McCruelty

Did you know....in the slaughterhouses of McDonald's (http://www.mcdonalds.com/) U.S. and Canadian chicken suppliers, birds are dumped out of their transport crates and hung upside down in metal shackles, which can result in broken bones, extreme bruising, and hemorrhaging. Workers have the opportunity to abuse live birds, and birds have their throats cut while they are still conscious. Many birds are immersed in tanks of scalding-hot water while they are still alive and able to feel pain.  This is why PETA's McCruelty campaign is one of my favorites.  Don't believe me?  Watch the video below for proof (warning: not for weak stomachs)....


McCruelty: I'm Hatin' It--Learn More.

Many think People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, or PETA (http://www.peta.org/) is an extremist group who villainizes anyone who doesn't conform to their standards of living (going vegan or vegetarian), but as long as I've been a member, I've never been pushed into a direction I didn't believe in, even when I wasn't ready to make the vegan switch yet.  For the purposes of their McCruelty campaign (http://www.mccruelty.com/), they aren't trying to eliminate McDonald's altogether (for those of you who are absolutely unwilling to change their meat-eating ways), they're just trying to provide more humane alternatives to how they kill the animals, which as one of the largest sellers of chicken meat, I'd say that's their corporate responsibility.

To sign up for McCruelty updates: http://www.mccruelty.com/signUp.aspx
To make your own McCruelty sign: http://www.mccruelty.com/generator.aspx
To take the McCruelty Facebook challenge: http://www.mccruelty.com/facebook.aspx
Ways to share the McCruelty campaign: http://www.mccruelty.com/share.aspx
To play PETA's new Super Chick Sisters game: http://www.mccruelty.com/SuperChickSisters.aspx
What you can do to help: http://www.mccruelty.com/whatYouCanDo.aspx
Take action: https://secure.peta.org/site/Advocacy?cmd=display&page=UserAction&id=1696
Part of PETA's street team?  Want more points?  Check out what more you can do for the McCruelty campaign here: http://www.peta2.com/TAKECHARGE/t-McCrueltyActions.asp

<3 and peace, Helena

Oceana

Are you into saving whales?  Dolphins?  Sea Turtles?  Fish?!  Then working with Oceana to protect our oceans and marine life might be for you!  Oceana (http://na.oceana.org/) is the largest international organization focused solely on ocean conservation. Their offices in North America, Central America, South America and Europe work together on a limited number of strategic, directed campaigns to achieve measurable outcomes that will help return our oceans to former levels of abundance. Their scientists work closely with their teams of economists, lawyers and advocates to achieve realistic results for the oceans.

Even if your thing isn't the ocean, maybe it's the environment as a whole, or animal rights...it doesn't matter, Oceana's actions list has something for everyone.  You can choose to help by doing anything from saving Sharks, Loggerhead and Sea Turtles, to trying to put a stop to off-shore drilling, to getting stores to post mercury warnings on seafood displays and pledging to not trash the oceans.  If you choose to put your activism skills to work on this cause, see http://na.oceana.org/en/act for a complete list of actions.  If you're interested in joining Oceana's Wavemaker program, it's is easy and free. Immediately after joining, they send you an e-mail confirming your membership and telling you about some opportunities you can take to protect the oceans.  Sign up here:  http://takeaction.oceana.org/t/7443/content.jsp?content_KEY=4154

• Oceana on twitter:  http://twitter.com/Oceana
• Oceana on facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/oceana
• To shop Oceana:  http://na.oceana.org/en/support-oceana/shop-oceana
• Donate to Oceana:  https://oceana.democracyinaction.org/o/209/t/7453/content.jsp?content_KEY=4155&utm_source=donate%2Bredirect&utm_medium=oceana&utm_campaign=fundraising or donate $10 to Oceana by texting OCEAN to 50555
• Adopt an Animal:  http://takeaction.oceana.org/t/7423/content.jsp?content_KEY=4144
• Pledge to be an ocean hero!

In addition to all those ways you can help, http://na.oceana.org/en/our-work catalogues different campaigns they're working on, and what you can do to help further whichever particular cause you choose.  Another cool feature this site has to offer is their animal discovery page (http://na.oceana.org/en/explore/creatures), which shows all the different life that inhabits our oceans, along with cool facts about them.  Their Living Blue page (http://na.oceana.org/en/living-blue), a clever take on "living green", is full of fun ways to get lost, including recipes, a green list, a plastic's pledge, do one green thing, 10 things you can do to save the ocean, and more! 

<3 and peace, Helena

I Am Equal Foundation Pictures

Some of my favorite pictures from the I Am Equal photo campaign.

<3 and peace, Helena

What Does Your Signature Say About You?

Some ads put out by Amnesty International....pretty interesting, if you ask me.

<3 and peace, Helena

Stop Stereotyping

Some advertisements put out by Amnesty International in hopes of ending stereotyping.

<3 and peace, Helena

Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD)

Some advertisements for Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) advising the masses about the dangers of drunk driving.

<3 and peace, Helena

Oxfam Advertisements

Some ads put out by Oxfam.

<3 and peace, Helena

Think Before You Speak

Some advertisements for Think Before You Speak (http://www.thinkb4youspeak.com/), a campaign aimed at ending the use of anti-LGBT language and verbal bullying in teens.

<3 and peace, Helena

I Am Equal Foundation

The I AM EQUAL FOUNDATION (http://iamequal.com/) global scholarship initiative is bringing opportunity, education and empowerment to youth who may otherwise languish in silence on the streets around the world. This program gives children from high-risk and depressed economic conditions a light of inspiration to continue the journey of education.

The I AM EQUAL FOUNDATION was established in response to the I AM EQUAL PROJECT (http://www.iamequalproject.org/), a world photo tour from creator Jason Beckett and international photographer Matt Spencer in an effort to focus the overwhelming response from the photo project into productive actions steps that effect the global condition.

The I AM EQUAL 100,000 PHOTO WORLD TOUR is an unprecedented project that empowers humanity to take a stand for equality and the rights of all people.  Photographer Matt Spencer captures the power and passion of individuals from all walks of life as they stand up for the causes that are near to their heart.  Some people are taking a stand for civil rights while others are protecting children. Some are here to speak up for women's rights or to end human trafficking. There are some who are standing up for gay & lesbian issues and some want to stop female genital mutilation.  It's up to each person individually to make this picture valuable. Sharing it is the first step.  When someone asks about the picture, that's your opportunity to share the cause that's most important to you and inspire your friends & family to step up with you.  This is a global vision to change the world and it truly starts with the individual. We can take the picture, but we can not give it value...that's up to you.

Starting at age 11, the students have an opportunity to choose into the I AM EQUAL FOUNDATION scholarship program and begin an 8 year journey of academic and social development. As an organization we inspire and engage with these students for many years, encouraging them to place their personal value and contribution at the forefront of their consciousness. Yearly essays, and regular communication from the students ensure they are actively engaged in reaching their goals of academic excellence and receiving the scholarship they work so diligently to achieve.

There are countless ways to contribute to the I AM EQUAL FOUNDATION. As a volunteer, your time and talents in support of these scholarship students makes a huge difference in the ultimate success of the application process. They work with a limited number of volunteers every year as student advisors for the program. Each volunteer must pass a background check and a rigorous training program. If you would like to participate as a Student Advisor, please contact their office directly.

For more information, visit their blog here:  http://blog.iamequalfoundation.org/

<3 and peace, Helena

TyrannyBook

Tyrannybook (http://tyrannybook.com/), which is currently down for the time being, is the clever brainchild of Amnesty International - Portugal, based on social networking statistics.  It takes the same idea as facebook, allowing you to create a profile and "follow" tyrants around the world.  The idea is that millions visit social networking sites in a day, so if we could get people to do that with Tyrannybook, it would shed light on the unfair circumstances for people under tyrant rule across the globe, give hope to those under tyrannical regimes, and give a voice to those who don't have their own.

Tyrannybook is a social network dedicated to the surveillance of some of the world leaders who violate Human Rights the most.  Tyrannybook was born as part Amnesty International's plan for 2010 of getting more involved in social networks, both to gain the visibility inherent to these web platforms, and to facilitate the contact between the causes it promotes and the public. The network aims to generate a global consciousness about the countless atrocities that take place across the globe.  As the name implies, the website is a Facebook clone, and looks almost exactly the same, with the familiar blue giving way to an aggressive red.



Released by Amnesty, the profiles of the tyrants are updated both by the organization itself and by the users, according to the current situation of the countries where they lead. However, as time goes by, it will expand by the addition of new profiles from the Amnesty. It’s up to each user to decide which leaders they are most interested to watch. Between them, users can even become allies, exchanging points of view and discussing current issues.

In this first phase there are ten tyrants in the site: Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe, Omar Al-Bashir of Sudan, Kim Jong Il of North Korea, Than Shwe of Myanmar, Hu Jintau of China, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad of Iran, Thomas Lubanga Dyilo of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Radovan Karadzic of Serbia, Aleksandr Lukashenka of Belarus and Ramzan Akhmadovich Kadyrov of Chechnya.

<3 and peace, Helena

Indifference Kills

I like these ads put out by SamuSocial to raise awareness about homelessness.  The tagline reads "Indifference Kills"....

<3 and peace, Helena

Think Before You Speak

Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) teens experience homophobic remarks and harassment throughout the school day, creating an atmosphere where they feel disrespected, unwanted and unsafe. Homophobic remarks such as “that’s so gay” are the most commonly heard; these slurs are often unintentional and a common part of teens’ vernacular. Most do not recognize the consequences, but the casual use of this language often carries over into more overt harassment.

The rate at which students use and hear negative language about lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender (LGBT) people is huge. Over half of all students report hearing homophobic remarks often at school.

The common use of anti-LGBT language is directly related to an even bigger problem – the bullying and harassment of LGBT students.  9 out of 10 LGBT students report being harassed at school in the last year. Over one-third of LGBT students have been physically assaulted at school because of their sexual orientation or gender identity/expression.  Such frequent harassment results in LGBT students being more likely than others to:

-  Feel unsafe
-  Miss school
-  Receive lower grades
-  Not attend college

Creating a safe environment for all students - LGBT and straight alike - begins with one simple act: thinking before you speak.  A lot of anti-LGBT language is said carelessly, and isn’t intended as negative or hurtful. Understand what you’re saying, and think about the potential consequences of the words you choose.
This campaign, Think Before You Speak (http://www.thinkb4youspeak.com/), aims to raise awareness about the prevalence and consequences of anti-LGBT bias and behavior in America’s schools. Ultimately, the goal is to reduce and prevent the use of homophobic language in an effort to create a more positive environment for LGBT teens. The campaign also aims to reach adults, including school personnel and parents; their support of this message is crucial to the success of efforts to change behavior.

If you find that you are passionate about this cause, and would like to do more, I would suggest:

-  Say Something Original and pledge to be an ally to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) students. In becoming an ally, you promise not to use homophobic words and phrases – such as “that’s so gay” – and to educate others when you hear them being used. Once you’ve taken the pledge, invite your friends to do the same!  Find the pledge here:  http://www.thinkb4youspeak.com/SignThePledge
-  Join (or start!) your school's GSA.  Participating in Gay-Straight Alliances (GSAs) and similar clubs are a great way for students to make their schools safer. These student-led clubs work to address anti-LGBT name-calling, bullying and harassment in their schools and promote respect for all students. To find out if your school already has a GSA or to get information on how to start one, register at http://www.studentorganizing.org/.
-  Participate in a Day of Action.  Each year, hundreds of thousands of students around the country participate in GLSEN’s four national Days of Action: the Day of Silence, Ally Week, TransAction! and the Dr. MLK Jr. Organizing Weekend. During these Days of Action, students organize events, hold rallies and take other actions to draw attention to the problem of anti-LGBT bullying in schools. To find out more, visit http://www.dayofsilence.org/.
-  Get involved with a GLSEN chapter.  Local GLSEN chapters are working everyday to make schools safer in their communities. By volunteering with a GLSEN chapter, you can make a difference beyond your hallways and improve the safety of every school in your community. To find a GLSEN chapter near you, visit http://www.glsen.org/.

<3 and peace, Helena

PETA Advertisements

I love the simplicity of these ads for People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals.

<3 and peace, Helena

FreeRice

FreeRice (http://freerice.com/) is a wonderful charity that has 2 goals in mind:  educating people around the world for free while providing free rice to people in need....I find it a great way to pass a few minutes on your work break, or the half hour you'll spend at the library on lunch.

FreeRice has a custom database containing knowledge questions at varying levels of difficulty. There are levels appropriate for beginners and levels that will challenge the most scholarly professors. In between are levels suitable for students of all ages, business people, homemakers, doctors, truck drivers, retired people. Everyone!

FreeRice automatically adjusts to your level. It starts by giving you questions of increasing difficulty and then, based on how you do, assigns you an approximate starting level. You then determine a more exact level for yourself as you play. When you get a question wrong, you go to an easier level. When you get three questions in a row right, you go to a harder level. This one-to-three ratio is best for keeping you at the "outer fringe" of your skills, where learning can take place.

FreeRice does not make any money from this. FreeRice is a website committed to the cause of ending hunger around the world. It is run entirely for free and at no profit. All money (100%) raised by the site goes to the UN World Food Programme to help feed the hungry.

The UN World Food Programme works around the globe and FreeRice donations are made with no restrictions. This freedom of use allows them to apply the donations to countries that need it most, often those that don't make the headlines in the news, yet where chronic hunger continues unchecked.  Often World Food Programme is able to purchase the rice in the very countries where the beneficiaries are located, cutting down on the transport time to reach the hungry and helping to stimulate local economies at the same time.

Here are some examples of where FreeRice rice has been distributed:

•  In Bangladesh, to feed 27,000 refugees from Myanmar for two weeks. Watch FreeRice being distributed in Bangladesh.

•  In Cambodia, to provide take-home rations of four kilograms of rice for two months to 13,500 pregnant and nursing women.

•  In Uganda, to feed 66,000 school children for a week.

•  In Nepal, to feed over 108,000 Bhutanese refugees for three days.

•  In Bhutan, to feed 41,000 children for 8 days.

•  In Myanmar, to feed 750,000 cyclone affected people for 3 days.

So, if you find you have a few minutes, please click above and play FreeRice to help feed someone who would not have food otherwise today.

<3 and peace, Helena

Make Some Noise For Human Rights

I love these ads for the Make Some Noise campaign by Amnesty International.

<3 and peace, Helena