posted August 03, 2004 03:50 PM         

I am working right now *this very minute* on my Labour of Love. It has just found me and I want it to be the best.

My new found business partner & I are setting up a media group that will predominatly be working with charitable organisations. There are many, so we want the best input & output! We are developing ideas on a couple of plans already, in the best way for everyone. As well as designing new ways of being helpful, we also need solid input from people who want a change in certain things.

I need to know what's out there. The general concensous is always shifting, and I'd greatly appreciate it, if you'd voice what matters to you and why.

This will assist me a great deal in defining what it is people are looking for in the world. Please be specific, for example if it's a 'Stop Cruelty to Horses' cause, or 'I'm worried about the rainforests' - please state why so I can see what steps have been done to remedy these already.

With your help, I can decifer what to bring to the table, and a structure of how to help to resolve it. This will help a great deal since I haven't got all the hours I need to research right now, keeping up the day job!

Many thanks in advance!
K

(This post is in Global too)

posted August 03, 2004 04:22 PM         

For the poor Brazilians in the rainforest camps all the new work is welcome. It puts rice and beans in their bellies. These ranches cannot operate without their cheap labour force. They are mega powerful because they make huge profits and buy themselves goverment. They simply get rid of all those who get in their way.

It is not an easy task. We were in Manaus when Sting and his wife were meeting with the Amazonian Indians. He stayed in our hotel and he chatted about this very situation by the pool. It is not an easy task. The Brazilian goverments campaign to populate the Amazonian rainforest, to bring in more money, has attracted poverty stricken settlers and mega rich land owners. They set fires to help make way for roads. They have created hundreds of ranches even though the pasture land is poor. Next we have the metal companies, gold companies, gem blasters, they all use wood for fuel. They continually chop, chop, chop!

I just talked this over with my husband who worked in the Amazon quite a lot. He thinks it a very noble task. He worries that unless something is done about the poverty which breeds violence in Brazil nothing will change.

I love Brazil. It is a rich and beautiful country. The people are fantastic, but it is very corrupt. Bribery for everything is a way of life and in some cases, makes an excellent and very sumptuous living for goverment officials. It is not even hidden.

Poverty I think is something that worries me the most. It gets in way. They have no concept about other countries or global issues. They do not have the education. They have no running water, no electricity, no healthcare, they have nothing. It is a place where if you are rich everything is available, but when you are poor, nothing.

I've spoken to these peole they have no concept of any other place at all. They didn't have a clue where the United Kingdom was. They were just interested that I spoke Portuguese with a funny accent and they asked, "Can you share anything you have with us today?"

POVERTY - is what bothers me most.

Gia

posted August 03, 2004 04:25 PM         

I will have to do more research but my choice would be helping low income children to be able to pursue their skills and dreams in the arts.

I have always thought that if I ever won the lottery I would open up a center where children could go for free and learn and practice their artistic and musical skills. Having all of the supplies and support they needed to make thier dreams come true or just somewhere to go to feel they belong somewhere and are doing something positive with themselves. Making them feel better about themselves, their individuality and worth on this planet.

A place where children who seriously wanted to learn more about art and music could go - even if they didnt have the money. They would all get any nessasary materials or instruments they needed. They would recieve instruction and help with learning how to use these skills and gifts.

People could also donate supplies, old instruments, and especially their time and knowledge, to help less fortunate children.

I know there are places like this - but more are always needed.

I think creative minds need positve outlets to channel their energies or they can become destructive.

What do you think of this?

My second way I would want to do something to make positive changes in the world would have to be helping homeless animals.

I would like to hear more about your Labour of Love. I think it is wonderful.

posted August 03, 2004 05:05 PM         

I just called my business partner & relayed a whole new aspect of how I'd like to bring all the rainforest issues (which he initially developed) to the fore of the public. This involves interaction from the public & I will love to tell you more, and definitly will, but the ideas are in early stages & need to be OK'd before I can post the plans.

Gia it's amazing how you mentioned Sting, since we were thinking of having him as guest artist for the campaign! You must tell me more about Manaus, I think this all lead to something beautiful!

26, you're sturdy heart always gets me girl

My jaw dropped when I read your post! In 'my ideas' proposal, I listed my ideas for a community haven for kids help them to express & develop their potential. These are some of the rough notes so you get an idea;

quote:

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.. a place to develop skills. All run by the kids – artistically develop what they want within their own ideas. If they want an open mike – arrange their own DJ’s – no decks? They find a way of raising money for second hand decks. Maybe putting on their own promo night & charging entry! Dance off’s – everything possible in a safe environment – they control it under supervision. Donations for art materials?..

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We're definitly working on the animal one since the meeting for it is soon - We're meant to be visiting Terry Moore at his animal sanctuary this weekend. I was conducting research on horses, dogs & cats too. We need to pull all stops out for it all to get moving since it's just two of us heading this. It will develop though - I KNOW IT. I just need to give up the day job & get us funding for a small office since this way I can't give my all to it!

Cool that we're all on the same wavelength, huh?!

Talking about day jobs it's 10pm and still at the office!

Thank you for the response so far guys. It helps me so much, especially when I have support, to give support, I'll speak to you tomorrow,

posted August 03, 2004 05:28 PM         

Please go back to your post. I wrote the first bit in two seconds whilst chatting to a friend on the phone. It didn't make sense. I went back on edit and just wrote you a quickie about Brazil. It is a noble task but a difficult one. Especially as far as the Brazilian Amazon is concerned. I have a few friends who work closely on relief work around the world. If you need help I know just the person.

posted August 03, 2004 05:33 PM         

Funny we were thinking along the same lines.
"Dance Offs" - awesome!! I was a dancer and a gymnast when I was younger. I wish I could have stuck with it - but my mother couldnt afford it. When I got old enough, I babysat to pay for my gymnastics lessons. I was on a team and wish I stuck with it - my instructor told me she thought I could teach when I got older. I really think more should be done for kids who's families can't afford these things.

Reading this post makes me so, so happy. I think you are an angel.

Have fun at the animal sanctuary this weekend!! And keep us posted on the developments.

And when you are doing 'good', all good things will come to you. I know you will eventually get an office. It's the law of the universe. We are here to serve our fellow man - that is all. When you help one - you are helping us all!!
Help your brother in anyway you can - this is what life is about.

posted August 03, 2004 06:12 PM         

Did you see that bit on the telly about the English music teacher who went into the townships of South Africa and started a music school? These kids had never seen or touched a musical instrument before. Now they play violin, and they've been around the world on tour. I can't tell how happy that made me.

I am with an organization called Child Reach. I love the kids I sponser. You should see the letters and drawings they send me. The are precious beyond belief. I try and send practical useful stuff, but I try and make it fun too. Fun toothbrushes, underwear with barbie stuff all over it, fun shirts. They love it and one little girl I sponser called sent me a picture of herself in her underwear. She was so proud of it. It was so cute!

Kids are so worth it.

Gia

posted August 04, 2004 11:18 AM         

Best luck to you, Sheea.

posted August 04, 2004 04:19 PM         

quote:

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I think it would be most important to look into your own yard and reach out to people close to you and then build from there.

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The rainforest is certainly an important issue but I just want to chime in that the last vestiges of old growth forest still remaining in the continental U.S. are under great threat as well. I think if we want to convince other countries of the importance of forest preservation, it's important to set an example first. Right now the example being set is one of liquidating our old growth forest in favor of sterile tree farms.

If it were up to me I would help any of these folks-
North Coast EarthFirst!
Cascadia Forest Defenders

There's lots of other more sophisticated, bigger organizations who are working in various ways to save the forests but I figure a donation to them is no doubt relegated in some part at least to overhead sorts of stuff. I'd rather donate to treesitters who form the absolute last line of defense for a 1,000 yr old tree when all other avenues have failed and any money I donate would likely be of much greater help since they struggle just to eat.

-------------------------
I was attracted to Earth First! because they were the only ones willing to put their bodies in front of the bulldozers and the chainsaws to save the trees. They were also funny, irreverent, and they played music. But it was the philosophy of Earth First! that ultimately won me over. This philosophy, known as biocentrism or deep ecology, states that the Earth is not just here for human consumption. All species have a right to exist for their own sake, and humans must learn to live in balance with the needs of nature, instead of trying to mold nature to fit the wants of humans.

Judi Bari, Ms. Magazine 1992

Over the years we have been warned about the danger of subversive organizations that would threaten our liberties, subvert our system, would encourage its members to take further illegal action to advance their views, organizations that would incite and promote violence, pitting one American group against another... There is an organization that does fit those descriptions, and it is the organization, the leadership of which has been most constant in its warning to us to be on guard against such harm. The [FBI] did all of those things.

Senator Philip A. Hart
Senate Select Committee on Intelligence Activities and the Rights of Americans, 1975

posted August 05, 2004 01:56 PM         

Gia - I re-read your first post again. Poverty is one thing that disturbs me too. Just to clarify, when you mentioned the camps, do you mean there are work camps - seperate to the living areas? Also, when Sting & Trudy met the Amazonian Indians, which project was it for, and how did you feel about it making an impact... like what did you agree with that they did, has there been anything people have attempted to help with, and it's actually been self-destructive?

I don't hear many much about these things, unless you search for them you see, and I'm trying to figure a formula that will work for everyone, y'know?

You're right, poverty breeds violence, and it looks like education is vital. I don't think it's enough to help, the follow up is essential, and I think that building resources for preventatives is imperative.

quote:

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An acre of Brazilian rainforest is destroyed every nine seconds...
In Brazil there have been 90 distinct indigenous cultures that have become extinct this century..

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I may eventually call on your offer for the relief work contacts, Gia. I will keep this in mind as this project develops.. Any other info you feel to post up is always absorbed and greatly appreciated Gia, thank you.

26 You flexible laaaaady.. gymnast eh? Get you Hey, you know how I'd love to set up an expressive kids' centre - well if it does get to the US - I'll ask if you'd like to come sooopervise gym ever!

The animal sanctuary visit has been delayed, since Terry has an unscheduled meeting (scheduled for Saturday!). That's a good thing since it gives us more time to gather more info together to present to him when we do meet him, plus I have tres hectic housemate rent issues I need to sort before Saturday! *furrowed brow* It'll be OK eventually, I know it. Thank you for your kind words hun, they're so genuine too, they hit me with a POW! and reinforced that whatever I do on this will be worth it.

Note to self - Look into 'Child Reach' - Gia mentioned this, has anyone else seen it? (I'm printing all this off you see - you're all part of company research!)

Yin! Thanks for reminding me about Maven - where is she?

A humanity project, Yin. I'd love to start that too, since I have loving ideas for everything. I envisioned a place I could set up with fresh food, grown there & people in need come to daily to nuture it, and eventually feed themselves. It could be so beautiful.. imagine small work groups being educated with second hand books, or music. Thank you - you see when you post these ideas, I see them as you express them, I got a looooong way to go yet - but I take it on board as reference and go to look for ways to make it happen.

I have to encompass the fact that it isn't mine only and Oli's input will be half of it!I'm only just starting, but will keep you all informed as each small step progresses.

And of course - Orchidspirit.. my time online is less nowadays, but perhaps if you speak with her Yin, maybe please head her here? I'd appreciate it, thank you.

posted August 05, 2004 01:58 PM         

Harpyr - Good to hear from you! Great pics of you BTW, so natural & wholesome!

I agree with you, about concentrating on other issues like the North Coast EarthFirst! and Cascadia Forest Defenders - thanks for posting that information The rainforest project started out as Oli's, he initially found excellent contacts to come on board and it's an oppurtunity too good to miss. My next step after this one are global, local communities. This is why I'm glad I have you guys to contact for feedback *big smile*

I haven't logged on the Judi Bari site as yet, sounds interesting

Hi Deep I did check you're response in TS, indeed, thank you! To save you guys skipping over there;

quote:

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DeepIYM
Knowflake
Posts: 211
From: Colorful Colorado
Registered: Aug 2003
posted August 03, 2004 07:40 PM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Well... As far as things that I think about...

I live in America! I don't have to think! What are you talking about Sheaa Olein Oh Sorry Karen. I don't know what came of me. Must be that alternate consciousness they implanted in my mind the other day... As in Popular couture... WHY, Why, why? We the people of the world are being influenced and blinded by the worlds media. So many choices to chose from. Which is the right chose for you? The major networks that spew sh*t at you such as murder cases after murder case? "BE AFRAID! BE VERY AFRAID!" Do you ever watch that cr*p? It's positively mind numbing, desensitizing cr*p that makes your mind lazy. I want something to make me think, but just like you Sheaa Olein, I'm Special. I go out into the world and try to see if for how it is. Not for Whose latest scandal is on the news and what Model is going to rehab, and who got married. That stuff is the stuff that ruins the young, and potentially beautiful minds of today... The superficial saturation of Media! I don't want my media to exist without content! I WANT CONTENT! And think of it this way. You want to interest the masses? Well then present content in a way that is popular! address popular issues! Give them different spins. Change the perspective. Throw them around and make them thank you for it afterward.

Anther thing that kind of ****** me off is politics... they those ******** are runnin' things now-a-days is mad.

Also, I love conceptual things: Like philosophy, science, art, lifestyles, and people

Randall III
IP: Logged

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I HEAR YA! You see, you've put it to the fore, Philosopher... Education on philosphy, science, art, lifestyles and people, is what I'd love to promote. I intend it to be good and pure, but if collective souls want to breeze their issues, I'd encourage it - as my Dutch gramma says from somewhere in Canada -

quote:

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"Better out than in"!

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Back soon guys,
Love Sheaa

posted August 11, 2004 02:57 AM         

"Property is theft." - Proudhon

posted August 11, 2004 10:24 PM         

Heck, I wonder - our global community - estimated to have evolved over 4,500,000,000 years! - An unsuprising number 9 - The Alpha and Omega / Beginning and End..

How long will it take for the mirror to flip to get us to a balancing point? I've been pondering on numbers lots more recently.

Counting back from now 9... + 8 + 7 + 6 + 5 + 4 + 3 + 2 + 1 = 45 = 9 ... 0?

It'll make you sweat at the normal respiration rate if 18 mins thinking about it!

While the soul slumbers..

..We need to wake to numbers!

It's 3:24am should really get some sleep now, see ya tomorrow!