The Youth Arts Forum is putting on a concert at the famous Webster Hall Studio (125 East 11th Street) Saturday, March 6th from 3-7 pm. A portion of the proceeds will benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters as well as The Food Bank Program of NYC.
http://www.youth-arts-forum.com/youth-arts-concert.html
http://websterhall.com/events/show_event_sub.php?id=911&size=small&cdate=2010-03-06
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Monday, February 15, 2010
Some Green Flavor in NYC
I'll be the first to admit that my main interest in social enterprise is not the green flavor. My energy (pun intended?) tends to be more focused on working with people to improve lives. My blog tends to play fan favorites with mentoring youth, advising adults who need some guidance, microfinance, feeding the hungry, etc. Nevertheless, one of the reasons I have been writing this blog is to force myself to learn more and experience more in other areas of social enterprise. The biggest space here is the green initiative.
First, I recommend going to check out the Go Green Expo in NYC this coming March. The event is $25 for the weekend. You'll find tons of exhibits here who have 'greened' everything. And there are plenty of 'free' samples to help you get your $25 worth.
Find out more at http://www.gogreenexpo.com/
Over the past year, I have been conscious of things that I do that could be greener and have made a solid effort to improve my habits. You may say to yourself, it's just one plastic bottle I am throwing away...but maybe everyone else is saying that to.
Here is a list of ten things that you should keep in the back of your mind or start doing to be more green:
10) Buy a re-useable grocery bag. Cut down on your use of plastic bags at the grocery. You even get a tiny discount off your bill for bringing your own bag.
9) And if you go to the market and forget your re-useable bag, be sure to reuse your plastic bags for other things (like in place of Ziplock bags when you bring lunch to work).
8) Turn off lights and electronic devices when you leave your apartment. You'll be cutting back on energy consumption and cutting back on your energy bill too.
7) Consider purchasing environmentally friendly appliances. (Not a new fridge, but maybe some newer technology light bulbs).
6) Try to go paperless. Use your computers and cell phones to pay bills, keep lists, and write down notes.
5) Buy a filtered water system (like a Brita). It may cost a bit more up front than a water bottle, but it will save you a lot of money in the long run and save you a lot of plastic as well.
4) Get a water bottle to go along with your water system so you can take it along with you. (The Go Green Expo has tons of great water bottles)
3) Use more all natural products. The disposal is easier and cleaner for the environment...and the products are probably better for you too.
2) Give someone else the heads up on going green. It doesn't have to be stressful, but little things across many people can make a big difference.
1) Keep yourself informed. The trend of going green has only just begun.
First, I recommend going to check out the Go Green Expo in NYC this coming March. The event is $25 for the weekend. You'll find tons of exhibits here who have 'greened' everything. And there are plenty of 'free' samples to help you get your $25 worth.
Find out more at http://www.gogreenexpo.com/
Over the past year, I have been conscious of things that I do that could be greener and have made a solid effort to improve my habits. You may say to yourself, it's just one plastic bottle I am throwing away...but maybe everyone else is saying that to.
Here is a list of ten things that you should keep in the back of your mind or start doing to be more green:
10) Buy a re-useable grocery bag. Cut down on your use of plastic bags at the grocery. You even get a tiny discount off your bill for bringing your own bag.
9) And if you go to the market and forget your re-useable bag, be sure to reuse your plastic bags for other things (like in place of Ziplock bags when you bring lunch to work).
8) Turn off lights and electronic devices when you leave your apartment. You'll be cutting back on energy consumption and cutting back on your energy bill too.
7) Consider purchasing environmentally friendly appliances. (Not a new fridge, but maybe some newer technology light bulbs).
6) Try to go paperless. Use your computers and cell phones to pay bills, keep lists, and write down notes.
5) Buy a filtered water system (like a Brita). It may cost a bit more up front than a water bottle, but it will save you a lot of money in the long run and save you a lot of plastic as well.
4) Get a water bottle to go along with your water system so you can take it along with you. (The Go Green Expo has tons of great water bottles)
3) Use more all natural products. The disposal is easier and cleaner for the environment...and the products are probably better for you too.
2) Give someone else the heads up on going green. It doesn't have to be stressful, but little things across many people can make a big difference.
1) Keep yourself informed. The trend of going green has only just begun.
Monday, February 1, 2010
Remember When Eight Gifts Seemed Like A Lot?
For anyone who has ever studied the ancient traditions of kaballah, you may be familiar with this idea: 'You should only take from the world what you have given.' It is a simple idea really.
How often do you think about giving? Every day? Once a week? Maybe you take what you have for granted.
I'll credit my mom for the link to this website, www.29gits.org. It is a really cool idea where members are encouraged to embark on 29 days of giving. What you give can vary, but the idea is to think about giving every day.
Give it a try. Let us know how it goes.
How often do you think about giving? Every day? Once a week? Maybe you take what you have for granted.
I'll credit my mom for the link to this website, www.29gits.org. It is a really cool idea where members are encouraged to embark on 29 days of giving. What you give can vary, but the idea is to think about giving every day.
Give it a try. Let us know how it goes.
The Microfinance Club of New York
A hot topic these days in the professional, academic, and public sectors is microfinance. Fresh on the heels of the success and publicity of the Grameen Bank, microfinance has become a household phrase for two reasons. First, the effect of microfinance institutions has been proven to have direct, life changing impacts on borrowers. Second, the potential portion of the world's population that can benefit from microfinance institutions has made this business investment economically viable for investors, including large financial companies.
Have you heard about microfinance? Do you want to learn more?
Check out the Microfinance Club of New York.
The mission of the MFCNY is to be a leading forum for the free exchange of information and ideas about microfinance and to disseminate readily understandable, transparent and succinct information so as to further the microfinance field.
www.mfcny.org
Have you heard about microfinance? Do you want to learn more?
Check out the Microfinance Club of New York.
The mission of the MFCNY is to be a leading forum for the free exchange of information and ideas about microfinance and to disseminate readily understandable, transparent and succinct information so as to further the microfinance field.
www.mfcny.org
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Mentoring in the Media
Over the last week, I have had the great opportunity to help promote mentoring in the NYC media.
On Friday January 15, my little brother from Big Brothers Big Sisters and I had the chance to help Linda Church over at the PIX11 Morning News with the Friday Forecast. Thanks to our friends at the Mentoring Partnership of New York for setting that up. Check out Marlin and I at www.wpix.com/weather . From the videos on the right, select the Friday Forecasters for 1.15.10.
On Sunday January 17th, my brother Ross and I were able to sit down with Cindy from KTU Cares over at 103.5FM - the Beat of New York - to talk about our work with Big Brothers Big Sisters. To hear the interview, check out http://www.ktu.com/ keyword: KTU Cares. Cindy makes a difference in NY with her really awesome KTU Cares program. Each week she talks to some really great people around New York City doing some really great things - definitely check out Cindy over at KTU Cares.
To find out more about Big Brothers Big Sisters, check out http://www.bigsnyc.org/ .
To find out more about the Mentoring Partnership of NY, check out http://www.mentoring.org/ .
On Friday January 15, my little brother from Big Brothers Big Sisters and I had the chance to help Linda Church over at the PIX11 Morning News with the Friday Forecast. Thanks to our friends at the Mentoring Partnership of New York for setting that up. Check out Marlin and I at www.wpix.com/weather . From the videos on the right, select the Friday Forecasters for 1.15.10.
On Sunday January 17th, my brother Ross and I were able to sit down with Cindy from KTU Cares over at 103.5FM - the Beat of New York - to talk about our work with Big Brothers Big Sisters. To hear the interview, check out http://www.ktu.com/ keyword: KTU Cares. Cindy makes a difference in NY with her really awesome KTU Cares program. Each week she talks to some really great people around New York City doing some really great things - definitely check out Cindy over at KTU Cares.
To find out more about Big Brothers Big Sisters, check out http://www.bigsnyc.org/ .
To find out more about the Mentoring Partnership of NY, check out http://www.mentoring.org/ .
Fight World Hunger While You Are Bored At Work
Yes, as crazy as that may seem, fighting world hunger from the comfort of your cubicle is possible.
Check out this link to find out how.
www.freerice.com
Check out this link to find out how.
www.freerice.com
Sunday, January 10, 2010
National Mentoring Month
"A lot of people have gone farther than they thought they could because someone else thought they could."
January is National Mentoring Month. It is important to recognize that we have all made it to where we are in our lives because someone else believed in us. Maybe it was a coach, a teacher, a parent, a friend. This January is a great time to recognize that person or persons and to thank them.
January is also a great time to think about others who may not have that mentor in their lives; that someone who opened your eyes, who made you believe, who pushed you that extra mile. Maybe you can make a difference for them.
Check out www.nationalmentoringmonth.org to find out how you can thank your mentors or maybe even become a mentor in 2010.
January is National Mentoring Month. It is important to recognize that we have all made it to where we are in our lives because someone else believed in us. Maybe it was a coach, a teacher, a parent, a friend. This January is a great time to recognize that person or persons and to thank them.
January is also a great time to think about others who may not have that mentor in their lives; that someone who opened your eyes, who made you believe, who pushed you that extra mile. Maybe you can make a difference for them.
Check out www.nationalmentoringmonth.org to find out how you can thank your mentors or maybe even become a mentor in 2010.
Saturday, January 9, 2010
The Biggest 'Re-Gift' Of All
The dust has settled on 2009's holiday season. Time to decide what to do with all the gifts you have no use for (returns and exchanges) and the gifts that someone else might have use for (re-gifting) - don't lie, you have all done it.
How about this for a 're-gift'...
Do you ever wonder what happens to the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree when the lights come down and the crowds stop coming each year?
The tree, usually in upwards of 70 feet high and weighing over eight tons, is recycled and donated to a worthy cause. Prior to 2007, most Rock Center trees were ground into mulch and donated to the Boy Scouts of America. In the past few years, the tree has been provided to Habitat for Humanity to be used in projects around the country including helping to rebuild homes damaged by Hurricane Katrina.
Thanks to Tishman Speyer Properties, who owns Rockefeller Plaza, for making a difference.
Have any gifts that you don't need? Maybe you have coats or clothes or toys lying around that could make a difference to someone else.
Let's all 're-gift' this year with a little more purpose! Find a place to donate your unwanted gifts and items to someone in need.
How about this for a 're-gift'...
Do you ever wonder what happens to the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree when the lights come down and the crowds stop coming each year?
The tree, usually in upwards of 70 feet high and weighing over eight tons, is recycled and donated to a worthy cause. Prior to 2007, most Rock Center trees were ground into mulch and donated to the Boy Scouts of America. In the past few years, the tree has been provided to Habitat for Humanity to be used in projects around the country including helping to rebuild homes damaged by Hurricane Katrina.
Thanks to Tishman Speyer Properties, who owns Rockefeller Plaza, for making a difference.
Have any gifts that you don't need? Maybe you have coats or clothes or toys lying around that could make a difference to someone else.
Let's all 're-gift' this year with a little more purpose! Find a place to donate your unwanted gifts and items to someone in need.
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
I've Got a New Year's Resolution for you...
VOLUNTEER!
I hope everyone is doing well with their resolutions (working out, no more soda, diets, calling your mother every day, etc. etc.) but I've got one more for you and I hope it's not too late...
Make a commitment to volunteering!
Worried about travel? Bet you didn't know you can actually mentor young adults looking to go to college through email!
http://www.makeadifferenceyf.org/default.aspx
Too busy with work? Volunteering does not have to happen every day. Try volunteering once a month at a soup kitchen.
http://nyccah.org/volunteer
Volunteer Match is also a great organization which works to place prospective volunteers with opportunities that fit their specific situations.
http://www.volunteermatch.org/
You are all planning to work out and eat better to improve your well being; why not volunteer! Volunteering has been shown to improve your health, well being, and social skills all while benefiting your community. And that FACT comes from the government!
http://www.nationalservice.gov/about/volunteering/benefits.asp
So make it one of your resolutions to VOLUNTEER and help make a difference in your community this year.
I hope everyone is doing well with their resolutions (working out, no more soda, diets, calling your mother every day, etc. etc.) but I've got one more for you and I hope it's not too late...
Make a commitment to volunteering!
Worried about travel? Bet you didn't know you can actually mentor young adults looking to go to college through email!
http://www.makeadifferenceyf.org/default.aspx
Too busy with work? Volunteering does not have to happen every day. Try volunteering once a month at a soup kitchen.
http://nyccah.org/volunteer
Volunteer Match is also a great organization which works to place prospective volunteers with opportunities that fit their specific situations.
http://www.volunteermatch.org/
You are all planning to work out and eat better to improve your well being; why not volunteer! Volunteering has been shown to improve your health, well being, and social skills all while benefiting your community. And that FACT comes from the government!
http://www.nationalservice.gov/about/volunteering/benefits.asp
So make it one of your resolutions to VOLUNTEER and help make a difference in your community this year.
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