http://philanthropy.com/news/updates/index.php?id=10256
For all the complaints conservative Americans have against President Obama and his new administration, there honestly should be no complaints against this new "Neighbor" campaign.
President Obama is proposing that each and every American donate in some way to relieve hunger. Different ways that this can be accomplished are donating food to food banks and other organizations that provide food to groups of people unable to obtain it, volunteering to serve a meal in a soup kitchen or donating your time working in a food bank. Of course, cash donations to charitable organizations are always nice and eternally welcome.
Most Americans have enough to eat every day. However, in 2008, 14.6 percent of American citizens went without food at some point. For the wealthiest country in the world, it is pitiful that anyone should ever go hungry. If every person took a small amount of what they have (and usually have too much of, leftovers, anyone??) and donated it, there is no way this hunger crisis would still exist.
It's not that there should not be greater focus on hunger relief in other places, such as third-world countries, but in order to solve a problem globally, Americans must first act locally to counteract this basic human need.
President Obama is doing great things to help the super-rich of this nation learn that there are poor people out there and they desperately need help, even with such small things as a meal.
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
http://philanthropy.com/news/updates/index.php?id=10171
First and foremost, I found it extremely encouraging that employees are feeling more willing to volunteer during the tough times we are having. With unemployment on the rise and the economy still suffering, it seems more likely that people with jobs would want to spend their time making money rather than not. However, this survey has shown otherwise.
I personally find great satisfaction in giving of my time and energy to those in need. I cannot always give money as I do support myself and volunteering is a great way to give back some of the blessings I have received.
The fact that the survey polled larger companies leads me to believe that the findings are pretty accurate, since employees of All State and The Gap tend to be, what I believe, "typical" Americans. Obviously, with all surveys, there will be outliers and the results cannot be guaranteed for every single person, but the 71% findings is astounding.
The idea of companies donating to charities that its employees is really cool. It might be interesting if larger retail companies also created the option for customers to choose where the company donated funds. Of course, there would need to be a list of options for customers to choose from because otherwise it would be much to chaotic.
I had never heard of companies allowing employees to volunteer during the workday, but this is a really cool concept. Often non-profits need people to volunteer to do work during normal business hours and that cuts down on a huge chunk of volunteers. If companies continued to adapt this concept to fit their own personal schedules, it could really benefit the company, non-profits, employees, and employee relations. I would definitely consider it a plus if a company I was applying for allowed me to do my volunteer work when it was the best time for everyone.
First and foremost, I found it extremely encouraging that employees are feeling more willing to volunteer during the tough times we are having. With unemployment on the rise and the economy still suffering, it seems more likely that people with jobs would want to spend their time making money rather than not. However, this survey has shown otherwise.
I personally find great satisfaction in giving of my time and energy to those in need. I cannot always give money as I do support myself and volunteering is a great way to give back some of the blessings I have received.
The fact that the survey polled larger companies leads me to believe that the findings are pretty accurate, since employees of All State and The Gap tend to be, what I believe, "typical" Americans. Obviously, with all surveys, there will be outliers and the results cannot be guaranteed for every single person, but the 71% findings is astounding.
The idea of companies donating to charities that its employees is really cool. It might be interesting if larger retail companies also created the option for customers to choose where the company donated funds. Of course, there would need to be a list of options for customers to choose from because otherwise it would be much to chaotic.
I had never heard of companies allowing employees to volunteer during the workday, but this is a really cool concept. Often non-profits need people to volunteer to do work during normal business hours and that cuts down on a huge chunk of volunteers. If companies continued to adapt this concept to fit their own personal schedules, it could really benefit the company, non-profits, employees, and employee relations. I would definitely consider it a plus if a company I was applying for allowed me to do my volunteer work when it was the best time for everyone.
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
http://philanthropy.com/news/updates/index.php?id=10035
Generosity is a difficult value to maintain in the current economic crisis. As more and more nonprofits seek different methods of keeping donors active and even attempting to gain new, untapped resources in new donors, two people have made a more than generous donation to a well-known American university.
Amherst College is a small liberal arts university located in Amherst, Massachusetts. The school only enrolls 1,600 students which allows for more in-depth learning in the classroom.
It was founded in 1821 and is one of the Five Colleges. It is an honor to be accepted to this institution and a great reward to attend classes there. Students work hard to maintain good grades under a heavy course load.
The strong standards that educational institutions such as Amherst require are what causes such strong loyalties for alumni.
What other schools have received such large, anonymous donations? The fact that two alumni were willing to donate $125 million total is simply astounding. This kind of generosity is what will allow schools and nonprofits in general to continue to thrive. A strong passion for whatever you believe in must lead to such an astronomical gift and these alumni must love their alma mater.
This passion is a resource that needs to be tapped on a national level. It does not necessarily need to be huge monetary gifts, although those are needed to keep any philanthropic organization running, but also gifts of time and energy. Few people actively volunteer any part of their lives to volunteer. We are so selfish with our time, spending it watching four hours of television as opposed to helping someone in need. If everyone could learn to donate an hour out of their week, great things could be accomplished in the United States and worldwide.
Generosity is a difficult value to maintain in the current economic crisis. As more and more nonprofits seek different methods of keeping donors active and even attempting to gain new, untapped resources in new donors, two people have made a more than generous donation to a well-known American university.
Amherst College is a small liberal arts university located in Amherst, Massachusetts. The school only enrolls 1,600 students which allows for more in-depth learning in the classroom.
It was founded in 1821 and is one of the Five Colleges. It is an honor to be accepted to this institution and a great reward to attend classes there. Students work hard to maintain good grades under a heavy course load.
The strong standards that educational institutions such as Amherst require are what causes such strong loyalties for alumni.
What other schools have received such large, anonymous donations? The fact that two alumni were willing to donate $125 million total is simply astounding. This kind of generosity is what will allow schools and nonprofits in general to continue to thrive. A strong passion for whatever you believe in must lead to such an astronomical gift and these alumni must love their alma mater.
This passion is a resource that needs to be tapped on a national level. It does not necessarily need to be huge monetary gifts, although those are needed to keep any philanthropic organization running, but also gifts of time and energy. Few people actively volunteer any part of their lives to volunteer. We are so selfish with our time, spending it watching four hours of television as opposed to helping someone in need. If everyone could learn to donate an hour out of their week, great things could be accomplished in the United States and worldwide.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
http://philanthropy.com/giveandtake/index.php?id=1402
The idea of giving back to your community is taking on a whole new side. This Canadian family, in the true spirit of philanthropy, pledged to give 10% of their annual income in 2009 to strangers. The decision to willing give away hard-earned money to people this family most likely does not know is so cool. Seriously, in America, it seems that all we care about is paychecks and making money. If you can't make money, you steal it. It's depressing how little emphasis is placed on thinking of others before yourself these days.
This family's simple work to make someone's life a little better is an example to everyone. Who knows how much someone might need twenty bucks and then they find it in an unexpected place.
I do not particularly care for the idea of giving clues as to where the money might be. I think in the spirit of giving, the money should be found unexpectedly, as that can vastly improve someone's outlook on life. Yet, without providing these key details, the family would not be able to offer the option for people to post about finding the hidden money and thank the family. I think that it's great that people would turn around and give this free gift back to a charity, because during the troubling current economic times, charities need more money and receive even less than usual.
The ability to give 10% of your income may not be an option for everyone, but we can all give something, right? Anyone can volunteer or simply drop your change into a donation bucket. The ability to give 10% of your time or energy might be more valuable than you really even know.
So, Kudos to this amazing family in Canada who are teaching the rest of the world what it truly means to "love your neighbor as yourself."
The idea of giving back to your community is taking on a whole new side. This Canadian family, in the true spirit of philanthropy, pledged to give 10% of their annual income in 2009 to strangers. The decision to willing give away hard-earned money to people this family most likely does not know is so cool. Seriously, in America, it seems that all we care about is paychecks and making money. If you can't make money, you steal it. It's depressing how little emphasis is placed on thinking of others before yourself these days.
This family's simple work to make someone's life a little better is an example to everyone. Who knows how much someone might need twenty bucks and then they find it in an unexpected place.
I do not particularly care for the idea of giving clues as to where the money might be. I think in the spirit of giving, the money should be found unexpectedly, as that can vastly improve someone's outlook on life. Yet, without providing these key details, the family would not be able to offer the option for people to post about finding the hidden money and thank the family. I think that it's great that people would turn around and give this free gift back to a charity, because during the troubling current economic times, charities need more money and receive even less than usual.
The ability to give 10% of your income may not be an option for everyone, but we can all give something, right? Anyone can volunteer or simply drop your change into a donation bucket. The ability to give 10% of your time or energy might be more valuable than you really even know.
So, Kudos to this amazing family in Canada who are teaching the rest of the world what it truly means to "love your neighbor as yourself."
Thursday, October 22, 2009
http://philanthropy.com/news/updates/index.php?id=9903
This article described a report released by some of the major philanthropic organizations that included ways to mobilize volunteers. Often, non-profit organizations need more volunteers than they have, but it seems like they focus too much time speaking purely on what the organization does, rather than how volunteers can be involved. As someone who volunteers with a couple of organizations, I know how I was recruited. For Girl Scouts, I am a lifetime member and alumna of the organization so I am strongly motivated to help carry on this organization's legacy. I want to help the next generation of girls to know how awesome working with their sister scouts can be and the pure thrill of knowing that you are a member of an organization created to purely help young women learn and grow, an organization that has been around for almost an entire century.
However, there are plenty of organizations out there that have a huge need for volunteers, but people who are interested in volunteering do not always know how to get involved. I have seen advertisements on television or even on billboards for groups such as Big Brothers, Big Sisters that do not even list a website to visit in order to gain information. If I wanted to get involved, I would have to remember the name of the group, go home, use a search engine and attempt to find some information. However, most volunteer audiences have such a short attention span that they simply will not remember to go searching for information.
I think President Obama's push for more money to be spent helping non-profit organizations sets him apart as a new(er) president. Focus needs to be put on the great organizations that are trying to make the world a little bit better and if the president of the United States is so gung-ho, then what can the world do but follow?
However, this potential for new campaigns to gain volunteers could hurt organizations that do not have a plan in place to handle a large number of new volunteers. This needs to be addressed by someone higher up and funds should be adequately portioned for volunteer orientation, because if you do not have volunteers, how will the work get done? It just won't.
This article described a report released by some of the major philanthropic organizations that included ways to mobilize volunteers. Often, non-profit organizations need more volunteers than they have, but it seems like they focus too much time speaking purely on what the organization does, rather than how volunteers can be involved. As someone who volunteers with a couple of organizations, I know how I was recruited. For Girl Scouts, I am a lifetime member and alumna of the organization so I am strongly motivated to help carry on this organization's legacy. I want to help the next generation of girls to know how awesome working with their sister scouts can be and the pure thrill of knowing that you are a member of an organization created to purely help young women learn and grow, an organization that has been around for almost an entire century.
However, there are plenty of organizations out there that have a huge need for volunteers, but people who are interested in volunteering do not always know how to get involved. I have seen advertisements on television or even on billboards for groups such as Big Brothers, Big Sisters that do not even list a website to visit in order to gain information. If I wanted to get involved, I would have to remember the name of the group, go home, use a search engine and attempt to find some information. However, most volunteer audiences have such a short attention span that they simply will not remember to go searching for information.
I think President Obama's push for more money to be spent helping non-profit organizations sets him apart as a new(er) president. Focus needs to be put on the great organizations that are trying to make the world a little bit better and if the president of the United States is so gung-ho, then what can the world do but follow?
However, this potential for new campaigns to gain volunteers could hurt organizations that do not have a plan in place to handle a large number of new volunteers. This needs to be addressed by someone higher up and funds should be adequately portioned for volunteer orientation, because if you do not have volunteers, how will the work get done? It just won't.
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Nonprofit Work May Not Pay the Best,...
http://philanthropy.com/news/updates/index.php?id=9632
With unemployment on the rise, non-profit organizations are seeking to help more and more people than ever. The goal of most is to uplift someone, in some way. This mission is not always easy to follow.
President Barack Obama recently supported an act through Congress that would allow for greater benefits for non-profits. In this act, they may receive more government help. With more benefit, especially more monetary benefits, these organizations may be able to hire some of the 9.7% of Americans that are currently without work.
These organizations are especially encouraged to look into recruiting racial and ethnic minorities, as job loss within these segments of society is soaring.
Often, I feel that people would love to work for something they are passionate about. It's why I plan on going into non-profit work. However, most people are so obsessed with a huge paycheck, that they fore go their passions and work for a company they may not have any strong feelings toward, which is fine. This new act will do great things for our country's well-being. As a member of a family that is suffering a job loss for one of my parents, I think it is awesome that President Obama is striving to benefit as many people as possible. Our will needs to remain strong that we make it through this tough economic time.
With unemployment on the rise, non-profit organizations are seeking to help more and more people than ever. The goal of most is to uplift someone, in some way. This mission is not always easy to follow.
President Barack Obama recently supported an act through Congress that would allow for greater benefits for non-profits. In this act, they may receive more government help. With more benefit, especially more monetary benefits, these organizations may be able to hire some of the 9.7% of Americans that are currently without work.
These organizations are especially encouraged to look into recruiting racial and ethnic minorities, as job loss within these segments of society is soaring.
Often, I feel that people would love to work for something they are passionate about. It's why I plan on going into non-profit work. However, most people are so obsessed with a huge paycheck, that they fore go their passions and work for a company they may not have any strong feelings toward, which is fine. This new act will do great things for our country's well-being. As a member of a family that is suffering a job loss for one of my parents, I think it is awesome that President Obama is striving to benefit as many people as possible. Our will needs to remain strong that we make it through this tough economic time.
Friday, October 2, 2009
Home Depot is a large national corporation and probably has different charities it donates to regularly, but their newest fund is going to support Habitat for Humanity and an effort to make greener living possible.
First of all, Habitat for Humanity is a great foundation, since it provides homes for people who simply cannot afford them otherwise. A home is a basic necessity that oftentimes, I take for granted. What would life be like if I had nowhere to identify as my dwelling? It's the basic center of my family and without it, we would be lost. I have been blessed enough to have always had a home, but there are always going to be people who are less fortunate. This program does awesome work and I hope to see it continue to thrive.
The fact that Home Depot is supporting not only Habitat, but also greener living, is just plain cool. Often, big companies do not seem to really care about their environmental impact and social responsibility, but Home Depot is clearly making a stand that it does care. Our environment needs serious repair and even the smallest things, like building greener houses for people who cannot afford a house, are tremendous. The article makes it seem like the effort will be for things to be green friendly, while still making the houses livable, with the use of things like low flow toilets and adjustable thermostats.
http://philanthropy.com/news/updates/index.php?id=9071
First of all, Habitat for Humanity is a great foundation, since it provides homes for people who simply cannot afford them otherwise. A home is a basic necessity that oftentimes, I take for granted. What would life be like if I had nowhere to identify as my dwelling? It's the basic center of my family and without it, we would be lost. I have been blessed enough to have always had a home, but there are always going to be people who are less fortunate. This program does awesome work and I hope to see it continue to thrive.
The fact that Home Depot is supporting not only Habitat, but also greener living, is just plain cool. Often, big companies do not seem to really care about their environmental impact and social responsibility, but Home Depot is clearly making a stand that it does care. Our environment needs serious repair and even the smallest things, like building greener houses for people who cannot afford a house, are tremendous. The article makes it seem like the effort will be for things to be green friendly, while still making the houses livable, with the use of things like low flow toilets and adjustable thermostats.
http://philanthropy.com/news/updates/index.php?id=9071
Thursday, September 24, 2009
With a recent downturn in the economy, non-profits can expect an even smaller amount of monetary donations than usual. This must be causing problems within these companies, including layoffs of different employees, and the cause on which non-profits are based will experience more setbacks.
It seems that companies are more concerned with turning a profit than helping those who are less well-off. I understand that America is a capitalistic society and making a living is a key goal, but when others are suffering, people who have the means to help them should do what they can. I am not saying give up all of your possessions, but could your company not sponsor at least one cause or give X amount of profit to a group that is in dire need of funding?
However, only 38% of companies are being forced to give less to non-profits this year. Eighteen percent are giving the same and a surprising 19% have even donated more. If it comes down to it, at least people and companies are giving something. It will be a sad day when those who are blessed stop helping those who are not so blessed.
Organizations and business leaders are stressing the importance of donating money and volunteering, but are placing more emphasis on the latter, since cash flow is becoming more and more restricted. This is good news for non-profit organizations that need volunteers, such as Big Brothers, Big Sisters, Girl Scouts and many other groups.
http://philanthropy.com/news/updates/index.php?id=9589
It seems that companies are more concerned with turning a profit than helping those who are less well-off. I understand that America is a capitalistic society and making a living is a key goal, but when others are suffering, people who have the means to help them should do what they can. I am not saying give up all of your possessions, but could your company not sponsor at least one cause or give X amount of profit to a group that is in dire need of funding?
However, only 38% of companies are being forced to give less to non-profits this year. Eighteen percent are giving the same and a surprising 19% have even donated more. If it comes down to it, at least people and companies are giving something. It will be a sad day when those who are blessed stop helping those who are not so blessed.
Organizations and business leaders are stressing the importance of donating money and volunteering, but are placing more emphasis on the latter, since cash flow is becoming more and more restricted. This is good news for non-profit organizations that need volunteers, such as Big Brothers, Big Sisters, Girl Scouts and many other groups.
http://philanthropy.com/news/updates/index.php?id=9589
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Underdeveloped Health Care
This article dealt with the Doris Duke Fund donating $44 million to support health care systems in different sections of Africa.
Africa desperately needs help in improving its ability to provide for citizens of all its nations. A large majority of the countries on the continent of Africa are deemed to be under-developed and third-world. Therefore, it is unlikely that any kind of substantial health care is available to the general population. Sadly, Africa is one of the continents strongly affected by the AIDS epidemic. 5% of the population of the entire continent has this immune system disease, which translates to roughly 22 million people. In US terms, a little less than the population of Texas would have AIDS.
I especially like the fact that this donation will allow students from the University of Alabama at Birmingham to help support a rural AIDS/HIV program in Zambia. It is essential that more members of our generation learn to help others out. So often, we think only of ourselves and not of the blessings that have been granted in our lives. Most people have at least one parent or a close family member acting as a parent, while in Africa, 11 million children are orphaned by AIDS.
If we spent a little more time thinking about others, the world could become a much better place.
References:
http://philanthropy.com/news/updates/index.php?id=9033
http://www.avert.org/subaadults.htm
http://www.factmonster.com/ipka/A0004986.html
Africa desperately needs help in improving its ability to provide for citizens of all its nations. A large majority of the countries on the continent of Africa are deemed to be under-developed and third-world. Therefore, it is unlikely that any kind of substantial health care is available to the general population. Sadly, Africa is one of the continents strongly affected by the AIDS epidemic. 5% of the population of the entire continent has this immune system disease, which translates to roughly 22 million people. In US terms, a little less than the population of Texas would have AIDS.
I especially like the fact that this donation will allow students from the University of Alabama at Birmingham to help support a rural AIDS/HIV program in Zambia. It is essential that more members of our generation learn to help others out. So often, we think only of ourselves and not of the blessings that have been granted in our lives. Most people have at least one parent or a close family member acting as a parent, while in Africa, 11 million children are orphaned by AIDS.
If we spent a little more time thinking about others, the world could become a much better place.
References:
http://philanthropy.com/news/updates/index.php?id=9033
http://www.avert.org/subaadults.htm
http://www.factmonster.com/ipka/A0004986.html
Thursday, September 10, 2009
The State of Education
From Chrnicle of Philanthropy: http://philanthropy.com/news/philanthropytoday/9435/gates-kicks-off-education-campaign-with-youth-focused-cable-channels
Our education system is in need of serious reform. This is often said, but so little is being done about it on any level. So few children and young adults are motivated to stay in school and make an actual effort these days. The new federal mandate that no student in lower elementary grades can be failed may contribute to even lower levels of student participation.
Teachers are teaching, but are students actually listening? The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation is actually attempting to aim a positive message at kids and teenagers in a way that may actually be heard. By partnering with Viacom, which includes MTV and several other youth-oriented TV stations, the “Get Schooled” message will hopefully be absorbed by students.
I love this concept because so often people make complaints about our educational system in the United States, but it is rare to see something great happening. Kids and teens watch television and a lot of it, so by blasting them with messages about staying in school and learning, they may be more willing to make an effort. I sincerely hope this campaign works some miracles because America’s education system needs one.
Our education system is in need of serious reform. This is often said, but so little is being done about it on any level. So few children and young adults are motivated to stay in school and make an actual effort these days. The new federal mandate that no student in lower elementary grades can be failed may contribute to even lower levels of student participation.
Teachers are teaching, but are students actually listening? The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation is actually attempting to aim a positive message at kids and teenagers in a way that may actually be heard. By partnering with Viacom, which includes MTV and several other youth-oriented TV stations, the “Get Schooled” message will hopefully be absorbed by students.
I love this concept because so often people make complaints about our educational system in the United States, but it is rare to see something great happening. Kids and teens watch television and a lot of it, so by blasting them with messages about staying in school and learning, they may be more willing to make an effort. I sincerely hope this campaign works some miracles because America’s education system needs one.
Monday, April 20, 2009
Seaweed and Other Scary Things
Elizabeth Gilbert, the author of the recent bestseller Eat, Pray, Love, delivered an impassioned speech entitled “A Different Way to Think About Creative Genius” at the recent Technology, Entertainment, Design conference.
Her beliefs and her creativity motivated her to continue to write from an early age, Gilbert said.
“Writing is my profession, but it is more than that, it is my love, my lifelong passion,” Gilbert said
Early in her life and even after her recent triumph, people have questioned her about using her creative powers. They ask if she is scared of failure, of never writing anything worthwhile, and more recently, is she afraid she will never be able to write anything better than Eat, Pray, Love.
“Yes,” she said. “I am terrified…My greatest work may be behind me, but I am also afraid of other things…seaweed and other scary things.”
She said that she often wonders why anybody should have to be afraid of the work they feel they were born to do. Her father, a chemical engineer, was never asked if he was anxious about his career. Yet society does not even do a double-take when another artist commits suicide.
She channeled this fear and curiosity into studying other cultures to see how they handle the notion of creative genius. In Ancient Greece and Rome, the people believed that creativity came from divine intervention, often from some other being that lived in or around you and helped you create amazing things. In these cultures, the pressure to be spectacular was lower since you had help. If you conceived something astounding, you could not take all the glory, because you had that thing to help you, Gilbert said. Conversely, if whatever you designed was insignificant, it was not totally your responsibility because obviously “the helper” was not doing its part. Gilbert said she believes that a return to this way of seeing creativity could sincerely help many artists.
In modern times, emphasis has been placed on the human being as the center of everything. This has caused problems for creative types, since they are often referred to as “geniuses.” This pressure is excruciating and drives many creative people to develop imbalanced personalities and alcoholism.
Gilbert said she has observed and experienced the concept that there is something out there that is intended to help creative people create. She had the chance to interview Tom Waits, who she said is one of the best examples of the tortured artistic soul.
Waits claimed he had an artistic experience that has helped him control the anxiety he suffered over his music. However, one day, he was driving on the freeway and he felt a melody coming on and he had no way to record it. The old terror of missing a song and regretting it for the rest of his life started to creep upon him.
According to Gilbert, Waits then stopped and spoke to the sky, “Excuse me can you not see I’m driving? Can you not come back at a more opportune time? If not go bother someone else.”
After that, he told her he felt he had taken the genie out of himself and he felt less internal pressure.
Gilbert said she even used this concept when she was writing Eat, Pray, Love. She said she believes that the power of creativity any artist is blessed with is on loan from some great divine being. When that artist has accomplished everything he or she was intended to bring about, it goes away and is bestowed on another soul.
In the end though, she said she believes in the power of work, of laying the groundwork for the genius spirit.
She closed her speech saying, “Don’t be afraid. Don’t be daunted. Just do your job. Just show up and do your part.”
If something great comes from it, then congratulations. If nothing comes from it, good job anyway for doing your best.
Her beliefs and her creativity motivated her to continue to write from an early age, Gilbert said.
“Writing is my profession, but it is more than that, it is my love, my lifelong passion,” Gilbert said
Early in her life and even after her recent triumph, people have questioned her about using her creative powers. They ask if she is scared of failure, of never writing anything worthwhile, and more recently, is she afraid she will never be able to write anything better than Eat, Pray, Love.
“Yes,” she said. “I am terrified…My greatest work may be behind me, but I am also afraid of other things…seaweed and other scary things.”
She said that she often wonders why anybody should have to be afraid of the work they feel they were born to do. Her father, a chemical engineer, was never asked if he was anxious about his career. Yet society does not even do a double-take when another artist commits suicide.
She channeled this fear and curiosity into studying other cultures to see how they handle the notion of creative genius. In Ancient Greece and Rome, the people believed that creativity came from divine intervention, often from some other being that lived in or around you and helped you create amazing things. In these cultures, the pressure to be spectacular was lower since you had help. If you conceived something astounding, you could not take all the glory, because you had that thing to help you, Gilbert said. Conversely, if whatever you designed was insignificant, it was not totally your responsibility because obviously “the helper” was not doing its part. Gilbert said she believes that a return to this way of seeing creativity could sincerely help many artists.
In modern times, emphasis has been placed on the human being as the center of everything. This has caused problems for creative types, since they are often referred to as “geniuses.” This pressure is excruciating and drives many creative people to develop imbalanced personalities and alcoholism.
Gilbert said she has observed and experienced the concept that there is something out there that is intended to help creative people create. She had the chance to interview Tom Waits, who she said is one of the best examples of the tortured artistic soul.
Waits claimed he had an artistic experience that has helped him control the anxiety he suffered over his music. However, one day, he was driving on the freeway and he felt a melody coming on and he had no way to record it. The old terror of missing a song and regretting it for the rest of his life started to creep upon him.
According to Gilbert, Waits then stopped and spoke to the sky, “Excuse me can you not see I’m driving? Can you not come back at a more opportune time? If not go bother someone else.”
After that, he told her he felt he had taken the genie out of himself and he felt less internal pressure.
Gilbert said she even used this concept when she was writing Eat, Pray, Love. She said she believes that the power of creativity any artist is blessed with is on loan from some great divine being. When that artist has accomplished everything he or she was intended to bring about, it goes away and is bestowed on another soul.
In the end though, she said she believes in the power of work, of laying the groundwork for the genius spirit.
She closed her speech saying, “Don’t be afraid. Don’t be daunted. Just do your job. Just show up and do your part.”
If something great comes from it, then congratulations. If nothing comes from it, good job anyway for doing your best.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
The Future of Journalism
Journalism, as a field, is known for its dynamic nature. The ability to work in journalism calls for the need to be able to be flexible with the changing face of the realm. Therefore, the future will never be a definite thing since the present is continually morphing into a different face.
The idea that the days of paper journalism is over seems to be far from true. While media continues to become more and more stratified, the desire to still be able to pick up a newspaper at least once a week still remains strong.
As for the future of journalism as a changing field, it appears that more and more journalism is becoming a career that can be practiced anywhere at anytime. Therefore, if the practitioners are able to create news spontaneously, the audience will be able to receive news in the same spontaneous nature. News will most likely continue to become more stratified and as such, consumers will be able to receive many different genres of news, whether it be via e-mail, text messages, or perhaps, even papers.
Journalists will have to continue to concentrate on this idea of news becoming more and more personalized in order to meet the needs of the audience.
Whereas, the concept of consumers being more involved in the news communication process looks like it still has the potential for growth. Currently, the consumer is able to give feedback through comments on articles and letters to the editor. This may be the first step in societal change so that consumers may become more active participants in the news process so it better fits their needs. Local news channels in Memphis encourage their audience to take pictures and/or videos of breaking news stories. This could be a problem legally, as some events are of a sensitive nature and need to be handled as such.
The idea that the days of paper journalism is over seems to be far from true. While media continues to become more and more stratified, the desire to still be able to pick up a newspaper at least once a week still remains strong.
As for the future of journalism as a changing field, it appears that more and more journalism is becoming a career that can be practiced anywhere at anytime. Therefore, if the practitioners are able to create news spontaneously, the audience will be able to receive news in the same spontaneous nature. News will most likely continue to become more stratified and as such, consumers will be able to receive many different genres of news, whether it be via e-mail, text messages, or perhaps, even papers.
Journalists will have to continue to concentrate on this idea of news becoming more and more personalized in order to meet the needs of the audience.
Whereas, the concept of consumers being more involved in the news communication process looks like it still has the potential for growth. Currently, the consumer is able to give feedback through comments on articles and letters to the editor. This may be the first step in societal change so that consumers may become more active participants in the news process so it better fits their needs. Local news channels in Memphis encourage their audience to take pictures and/or videos of breaking news stories. This could be a problem legally, as some events are of a sensitive nature and need to be handled as such.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Dear. Dr. Raines,
What kind of cuts are you and your staff going to make to help students out in this time of economic turmoil?
The Tennessee Board of Regents have obviously forgotten what education is about, the students. Students go to school to learn and hopefully gain a degree. Now, it is going to take many undergraduates a minimum of an additional semester to graduate. This can offset many people's life plans, especially those who must attend graduate school.
Life is hard and everyone must realize that part of the load is theirs and it must be carried. While putting a 12-hour cap on student tuition was obviously not Doctor Raines' idea, she should still be working to assist students as much as possible.
Fred Smith had it right when he asked all of his employees to take a pay and potential benefit cut, while simultaneously taking one of his own. In education, this may be difficult since many of the costs are state mandated and being a professor does not pay very well. However, planning should be occurring now as to how the University of Memphis is going to stay focused on its main priority: providing an education for students.
The Tennessee Board of Regents have obviously forgotten what education is about, the students. Students go to school to learn and hopefully gain a degree. Now, it is going to take many undergraduates a minimum of an additional semester to graduate. This can offset many people's life plans, especially those who must attend graduate school.
Life is hard and everyone must realize that part of the load is theirs and it must be carried. While putting a 12-hour cap on student tuition was obviously not Doctor Raines' idea, she should still be working to assist students as much as possible.
Fred Smith had it right when he asked all of his employees to take a pay and potential benefit cut, while simultaneously taking one of his own. In education, this may be difficult since many of the costs are state mandated and being a professor does not pay very well. However, planning should be occurring now as to how the University of Memphis is going to stay focused on its main priority: providing an education for students.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
News Leads
Anecdotal Lead:
http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2009/feb/08/help-give-little-ones-a-bonny-02/
"Chaplain Pearly Stone still remembers the first mother who was in need.
Because her pregnancy was high-risk, the mother was admitted to the Regional Medical Center at Memphis. The mom had worked two jobs, but had to give them up.
Her husband was laid off, and one of the couple's other children had a burst appendix.
The mother checked herself out of The Med, against doctor's advice, to be by the side of her ailing child, then returned to have her baby.
But the mother had no clothes in which to take her newborn home."
As a woman, I understand that having a child is incredibly meaningful. However, it also comes with a lot of stress. The thought of having to work twice as hard to provide for your child. The compassion that this group shows warms the heart. I liked how this organization will continue to donate during the economic downturn.
The reporter seemed to find it important to recognize the work of the program. The lead caught my attention quickly since the woman seemed to have a hard time with her life and her pregnancy. However, the focus was on the program and how it helped women who could not provide for their child's most simple needs
Hard Lead
http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2009/feb/08/parking-lot-argument-leads-to-deadly-shooting/
"An argument about cars on Friday night ended with the shooting death of a 52-year-old Lakeland man on a Trinity Commons parking lot, the victim's son said on Saturday.
Police officials confirmed Saturday that the shooting apparently escalated from a dispute between two men in the parking lot.
Police had a suspect in custody but had not filed charges late Saturday, said Det. Monique Martin, department spokeswoman."
This lead got to the point quickly. When I heard about this incident, I truly wanted the facts of the situation. The article answered the 5 W's. The article also gave information about the victim, which was key to the story.
The reporter obviously thought that the fact that a seemingly innocent man had been shot over something incredibly stupid. The ridiculous reason that this man eventually died for is depressing.
http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2009/feb/08/help-give-little-ones-a-bonny-02/
"Chaplain Pearly Stone still remembers the first mother who was in need.
Because her pregnancy was high-risk, the mother was admitted to the Regional Medical Center at Memphis. The mom had worked two jobs, but had to give them up.
Her husband was laid off, and one of the couple's other children had a burst appendix.
The mother checked herself out of The Med, against doctor's advice, to be by the side of her ailing child, then returned to have her baby.
But the mother had no clothes in which to take her newborn home."
As a woman, I understand that having a child is incredibly meaningful. However, it also comes with a lot of stress. The thought of having to work twice as hard to provide for your child. The compassion that this group shows warms the heart. I liked how this organization will continue to donate during the economic downturn.
The reporter seemed to find it important to recognize the work of the program. The lead caught my attention quickly since the woman seemed to have a hard time with her life and her pregnancy. However, the focus was on the program and how it helped women who could not provide for their child's most simple needs
Hard Lead
http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2009/feb/08/parking-lot-argument-leads-to-deadly-shooting/
"An argument about cars on Friday night ended with the shooting death of a 52-year-old Lakeland man on a Trinity Commons parking lot, the victim's son said on Saturday.
Police officials confirmed Saturday that the shooting apparently escalated from a dispute between two men in the parking lot.
Police had a suspect in custody but had not filed charges late Saturday, said Det. Monique Martin, department spokeswoman."
This lead got to the point quickly. When I heard about this incident, I truly wanted the facts of the situation. The article answered the 5 W's. The article also gave information about the victim, which was key to the story.
The reporter obviously thought that the fact that a seemingly innocent man had been shot over something incredibly stupid. The ridiculous reason that this man eventually died for is depressing.
Sunday, January 25, 2009
the Purpose of Journalism
-provide information
-assist in research
-spotlight key issues in current times
-an outlet for the First Amendment’s right to freedom of the press
-allowing free thought flow for writers, to an extent
-an outlet for public opinion
-freedom of speech
-detail daily happenings, like a journal for the readers, for the effect these happenings may have on the future
-provide conversation topics
-create a community forum
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Personal Bio
Sarah Hairston has called the
Hairston’s highest education level is credited to merely completing three semesters on her Bachelor’s degree. However, she did graduate with honors and in the top 30% of the White Station Class of 2007. Her honors included National Honor Society, Who’s Who Among American High School Students, an International Honor Thespian, Thespian Advisory Board, lifetime membership in the Girl Scouts of America and Vice-President of Thespian Troupe 1581.
Since graduation, she has been keeping busy with several different activities. Her love of kids and theatre keep her volunteering with different childhood theatre programs. She also has performed with the Our Own Voice theatre troupe and is in training to become a Girl Scout troop leader. Until recently, she also taught a kindergarten choir class at a local church.
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