Tag: social innovation

Women in War and Peace

“For it isn’t enough to talk about peace. One must believe in it. And it isn’t enough to believe in it. One must work at it.” –Eleanor Roosevelt It is more dangerous in most conflict-stricken areas to be a woman than to be a soldier.  Yet, women’s experiences during times of war are often ignored …

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Make It Last Forever

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 …

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Alternative Forms of Sustainable Farming: Part I

Community Supported Agriculture – Making Friends with Your Food and Local Farmers Ever since I was young, I have been personally invested in the food I eat.  While my grandfather started off by growing a few plant varieties in the backyard, my father has since ambitiously converted most of our yard into a vegetable garden.  …

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El Sistema: Music for change

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 …

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Ugandan Sex Workers Ward off Police Rape

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 …

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The March on Washington D.C.

Due to the heated debates and reforms regarding public education in the United States, many teachers and parents have decided to take action.  The July 30th march, which is referred to as the Save Our Schools March, wants to bring parents and teachers together in order to regain control of schools.  The purpose of the …

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Gender Inequality in the Workplace

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 …

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How Can Sustainability Come out of Controversy?

The issue of modern day slavery, particularly as it pertains to the trafficking of individuals for commercial sexual exploitation, has been getting increased attention.  With more and more awareness of the severity of the problem, it has become a hot topic that encompasses much controversy.  Agencies, advocates and policymakers have been exploring the issue of …

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South Sudan – News Resources

Where to go when researching developments in South Sudan In case you haven’t noticed from my previous posts, I’m a little excited about South Sudan’s independence, scheduled for July 9th. As I’ve been researching and posting about influences, wildlife, organizations, violence, and general aid related to South Sudan, I’ve come across a variety of resources. …

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‘Daughters of the Sex Workers’ Seek Dignity and Respect

Yesterday I facilitated a webinar on Culture, Conflict and Violence against Women: A Focus Sex Trafficking.  I raised several issues regarding the vast differences experienced by victims of the sex trafficking industry, particularly as it pertains to culture, gender dynamics and power differentials.  I recommended that governmental bodies and non-profit agencies reevaluate motives, revise legislation …

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