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

[isuggestkillingbillionaires]

I mean we have other options

the world's richest man is doing n*zi salutes on national television, is blasting misinformation to millions online, and is whispering in the ear of a wannabe dictator with access to the world's largest military........and we're expected to go to work and school as normal???

[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.

[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.

[end-otw-racism]

2023 Board Candidates

We have taken time to go over the bios and platforms presented by the current candidates, and will here present our thoughts for each on how we feel they align with our campaign's goals at this stage. We are particularly concerned with how willing and capable we feel they would be in helping the OTW meet its commitment towards developing anti-racist policies and practices.

We encourage everyone to read the platforms for themselves, and we look forward to getting to know each candidate more during the question-and-answer period. 

Anh P.

Gave no pronouns, the bio uses they/them.

Anh P. identifies the OTW's lack of transparency as a direct symptom of its current structure and human resource management not being up to the task of managing its 900+ volunteers, but does not offer solutions in their platform at this time. Their main focus seems to be reaching out towards new fans, particularly in non-English-language fandoms, for which their international, non-Anglo background and perspective are well-suited. However, they do not specifically acknowledge racism as a distinct problem nor do they indicate that they would prioritize anti-racist goals. They do not mention the Terms of Service (TOS), Policy and Abuse Committee (PAC), or their position on a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) consultant, nor do they state a position on using funds towards hiring anyone for that position. 

Audrey R.

Gave no pronouns, the bio uses she/her.

Audrey R. has experience within the organization and has a background in policy and nonprofit work, which could translate well to the Board. The work she has done has been on the Strategic Planning committee, which has worked at a particularly slow pace (6 years for implementation of the strategic plan), which she acknowledges “does little to address immediate needs.” Her stated primary reason for running is to protect fandom from AI which, while admirable and important, is not our focus – and to that end, she does not mention racism or harassment at all. She expresses willingness to have paid employees and calls for a conflict resolution management system for volunteers.

Jennifer H.

Pronouns: she/they.

Jennifer H. specifically addresses the importance of communication with the OTW’s user base. She also speaks to the need for complete structural reform. Her platform indicates an experienced perspective on what she can accomplish as a Board member and a willingness to do the hard work to make things better. We find their platform promising in that they are directly addressing issues we have raised, show these issues to be a priority, and express an understanding of the difficulty of the road ahead, but a willingness to do the hard work anyway. She seems to have a bit less experience working for the org, having only joined in 2022, but that is not necessarily a point against them. 

Kathryn S.

Gave no pronouns, the bio uses she/her.

Kathryn S. has experience in non-profit work and community activism, implementing DEI efforts and Human Resources (HR) experience which seem to make her a good fit for the Board and realizing our goals. She explicitly prioritizes the hiring of a DEI consultant along with an HR position. She does mention “recent controversies” in her platform, though she does not specify which ones. Her experience with the OTW is significant, at 9 years. 

Qiao C.

Pronouns: she/her.

Qiao C also brings an international fandom perspective and focuses primarily on the importance of communication inside and outside the organization. She makes a very brief mention of updating the TOS. She does indicate she would like to hire an HR professional, but her platform – while it mentions the recent protests and spends time discussing diversity issues – makes no explicit mention of racial issues outside bringing in more diverse volunteers. We do feel that more diverse voices within the OTW are important, though diversity alone is not going to solve the issue of racist harassment currently allowed in the OTW’s policies and enforcement practices. There is nothing else in her platform that speaks to dealing with racist harassment, updates to the TOS, or hiring a DEI consultant. 

Zixin Z.

Gave no pronouns but the bio uses she/her.

Zixin Z would also bring an international presence to the board. She mentions the need for structural change, paid positions, and increased documentation to prevent the loss of institutional knowledge. She also mentions the need for outreach towards non-English-speaking fans and has a desire to provide support to volunteers from minority groups. She does not mention racism, racist harassment, or hiring a DEI consultant in her platform, so outside the outreach and support she mentions, there is not enough for us to conclude that these would be priorities for her.

[Edited July 10,2023. Revised Zixin Z.'s position on outreach to be "towards non-English speaking fans and has a desire to provide support to volunteers from minority groups" and add "outside the outreach and support she mentions" to the subsequent sentence. Original stated the outreach would be towards "Chinese-speaking fans". ]

[Post updated with explanation of the scope of these summaries. Please reblog the completed version if doing so]

[qqueenofhades]

can i ask you for some advice on how to reach out to a professor (at a university you don't attend) to ask about helping them out with their research? i'm not currently enrolled in college for a variety of financial/logistical reasons, but i really care about research and i really want to gain the skill of doing good research. i like to think i'm good at writing and critical thinking, and i'm eager to both learn and contribute.

i know i'm going to have to cold email professors and show that i've read their papers and find their research interesting, especially since i don't have much on a resume. i've read conflicting advice on how to email people -- some sources say to keep it as short and easy to read as possible, and others say to provide in-depth analysis and possibly constructive criticism of the research they've done to show you're committed. i really don't think i'm in a place to provide constructive criticism on what professional researchers are doing, LOL, but it might help to provide some commentary to show i understand it.

so my questions are, how much is too much, and how little is (probably) too little? i'm thinking of aiming for the equivalent of ~two paragraphs per email. also, are there any reliable indications of how well a professor treats the volunteers or employees/grad students who work for them? (and whether they could use extra help?)

thank you so much for reading!! i hope you have a wonderful day, and i love your blog ❤️

I admire your initiative and your desire to improve your research skills, which is why I'll have to gently say that I'm not sure this is the best way to go about it. There are a few reasons for that, namingly that first and foremost, professors are very busy and overworked people. They don't have time to do all the things they actually need to do and/or are actually paid for, and having to take extra time to summarize their research and/or organize it for an outsider who doesn't attend their university is, I'm afraid, probably going to be a pretty hard sell for most if not all of them. There's also the fact that if they do have the kind of research where it's useful to have a student assistant, there is no reason for them to give that spot to you and not one of their own students at the university, who are already actively enrolled, paying for their time, and contributing to their job and institution's research goals and projects. Not to mention that there are university confidentiality agreements, work-study arrangements, and all the rest, which would all preclude a professor just hiring a random non-student assistant off the street. Speaking from my current spot in university/department administration, I can say that it would definitely be a non-starter for us for a number of reasons. We just had an issue with flagging a student who wasn't technically enrolled in our specific program within our constituent college, although she was enrolled in the university, so bringing in someone with no connection to the university at all wouldn't fly, alas.

If you're really interested in working with THIS particular professor for some reason and not just a name you picked off a department directory with a form email that you're sending to any likely-looking candidate, you'll have to explain why in considerable depth, what you're doing or what your project is for, why you think it would be valuable for you AND for them for them to collaborate, and why you're contacting them directly instead of say, central Human Resources or the Careers page for the college. There are sometimes spots for research fellows, part-time lab assistants, or other jobs with the kind of work you seem to be looking for, but that requires you to go through the formal application/interview process like any other job and isn't something for which you can just slip in the back door (a professor would, for one thing, not likely be willing to just take you on without you going through the regular selection process for these posts and being interviewed by the university's regular hiring people).

As noted, there are legal liability issues, restrictions on what kind of information they can share with people even within the university let alone outside it, and the fact that it's not their job to hire and screen potential assistants for a research project UNLESS they are running an active project as the Principal Investigator (PI) and explicitly looking for student volunteers/employees (which even then will likely be searched/filled from within the university first). A cold email out of nowhere asking if they have some work for you, Random Stranger, will, unfortunately, go straight into the junk folder. If they're feeling polite, they might respond by directing you to reach out to HR, but that's a stretch. If you are planning to attend this university in the future, you might lead with that, because then they'll have more incentive to discuss what kind of options are available and so forth, but yeah. It's just not something I would expect to have a very great success rate and I know that if I got that kind of email, I would discard it pretty much out of hand. (I did get an extremely weird email a few weeks ago from someone asking ME if I would help THEM with their research, wherein they never specified so much as the basic subject area, what university they were at, what the project was, how they would envision me helping, why they chose me to contact, etc. It was basically a cautionary tale in how not to ask an academic to collaborate, and yes, it went pretty much straight into the recycle bin without a reply.)

If you still think after hearing this that you have a legitimate option to contact and at least feel out the waters (after all, never say never, stranger things have happened, etc) then yeah, uh, don't go with the "absolute stranger the professor doesn't know from Adam makes an unsolicited critique of their work and then asks for a job." Academics are used to receiving constructive criticism and it obviously comes with the territory, but it also comes within structured forums and at expected times -- when you present a paper to your peers at a conference, submit to a journal, etc. Popping out of nowhere to give unsolicited academic crit is as rude as popping out of nowhere to give unsolicited crit on a fanfic or something else that you've posted outside of the specific expectation of receiving it, wherein some "I Just Wanna Help" obnoxious mansplainer (gender neutral) says a lot of "helpful" things that nobody asked them for and then seems shocked when this isn't well received. I don't know who gave you that particular little nugget of uh, wisdom, but as you think, it's not something that strikes me in any way as a good idea, and would probably piss the academic off in a way that would have them venting to their friends and colleagues, and might therefore do you more harm than good in a number of different ways.

If you want to independently improve your research skills and work within the structure of academia-adjacent realms, what I really recommend doing is volunteering at your local public library, history/science museum, or other similar institution. They're always eager for volunteers and/or part-time employees, they have a number of different tasks and skills that need doing, it's a great way to build professional and community connections and see how things are done behind the scenes, and it looks good on your CV when or if you do apply to college (and then have a much easier path toward working with professors in the way you want to do). So yeah, all told, that's strongly what I'd recommend -- good luck!

[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)

[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?"

[rikinikigrl229]

"Crossing Paths With a CEO: An International Love Story" Ft Niki CH:7

CH:7 How Helping Others Can Heal Your Own Pain

The next few weeks were a blur of sadness and confusion. I threw myself into my work, hoping that it would distract me from the pain of losing Riki. But no matter how busy I was, I couldn't shake the feeling that something was missing from my life.

One day, as I was walking through the park, I ran into an old friend from college. Her name was Priya, and she was one of the most positive and upbeat people I had ever met.

"Hey, Lavanya!" she exclaimed, giving me a hug. "Long time no see!"

We chatted for a few minutes, catching up on each other's lives. Priya told me about her job as a graphic designer .

"Hey, Priya," I said, returning her hug. "It's good to see you."

"What are you up to these days?" she asked.

"I've been keeping busy with work," I replied, not wanting to delve into the painful details of my recent breakup.

"That's great! What kind of work do you do?"

"I'm a software engineer at a tech company," I said.

Priya's eyes lit up. "Oh, that's awesome! I've been looking for someone to help me with a project I'm working on. Do you think you could spare some time to give me a hand?"

I hesitated for a moment, unsure if I wanted to take on any extra work. But then I thought about how I needed something to distract me from my breakup, and helping Priya might be just what I needed.

"Sure, I'd be happy to help," I said, smiling.

"Awesome! Let's grab some coffee and I'll tell you all about it."

Over the next hour, Priya filled me in on her project. She was starting a nonprofit organization that aimed to provide education and resources to underprivileged children in the community.

"It's something I've always been passionate about," she said. "And I think it's really important to give back to the community."

I was impressed by Priya's dedication and enthusiasm. "It sounds like a great project," I said.

"But I need some help getting it off the ground," she said. "I'm not very tech-savvy, and I could use some help with the website and social media."

"I'd be happy to help with that," I said.

Priya grinned. "That's awesome! Thank you so much, Lavanya. I really appreciate it."

Over the next few weeks, I threw myself into Priya's project. It felt good to be doing something positive and meaningful, and it gave me a sense of purpose that I had been missing.

As I worked on the website and social media, I found myself becoming more and more invested in the project. I was excited to see it grow and make a difference in the community.

One day, as I was finishing up some work on the website, Priya called me.

"Hey, Lavanya, I have some great news," she said.

"What is it?" I asked.

"We just got our first big donation!" she exclaimed. "It's from a local businessman who believes in our cause and wants to help us get started."

"That's amazing!" I said. "Congratulations!"

"I know, I'm so excited," Priya said. "And I wanted to invite you to our first official meeting. It's next week, and we're going to start planning out our next steps."

"I'd love to come," I said, feeling a sense of excitement building within me.

Over the next few days, I found myself looking forward to the meeting with a sense of anticipation. It was the first time in weeks that I had felt excited about something, and I couldn't wait to see what the future held for Priya's

organization.

When the day of the meeting finally arrived, I arrived at the designated location feeling nervous and excited. As I walked in, I saw Priya sitting at a table with a few other people.

"Lavanya, you made it!" she exclaimed, standing up to give me a hug.

"Of course," I said, smiling.

As I took my seat at the table, I looked around at the other people in attendance. There were a few other volunteers, as well as some community members who were interested in getting involved.

Priya began the meeting by thanking everyone for coming and giving an overview of the organization's mission and goals. Then, we started brainstorming ideas for fundraising.

Please remember that this story is my own, but I'm sharing it on different websites. Also, if you like K-pop edits, you can check out my Instagram or YouTube accounts by searching for CrazySinger22. I hope you enjoy this story and please vote for it. If you like my work, please follow me. Thank you.

[cryptidshadows]

(sorry if your inbox is flooded, no pressure to respond) i'm 20, and about two months on testosterone, and I'm so happy with the changes, happier than I ever thought possible. but god, with everything going on in the USA, it's so difficult to be joyful about my transition. I live with my dad, and while we generally have a good relationship, my transition is starting to freak him out , and our conversations about it are never productive despite my best efforts. im worried I'm going to have to find other housing and it's taking a toll on me. I'm just wondering, how do you find joy despite the world? how do you find hope that it will get better?

I'm so happy for you dude! I'm sorry that things aren't going great with your dad though - I have a distant relationship with my parents, who caused me a lot of trauma over the years, it's not easy and it takes some people a lot of time to adjust and accept change. Some never do. I hope that you can get into a better living situation.

The current climate in the US is alarming and the constant bombardment of bad news can have a nasty impact on mental health. There's a number of ways I've been coping with it and I'll list them under the cut, I hope some of them might be helpful.

Turn off the noise. Being bombarded with bad news on platforms like Twitter or Tumblr can be so overwhelming and can have a huge effect on our well-being. Regulate time spent online, and when you do find yourself scrolling through news, look for ways to take action. Is there a petition to sign, a place to donate your time or skills or a little cash?

Be in nature. I can't stress enough how much of a difference it makes for me to take a walk down a trail in my neighborhood, to listen to birds, to sit on my porch swing during a storm on a summer evening. This can be harder if you live in the city but even just going to a local park or walking the streets for a while can do a lot. Try doing it without your phone on you, or with your phone turned off - leave your headphones at home (at least some of the time). Take in the sights and sounds and smells around you. It can be hugely grounding.

Keep a journal. Especially one in which you write ONE thing each day that you're grateful for, even if that one thing is the same thing every day. Appreciate the small things ("I saw a deer on my commute this morning!" or "I had a really good breakfast today") and make a note of them - and when you're hurting, go back and read about the little moments that made you feel content. The USA is in bad shape right now, but we also have a lot of advantages here too - we have access to many resources and communities that are here to help us.

With that in mind, be a part of your community, if you can. If you're in a position to safely join a local LGBTQ+ group, do it! Volunteer at a local organization that benefits your community. I am a member of the local arts advisory board, I contribute time and design work to the local domestic violence center, I participate in and help organize the annual Pride celebration, serve on multiple LGBTQ+ boards, and I run the local college's QSA. It's hard to do with a full-time career and a comic I want to finish, but it gives me the ability to have a positive impact on people and to see how that affects life right here in my backyard. It's easy to feel hopeless when you're looking at massive global problems that you can't really change, but if every one of us focused on what we can change in our neighborhoods and towns, every community could begin to flourish in some way. Grass roots are the foundation of change.

[fableweaver-20]

5 Killer habits by Sree Krishna Seelam : A killer review

A rebel is someone who thinks differently from most of the people in the society, who takes nothing that was told without valid logic and is someone who leads and cares for his people.

The world badly needs rebels!

– Sree Krishna Seelam

If I had to summarize the book in one line, this would be it. Though this book comes under the category of a self help book I believe it delivers much more than that. It provides a cheat code of sorts to live a fulfilling life or as the author says to become a rebel. Delving further the author lists the following 5 habits for success namely, wake up early, be a hero by volunteering, be a dromomaniac, live a 100 lives and stay curious.

Wake up Early

The early bird catches the worm.

I believe we have all heard this phrase for as long as we can remember, still that cannot take away its truth. Now to the dismay of all nightowls including me, it has been scientifically proven that waking up early is a key habit to develop discipline and achieve success. But fret not fellow nocturnals! Good habits can be developed and bad ones can be broken, just that it requires a tad bit more effort and discipline than lying on the couch and reading about it. Oops, sorry for the personal jab ;-). Sleeping well for a good 7-8 hours helps to wake up feeling well rested. The early morning hours are also the best time to make any important decision. Also waking up and working in the wee morning hours, when the world is sleeping under a warm blanket as we struggle against it’s pull makes us feel like we accomplished a lot doesn’t it?

Become a hero by volunteering

What does it mean to be a hero? More importantly what does it take to become one? A hero is an ordinary individual who volunteered or sacrificed a part of their time, resources or even their life for the sake of a cause greater than their own. They are selfless individuals who tirelessly strive to achieve peace and order in our world with unbridled hope and optimism. So how do we become a hero? Anyone who has the burning desire to uplift and help others has the potential to become one. The easiest way is to start by volunteering. The habit of ‘giving’ helps to build a strong character, and fosters a sense of self satisfaction and happiness. It helps us to develop a sense of purpose and become better leaders. Volunteer to protect our planet, donate blood and remain a hero even after death by becoming an organ donor.

Become confident by solo travelling

Since time immemorial humans have thirsted to discover lands – unknown, far beyond and shrouded in mystery. Our curiosity is what led us to navigate unimaginable weather conditions, waves as tall as skyscrapers and torrential storms all with just a compass as a guide for months to years. The travel logs and journals of Vasco da Gama, Ibn Battuta etc. have baffled and inspired many for generations to come. Travelling teaches us what books don’t, it helps us to get out of our comfort zone and broadens our horizon. When we travel solo we are able to let go of our inhibitions and achieve a higher level of self-introspection and confidence. It breaks down barriers and boundaries and helps us to look at people as they truly are, fellow humans like you and me trying to figure out life. Most importantly it helps us to appreciate the beauty of our planet and the delicate balance holding up our ecosystem.

Live a hundred lives

It’s good to learn from your mistakes. It’s better to learn from other people’s mistakes.

– Warren Buffet

How privileged would you feel if you could learn from the mistakes of the most successful and influential people in the world? That’s what reading books helps you to do in addition to expanding our knowledge beyond our study curriculum. It helps us to learn from others mistakes, view different perspectives and understand human psyche. We are able to understand why certain people react to problems in a positive way and why some others don’t. . Reading helps us to see and appreciate perspectives different from our own. become better and insightful human beings.

Stay curious and question everything

If we looked at the world through the eyes of a child how much more simple and pleasant could life be? Unfortunately, as we age, we kill our childlike curiosity and the freedom to question, to ask ‘why?’. We need to reawaken our child like curiosity and wonder and not hesitate to question authority, laid down rules, religious beliefs and practices. Question the status quo, blind faith and anything that’s shoved down your throat!

In conclusion I think these habits are not only habits but fundamentals that are required to build responsible leaders and rebels needed to lead a society not divided by boundaries, caste, religion and hate. So go and inculcate these habits today to become rebels for a better future!

[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:)

[willoftrees]

got invited to an fb group by a local family friend of mine who also happens to be trans~ thing is, it's a group for relocating outside of US or even building communities within and well

it rly feelslike a bunch of chickens running around with their heads cut off, and an occasional fox tryna lure them in close for a cheap and easy meal gearing myself up for eventually explaining that we need a rollcall of hands, what they can offer, their locale, their capacity, and how able they are in taking care of the UNable and differently abled.

it's not about running anymore, cuz many of us don't have that option. it's time to band together an pool resources. got land? good! how much and what can you do with it? are you considering zoning laws in your area? do you wanna go natural or "play ball" with the system? for natural, can we do compost toilets, gray water, and on-site camping? How long? with out get audited if there are people on your land for "x" amount of time? what climate zone are you in, in terms of plants and horticulture? how long is the growing season? are greenhouses a possibility? can we grow livestock? are we practicing european farming and growing european foods, or are we practicing regernative agriculture and learning to grow native perennials? is having a natural ons and doing aquaculture an option? can we grow native edible funguses? how can we make sure we distribute food to the community? do we have volunteers? are the volunteers taken care of? do you have skills you can offer? are you willing to teach? what accommodations do you need to perform your task in our community? these are just the start of things we need to start working on and answering need to get started with organizing. about me: Audhd, ptsd, surivivor of childhood trauma and being groomed. born in cali and grew up in washington, then lived in texas and went to college for horticulture, think it's wrong we aren't raised to know foods growing around us and taught that only foods in stores are safe. We are part of this earth same as any bee or plant or fish or deer. I live with my partner and our dog, and our zucchini as well as 2 other roommates in a trailer in grays harbor. tho my partner and i sleep in our car. my partner and one of our roommates own property (about 6.5 acres in grays harbor) together and we were hoping to build a regenerative agriculture community that could live on site and steward the land for future generations - unfortunately, we niavely didn't anticipate zoning laws, plus other circumstances pushed us to make a decision and we have what we have now. We also have 2 hens and 1 rooster for eggs, hoping to increase our flock and diversify for meat and poultry, and are planning to build a goat stall. land also has a natural spring for fresh water but needs additional setting up (past owner started but never finished with some piping, neighbor says it needs a pump and ballast - his property is grandfathered and been using it a long time.) alternatively, for anyone to stay longer than 2 weeks we need a septic. We again were told the past owner had /something/ done, but the city is being dodgy and has not given us an inch of info since we bought the land. All we could find out is that there are 3 perc holes and there MAY be some type of thing that was dug that MAY be a tank, but no actually tank??? info is vague and super frustrating. There is a river within very close range as well that we have been told is excellt for salmon, but have not personally tried - however had much success with crawdads when in season.

currently it is just my partner and i doing work on the land, it's overrun with invasive scotch broom but we are slowly clearing it away, left are red alders, and douglas firs. We have lots of salal berries, some red huckleberry, salmonberries, invasive himilayan blackberries, invasive cutleaf blackberries, native trailing blackberries, costal strawberries and a few other fruit trees on our land. realistically, we likely won't meet our original vision, however as times move farward, i do think we can grow food as a community. If more spaces with our goal in mind can grow, we may be able to make grocery stores in our area OPTIONAL.

if we can show you how to eat something available instead of having to spend $$ on the store, then we are happy to help! There's more i wanted to say and discuss, but with covering so much as is and so much more to do and disguss - i think this is a good start. Basically, we need to pool resources and knowledge, willing and able participants. I don't personally care about money, as long as ppl are fed, medicated and sheltered, I think we can make it thru this.

[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

[realtorjamier]

10 Ways to Stay Busy and Active this Winter!

As the weather turns, it can be challenging to stay active — especially with the short days and busy work schedules. In 2023, we suggest committing to an ideal without strict rules, manifesting good intentions over rigid guidelines.  Create your own list of achievable gains, or refer to ours. But remember: this goal can be reached in many different ways. Stay positive, and keep track of your wins!

Sign up for a 5K

Or a 10K. Or a marathon. Up your game and then begin to train. There are some great phone apps available to help – including a “Couch to 5K” option. Outdoor exercise helps the body and mind, but make sure to layer up your clothes and protect your extremities during extreme cold temperatures.

Be a local out-of-towner

Visit your local Convention and Visitors Bureau for tourist information on your area. You’ll probably be surprised to learn new things about your town. Create a to-do list of local things to do and places to see.

Take nature walks

On New Year’s Day, America’s State Parks celebrate with organized First Day Hikes. This initiative helps people ring in the new year in a healthy way while savoring the beauty of our natural resources. Even if you miss the First Day Hike, find your local parks and scout out hikes that match your rigor level.

Go ice skating/skiing/sled riding/snowboarding

Winter sports aren’t just for little kids. Be a big kid and get back out there! Start slowly if it’s been a while. Be patient with yourself. Resist the urge to compare your skill level to others, and enjoy bringing back your inner child.

Join a gym or create your own

There are definite benefits to joining a gym – access to equipment and trainers, as well as socialization and motivation with like-minded people. However, if you’re not a “gym person,” you may be able to carve out your own workout space in an unused part of your house, like a basement, garage, or spare bedroom. But even if your house and budget are small, with good planning and online research, you can probably invest in basic things like an exercise mat, resistance bands, handheld weights, and a jump rope.

Form a team

Staying motivated can be easier by finding accountability partners. If you don’t have people in your immediate friend group who are looking to get into shape, post on social media to see if others in your expanded friend group want to join your quest for self-improvement. Once you have formed your team, collaborate on group and/or personal goals.

Meditate

Remember to take care of your mental, emotional, and spiritual health. Choose the type of meditation that aligns with your beliefs and then seek out a practitioner or learn this type of mindfulness through your own research. The benefits of meditation can include an improvement in self-control, calmness, self-care, and happiness. Carve out time daily or weekly.

Tackle indoor house projects

Change your furnace filter.

Regrout your bathroom tile.

Wash your windows.

Insulate your water pipes.

Remodel a room.

Upgrade your lighting.

Volunteer

Volunteering with a cause you feel strongly about is a great way to connect to your community and like-minded people. Think about how much time you have and make sure you don’t overcommit! You can search for volunteer opportunities online much like searching for a job with sites like serve.gov and Volunteer Match, but here are some ideas to get started. 

Walk a dog at your local animal shelter.

Tutor/mentor students.

Help at your church.

Serve in a soup kitchen.

Visit/help elderly neighbors.

Donate blood.

Coach a youth sport team.

Adopt a locale to keep clean.

Help your local library.

Teach a class at a local retirement home.

Take dance classes

Dance classes aren’t just for children! Check with your local Parks and Recreation Center or search online for adult instruction in ballroom, tango, ballet, fusion – whatever type interests you. Want to tango but have no partner? Most organized dance groups welcome those who join solo and then help pair them up with others.

However you decide to stay active, make sure you are incorporating your mind, body, and soul for greater balance and well-being in all areas of your life. A holistic approach to health harmonizes your mind-body-soul connection, enriching your life and the lives of those around you.