#we can volunteer our time and resources to organizations doing good works

[pokemonshelterstories]

You’ve mentioned roaring moon a few times- can I ask why you were looking after it to begin with? Was it a research thing, rehabilitation, or something else entirely? When skimming it seemed interesting but with recent comments about paradox Mon it just gives me more questions

i've talked about my experience with RM a lot, but since my work has started getting published, i can talk a bit more about the actual process of the kind of work i was doing.

RM was an escapee from the great crater a couple of years ago, back before security was ramped up. this was shortly after the incident in which it was discovered that professors sada and turo had passed away. up to that point, the great crater was basically left to its own devices under the assumption that there were people down there monitoring it. escapee paradox pokemon were rare but not unheard of. nowadays, there are so many researchers and rangers keeping an eye on it that it would be hard for a pokemon to break out, but it definitely happened a few times in the past. RM was heavily injured and seemed emaciated based on our limited understanding of the species, so it was decided to have somebody rehabilitate it.

the reason why that person was me is several-fold. i have been a certified pokemon rehabilitator for many years and and had recently obtained my licensure to work with inherently dangerous species. i also was, at this point, a certified dragon-type specialist (one of my more recent rehab patients at the time was an aggressive dragonair). as a volunteer ranger, i had access to a capture styler. the cherry on top was that i live in artazon and thus could work closely with hassel, a highly-experienced dragon-type specialist who lives here.

that being said, i was simply the primary caretaker for RM. fairly early on, i was asked if i would be willing to continue housing RM instead of releasing it so that it could be researched. as part of both the rehab and research process, i had access to an entire team of researchers and pokemon care experts to help me. all of RM's care was paid for by naranja-uva academy in exchange for research access, and i worked regularly with a professor who hails from a dragon clan. i had an elite four member ready to jump in at any point. it's in spite of all of the resources i had access to that i felt that RM needed to be rereleased into the wild instead of continuing to serve as a captive research specimen.

taking care of RM was like having another job. almost all of the time i wasn't at the shelter or at school went to training RM, taking it out for flights, planning for its enrichment, and organizing various tests. the times i took it to the academy to be researched were actually a reprieve, since it meant i had a few hours where i could focus on myself. although i'm grateful for the opportunity, and i'm glad that i had what i needed to make it work, it was not a pleasant experience for me. in addition, i could tell that RM was starting to get stressed by its captivity in spite of all of the work i and my team were doing. releasing it was for both of our good. if i had thought RM could thrive in captivity, i would have found somebody else to take over its care; the way i feel about captive paradox pokemon comes from the experiences i had and what i saw. i don't blame myself or anyone else for how it went, because we really didn't know how it would go. but i couldn't in good conscience recommend that it happen again.

i think if they found the right individual pokemon, it might be possible for a paradox pokemon to live comfortably in captivity. but i will always hold that it's something that needs to be handled in the way that a zoo or research lab handles potentially dangerous pokemon- not just one person trying to care for it.

[vaspider]

Hey spider, I’ve been by your tumblr several times in the last day to help keep myself grounded. I wanted to say thanks and pass along my own thoughts to others checking in.

This fucking sucks and I hate it. But this moment feels very different to me than 2016. Not that I feel *great* about weathering the next four+ years, but, I’m not collapsing in despair either.

Fact is we survived four years of this, we had four years of relative “peace,” and it’s back into the shitstorm. The situation is different, more dire, yes, but we’re also different, too. We survived and we have lessons to glean from that to apply to our future.

Your job, if that frame is helpful for you, is to look at what you can offer your community and start cultivating opportunities to help other people. 

Are you strong? I helped an older gentleman recycle heavy boxes of papers (by heaving them into a dumpster for him) and that lit up my MONTH.

Can you do dishes? There is an elder in your community who could use the help (and the company!).

Do you not go to church, on Sundays or otherwise? There may be a hospice center that needs volunteers to stay with patients while their people are at Sunday services.

Do you have a car and some time? Maybe you can do pickups for food banks or other types of food rescue work.

Do you know spreadsheets? Hoo boy. Everybody needs somebody who can do spreadsheets.

These are ideas of where you might start. But the real work is to cultivate relationships of goodwill and good faith with others in your community. Start talking to organizations, look for people who are already embedded, doing good work. Look for role models, people who connect: people to other people, people to resources. Don’t be afraid to speak up when you need help, yourself – strong relationships are reciprocal. People need each other *so badly,* and in ways our culture does not equip us to understand.

Show up where and when you can and be ready to hold the hands of others. It’s going to be hard, but you can develop the skills and the relationships to make it through.

thanks again, spider.

This is good advice.

One thing I heard today that cracked me up - I was listening to Gianmarco Soresi's podcast today, and he has Brennan Lee Mulligan on this episode. Brennan was talking about how he ran a load of diapers over to Rekha at one point bc she was collecting stuff for LA wildfires aid, and when he got home, his wife, Izzy, was sitting at her computer and going through Zillow and researching rental listings and reporting listings to the authorities who are breaking CA rent control laws. (In CA, there are limits to how much you can raise the rent on a unit at one time/within a certain period of time.)

Like... that's a thing that she could do while she was sitting at her computer being at home with the baby while Brennan ran an errand that did measurable good in the world. Reporting predatory landlords does real, measurable good.

What's important is not that you're doing the most good or the most important good. What's important is that you Find Something To Do That Helps and you Do That Thing.

[soon-palestine]

as an american citizen, you have the right to assemble. the police and other governmental agencies violate this right through mass arrests, illegal use of force, criminalization of protest and other means that threaten our right to free expression.

DO NOT TALK TO THE POLICE:

they are not your friends. they are not there to protect you, regardless of your race. their presence there is to protect the interests of the state.

what to do if you are detained or stopped by the police:

do not resist, even if you think they are violating your rights.

calmly ask someone to record.

ask if you’re free to leave. if you are, walk away.

how to stay safe during a protest:

write phone/legal aid numbers on your body. bring a sharpie for others to do this.

ALWAYS use the buddy system. don’t be selfish & stick to your own friend group. if you see someone alone, invite them into your circle.

don’t know where to seek legal aid?

before attending/during a protest, visit http://nlg.org/chapters/#massdefense.

NLG chapters are organized into regions. find. your region and write their number on your body.

encourage others around you to write that same number on their body.

4. if you are threatened with or under arrest:

you have the right to know why you’re being arrested. calmly ask. if they refuse to provide a reason, stay quiet and ask for legal representation immediately.

do not give any information or sign anything without a lawyer present.

what to do with your phone during a protest:

put your phone on airplane mode

disable face ID/touch, replace with 6-digit passcode instead

spreading awareness is great but avoid posting photos of people that include identifying features.

police want everyone to leave the area, what should that look like:

shutting down a protect through a dispersal order must be the last resort for police.

a clear danger must be present.

police must give adequate time for protesters to disperse and an exit route.

what are your rights if you’re being stopped or detained by police:

you do not have to consent to you or your belongings being searched. if you consent, anything can be used against you in court.

police can conduct a “pat down” if they suspect you have a weapon.

if you see someone being detained, what should you do:

record the interaction. police can not demand to view or delete any footage without a warrant.

use calming affirmations towards the person being detained. they are likely scared. be there for them.

use whatever privilege you have to protect others.

if you see a disabled person struggling, offer to help. find medics to assist people experiencing anxiety or having a panic attack. if you see a BIPOC being harassed, surround them.

personal note on using your privilege: i have seen white people, countless times, place themselves in front of BIPOC when police draw weapons/approach protests. it often works.

do not be a person that just acknowledges their privilege, use it for good.

10. remember that we protect us. ignite this chant as a reminder to everyone present if you have to. communities are supposed to help one another. don’t be a sell out, offer support, share resources, food and water. be a kind soul.

if you can not participate in a protest for whatever reason, you can still help! drop-off supplies! (water bottles, allergy-friendly foods/snacks with ingredients labels on them, sharpies, cards with legal aid numbers on them, masks, makeup remover wipes, hand sanitizer, etc)

sources/disclaimer: main source:

@ACLU and my own opinions. this is not legal advice. consult legal representation if you are in need of assistance.

stay safe, be on the right side of history. black lives matter, no one is illegal, we protect us, land back, all oppression is connected and free palestine. 🇵🇸

[bruces-midlife-crisis]

Southern California is still on fire and we need your help

Today, it is January 10th, 2025.

In good news, the the Sunset fire is now considered inactive and all evacuations have been reversed. It only grew to 60 acres at it's peak. The Hurst fire has shrunk to over 700 acres and is now 37% contained. The Lidia fire is still at over 300 acres but it is now 75% contained.

Sadly, that is all the good news I have. The Palisades fire has grown to over 20,000 acres with 6% containment. The Eaton fire has grown to over 13,000 acres. To put the sheer size of these fires into perspective, Manhattan has an area of 14,604 acres.

Tragically, 10 people have lost their lives.

At 2:43 PM, a fire known as the Kenneth fire started near the Woodland Hills area. It is 1,000 acres and is 35% contained as of writing. Sadly, this fire appears to have started due to an arson attack. Police currently have the suspect in custody after neighbors performed a citizen's arrest.

This morning, CBS conducted an exclusive interview with LAFD Fire Chief Kristin Crowley where it was revealed that Crowley warned LA Mayor Karen Bass that budget cuts would hamper the LAFD's ability to handle fire emergencies. Crowley confirmed that the city defunded LAFD by $17.6 million, which included a $7 million decrease in overtime pay.

THE EATON FIRE

The Palisades fire has received the most attention from mainstream media after celebrities and high profile Angelenos evacuated the region. Pacific Palisades is considered to be the most sought after real estate in the country as it sits on the Pacific Coast Highway between Santa Monica and Malibu. We now need to shift our attention to the Eaton fire.

The Eaton fire started on Thursday, January 8th, near Altadena Drive and Midwick Drive in the Altadena area. The city primarily affected by this fire is Altadena, home to over 40,000 people and is a mere 4 miles (6 kilometers) away from Pasadena. As of writing, it has burned to over 13,000 acres, has destroyed over 5,000 homes, with 0% containment.

Altadena has a large population of working and middle class families, particularly black families, whose families have lived in the region for generations. During the Great Migration of the 1900s, many black people fled to Altadena to escape the Jim Crow South. Octavia Butler, the world renowned author of Parable of the South, was from Altadena. As these Eaton fire continues to destroy the city, California is losing it's black history.

Do-Not-Drink Water alerts have been issued in Pasadena and Eaton Canyon as the Eaton fire has destroyed and contaminated the water pipes in the region as firefighters continue to fight the fires.

If you're able, please consider donating to the Gofundmes of Black families who have been impacted by the Eaton fires.

Please also consider donation to those have been effected in Eaton Canyon.

WAYS YOU CAN HELP

The Los Angeles Times has shared organizations that you can donate to included the California Fire Foundation. If you're in Southern California, this list also include mutual aid organizations where you can donate materials directly.

If you would like to directly donate to the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation which will go towards emergency shelters, hydration backpacks, and wildland brush tools, you can do so here.

If you're in Southern California, please use the MALAN Fire and Wind Storm Resources spreadsheet to find mutual aid organizations near you and find places where you can donate or volunteer.

Finally, if you still have a Twitter account, please routinely check the app for Gofundmes from families who have been affected by the fires. Most Gofundmes are not listed on spreadsheets or official websites yet and many families are sharing them on Twitter. I found multiple has I was working on this post but I know for a fact there are more: (here), (here), (here), (here), (here), (here), (here), and (here).

Please continue to keep Southern California in your hearts. As the days pass, it has become increasingly clear that the damage being done by these fires is more than we can comprehend. Drone footage shows that Palisades has practically disappeared. It's now being estimated that these fires have done over $50 billion in damages.

Once these fires subside, Los Angeles County will never be the same again. Please continue to support us as we try to heal our wounded home.

[tightwadspoonies]

Food Bank Tips and Tricks

To give some context, both my wife and I are recently out of work, and likely to be for at least several months while she does CNA training and while I am in partial hospitalization for schizoaffective.

We are housing secure and otherwise okay, but we need to get our flexible spending (the kind of spending we have control over, so basically everything except housing, utilities, medical care/meds, and phone bills) down to as close to zero as possible, and that includes food.

My wife currently volunteers at one of the best food banks in the area (an Asian-specific one), and today she signed us up as clients. This post will take you through some tips and tricks to using a food bank, and some ideas of what to do with the food you might get.

Tips and Tricks:

Know when the food bank is open. It might be that they are open only once or twice per week, or even just on the 1st Thursday of the month. Even if they don't have a website, they probably have a facebook page you can look at, or flyers posted on community billboards that will give you this info.

Know what documentation you need, and bring it with you. Some are on the honor system, some will want proof of residency in their service area. Some might want proof of income below a certain amount. This is also info that might be on a facebook page or flyer. If not, see if they have a phone number, or better yet, show up during the distribution time and ask (preferably before you need the service).

Speaking of, start getting food at a food bank before you run out of food. One food bank can't generally provide all the food you need, so first try to use them to stretch your food budget as much as possible (use money or programs like WIC or SNAP to buy perishable food you generally won't find in food banks, and use the banks to fill in your non-perishables).

Again speaking of, don't be afraid to use multiple food banks. They generally aren't checking (unless the same organization runs multiple banks), and you will probably need more food than one food bank can offer you.

If you're more than a 1-person household, find out if the bank has special rules. You might be able to pick up twice or more for larger households. If the bank doesn't have a policy for this, you may be able to bring other household members (or just friends if on the honor system) and pick up more food.

Get there early to have access to the most variety.

Find out what other services your food bank offers. Some have connections to community services you may also want to use. Never be afraid of using services, because the more people they serve, the more money they tend to get. You're rarely, if ever, taking resources from someone else just by using a free service like a food bank.

You might get expired food. That's okay and you're gonna have to get chill about it. Check the chart below to see how long after the expiration date the food is still good:

Some food banks offer special perks if you also volunteer there, like access to the food they can't otherwise give away. For example, we got a 22lb frozen turkey they'd been trying to give away since thanksgiving.

If it's your first time, bring your own bags. Some banks offer bags, some don't.

Know that a lot of them are volunteer run, so don't expect customer service like you might at a store. Also, be nice. The volunteers may not know everything and that's okay. If you really need something or feel you're being treated unfairly, you can ask to speak with a volunteer coordinator, but that's probably as far as it will go.

What kind of food will you get?

Well, it is different food bank to food bank and week/month to week/month. It's very much a "take what they will give you and figure it out later" kind of situation. Individual items may not be in the quantities you would normally buy (for example, you might get a single apple or 2 small potatoes per person, per visit), but you might also get small amounts of lots of different foods.

Most will give you primarily non-perishable foods like canned vegetables, soups, and boxed mixes and cereals. Some food banks will have limited fresh items. As stated above, if you can, use limited money/WIC/SNAP on fresh foods and use the food banks for your pantry staples and non-perishables.

Bigger cities tend to have more and better banks, as they have access to more grocery stores which donate their near-expired food to them. There also may be more individuals donating in cities just because there are more individuals in general.

Sometimes, as in the case with us, there are ethnic-specific food banks in places like chinatowns and other places heavily populated with people of a particular ethnicity. Generally you don't have to be of that ethnicity to partake. The amount of food might not be different, but it might give you some variety if you've been eating a lot of oatmeal.

[whysperingwoods]

Based on what I'm seeing getting reblogged today, it looks like it might be a good time to share this article again from Waging Nonviolence:

This was published before the election, obviously he has won, but there are a lot of excellent points that I think are great to remember in these times.

It's a very long article, if you're on Firefox I use the extension Read Aloud to listen to articles while I'm getting other things done.

I have many favourite parts of the article, but I'm going to share point #5 because people are feeling like doing everything and that is not sustainable. This point is about finding the pathway that works for you over the next few years, and focusing your efforts instead of spreading yourself thin:

5. Find your path

[...]

One pathway is called “Protecting People.” These are folks surviving and protecting our own —  especially those of us directly targeted, such as trans people, folks choosing abortions and immigrants. This might mean organizing outside current systems for health care and mutual aid, or moving resources to communities that are getting targeted. Further examples include starting immigrant welcoming committees, abortion-support funds or training volunteers on safety skills to respond to white nationalist violence.

Another pathway is “Defending Civic Institutions.” This group may or may not be conscious that current institutions don’t serve us all, but they are united in understanding that Trump wants them to crumble so he can exert greater control over our lives. Each bureaucracy will put up its own fight to defend itself. 

Insider groups will play a central battle against Trump fascism. You may recall government scientists dumping copious climate data onto external servers, bracing for Trump’s orders. This time, many more insiders understand it’s code red. Hopefully, many will bravely refuse to quit — and instead choose to stay inside as long as possible. 

Institutional pillars understand a Trump presidency is a dire threat. The military, for one, is well aware that Trump’s potential orders to use them to crack down on civilian protesters would politicize them permanently. 

These insiders will need external support. Sometimes it’s just folks showing compassion that some of our best allies will be inside, silently resisting. A culture of celebrating people getting fired for the right reasons would help (then offering them practical help with life’s next steps). Other moments will need open support and public activation.

Then there’s a critical third pathway: “Disrupt and Disobey.”This goes beyond protesting for better policies and into the territory of people intervening to stop bad policies or showing resistance.

Initially a lot of that prefigurative work may be purely symbolic. In Norway, to create a culture of resistance during World War II people wore innocuous paperclips as a sign they wouldn’t obey. The symbolism is to build preparation for mass strikes and open resistance. In Serbia, protests against their dictator started with student strikes before escalating to strikes by pensioners (which were both largely symbolic) before finally escalating to the game-changing strike of coal miners. 

In effective “Disrupt and Disobey” type actions the ultimate goal is paving a path for mass noncooperation: tax resistance, national strikes, work shut-downs and other nonviolent mass disobedience tactics — the most effective strategies to displace authoritarians. (Training on how to do that in a new Trump era can be found here.)

Lastly, there’s a key fourth role: “Building Alternatives.”We can’t just be stuck reacting and stopping the bad. We have to have a vision. This is the slow growth work of building alternative ways that are more democratic. It includes grounding and healing work, rich cultural work, alternative ways of growing food and caring for kids, participatory budgeting or seeding constitutional conventions to build a majoritarian alternative to the Electoral College mess we’re in.

Myself, I’m attracted to “Disrupt and Disobey” — though I know when certain moments hit I’ll be pulled into some immediate “Protecting People.” I’m perhaps too impatient for most “Building Alternatives” and too unhappy with the status quo to do “Defend Civic Institutions.” However, I’m delighted others will do that work!

I’m reminded of another way of finding your role that comes from my friend Ingrid’s grandfather, who lived in Norway under the Nazi regime. He learned that the resistance was hiding people in the basement of a church near a cemetery. As a florist he already traveled to and from the cemetery — so he found a role smuggling messages in funeral wreaths, delivering them all over the city. 

He didn’t go out designing his perfect role. In fact, I’m not sure he would have looked at the list of possible “roles” and found his political path. Instead, he found his space by circumstance.

In other words: Your path may not be clear right now. That’s okay. There will be plenty of opportunities to join the resistance.

[mariacallous]

What more can I do to help Ukraine?

Dear Kyiv Independent readers,

Thank you for your continued support — especially in this critical time.

This is Brooke, the community manager here at the Kyiv Independent, and each week we want to give you a closer look at how we bring you the news, from Ukraine to the world.

Since I started working here about 2.5 years ago, the most frequently asked question I’ve received from our members and readers has been “What more can I do to help Ukraine?”

Recently, after the Trump administration has started to abandon Ukraine, these emails from our audience have spiked — especially from Americans (we see you!) — and in response, we’ve compiled a list of what you can do to support Ukraine, even if your government doesn’t want to.

Thank you to everyone who has asked this question and for standing with us. Here are some ways you can help. If you aren’t yet a member of the Kyiv Independent, we also invite you to join our community.

Contact your elected representatives, regardless of where you live. In the U.S., the American Coalition for Ukraine has a tool to find your members of Congress and recommended messaging for what to ask your government representatives. You can also get involved in upcoming elections, volunteering or donating, to support candidates who support Ukraine.

Join marches or demonstrations in support of Ukraine. The Ukrainian World Congress has compiled a list of events that took place on the anniversary of the full-scale invasion and show support for Ukraine. This database can be a good place to find the groups in your area already involved supporting Ukraine.

Donate to organizations in Ukraine. Some well-known charities are Come Back Alive, the Serhiy Prytula Charity Foundation, and the Hospitallers. With the suspension of USAID, Ukrainian civil society also needs your support: Ukraine was the largest recipient of U.S. economic aid, receiving over $14 billion in 2023. A few dollars can make a big difference.

Boycott (or avoid to the best of your ability) corporations that still operate within Russia. The Kyiv School of Economics has made a detailed list of corporations that continue to do business in Russia. The mobile version of the website even has a barcode scanner, so you can easily find the details about a product’s parent company. Also, consider supporting Ukrainian brands or local businesses — you can check out our 2024 gift guide, which highlights Ukrainian brands.

Engage with Ukrainian media, culture, and art. Part of Russia’s goal in the war is to destroy Ukrainian culture. Here’s a list (compiled by one of our members) showing creative ways to help Ukraine, highlighting organizations, projects, and artists, from podcasts about the war to resources for learning Ukrainian.

Share news about Ukraine and get your friends involved. We made this list an article on our website, making it easy to share with your friends or on social media. Collective action works, and the more people who make even a small step towards helping Ukraine more quickly adds up.

And, ultimately, make sure to take care of yourself and hang in there. We know it’s easy to feel completely overwhelmed when trying to keep up with the news — and it’s scary to see what we’re up against. But you aren’t powerless in this.

As a reminder — it’s your support — the contributions of 16,000 people that form the backbone of the Kyiv Independent’s funding.

If you haven’t joined yet, consider becoming a member of our community. In the past three years, we’ve grown our company, expanded our coverage, launched new newsletters, and reached new audiences — all made possible by our members. The majority of our members give just $5 per month — the price of a cup of coffee — and it’s game-changing for us. Every bit makes a difference, and we’re grateful you’re with us.

Thank you for your support.

[embodiedfutures]

I haven't been involved with bfp and only vaguely know a few things of what happened but I've really appreciated your work even though I never joined as a volunteer. I'm very sorry to see you close, though I understand and support the need to. Will there be any more details on what happens to BFP? Will your blog still exist? Is the organization stopping all activities but keeping up the library? (sorry for all the questions, I hope they dont come across in a hostile way)

hi sweetheart! thanks for the questions, you’re all good, i don’t mind. /genuine

all activities, including updating the library, will cease this sunday, february 4, 2024.

this blog will stay up although i doubt it’ll be nearly as active considering i’m the only person running it. i’ve also left the metalheadsforblacklivesmatter blog due to emotional laborious and racialized discussions months ago with the adult that runs it, so im not sure how far our posts will reach anyways now. i’ll be sure to support yalls mutual aid posts though, pinky promise. and i’ll still be active on my personal blog @reaux07 and especially on my instagram reaux07 to disseminate political education content. (considering tiktok, as encouraged by my peers, but im nervous about filming!)

the library will still definitely be available but all the renovations we were doing will essentially be frozen in time, which i apologize for. it’s just too difficult to keep up with only a few actually committed hands, you know? that “over 3,000 free resources” advertised was never an exaggeration, i really did go through and count them all up. and that was the number from 2022! it’s just too much :(

since all activities will cease tomorrow, all of our youth are officially released from their volunteer duties. those of us who are close have already begun a new project to heal, continue to learn, and stay close though :) those outside of that circle, who have made it difficult to be our authentic selves, will walk a separate path, and i wish them the best.

if you have any more questions, feel free to send them in. i’ll get to them when i can 🫂

— reaux (she/they)

[clotheshorsepodcast]

How can we do good things in difficult times? The seemingly small things we do as individuals are actually really radical, impactful, and important. And if we do these good things with members of our community, they become even more powerful. 

This week, Christa of Material Union joins us to share how her community fridge in Austin, TX has changed her life! 

We will be covering the following topics:

❤️ How to get a fridge started in your community. We’re going to cover all of the nuts and bolts: electric bills, permits, the best kind of fridge to use, how it all works.

❤️ The best things to stock in a community fridge (and what to skip)

❤️ The impact–both personal and community-wide–of resources like this

❤️ And what Christa has learned along the way about humans, community, and the importance of compassion and care.

Also: I talk about "main character syndrome" and how it connects to fast fashion and kinda...everything right now? And why court cases are a source of optimism right now.

There is no “one size fits all” way to make a positive impact on the world.  For some of us, it’s going to protests.  For others it’s calling our representatives.  Teaching others how to sew. Sharing food.  Volunteering our time. Organizing a meal train (or even just contributing a meal to a meal train).  Picking up groceries for our neighbors.  Driving a friend to a doctor’s appointment. Registering people to vote.  Being poll workers on election day. Donating money.  Fundraising.   

All of it matters.  But sometimes we just don’t know where to begin. Or if our contribution is enough. But as I have been saying for a while now, even the smallest actions can be radical, revolutionary, and impactful.  

If you’re working on something in your community that you think others could replicate where they live, get in touch with me.  I want to continue to share these ideas all year long!

[yellowcry]

Her recipes are redeemies for real

Walking around and searching for a job takes a long time

Agustín just happened to overhear some talk

Twice to once au! It's been some time, isn't it?

Agustín squeezed through the streets. After a while he was getting used to uneven ground. He didn't trip as often as before. (Which still was more than anyone else, but was it that surprising?). The sun was burning. It danced high above, jumping with hot rays. Luisa wouldn't overwork for now. She always held this promise until at least about a week after Agustín's birthday, before eventually slipping back. So Agustín didn't have to worty about it too much. (But he should still check on her). He didn't work on rebuilding much, it wasn't his competition. Even if he doubted it was anyone's competition in here. Becides, as he figured it out, helping with rebuilding was a volunteering thing. They didn't earn much money for it, if there was any payment at all. Rather, Agustín was a general worker. Chopping the wood or fix the roof. There were always many important things to do that people didn't want to work on themselves. At the same time it didn't tie Agustín to anyone else. He had struggled to keep an official job, taking him infamous clumsiness. The same thing that kept him at bay with how easy it was to get into accidents sometimes.

It had caused problems sometimes. Even if Agustín worked on himself, he had to fix whatever he ruined by accident during his work. Which meant it took twice as much time as it could, if not more. Of course, he had other skills too. He finished musical academy in his youth. But not everyone had piano in their house. Even less would want to fire a pianist. It were such rera occasions that Agustín didn't count them as actual invome.

And, there was no need to say he was going out often, suggesting to help. What could anyone need? Chop the wood, dig the garden. He would do it. It was enough for way to keep things under control.

"Damn, why doesn't Julieta make food anymore?" Agustín blinked, turning his head. to the sourse of the sound. Two young men talked leaned against the dilapidated wall, chatting without care. "It tasted so good"

As far as Agustín knew, feeding anyone for free was expensive. Usually it was a while sosial organisation that would give foor to the poor beggars. But as far as Agustín had saw the place, he had never seen any form of social services, aside from people going out to help if someone was too weak. There was on organisation in them and so Agustín had to assume food was entirely Julieta's initiative. She would have resources for it, as the Madrigals were leaders of the community and should have more money that anyone else.

"Damn, Jose, you're right! Why can't we just get a free food? Hers was the best"

"Señora Julieta made food for free?" Agustín asked to himself. He didn't initially plan to speak out loud, but sooner realised that he did. Starting an awkward tension that swimmed in the air with the adroitness of a rocketed bird

The blond-haired man swallowed, copper eyes stared at him in worry. "You're that newbie," he muttered breaking the intorerably noisy and burning iced silence.

Agustín fixed his glasses, nervous. "Sorry, I just don't really get it." He shrugged, tilting his head down. An untouchable weight lied on his neck, the same way wind could cuddle in hair.

Another man, Señor Rodriguez, Agustín recognised him now, he had helped him with to clean his house several days ago. He was serious and loved to complain a bit too much for Rojas' taste. Even if he wouldn't confirm it out loud. Señor Rodriguez fidgeted with a button on his yellow shirt, twisting it around like a paper ball. "Julieta used to have a stand of free food!"

"Can you not afford food by yourself?" Agustín raised a thin eyebrow. The last time he checked, Señor Rodriguez wasn't broke. He had a good house, a heathly baby boy and could afford cleaning services instead of doing it himself. There was no way he didn't have money to buy food.

"What? No, of course I can." Señor Rodriguez replied in high-pitched voice He shook his head nervous fron misunderstanding.

The other guy, blonde, Agustín hadn't talked to him before, explained. "It's not about money. Señora Julieta just an amazing cook!"

Amazing cook? Okay, Agustín could confirm it. He visited Madrigals a couple of times. Usually with Pepa. They grew friendly enough very fast. And because of it, Agustín did spend time with the triplets and Félix from time to time. Well, minus Bruno, that guy wasn't very social. So a couple of times Agustín had got arepas practically shoved into his mouth. And yes, Julieta was very skilled. Her food was like a nightingale song.

But it didn't change the fact that Julieta herself didn't hold a responsibility to feed people in the village. If she did it before, then she must be so kind. But right now she didn't even have her own house. It was obvious she would have too much going on to take care of this. Especially for free.

Agustín cleared his throat an asked in a sore voice. "Have you thought to pay her for cooking?" He stared at his interlocutors, looking from one to another.

"Pay?" One of them asked, shocked. As if the idea was personally offensive to him. "But it's her responsibility!"

What?

"How is it her responsibility if she's not earning anything?" He clarified, remembering the fact that according to their words it was all for free. "In most places get even a piece of bread for free is nearly impossible."

Señor Rodriguez groaned with a quiet sigh. "She did this during her entire life. Becides, it's not even your business!"

"I'm just trying to understand.." Agustín fixed hus glasses. Which, in the moment of emotions slipped down, almost falling off his nose. He winced as somebody had pat hit hack twice.

Shifting his head to the side, he realised Señora Julieta was next to him, seeing the entire thing for some time. He wasn't sure for how long. He was too focused on the situation. The other men, now also seeing that the star of the chat was here, looked away awkwardly. Slightly guilty. They didn't mean Julieta to actually hear their complaints.

"That's alright, Señor." Julieta signed. "Don't worry about it much."

Agustín swallowed the spicy bile in hia throat. "They acted like you're supposed to feed them or something!" It was frustrating. The fact that they had enough nerve to ask woman, possibility twice of their age to cook for them for free. Like if they were kids. Neither he nor Julieta had payed attention to the pleads of innocence that followed by.

"Really, it's okay." Julieta tried to assure him. But Agustín was baffled at it. In what world it would be considered as normal?

The Madrigal had leaded him out, just by pure force. Ohh... What's with nice women being so strong? He had Luisa already, and Julieta seemed to pull him without much effort. On other hand, Agustín was pretty lanky, so possibly it was easy in reality. They went a good half of a kilometre away. Some villagers stared at this as they passed. Most seemed to barely pay at to it for a bit and then go back to their work.

Julieta swallowed, looking over her shoulder. Bit her lip. "Thank you," She nodded, nervous. "It was..." Looking away. "Nice of you." she whispered in a low voice

Agustín smiled, placing his hand on her shoulder. "It's okay, just bare manners." Some people definitely need those. It was so obvious Julieta had a whole lot going on in her life. He wouldn't be surprised if she stopped working even for money for the time being. Nevermind what kind of volunteering she participated into.

Señora chuckled, shooting her eyes up. Meeting Agustín's. "Mind coming dor a lunch?"

[dotington]

Who is Chef José Andrés? Mutual Aid and World Central Kitchen

1. Explore World Central Kitchen's website. Choose a story that inspires you. Share a photo from the site and explain its significance. 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by World Central Kitchen (@wckitchen)

After navigating the website I was led to the map which shows the different areas WCKs has been able to help and the number of meals distributed. After looking further into the map I decided to read about how the kitchen was able to contribute to helping the California wildfires. I was extremely impressed by the community efforts to restore & aid the area. I view California as a very celebrity, wealth led area. And with that I associate capitalism and community as opposing forces. It was really nice to see people and organizations who were still well off after the fires doing what they could to share resources and platforms. And the angel on my shoulder wants to think its genuine 

2. What is Mutual Aid? How does World Central Kitchen disrupt traditional models of Mutual Aid? How does their work expand the definition of Mutual Aid?

https://www.globalgiving.org/learn/what-is-mutual-aid

Global giving.org says the following about mutual aid “Mutual aid is about cooperating to serve community members. Mutual aid creates networks of care and generosity to meet the immediate needs of our neighbors. It also addresses the root causes of challenges we face and demands transformative change.” I would say that the World Central Kitchen goes beyond what a typical mutual aid organization does because their main objective doesn't necessarily seem like it’s to build a community that wants to support those who need help. It seems more like a core group of chefs whose mission and passion is so strong others inevitably join. WCK seems to take initiative the second it is needed rather than rallying people then stepping in. 

3. How does Chef José Andrés and his organization provide innovative ways to solve world problems beyond the traditional role of the Red Cross, FEMA, etc? Have they proved to be a welcome form of disruption?

WCK arrive on the ground within 24-48 hours of a disaster 

They leverage local food systems making sure to be able to provide local, comforting meals 

They serve hot meals not just rations 

They work within the community to help with economic relief on top of food 

They have proved to be a welcome form of disruption because of their intentions and approach. They are there to do nothing but help and realistically aid the area past just survival. 

4. Write an imagined dialogue between a WCK volunteer and a survivor on the frontlines of a disaster. What would they say to each other? 

A = volunteer 

B = survivor 

(A hands B a plate with a hot nutritious meal) 

B: thank you 

A: it's my pleasure, if there is anything at all I can to please don’t hesitate 

B: I appreciate it, that means a lot  

B: after everything we’ve been through I’ve been looking forward to a meal like this 

A: I’m glad! We partnered with the unaffected farms in the area and found some of the best local chefs we could, we know food itself is healing :) 

5. What does this organization tell you about the expansion of altruism? Does WCK provide a hopeful model of solution-making for the future of a changing planet?

This organization shows that altruism is more than necessary. It's deeply inspiring to hear the initiative the organization takes especially in the face of extreme danger for the greater good with no intentions of personal fame, legacy or monetary gain. WCK definitely provides a hopeful model of solution making - I think something as impactful as their response times is a game changer in the way natural disasters (especially) should be handled.

[icelebritiesworld]

Week 3

The Power of Food: How World Central Kitchen Redefines Crisis Relief

1. A Story of Resilience: Finding Hope Through Meals

One story that stands out in a visit to World Central Kitchen’s website is their response to the Türkiye-Syria earthquake. In the wake of this tragedy, WCK sprang to action, starting relief kitchens and providing thousands of hot meals to survivors who lost everything. The sight of WCK chefs simmering giant cauldrons of soup amid the ruins sums up the mission of the organization: to deliver not just food but also comfort and humanity. And this story illustrates how food serves not just to sustain, but also to inspire hope and resilience.

2. Redefining Mutual Aid

Mutual Aid is generally defined as reciprocal support in communities, sometimes in grassroots settings. World Central Kitchen, however, upends this model with its national, rapid-response, chef-led disaster relief, its trained professionals married to local engagement. While traditional Mutual Aid efforts are often limited to local resources (which ultimately save one in need), WCK brings a scalable, logistical approach that brings immediate and effective action. Their work expands the definition of Mutual Aid by showing that large-scale, professionalized food relief can still be intimately community-based, giving local cooks and volunteers a chance to participate in the recovery process.

3. A New Model for Humanitarian Relief

Chef José Andrés and his crew are better planners than the Red Cross or FEMA. In contrast to many bureaucratic organizations that suffer logistical bottlenecks, WCK reacts with agility and speed: Mobilizing mobile kitchens within hours of a disaster. By cooking up fresh, culturally appropriate meals instead of distributing pre-packaged goods, they honor the dignity and agency of survivors. With chefs, local food supply chains, and real-time adaptability as its tools, WCK has exploded old models of aid, and demonstrated that food relief can be done quickly and profoundly humanely.

4. An Imagined Dialogue on the Frontlines

Volunteer: “Hi, I’m Sarah, and I’m from World Central Kitchen. We have warm meals prepared for you—rice and lentils and some grilled vegetables. How are you holding up?”

Survivor: “I appreciate it… I haven’t eaten since yesterday. I woke up without a home, and I don’t know where my family is.”

Volunteer: “I’m so sorry. We’re here to help. Take as much food as you need. Do you have a safe place to stay?’”

Survivor: “Not really … I’m trying to find shelter. But to have a warm meal — it reminds me of home.”

Volunteer: “You’re not alone. “Meals were here all day, and we can help connect you with local aid groups for shelter.”

Survivor: “Thank you. This means everything.”

5. The Future of Altruism

World Central Kitchen’s model represents the evolution of altruism in a rapidly changing world. It is more than just charity—it promotes dignity, community participation, and sustainable solutions. By demonstrating that food can be a first-line tool in response to crisis, W.C.K. provides an optimistic vision of humanitarian aid: right away, adaptable and deeply human. If climate change and global instability continue to shape our world, their method of solution-making is an instructive model for a future in which kindness is as much a commodity (perhaps even more so) than logistics.

Key Quote: “We use the power of food to nourish communities and strengthen economies in times of crisis and beyond.” – World Central Kitchen

[fableweaver-20]

Transforming lives through volunteering: The story of WeDidit

WeDidit is a nonprofit organization that focuses on building a better future by inspiring people to volunteer and grooming them to become empathetic future leaders.

Each day we see heart breaking news of children and adults dying from poverty, parents committing suicide as they are unable to provide food for their families, lack of education in our youth which propels the vicious cycle of poverty and injustice, animal cruelty and climate change.

How would you feel if I told you that all of these issues can be tackled and improved by you? Yes, you! You can make a positive impact on the lives of these individuals by volunteering and spending just a few hours of your time. Volunteering not only makes us feel accomplished and satisfied but also helps us become empathetic leaders to drive change in our world.

The organization was birthed by seven common folks having a strong desire to bring change, and the same reflects in their goals which have been borrowed from the sustainable development goals of the UN:

1.No poverty

2.Zero hunger

3.Good health and well being

4.Quality education

5.Gender equality

6.Clean water and sanitation

7.Affordable and clean energy

8.Decent work and economic growth

9.Reducing inequality

10.Responsible consumption and production

11.Climate action

To achieve these goals for a better future we have the most important role to fulfill. Volunteer to help clean our rivers and ocean, participate in reforestation activities, education of slum children, visiting old age homes and orphanages, distribution of food kits, making ecofriendly choices etc.

Even if you are unable to volunteer due to personal circumstances, you can still cash in on its benefits by doing whatever little you can individually by not littering plastic and reducing its consumption as much as possible, feeding birds and stray animals around you, careful use water and natural resources, sharing food with the needy etc.

If you are interested to make the world a better place for a brighter tomorrow don’t hesitate to visit www.wedidit.in to contribute towards a positive global change.

Happy Volunteering!

[srishtiupadhyay07]

Wedidit: Will you become a hero and empower all?

Everyone on different social media platforms, where they have a big network of people, keep posting when some animal faces cruelty or someone immersed in poverty struggles to survive in their daily life. You should be concerned out of your own will to be concerned and not because everyone else is showcasing their fake sympathy towards the misery of a section of society. They write in bold letters and post videos doing charity expressing their concern for the needy. Although sometimes the least you can do is raise your voice but you know what, that is actually “the least you can do”. As a human, a value that you should never forget about is HUMANITY. 

When you enter any field of work, you have to invest a certain amount of your resources to grow in that field but surprisingly, practicing Humanity is something that doesn’t require anything but a will to be human first and then anything else. You got legs, hands, your perfectly healthy body, there! You are ready to serve! So why are you pulling yourselves back, Volunteer for the good and I assure you that if not great, you'll not feel bad about yourself. The least you can do is take your time out to save the planet for the ones you share it with and the ones whom you’re going to leave this planet for, hopefully in a better condition so that they thank you and you live even after you are gone. Wedidit is a significant step towards creating such a world. Where empowerment of the unpowered, acknowledgement of each section of society and their problems, and recognition is given to the HUMAN inside every human being.

WEDIDIT: AN ET AWARD WINNER

Wedidit is a non-profit organization, founded by S. K. Seelam, an author of two bestsellers and an awardee of the Economic Times Business Excellence Awards, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. He is working for causes that bring out the best of society, not just for the ones getting help but also for those who come forward and serve, resulting in upliftment of the ones who need help and are not capable enough to make a change. Wedidit is a self funded NGO and never asks for any donations. They started as a 7 member team but now they are a big big family of thousands of people. They don’t ask much from you but just a 3 hour volunteering.

VIRTUAL VOLUNTEERING: People were requested to join the organisation and contribute virtually when the pandemic hit the world. They were expected to do some kinds of service like feeding an bird or any animal within the premises of their home and share a picture of the act with their friends on their social media accounts. More than 6200 volunteers have volunteered till date and no surprise their conscience thanked them after their act of service. The question is why are you out of the stream when your dopamine, serotonin and oxytocin want to reward you for who you are and the sustainable acts you indulge in. Let's get started!

Volunteer with Wedidit Click here 

OUR CAUSES:

Bringing up the good in people: The most basic cause that they are working upon is making people aware about the capabilities and powers they carry within themselves just like Hanuman ji was not aware about the immense potential he had but when his conscience spoke to him, he realised the whole heap of powers that lie within him, afterwards what he did is history and who doesn’t know about it. Everyone has that empathetic side to their personalities, what they need is to just experience it once and then they themselves would want to practice it throughout their lives.

Helping reverse the pollution: Most of the people know that the water gems of the world are deteriorating and no one other than the humans are responsible for it. The seven key oceans of the world are in danger, they are filled with mountains of garbage filled with plastics and chemicals from which it is nearly impossible to save them and restore them. Nature gifted us all the mechanisms to survive but little did it know that we ourselves will be the reason to endanger our survival plus of the ones that have not yet arrived on earth. Wedidit organises drives where you go to the rivers and clean the plastics and all of the garbage that can harm society immensely.

Education of the underprivileged: S. K. Seelam, the founder of Wedidit sponsored the education of 100 girls in the rural areas of India by the money collected through the sales of his international bestseller ‘5 Killer Habits: Be a Rebel’.

Volunteering for a farmer: We encourage volunteers to help the farmers at the grassroot level to help them however they can. Any knowledge you have of the crops or related to agriculture that can be beneficial in any way is most welcome.

Organise a marathon: Volunteers are expected to organize a sport activity or an event that encourages adults and kids to engage in some physical activities and teach them about how they can manage and be consistent with their physical and mental health.

THE BIGGER PICTURE: In short, Wedidit prepares beings to justify their existence upon the planet by indulging in activities that’ll prosper every living and non-living thing on earth. So, what are you waiting for? Get ready and grab the opportunity to become ‘The Hero’ and provide people with yourself who need you and are waiting for their messiah so you also get the chance to say that “Wedidit”.  

Click here to visit our website and don’t forget to volunteer for something as small as you can. That’ll still count as a contribution:)

[spiritualsoull1969]

Lobh (Greed): Finding Fulfillment Beyond Material Gain

The Guru Granth Sahib, the holy scripture of Sikhism, identifies Lobh (Greed) as a major obstacle on the path to spiritual growth and a fulfilling life. Lobh extends beyond just a desire for wealth; it encompasses any excessive craving that can cloud our judgment and lead us astray. In today's materialistic world, where success is often equated with material possessions, Lobh can be a significant challenge. However, by understanding its influence and cultivating a sense of purpose beyond material gain, we can find greater fulfillment in our work and overall lives.

The Harms of Lobh:

Lobh can manifest in various ways at work. An employee consumed by Lobh might prioritize personal gain over the success of the team. They might engage in unethical practices like cutting corners or taking credit for others' work. Here's how Lobh can be detrimental:

Unethical Conduct: The relentless pursuit of material gain can lead to unethical behaviour, damaging your reputation and harming others.

Burnout: The constant striving for more can lead to chronic stress and burnout, hindering your well-being and productivity.

Unsatisfying Work: Focusing solely on material rewards can make you feel disconnected from the intrinsic value of your work.

Damaged Relationships: Lobh can lead to mistrust and competition within teams, hindering collaboration and success.

Finding Fulfillment Beyond Lobh:

The antidote to Lobh lies in cultivating a sense of purpose and meaning beyond material gain. Here's how to find fulfillment in your work without succumbing to greed:

Align with Your Values: Choose a career path that aligns with your values and interests. Work that you find meaningful is inherently more rewarding than simply chasing a paycheck.

Focus on Contribution: Shift your focus from personal gain to the contribution you can make. Find satisfaction in using your skills and talents to benefit others or create something positive.

Celebrate Intrinsic Rewards: Recognize and appreciate the intrinsic rewards of your work, such as learning new skills, developing relationships, or making a positive impact.

Practice Gratitude: Cultivate an attitude of gratitude for the opportunities you have and the resources available to you. This fosters contentment and reduces the need for more.

Combating Lobh in the Workplace:

Here are some ways to embody the spirit of overcoming Lobh and create a more fulfilling work environment:

Fair Compensation: Advocate for fair compensation for yourself and your colleagues. Feeling valued for your work reduces the need to chase external rewards.

Collaborative Culture: Promote a collaborative work environment where everyone feels valued and rewarded for their contributions.

Focus on Growth: Focus on opportunities for professional growth and development. Learning new skills keeps your work engaging and fulfilling.

Healthy Competition: Encourage healthy competition that motivates improvement without resorting to unethical practices.

Lead by Example: Leaders who demonstrate ethical conduct and prioritize the collective good inspire others to do the same.

Lobh Toolkit for a Fulfilling Work Life:

Self-Reflection: Regularly reflect on your motivations. Are you driven by a genuine interest in your work, or solely by the desire for external rewards?

Values Assessment: Identify your core values and choose work that aligns with them.

Gratitude Practice: Take time each day to appreciate the positive aspects of your work and career.

Contribution Mindset: Focus on how your work contributes to the team, organization, or a larger purpose.

Continuous Learning: Pursue opportunities for professional development to keep your work stimulating and intrinsically rewarding.

Volunteer Work: Engage in volunteer work to experience the satisfaction of giving back without expecting anything in return.

Overcoming Lobh is a continuous journey. There will be times when materialistic desires resurface. The key is to be mindful of their influence and actively cultivate a sense of purpose and fulfillment in your work. By focusing on intrinsic rewards, contribution, and ethical conduct, you can achieve a sense of satisfaction that goes beyond mere material gain.

[spacenutspod]

4 min readPreparations for Next Moonwalk Simulations Underway (and Underwater) January 15th, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day is a federal holiday designated as the National Day of Service.  For the month of January, we will be celebrating OSBP in the Community!  Join us as we spotlight how our advocacy extends beyond our commitment to small businesses. Truphelia M. Parker- Program Specialist, NASA Headquarters What organization do you volunteer with? Loudoun County Public Schools (LCPS) Minority Student Academic Achievement Committee (MSAAC) Why did you choose to volunteer with this organization? I am the product of the Columbus Public School System in Ohio and a life-long supporter of public education. I come from a family committed to justice and social change. As a parent of two sons, I serve as their advocate and as the MSAAC Vice Chair and MSAAC Delegate for my son’s schools, I can do the same for more than 80K+ students in Loudoun County. Many parents do not know how to advocate for their children nor that they have the right to. My role is to help provide guidance, resources, and support in a family’s education journey. What does volunteering mean to you? “It takes a village to raise a child” is a proverb that means a community of people must interact positively with children them to experience and grow in a safe and healthy environment. That is what volunteering means to me. Making a conscious decision to be a part of “the village” and positively impact change. Naeemah A. Lee- Program Specialist, NASA Headquarters What organization do you volunteer with? Meals on Wheels Why did you choose to volunteer with this organization? My faith and heart is dedicated to serving others that are in need.  Volunteering with meals on wheels allows me to bring healthy food to seniors who are living independently without family and that are not mobile. What does volunteering mean to you? Volunteering is a voluntary act of an individual freely giving time to help the community. Robert O. Betts- Small Business Specialist, ITPO/Langley Research Center What organization do you volunteer with? York County VA Board of Elections Why did you choose to volunteer this organization? Following the lead of my mother. She volunteered for years serving as a local election official in our hometown. She always felt it was so important as an American to exercise your right to vote. What does volunteering mean to you? Volunteering to work at the election polls has been a very rewarding experience and gives me the opportunity to give back to my community and country. My wife volunteers at the polls too so it gives me an opportunity to serve with her. I also think it has set a good example for our kids on the importance of exercising your right to vote and volunteering. Djaataa Onanuga- Small Business Specialist, Goddard Space Flight Center What organization do you volunteer with? Lake Arbor Foundation Why did you choose to volunteer with this organization? I volunteer with the Lake Arbor Foundation because I am passionate about empowering the next generation.  Through mentorship and support programs, I aim to contribute to the personal and educational development of young individuals.  Witnessing their growth, resilience and enthusiasm is incredibly rewarding and I believe investing time in the youth today is an investment in a brighter future for our community. What does volunteering mean to you? Volunteering, to me, is a heartfelt commitment to making a positive impact without expecting anything in return.  It embodies a sense of responsibility towards the well-being of others and the community.  The act of volunteering allows me to contribute my time and skills to causes I care about, fostering a sense of connection, empathy, and fulfillment in the process. i i