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Outlandish comes to cali...
MAS youth organized a concert featuring MAS youth in Anaheim California. The talent where the Danish cross-over sensation Outlandish and local talent, project 26. This was a nation wide tour, which brought over one thousand fans to the park venue.
MAS youth is an organization for the youth which educates people about Islam. MAS youth organized a concert featuring MAS youth in Anaheim California. The talent where the Danish cross-over sensation Outlandish a... more -
Above and Beyond
Follow the journey of three young men as they reflect on their expeditions in Ecuador. Their quest was to climb mountains as a fundraising trip for the people of Sudan. Watch and learn how three people from a small town in Montana make an effort to make a change in the world. Follow the journey of three young men as they reflect on their expeditions in Ecuador. Their quest was to climb mountains as a fundrai... more
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You Haven't Done Nothin'...Where has all the (political) music gone?
Pete Seeger, Arlo Guthrie, Bob Dylan, Stevie Wonder, Curtis Mayfiled, Joanie Mitchell, John Lennon and Bob Marley. Where are they today?
There used to be time, not too long ago, when music, a songwriter and then radio was a politicians worst nightmare. Music has always been a powerful medium for social change, whether it was about, poverty, women rights,human rights, racial tension, war, or the ecology.I'm not sure if it was the disco movement or when, but somewhere down the line, people stop listen to the radio reasons other than, liking how a song sound. Radio music used to be the voice of the people. Artist stood up for a cause other than glorification of themselves. The record industry has sold us out. Our children now have to choose betwwen Lil' Wayne, Justin Timberlake and who ever else is out there trying to become rich and famous by the time they're twenty five.
In 1975 Stevie Wonder wrote a song called, " You Haven't Done Nothin". The song was about the tenure of then president, Richard Nixon. Artist back then would challenge politicians on there job performances, after all, they were elected officials. We, the people had elected them. The song drove Nixon into a corner and along with Watergate, eventually drove Nixon out of office. The IRS, true enough, did come after Stevie, but he survived. Mostly all artist, up until the 80's displayed social consciousness in their music and lyrics back then. If they do today, where are they, and why aren't they on the radio. All we hear is, "Radio Ga Ga"
Feel free to comment on this post, if you will, with a song by an artist that you feel is saying something to help make us better people and the world a better place, or just comment. Songs will always be much more powerful than one voice. That's why they still let us sing "The Star Spangled Banner" ( Try Youtube.) Pete Seeger, Arlo Guthrie, Bob Dylan, Stevie Wonder, Curtis Mayfiled, Joanie Mitchell, John Lennon and Bob Marley. Where are they toda... more -
Theater for social change in Pakistan
Punjab Lok Rahs is a grassroots organization in Pakistan that pushes for social change through the medium of theater plays. For a population that is 5-% illiterate, theater is a medium for education and transformation.
They cover topics aound womens issues like honor killings, domestic violence and forced marraige, while also looking at child labor, gloablization, specific health issues, imperialism, the global oil crisis, and more.
Lok Rahs doesnt use professional actors. Every participant is a volunteer, and the actors are those who suffer from the problems discussed in the plays. With oppresive goverment censorship, and an art schene that has suffered decades of repression, Lok Rahs has worked hard to continue their work under difficult circumstances. Punjab Lok Rahs is a grassroots organization in Pakistan that pushes for social change through the medium of theater plays. For a popu... more -
Changing the world one campus at a time
When the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency refused in late 2007 to grant California the waiver it needs to require automakers to slash emissions, young people and college students responded. Fifty Michigan students rallied at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit in January, demanding a clean energy economy with sustainable transportation as the centerpiece. The students marched through downtown Detroit dressed in green hard hats and blue coveralls — a dynamic symbol of the reinvigorating potential of green jobs and energy-efficient auto manufacturing for Michigan’s economy.
As a result of the effort, GM agreed to host a series of town hall meetings on fuel economy and next generation vehicles. What’s more, participating students learned valuable skills for effecting change — training that will prepare them for careers in the low-carbon economy. Rally organizers from the Rainforest Action Network and Global Exchange taught participants how to write press releases, attract media attention, build alliances, lead effectively and campaign positively. Students from various campus groups also networked, sharing information and advice.
Driven by an urgent desire to be part of the climatechange solution, the generation that first taught its parents how to recycle is leading a revolution. Savvy and skilled in social networking and communications, young people are demanding a transition from polluting conventional energy to the new, renewable energy economy. And with tremendous influence over their campuses, students in particular are changing the operations of these multibillion-dollar organizations — and beyond When the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency refused in late 2007 to grant California the waiver it needs to require automakers to sl... more -
graffiti hero
In 1974 a 33 year old man named George Davis was convicted of robbing the payroll of the London Electricity Board in Ilford. He was nailed on the evidence of cops who were outside the bank at the time of the robbery and was sent to prison for 20 years.
However, his friend Peter Chappell was convinced Davis was innocent and inspired by discrepancies in the police statements and the fact that none of the bloodstains at the scene matched with the defendant, started calling for Davis' release. Chappall enrolled some friends and embarked on one of the largest sustained grafitti campaigns Britain has ever seen. Over the following months 'G DAVIS IS INNOCENT' appeared on walls, bridges and tunnels from one side of London to the other, some of which are still visible today.
The vandalism culminated in Chappell and four others breaking into Headingley cricket ground in August 1975 the night before a test match between England and Australia. Using plastic cutlery from a service station they dug holes in the pitch, filled them with oil and painted 'Sorry it had to be done, but George Davis is innocent' in large white letters on the wall as they left. The match was postponed and Chappell got 18 months for criminal damage.
The campaign brought the case to the attention of the Home Secretary who after a police inquiry released Davis two years into his sentence using the highly exceptional and controversial Royal Prerogative of Mercy.
The fight to free George Davis was one of the most spetacular campaigns ever fought against injustice, an achievement only slightly marred when a year after his release Davis was found guilty of robbing the Bank of Cyprus for which he served six years, and three years after which he was caught red-handed robbing a mail train.
George Davis is now a free man and happily married to the daughter of a North London Chief Inspector of Police. In 1974 a 33 year old man named George Davis was convicted of robbing the payroll of the London Electricity Board in Ilford. He was na... more -
Where do the presidential candidates really stand on key issues?
We know more about the presidential candidates pastors, passports and personal lives than we know about where they really stand on issues like immigration, social security, and tax reform. Can they really keep their campaign promises? We know more about the presidential candidates pastors, passports and personal lives than we know about where they really stand on iss... more
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Archery of the East
In East London, chaotic and alienated Muslim teenagers are being
transformed by learning archery.
Yassar is a 24 year old school teacher who sees the young people in
his community getting increasingly angry. Some are turning to radical
Islam. He sees how parents, schools and wider society fail to
understand. Yasser decided to set up an archery school, convinced by
the transformative powers of this ancient sport. As they practice, we
see how the young people concentrate, become calm and focused and
develop a sense of achievement.
This short film shows how young people can transform and create, if
only someone would listen to them. In East London, chaotic and alienated Muslim teenagers are being transformed by learning archery. ... more -
"Ultimatums" Leverages Facebook's Hordes.
"Use Ultimatums to organize group actions that solve problems you share with other people. On Ultimatums, the group action doesn’t begin until a specified number — the tipping point — of participants join. That way, you know that enough others are taking part for the combined action to actually create a solution... Ultimatums are designed to focus on taking action that creates results. Rather than joining vague calls to “end global warming” or “fight poverty,” each ultimatum pinpoints a specific situation that can be changed through coordinated group action...Unlike petitions, which you rarely hear about after signing, Ultimatums have a life cycle. First, someone creates one. Then people join. When enough join for the ultimatum to tip, everyone takes action. If the ultimatum is well-designed, it forces change and is marked as successful. If not, it’s marked as a failure." "Use Ultimatums to organize group actions that solve problems you share with other people. On Ultimatums, the group action doesn’t beg... more
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How should we use Hip Hop to make social change?
I hosted the JAM Awards, an incredible celebration celebration that honored the life and legacy of Jam Master Jay. Hip Hop has had a major affect on many issues, and me personally. But I want to hear from you, what should Hip Hop focus on next? I hosted the JAM Awards, an incredible celebration celebration that honored the life and legacy of Jam Master Jay. Hip Hop has had a m... more
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Make your voice be heard!
The Annual World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, is accepting the participation of You Tube user in its Congress Center viewing and answering the significant suggestion to what companies or individuals must do in order to make the World a better place in 2008.
Most of the conflicts we have in the World today is caused by economic inequality and its consequences.
The idea that corporation, which in many aspects decide the way other human beings and the environment are treated, are considering to take in consideration opinion and ideas of single individuals, like you and I, make me feel quiet optimist about the possibilities of a future with fair way of living for all!
So, it's up to you! You've up to January 27, 2008 to address them!
Make your voice be heard!!!
The Annual World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, is accepting the participation of You Tube user in its Congress Center viewing ... more -
Losing a Daughter
This video is in memory of Danielle Romero who was killed by a drunk driver. Directed by Lynsey Bohannon of NMSU-Grants.
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CIA = LIE Part 2: Lies Permeate Our Government
Here's an interesting Op Ed from the NY Times today written by Thomas H. Kean and Lee H. Hamilton who served as chairman and vice chairman, respectively, of the 9/11 commission. It's about how the newspaper asked the CIA numerous times for information after the law was put into effect to release all information about these serious attacks on America.
Don't get me wrong, I love my country as I love my wife. But the lies and deceitfulness incorporated into many facets of our Government needs to be stopped dead in its tracks.
Lies from the city, county, state governments to lies on Capital Hill. Lies that put people in prisons, Lies that keep people in prisons, Lies that keep people below poverty level, lies, lies and lies. Lies about our Social Security system AND Numbers. The old SS Cards had a disclaimer on the bottom that said: The SS# Will never be used for Identification purposes.
Now we are merely a number with our government. Furthermore, the SS system is unfortunately broken. Another major lie is that SS helps people after retirement or if they are disabled. Some, but not all that deserve it.
Lies.
This CIA bit really brings out the problem the people of our country need to address when the votes start. We need to lobby for laws making lies by our government officials a major felony without any pardoning (look at the Valery Plame case, what a crock that turned out to be with 'Scooter' getting pardoned!) We need to clean up the governments act and hold people responsible for their lies. On every level of government. Lies from a prosecuting attorney to get someone convicted? Give that attorney the max the law provides for the crime he was prosecuting. A rule/law like this for every level in government would almost stop the lies. Lets call it the SLAM law: Stop Lies in America More
Read the article and comment back on how we can clean our government up. It's all summed up in the last paragraph there.....
"What we do know is that government officials decided not to inform a lawfully constituted body, created by Congress and the president, to investigate one the greatest tragedies to confront this country. We call that obstruction."
I call it a terrible and destructive evil that is tearing our Government apart.
Here's an interesting Op Ed from the NY Times today written by Thomas H. Kean and Lee H. Hamilton who served as chairman and vice chai... more -
It Ain't Disneyland
Animated Documentary narrated by two young guys who are trying to improve life for them and their neighbours on an East London estate
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One Nation Many Voices--Online Film Contest
Win the $20,000 Grand Prize---Contest Closes 12/31/2007
Anyone in the U.S. can vote! Entries receiving the top votes in each category will be judged by our panel of judges. The winner of each category will be awarded $5,000! Good luck!
Contest Overview
We all have stories! And we could all use a little understanding. We're offering $50,000 in cash prizes for short videos exploring any aspect of life relating to the American-Muslim experience. Everyone in the U.S. is invited to compete, regardless of race or religion, so grab a camera, read our online tips, and get filming. Need some help? Check out our Director's Toolkit - our online library to get you going.
Six categories to choose from
1)Animation & Music
2)Comedy
3)Documentary
4)Drama
5)Under 60 Seconds (sound familiar?)
6)Youth (under 18)
Winner of each category gets $5,000 and one $20,000 grand prize winner Win the $20,000 Grand Prize---Contest Closes 12/31/2007 ... more -
Link TV | Television Without Borders
Mission
Link TV broadcasts programs that engage, educate and activate viewers to become involved in the world. These programs provide a unique perspective on international news, current events, and diverse cultures, presenting issues not often covered in the U.S. media. We connect American viewers with people at the heart of breaking events, organizations in the forefront of social change and the cultures of an increasingly global community.
Featuring Democracy Now!, World Music and Mosaic.
Definitely worth contributing to there pledge drive.
Channel 375 on DirecTV.
Mission ... more -
CHOMSKY
This is the next Benji, er..., Lassie, er..., watch out for CHOMSKY!!! Truly a friend to all and trickster like no other! Children want to grow up and BE CHOMSKY!!! Really, we did the polls! This is the next Benji, er..., Lassie, er..., watch out for CHOMSKY!!! Truly a friend to all and trickster like no other! Children w... more
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Gay Anti-discrimination Bill Passes Without Protection for Transgendered Community
This was one of the weakest political efforts I have ever witnessed. The Human Rights Campaign (for LGBT equality) lobbied for less than the original bill. HRC admitted it would be an easier bill to pass without coverage for Transgenders. I'm very confused and disheartened. We cannot choose the people in our community to protect. Our community is what it is. All need protection, not just a few groups. It seems to me that politicians and many members of the queer community have forgotten Gwen Araujo and Brandon Teena, amongst many other celebrated transgendered individuals who have been horrifically murdered in hate crimes. This was one of the weakest political efforts I have ever witnessed. The Human Rights Campaign (for LGBT equality) lobbied for less t... more
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Celebs Gone Good?!
The Internet is chock full of famous people making famously huge mistakes, but this is a really cool blog about celebrities doing good things! Who knew? The Internet is chock full of famous people making famously huge mistakes, but this is a really cool blog about celebrities doing good... more
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The Turtle Island Project examines centering prayer, fighting structural evil, the...
Centering prayer is a way to prepare your mind - to assist your body - in accomplishing goals - like fighting structural evil such as some corporations who care only about profit and not nature.
The goals of the non-profit Turtle island Project (TIP) include promoting respect for the environment and for Indigenous peoples - like the Celts, Native Americans and other Earth-based cultures.
Rev. Dr. George Cairns of Chesterton, Indiana explains what he learned from the founder of centering prayer - Father Thomas Keating.
A research professor of theology at the Chicago Theological Seminary, Dr. Cairns made his comments at the TIP first regional conference along the shores of Lake Superior in northern Michigan.
Dr. Cairns, who is the TIP co-founder and board president, is returning to Michigan's pristine Upper Peninsula on Fri., Nov. 9, 2007 to hold a free ecumenical retreat for clergy and others interested in interfaith prayer and creating social change.
Everyone is welcome at:
"Quest for Harmony: The Contemplation of Nature in the Christian Tradition promotes interfaith prayer and will examine Christian Celtic traditions" that will be held at Eden on the Bay Lutheran Church in Munising.
To read more about the Turtle Island Project, or about Rev. Cairns new Sacred Places website visit these links:
TIP website:
http://www.turtleislandproject.org
TIP Sacred Places website - Upload your own Sacred Place:
http://www.NorthAmericaSacredPlaces.org
Other TIP sites:
http://groups.msn.com/WhisperingTurtle
http://turtleislandproject.wordpress.com/ Centering prayer is a way to prepare your mind - to assist your body - in accomplishing goals - like fighting structural evil such as ... more
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Social Change
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Social Change
