So, I'm a little nervous about actually getting into the nitty-gritty of volunteerism, but in life we must be unafraid and to try, even when faced with possible failure.
One thing that I find incredibly important, and something I don't do enough, is become an informed participant in my causes. I like to think that as a social being, I care and feel empathy and remorse for others. However, the most effective volunteer is an informed one. This can be complicated though, because in our day and age, we have an overload of materials and information sources. One should always use discretion to research concepts. I recommend reading contrasting viewpoints, sources from different political/racial/socioeconomic groups, and to always come to and leave a source with questions about legitimacy, the message itself, and where to go from there.
So, I am beginning the conversation about education with a plea for us to become informed. Everyone says "The education system is failing America's youth". Well, that's all well and good, but no one can effect positive change without understanding the how's, why's, whom's, and what for's. This is asking a lot for a person, which is why though this will be a online blog about a myriad of topics, issues, and causes, I challenge people to find a few causes they're passionate about, a few causes to be solid supporters of, and many causes you'd be willing to jump in from time to time.
So, under Education/Youth, you will be seeing resources for information, and eventually causes both national and local, related directly to education and youth. In fact, I hope to provide information and resources for all the topic headings. Please feel free to send me resources, causes and information that can be viable and useful, because I am only ONE person. Below is a video with some facts about the educational system, just to get you started. PLEASE do not take my facts or my sources as verbatim or as the only sources on the topic available. This is to start a dialogue.
Also, in the coming week there are a few important things to look forward to!
-April 20th is Day of Silence, in support of gays, lesbians, bisexual, queer, and transgender people. This can be a hotly debated topic, so I challenge you all to be extra respectful that day. The old adage "If you have nothing nice to say, then don't say anything at all" is extremely true. I will be (hopefully!) joining in on that day, so tune in for a unique video. If you want to join, seek out your GSA or similar club on campus for the events and game plan for that day!
-Earth Day is April 22nd! Find ways to be extra green that day. I hope to interview some green clubs on campus this week for some great green tips. We only have ONE earth, so let's take care of it.
-Soon, I want to do a blog that is incredibly important to me: unhealthy body image and eating disorders. Send in a picture, a message, or even a video about what makes you beautiful, handsome, irresistible, or cute! I am hoping to have a gallery, with diversity of people and thoughts :]
Anyways, here is the video!
DoSomething. "11 Facts about Education in America." DoSomething. N.p., 2012.
Web. 14 Apr. 2012. <http://www.dosomething.org/tipsandtools/
11-facts-about-education-america>.
Muchos Love,
Celinda
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