Community // Current

Roots and Branches Oakland

Roots and Branches is a youth-led community-building collective. We improve exposure... more

BASTA
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9 hours ago
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Introducing Developing Stories - An experiment in featured content

Over the next few days, you may slowly bump into stories that are featured as... more

mario_a
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4 days ago
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12 comments

Veterans Soon to Be Gone

http://www.hopetohealing.com/veterans/vsubmit/soon2bgone/0soon2bgone.htm Where is... more

twohawks
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4 days ago
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2 comments

CSR Minute Special Report: McKesson's Corporate Citizenship Report

McKesson's Marcus Chung on 2008-2009 Corporate Citizenship Report... more

3BLMedia
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6 days ago
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CSR Minute Special Report: BSR Conference—Taproot Foundation's Lindsay Firestone

Lindsay Firestone, Manager, Strategic Partnerships, Taproot Foundation... more

3BLMedia
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7 days ago
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CSR Minute Special Report: BSR Conference—Citi's Sandy Fernandez

Sandy Fernandez, Relationship Manager, Global Community Relations, Citi, at the... more

3BLMedia
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9 days ago
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Featuring on Current: What do we look for? — [Editorial Guidelines]

We get questions about our featuring and editorial practices on a regular basis. So,... more

mario_a
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10 days ago
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87 comments

Time banks thrive in the midst of the recession

What is time? A storm in which we are all lost, but this is a great idea!

franksalot
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12 days ago
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2 comments

Rats! City to Pay for Informing on Tax Cheats

Chicago and Cook County residents aren’t the only ones about to get shocking tax... more

interditx
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12 days ago
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wsum

hanks to everyone who came to the Memorial Union Terrace to make WSUM's 3rd Annual... more

LUBA_ODONNELL
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12 days ago
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DOGGING

Aspiring journalist Dan expected so much more after graduation…but with no job,... more

cuttiemhyl
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12 days ago
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DOGGING

Aspiring journalist Dan expected so much more after graduation…but with no job,... more

dhimpplez
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12 days ago
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DON'T date a girl gamer! Here's why...

Here's ten thoroughly sound reasons why it's a bad idea to date a female videogame... more

FreshPlastic
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13 days ago
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7 comments

Do the right thing

Anthony Pt2: People must force administration to build sustainable communities

therealnewsnetwork
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14 days ago
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Online Music & P2P Networks: artists-to-fans-to-artists

A new blog is officially online for discussing music on the Web, with debates on... more

VictorGodot
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14 days ago
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1 comment

How to lose your job on Facebook

Poor, poor, dumb girl ...

nazbags
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3 months ago
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47 comments

UN Launches Investigation on Human Rights Violations By the US

For those of you who have never even heard of a “Special Rapporteur,” you may be... more

interditx
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16 days ago
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Volunteer Spotlight: Starlight Children's Foundation's Cima Kalmanson

Over the last few months, Causecast has been highlighting exceptional volunteers from our network of organizations. This month, we’re proud to feature Cima Kalmanson of Starlight Children’s Foundation.

Starlight Children’s Foundation is a national nonprofit that provides support for seriously ill children and their families. As a volunteer, Cima Kalmanson spends time with the children at the array of events put on by the organization.

How did you originally get involved in volunteering for Starlight?

In 3rd grade, my family doctor confirmed that I had some health problems and I required surgery. Being in the hospital was scary; no TV, no toys, and I felt alone! My classmates sent handmade cards to me, which I posted on the wall in my hospital room. My family came to visit but I really felt so isolated, sad and afraid. I forgot how to smile. Years later, I began to volunteer for many different charities. I got involved with Starlight when I saw an advertisement for volunteers, went to a group meeting and then became more involved with all of the different events, fundraising, auctions, kids activities – whatever they needed.

What’s been your most memorable moment?

During a Christmas event back in 1985, I met a young boy who had cancer; he came from a big family. I was sitting on his bed making up a story about his favorite treat, ice cream. He was so happy to hear my story that I called it Chris’ favorite flavors. After about 15 minutes, his sisters, and parents came in and listened as well; we all were laughing and having fun. Chris loved ice cream, but couldn’t have any since he was having chemo.

I said see you soon, and he gave me a big hug and a kiss. He whispered in my ear, “I know I am going to die very soon, but my mommy doesn’t know. Please,” he asked, “ask the nurse to bring my family ice cream.” I held my tears and said, “I will ask for you.”

Sadly, two weeks later, he died. When we were at the hospital, the nurse who took care of him showed me a picture he drew two days before he died. It was a giant ice cream cone smiling, and it said “Thank you Cima for the best Ice Cream story I ever heard, I could taste all the flavors it was YUMMY.”

I just cried.

How has your life changed through public service?

It truly has been so enriched, knowing whatever you do can truly change someone’s life, or make them feel better, even if it’s short term seeing everyone smile through pain and sorrow. Giving can open your heart and mind.

I feel very lucky to have the chance to continue to reach people through my efforts, by being the best volunteer I can.

I am the person I am today – good, kind, and giving – because of organizations like Starlight. They shine and I get to share the sky as a small star with them.Over the last few months, Causecast has been highlighting exceptional volunteers from... more