SALVATION ARMY CHRISTMAS MIRACLE
Overwhelming Massachusetts Generosity a Bright Spot in Plummeting Economy
BOSTON – (December 29, 2008) – Salvation Army officials are calling it a Christmas Miracle. In the midst of a tough economic recession, mounting job losses and the soaring cost of food, Massachusetts citizens have opened their hearts and wallets to those most in need. The Salvation Army's Red Kettles, which began a full week earlier this year due to the economic crisis, have raised significantly more than they did last year on a week-to-week comparison. The goal of raising $3.5 million is in sight. The Army also reports seeing similar generosity reflected in donors' response to the Christmas direct mail appeal.
"The economic crisis has hit so many people hard, and to see this outpouring of generosity by local residents, businesses and other community organizations in this time of great need is truly a miracle," said Major William Bode, Divisional Commander of The Salvation Army's Massachusetts Division. "Requests for help this year have risen dramatically. The Salvation Army's mission is to aid all those in need, and with thanks for the overwhelming support in Massachusetts, we are firmly committed to turn no one away."
The Kettles are a critical source of funding for The Salvation Army's services and programs throughout the year, including soup kitchens, food pantries and other vital programs for families, youth and the elderly. Money raised from last year's kettles played a direct role in The Salvation Army's ability to serve more than one million meals to hundreds of thousands of residents across the state.
"We would like to thank our bell ringing volunteers and the millions of people throughout Massachusetts who generously donated to our red kettles," said Major Raphael Jackson, General Secretary of The Salvation Army in Massachusetts. "In these tough times we must be proactive, and The Salvation Army is more determined than ever to reach all those in need – not just this holiday season, but throughout the New Year."
Already this winter season, The Salvation Army has seen requests for assistance spike – especially at local food pantries. Officials worry that once the moratorium on home foreclosures ends at the start of the New Year, and job loss continues to rise, need will become even more dramatic in January, February and March.
"Our biggest fear is that the generous spirit of giving which has helped sustain so many families through the Christmas season will be unable to keep up with the demand for help in 2009," said Major Bode. "People who never imagined they would need assistance continue to come forward seeking help from The Salvation Army. Our sincere hope is that the miraculous response we've seen at our kettles this year will carry over in spirit into the next."
In fiscal year 2008, The Salvation Army provided food, clothing or utility assistance to more than 320,000 people across Massachusetts.
For more information on Massachusetts Salvation Army services, please visit www.salvationarmy-ma.org or contact the State Divisional Headquarters at (617) 542-5420 X 410.
Monday, December 29, 2008
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
PRESS RELEASE: Wednesday, Dec. 17---Lottery Gifts Aren't for Kids
The Massachusetts Council on Compulsive Gambling and the Massachusetts State Lottery Say Lottery Gifts Aren't for Kids
This Holiday Season, Send a Responsible Message to Minors
Boston – It's the season for gift giving for Bay Staters of all ages. But the Massachusetts State Lottery and Massachusetts Council on Compulsive Gambling are urging parents and other adults to refrain from giving Lottery products as holiday gifts to minors.
Research suggests that 70 to 80 percent of adolescents report having gambled for money in the past year, according to the International Centre for Youth Gambling Problems and High Risk Behaviors at McGill University. Approximately 30 percent report gambling on a weekly basis. Problem gamblers, meanwhile, report beginning gambling during childhood - as early as ages 9 to 10 - according to McGill's International Centre for Youth Gambling Problems and High Risk Behaviors.
The choice to gamble responsibly is an adult choice. Lottery instant games and other popular lottery products are not appropriate gifts for minors. The Massachusetts Council on Compulsive Gambling and the Massachusetts State Lottery are working together this holiday season to increase public awareness of this issue.
"Lottery products, like any other form of legal gambling, are for adults ages 18 or older," said Kathleen M. Scanlan, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Council on Compulsive Gambling. "This holiday season, if you do choose to offer a lottery product as a gift, it's important to keep the recipient's age in mind."
Massachusetts Lottery Director Mark Cavanagh said the Lottery's more than 7,000 sales agents are well trained in the Lottery's policies prohibiting sales of all Lottery products to minors. Such sound judgment should be used by all adults, according to Cavanagh.
"Lottery season tickets and instant games are increasingly popular gift items at this time of year," Cavanagh said. "But we urge parents and other adults to find more suitable gifts for children and teenagers."
About the Massachusetts Council on Compulsive Gambling
The Massachusetts Council on Compulsive Gambling is a private, non-profit health agency dedicated to reducing the social, financial and emotional costs of problem gambling. The Council provides prevention, information, education, advocacy, and referral services for problem gamblers, their loved ones, and the greater community.
About the Massachusetts State Lottery
The Massachusetts State Lottery was created in 1971 to raise revenues for the Commonwealth's 351 cities and towns. Since 2003, the Lottery has raised more than $5.6 billion for police officers, firefighters and teachers and other essential public services.
Ashley Hause
O'Neill and Associates
Thirty-One New Chardon Street
Boston, MA 02114
Phone: (617)646-1000 | Fax: (617)646-1290
This Holiday Season, Send a Responsible Message to Minors
Boston – It's the season for gift giving for Bay Staters of all ages. But the Massachusetts State Lottery and Massachusetts Council on Compulsive Gambling are urging parents and other adults to refrain from giving Lottery products as holiday gifts to minors.
Research suggests that 70 to 80 percent of adolescents report having gambled for money in the past year, according to the International Centre for Youth Gambling Problems and High Risk Behaviors at McGill University. Approximately 30 percent report gambling on a weekly basis. Problem gamblers, meanwhile, report beginning gambling during childhood - as early as ages 9 to 10 - according to McGill's International Centre for Youth Gambling Problems and High Risk Behaviors.
The choice to gamble responsibly is an adult choice. Lottery instant games and other popular lottery products are not appropriate gifts for minors. The Massachusetts Council on Compulsive Gambling and the Massachusetts State Lottery are working together this holiday season to increase public awareness of this issue.
"Lottery products, like any other form of legal gambling, are for adults ages 18 or older," said Kathleen M. Scanlan, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Council on Compulsive Gambling. "This holiday season, if you do choose to offer a lottery product as a gift, it's important to keep the recipient's age in mind."
Massachusetts Lottery Director Mark Cavanagh said the Lottery's more than 7,000 sales agents are well trained in the Lottery's policies prohibiting sales of all Lottery products to minors. Such sound judgment should be used by all adults, according to Cavanagh.
"Lottery season tickets and instant games are increasingly popular gift items at this time of year," Cavanagh said. "But we urge parents and other adults to find more suitable gifts for children and teenagers."
About the Massachusetts Council on Compulsive Gambling
The Massachusetts Council on Compulsive Gambling is a private, non-profit health agency dedicated to reducing the social, financial and emotional costs of problem gambling. The Council provides prevention, information, education, advocacy, and referral services for problem gamblers, their loved ones, and the greater community.
About the Massachusetts State Lottery
The Massachusetts State Lottery was created in 1971 to raise revenues for the Commonwealth's 351 cities and towns. Since 2003, the Lottery has raised more than $5.6 billion for police officers, firefighters and teachers and other essential public services.
Ashley Hause
O'Neill and Associates
Thirty-One New Chardon Street
Boston, MA 02114
Phone: (617)646-1000 | Fax: (617)646-1290
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
PRESS RELEASE: Wednesday, Dec. 8---New Site Offers Homeowners a Clearinghouse of Green Remodeling Information
Dec. 8, 2008, Des Plaines, Ill. – The National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI), announces the launch of a new website dedicated to green remodeling, www.greenremodeling.org.
Greenremodeling.org is designed to be a clearinghouse of information on green remodeling for both homeowners and trades people. Since the development of fits education programs, NARI has collected a library of information on green remodeling. The need to share this information with homeowners became apparent through the many inquires about green remodeling that have come into NARI Headquarters.
Amassing all of the green remodeling knowledge we've collected over the past several years and making it available to everyone online was an enormous endeavor," said NARI President Renée Rewiski.
What is Green Remodeling?
It's an all-encompassing approach that emphasizes making a home healthy, comfortable, and efficient. Included are issues like indoor air quality, energy conservation, resource conservation, reduced material waste, and the use of products that are better for the environment (and for people).
Why go green in a remodel?
It's easier on the earth, it lowers costs, and it provides a healthier home in which to live. According to the Sustainable Building Industry Council (SBIC), housing alone consumes 20% of America's energy. Homeowners who choose to remodel green can lower their energy consumption by 30-50%. It's widely agreed that forests produce 40% of Earth's oxygen, and that building supplies use 25% of its forests. Remodeling green by incorporating recycled materials or sustainable species will help homeowners to tread more lightly on Earth's natural resources.
Green remodeling has increased in popularity as homeowners consider health issues, skyrocketing energy costs and Earth's natural resources. More than 15 million Americans are estimated to have asthma, including one-in-13 school-age children, and more than 28 million Americans suffer from hay fever and other allergies, all of which are aggravated by poor indoor air quality.
Overall green remodeling proves to be very beneficial for homeowners. It:
• Reduces operating costs in the home by increasing efficiency
• Conserves natural resources
• Increases the value of the home
• Improves indoor air quality and in turn, overall health
• Reduces waste
• Reduces emissions costs
• Increases productivity of occupants
• Improves quality of life
Greenremodeling.org details many ways to implement green into the home including:
• Non-toxic paints and sealants
• Programmable thermostats
• Energy efficient appliances
• Natural flooring
• Local building materials
• Natural fiber rugs and fabrics
• Recycled material roof shingles and tiles
• Energy efficient lighting
• Insulated hot water pipes
• Tankless water heaters
• Quality insulation
• Native plants for landscaping
NARI is a professional association whose members voluntarily subscribe to a strict code of ethics. Consumers may wish to search www.greenremodeling.org for remodelers certified as a Green Certified Professional (GCP) or www.RemodelToday.com to find a qualified remodeling professional who is a member of NARI.
Consumers can also call the NARI National hotline at 800-611-NARI and request a free copy of NARI's brochure, "How to Select a Remodeling Professional."
The new greenremodeling.org Web site was designed and built by AmericanEagle.com in Park Ridge, Illinois. The selected vendor was chosen for its vast expertise and experience with association Web sites, as well as commercial sites demonstrating heavy consumer traffic.
CONTACT: Nikki Golden or Jessica Tobacman
marketing@nari.org
(847) 298-9200
Greenremodeling.org is designed to be a clearinghouse of information on green remodeling for both homeowners and trades people. Since the development of fits education programs, NARI has collected a library of information on green remodeling. The need to share this information with homeowners became apparent through the many inquires about green remodeling that have come into NARI Headquarters.
Amassing all of the green remodeling knowledge we've collected over the past several years and making it available to everyone online was an enormous endeavor," said NARI President Renée Rewiski.
What is Green Remodeling?
It's an all-encompassing approach that emphasizes making a home healthy, comfortable, and efficient. Included are issues like indoor air quality, energy conservation, resource conservation, reduced material waste, and the use of products that are better for the environment (and for people).
Why go green in a remodel?
It's easier on the earth, it lowers costs, and it provides a healthier home in which to live. According to the Sustainable Building Industry Council (SBIC), housing alone consumes 20% of America's energy. Homeowners who choose to remodel green can lower their energy consumption by 30-50%. It's widely agreed that forests produce 40% of Earth's oxygen, and that building supplies use 25% of its forests. Remodeling green by incorporating recycled materials or sustainable species will help homeowners to tread more lightly on Earth's natural resources.
Green remodeling has increased in popularity as homeowners consider health issues, skyrocketing energy costs and Earth's natural resources. More than 15 million Americans are estimated to have asthma, including one-in-13 school-age children, and more than 28 million Americans suffer from hay fever and other allergies, all of which are aggravated by poor indoor air quality.
Overall green remodeling proves to be very beneficial for homeowners. It:
• Reduces operating costs in the home by increasing efficiency
• Conserves natural resources
• Increases the value of the home
• Improves indoor air quality and in turn, overall health
• Reduces waste
• Reduces emissions costs
• Increases productivity of occupants
• Improves quality of life
Greenremodeling.org details many ways to implement green into the home including:
• Non-toxic paints and sealants
• Programmable thermostats
• Energy efficient appliances
• Natural flooring
• Local building materials
• Natural fiber rugs and fabrics
• Recycled material roof shingles and tiles
• Energy efficient lighting
• Insulated hot water pipes
• Tankless water heaters
• Quality insulation
• Native plants for landscaping
NARI is a professional association whose members voluntarily subscribe to a strict code of ethics. Consumers may wish to search www.greenremodeling.org for remodelers certified as a Green Certified Professional (GCP) or www.RemodelToday.com to find a qualified remodeling professional who is a member of NARI.
Consumers can also call the NARI National hotline at 800-611-NARI and request a free copy of NARI's brochure, "How to Select a Remodeling Professional."
The new greenremodeling.org Web site was designed and built by AmericanEagle.com in Park Ridge, Illinois. The selected vendor was chosen for its vast expertise and experience with association Web sites, as well as commercial sites demonstrating heavy consumer traffic.
CONTACT: Nikki Golden or Jessica Tobacman
marketing@nari.org
(847) 298-9200
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
PRESS RELEASE: Tuesday, Dec. 2---Give without Giving This Holiday Season
Give without Giving This Holiday Season
In economic downturn consumers turn to Yahoo-powered search engine and online shopping mall to both save money and generate funds for their favorite nonprofits.
ASPCA has earned more than $22,000!
Los Angeles, CA, December, 2008 – With the economy slipping, charities across the nation are bracing themselves for declining contributions this holiday season.
While individuals still want to support their favorite cause, they may not have the time or the money to do so. There is a solution. More than 70,000 nonprofits have partnered with a new Yahoo-powered search engine called GoodSearch.com, and online shopping mall GoodShop.com to enable their supporters to generate donations just by doing something they do everyday – search the Internet or shop online. What makes the system so compelling is that it doesn't cost the users a thing. It's a form of philanthropy that works for everyone in this tough economy!
Consumers are helping their favorite causes by shopping at GoodShop.com where they can choose from more than 800 well known retailers including Target, Apple, Macy's, Best Buy, Barnes & Noble, Petco and others. The shopping experience and the prices are exactly the same as going to the retailer directly, but by going through GoodShop, up to 37% of the purchase price is donated to the user's favorite cause. In addition, GoodShop provides the user with coupons and deals for the stores so not only are they helping a cause, but they're saving money while doing so!
Similarly, with the GoodSearch search engine, approximately one penny is donated to the users' favorite charity with every search. You use it exactly as you would any other search engine (it's powered by Yahoo so you get quality search results) and the pennies add up quickly – just 500 people searching four times a day will earn around $7300 in a year! It doesn't cost the users a thing!
GoodSearch and GoodShop have quickly spread via word-of-mouth, the blogger community, and a number of celebrities and their foundations including Jessica Biel, Montel Williams, Faith Hill and Tim McGraw, Jeff Bridges, and others. This is helping to generate significant funds for the participating nonprofits. For example:
* Supporters of the ASPCA are shopping on GoodShop and searching on GoodSearch, to date raising more than $22,000 to help animals in need!
* The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation has earned nearly $10,500!
* An order placed at Adobe Software earned Capri Elementary School in California $191!
Internet users have found GoodSearch and GoodShop to be a compelling idea. Lisa Codron, a teacher in Los Angeles, uses GoodSearch and GoodShop in support of Best Friends Animal Society, which runs the nation's largest sanctuary for abused animals. "It's amazing. I buy so much online and because of GoodShop I get dozens of discounts as well as the opportunity to support my favorite charity. There's really no reason not to GoodShop!"
"The response to this idea has truly been overwhelming," said Ken Ramberg, Co-Founder of GoodSearch and former President of MonsterTRAK, the largest online career site for college students (now a division of Monster.com). "More than 100 new nonprofits and schools register daily and GoodSearch and GoodShop are helping to make a difference in communities across the country. Because of the economy, nonprofits really need our help this year more than ever."
In economic downturn consumers turn to Yahoo-powered search engine and online shopping mall to both save money and generate funds for their favorite nonprofits.
ASPCA has earned more than $22,000!
Los Angeles, CA, December, 2008 – With the economy slipping, charities across the nation are bracing themselves for declining contributions this holiday season.
While individuals still want to support their favorite cause, they may not have the time or the money to do so. There is a solution. More than 70,000 nonprofits have partnered with a new Yahoo-powered search engine called GoodSearch.com, and online shopping mall GoodShop.com to enable their supporters to generate donations just by doing something they do everyday – search the Internet or shop online. What makes the system so compelling is that it doesn't cost the users a thing. It's a form of philanthropy that works for everyone in this tough economy!
Consumers are helping their favorite causes by shopping at GoodShop.com where they can choose from more than 800 well known retailers including Target, Apple, Macy's, Best Buy, Barnes & Noble, Petco and others. The shopping experience and the prices are exactly the same as going to the retailer directly, but by going through GoodShop, up to 37% of the purchase price is donated to the user's favorite cause. In addition, GoodShop provides the user with coupons and deals for the stores so not only are they helping a cause, but they're saving money while doing so!
Similarly, with the GoodSearch search engine, approximately one penny is donated to the users' favorite charity with every search. You use it exactly as you would any other search engine (it's powered by Yahoo so you get quality search results) and the pennies add up quickly – just 500 people searching four times a day will earn around $7300 in a year! It doesn't cost the users a thing!
GoodSearch and GoodShop have quickly spread via word-of-mouth, the blogger community, and a number of celebrities and their foundations including Jessica Biel, Montel Williams, Faith Hill and Tim McGraw, Jeff Bridges, and others. This is helping to generate significant funds for the participating nonprofits. For example:
* Supporters of the ASPCA are shopping on GoodShop and searching on GoodSearch, to date raising more than $22,000 to help animals in need!
* The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation has earned nearly $10,500!
* An order placed at Adobe Software earned Capri Elementary School in California $191!
Internet users have found GoodSearch and GoodShop to be a compelling idea. Lisa Codron, a teacher in Los Angeles, uses GoodSearch and GoodShop in support of Best Friends Animal Society, which runs the nation's largest sanctuary for abused animals. "It's amazing. I buy so much online and because of GoodShop I get dozens of discounts as well as the opportunity to support my favorite charity. There's really no reason not to GoodShop!"
"The response to this idea has truly been overwhelming," said Ken Ramberg, Co-Founder of GoodSearch and former President of MonsterTRAK, the largest online career site for college students (now a division of Monster.com). "More than 100 new nonprofits and schools register daily and GoodSearch and GoodShop are helping to make a difference in communities across the country. Because of the economy, nonprofits really need our help this year more than ever."
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
EVENT: Monday, Dec. 1---The Anatomy of an Election: A Political Look at Why Obama Won and McCain Lost
The Anatomy of an Election: A Political Look at Why Obama Won and McCain Lost
Monday, Dec. 1 from 5:30-7:00 in the COM Student Lounge
***A Conversation with Michael McShane***
Mr. McShane is Vice President, Political Affairs, for the Grocery Manufacturers of America. He served in the Carter White House as a special assistant for Vice President Walter Mondale and has worked on 11 presidential campaigns in senior positions, including Vice Chair for the Lieberman for President campaign. He chaired all of the Democratic Leadership Council (DLC) activities at the Democratic convention in Chicago (1996) and Los Angeles (2000)
Monday, Dec. 1 from 5:30-7:00 in the COM Student Lounge
***A Conversation with Michael McShane***
Mr. McShane is Vice President, Political Affairs, for the Grocery Manufacturers of America. He served in the Carter White House as a special assistant for Vice President Walter Mondale and has worked on 11 presidential campaigns in senior positions, including Vice Chair for the Lieberman for President campaign. He chaired all of the Democratic Leadership Council (DLC) activities at the Democratic convention in Chicago (1996) and Los Angeles (2000)
Monday, November 24, 2008
PRESS RELEASE: Monday, Nov. 24---Change.org and MySpace Join Forces to Launch "Ideas for Change in America"
PRESS RELEASE:
Change.org and MySpace Join Forces to Launch "Ideas for Change in America"
Unique and Inspiring Program Designed to Help Define Presidential Agenda and Provoke Social Change
SAN FRANCISCO, CA--(MARKET WIRE)--Nov 24, 2008 -- Change.org, the leading online platform for social change, and MySpace, the world's premier social network, today announced the launch of "Ideas for Change in America," a groundbreaking citizen-driven effort to help define President-elect Barack Obama's presidential agenda. The campaign is supported by more than a dozen voter mobilization organizations that played an integral role in the record-setting voter turnout, including Declare Yourself, Student PIRGs, Voto Latino, and HeadCount. Media and nonprofit partners include techPresident, Netroots Nation, the Sunlight Foundation, GOOD, and Change Congress.
The 2008 campaign brought unprecedented levels of political participation and excitement, mobilizing millions of new voters. But with election over, the most pressing question has now become: What's next? How can the millions of people inspired by the campaign work with the new administration to create real change?
With the launch of Change.gov earlier this month, President-elect Obama made the first step toward providing the transparency his campaign promised in setting up the Obama Administration. But while Change.gov allows users to submit their stories about the campaign, it does not enable citizens to publicly express their own ideas for how the Obama Administration should advance change or to collaborate in the ways they had become accustomed to during the campaign.
In response, Change.org has created an open platform at www.change.org/ideas that allows anyone to submit an idea for how they would advance change on an issue of importance, discuss ideas with others, and vote on the best ideas from around the country. MySpace has also created a parallel site at www.myspace.com/changedotorg that has the ability to enable nearly 118 million monthly active MySpace users around the globe to directly submit video ideas for the change they would like to see.
"In his victory speech, President-elect Obama talked about his commitment to opening up government, and called for citizens to participate in their own democracy again," said Change.org founder and CEO Ben Rattray. "Ideas for Change in America answers that call by empowering Americans to get involved in the process of identifying solutions to the most important problems we face."
In the lead-up to Inauguration Day, Change.org, MySpace, and their partners will hold an event in Washington, DC to announce the top 10 rated ideas and deliver them to a representative from the Obama Administration. Change.org and MySpace will also announce a formal nonprofit sponsor for each idea. Each sponsoring nonprofit will then launch a national campaign to mobilize the millions of people on both sites to ensure that each top idea gets the full consideration of the Obama Administration and the 111th Congress.
"During the election millions of MySpace users participated in the campaign like never before through meaningful programs that MySpace developed with the goal of engaging users in the political process," said Lee Brenner, Director of IMPACT & Executive Producer of Political Programming. "We are excited to partner with Change.org to continue this momentum. Ideas for Change in America is an additional tool to enable the MySpace community to continue their active involvement in politics and in making an impact post the election."
About Change.org:
Change.org is an online hub and media network for social issues and collective action. The San Francisco-based social entrepreneurship venture operates a network of blogs covering more than a dozen major social issues and has partnered with more than 2500 leading nonprofit organizations to provide outlets for powerful action. Change.org was founded by two former classmates from Stanford, Ben Rattray and Mark Dimas, in 2006.
About MySpace
MySpace, a unit of Fox Interactive Media Inc., is the premier lifestyle portal for connecting with friends, discovering popular culture, and making a positive impact on the world. MySpace has created a connected global community by integrating web profiles, blogs, instant messaging, e-mail, music streaming, music videos, photo galleries, classified listings, events, groups, college communities, and member forums. MySpace's international network includes more than 30 localized community sites in the United States, Brazil, Canada, Latin America, Mexico, Austria, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Australia, India, Japan, and New Zealand. Fox Interactive Media is a division of News Corp. (NYSE:NWS - News, NWS.A - News; ASX:NWS - News, NWSLV - News).
Among the top 2000 domains comScore Media Metrix, September 2008. For more information on comScore Networks, please go to www.comscore.com.
About MySpace IMPACT
MySpace IMPACT's goal is to empower users to make a difference in the world by building partnerships and programs focused on voter education, voter registration, and voter turnout. To educate MySpace users about candidates and issues, the company teamed up with MTV in the primary season to produce a series of highly interactive candidate town hall events geared toward young and first-time voters called the MySpace/MTV Presidential Dialogues; partnered with NBC News and msnbc.com to deliver high-quality election coverage and citizen journalism opportunities to users through a hub called Decision08; and worked with the Commission on Presidential Debates to power MyDebates.org, the official online companion to the Presidential Debates. MySpace IMPACT's online voter registration is powered by the non-profit nonpartisan organization Declare Yourself
Contacts:
Change.org
Ben Rattray
ben@change.org
202-253-1288
MySpace:
Jamie Schumacher
jschumacher@myspace.com
310-969-7087
Change.org and MySpace Join Forces to Launch "Ideas for Change in America"
Unique and Inspiring Program Designed to Help Define Presidential Agenda and Provoke Social Change
SAN FRANCISCO, CA--(MARKET WIRE)--Nov 24, 2008 -- Change.org, the leading online platform for social change, and MySpace, the world's premier social network, today announced the launch of "Ideas for Change in America," a groundbreaking citizen-driven effort to help define President-elect Barack Obama's presidential agenda. The campaign is supported by more than a dozen voter mobilization organizations that played an integral role in the record-setting voter turnout, including Declare Yourself, Student PIRGs, Voto Latino, and HeadCount. Media and nonprofit partners include techPresident, Netroots Nation, the Sunlight Foundation, GOOD, and Change Congress.
The 2008 campaign brought unprecedented levels of political participation and excitement, mobilizing millions of new voters. But with election over, the most pressing question has now become: What's next? How can the millions of people inspired by the campaign work with the new administration to create real change?
With the launch of Change.gov earlier this month, President-elect Obama made the first step toward providing the transparency his campaign promised in setting up the Obama Administration. But while Change.gov allows users to submit their stories about the campaign, it does not enable citizens to publicly express their own ideas for how the Obama Administration should advance change or to collaborate in the ways they had become accustomed to during the campaign.
In response, Change.org has created an open platform at www.change.org/ideas that allows anyone to submit an idea for how they would advance change on an issue of importance, discuss ideas with others, and vote on the best ideas from around the country. MySpace has also created a parallel site at www.myspace.com/changedotorg that has the ability to enable nearly 118 million monthly active MySpace users around the globe to directly submit video ideas for the change they would like to see.
"In his victory speech, President-elect Obama talked about his commitment to opening up government, and called for citizens to participate in their own democracy again," said Change.org founder and CEO Ben Rattray. "Ideas for Change in America answers that call by empowering Americans to get involved in the process of identifying solutions to the most important problems we face."
In the lead-up to Inauguration Day, Change.org, MySpace, and their partners will hold an event in Washington, DC to announce the top 10 rated ideas and deliver them to a representative from the Obama Administration. Change.org and MySpace will also announce a formal nonprofit sponsor for each idea. Each sponsoring nonprofit will then launch a national campaign to mobilize the millions of people on both sites to ensure that each top idea gets the full consideration of the Obama Administration and the 111th Congress.
"During the election millions of MySpace users participated in the campaign like never before through meaningful programs that MySpace developed with the goal of engaging users in the political process," said Lee Brenner, Director of IMPACT & Executive Producer of Political Programming. "We are excited to partner with Change.org to continue this momentum. Ideas for Change in America is an additional tool to enable the MySpace community to continue their active involvement in politics and in making an impact post the election."
About Change.org:
Change.org is an online hub and media network for social issues and collective action. The San Francisco-based social entrepreneurship venture operates a network of blogs covering more than a dozen major social issues and has partnered with more than 2500 leading nonprofit organizations to provide outlets for powerful action. Change.org was founded by two former classmates from Stanford, Ben Rattray and Mark Dimas, in 2006.
About MySpace
MySpace, a unit of Fox Interactive Media Inc., is the premier lifestyle portal for connecting with friends, discovering popular culture, and making a positive impact on the world. MySpace has created a connected global community by integrating web profiles, blogs, instant messaging, e-mail, music streaming, music videos, photo galleries, classified listings, events, groups, college communities, and member forums. MySpace's international network includes more than 30 localized community sites in the United States, Brazil, Canada, Latin America, Mexico, Austria, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Australia, India, Japan, and New Zealand. Fox Interactive Media is a division of News Corp. (NYSE:NWS - News, NWS.A - News; ASX:NWS - News, NWSLV - News).
Among the top 2000 domains comScore Media Metrix, September 2008. For more information on comScore Networks, please go to www.comscore.com.
About MySpace IMPACT
MySpace IMPACT's goal is to empower users to make a difference in the world by building partnerships and programs focused on voter education, voter registration, and voter turnout. To educate MySpace users about candidates and issues, the company teamed up with MTV in the primary season to produce a series of highly interactive candidate town hall events geared toward young and first-time voters called the MySpace/MTV Presidential Dialogues; partnered with NBC News and msnbc.com to deliver high-quality election coverage and citizen journalism opportunities to users through a hub called Decision08; and worked with the Commission on Presidential Debates to power MyDebates.org, the official online companion to the Presidential Debates. MySpace IMPACT's online voter registration is powered by the non-profit nonpartisan organization Declare Yourself
Contacts:
Change.org
Ben Rattray
ben@change.org
202-253-1288
MySpace:
Jamie Schumacher
jschumacher@myspace.com
310-969-7087
Sunday, November 23, 2008
PRESS RELEASE: Sunday, Nov. 23---Real WorldLatin America: A Contemporary Economics and Social Policy Reader
We are pleased to announce the publication of our latest title, *Real World
Latin America: A Contemporary Economics and Social Policy Reader*.
Looking for diverse perspectives to explain the profound economic and social
transformations taking place in Latin America? Real World Latin America
brings together the best recent reporting on the region from *Dollars &
Sense* and *NACLA Report on the Americas*.
Forty-five well-researched and clearly-written articles will give students a
thorough introduction to Latin American economic policies, including the
region's changing political maps, the hidden costs of development, struggles
for human rights, international trade deals, and the role of the United
States in the region.
Chapters on social movements and alternative forms of production document
the grassroots challenges to the Washington Consensus that are rising from
Argentine factory shop-floors, Venezuelan cooperatives, Oaxacan schoolrooms,
and elsewhere. Further chapters look at the impact of migration on home
countries and diasporan communities, and the challenges of responsible
environmental stewardship.
*Praise for Real World Latin America:*
The editors of *Dollars & Sense* and *NACLA Report on the Americas* have
done us a great service. This is a timely collection of essays,
sophisticated yet highly readable analysis of the most pressing issues
facing Latin America today. The book is ideally suited for undergraduate
courses on the region, and will be of interest to a broader readership as
well.
—Eric Hershberg, President, Latin American Studies Association
Latin America is on the move, finding its way towards new approaches to
economic development with social justice. *Real World Latin
America*provides a compelling picture of change, political conflict,
and the real
stakes involved in the region. It is a valuable guide to the contemporary
history of the present, inviting readers to stay tuned for more to come.
—Michael A Cohen, Director of the International Affairs Program, New School
University
This is a timely and invaluable overview of current political, economic,
social and cultural dynamics in Latin America. It brings together an
impressive array of experts who write in a concise and accessible manner on
a wide range of topics that define the current Latin American and
hemispheric reality. Here the reader will find analysis and context for
making sense of today's headlines. I cannot imagine a more important
collection for classroom use and for readers from the general public
interested in understanding contemporary Latin America.
—William I. Robinson, Professor of Sociology, Global Studies, and Latin
American Studies, University of California at Santa Barbara, and
author of *Latin
America and Global Capitalism*
Click here for more
information.
Click here to order an exam
copy.
Latin America: A Contemporary Economics and Social Policy Reader*.
Looking for diverse perspectives to explain the profound economic and social
transformations taking place in Latin America? Real World Latin America
brings together the best recent reporting on the region from *Dollars &
Sense* and *NACLA Report on the Americas*.
Forty-five well-researched and clearly-written articles will give students a
thorough introduction to Latin American economic policies, including the
region's changing political maps, the hidden costs of development, struggles
for human rights, international trade deals, and the role of the United
States in the region.
Chapters on social movements and alternative forms of production document
the grassroots challenges to the Washington Consensus that are rising from
Argentine factory shop-floors, Venezuelan cooperatives, Oaxacan schoolrooms,
and elsewhere. Further chapters look at the impact of migration on home
countries and diasporan communities, and the challenges of responsible
environmental stewardship.
*Praise for Real World Latin America:*
The editors of *Dollars & Sense* and *NACLA Report on the Americas* have
done us a great service. This is a timely collection of essays,
sophisticated yet highly readable analysis of the most pressing issues
facing Latin America today. The book is ideally suited for undergraduate
courses on the region, and will be of interest to a broader readership as
well.
—Eric Hershberg, President, Latin American Studies Association
Latin America is on the move, finding its way towards new approaches to
economic development with social justice. *Real World Latin
America*provides a compelling picture of change, political conflict,
and the real
stakes involved in the region. It is a valuable guide to the contemporary
history of the present, inviting readers to stay tuned for more to come.
—Michael A Cohen, Director of the International Affairs Program, New School
University
This is a timely and invaluable overview of current political, economic,
social and cultural dynamics in Latin America. It brings together an
impressive array of experts who write in a concise and accessible manner on
a wide range of topics that define the current Latin American and
hemispheric reality. Here the reader will find analysis and context for
making sense of today's headlines. I cannot imagine a more important
collection for classroom use and for readers from the general public
interested in understanding contemporary Latin America.
—William I. Robinson, Professor of Sociology, Global Studies, and Latin
American Studies, University of California at Santa Barbara, and
author of *Latin
America and Global Capitalism*
Click here for more
information.
Click here to order an exam
copy.
EVENT: Tuesday, Nov. 25-Sunday, Dec. 7---Passim Annual Holiday Fundraising Auction
Passim Annual Holiday Fundraising Auction!
We're kicking-off our Annual Holiday Fundraising Auction Early and Online this year!
The Passim Holiday Auction opens for bidding on Tuesday, November 25th at 8:00am. Online bidding will close on Thursday, December 4th at 8:00pm. However, for most items bidding will continue during a Live Auction at our Members' Holiday Party on Sunday, December 7th, where we will have even more items! You need not be present at the live event to win.
This is a great way to help out Passim and take care of holiday gift buying needs!
View All 5 Items
Week on the Vineyard!
Enjoy a week at a cottage on Martha's Vineyard! Amazingly located along the water in East Chop this retreat boasts a colorful history, beautiful views, a guesthouse, and friendly backyard ducks! Call your family or get some friends together for a...
Value
$3,500.00
Current Bid
Tripping Lily House Concert
The next time you host a party, create a unique experience and impress your friends with live music! Bid to get an exclusive house concert from innovative roots group Tripping Lily. Tripping Lily weaves a beautiful musical collage of ukulele, vio...
Donated by:
Tripping Lily
Value
$1,000.00
Current Bid
Pete Seeger Photograph
Pete Seeger takes a classic pose in this iconic photo of the folk legend. Taken at Woodyfest in Oklahoma this beautiful shot is something you don't want to pass up!
Donated by:
Artistic Touch Photography
Value
$200.00
Current Bid
Passim Folk Music & Cultural Center
26 Church St Suite 300 Cambridge, MA 02138
Ph: 617-492-5300
http://www.passimcenter.org/
You are receiving this email at adonohue@bu.edu because you have requested information from Passim Folk Music & Cultural Center or have participated in one of our online fundraising auctions. You may UNSUBSCRIBE if you no longer want to receive auction-related emails.
We're kicking-off our Annual Holiday Fundraising Auction Early and Online this year!
The Passim Holiday Auction opens for bidding on Tuesday, November 25th at 8:00am. Online bidding will close on Thursday, December 4th at 8:00pm. However, for most items bidding will continue during a Live Auction at our Members' Holiday Party on Sunday, December 7th, where we will have even more items! You need not be present at the live event to win.
This is a great way to help out Passim and take care of holiday gift buying needs!
View All 5 Items
Week on the Vineyard!
Enjoy a week at a cottage on Martha's Vineyard! Amazingly located along the water in East Chop this retreat boasts a colorful history, beautiful views, a guesthouse, and friendly backyard ducks! Call your family or get some friends together for a...
Value
$3,500.00
Current Bid
Tripping Lily House Concert
The next time you host a party, create a unique experience and impress your friends with live music! Bid to get an exclusive house concert from innovative roots group Tripping Lily. Tripping Lily weaves a beautiful musical collage of ukulele, vio...
Donated by:
Tripping Lily
Value
$1,000.00
Current Bid
Pete Seeger Photograph
Pete Seeger takes a classic pose in this iconic photo of the folk legend. Taken at Woodyfest in Oklahoma this beautiful shot is something you don't want to pass up!
Donated by:
Artistic Touch Photography
Value
$200.00
Current Bid
Passim Folk Music & Cultural Center
26 Church St Suite 300 Cambridge, MA 02138
Ph: 617-492-5300
http://www.passimcenter.org/
You are receiving this email at adonohue@bu.edu because you have requested information from Passim Folk Music & Cultural Center or have participated in one of our online fundraising auctions. You may UNSUBSCRIBE if you no longer want to receive auction-related emails.
EVENT: Nov. 20-Dec. 31---THE HELP GROUP & RIGHT START LAUNCH NATIONAL IN-STORE HOLIDAY
THE HELP GROUP & RIGHT START LAUNCH NATIONAL IN-STORE HOLIDAY
TOY DRIVE FOR CHILDREN WITH AUTISM AND OTHER SPECIAL NEEDS
In Natick, Massachusetts, Hundreds of Holiday Toys will be given to Underserved Children
This holiday season, Right Start, a national specialty retailer of juvenile products for infants and young children, in collaboration with The Help Group National Autism Foundation, will conduct a toy drive in all of its 36 store locations throughout the United States. This wonderful program will brighten the holiday season for children with autism and other special needs, ages 5 and under, whose families have limited financial means.
The Help Group National Autism Foundation, established under the auspices of The Help Group – the nation's largest and most comprehensive nonprofit of its kind serving children with autism and other special needs – welcomes the opportunity to collaborate with Right Start to create greater awareness about the special needs community and to reach out to even more children and families this holiday season.
"The Help Group is proud to partner with an organization whose leadership promotes community involvement," said Dr. Barbara Firestone, President and CEO of The Help Group. "We salute Right Start for its commitment to caring and including the public in ongoing awareness campaigns on behalf of children with autism and other special needs."
To maximize the reach of toy donations, The Help Group invited applications for participation from qualified nonprofit autism organizations in each of the Right Start cities throughout the country. These local partners will distribute hundreds of toys to families who may not otherwise have access to toys this holiday season.
Each of these beneficiary autism organizations also received a complimentary copy of Dr. Barbara Firestone's highly acclaimed and award winning book Autism Heroes: Portraits Of Families Meeting The Challenge. This awareness and outreach initiative is part of The Help Group's multi-site, multi-community book distribution program to underserved families made possible through a generous foundation grant.
The holiday toy drive will kick-off on November 20, 2008 and continue through December 31, 2008. "The Right Start's mission is to provide the tools for every stage of a child's life. This holiday season, our customers will have the opportunity to help an underserved child with autism or other special needs by visiting any one of our store locations and buying or donating a new, unwrapped toy," said Hope Neiman, COO, Right Start.
TOY DRIVE FOR CHILDREN WITH AUTISM AND OTHER SPECIAL NEEDS
In Natick, Massachusetts, Hundreds of Holiday Toys will be given to Underserved Children
This holiday season, Right Start, a national specialty retailer of juvenile products for infants and young children, in collaboration with The Help Group National Autism Foundation, will conduct a toy drive in all of its 36 store locations throughout the United States. This wonderful program will brighten the holiday season for children with autism and other special needs, ages 5 and under, whose families have limited financial means.
The Help Group National Autism Foundation, established under the auspices of The Help Group – the nation's largest and most comprehensive nonprofit of its kind serving children with autism and other special needs – welcomes the opportunity to collaborate with Right Start to create greater awareness about the special needs community and to reach out to even more children and families this holiday season.
"The Help Group is proud to partner with an organization whose leadership promotes community involvement," said Dr. Barbara Firestone, President and CEO of The Help Group. "We salute Right Start for its commitment to caring and including the public in ongoing awareness campaigns on behalf of children with autism and other special needs."
To maximize the reach of toy donations, The Help Group invited applications for participation from qualified nonprofit autism organizations in each of the Right Start cities throughout the country. These local partners will distribute hundreds of toys to families who may not otherwise have access to toys this holiday season.
Each of these beneficiary autism organizations also received a complimentary copy of Dr. Barbara Firestone's highly acclaimed and award winning book Autism Heroes: Portraits Of Families Meeting The Challenge. This awareness and outreach initiative is part of The Help Group's multi-site, multi-community book distribution program to underserved families made possible through a generous foundation grant.
The holiday toy drive will kick-off on November 20, 2008 and continue through December 31, 2008. "The Right Start's mission is to provide the tools for every stage of a child's life. This holiday season, our customers will have the opportunity to help an underserved child with autism or other special needs by visiting any one of our store locations and buying or donating a new, unwrapped toy," said Hope Neiman, COO, Right Start.
Friday, November 21, 2008
EVENT: Tuesday, Nov. 25---Sex and the Spirit: What do our spiritual lives teach us about our sexual relations?
Sex and the Spirit
What do our spiritual lives teach us about our sexual relations? A weekly discussion of sex and religion using the book 'Sex and the Soul: Juggling Sexuality, Spirituality, Romance, and Religion on America's College Campuses' by Boston University Professor Donna Freitas, CAS Religion. Hosted by Br. Larry Whitney, LC+, University Chaplain for Community Life at Marsh Chapel, Boston University.
When: Tuesday, Nov 25, 2008 at 5:00pm until 6:00pm on Tuesday, Nov 25, 2008
(Repeats on every Tuesday each week until Tue Dec. 9th, 2008)
Where: Marsh Chapel, 735 Commonwealth Avenue (Thurman Room)
Who: Open to General Public
Admission is free
More Info, contact:
Marsh Chapel
Br. Larry Whitney, LC+
lwhitney@bu.edu
617-358-3392
What do our spiritual lives teach us about our sexual relations? A weekly discussion of sex and religion using the book 'Sex and the Soul: Juggling Sexuality, Spirituality, Romance, and Religion on America's College Campuses' by Boston University Professor Donna Freitas, CAS Religion. Hosted by Br. Larry Whitney, LC+, University Chaplain for Community Life at Marsh Chapel, Boston University.
When: Tuesday, Nov 25, 2008 at 5:00pm until 6:00pm on Tuesday, Nov 25, 2008
(Repeats on every Tuesday each week until Tue Dec. 9th, 2008)
Where: Marsh Chapel, 735 Commonwealth Avenue (Thurman Room)
Who: Open to General Public
Admission is free
More Info, contact:
Marsh Chapel
Br. Larry Whitney, LC+
lwhitney@bu.edu
617-358-3392
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