Jul 27
Many of us working for social change have used the analogy of trying to teach a man to fish rather than giving him a fish, to explain the work that we are doing. We know and understand that creating long term impact rather than a band-aid solution is the ideal model. So in our efforts …
Jul 25
In a few of my prior posts, I have discussed people who were unable to overcome mental illnesses such as depression or drug addiction. In today’s post, I’d like to share a more optimistic story. I will tell you about Dr. Marsha Linehan, an inspirational woman who overcame borderline personality disorder (BPD) and eventually developed …
Jul 21
It seems that in today’s world, young people look more and more towards actors, singers, and other celebrities as their role models. Though looking up to positive examples set by certain celebrities is not a bad thing, it is important for the youth to remember important figures like Nelson Mandela. Just this past Monday, July …
Jul 19
Leer la versión en Español El sistema (The system) is a music program in Venezuela (and in some parts of the U.S) that trains poor kids to be musicians. The program started out in 1975, after economist and musician Jose Abreu gave classical music lessons to 11 children in a Venezuelan garage. Those music lessons …
Jul 18
In rural areas of Kenya, the overwhelming majority of families live without electricity. More than one third of the population depends on kerosene-powered lamps, which are not only bad for the environment, but they also negatively affect Kenyans in other ways. Toxic fumes, for example, are emitted from the burning lamps and can cause severe …
Jul 15
It should come as no surprise that prostitution is a dangerous, yet pervasive, profession for individuals around the globe. Whether involvement is due to free-will or force the consequences can be detrimental or deadly. It exists in many forms and individuals, most of the time women and children, enter this lifestyle for a variety of …
Jul 14
I’ve written several posts explaining how and why I think people comprehension skills should be taught in the public education system. Developing these skills in elementary school and middle school allows students to have exposure to different types of conflict, foster a greater understanding of opposing viewpoints, and build basic negotiation skills. In high school, it’s time to continue …
Jul 11
There are currently one billion people around the world who are hungry. With inefficient farming practices, poor distribution, record high food prices, and a global population that’s expected to reach over nine billion by 2050, food security is a huge challenge worldwide. Plain and simple: current methods aren’t working, and changes must be made in …
Jul 11
On Thursday, July 8th, a rather interesting live web chat was conducted by USAID Administrator Raj Shah and actor Kal Penn. The topic of the web chat, “How to Make Change: Youth and International Development,” was especially important for young people who are curious about their role in the world today. Administrator Shah directly answered …
Jul 08
Gender inequality is a deplorable reality that runs rampant across the globe. Women are vulnerable to injustice at home, work and in their communities. Socially, economically, politically and culturally, women have been treated as second class citizens throughout history. In the workplace, women earn less money on average than their male counterparts and face a …
