War, Peace And Politics

Submitted by austinbalarin on Wed, 02/08/2012 - 12:34

the problem:

In an effort to "never forget" September 11th, and to show solidarity with the 343 Firefighters and first responders who died in New York on 9/11, and the nearly two million servicemen and women who have continued the fight in Iraq and Afghanistan, I co-organized the 2011 Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers 5K Run in Wayne. It was the only Tunnel to Towers Run in New Jersey. Over 30 other cities across the country hosted their own shadow Tunnel to Towers Run.

Work has already begun to make the Wayne, New Jersey 2012 Tunnel to Towers Run bigger and better. Our 2012 goal is to help build 12 smart accessible homes for quad and triple amputee Iraq and Afghanistan war veterans, and also to help support other local veterans causes. The proceeds from the run will help support "Building for Our Bravest" and other local veterans causes.

Inspired to do more in recognition of our military service members and veterans through out the year, "Let Us Do Good Wayne" was created. It's mission is to CREATE moments of goodness through service to our neighbor, INSPIRE our community to do good through public service, and ACHIEVE our highest potential through service and leadership. This is carried out in part by coordinating patriotic events that honor service to our great country. Currently we strive to encourage participation in the Veterans History Project, the Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Run, Wreaths Across America, and ongoing community service projects.

For more information visit: www.letusdogoodwayne.org

vital stats:

people impacted:

1,650

people involved:

why it's important:

The "Let Us Do Good" mission is important to me because one day I hope to serve my country in the military. I will then stand in the shoes of a soldier and a veteran. I believe public awareness and participation in patriotic events help keep us connected to the cost of freedom. So, for now, I can only try to inspire others to do good and honor our brave men and women that serve our country.

The Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Run annual event will help to provide awareness of and support to our first responders and servicemen and women who continue to keep us safe and protect our freedoms. Additionally, this event will help raise much needed funds to support "Building for Our Bravest" and other local veterans causes (Veterans Recognition Event and Salutation 2 Our Soldiers).

The Veterans Recognition Event honors and celebrates the contributions of those that have served our Nation. It is an educational event, a venue for veterans to share and a tribute to veterans. It has supported the Passaic County Veterans Recognition Program Resolution establishing the County Veterans Discount Program. In 2011 over 1000 veterans registered for the County Discount ID Card. Only 19,000 to go. This program has provided county veterans discounts through participating business'.

The Salutation 2 Our Soldiers and Wreaths Across America event held in December helps us remember our soldiers still at war, honors our fallen heros, and teaches the value of freedom. We hosted a breakfast with Santa, where veterans and children personalized 200 Christmas cards that were then sent to soldiers in Afghanistan and to wounded warriors at Walter Reed Medical Center. A wreath laying also takes place at 12:00 Noon, in conjunction with Wreaths Across America to honor our fallen during the holidays; over 570 simultaneous ceremonies were held around the world.

We ask that our brave men and women in our armed services protect and defend our nation's freedom every day. To honor and pay tribute to them is the least we can do. "Let Us Do Good".

the plan of action:

The 2011 Tunnel to Towers Run was held on municipal roads and therefore, I got permission and support from the Township of Wayne Municipality. However, the 2nd year 2012 run course will change to County roads so Wayne Township will now work closely with Passaic County.

There is already a committee in place which includes a member of public works, law enforcement and a run director. Now, we must get the word out of the event through social media, print, networking and public relations.

The 1st Tunnel to Towers Run brought the Wayne Township community together to commemorate the 10th anniversary of 9/11 and pay tribute to the seven Wayne residents and almost 3000 victims who died in the attacks on the World Trade Center. Wreaths were laid at the Wayne 9/11 Remembrance Plaza ceremony after the run. Approximately, $7,500 was also raised to help support the ground breaking to build a smart home for CPL. Todd Nicely, USMC, Afghanistan veteran quadruple amputee, and also, to help support local veterans causes (the Veterans Recognition Event and Salutation 2 Our Soldiers).

how you can get involved:

This year the 2012 event will need volunteers to assist in the run course, water stations, security and time keeping as well as the set up before and take down after the event.

With a 2012 goal to help build 12 smart homes for severely wounded war veterans. We need your support to help "Build for Our Bravest".

To volunteer to help on event day, to register for the run/walk or to donate visit: www.letusdogoodwayne.org

project updates:

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Submitted by pamoja new kenya on Wed, 02/08/2012 - 12:01

the problem:

Our aim is to end Tribalism in Kenya which has caused alot of violence.

vital stats:

people impacted:

100

people involved:

why it's important:

It is very important to unite the youth because they are the once who are used by the politicians and payed to fight against each other in the name of tribes.

the plan of action:

To educate the youth on the beauty of our diffrent tribes example the beautiful traditional wear that each tribe present,diffrent staple food and enjoying our cultures without violence.

how you can get involved:

By volunteering in our meetings,helping with donations and talking about the beauty of our cultures

project updates:

Submitted by tikileff on Wed, 02/08/2012 - 02:34

Check out our videos!

the problem:

The lack of communication between people in different countries and on different continents is atrocious. Let's all connect and make a beautiful thing of it!

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why it's important:

Promoting peace and getting along is important, especially for our generation. We have all these resources and yet don't use them. I want to make a movement through art to inspire people to communicate with the world.

the plan of action:

I am going to send out disposable cameras to every country participating in the olympics this year and when i get the pictures back I am going to make a huge exhibition to represent how through the medium of photography we can all come together and put our differences aside to make something beautiful. My goal is to display this in London this summer.

how you can get involved:

Others can help by donating their time to helping me organize this whole project, they can donate disposable cameras and just generally spread the word and give talks about it in their communities. Anyone who assists in this project will be formally recognized during my exhibition this summer. you can also donate at tikileff.com

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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.

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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:

Submitted by worldlive on Sat, 01/28/2012 - 19:47

the problem:

world peace

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why it's important:

because the world needs hope

the plan of action:

i wii start in my hometown then move to the vatacin in roma

how you can get involved:

funding get the word out help

project updates:

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 Alenaf on Tue, 01/24/2012 - 20:58

the problem:

Racial discrimination, suicide awareness, sexism and sexuality issues (homophobia) are just a few issues we cover. Overall unity and peace between other is our main goal.

vital stats:

people impacted:

500

people involved:

why it's important:

The world should be a happy place to live for everyone <3

the plan of action:

My school does "Awareness Days" where we talk about different issues and try to guide students to realize why we should respect others and ourselves although we are different.

how you can get involved:

Start a "Unity Club". Talk about topics and host events that will better your school.

project updates:

Submitted by LoraLion on Mon, 01/23/2012 - 21:53

the problem:

What I have been trying to do to help the world become a better place is to build a website not only to gather people to see my website, but to action off items for a profit that will be given to a specific cause. I have built a website that I want to use to help gather in people to come and talk, listen, view, and relate to the world by viewing music videos, movie trailers, video game trailers, and other topics I hope to add on later. The auctions page will be used for the purpose of showcasing my creations, and the selling of my creations. If this goes well in the future, I also would like for others to be able to donate their items on my website for a cause as well.

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why it's important:

When I was younger, I was always considered to be nature, environmental, and human sensitive to the negative effects on these subjects. The burning and cutting down of trees, pollution of the world’s drinking water, hunting down animals to be used as trophies, abuse against women, and so many other events. But I was never able to do anything to help because when it all comes down to it; the best way to help any cause is to offer money. And who could blame people for needing money to help others because the world seemed to run highly on currency. I really wanted to help, but I could barely help myself in that situation. Even though I have become older, I still was not able to help those that I wanted to help and the longer I was waiting do to something, the worse everything was becoming, especially in my area.

the plan of action:

I have already created a website that is available for others to view. I have even had some people travel into my website. But it’s not exactly the greatest looking website on the planet. I still lack some experience in making good graphic logos to put onto my website. But I am still learning and I am willing to make major changes to the website until I can create a website that everyone will be proud to visit. I have included a picture with my project idea that will become the new logo for my Relax and Tell website. And because of this, I am certain now that I can make more original graphics and help improve the outlook of the website. My new website is being made and will soon take the place of the old website. This should gather more people to view my website and will gather many more supporters to my cause.

how you can get involved:

I know that my website is not entirely finished right now, but the best way to help me improve my vision is to come to my site, click on some of the ads and banners on the website, and bookmark the pages in case you do decide to buy something from their web site. This way, I can get a small commission from every product bought from each of those ads on my website. If I can get even a small commission rate from the ads on my site, I can make even more improvements to the website that could become more interesting.

project updates:

Submitted by Recenti Vox on Sun, 01/22/2012 - 19:07

the problem:

My group, Recenti Vox (Newfound Voices), attempts to help change the stereotype that the youth of the generation are uninterested or indifferent to the political, social, and economic events of the times. By bringing youth together--like minded and dissenting alike--Vox hopes to educate its members in the affairs that affect us everyday.

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why it's important:

I have heard too many adults and teachers admit that they are 'worried' about the generation that is stepping-up to receive the world of our parents and their generation. Personally, I know a small group of people who have amazing and heartfelt opinions on political parties, candidate promises, racism, philosophy, the law, and other topics. However, they have never before been given the opportunity to voice those opinions in a setting that does not threaten prosecution. This is what Vox hopes to provide--a group where one can share all of their views, agreeable and dissenting, in a setting where civil discourse and debate prevail.

the plan of action:

My plan of action is to gain a strong foundation of members which can help to recruit others and spread our Philosophy to as many youth as possible and who want it. Given a welcoming setting, I hope that they will be able to share and gain ideas, debate, hold discourse, and, most importantly, learn as much as they can of the current events that affect them every day. In the future, the opportunity Vox has given them may give them the chance to make a difference in their own way.

I began Vox as a simple Facebook page, started after I had heard just about enough of the 'ignorant youth' who would be unprepared to handle the world they were being given. Playing the idea over with a few friends, they agreed to join the group, and personally helped me to draw up a Charter. They then spoke to -their- friends, and gathered a few more members. From there, it was just about stimulating the mind. We found famous philosophical quotes and works, daily debates on the television, controversial topics, news broadcasts--whatever we could get a hold of. Via Facebook "Post Debates", we bounced ideas, defended points, and intelligently protested or agreed with others views. Although our number stands at a small 11, we always hold hope for more eager and hungry minds.

how you can get involved:

As of now, what we need more than ever is publicity. WebPosters, dropping our name, mentions among close circles--just the chance to get our name out there. From there, we can handle all the specifics.

project updates:

Submitted by Recenti Vox on Sun, 01/22/2012 - 19:04

the problem:

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