Food is key to culture

I spent this past weekend in Nashville, TN (congrats, Eric & Leah!), and while waiting for my boyfriend to finish tying his tie (first too short, then too long), I caught a little of Anthony Bourdain's show No Reservations on the Travel Channel. For those of you unfamiliar with Chef Bourdain and his show, he travels all over the world sampling each regions' foods, whether it be cow intestines, deep fried chicken, or clam chowder. He tries it all.

It struck a chord with me as I prepare for my 12 day vacation in Honduras - really, the way to get to know a country is to eat its food. You can learn so much. After all, food is what we all have in common - we need to eat to survive.

My co-worker went to India for a wedding a few years ago, and only ate rice and naan for fear of getting sick. I went to India shortly after her, and my favorite part of the trip was trying different foods. I'll never forget sitting in the roadstop restaurant (essentially fast food) with all the hub-bub around my mom and me, and not knowing how to properly eat the meal served to us on a banana leaf.

All the waiters and bus boys stared at us, and finally one kind woman who spoke English explained how to eat the thali properly. (You have to mix the rice with each of the five sauces in a different order and pick it up with your right hand to eat - see the photo of my Mom to the left.) We learned that food in India is more than just nourishment - it's tradition going back hundreds of years.

Food can also bridge cultural gaps. On this same trip to India, my mother and I invited our taxi driver Nathan to have lunch with us. He was so touched by this that he invited my mom and I back to his home at the end of the day tour to have tea and meet his family. They lived in a one room cement dwelling with a common bathroom, and all slept on mats on the floor. We shared more than just tea - we talked about our families, how Nathan wanted to expand his taxi business, and Indian culture in general. We learned so much more than we would have without the visit, and it's just because we broke bread (or naan in this case) together.

My favorite time spent in my semesters abroad in Spain and Nicaragua were sitting with my host mothers/sisters while they prepared meals. The casual conversation we shared taught me what it was really like to live in each place, not just visit it. And that's part of the reason we travel, yes? Not just to see new sights or recline on a beach, but to understand what it's like to live somewhere else, or be someone else.

In these tough economic times, it might be hard to take an international trip. However, that shouldn't stop you from trying new cultures. Chinatown is just a few subway stops away. The North End too. I'm sure you have friends whose families still hold onto their "ethnic" heritages, or maybe you can make a new friend - my office frequently has visiting staff members from abroad.

The point is, food is more than just nourishment - it's a way to learn about something outside of yourself. Perhaps if all of our world leaders broke bread together, we'd all get along just a little bit better.

Nathan, his wife, and his youngest son, who is making a goofy face at the flash.

Related Posts: India Vogue: The haves and the have nots; 10,000 reasons to buy; Food Banks and Food Pantries in Massachusetts; Patio gardens & City growing; Find local food locally; Fruit in the city
Photos are from my trip to India.

Shepard Fairey - New ICA exhibit

The ICA has opened a new exhibition Shepard Fairey: Supply & Demand. I went there yesterday, and the different layers and materials he uses for his work are definitely something worth checking out.

This is a first museum survey of Shepard Fairey, the influential street artist who created the now iconic Obama poster, on the 20th anniversary of the Obey Giant campaign.

You probably have seen his work all around the city (commissioned to accompany his exhibit), it has appeared on street signs and buildings around the world.

Featuring over 80 works, Shepard Fairey: Supply & Demand traces the artist’s career over 20 years, from the Obey Giant stencil to screen prints of political revolutionaries and rock stars to recent mixed-media works.

So - I highly recommend you go see the exhibit while its still in town! And keep an eye out for a future OYFP charity event at the ICA...

Related Posts: The 'other' First Friday; Clothing as self-expression; India Vogue: The haves and the have nots

Photos courtesy of the ICA.

In a "Post-Racial America"

If you didn't watch the Golden Globes this past Sunday, Tracy Morgan of the TV show 30 Rock, announced that because Barack Obama won the Presidency of the USA, Tracy was going to accept the awards for the 30 Rock show in a "Post-Racial America". It was a great/funny acceptance speech, very fitting of the show in my opinion, but in reality we are not in a "Post-Racial America".

I am not trying to downplay the historic significance of the President Elect Obama, who has arguably done the most for positive ethnic relations since Martin Luther King, rather I am being realistic about people's view points across the nation. I watched countless news programs during the election coverage where reporters found people who were willing to come outright and said they didn't trust Barack Obama because he was black. It is unfortunate to know that people still have fears based off someones appearance, but again that's the reality.

In my opinion, part of the solution for positive ethnic relations is to get people to dialogue about the subject matter. Acknowledging your biases and gaining knowledge of the unknown is the only way to deal with this unwanted subject. This is why I would suggest after you celebrate Martin Luther King day and President Obama's historic inauguration day, visit Community Change, Inc., in Boston, who have developed the Yvonne Pappenheim Library on Racism

This collection has been selected to support the development of racial and multicultural awareness and sensitivity and development of skills for communicating across differences of all kinds. The books, and videos they offer may be a great starting point in which to bridge the cultural divide with your friends, coworkers and family.

Please see their website for more information and who knows maybe with your help, we can live in "Post-Racial America".

Related Posts: Yes We Can Make it a Day On, Dialogue Anyone? Culture in the Workplace
Photo Courtesy of: http://www.craigavon.gov.uk/community/racism.htm

National Sign Up for a Dang Library Card Month

Ok, so OYFP is just squeaking this one in, but September is (or was) National Sign Up for a Library Card Month. I have spouted my affection for my local library branch on this blog before, but this declaration is yet another reason to praise the institution that gives us *free* (well as long as you return things on time) access to informative, challenging, controversial, funny, and thought-provoking reading material.

In addition (and perhaps more appealing for some), your local library branch probably has a decent selection of DVDs, CDs, books-on-tape-or-cd, and museum passes. Did I mention that this is free? Some branches charge $1 or so for DVD rentals, but that's a bargain compared to your local Blockbuster.

You may scoff, and say "Silly, reading's for kids." You'd be right - after all, a review in the Archives of Disease in Childhood recently concluded: "Reading aloud to young children, particularly in an engaging manner, promotes emerging literacy and language development and supports the relationship between child and parent."

What you might not know is that reading is good for adults, too! It provides the opportunity to escape from everyday stresses, and relax. Reading can be so effective at this that the UK has started a program for mentally distressed patients called "Reading and You." And hey, if you've always wanted to go to Australia but don't [yet] have the funds for it, reading books set in Australia are a good way to at least get to Australia in your brain.

In order to get a library card in Massachusetts, you must fall into one of the following categories:

• a resident of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts
• a Massachusetts property owner
• employed in Massachusetts
• attending school in Massachusetts
• a resident of temporary housing in Massachusetts
  

All you need is a photo id and proof of residence (address on your ID, a utility bill, or a lease), and you can easily pick up a card tonight! Alternatively, you can register for an e-card to access the libraries' extensive online resources.

My local branch (Honan-Allston) is open tonight until 6 PM. Check the BPL's hours online, and sing this song on your way.

"Take a look, it's in a book, a reading rainbow!"

Related Posts: Public libraries are your friend; Reading at Lunch; Staycation in Boston; Turn off your TV week
Photo courtesy of Casey "monkey-lovin" Williams

India Vogue: The haves and the have nots

Fashion has long been criticized for its models with "unique" body proportions (read: unhealthy extremes).

However, this time it has started another conversation about the blatant contrast between the ultra rich and extreme poor in this Vogue India Fashion Spread that features the people in extreme poverty holding or wearing high fashion items that cost from several hundred to a thousand dollars. They included Hermes Birkin bag, a Burberry umbrella, and a baby's Fendi bib.

This is in a country where the per capita income just recently hit $950 in 2007, up from $460 in 200 (according to the World Bank).

An editor with Vogue India was quoted in the NY Times as saying "Lighten up,” she said in a telephone interview. Vogue is about realizing the 'power of fashion' she said, and the shoot demonstrated that "fashion is no longer a rich man’s privilege. Anyone can carry it off and make it look beautiful."

While it's benevolent of her to point out that people in poverty can wear high fashion without taking away from the 'beauty' of the item, she says nothing about the beauty of the people themselves. In fact, the issue doesn't even name the models.

To me this contrast between the rich and the poor beautifully illustrates just how absolutely ridiculous high fashion can be, and how ridiculous we are for falling for it. Yes, we all want to look good, or maintain a professional appearance, but when there are people starving in the world - and the fashion magazines putting it right in your face so you can't avoid it - how could you then go out and drop a few hundred on a purse?

How you choose to spend your money aside, do you think it's appropriate for the magazine to show people in poverty carrying the Burberry umbrella? I personally think at the very least it's sparking a conversation about the ultra poor... and that hopefully some good will come of it.

Women on their way to work in Chennai. Note the absence of Hermes Bags.

Related Posts: 10,000 reasons to buy; Concious Gifting; Fish out of Water - My experience in Nicaragua; Olympics in China - Has anything really changed?;
The screenshot of Vogue India is courtesy of the NYT. The photo of the Indian women courtesy of Casey and her trip to Southern India to visit her brother.

The Tastemakers

Despite the ominous weather forecasts on hurricane Hannah, the fearless group of OYFP-ers who showed up last Saturday to the second annual Apples & Wine, Wine & Apples fundraiser for Christopher's Haven were rewarded with a day of sunshine and the run of the orchard at Nashoba Valley Winery.

Huddled under umbrellas and hoodies, everyone nibbled on Starbucks pastries and sipped coffee while getting to know one another. Some people had heard about us through Yelp, others through our friends at SBS, and still others who'd had us on their radar for months.

Between the bus ride there and back, we noshed on pulled pork sandwiches and freshly dipped caramel apples, chatted with the juggler's wife about the lives of entertainers, sunbathed, and overlooked the orchard while sipping wine. Drowsy from the warmth of an Indian Summer day, nearly everyone laid out on the seats to nap on the ride home.

Thanks again to everyone who joined us--hope to see you around soon and take a look at more event photos on our Facebook group!

Related Posts: The Rain Did Not Keep Us Down; Apple Picking & Wine Tasting; The Best Eveah; OYFP turns three, Globe celebrates
Photos courtesy of Liz.

Fish out of water - My experience in Nicaragua

While cleaning out my computer's hard drive the other day, I came across this essay I wrote about my experience volunteering in Nicaragua with the Foundation for Sustainable Development. Unlike most "volunteer" programs, you are actually expected to do work, and since I had a bachelor's degree in psychology, I was a psychologist!

More difficult than the work, however, was fitting in. This essay discusses how I finally managed to do that.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

I am 5’9”, blond, and have blue eyes. I could not look more different than Nicaraguans. The average Nicaraguan woman is 5’2”, brunette, and somewhat rotund from the deep-fried foods that are consumed with abandon. The average Nicaraguan man can’t be taller than 5’5”!

During my four month stay in Nicaragua, I could not have become more painfully aware of these simple physical differences. However, I found that the barrier to “fitting in” wasn’t the presence of the physical differences, it was my attitude towards them. I had to accept that I was different and acknowledge that I would never be able to camouflage myself. Only then was I able to feel and act like I really belonged.

The first few days in Nicaragua were the hardest. I was literally a fish out of water, tossed into a hot, dry, and worn-out land when I was used to a cool, placid, and plentiful ocean. Every molecule in my body screamed to be back where I could breathe! My previous world, the one where all of my friends and family still lived, seemed incredibly and unbearably far away.

After my vision cleared and I learned how to breathe, it became evident exactly how different I appeared. The people of Nicaragua (men especially) did their part to remind me as well. “Hey muñeca.. chela… ¿que pasa?” [Trans.: Hey doll.. whitey.. what’s up?]

Everywhere I went, people pointed and commented. More than once, children poked or slapped any part of my body that they could reach, to see if the “doll” was real. With all of these constant reminders, how could I help but concentrate on how different I was than “those people”?

Spending time with Aimee, a tall, blond Peace Corps volunteer who had been living in Nicaragua for over a year, helped me both acknowledge and accept my physical differences. She had learned to laugh, saying “When the two of us living, breathing muñecas walk down the street together, they just don’t know what to make of it! We’re unbelievable!” At that point, I spoke Spanish like a native Nicaraguan. I was so brown I looked like a sorority girl who had fallen asleep on her tanning bed. But I was never going to look like I belonged.

Looking back on my trip, I realize that this was the turning point. After I accepted my physical differences, I made a few Nicaraguan friends. More than one told me, “You’re different than the other gringos. You speak, you listen, and you understand.” We talked about music, parents, favorite foods, best friends, and what exactly the mayor was thinking when he proposed dumping the city’s trash in the nearby volcanic crater.

I will never take for granted how much easier life is when you physically fit in. I will never forget that in order become part of a culture different than your own, you must acknowledge that you are a fish and everyone else a mammal.

This is not exclusionary, pessimistic, or close-minded.

Robert Reich, who at 4’9” is one of the shortest politicians out there, starts every speech with a joke about his height. By acknowledging his physical difference, he makes it possible for everyone to stop concentrating on his stature and start concentrating on what he has to say.

Once you get the elephant in the room out of the way, it is possible to start forging friendships, really learning what it’s like to live within the new culture, and creating an experience that you will never forget.

Nora, Aimee (the Peace Corps volunteer) and two of her friends at a park in Granada. The photo is a scanned in negative because back in 2003 I didn't have a digital camera.

Related Posts: International volunteering for teens; Food prices are rising; Chinese Earthquake - How to help; Global volunteering; Gap Year

Photos courtesy of Casey.

Saving Face vs. Smoking

I have written before about how important it is to consider other people's cultural views while traveling or working. These little actions you do are truly critical when creating a relationship with someone else who comes from a different culture than you. It also allows you the opportunity to "save face", or in other words maintain a good self-image while in the presence of others.

I recently read an article by Andrew Jacobs that talked about the popularity of smoking amongst the Chinese people. In fact, Mr. Jacobs, sites that on average "One in four Chinese people smoke, doctors light up in hospital hallways and health ministers puff away during meetings."

It was a bit of a culture shock for me considering I was brought up with the thought process that smoking was harmful and can kill you. That kind of reaction is exactly why the Chinese Government is putting a ban on cigarettes in railway stations, and other public places. They are doing this so that all the visitors coming to the country for the upcoming Olympic Games will be able to enjoy the games “smoke free”.

However, because it is so prevalent in the Chinese society the government is having a hard time curbing it's peoples current smoking patterns. Mr. Jacobs sites that a manager of a popular restaurant in Beijing has stated that he won't ask his customers to not smoke because, "My customers would rather starve than not smoke".

So what do you do if you are going to be going to China in a couple of weeks. Do you refuse a cigarette if someone offers you one? Can't, because you would loose face and loose any availability to create a relationship. Do you do something that you may be personally against? Not necessarily, you can always take the cigarette and throw it out later.

It will be a culture shock certainly for foreign travelers who are used to smoke free public places and it will be interesting to see what becomes of it during the Olympics. After all little actions can have a BIG impact when two different cultures come into play.

Related Posts: Culture in the Workplace; Olympics in China - Has anything really changed?; An Olympic Debate; Olympics 2008: Inspiration. No, really. Smoking kills.... Your Wii

Photo courtesy of: http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com

"Staycation" in Boston

The economic downturn and increasing gas prices has people re-thinking their vacation plans. Some friends of mine have cancelled European trips because of the unfavorable currency exchange. Others haven't even planned vacations because of the high price of airline tickets and the threat of sky high heating bills this winter.

However. It is still summer, and summer still is all about vacation. What's a fun-loving guy or gal to do? Try a Staycation.

"Staycation," you say. "What's that? Sounds like something an infomercial would be selling."

Rest assured, no one's trying to sell you anything. A staycation is when you take time off from work, but stay near home for the fun. Staycations can have all the fun and novelty of a typical vacation, but without the added costs (and greenhouse gases) of a typical vacation.

If I were going to take a four day staycation in the Boston area, my itinerary would be as follows:

Thursday, July 24 - Water and Wine

Enjoy breakfast at home. Pack a picnic lunch with goodies from Whole Foods and Trader Joe's, including a large thermos of ice water. Pick up the ZipCar or rental car if you don't have one of your own, and take off for a day at Houghton's Pond in Milton, MA. The pond is part of the Blue Hills reservation, and offers swimming, hiking, and biking just 25 minutes from Boston. Cost? Free! Aside from the supplies and gas, of course.

Return home by 4 PM. Shower and dress for dinner, and take the train into town for our Uncorked! Italian wine tasting benefiting the Italian Home, starting at 6 PM. It's $20 if you get your ticket ahead of time. After the wine tasting and appetizers, head over to Emilio's for an affordable South end meal. Now, go home and sleep.

Friday, July 25 - Berry Delicious

Ok, this is another activity requiring a car. But you can carpool with your staycation buddies, right? Alternatively you could take the commuter rail and your bike for today's trip.

If you're feeling luxurious, try breakfast out at one of these fine establishments. Grab an empty cooler, hop in the car, and journey out to Doe Orchards in Harvard, MA, just down Rte 2. It's berry picking time (Tuesday through Saturday, 9 AM to 1 PM). You can pick blueberries and raspberries yourself, and buy a few delicious peaches.

Stick the fruit in your cooler for later, and drive down the road to Concord, MA, the picture of New England charm. Wander about the gorgeous common and shops, check out the North Bridge (famous for "the shot heard 'round the world") and lunch the French way at the La Provence Cafe.

Head home. Stop by your favorite grocery for some wine, cheese, and bread. Pack up your picnic basket along with a blanket and the berries, 'cause you're off to a little culture! 'Tis the season for free Shakespeare, this year playing "As You Like It" on the Boston Common through August 3. Make sure to get there early to snag a good seat.

Saturday, July 26 - Easy Street

You could head up to the beach, but you know it's going to be crowded. Try staying in town (it is a staycation after all). Take a morning jog, walk, or rollerblade around the Chesnut Hill Reservoir. Read a book and relax in the shade for a bit. On your way home, pick up supplies for a simple cookout dinner, including a pre-made pie crust for the rest of those berries you picked. Invite over a few friends, and enjoy!

Sunday, July 27 - Up at Bat

Sleep in. You've earned it. Enjoy a leisurely brunch - leftover homemade pie, anyone? Head downtown for the South End Open Market, and then over to the city center for the Boston Underfoot Walking Tour! Alternatively, volunteer at the Kidney Bean walk in Cambridge for the morning.

Afterwards, book it to Kenmore Square 'cause tonight's the big Sox-Yankees game. My personal favorite is the Audobon Circle bar where you can grab a bite to eat before heading over to one of the more traditional game day pubs for a brew or two.

See, you can have fun without leaving home! What would your staycation look like?

Related Posts: Wine Tasting July 24; Jamming the Local Way; Kidney Bean Walk; Fruit in the City; July 4th in Boston

takin' off her pants...

So if you've been wondering why it's been relatively quiet on the Miss Sassy-Pants front, it's because she's been pretty busy getting ready to exchange those pants for a dress. Yup, Miss is becoming Mrs. in just a few weeks. Yikes.

I did, however, want to take a moment to throw a quick shout out to Bridal Garden in New York. Why am I talking about a bridal boutique in a blog for non-profits and volunteerism? Whoa, Nelly, slow down there. It's a-comin' (Can you tell I'm heading back to the great Republic of Texas for the nups?).

I don't remember where or when I first read about this organization, but I'm glad to have learned about it. Bridal Garden is New York City's ONLY non-profit bridal boutique.

How does that work? Well, various stores and designers have donated their sample dresses to Bridal Garden, which then sells them at ridiculously discounted rates (some up to 75%!!) to benefit New York city kids. They also have headpieces and veils for sale as well. Don't be fooled by what appears to be a dingy, small space. In their one-room venue, they carry hundreds of designer and couture dresses from over 60 designers, and the inventory changes daily.

Want to check them out? Bridal Garden is by appointment ONLY so make sure you call before you head over. And just in case you forgot, they're located in New York City, so if you don't have a car, check out the boltbus or other cheap options to get over there while saving gas and the environment (you know how OYFP is loves behavin' green).

Only one question remains: Did Miss Sassy-Pants find her gown here?

You betcha. For less than $500 and in about 45 minutes! I'd upload a picture of the actual gown, but it's presently in Texas gettin' altered (and I also have no idea how to do that anyway!). But I'll take one when I get down there and send it to Casey, who is beautiful and fabulous with all that website internet stuff.

So, come August, when I walk down that aisle, I know I'll feel like a *million* bucks. No, not because of the gown or the fake lashes, but because I'll know that my purchase won't make some rich designer even wealthier. It will help students at the Brooklyn Charter School in the Bedford Stuyvesant area of New York City receive the best education they can get. Now, that's sassy.

Hopefully this will be Hannah and her honey on their
wedding day - feelin' like a million bucks!

Related Posts: Bringing Sexy Back~; Spring Cleaning, part deux; Clean out your closet for a good cause
Photo courtesy of Jennifer Dery photography.

Get Konnected! - Free Networking Event

'Get Konnected!' at a free networking event, hosted by Kaleidoscope, on Tuesday, June 24th from 6:30pm to 9:30pm at 28 Degrees, located at One Appleton Street in the South End.

The event will feature complimentary hors d'ouevres, a live performance by Bongo Love and a cash bar.

“Bongo Love is a pop band straight from Zimbabwe, Africa featuring four young talented musicians that have taken Africa and the world by storm, captivating their audience with their afrocoustics that fuse Zimbabwean beats with music from around the world. Bongo Love performed as guest artists at three SOLD OUT shows in 2007 at Madison Square Garden.”

“The mission of 'Get Konnected!' is to provide an ongoing opportunity for cross-cultural and cross-generational networking around professional and personal interests. Get Konnected will achieve its mission by organizing formal and informal, creative programs, forums and activities.”

RSVP by calling 617-357-5777 or email konnected@kscopecity।com. This event is free and open to all.

Related Posts: Non-Profit Networking Aug 13; Boston Non-profit Networking and Blogging; Good2Gether; Creating your own online community; Social Networking: Is it here to stay?; Get Konnected

Pangea Day

Pangea =The theoretical landmass that existed when all continents were joined, from about 300 to 200 million years ago.
- dictionary.com

Pangea Day = a global event held on May 10, 2008, in hopes to bring the world together through film. The details: 4 hours, 24 films, broadcasted worldwide in seven languages which can be seen at approximately 14:00 (2:00pm) Boston time. If so desired you can even see it on your mobile phone.

The films selected to participate in the Pangea Day were chosen based on their ability "To inspire, transform, and allow us see the world through another person's eyes". There will even be live music and inspirational speakers! Click here to see the trailer for the event.

So where can you go see it in Boston? Simmons College is hosting an event to the public this Saturday from 2:00pm - 6:00pm at the Linda K. Paresky Conference Center. You can also view it online, or even on your mobile phone.

The event is going to be watched by millions of people worldwide, shouldn't you be one of them?

Photo courtesy of EdwardOlive.

The Gap Year

I was reading this post about the concept of a "gap year" and I found the idea fascinating. Imagine you had taken a year (a whole year!) prior to starting college to participate in a year of global volunteer service.

Maybe you haven't started college yet and would like to try taking a year off before you go into college. The thought process behind taking a gap year is that you will have gained a better understanding of yourself, what you would like to accomplish in college, and perhaps even a new-found passion for volunteering.

Princeton is even offering financial aid to students who wish to participate in the gap year but may not have the monetary means necessary. Harvard even encourages students to participate in the gap year in their acceptance letters to incoming freshman. It's a concept that is not unique to Europe or UK students but it is fairly unique concept for Americans about to enter college.

I hope colleges do not make it mandatory to have a gap year prior to entrance into the college, because if it becomes requirement it has the potential to loose all the meaning behind it. People should be able to have the choice to participate in global service.

That being said I would strongly encourage any student out there to participate in a gap year program. I did not know of the gap year when I was entering college but I did get to study abroad my junior year in college.

Do I regret not being able to partake in the gap year? In a word, nope. But it may be something you want to consider.

Photo courtesy of http://www.restormel.gov.uk/

Global Volunteering

So we here at OYFP have been trying to put out the word for people to get more involved in the Boston area citing the benefits it does for the community. What if you would like to get involved but you're passions lye in a more international context? Then go to Idealist.org's Global Volunteering Fair this Saturday, April 12, hosted by the Harvard School of Public Health . Here you can meet with nonprofit organizations that coordinate volunteer projects around the globe, including:

• American Jewish World Service
• Amigos de las Americas
• Center for Cultural Interchange
• Cross-Cultural Solutions
• Earthwatch Institute
• Friends of the Orphans
• International Volunteer Program,
• GeoVisions
• Global Routes
• Global Volunteers
• Greenforce
• Kathryn Davis Fellowships
• Volunteers For Peace, Inc.
• VSO Canada
• WorldTeach

And you can also take free workshops on

• International Volunteerism 101
• Determining whether to go abroad with a program or on your own
• Overcoming potential cultural or physical barriers to international service

Who knows you might find something that interests or inspires you to take your volunteering internationally.

Photo courtesy of http://www.home.unix-ag.org/simon/gimp/globes.html

Dialogue Anyone?

On Tuesday of this past week, Barack Obama gave a powerful speech on racism. It got a lot of people talking about a subject that is too often swept under the rug. People talking about these issues can hopefully lead to a greater understanding of the community around us. If you are as passionate about this subject matter as I am and no one in your office cares to listen to you, then you need an outlet to speak about these issues. Boston Dialogues may be the venue for you

A couple of years ago I was referred to the Boston Dialogues. This was an organization that was started by one man who wanted to get people from all different age, ethnic, and religious backgrounds in Boston to start talking about some of these tough issues. There was a small group of 10-15 of us who met at a school in our neighborhood, one night per week, for four weeks. Everyone was really honest and open, which really helped the process and almost everyone had something they wanted to get off his/her chest.

It was a great learning experience for me and I met many people in my neighborhood, some with which I am still in contact with and consider my friends. What I took away from it is how lasting the effects of any sort of discrimination are, and that there is a lot we can learn from each other.

A new dialogue session begins Wednesday, March 26 and will meet for four consecutive Wednesdays, until April 16. All dialogue sessions will meet from 6:30-8:30pm. Register online or call 617-318-1257.

Come on Boston - let's start talking!

Photo courtesy of www.quakerhouse.org

Well I would walk 500 miles...

Well would you? Sounds like a copious amount of walking not to mention a great song by the Proclaimers.

What if I told you only had to walk 3 miles and raise a few pledges, and it would be supporting one of the poorest nations (arguably the poorest) in the Western hemisphere? Now that is something you can do.

On April 5, 2008 come out and support Parters in Health in trying to raise money for the nation of Haiti . Starting location is at 29 Auburn Street, Harvard Square, and registration begins at 12:30pm.

This is the 4th annual walk which has helped raise much needed money for providing basic health care to a population which has a high percentage of malnutrition. The fact is the life expectancy in Haiti is 47 years for men and 51 years for women. Compare that to the life expectancy in US is 74.4 for men and 79.8 years for women. Can you believe it?

So come walk for your health and for the health of others.

Photo Coursety of www.womensheartfoundation.org

International Women's Day

Tomorrow, Saturday, March 8, is International Women's Day. This year marks the 100th anniversary of when 15,000 female garment workers marched through New York demanding better working conditions.

This day celebrates the accomplishments of those women and the many others who have worked tirelessly for women's rights around the world.

So what can you do in Boston to recognize this gynormous day?

You could join me at the International Women's film festival at various screens throughout Boston. At this festival they are showing films ranging from comparing Barbie to the American Jew, to understanding the complexities of your name. Well, those films sound interesting to me... and a great way to celebrate the accomplishments of the "fairer of the sexes."

What are you going to do to celebrate the women in your life (or yourself)?

Photo courtesy of jillgilbert.com

The Other "First Friday"

Everyone in Boston proper has heard of the meat market for 30-somethings that is the MFA's "First Friday" event--for the price of museum admission, you're invited to shmooze and flirt in one of the museum's grand halls. But here are my gripes: there's selection at the cash bar is small, appetizers aren't worth their price, the crowd is kind of dull, and the art is always the same in that hall of the museum.

So, when a friend asked if I was up for "first friday" tomorrow, I said no thanks. I dunno, it's just kind of a trite evening.

HOWever, turns out she was referring to the OTHER First Friday, at the Boston Center for the Arts:

"First Fridays are an important event in the South End, showcasing the premeir performing and visual arts and artists of our time. Artists working in studios at the BCA include painters, printmakers, sculptors, filmmakers, craftspeople, writers, performing artists, and others."

The BCA also provides affordable studio space to local artists, and I believe that the FF open studio showcases their work (see samples lifted from the BCA website below.)


Did you say local_artist_community? with new featured works every month? Sounds like a winner to me.

If you've been to the BCA's FF, drop me a note to let me know how it is~