the Lupus Foundation of America. Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease. Click Here to learn more about Deanna's story and how it has affected her life. Live to the fullest and enjoy :)
I really wish these guys would have kept their old campaign videos. I loved Svarnick and Byll. Anyways, these guys do anti- tobacco campaigning. I think its good since tobacco is still on the market. There are a lot less people who smoke... cigarettes now. And who knows, maybe these guys helped a lot of people not to smoke. Smoking is such a weird thing you know. Sucking in smoke into your lungs? Who thought of that idea. Smoke itself is cool, and maybe that was the appeal; blowing it out of your mouth, but cancer isn't cool and neither is addiction. Conquer the smokey monster. enjoy :)
H.Y.P.E. Movement VISION: We seek to create a world where all young people, regardless of race, class, and gender are free to embrace their dreams, pursue their aspirations, reach their fullest potential, and become agents of positive change in their communities.
H.Y.P.E. Movement MISSION: The H.Y.P.E. Movement (Helping Youth Pursue Emancipation) is an international youth liberation movement that encourages young people to transform their lives by emancipating their minds from all negativity, embracing their dreams, educating themselves, empowering their lives, engaging in community action, and striving for excellence to help create the kind of positive change that they would like to see in the world.
When I first saw an ad for this movement, it was on a bulletin at BYUH. I thought it was good idea. I also thought that it was sad that so many people dropped out of high school but also that that was part of the stereotypes of polynesians. The saddest part for me was that either their parents or grandparents sacrificed a lot to get them to America then they throw it all away by dropping out and joining gangs or just adding to the population of the lower class and citizens on welfare. I can't tell you all the reasons why, but a lot I feel don't believe enough in their potential either because of their peers or because of the teachers who stereotype them as well. I like this movement that inspires kids to follow their dreams. I don't know everything that they do because it looks like they are stationed in Salt Lake, and I tried contacting the founder to get a wristband, but I never got a reply. So, we will just have to see. One of the ambassadors though I am quite impressed with is Hefa Tuita. That fool can dance. Garrenz if you watch some Chris Brown music videos he is in there dancing. Amazing. Anyways, here are some links to their channels and pages. Maybe look for some videos of Hefa. Enjoy :).
This is my sister Jodi (adopted- not legally but you know heart to heart kind of love) who two years ago had her first brain surgery to remove a tumor. Many surgeries and months later she began her journey of recovery. Her faith and will to survive is inspirational. There are probably millions of people who have to go through similar trials. We might not all have brain tumors, but sometimes we may need an extra boost of motivation to get through our own problems. As she continues to live her life to the fullest, she also maintains her own positive blog (click the banner above). If you want to follow where this amazing woman is taking her life, subscribe! Enjoy :)
Well its time for me to explore more ideas because I am all out of the list I had planned. Here is another positivity blog you can check out. Enjoy :) The Positivity Blog
So this is probably one of my favorite charities of all time. This organization came to my high school and presented the documentary that the young guys went to Uganda to do. They found out about the civil war and the children who are abducted to become soldiers. Terrible and sad. They have since made a lot of progress but not everything is solved. I wish I could have gone to the Invisible Children presentation they had here about 3 weeks ago, but I've been terrible about keeping schedules lately. (something else I need to get back on). But I think if you have some extra money to spare, buy the documentary, educate yourself as well as help out with the efforts that are going on out there. Enjoy :)
I think that in order to live a harmonious life, one should appreciate their surroundings and be in harmony with them. If we are part of the circle of life, we should contribute to the giving back instead of always taking from nature, because if we don't, what will be left? This is a pretty famous organization and they have news and events going down all the time. Enjoy :).
I dont know if you guys ever heard about this, but we used to collect these to send in. I would if i ever bought food haha. I think this is a General Mills thing, but look for the little box top cut out things, save em, and send em in to a school near you!
Well I saw a few cool ads on youtube which brought me to the knowledge of this site. I think sometimes we take the simple things for granted like having clean drinking water. Or having water at all. This organization raises awareness that people in some countries have to walk miles to get water. Also, the water is very murky and dirty and sometimes, contaminated. They also have efforts to bring clean water to many people around the world. Enjoy :)
So I am subscribed to Mormon Messages on YouTube and this is one that came up that I think we should all be a little more aware of. Some people you wouldn't dream of talking to or treating as your equal simply based on looks. Here is a nice reminder that we are all human and we might need to think about how we are treating the people around us. Enjoy :)
So a colleague of mine, Kent Carollo, came to give a presentation at one of the colloquiums last semester. He presented on a volunteer opportunity he had during last summer. He is a pre-dental major, and so he did some work with the UCSD who partners with the Navy's Hospital ship, the USNS Mercy to do humanitarian aid. They provided basic health and dental care to people who would otherwise not have access or means for any at all. Below was the UCSD's efforts in 2007. Also, the pictures above are links to their respective websites. Enjoy :)
So my friend Maria is going to the Paul Mitchell school in SLC, and she is blogging about her experiences in school. (Go to her channel here) Anyways, as part of the requirements, they have to attend a certain amount of charity events whether it be just attending or participating in giving service. After visiting their school's site, I realized that they raise a lot of money for charities. Here is a list of charities they support. Maybe I will get into those charities when I start running out of ideas. Enjoy :)
Of course, any scouting is good, girl or boy, but do boys sell delicious cookies? Not usually. I was never involved with this program, but it looks like a pretty good idea. It tastes like a good idea too. Here is a video about how girl scout cookies help the world! Enjoy :) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Wy31SsNPv4
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So within the organization of the LDS church, there is the Young Womens program. So in this program, one of the values taught is that of Individual Worth. That means that there are lessons and activities based on this principle. One, for example, is this photo shoot that my cousin did for the girls in her ward. There are other ideas posted around the internet if you wanna check. Here is a video of maybe a similar photo shoot and some quotes too. Enjoy :)
I love to see celebrities giving back to their community. These people make a ton of money doing what they love and they are huge role models in a lot of peoples lives but what more do they do to give to society than to show people what they will never obtain? Here we see this is not what is going on. These people are trying to better the society around them. One example of a charity that I have given to is the efforts of Patty Mills to help out Australia:
Both me and my boo bought this shirt to help Patty Mills of the Portland Trail Blazers to rebuild after the floods in Australia. Find out what you can do to help these guys in their efforts! enjoy.
So I came across this site when I was looking for the Dawson McAllister information to post. Its encouraging to see that there are religious associations that create sites like this. I recognize that this issue is not seen as a problem to a lot of people, especially those who are not religious at all, but it has to affect you in some way. I mean, when we all were younger in grade school, we recognized what was wrong by our teachers punishing us for saying or doing inappropriate things. Other times we might get away with it but still feel that we did something wrong. So what is influenced from the outside and what from the inside? Sometimes your conscious goes away if you have done things like this for so long. To me, it doesn't have to be a religious thing (though that strongly comes in to play) so much as it can be a logical thing. One of the arguments on the porn to purity site is that if you have some dark secret you are hiding, it can lower your self esteem or ability to communicate well with others. Especially if you keep it from your spouse right? How does it make them feel if you go somewhere else for pleasure? Another thing to me is, if you give in to your lusts so easily, you are de-evolving yourself. All the animals in the animal kingdom have to reproduce too, but you have the mind and conscious to stop yourself. Why would you do that? Such a waste of a brain. Self mastery says it can be accomplished. If you are like me and you like kung fu movies, you see the monks do it ALL THE TIME and they are wicked amazing at martial arts and a calm mind because they have focused their mind on other things. Sex is a distraction in our world. I mean really, besides our nature to have those feelings anyways, why do we need other media and things provoking it? I guess my thought of the day is master yourself and you will feel better about yourself.
If you want the religious perspective, I have provided those links, and there are more links on those pages. The LDS perspective is linked under the word "chastity" on the top of the page. And here is a quick video below as well. Enjoy :)