Hate Crimes

Submitted by kahoople on Thu, 02/09/2012 - 17:11

the problem:

The mental health of our children and youth is an incredibly important issue in today’s society. Suicide is the fourth leading cause of death for adolescents and the third leading cause of death for those slightly younger than adolescents. The CDC reports that 14% of youth between 9th and 12th grade have thought about suicide, and 11% have actually made a specific plan for committing the act.* Mental health concerns are particularly high for more marginalized populations, as many of these individuals are in high risk environments. For example, in a nationally representative survey of a youth in an inner city environment, 8% reported a lifetime prevalence of sexual assault, 17% reported experiencing physical assault, and 39% reported witnessing violence.** Exposure to trauma of this kind is clearly linked to a higher preponderance of behavioral and mental health difficulties in youth. However, these same mental health issues continue to be heavily stigmatized by our culture. This prevents many youth from coming forward with their difficulties, and not enough youth are aware of the fact that there are people available to help them. Furthermore, few youth realize how common it actually is to struggle with these kinds of issues. These are problems I want to address – I want to make children and youth in my community, particularly those in inner city New York, realize that they are not alone in struggling with these issues, and that there is help out there.
*www.astorservices.org/finding-out-teen-suicide-prevention.php
**www.nctsn.org

vital stats:

people impacted:

people involved:

why it's important:

This cause is incredibly important to me, for a variety of reasons. I’ve worked intimately with children and youth in a variety of settings, from being a camp counselor to a trusted nanny, and I know how important and wonderful this population is. I also am still a youth myself – at 22 I don’t think I quite count as a full-fledged grown up yet! The idea of those younger than me and like me struggling with mental health issues in silence is terrible, and is something I want to battle against. This is a fight I am already fighting in many ways, working as a research aide at Astor Services for Children and Families, based in Rhinebeck, NY, trying to find out more about the problems that youth struggle with and the best ways to solve them. Astor is a not-for-profit behavioral health agency that provides services to children of all ages in a variety of settings, ranging from community health programs to residential treatment. We serve children throughout the Mid-Hudson Valley region and the Bronx. Through Astor, I’d like to start spreading mental health awareness by speaking at schools and other youth-serving organizations. I’d like to spread mental health awareness by disseminating both current mental health facts and statistics and the stories of the clients we currently serve at Astor, written by the clients themselves. If possible, I’d like to even bring current Astor clients to speak to other children and youth about their experiences and struggles with mental health. It has been shown that both hearing about other’s struggles, as well as sharing one’s own struggles, can help children and youth persevere and endure difficult life circumstances.* Spreading mental health awareness will also help to dispel stigma. I’d also like to include in these talks information on how to go about receiving mental health services, empowering those that need help to get the process of getting help going. I believe that the sharing of children and youth’s stories, as well as the spreading of other information related to mental health awareness, will have a profound impact on both the youth we already serve at Astor and those in the community that still need our help.
* On Playing a Poor Hand Well, by Mark Katz

the plan of action:

In order to spread mental health awareness, I’d like to start visiting schools and other organizations that serve children and youth, starting with the Bronx and Mid-Hudson Valley, and beyond if possible. I’d like to bring with me dissemination materials, like brochures filled with facts on mental health and the stories of current clients. Hopefully, I will also be able to bring along with me some support staff to participate in these talks as well. I’d also like to, if possible, bring clients with me on these talks to share their stories – this would require support staff to ensure the well-being of youth that accompany me on these trips. I’d also like to bring with me information on how to start receiving mental health services, and for each site I go to, be prepared with information specific to mental health services in that site’s area. Ideally, I’d like to do these talks at least twice a month for a year or longer, coming into contact with as many children and youth as possible. By accomplishing these goals, I feel that my project will have a deep impact on everyone I reach, and that this impact will disperse outwards as those I am able to talk to share what they have learned with others.

how you can get involved:

Anyone can help with this project. Simply talking about mental health issues in a knowledgeable and caring way helps dispel stigma, and helps increase the chance that children and youth that need help will seek it. Anyone that is present at these information sessions I hope to hold will then also be able to spread this information. They say knowledge is power, and in the case of mental health awareness, that is certainly true. I want to spread that power!

project updates:

Submitted by linalovee on Mon, 02/06/2012 - 19:37

the problem:

try to get kids off the streets and join the cadet program

vital stats:

people impacted:

100

people involved:

why it's important:

its important because i think all kids should be involved in something good that benifits them

the plan of action:

talk to parents and recruit their children to join

how you can get involved:

n/a

project updates:

Submitted by roger2286 on Wed, 02/01/2012 - 12:57

the problem:

The Problem im planning to solve is hunger, homelessness, batterd woman, sick, poor, religious pratcie i school, troubled youth etc..

vital stats:

people impacted:

100

people involved:

why it's important:

It is important to me cause i hate to see my society go down hill and suffer from poverty. I came from a rough childhood and i know what it feels like not to have nothing i just want to give back and bea ble to help and give back to all.

the plan of action:

My plan to open up more shelter facilities food programs, build more schools and universities, afterschool programs keep kids engaged.

how you can get involved:

I need funding, dedicated people who will help and fight for the cause. Support and a better network to reachout to american society

project updates:

Submitted by DBH0014 on Wed, 02/01/2012 - 11:51

the problem:

A Family Community is a program I am desigining to benefit every individual in our community, not only residents and locals, but the community as a whole. This includes surrounding areas and even alternate states. We aim to provide Disater education, job readiness, disater preparedness seminars, dating volience information, a place of refuge for volience over comers, a place for homeless individuals to get food, and clothing and opportunities for job search, and job placement. We want to prevent teen pregnancy, but all the same provide help to those who have already had children. We promote family stablility. We want to educate individuals on healthy eating, and living a healthy lifestyle as well. We plan to this not only by branching out and starting partneships with exsisting organizations, but by putting in hard work, and sweat ourselves as well. We plan to involve individuals that seek help in unimaginable ways.

vital stats:

people impacted:

people involved:

why it's important:

This is imporatnt to me because, I grew up in a single parent home; and felt sad and alone. I want individuals to understand that not every house hold is the same, and that it is okay to be different. I understand the importance of education, and i am seeking to futher my education. I want every individual that I encounter to understand this concept as well.

the plan of action:

*Conduct meetings with community leaders(i.e. Community pastors, non-profit organizations, mayor)
*Get Schools involved( with the job I already have I have easy access to recruiting teens, and volunteers)
*Get the community aware.....(i.e.: Facebook, local news, news paper)
*Recruit Volunteers/ Board members (i.e. Church goers)
*Set up banking account
*locate a building for headquaters (i.e.: unused city building, or church building)
* Contact local food banks set up patnerships
*start partnership with local DHR

how you can get involved:

Individuals can help by contributing non perishable items, volunteering, making donations, and participating in the program

project updates:

Should police officers be able to search cars without consent?

Submitted by jkultgen on Tue, 01/31/2012 - 08:42

Submitted by Vaccus Fatigo on Sat, 01/28/2012 - 14:24

the problem:

We are trying to end unecessary suffering through the power of compassion.

vital stats:

people impacted:

100

people involved:

why it's important:

This started out as a one-time project, hundred of people were made aware of it and about six people showed up. It was the best thing that could have happened because the turnout made the need for bravery in love even more apparent and dire.

We are doing this for 3 fundamental reasons:
1. We are human beings.
2. We want to be happy and don't want to suffer.
3. Other human beings, just like ourselves, want to be happy and don't want to suffer.

The Dalai Lama explains the importance of our connection with others when he says: "Consider the following: We humans are social beings. We come into the world as the result of others' actions. We survive here in dependence of others. Whether we like it ornot, there is hardly a moment of our lives when we do not benefit from others' activities. For this reason it is hardly surprising that most of our happiness arises in the context of our relationship with others." That last line explains so well our responsibility to our fellow human beings. The best times in our lives are because of other people.

So when I hear things like 1 million people attempting tokill themselves every year in the U.S. alone, or how there have been at least 12 shootings in Omaha already this year...I feel we are not doing enough in our interaction with others to provide that happiness. I don't know what you're hearing when you listen to the world, but I'm hearing people loud and clear and they are suffering.

"The reason why reflection of suffering is so important is because THERE IS A WAY OUT. There is a possibility of freedom from suffering...the root causes of suffering are IGNORANCE, CRAVING, and HATRED. By generating insight into the nature of reality and eliminating afflictive states of mind such as craving and hatred, one can achieve a completely purified state of mind, free from suffering." Now I realize those are some big words. What the Dalai Lama is actually explaining are known as the "3 Poisons of the Mind", which he outlines as "the root causes of suffering". When he speaks of "the nature of reality" he is referring to the ability each and every one of us has to cure our minds and the minds of others of these "afflictive states". The underlying nature of reality and of human beings is not violence and suffering, but is based in kindness, happiness, and love. We as a species are geared towards this nature and can easily cure these poisons. Ignorance can be eliminated by doing what this project is doing right now, taking a stand for what is right and always seeking truth. We have the ability to cure craving by renouncing the value of material objects and becoming selfless, thereby curing craving for what we all truly need...love and happiness. Which, in turn, cures the third poison of hatred.

These steps seem so simple, especially when you boil it down to one word: LOVE. So if it is so simple then why are 10 people in the very country we stand going to commit suicide in the next 2.5 hours? ...That reason is as simple as the solution, because NO ONE IS TAKING ACTION.

So when people ask why we are doing this you can proudly say that this is not just a fad ladies and gentleman...we're not doing this to be cute...we're not doing this for a reward or recognition. We're doing this because our family, our brothers and sisters, are out there suffering...and they are in need of our help. We are doing this to change the world. If we make one person's day, affect one life, we will have achieved this goal and changed the course of history. THIS IS A CALL TO ARMS...WE ARE THE SOLDIERS OF COMPASSION...AND WE HAVE A WAR TO FIGHT!

We are changing the world one hug at a time. I've been asked what exaactly it is we're trying to accomplish. Which is a great question. Suffering is inevitable, but our goal is to end the suffering that is unecessary and preventable. There is a lot of that in the world. The next question is always, how is hugging random strangers going to change the world and end suffering? IT ISN'T. But unconditionally loving random strangers more than you even love yourself on the other hand...has the potential.

1 PLANET. 1 FAMILY.

the plan of action:

We have many tools and battle plans, but the recurring plan is to hand out paper hearts in exchange for hugs.

how you can get involved:

Simply love your fellow human beings, your brothers and sisters, unconditionally and encourage others to do the same. If you are near us, come join us. If you aren't close, start your own Hearts4Hugs campaign. It's simple action, but can change the world.

project updates:

2 comments

Submitted by Together We Rise on Fri, 01/27/2012 - 12:58

Check out our videos!

the problem:

Together We Rise is trying to solve the problems associated with the broken foster care system and the lack of awareness about this issue.

Together We Rise is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of foster children in America by funding programs that give a sense of normalcy, comfort, and self-esteem to combat the disproportionate opportunities available to foster youth.

vital stats:

people impacted:

3,000

people involved:

100

why it's important:

The devoted and enthusiastic staff of Together We Rise (TWR) work tirelessly to solve the many challenges that foster children face. The life of a foster child is often bleak and the statistics clearly display this. For example, nearly 23,000 foster children will die of neglect or abuse by their 5th birthday and almost half of those children will become homeless within 18 months of leaving the foster care system by 2020.

TWR makes decreasing these bleak figures the cornerstone of our organization. However, the issues that TWR solve go well beyond what the numbers show; we also work to bring a level of normalcy to foster children's lives.Their lives are often very unstable and changing this is one of major goals.

the plan of action:

Children are the future and we believe they deserve to live the best life possible. They have been put into a situation that they have no control over. We want to show them that there are people in the world who care about them and want to see them grow into successful adults. If we have the ability to touch even one child's life and know we made an impact in a positive way, then we have done our job. We have developed programs that allow them to be successful in society, school, sports, creativity, and life. Our sports camps also help to raise awareness about childhood obesity and teach them ways to stay healthy throughout their lifetime.

how you can get involved:

Together We Rise (TWR) values its relationship with the foster community, its sponsors, and its volunteers. Innovation, creativity, and a strong work ethic are instilled to improve the lives of foster children through integrity, commitment, and dependability. TWR utilizes young adult volunteers through social and digital media to host sports camps and implement educational programs with various subjects. A variety of programs are created to reach the diverse and varying interests of foster children, offering them an assortment of activities to provide a well-rounded experience. We welcome all interns or volunteers from around the nation and encourage applicants to apply through our Facebook page.

project updates:

videos:

Submitted by Inspiration Men... on Wed, 01/25/2012 - 08:14

the problem:

Poverty, Gangs, Childhood Obesity, Broken Homes, Lack of Education/After School Enrichment/Mentoring/Role Models/Knowledge/Resources. There are several underprivaledged students that turn to gangs and drugs after school because there are no or very few after school programs offered.

vital stats:

people impacted:

200

people involved:

why it's important:

It is important to me because I've seen several students turn to gangs and drop out of school. So many young ones are underprivileged and forced into negative lifestyles. I take any and all students who want to participate as well as students who are referred by teachers, parents and/or guardians. Typically those students have trouble at home or in school, and I use a one on one tactic to find out what there interests are so I can determine rewards for improvement. A lot of the students I've worked with were caught up in gang life/selling drugs, failing school and not participating in any after school programs because there weren't any offered at their schools. I thought that was one of the main reasons why students were turning to gangs, so I started by mentoring a few boys and they all got out of the gang life and became more focused on school, sports, arts and music. I think students just need the knowledge and opportunities to express there interests and talents to reach their potentials, succeed in high school and beyond.

Obesity is another issue that I have helped students battle. Teaching them how to eat healthier and giving them a work out plan that you motivate them through can do wonders. However, motivation is key and varies from student to student. It might be a work out plan playing basketball, wii fit, skate boarding, hiking or basic lifting/cardio etc. You just have to take the time to figure out what works best for each individual.

the plan of action:

Provide mentoring and after school programs such as Leadership, Music, Sports, Art, Tutoring, Guidance etc. Inspiration Mentoring

Mission Statement: Our goal is to assist students in reaching their fullest potential by offering them one on one mentoring and tutoring as well as several leadership and extracurricular enrichment opportunities they wouldn’t experience otherwise. We focus on students individual interests and reward them when they reach certain goals. Many of our students suffer from broken homes, gangs, obesity, poverty etc. We provide them with the knowledge and resources necessary to overcome these obstacles.

Every student is different, so every approach is different. We develop a, “Success Plan” for every student which includes goals with step by step, day by day, week by week and month by month objectives, so we can measure effectiveness and improvement. No one is turned down and we have a 100% success rate since we’ve started. Students have dropped out of gangs, improved academics and found passion for activities such as music, art, photography, outdoor education, sports, debate etc.

It is our belief that all students have a passion for something and want to learn, it is just a matter of finding out what that passion is and how to motivate each individual. If you can reward a student with an opportunity they’ve never experienced or dreamed of they will do anything to succeed. I have brought students to professional recording studios, vocal lessons, acting auditions/classes, movie sets, mountains for skiing/snowboarding/tubing, youth recognition ceremonies to receive awards I nominated them for, ribbon cutting ceremonies to meet the mayor, community service events and many other places/events all for the first time to show them I care about there individual interests and to earn their respect.

I base every “Success Plan” on a rewards system that students must earn to motivate them to reach their goals. I combat the lack of role models, broken homes, obesity and gang life on a daily basis. However, it’s these situations that keep me passionate and motivated to help. Some people go to third world countries to help better peoples lives, but I have found that are several people in my own community that suffer from some of the hardships. I believe it is my calling to do whatever I can to help and I will stop at nothing to succeed.

I would like to expand across the entire district and eventually state and country. I have a big vision for Inspiration Mentoring and want it to improve the nations education, obesity rate, crime rate and drop out rate. It will start off small in every school and build every year until every school in the area has a program.

how you can get involved:

Others can help by volunteering, mentoring, facilitating, advertising/spreading the word, donating etc.

project updates:

Submitted by maliyah2002 on Tue, 01/24/2012 - 10:16

the problem:

I'm trying to solve a basic community problem. I want to educate the youth a find positive ways to keep them motivated with hands on participation from the community itself. Someone needs to take charge in this area to ensure we mold the youth in becoming assets to society and grow up being law abiding citizens with a goal of making this world better in every possible direction because we are losing our youth day by day and it's time to get them back because they are our future and they will have to run this world someday. We do not want to see America go down in flames, so we have to educate our youth.

vital stats:

people impacted:

people involved:

why it's important:

This project is important to me because I really care about where young people are heading and I feel like if I have an opportunity to make sure I guide thousands of children and teens in the right direction, I would do it. We all have some purpose here on earth and mine is to definitely help people, it's only fair.

the plan of action:

My plan of action is to get started writing grant proposals and look for sponsors. From then on, find some land and get started on how to administer this program in Memphis by all means and that includes making all proper notifications to government and filling out the proper paperwork. It won't be easy, but it will be worth the effort.

how you can get involved:

Others can easily help me by simply contacting me by email or visit me on facebook with ideas, connections, or words of wisdom. I can use all the help I can get.

project updates:

1 comment

Submitted by chrisrim on Mon, 01/16/2012 - 01:41

the problem:

Eliminate bullying and discrimination in all schools, workplaces, and online by educating students and adults the harmful effects bullying can have on people's lives.

vital stats:

people impacted:

30,000

people involved:

145

why it's important:

As the founder, this is important to me because I have been bullied before and I have witnessed countless acts of bullying that go unpunished. There needs to be an end to bullying, and It Ends Today is going to make that happen.

the plan of action:

The mission of It Ends Today is to promote anti-bullying awareness in schools and communities throughout the country by awarding scholarships to students who talk publicly about their experiences with bullying and its effects on them.

It Ends Today, Inc. is an organization formed with one purpose: to end bullying now. The organization holds presentations to inform others on the dangers and consequences that come with bullying. A non-profit organization, It Ends Today, Inc. also encourages teenagers to speak out against bullying via the internet, in hopes of spreading its message more efficiently.

how you can get involved:

n/a