New Year's Resolutions

Tomorrow is New Year's Eve! There are tons of things happening in the District--parties and events and open bars and concerts.
I always find New Year's traditions a bit over-priced, crowded, and over-hyped; however, I do appreciate the opportunity to reflect on the past year and to look forward into the new.
A new year and a new calendar aren't automatic restarts, of course. There is really no break--it is simply the way we as humans have devised to count time--the marking of four distinct seasons passing.
No matter how arbitrary January 1 might be, it's still an opportunity to evaluate your life and see what's working and what's not.
what made you happy in 2011? Aim to do more of that in 2012. What gave you satisfaction? keep that up for the New Year.
What are things you want to try but never get around to? Put those on the list for the New Year.
Are you living the life you imagined for youself? If not, where did you get off track? Is the way you live in line with your values and belief system? Again, if not, make changes to put yourself where you want to be.
Aside from all the partying and the glamour, New year's is about reflection, introspection, and starting fresh.
Set the tone for a great 2012 by doing things that matter to you. Tell someone your resolutions so that you will be held accountable. Make them achievable so that you can find success.
All of us are good, all humanity has what it takes to make a difference and live with joy. Find it.
I read something recently that has stuck with me and has become a sort of mantra for me: "You will find freedom by accepting your limits and living within your means." It's not about being extravagant, it's about understanding the limits in life and being ok with them. You can truly and fully live with satisfaction when you are comfortable and fully extended within the realm of possibility. 


Wishing you all freedom and joy in 2012,

Megan

Game Change

So this movie will be coming out in 2012. I think it is very interesting that they will be releasing this film to our television sets in 2012 with the big presidential election coming up. With all of the discussion of who will be leading the GOP in the general election I find this film interesting to get an idea of all of the inner workings that occur to put together a presidential team. I will probably be writing a follow up after I see the film, but watch the clip above and let me know what you think. Was Sara Palin the game changer that the McCain party was looking for? Taking some of what you see in this clip what type of pair will the GOP 2012 put together to represent against President Obama?

--Krystal

Giving Back for the Holidays pt 2

A few weeks ago we discussed ways you can give back during the holiday season. Giving back doesn't require any particular creed or faith, it is really just about doing something for someone else. Really we should be doing for others throughout the year, but it is especially important during this time of year when those less fortunate are most vulnerable. Well after bringing this topic up a few weeks I decided to do a little research on more opportunities throughout the DC area to get involved with during the holidays.

Now thanks to a wonderful volunteer coordinator at Miriam's Kitchen I was given a list of great volunteer opportunities. But if it wasn't for this particular volunteer my search would have been a lot more stressful. Who knew it would it be so difficult to find a place to volunteer? Most organizations I found were not looking for volunteers just for the season and those that did have seasonal opportunities had very strict shifts and limits to the amount of people who could sign up. These organizations also required lots of paperwork for someone who only wanted to help out for the season. Regardless, I wanted to share with you all the list I received of great places to give back this season. Check them out and do what you can to help someone else.

Anyone who finds other great organizations to volunteer with please feel free to share!

Happy Holidays!!

--Krystal

    

1. Food & Friends: Caring for those living with life-challenging illnesses by preparing and delivering specialized meals and groceries in conjunction with nutrition counseling.        

2. Grate Patrol:  For those who can't get in... Grate Patrol goes out!

Every Saturday and Sunday, 52 weekends a year, two cars leave the parking lot of St. Paul's Episcopal Church (2430 K St. NW) and go out with 378 bags of healthy breakfasts, to be delivered to people living on DC's streets. Grate Patrol strives to hit the "nooks and crannies" of the city, finding and serving the homeless wherever they can be found. Meet at 5:45 a.m. to start our deliveries before people leave their sleeping areas!  For inquiries about Grate Patrol delivery volunteering, please contact Glenn Marsh at 703-622-6484or marsh_glenn@emc.com

3.       A Wider Circle: Volunteers are needed on Saturdays from 10am-4pm and Sundays from 12-4pm. at in Bethesda.  Volunteers will help clients pick out furniture, sorting and organizing donations, organizing the warehouse, and/or picking up donations from around the region. There is no age requirement to volunteer.  Please contact Katie Reidy, Volunteer & Intern Coordinator at 301.608.3504

4.       Bread for the City: www.breadforthecity.org

5.       Calvary Women’s Services: Cook meals for 25 women, teach LifeSkills Classes, do overnight supervisingwww.calvaryservices.org

6.       Thrive DC provides meals and services to homeless men and women. For volunteering opportunities, please contact volunteer@thrivedc.org

7.       SOME (So Others Might Eat) has many diverse volunteering opportunities. Check their website for more information: www.some.org

8.       N Street Village has many diverse volunteering opportunities. Check their website for more information: www.nstreetvillage.org

9.   Martha’s Table offers multiple volunteering opportunities such as: wagon driver, food preparation, and tutor. Check their website for more information:www.marthastable.org

10.   Interested in helping children and families? Check out the Mary’s Center for volunteering opportunities: www.maryscenter.org

11.   DC Central Kitchen has various volunteering opportunities. Check their website for more information: www.dccentralkitchen.org

12.   Go apple picking with friends or family on the weekends athttp://striblingorchard.com/default.aspx You can then donate some of the apples to Miriam’s Kitchen. We will make delicious desserts for our guests!

National Homeless Persons' Memorial Day

This coming Wednesday, the shortest day of the year (and thus the longest night), is the 22nd annual National Homeless Persons' Memorial Day. The service will be held at New York Ave Presbyterian Church at 6pm in Washington.
This service is to celebrate and remember those lives lost on the streets in our nation's capital. Names will be read of people who have died homeless in 2011.
The vigil will dually serve as a reminder to our community that all ought to have access to shelter, health care, and proper nutrition. It is a basic human right to feel physically safe and comfortable throughout the night.
Everyone is invited to come out and participate on this first day of winter. The cold and darkness will be a good reminder of how important shelter is.
This important event will be held in various cities all over the country. Come out and remember those who have died on our streets, in our community: those for whom the system failed.

--Megan

Urban Poverty

Interesting, but unsurprising, visual demonstrating the spread of poverty across DC. The city, though it doesn't make the "Top 10 Most Segregated," is segregated, rich and poor, white and non-white. DC has come a long way in the past couple of decades, but the rapid gentrification projects aren't always good for the city's revival and the city's long time citizens.
To me, this visual really demonstrates what most already know about DC. The "forgotten" East of the River neighborhoods are the poorest. These are also the neighborhoods where the most crime happens, where the drop out rates are highest, and where there are no grocery stores to shop at. These neighborhoods are almost entirely African American populations.  Poverty is systemically and institutionally tied to race in this country. Knowing that, I wonder what can really be done to reverse the cycles and actually defeat poverty?
Many programs in the city simply aid those who are dealing with poverty; the programs are not meant to actually defeat poverty. While of course I agree that this aid is helpful and necessary for those in desperate situations, I'm curious to find out what can really end this culture of poverty? As I believe, it is so closely tied to race, I'm very unsure. It's not easy to reverse history. How to undo what's been done? Programs have certainly been in place to make equality and justice accessible to all, but it's just really not that easy. History plays a role and has influenced who has advantages and disadvantages: poverty is predetermined .

A speaker I heard in the past week  said to the group, "There is a cure for homelessness: houses!" It is, yes, that simple. Housing would dissolve the problem of homelessness; however, policies and procedures and cultural and societal norms get in the way. How can we give one person a house but someone else has to pay for theirs?
It's systemic, it's self perpetuating. What would work to break these cycles?

--Megan

Crime and Punishment Museum DC

On this blog we like to introduce and discuss some of our favorite spots in the DC area and recently I took advantage of a Groupon deal and visited the Crime & Punishment Museum for the first time. And trust me when I say this is one of the most exciting museums with well structured and interesting exhibits.

Normally a trip to Crime & Punishment can cost you about $20.00 at the door and slightly cheaper if your purchase tickets ahead of time online, but Groupon has done more that one special with tickets at $10.00 a piece. Now with all of the free museums DC has to offer some of you may be against paying to visit a museum,but these exhibits are well worth it and you don't even need a guided tour which can cost you about $5.00 extra.

Crime and Punishment offers a variety of exhibits including; Bonnie & Clyde, Jewish Gangsters and interactive exhibits like punishment: the consequence of crime and crime scene investigation. You will also be enlightened by the history of crime and punishment and stories and updates from headlining cases throughout US History. Learn about every serial kill from John Wayne Gacy (the clown that killed) to Cho Seung-Hui (VA Tech gunman) Each story includes all past information and updated findings. You will also be able to view the FBI's 10 most wanted list with updates.

For anyone that enjoys Dexter, CSI, NCIS, Bones, Law & Order, Amercia's Most Wanted, Good Fellas, Public Enemies or any form of entertainment involving either crime or law enforcement will enjoy the several interactive exhibits which put you in the role of law, order, or outlaw. You leave this museum with a greater knowledge of law, crime, order and punishment. To really get the full enjoyment of this museum you should make it a day trip and don't rush through the exhibits. This will be worth the $20 charge, but keep your eyes open for another Groupon or Living Social Deal.

--Krystal

Human Need not Corporate Greed

"Human need not Corporate greed" read a sign in an assembly of individuals protesting wrongful foreclosures. With all of the recent publicity given to the widespread Occupy Movement I feel of is also necessary to discuss another movement and assembly of individuals that is picking up speed.

Recently reports have been coming out that unemployment rates are falling and the economy is stabilizing. This may be true in some areas, but overall it is a misleading fact. The holidays bring an influx of consumers to stores throughout the US. This increase in business and customers warrants additional staff to the businesses. Seasonal work is a great way to get your foot in the door at a company, but usually is just a temporary fix to unemployment issues.
Since the collapsing of the real estate market many individuals have been left upside down in mortgages without hope. Foreclosures have swept the nation leaving families on the streets.

Some of these foreclosures have caught media attention with residents refusing to leave. Most recently I saw a vase where a war veteran was losing his home and instead of taking it, residents of his community joined his side. They stood together to protect the home of an American war vet. Or a story with an 103 year old woman and her 83 year old daughter were being forced to leave their homes. The stress of.the foreclosure was so much that 83 year old suffered a heart attack. Fortunately in this case human need outweighed corporate greed and this family was not forced to leave their home of 50 years. Not everyone is as lucky or has the support of their community and in many cases corporate greed outweighs human need.

With the 2012 election on the rise it is important for all Americans to know where the values of our country lie and understand how integral a role we can play in the decisions made in our community and government with a voice, vote, or simply standing up for what we believe is right.
-Krystal

Religious Discourse in America

Just a quick post from me today, but I wanted to share this article I came across on Facebook earlier this week about Tim Tebow. The writer makes the point that if other football players and fans were to mock Tim Tebow's religious actions on and off the field if he were of another, less mainstream religion, there would be major consequences, apologies, and a lot of disapproval. It is politically incorrect to do so. Despite this, people feel free to mock and poke fun at Tim Tebow's showing of gratitude and faith on the field.
I think what this says about religious discourse in this country is fascinating--and all too true. Everyone has that "open-minded" friend who accepts any alternative lifestyle choice, but despises Christians or conservatives, or some other mainstream cultural point. The catch-22 of that being, of course, that this in opposition to their supposed "open minded" stance.
Tim Tebow, as the article points out, is merely demonstrating that one's faith (any faith) has space in any arena we choose to take it. We can give thanks for our blessings wherever we find them--and there are so many.
Religion in this country is tied closely to politics; understandably so, as the foundations of this nation and of many others around the world are built on various faith traditions and religions. As Americans take the plunge to extricate and separate religion from politics, government, and public spaces, it is definitely a delicate balance. This notion that all faith traditions can be celebrated and respected here is an admirable one, but there is still a lot of conversations that need to happen. I think one of these is the fact that we need to protect and respect all of these traditions--including those that are mainstream--no religion is above or below this boundary and ought to be sacred and respected by all.

--Megan

Science of Gratitude

In light of the recent holiday, and the season in general, I've decided to blog about something I've been trying out recently: gratitude. In a yoga class recently, the instructor challenged the class to write down three things everyday that were positive and that they were thankful for, sighting better mental and physical health as well as improved social interactions and personal relationships as the result.
Since, I've done a little research into the science of gratitude and found that this simple exercise is life changing. By focusing on the positive in situations and in day to day life, you are putting less stress on your body and mind. You feel happier because you think happy thoughts.
The yoga instructor told the class, "emotions are like waves" and we can choose which ones we ride. There's no point in riding a wave of resentment, anger, or frustration; it only takes a toll on your health and day.
Find things to be thankful for everyday. One man who participated in the study mentioned walking down the street and finding things that he liked or made him smile. As he walked to work each day, he would think to himself about dogs he liked, or the nice color of the sky or leaves, or about his legs that carried him around.
Others that participated in the study were asked to reflect only on good things that happened through out the day or things they were grateful for that day.
Another group was asked to recall negative or bad things that happened that day each night, and a control group was asked merely to recall events, but not emotional reactions to them.
The group that rode only positive waves throughout the study, remembered their time much differently than those who had been asked to reflect on negative things. They were happier and carried less stress and suffered from less ailments. They even exercised more and slept better!
Try being thankful for things each day and find the positive in all situations that you are  given; it will literally change your life.  By being grateful and thankful and noticing things that are good in every day situations, you are fully enjoying your life and your day to day interactions. These positive thoughts also improve your relationships with other.
The same wise yogi also challenged me with this thought: She told us that the way to impact our community and the world around us the most is to simply take care of ourselves and work on ourselves and treat ourselves with loving kindness. We can't fix all the worlds problems single handedly, and while we might not see the value in taking care of ourselves when there is so much need in our community, this is ultimately an excellent way to show kindness and improve the lives of those around you. For example, someone who values him/herself might be less likely to snap at someone or be impatient with someone. By giving yourself rest and working on your own emotional, mental, and physical health, you can improve the lives of others simply by being more pleasant to be around. Imagine if everyone in society was well rested and had a healthy meal and some time to take care of themselves--people all over would be more patient, happy, and willing to work with one another.
These are things I've been trying to put into practice in my personal life and I'm looking forward to all the benefits! Despite the greed and gluttony that can sometimes overshadow this time of year, try and keep it simple and focus on those you  care about and the spirit of giving and being thankful.

--Megan

Giving Back for the Holidays

The Holidays are a special time of year. Most people that are fortunate enough spend this time of year with family, friends, and lots of food. For those less fortunate the holidays can be a very difficult and disheartening time. But what makes this time of year so special is the amount of opportunities and events that allow people to give back.

Volunteer-There are several ways to get involved within your community and several projects that need volunteers for sustainability. Dedicating just a few hours of time to your community can really revive your spirit  and your neighborhood. So Others Might Eat has  a great holiday project that gives friends, family, and co-workers the opportunity to make up a holiday dinner basket for a low-income senior in DC. SOME provides a list of canned goods to make the side dishes and the meats are provided. Just bring the items you have put together to SOME by December 17th and you can also volunteer to help deliver the baskets to those in need.

Toys for Tots Program- the mission of this program is to collect new, unwrapped toys during the months of October, November and December each year to be distributed as Christmas gifts to needy children within the local community.

Adopt a family with Community of Hope-Every year in December Community of Hope looks to bring the holiday spirit to children and families throughout the DC community by collecting target gift cards. This program helps these households purchase gifts for their families for the holidays.

These are all great ideas to stay involved during the holidays and to give back to those less fortunate than yourself.  Below is a list of additional ways I have found that are great opportunities to give back both large and small. Since there is about a month left until Christmas this is a great time to make sure you are involved in giving back this holiday season. Have fun!

-Krystal

1. Invite an elderly neighbor or someone who lives alone to join your celebration
2. Write a thoughtful note to someone special
3. Donate clothes you've outgrown
4. Volunteer at a soup kitchen
5. Send a care package to a soldier
6. Visit hospital patients
7. Foster a dog or cat
8. Shovel snow for a neighbor
9. Help pick up trash at a local park
10. Join a church or school group that does community service projects

Sending a Message

There is a message in every action. Most of you have probably seen or heard about the video above. On November 18th (my birthday), University of California, Davis Police used pepper spray to move occupy protesters blocking exits from the school's quad in Davis, California. Lt. John Pike sprayed a row of peaceful  Occupy Wall Street protestors. This video has gone viral and several political pundits have reacted.


One of the questions being asked is what should have the police done in this situation? UC Davis students participating in the occupy protests were peaceful and not threatening, harming intimating anyone. Some more conservative pundits have argued that the students "were only pepper sprayed" Pepper spray is a chemical compound that irritates the eyes to cause tears, pain, and even temporary blindness. Pepper spray is normally used in riot control, crowd control and personal self-defense, including defense against dogs and bears. Which of these uses apply in this situation? These students were not rioting out of control like animals, but yet that is how they were treated.


Because of the abrasive reaction of Lt. Pike and the officers many are equating this incident with those of Bull Connor during The Civil Rights Movement. Below is a clip of the infamous Bull Connor and his reaction to protests. Though I don't feel this act was as egregious as those of Connor it seems clear that the aggressiveness was unnecessary and unwarranted. As Americans we have the right to assemble peacefully and the right to freedom of speech and this act of protest falls within those categories. In situations such as these it seems people identify with one side or the other and their feelings align with that group. 


There is a message in every action. The UC Davis protestors were sending their message of solidarity with the occupy wall street movement of fighting back against big business. But the real question is what message was Lt. Pike and UC Davis Police sending to students, Occupy Wall Street, and the rest of the world? 


--Krystal

Help the Homeless Walkathon

This Saturday is the annual Help the Homeless Walkathon put on by Sallie Mae. Each year, the walk is held down on the National Mall to raise awareness and visibility about the issues of homelessness and affordable housing.
Homelessness is, unfortunately, on the increase and more and more people are living on the streets. Some 12,000 people are homeless in the District. Many of these people have jobs, but still cannot afford the cost of rent. The waitlist for affordable housing is over a year long. The main reasons that people become homeless are unforeseen economic crisis, job loss, foreclosure, serious medical condition, and death in the family. Families wind up on the streets when they are in the midst of other crises. Another factor that we can attribute homelessness to is the cuts to federal homelessness prevention and rapid rehousing programs. It is also important to note that as cities gentrify and old neighborhoods become new and appealing, many are forced from their homes as rent rises or as old apartments flip to condos. Some are working hard to make ends meet and stay in housing but as relief programs are cut and rent rises, this challenge becomes impossible.
This season, our coldest days so far were October 28 and 29. The emergency winter shelters in the District operate anytime the temperature drops to freezing during hypothermia season. Hypothermia season starts November 1. That means several DC residents were left out in the cold that weekend.
The Walkathon raises money and awareness for our most vulnerable community members. The money raised is in support of several local organizations including N Street Village, Community of Hope, Samaritan Ministry, SOME, Bread for the City, and Back on My Feet. These organizations are looking to fight poverty and homelessness at it's root and can provide those in need with what they need to find jobs and shelter.
It is the community's responsibility to look out for those living on the street; they are our burden. The norms and secret knowledge of our society have put them there, lacking options.

Come walk this Saturday and do your part to raise money and awareness for homelessness and those in our community who are out on the streets! It's not too late to register, and you can do so here. Homelessness is not an individual's fault; it is a matter of circumstances and all in the community are held accountable.
Take action! See you Saturday!

Bossypants

Tina Fey is funny. She was on SNL for years, and now she's the head writer of her own show, 30 Rock. She's funny, and people like her for that.
Bossypants is more than just funny, though, as is Tina Fey. The book deals with being a woman in a male-dominated work environment. It grapples with the gender norms our society has built into it's very foundations.
Why are men seen as funny and women are not? Why are men allowed to make fun of other men without hurting anyone's feelings, but women are not? Why can men have a career and a family without anyone worrying about it, but women cannot?
I recommend this book to all feminists (men can be feminists, too!) and I'd like to use it as a platform to discuss gender norms and sexism in our culture and the media.
These norms are ingrained into the institutions of this country. It starts from childhood: colors, appropriate toys, activities that children join, commercials, etc. It's the language that is used. Women are raised to be gentle and emotional, men are raised to be strong and not emotional.
It then subtly or overtly affects everything else we do. Women are objectified by all: the magazines and TV shows and advertisements tell women what makes them valuable (being pretty) and the men whistle and honk.
Women who are bosses are bitches. Women who sleep around are sluts. Men who are bosses are "have earned it." Men who sleep around are players.
It's built into our very language--we have two pronouns: "he" and "she." Our culture is obsessed with being able to put everyone in a box. Are they male, or are they female? Even more so, women have been defined by marital status(though this is changing): do we call them Miss or Mrs.? --it depends on whether or not they are married. This draws attention to a woman's marital status before one is even introduced.
Just because something has become normalized, does not mean it's actually acceptable. Bossypants is a light, funny read that shines some light on sexism and norms. Is Tina Fey crazy or selfish or neglecting her child because she wants to have a career and a family? Some would have you believe this is true.

Read the book. Laugh at Fey's jokes and ironies. Reflect on the gender norms of our culture and the root of them. They are archaic and make no sense in modern society. Identifying characteristics and personalities and abilities and salaries and worth based on an x or a y...it's primitive.

--Megan

DC Local Music Day

The next DC Local Music Day will be held on Wednesday, December 7th. This is a day to promote Listen Local First's  mission to develop partnerships between local musicians and local businesses in order to create additional avenues of local music exploration. This is a monthly even with over 25 local businesses streaming the music of the featured local musicians all day in their stores.

This is a great event that gives locals a chance to hear their own local bands as they go about their day. It is important for the community to support its neighbors and fellow community members. Some of the local bands being featured include Nappy Riddem, Free, and Typefighter. And on December 7th be sure to check out some of the local locations participating in the event like Tryst, big bear cafe, hello cupcake and Solly's.

Then December 8th let us know your favorite local band and where you listened to them.

--Krystal

In these battles no one wins

Today as I was listening to my daily morning radio show they began discussing a recent fatal incident that occurred at an off-campus Frostburg State University party. Just days ago a 19-year-old Frostburg State University physics major and a 23-year-old senior business major engaged in an altercation at the party that led to the death of the 19-year-old by stabbing. I was shocked after hearing this story. This is the second (that I am aware of) fatal fight between college women in Maryland in the past three months. The former incident being the horrifying roommate battle of Bowie State University. The commonalities of these two incidents; black women, college students, and weapons were used to stab the victim.

While listening to the radio the hosts said what many of us were thinking "how could something like this happen?" "what makes someone escalate to killing another human being?" One caller dared to respond to these questions stating that Frostburg University's demographics have changed and their admissions standards have fallen over the years leading to unstable conditions throughout and around the campus. Whether or not this is true is not for me to say. This statement did inspire me to do some research on both Frostburg and Bowie State University. But to me the real problem isn't these particular universities.

Incidents like these are happening throughout the country and each one is more surprising than the next. When did it become natural to act so violently when found in an unwanted confrontation. A few weeks ago Megan wrote a blog post about the American justice system, the death penalty and the mistreatment of minorities in the process. The death penalty is seen as the highest form of punishment, is this thinking carrying over in our everyday lives? Roommates are tired of dealing with each other and one sees no other option and in the heat of the moment one ends their argument with the highest form of punishment. Death.

I am not sure what any of this means, but I am certain that something is not working and those things need to be addressed. Losing young lives is killing the future of our society.

To read more about each case follow the links above and then leave your thoughts below.

--Krystal

Occupy

The Occupy movement is a huge movement sweeping our nation right now. I thought I'd take a moment to briefly discuss it here on the blog. The idea behind is it that 1% of the people in this country have all the wealth and power, despite our country being run as a democracy. The Occupiers want to redistribute that wealth and power. They want the 99% voices to be heard. They want people to notice that many are sick, hungry, and homeless, and are disenfranchised, with no one speaking up on their behalf.
It is no secret that the unemployment rate is rising. It is no secret that the middle class is shrinking--there are more people on either end of the spectrum. The rich are getting richer, and the poor are getting poorer.
What does that mean for those of us in the DC area? I think the Occupy movement carries another message, as well, here, and that is of being disenfranchised. There is a larger population here than certain states, and yet anyone who is a DC resident has virtually no political voice, no say in votes.
In a recent meeting that I attended for organizations that provide services to homeless people and advocate for housing and rights for the voiceless in our society, a speaker described Washington, DC, as a "mecca" for those who are homeless because we have services here and systems in place to provide for people in need. Unfortunately, the more people come, the less resources we have for them all. Additionally, what we may have in terms of resources, we lack in terms of a voice for these people.

The Occupy message is a simple one. We have given so much power to the wealthiest 1%. These people ultimately get to make the decisions, and they make the decisions with their interests in mind--while others go hungry or live on the streets. Even those that are working struggle to feed their families on minimum wage--it is not a living wage. Redistribute the wealth, redistribute the power. Let all voices be heard. The Occupiers are not violent. It's a peaceful movement. It's working, too--it's captured media attention and interest across the country and the world.

On a lighter note, here's a picture of Stephen Colbert trying to blend in with the Occupy Wall Street movement. He looks good!

Happy weekend, everyone.

--Megan

Gangs as a Community Organization

I just finished reading Gang Leader for a Day, by Sudhir Venkatesh, as recommended to me. A fascinating read; it was a story of a sociologist who becomes close with a gang in Chicago and studies poverty and community from this vantage point.
What I found most interesting about the story was how the gang operated much like another enterprise or legal business and this underground enterprise's interactions with the local community. There were officials, ranks, seniority, and politics. Gang members were expected to graduate high school in order to stay in the gang and have a chance at a higher rank. Much of the local community has a love/hate relationship with the gang. They need the gang to regulate activity in the community, support neighborhood services and businesses, and throw parties, but they also have to pay taxes to the gang, and put up with disruptions. The gang at time makes the community safer by enforcing boundaries and regulations within said boundaries, but it also makes the local community more dangerous as it becomes a target for other gangs to attack.
I found these interactions interesting. Many people, even legitimate workers, such as tenant and building officials, police officers, local businesses such as restaurants, convenience stores, and car shops, and church and school officials, work with the gang instead of against it. These people might know who the leaders are, but prefer to work with the gang in peace, as the gang is often a source of money for programming and protection for businesses.
Many people in the projects, gang affiliated or not, take part in the underground economy. This might be cooking and selling meals in your kitchen, babysitting kids, working on or washing cars, or cutting and styling hair.
This is how people survive. They might also offer these services for discount or in exchange for other goods. You can watch my cable, if you cook meals for my kids, for example. Even businesses would make deals with tenant officials in this way. People used their networks and made "friends" in places so they wouldn't get in trouble for illegal activity, or evicted if they didn't pay their rent.
Much of this was regulated by the gang, who would then want a cut. Some saw them as a dictatorship or another form of government. It was a way of life.
This culture has been adapted because of conditions of poverty. It is an innate human characteristic that we do what it takes to survive, and I believe this underground economy and gang organization has been formed as a way to do that. People in this particular project that Venkatesh studied lived much more communally than many other Americans do: they shared housing, child care responsibilities, utilities, food, and other resources. Venkatesh noted that often a group of apartments would work as one unit: one individual would pay the utilites and have hot water, and everyone in that group would shower there. Another would pay for cable so that everyone could watch TV there. Another would provide food. Another would provide child care so that other house holds could work. Certain people's names did or didn't go on the lease depending on whether or not they were working, so that the others could receive benefits for them all to split.

While many of the activities partaken in are illegal, this is a well-oiled, dictionary definition of true community. People rely on their neighbors, care for one another, and do what it takes to scrape by. The gang is involved in this because they see the gang as a resource.
Upon reading this account, I'm not sure where even a city planner or mayor or public official would start to break the cycle of poverty. It is so deeply rooted and has such different cultural norms than other society, that many cannot change their ways, even if they suddenly have money or more resources. Poverty has become a way of life with it's own rules and norms and systems. Introducing better housing, for example, or more police regulation, or better schools is a challenge as many are scared of what they don't know. These changes often create gang conflicts as people are moved around or forced to go to new schools. These changes, which many Americans see as good, are scary to those who are unfamiliar. It seems crazy to us that someone would not want to give up a life of poverty and crime, but I challenge you to see it in a different light: this is what this population knows.

--Megan

DC Week

Here in DC there is always a community event or "week event" of some sort going on. Next up is DCWEEK. Who will be attending this event?

DC WEEK is a week-long  festival in the District focused on bringing together individuals and organizations of all talents including; designers, developers, entrepreneurs, and social innovators. DCWEEK festivities take off November 4th with a variety of different events, workshops, and parties throughout the week.

Other than all of the cool get together events DCWEEK is also putting together a Give to the Max Day with local  non profits on Wednesday November 9th. This is a one-day fundraising event to unite the DMV  communities with a goal to raise over $3 million in donations and grants. It is really simple to set up a Razoo Give to Max page and even more simple to become a fan of or donate to your favorite local charity. The best part of this event is that local charities and communities are encouraged to work with one another to raise money for each other promoting a united community. Check out two pages Megan and I support Samaritan Ministry of Greater Washington and Academy of Hope.

Your favorite bloggers have registered for DCWEEK and we plan on attending some of the meet & greets and workshops. Hope to see some of you there!

--Krystal

Made in America

This picture is from Ford's Theatre, but with the flags I feel it
can be used for this post as well.

America has been known as the land of opportunity. Immigrants, citizens and all alike could come to America find work and support their family. In September of 2011 the unemployment rate in the United States was reported at 9.1%. It is my belief that this unemployment rate is so high because of the dying American industry.

A couple of weeks ago my Dad went to a conference in DC. At this conference he brought back a lot of small goodies local companies were distributing to guests. Knowing that I am a big American History nerd and enjoy materials representing that history he let me have this small foam Capitol building model. I loved it and was very excited about it. For some reason I flipped it around and to my surprise saw in big bold letters "Made in China." This was very amusing to myself and those around me that such an infamous American building toy was not made by the hands of Americans. The more I thought about it I began to wonder what goods are American made? One of the critical reasons that the US economy is in such dire conditions is because of the vast amount of laborious jobs that have relocated outside of US borders for cheaper labor.

So I started to do some research on American made goods and found some interesting results. There are several websites dedicated to American goods or services. If you check out Made in USA they provide lots of information on American made goods/services and many additional resources as well including articles about why it is important to buy American products. Americans are losing jobs, the economy is suffering, and disadvantaged individuals in these countries abroad are being exploited. All of these serious problems are a result of the decrease in American Industrialization.

Now my issue is not with Americans purchasing goods that are not made in America. I think the really issue is the lack of goods that are made in American. There are millions of able bodied individuals in this country who are out of work because in many cities especially urban areas there are simply not enough jobs for everyone. It is just as important to export goods and services as it is to import them. If we are constantly importing goods are economy will remain unbalanced.


What goods have you found in your home or while shopping that were surprising made outside of the US? American flags? American footballs?

I also found some cool videos of individuals take the "Made in America" challenge on ABC News. Follow the link


--Krystal

The Parking Lot Movie

Has anyone heard of this movie? It is full of social commentary and comes from an unusual perspective!

Here's a brief synopsis:
Some guys work as parking lot attendants in Charlottesville, VA. They enjoy the job because they look at it existentially and try to find purpose in this superficially simple job. They deal with a lot of people who park their cars in the lot and then have to pay. Some of the interactions are positive, some are not. The guys comment on the kind of cars people drive and what that means about them, and what the car symbolizes in society, and therefore what a parking lot attendant actually means. The guys come to resent most of who park and find a lot of injustice. They deal with both the feeling of being a "gate keeper" and conversely the feeling of being on the losing end of  a class warfare battle, as many who use the lot feel a certain entitlement.

I found this a fascinating societal study. People who these parking lot attendants might interact with normally in other social settings were treated as subpar in the parking lot. People fought over small fees of $1 or $2.  People made condescending remarks to them along the lines of "it seems you're stuck in a rut" or "My son/daughter is graduating today; if you got your act together and did the same, you wouldn't need to be here."
The attendants made interesting insights about the car as a huge factor in the American identity--just another facet of our day-to-day. They comment, "we own it, but it also owns us" meaning that in many ways, the car can actually become a hindrance (ie when we need to find a place to park it). The attendants found the job to be a constant power struggle--they could put cones into the lot to keep people from parking in certain places, in exchange people would argue with them over payment, drive off without paying, or be little them. This goes back to the sense of entitlement that many car owners they encountered felt. One attendant commented (about the thought process of an SUV owner), "I bought this car, there must be a place to park it. Like it comes with it's own parking space." There is a lot of resistance toward paying the parking fees. Another attendant said when people asked why they'd have to pay he'd began explaining capitalism.
It was clear that the people using the lot felt they were of a higher social status than those working in the lot. It was also clear that most felt inclined to act upon this. Often it was subtle, a patron might use a certain tone of voice, but other times it was blatant. Friday and Saturday nights, for instance, the gate was broken at least one time per night. Others argued they "didn't know they had to pay" (despite driving through a gate and taking a ticket) and others argued the sense of having to pay for a place to put the car.
Each attendant had a different group of people they disliked most--the frat boys, the alumni, the SUV drivers, UVA parents, etc. These attendants all made connections between this seemingly simple job of working at the parking lot and society and justice at large.
Watch the trailer here!
Then go watch it.

My favorite: "What if Rosa Parks had a car?"


--Megan

A Definition of Poverty

Poverty is the extent to which one does without resources. I've recently come across this definition of poverty in the book A Framework for Understanding Poverty. I'm not sure I'd ever looked at a dictionary definition of poverty before, but this one makes sense to me. Resources can be anything physical, financial, emotional, spiritual. It can be support, health, role models and other relationships, and access to "hidden knowledge"--this last one referring to cultural norms that vary between working class people and upper class society.
Poverty is further broken down into two subcategories: generational and situational. In the past week, I have discussed with many at my organization if they think there is a noticeable difference in these two types of poverty.
It seems, that much like the upper class divide of "old family money" and "making your own million" type money, there is in fact a difference.
The people I discussed with seemed to find that people who suffer from generational poverty have become part of a certain counter culture of poverty. They know which churches and organizations are giving out food on what days, they have power structures in the streets and shelters, and they aren't too concerned with getting a job.
With situational poverty, it is less ingrained in people to live in a certain way and these people are perhaps more motivated to get on their feet again. They are unfamiliar with the culture of poverty and are less likely to thrive in this situation or even to get by.
Either way, poverty is systemic. It roots back to fundamental problems in our class system. It is something that snowballs and is intricately entwined into the fabrics of society.
I'd love to hear thoughts of people reading this blog--but many I've discussed with seem to think that the DC neighborhoods fall more into the category of generational poverty. These are people whose learned behaviors come from few educational opportunities, few community resources, and missing parents, young parents, and high crime. This has become the norm, and therefore has become a culture. Even if it is one big "situation" for example, the felony that landed someone in prison for several years that knocked them into their current situation, this situation was spurred from the fact that generational poverty already existed for this person. Looking at it this way, it makes sense why so many of the people filling our prisons are minorities. It's systemic. Our country's very foundations have created this culture, in particular for minorities who were once imprisoned and whom resources were once witheld. It's not enough to suddenly say, "here, come take it, you can," because it's a lot more complicated than that. Yes, there are equal opportunities for all now, but that doesn't reverse what has been done. Some people are playing the catch up game in order to even be able to reach these new opportunities now open to them.

According to A Framework for Understanding Poverty, there are four main reasons that people leave poverty:
1) they have a specific goal or wish that motivates them
2) they are experiencing something so painful that anything would be better
3) someone "sponsors" them (such as an educator, mentor, role model, etc) out or convinces them that they could live a different way.
4) a specific ability or talent provides an opportunity


With this in mind, how can we alter the culture of poverty? What sort of efforts can we put in place to halt the systemic, cancerous growth that is poverty, violence, lack of education...?


--Megan

Luray Caverns

Shot of the cavern.

Today I took an exciting trip to Luray Caverns in Luray, Virginia. I mostly wanted to post pictures of my trip, brag about the awesome weather we had, and encourage you all to plan your own trip to the the caverns when the opportunity presents it self. For mire than 125 years, Luray Caverns has been known as a natural wonder since its discovery in 1878.

All monies thrown in the wishing well is
donated to new charity each year.

 Now to be honest with you all when I was headed to my cavern journey I was expecting a pretty intense climbing excursion which it is not. To prepare myself for the trip I watched 127 hours the night before. And again this is not what Luray Caverns is about at all. But instead it is a really cool tour of the cavern. Throughout the tour you were given lots of information on how caverns were formed and how it has changed over the years. I love the pictures I took, but they don't do the view justice and you must check it out for yourself and let me know what you think.


After our cavern tour we drove up to the skyline to check out an even grander view. For just a short drive up the mountain the view is more than worth it.

On top of the world

--Krystal

Take control of your health

Signage at concert

As most everyone has heard, October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. It is important to remember that being aware is more than just wearing pink, but learning, practicing, and preaching acts of prevention. This past Wednesday one your favorite bloggers was in attendance at the Keep A Breast Tour at the 9:30 club in Washington, DC. This tour is the first ever breast cancer prevention music tour put on by The Keep A Breast Foundation and House of Blues Entertainment. This tour is serving as a grassroots nationwide event educating fans about breast cancer prevention.  The idea is to inspire and encourage people to take their health into their own hands and a portion of ticket sales will be donated to Keep A Breast.

Uh Huh Her take the stage

The tour features Uh Huh Her with Fences and Jarrod Gorbel opening as supporting artists on select dates. This is really a great event that you can catch throughout the US and Canada. Most of people attending the concert were fans of the music, but between the acts you were treated to a special speech by a breast cancer survivor. Hearing the trials and tribulations of being diagnosed with breast cancer can be true encouragement to be aware of your health and body.

Throughout the month of October there are several events, campaigns and ways to increase your knowledge of breast cancer prevention. What I enjoy the most about the Keep a Breast Tour is the way they encourage individuals to take their health into their own hands and make learning of breast cancer prevention a fun activity.

Anyone else attending any interesting workshops, rallies, or other events on breast cancer prevention? Please share because many of us know someone who has been affected by breast cancer in some way.

--Krystal

DC Farmer's Markets

After a terrible September--usually my favorite month--we are due for this gorgeous, gorgeous, October weather. Zero humidity and that blue sky that is only that crisp and brilliant this time of year.

Get outside!
It is also a great season to visit the local farmers market. All my favorite foods are in season--squash, sweet potatoes, green beans, apples...
And apple cider!
It's a great way to get fresh, healthy, and colorful foods as well as support and take part in your community. These markets are local gathering places for neighbors each weekend. You are also reducing your carbon foot print by buying things that come locally and in season. Some of the markets sell some delicious baked goods, cheeses, or icecreams in addition to the fresh produce.
Some might think that shopping at the farmer's market is more expensive than the grocery. At surface value, this is true, but one ought to consider the environmental costs of shipping food from other countries or states. One also might want to consider the health costs of eating foods that have been altered or treated with chemicals or preservatives.

Another great feature of our local farmers markets in DC is that they take food stamps and WIC. Some of the farmers markets even give you bonus money or double your dollar for shopping with food stamps! Simply stop at the EBT/WIC table, where a volunteer is sitting with a card swipe machine, before you enjoy the rest of the market!
This is an important attribute as this federal money is now being used to support the local economy and local farmers. Any food stamps money is bringing federal dollars to our local economy.

It's great weather for the markets this fall and many will close at the end of next month, so get out there while you can! Go early, when the streets are quiet. I love weekend mornings in DC. You are rewarded for getting up early with quiet streets, people walking dogs or jogging, or sipping coffee at outdoor cafes. Less cars and great morning air and light. Do it!

happy long weekend, DC!

--Megan

"Justice"

A number of high profile cases have come to a head in the past few months, including the Casey Anthony case, the Troy Davis case, and just yesterday the verdict was read at the Amanda Knox case.
All of these people came to the stand claiming their innocence. Two of them were let go, one was killed. Two of them were young white women, one was an African American male. That's three high-profile cases where the guilt of the defendant was uncertain. The two white women got off, and the African American male was given the death penalty, despite claiming his innocence to the very end. I will let that speak for itself on behalf of our nation.
What is justice to you? What does that word mean? Does there necessarily need to be retribution for one's actions? Can we no longer take someone's word for it when they tell us what they have or haven't done? Who's job is it to decide whether you have paid for your sins and how best you should do that? When is death the answer?
That's a lot of questions. It's got me thinking though...who has the right to decide? Who am I to "cast a stone" and reprimand someone or celebrate in someone being punished or killed?
What is justice in our eyes? Revenge? People should get theirs? Equal treatment? You get what you give? I think that comes around naturally. Who is another human being to decide that someone else deserves "justice?"
The word comes with a negative connotation now. If "Justice is being served" by someone being killed by our government, I want nothing to do with it. The death penalty is so archaic and uncivilized. Our system is so fundamentally flawed. It doesn't uphold true justice. Who are we killing and is that fair?
Minorities are more often to get the death penalty and be locked up. Minorities are more likely to be convicted of crimes. Our justice system is more likely to fail minorities.

To the point, I don't agree with our "justice" system, and I don't believe in other people determining what is just. We are not God and we are not to judge. It is time to re-evaluate the way people are treated and the systemic problems that lead people to our criminal justice system. Instead of executing people and normalizing that--so that millions can grow up thinking that "justice" means death and the government can kill "bad" people--we ought to be putting time into community endeavors and correctional facilities. We ought to be making our neighborhoods a safe place to live for everyone, that would be a just thing to do.

No "justice" was served when Troy Davis died in the arms of our government. Blood is on all of our hands for that. No other civilized nation executes people anymore. Our nation, as big as it is, should uphold peace and equality and be a model for others. We need to lead by example, and right now the message this country is sending is that death and killing is acceptable, so long as it is done out of revenge and "justice." That's the same reason people get killed on the streets.

--Megan