DROUGHT IN KENYA

As we watch the nightly news and see our citizens along the mighty Mississippi and its tributaries filling sandbags, escaping in small boats, and hoping that at least some part of their lives will be spared from flooding, it is hard to transport ourselves to another continent- Africa. In KENYA, there is a severe drought. Very little water is available. This must often be carried by women for seven miles or more. School children receive one meal which according to the World Vision video many of them save to carry back to their families to share. This is just one part of the world where hunger leads to malnutrition, lessens immunity to disease, and causes death. It is important that organizations like the World Food Program provide relief. It is also important that new technology such as using GPS to document locations of sources of water, improving farming methods, creating sustainable animal food sources, and limiting  the amount of trees harvested while planting new ones be implemented. In our global village we must recognize the impact that floods and drought have on us and do what we can to prevent disasters and show compassion in the wake of these events.

WORLD MALARIA DAY

Since this is Easter Sunday, it may seem strange to be talking about  Christmas gifts. However, since tomorrow is World Malaria Day, the topic is relevant. In 2009, my sponsored child Golden, who lives in Zambia, received as a Christmas gift from me through CHILDREN INTERNATIONAL- an insecticide treated anti- malarial bed net. At the time, I just couldn't imagine a child in the United States being delighted with such a Christmas gift. This Christmas, THE MUSIC FOR LIFE INSTITUTE/ AFRICAN CHILDREN'S CHOIR used my contribution to buy Nora of Uganda bed sheets and a bednet.She was gracious as always in thanking me.
So what of these gifts. Let's look at the facts.
BEDNETS SAVE LIVES.
Worldwide, one half of the population is at risk of getting malaria.
Sierra Leone which has one of the highest infant mortality rates attributes 70% of infant deaths to malaria.
Estimates are that in affected countries the average mother spends 1/3 of her resources on malaria prevention and treatment.
Whenever refugees pour into camps, bednets are needed.
What can you do?
At present, FREEDOM FROM HUNGER has a matching grant program. With a current 4 star rating by Charity Navigator, this is one place among many you can donate to.
WORLD VISION also has an awareness activity NIGHT OF NETS which aims to get young people on campuses involved in the cause of Malaria Prevention.
OR, you can come with your own activity or campaign. Remember, in the case of malaria, it costs very little to save a life.

WHAT IF YOU CAN'T GO WITHOUT SHOES?

What can you do if you can't go without shoes for a day?
Buy a pair of TOMS shoes. For each pair purchased, one pair is donated to a needy child.

Have a pair or more of shoes in good condition?
Donate them to one of these places:
Goodwill
Salvation Army
BOX on a LOT stating Shoes and CLOTHING
Share a Shoe Foundation (see website)

Donate your old shoes   Mail to:
DONATE Your Old Shoes
13191 Winstanley Way
San Diego CA 92130

DR Castaway Kids
11167 Pulaski Hwy
White Marsh MD 21162

Organize a shoe drive at your church or school.
Interested in donating new FLIP FLOPS?
1. Purchase one or more pairs of flip flops. Children's sizes 0-13.
2. REMOVE sales tag.
3. Go to City Team Ministries website to download a gift tag and complete it.
4. Tie each pair of shoes together with a tag.
5. Include $1 for each pair of flip flops to cover shipping.
6. Mail to: City Team MINISTRIES
Attn: Flip Flop Fund
2304 Zanker RD
San Jose CA 95131

ONE DAY WITHOUT SHOES APRIL 5, 2011

This Tuesday, April 5 is TOMS Shoes project One Day Without Shoes. Some of you know that I like shoes. I frequently go barefoot around the house but like a comfortable pair of shoes when I'm outside. Therefore, when I heard about this project, I was doubtful that I could do this. After all, what would Dr. Gold think if I showed up for my annual examination shoeless. He is the one who did my knee replacement in 2006. On the other hand,  of the 23 countries this project is being done in, my sponsored children live in 16 of these countries. I know how important shoes are to these children They prevent infections and protect the children from cuts and sores. Those of us who have stepped shoeless on hot sand or cement know how painful that can be. One of the things Reyna of Honduras needed in order to continue her education was a pair of shoes. Today, I received a photo of her holding her new shoes and a note saying she was back in school as of  Valentine's Day. SO, how can I who took the name Claire as a confirmation name in my late fifties, mainly because it went well with Marie, ignore the legacy of St. Clare who went without shoes as she helped the poor?  So, I will try in honor of St. Clare and
Norma of Guatemala    Dixy of El Salvador    Geyling of Nicaragua      Charlando of Haiti     Reyna of Honduras     Jhon of Peru       Djenebou of Mali      Amsa of Niger      Nora of Uganda     Vincent of Burundi      Golden of Zambia    Ntefeleng of Lesotho      Addissu  of Ethiopia     Grace of Malawi   Artashes of Armenia   AND    Kanha and Samphors of Cambodia  to go without shoes Tuesday. If Dr. Gold or others on my way to his office are puzzled, I'll just hand them a copy of this to read.   

April is Autism Awareness Month

Many of you know a child or young adult who is somewhere on the autism disorder spectrum.
Towson University has a Center for Adults with Autism- one of a kind in this area. They are having some fundraising events.
Concert for Autism Sunday, April3, 3-6 pm Potomac Lounge Towson University
This Celebration of Life Concert features Gary Rubin and Debbie Miller. The event features the performance, dinner, drinks, and a silent auction.
LAPS Sunday April17, 8-10 a.m. Teams will walk/run laps at TU'S Johnny Unitas Stadium to raise money for the Center.
During the month of April, Bill Bateman's Bistro will donate ten percent of your dining bill to the CENTER. Family Dining Night THURSDAY, April 28 starting at 6p.m.
Golf Tournament Monday May 2, 8a.m. Shotgun Start , Rocky Point Golf Course, Essex
Drinks and lunch included in the cost of registration fee.
Other ways to help autism:
The Greater Good Network is giving part of sale proceeds to Autism.
Advocate for funds for Autism programs.
Advocate for funds for art programs in the schools. Temple Grandin is an example of someone who benefitted from and advocates for the arts in schools.
Read a book by a parent or family who is dealing with autism.

CRYP MAKES MAGIC AT THE MAIN

In Wednesday's Episcopal Public Policy Network's POLICY ALERT, Eagle Butte, South Dakota is described this way. 'The largest town, Eagle Butte, has one grocery store, a few cafes, and one taco restaurant. It has no movie theatre, no bowling alley, and no bookstore...The local flower shop often doesn't sell a single flower for days. Its biggest boom comes when someone from the community dies."
This March, I made a special donation to the Cheyenne River Youth Project in Eagle Butte in honor of my friend Kevin's birthday. This is from the letter of thanks I received today.
Dear Linda,
On behalf of the Cheyenne River Youth Project thank you for your donations of prom dresses, shoes, a purse  and other clothing items to support Passion for Fashion 2011 that was held on March 12, 2011.
This year's event was incredibly successful with 84 girls attending the actual event along with over 30 Moms, Aunties, Grandmas, Sisters, and Community Volunteers! This year's theme, "Alice in Wonderland", brought the event to an entirely new level of fantasy and excitement for the girls. As Alice said" Sometimes I've believed as many as six impossible things before breakfast."
When the young women arrived at Cokata Wiconi (the Main Youth Center) at 1 p.m. they enjoyed a "Mad Hatter's Tea Party" luncheon and special presentation in the Magical Forest, followed by ice-breaker activities at 2:30 p. m. Then, from 3:30 TO 6 P.M. the girls entered the Red Queen's Palace and had the opportunity to select their prom dresses and accessories; receive manicures, pedicures, and facials; learn the best make-up applications for prom night; and try new hairstyles. At 6 p.m., all teens modeled their new looks in a formal runway fashion show, which has always been a huge hit. After the fashion show concluded at 7p.m., the teens enjoyed cake, watched a screening of Tim Burton's Alice in Wonderland and participated in the final prize drawings.
For Cheyenne River teen girls, this day is not only about finding their perfect dress and accessories for an amazing prom experience, it is also about coming out of their shells, learning about making positive life decisions, forming intergenerational relationships, and most importantly- loving the people they are....
Passion for Fashion is made possible by your generosity.
I hope you can see from the content of this letter why I am so sold on the Cheyenne River Youth Project-lakotayouth.org

BUFFALO OR ZIEBACH

Last week, I watched a webcast for Feeding America which explained the Map the Gap project which will be discussed in another blog In that study, Buffalo County emerged as the poorest county in the United States. This week, the Episcopal Public Policy Network's theme is helping the rural poor and asserts Ziebach county also in South Dakota is our nation's poorest county. To me, debating who is the poorest is not the issue. Both counties are homes to Sioux reservations.
HOW CAN YOU HELP?
First of all be more informed. South Dakota is home to the Crow Creek (in Buffalo County) , Rosebud, Pine Ridge,and Lower Brule reservations. All of these are served by the Native American Heritage Association (a 4 star charity) which works with Feeding America another 4 star charity. In addition, there are the Lake Traverse reservation (home to the Sisseton and Wahpeton Sioux), the Yankton reservation, and the Cheyenne River reservation. The Cheyenne River reservation is in Ziebach County with Eagle Butte its main town. The Cheyenne River Youth Project works to provide the youth there with actitivities (see lakotayouth.org ) I have found this organization to be outstanding at thanking you without continually asking for more.
Next, the giving of food and other items does not break the cycle of unemployment and despair. Native peoples need jobs and businesses. The Crow Creek people have both the Harvest Initiative and a microlending program called Hunkpati Investmests. In addition, the tribal colleges can train people in skills. Ron His Horse is Thunder, former charman of the Standing Rock Sioux reservation which is in both North and South Dakota, has been the head of the tribal colleges and an advisor to the President.
Finally, to be better informed on laws which involve these groups, the National Congress of American Indians website and THOMAS (Library of Congress) can be valuable sources of information. Going on the websites of the tribal reservations and organizations mentioned in this blog can be a valuable, eye-opening learning experience. To take immediate action, enroll in the Episcopal Public Policy Network. You can renew your commitment to the nation's rural poor by e-mailing your Senators and Representative.

MARCH MS MONTH/ APRIL10 MS WALK

While March is almost over, it is not too late to do something for the cause of Multiple Sclerosis. On April 10 at Towson University, the 2011 MS Walk will take place. You can choose to walk, form or join a team, or sponsor a walker. The team I am sponsoring is Eleanor's Beacons. While this year, as last year, the team has already met its goal; you can still contribute to this worthy cause. Just enter MS WALK MD in your browser and click on the Towson or other convenient location to get involved. Thank you.

Consequences

Today, I e-mailed the White House about the issue of arming rebels in Libya. I know that NATO doesn't interpret the UN resolution for a no fly zone to include arming rebels. When the US earlier in our history supplied arms to Afghan rebels, we know that these arms eventually got into the hands of groups we are now having to deal with as adversaries. Since we do not know enough about the factions within the rebel cause, I feel it is best to not escalate into arming the rebels.
Sometimes what seems appropriate at the moment can haunt our conscience and possibly destroy lives. I gave, as an example, my KIVA microloan to a group in Liberia. The money had already been lent to this group to buy hardware. Further reading revealed that this hardware included knives and machetes. Granted the items could be useful in farming, building, and gathering firewood; but they could also be used to kill people. So, I worry how they will be used but this is out of my control. Therefore, I hope the President will carefully weigh the consequences involved before arming rebels.

JUST WHEN I THOUGHT I'D HEARD IT ALL

Yesterday, when I was reading through a list of possible petitions to sign, I came upon breast ironing in the Cameroon. Although I signed the petition decrying this practice, I felt I needed more information before blogging on this topic. Sure enough, in the Cameroon predominantly, but in other neighboring African countries, as well, the breasts of pubescent girls are often ironed to flatten, disfigure them, and discourage them from early sexual activity. This can lead to cysts, skin lesions, and other health problems. I knew about female circumcision which is also still practiced but this breast ironing was a new one.
This week, I have been calling or e-mailing my senators and representative nearly every day about the Child Protection Compact Act S3184 and HR 2737 and the Domestic Minor Sex Trafficking and Victims Support Act S2925/ HR 5575 legislation. While I was researching the breast ironing matter, I also had to read Human Trafficking and Modern-Day Slavery in Cameroon. Who should appear in this article than Evelyn Chumbow. Her story was recently featured in a CCBC magazine. This article adds the detail that it was Theresa Mubang who brought 11 year old Evelyn to this country after promising her a first rate US education. Instead, Mubang enslaved Evelyn in her home forcing her to work long hours, depriving her of her education, and paying her nothing. Evelyn escaped at 19, got her GED, completed her CCBC program and now attends the University of Baltimore. Knowing that both Evelyn and Rose (ENSLAVED IN DC) were victims of human trafficking in my area, how can I not be involved in this issue. Knowing that girls from many countries- including Mexico, Honduras, and Guatemala where I have sponsored girls- are trafficked to the US for prostitution, sexual exploitation, forced labor and domestic service; how can I not be grateful to someone who is willing to help one of these girls with legitimate educational expenses( THANK-YOU Woodie). As I sit here munching on the chocolate cookie I baked from dough purchased to help a charter school, I wonder if the chocolate was from West African cocoa farms where children under 14 are often forced into labor. Perhaps I also need to be more careful about the source of my chocolate.

STAND UP TO BULLYING WEEK

This week has been designated Stand Up To Bullying Week in Canada. While many children and youth are victims of bullying, the GLBT community views many young people who are questioning their identities as prime targets for bullies and suicides. The TREVOR project has a website, a hotline, and resource materials for educators and involved community people. These resources are worth checking out. The hotline is 866 4 U TREVOR or 866 488 7386.

Double trouble in Indonesia

The tsunami followed by the eruption of the volcano spelled double trouble for the people of Indonesia. NGO'S have come to the aid of the people. The President's visit was shortened. There was time to unveil a statue of his mother. Discrimination against women and girls in this country is present even if natural disasters and visiting dignitaries aren't. Amnesty International reports that girls were to be tested for their virginity or pregnancy before having a right to a high school education. Girls or women who become pregnant out of wedlock are often denied maternal or reproductive care. Women and girls who are victims of rape are often shunned, forced to leave villages, or denied care. So in Indonesia, women and girls may fall victim to both natural and MAN-made disasters.

IKEA SOFT TOY PROJECT

When I'm feeling down. the remaining child in me likes to play with or purchase toys. Imagine if you can buy an item which will not only bring pleasure to a child here but will help children globally get a better chance at education. This doubles the pleasure of the gift giving experience. You can shop. Wrap a gift or stuff a stocking. Then you know that a portion of your purchase will go to Save the Children's and UNICEF's programs for education. The shopping at IKEA begins November 1 and ends December 24. This year between December 18 and the 24, IKEA will also donate a portion of a kid's meal to the organizations. So you can grab that other comfort reward- eating out- share a meal with a youngster and help others at the same time.
This program started in 2003 has  raised over 30,000,000 dollars for the two organizations and benefitted 8 million children. So instead of trick or treat we can treat and train.

CHILD TRAFFICKING

There have been some positive steps in the area of child trafficking awareness. The Village Voice BACKPAGES has agreed to monitor posting and ads which could be human/child trafficking related. There is the Child Protection Compact Act which will be voted on in November. World Vision Activism is urging Student groups to call their Senators on November 10 to ask them to vote for the bill.
The Polaris Project, which deals with human trafficking in the United States, was one of the $50.000 grant recipients in the Pepsi Refresh Project for September.
A number of NGO gift catalogs this year have items to "PURCHASE" which help prevent or treat victims of human trafficking. World Vision has a number of ways and levels starting at $35 to help fight this problem.World Concern has two measures on its gift giving catalog- awareness training for one child or skill training for four children.
Save the Children has been working to prevent child trafficking in El Salvador. They are also working to reintegrate children from the Lord's Resistance Army back to some stability in Uganda. Their work in Indonesia is crucial now, since every time there is a natural disaster, children become targets for trafficking.
At PLAN USA, you can make a donation to fight child trafficking or become a Child Trafficking Solutions Sponsor.

HAITI- THE CHOLERA COMPLICATION

Many organizations are currently asking for funds to help Haiti in its current outbreak of cholera. Cholera, if treated, can be cured. Its victims who are least compromised by malnutrition and other health issues respond best. Soap and water can help prevent its spread. Unfortunately, like many in our country responded with inappropriate reaction to someone diagnosed with HIV, some Haitians decided that the appropriate response to Doctors Without Borders attempt to set up treatment tents in their community was to protest and burn the tents.
The Dominican Republic  has closed its border with Haiti with regard to markets and is requiring people to use soap before entering from Haiti. This seems more reasonable. Hopefully, those providing humanitarian aid will not be discouaged by setbacks and receive the funds needed to get the epidemic under control.

UNITED NATIONS CONVENTION ON THE RIGHTS OF THE CHILD

October 24, 2010 was the anniversary of the founding of the United Nations. The UN  Convention on the Rights of the Child protects children by outlining their human rights. As of today, 193 nations have committed to support it. Only the United States and Somalia have not ratified this UN convention. The International Rescue Committee has on its website under call for action, a letter asking President Obama to submit this convention to the Senate for its advice and consent without delay. Please visit the IRC website and promote this action today.

CONCERNS ABOUT THE CONGO

This summer, the Congo Minerals Trade Transparency Act was part of a larger financial bill which passed in Congress and was signed into law by President Obama. More needs to be done. The Securities and Exchange Commission needs to provide oversight to see that this law has some enforcement and is not watered down by the representatives of 20 large companies:
Nokia       Samsung     Motorola     Sony Ericsson     LG-Life's Good    RIM Blackberry     Apple     Dell
HP    Panasonic    acer     Toshiba     lenovo     SanDisk   Philips     Microsoft    IBM    intel    Canon
Nintendo I was really impressed with how promptly Nintendo responded to my e-mail petition. I hope they are as committed to buying components only from those who fully disclose the origins of materials as they stated they were.
At RAISEHope4Congo you can sign a petition urging these biggest electronics companies to make products conflict free. If you have a cell phone, then you you have a link to the deadliest war in the world. The minerals are also used in laptops and other electronic products. Since tin is now replacing lead as a safer product, the demand for tin has increased. Can we demand safer extraction and avenues of trade for this and other minerals? Can we tell companies we will buy products if we can determine they are conflict free?
BACKGROUND: Over 5 million people have been killed and hundreds of thousands of women raped over the last decade in the Congo because of the desire for minerals-the "Blood DIAMONDS" of this African country. The multi-million dollar trade in minerals tin, tungsten, tantalum, and gold can be examined in YOU TUBE videos Conflict Minerals 101 and Congo's Enough Moment. An earlier mining video Grand Theft Congo-DRC  is also on You Tube.
Become a consumer advocate for conflict free products. Become an advocate by reading about, e-mailing, or writing to companies listed above. Post references on social network sites about this issue.
Every time  I look at the picture of my sponsored child Chancelle sitting on the ground playing with her friend, I have a personal link with someone who can have either a future of tragedy or a future of hope. NATURALLY, I WANT THE BEST FOR HER AND OTHERS LIKE HER.

EDUCATION FOR GIRLS

There is no doubt that education is important for girls. Educating a girl can benefit her family when she begins one, it can provide her with needed information on how to keep her children healthy, it can teach her how to prevent HIV/AIDS and other STDS, and of course, it provides her with needed tools to have a better standard of living.
Most people decry the Taliban's destroying of schools for girls and its prohibitive practices regarding education for girls. There are some things which have recently come to my attention that I find deplorable. Recently, PLAN USA reported that in Kenya some 1100 teachers were dismissed for abusing girls physically and sexually. Going back to a 2007 report by Amnesty International,  I am quoting the following:
       "Every day, girls are assaulted on their way to school, pushed and hit in school grounds, teased and insulted by their classmates, humiliated by having rumours about them circulated through whisper campaigns, mobile phones, or the Internet. Some are threatened with sexual assault by other students, offered higher marks by teacher in exchange for sexual favours, even raped in the staff room. Some are caned or beaten in the name of school discipline."
Yesterday, Yale President Richard C. Levin and Dean Mary Miller issued a letter apologizing for the pro rape chant by Delta Kappa Epsilon last Wednesday on and around campus buildings. Pledge activities have been suspended and meetings will be held. I verified the petition I signed on Change.org about this incident on the Yale University website.
I am trying to confirm that a high school student at Silsbee High TX who reported being raped by a student was kicked off the cheerleading team. After the alleged rapist pled guilty to a lesser assault charge, the young man was allowed to return to the varsity team. The victim was told to cheer for this person by name, keep a low profile, avoid the school cafeteria, and avoid homecoming activities. After she refused to do this, she was removed from the cheerleading team according to the content of the petition.
So many NGO'S are trying to assure that girls are getting an education, sponsors contribute funds to enable this to happen, and parents who struggle to put their girls through school and college have every right to expect that they will be safe. We simply have to do better by our young people.
Amnesty International in November 2007 urged this action:
    "Amnesty International recognizes the determination of girls all over the world to gain an education.We demand that states take immediate action to fulfill their international commitments and make schools accessible to girls and safe. Amnesty International calls on governments and schools to:
   Prohibit all forms of violence against girls.
   Provide appropriate treatment and support services for victims and survivors of school-related violence, including HIV/AIDS information, medication, and counseling services.
 Develop and implement policies and programmes to include and reintegrate girls living with HIV, pregnant, or married girls in schools"
To this I would add, please don't make girls who report incidents victims all over again. Try, as Save the Children is doing, to build separate latrines/ restrooms for girls and boys. 

ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE

This week, a number of ABC Network shows are taking on Alzheimer's disease. At the fictional level, Derek and Meredith discuss the possibility of her getting Alzheimer's disease because her mother had it. Even with genetic testing, there is not a certainty that a person will develop the disease or pass it to children since both parents, lifestyles, injuries, and health conditions are also factors.
High blood pressure, high cholesterol, Type 2 diabetes and poorly controlled diabetes are related factors. Infections, falls, and head injuries are also factors. Before the age of 65, risk is less. Over 65, the risk increases. Over 85 , at present, risk is great.
Exercise, good diet, and keeping mentally active can be deterents. Some medicines can slow the progress of the disease. An Irish pharmaceutical firm is working on a vaccine.
Right now, one thing is evident in Maria Shriver's report. Most patients would prefer home care. This means that family caregivers need leave, training. and support. As the baby boomers are aging, these issues need attention now.

ELTON/LEON/ HIV/AIDS/BENEFIT, MIRACLES, AND CONNECTIONS

Last night in New York City, there was a benefit for the Elton John AIDS Foundation. While this event was way out of my price range, I was excited nevertheless. Elton John's Foundation has been well recognized in the fight against HIV AIDS. It was the reunion of the two performers Elton John and Leon Russell which touched me. As a Leon Russell fan of old, I was amazed to hear that after Elton contacted Leon after many years, Leon  had brain surgery. One of the miracles about all of this was that Leon's recovery and strength grew as the two worked on an album together. The music worked miracles. The hearing of an old Leon Russell song prompted Elton to make that initial call. Those of you who saw the earlier portion of the Good Morning America Show this morning saw how the song by Nat King Cole helped a daughter connect with her father who was in the advanced stages of Alzheimer's disease. Music helps us connect with our past, it can improve our mood, and in the case of Elton and Leon effect lives. I'm glad you two reconnected. So if a song makes you remember someone you've lost touch with, try to reconnect with that person. It may bring a miracle in your life.