An Economic Recovery Plan, in a cup.

Starbucks Corp., the world's largest chain of coffee shops has recently unveiled its economic recovery plan, further highlighting the compete inadequacy of our current leadership.

Acknowledging the fact that the Bush administration can’t independently handle the fiscal woes of our staggering economy, Starbucks throws its hat, or cup, into the ring. They hope that by offering the $1 Short Coffee they will help jump start the country's economic recovery. Those close to executive management said: “we would like to emphasize that our loyal customers can still enjoy grossly overpaying for our products if they choose."

I’m looking forward to the $1 coffee. And, as a side note, Starbucks has been great to OYFP! They’ve donated their great coffee and baked goods to a few of our past events.

heart to heart

children with autism hold a special place in my heart, and presently 1 in 150 individuals is diagnosed with autism. it's more common than pediatric cancer, diabetes, and AIDS combined.

i can't say i've listened to this band (five for fighting) or have even heard of them, but i'll gladly pass on the link to their video because they're donating $1.00 to Autism Speaks each time it's viewed. the funding will go towards research studies to learn more about autism. when you get a moment, please visit the link below to watch the video, and spread the word to your friends and family. they're aiming for 10,000 hits (meaning $10,000 for autism research), but let's help them surpass this goal. watch the video already!

speaking of hearts, 1 in 3 women gets heart disease, and it is the number 1 killer of women. "Go Red for Women" is the nationwide movement of the American Heart Association to raise awareness about the risk of heart disease and to mobilize women to "fight back."

on friday, february 1st, AHA sponsors "national wear red day," and on that day (which is tomorrow) if you wear red to Macy's, you will receive an all-day savings pass for an extra 15% off apparel and accessories. or, if red isn't your color, you can make a $2 donation to the AHA's "go red for women" movement in the accessories department and receive a red dress pin and an all-day savings pass as well.

What are you waiting for? Get on your feet, and make sure you're wearing red!

Volunteer Profile: Elizabeth and NEDA

My friend Elizabeth S. is very passionate about her causes, which include politics, education, and healthy eating habits. However, like me, she had a hard time finding a volunteer opportunity that was both rewarding and fit into her schedule. Fortunately for both her and her chosen organization, she persevered and found a great fit. We sat down yesterday and talked about her experience (over the phone, since she lives in Seattle).


Where do you volunteer?

The National Eating Disorders Association, or NEDA.

Why did you start volunteering at NEDA?

I hate my job and was looking for professional experience in a field I’m actually interested in.

Well. You certainly don't mince words. What do you do there?

I answer incoming calls to their national Information and Referral Helpline. People call with all kinds of questions about eating disorders, some have eating disorders some are professionals, some are students. I try to answer their questions and if they are looking for treatment, I try to help them find a specialist in their area.

How many hours a week do you work there? Did you have to give up anything in order to have the time to volunteer?

I volunteer 4 hours a week and all I have to give up is a little sleep and about $3 for my weekly soy latte.

Mmmm.. lattes. So. What is your favorite thing about volunteering with this group?

The people who volunteer and work at NEDA are the most dedicated, enthusiastic people I’ve ever met. They are everything that is good about a nonprofit. I am inspired by their commitment. Also, I am lucky enough that every so often I make a real connection with someone on the phone and offer something that truly helps them.

How does it compare to your other volunteer experiences?

It’s the best. There is enough training and support from the staff so that I am able to offer quality service and continue to learn and grow.

Are there any organizations in the Boston area that do something similar?

The Massachusetts Eating Disorders Association (medainc.org) is a similar organization. I don’t know if they offer the same sort of helpline but they have excellent services and resources for people with eating disorders.

Great. Well, here it is: The Corny Question. How has volunteering here inspired you?

The experience has made me realize how much I enjoy counseling people, especially young women. I have actually applied for graduate school and specifically chose a school that offers a dual Masters degree in both nutrition and psychology. With all of the trappings around eating and food in this country, you can't effectively and successfully address nutrition issues without addressing the underlying psychological ones.

Thanks, Elizabeth, for taking the time to talk to us.

No problem. I'm happy to do it!

Get On Their Feet

Web-based microfinancing helps poor entrepreneurs Get On Their Feet.

Kiva, which means “unity” in Swahili, a web-based non-profit incorporated in November 2005, lets anyone lend money directly to a specific needy person in a developing country.

Recipients of a Kiva Loan are referred to as "entrepreneurs" or "borrowers", contributors to a Kiva Loan are referred to as "Kiva Lenders". The key word here is: Loan. The loan allows the entrepreneur to boost themselves out of poverty. Lenders can loan as little as $25. Lenders also receive updates and get repaid when the business succeeds. Loan terms range from 4 months to 18 months. Currently, at repayment lenders receive no interest on their loan, this might change in the future. Astonishingly, the repayment success rate is 99.86%. This means that only 0.14% of all entrepreneurs default on their loan. Take a moment to let that success rate sink in. I will tell you how they are so effective in a second.

Funds. According Kiva’s website, since inception and as of January 30, 2008, Kiva has distributed $20,999,835 in loans from 239,127 lenders. A total of 31,864 entrepreneurs have been funded. The average loan size is $568.19.

How it works. The loan success rate is so high because every entrepreneur is interviewed and screened by a Kiva “Field Partner.” Kiva currently has 78 partners in 40 different countries. A partner can be a volunteer, an aid worker or anyone from an established community service institution. After the entrepreneur is interviewed and approved, the Field Partner posts a profile of the qualified entrepreneur on the Kiva website. Lenders browse and choose the entrepreneur they want to fund. Kiva then forwards the funds to the Field Partner who gives the money to the entrepreneur. The Field Partner also collects loan repayment funds and forwards the money upstream to the original lender. Often, when the original lender receives funds they re-contribute to another needy entrepreneur.

Matt Flannery, the founder of Kiva, says: "philanthropy of this kind can become addictive, especially as lenders know they will see their money again. By choosing a business on Kiva.org, you can "sponsor a business" and help the world's working poor make great strides towards economic independence.”

Team In Training: One Way to Make a Difference

Everyone has a cause that is near and dear to their heart. Let me tell you about one of mine.

Last spring, I signed up to participate in Team In Training. Participants of all athletic levels are supported in achieving the ultimate goal of running or walking a half or full marathon, or taking part in a triathlon or cycling event. In exchange for their training and support, you fund raise money for The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. The money you raise will go towards finding cures to help beat blood cancers like leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma.

Team In Training was one of the most worthwhile experiences of my life. I ran the Portland, Maine Marathon with the Society last fall. From raising over $2,000 for the Society on my own to crossing the finish line, it proves that “impossible” is just a state of mind. The coaches, staff and Honored Heroes were amazing. Everyone was so supportive and you really do feel like you are making a difference. While $2,000 seems like a small sum in the grand scheme of things, Team In Training has raised over $700 million over the past 20 years, not too shabby.

If you’re interested in learning more, you can visit the Massachusetts Team in Training site or The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society page.

The below clips sums up why I am passionate about raising funds and finding a cure -- Leukemia is is the number one cause of death of children under the age of 15. Have the tissues ready.

Tailgating for charity...?

I hear tailgating is a lot of fun. I've never actually had the chance to do it (UMass Amherst didn't allow it when I attended)... until now.

MetroLacrosse is holding its third annual Winter Tailgate party this Saturday, February 2 at [updated] Vinalia at 101 Arch St in Boston.

Ok, so technically it's not tailgating per say. There are no cars involved. Or trucks. Or trunks. But there is beer (and wine). And sports! You get to wear your favorite team jersey while you enjoy open bar and listen to the Swinging Johnsons, the band famous for its appearances at the Burren in Davis Square. Not to mention that you'll have the chance to win a $7,000 Getaway for Two to Cancun, Mexico! (You remember what a sunny day at a beach is like, right?)

Tickets are $50 ahead of time and all proceeds support MetroLacrosse's programs, which teach underprivileged kids life skills through lacrosse. If tailgating's not your thing, check out volunteer opportunities with MetroLacrosse. You don't need to know lacrosse in order to help!

Me, I'll be in NH skiing... but you can bet your sweet bippy I'd be at this event if I were in town.