In working with the people at The Skin Cancer Foundation on an episode of "What You Can Do" for Health Week, we had the opportunity to interview them about skin cancer. Have a look at Part 1!
What is The Skin Cancer Foundation's main goal?
Since its founding in 1979, The Skin Cancer Foundation has set the standard for educating the public and the medical profession about skin cancer, its prevention by means of sun protection, the need for early detection, and prompt, effective treatment. It is the only international organization devoted solely to combating the world’s most common cancer, now occurring at epidemic levels.
The incidence of skin cancer can be dramatically reduced through education, behavior modification, and early detection. Skin cancer is primarily a lifestyle disease, which is why The Skin Cancer Foundation emphasizes public awareness and education campaigns.
Why has the incidence of melanoma (the deadliest form of skin cancer) risen?
Approximately 68,720 new invasive melanomas will be diagnosed this year in the US, with nearly 8,650 resulting in death. Another 50,000 patients will be diagnosed with melanoma in situ (melanoma that has not invaded past the skin surface). There are several theories on why melanoma rates have risen so dramatically. For one, more people have their skin screened for suspicious growths, which means that fewer cancers go undetected. This is a good thing, because if melanoma is recognized and treated early, it is almost always curable.
There has also been a steady rise in tanning bed use over the last 30 years. Today, an estimated one million Americans visit a tanning salon every day. A recent study found that indoor ultraviolet (UV) tanners are 74 percent more likely to develop melanoma than those who have never tanned indoors. The more time a person has spent tanning indoors, the higher the risk.
Other factors that could be contributing to the increase in melanoma incidence include more time spent outdoors, fashion (more exposed skin), and holidays spent in sunny climes. The intense, intermittent sun exposure (the kind that can cause sunburn) received on a tropical vacation is associated with a higher risk of melanoma.
Additionally, the incidence of nonmelanoma skin cancers has risen significantly: more than two million people in the US develop over 3.5 million nonmelanoma skin cancers every year. This constitutes a more than 300 percent increase in skin cancer incidence since 1994, when rates were last estimated.
Nonmelanoma skin cancers, such as basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), are the most common forms of skin cancer. Though they are rarely life-threatening, they can be disfiguring when not diagnosed and treated in a timely manner.
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Saturday, October 30, 2010
Sharing To Learn: Inspired to Help (Part 2)
Below is Part 2 of our interview with Sharing To Learn Founder, Denise Ortiz.
1. Where would you like Sharing To Learn to be in five years?
I would love for the network of schools involved in our service-based learning program to continue to flourish. It is important to me to bring communities together so that they can learn with and from one another, bringing about a sense of understanding, respect and compassion. I also hope to have the support and funding to be able to build a state of the art, sustainable learning center for the Makuleke Community. The learning center, would serve as a platform for community development and would consist of four components: a spacious library, a technology center, an educational resource center as well as an art center. This learning center would give the village the infrastructure so that people could have the tools and resources to help themselves out of poverty.
2. What advice would you give someone who is inspired to start a
nonprofit?
My advice would be to welcome all of the help that people offer to you. Find a way for them to fit into your vision and allow them to be of service. I am only able to do the work that I do with the help of others.
3. How can someone get involved in your organization?
I welcome the support of anyone who is inspired by the Makuleke Community. Running a non-profit is a lot of work! The more help that I receive the better! I am always in need of people helping to network and fundraise - which could be simple events , such as lemonade stands, walkathons, hosting dinner parties, etc. I also love to accommodate people with an interest in traveling to South Africa and working driectly with the Makuleke Community.
6. What has been the greatest surprise thus far in getting Sharing To
Learn off the ground?
The greatest surprise has been the most lovely surprise: that by creating a non-profit organization, I was simultaneously creating a forum for a community of caring, compassionate and inspired individuals to come together and change the world for the better.
To learn more about Sharing To Learn or to get involved, visit: http://www.sharingtolearn.org/
1. Where would you like Sharing To Learn to be in five years?
I would love for the network of schools involved in our service-based learning program to continue to flourish. It is important to me to bring communities together so that they can learn with and from one another, bringing about a sense of understanding, respect and compassion. I also hope to have the support and funding to be able to build a state of the art, sustainable learning center for the Makuleke Community. The learning center, would serve as a platform for community development and would consist of four components: a spacious library, a technology center, an educational resource center as well as an art center. This learning center would give the village the infrastructure so that people could have the tools and resources to help themselves out of poverty.
2. What advice would you give someone who is inspired to start a
nonprofit?
My advice would be to welcome all of the help that people offer to you. Find a way for them to fit into your vision and allow them to be of service. I am only able to do the work that I do with the help of others.
3. How can someone get involved in your organization?
I welcome the support of anyone who is inspired by the Makuleke Community. Running a non-profit is a lot of work! The more help that I receive the better! I am always in need of people helping to network and fundraise - which could be simple events , such as lemonade stands, walkathons, hosting dinner parties, etc. I also love to accommodate people with an interest in traveling to South Africa and working driectly with the Makuleke Community.
6. What has been the greatest surprise thus far in getting Sharing To
Learn off the ground?
The greatest surprise has been the most lovely surprise: that by creating a non-profit organization, I was simultaneously creating a forum for a community of caring, compassionate and inspired individuals to come together and change the world for the better.
To learn more about Sharing To Learn or to get involved, visit: http://www.sharingtolearn.org/
Friday, October 29, 2010
Help Spread the Word about Global Hunger
Think there's nothing you can do to Help fight Global Hunger in 1 Minute?
Starring - Mary Micari
Written by - Jessica Arinella & Julie Tortorici
Shot, Edited and Directed by - Alicia Arinella
Produced by: On the Leesh Productions
Music by: Banana Whale
What You Can Do Logo Created by: SCG Siddharth Creative Group
Additional Footage Provided by: Shutterstock, Inc. Used by Permission
Statistical Information provided by: ActionAgainstHunger, www.actionagainsthunger.org
Special Thanks: Susannah Masur and everyone at Action Against Hunger, and Dennis Arinella
For more information, please visit - www.whatyoucando365.com
Starring - Mary Micari
Written by - Jessica Arinella & Julie Tortorici
Shot, Edited and Directed by - Alicia Arinella
Produced by: On the Leesh Productions
Music by: Banana Whale
What You Can Do Logo Created by: SCG Siddharth Creative Group
Additional Footage Provided by: Shutterstock, Inc. Used by Permission
Statistical Information provided by: ActionAgainstHunger, www.actionagainsthunger.org
Special Thanks: Susannah Masur and everyone at Action Against Hunger, and Dennis Arinella
For more information, please visit - www.whatyoucando365.com
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Help Someone in Need
Think there's nothing you can do to help Someone in Need in 1 Minute?
Starring - Illiana Inocencio
Written by - Jessica Arinella & Julie Tortorici
Shot, Edited and Directed by - Alicia Arinella
Produced by: On the Leesh Productions
Music by: Banana Whale
What You Can Do Logo Created by: SCG Siddharth Creative Group
Additional Footage Provided by: Shutterstock, Inc. Used by Permission
Statistical Information provided by: Mercy Corps, www.mercycorps.org
Special Thanks: Sylvia Ross and everyone at Mercy Corps, and Dennis Arinella
For more information, please visit - www.whatyoucando365.com
Starring - Illiana Inocencio
Written by - Jessica Arinella & Julie Tortorici
Shot, Edited and Directed by - Alicia Arinella
Produced by: On the Leesh Productions
Music by: Banana Whale
What You Can Do Logo Created by: SCG Siddharth Creative Group
Additional Footage Provided by: Shutterstock, Inc. Used by Permission
Statistical Information provided by: Mercy Corps, www.mercycorps.org
Special Thanks: Sylvia Ross and everyone at Mercy Corps, and Dennis Arinella
For more information, please visit - www.whatyoucando365.com
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Touch to Help Fight Hunger
Think there's nothing you can do to help Fight Hunger in 1 Minute?
Starring - Rosie Moss
Written by - Jessica Arinella & Julie Tortorici
Shot, Edited and Directed by - Alicia Arinella
Produced by: On the Leesh Productions
Music by: Banana Whale
What You Can Do Logo Created by: SCG Siddharth Creative Group
Additional Footage Provided by: Shutterstock, Inc. Used by Permission
Statistical Information provided by: The GreaterGood, www.thehungersite.com
Special Thanks: Rosemary Jones and everyone at The GreaterGood, and Dennis Arinella
For more information, please visit - www.whatyoucando365.com
Starring - Rosie Moss
Written by - Jessica Arinella & Julie Tortorici
Shot, Edited and Directed by - Alicia Arinella
Produced by: On the Leesh Productions
Music by: Banana Whale
What You Can Do Logo Created by: SCG Siddharth Creative Group
Additional Footage Provided by: Shutterstock, Inc. Used by Permission
Statistical Information provided by: The GreaterGood, www.thehungersite.com
Special Thanks: Rosemary Jones and everyone at The GreaterGood, and Dennis Arinella
For more information, please visit - www.whatyoucando365.com
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Support Fair Trade
Think there's nothing you can do to help Support Fair Trade in 1 Minute?
Starring - Maria Christina Perry
Written by - Jessica Arinella & Julie Tortorici
Shot, Edited and Directed by - Alicia Arinella
Produced by: On the Leesh Productions
Music by: Banana Whale
What You Can Do Logo Created by: SCG Siddharth Creative Group
Additional Footage Provided by: Shutterstock, Inc. Used by Permission
Statistical Information provided by: The Fair Trade Federation, www.fairtradefederation.org
Special Thanks: Carmen Iezzi and everyone at The Fair Trade Federation, and Dennis Arinella
For more information, please visit - www.whatyoucando365.com
Starring - Maria Christina Perry
Written by - Jessica Arinella & Julie Tortorici
Shot, Edited and Directed by - Alicia Arinella
Produced by: On the Leesh Productions
Music by: Banana Whale
What You Can Do Logo Created by: SCG Siddharth Creative Group
Additional Footage Provided by: Shutterstock, Inc. Used by Permission
Statistical Information provided by: The Fair Trade Federation, www.fairtradefederation.org
Special Thanks: Carmen Iezzi and everyone at The Fair Trade Federation, and Dennis Arinella
For more information, please visit - www.whatyoucando365.com
Monday, October 25, 2010
Support a Native American Family
Think there's nothing you can do to help a Native American Family in 1 Minute?
Starring - Alicia Arinella & Dennis Arinella
Written by - Jessica Arinella & Julie Tortorici
Shot, Edited and Directed by - Alicia Arinella
Produced by: On the Leesh Productions
Music by: Banana Whale
What You Can Do Logo Created by: SCG Siddharth Creative Group
Additional Footage Provided by: Shutterstock, Inc. Used by Permission
Statistical Information provided by: Adopt - A Native-Elder Program, www.anedler.org
Special Thanks: Mary Phillips and everyone at the Adopt-A-Native-Elder Program, and Dennis Arinella
For more information, please visit - www.whatyoucando365.com
Starring - Alicia Arinella & Dennis Arinella
Written by - Jessica Arinella & Julie Tortorici
Shot, Edited and Directed by - Alicia Arinella
Produced by: On the Leesh Productions
Music by: Banana Whale
What You Can Do Logo Created by: SCG Siddharth Creative Group
Additional Footage Provided by: Shutterstock, Inc. Used by Permission
Statistical Information provided by: Adopt - A Native-Elder Program, www.anedler.org
Special Thanks: Mary Phillips and everyone at the Adopt-A-Native-Elder Program, and Dennis Arinella
For more information, please visit - www.whatyoucando365.com
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Sharing To Learn: Inspired to Help (Part 1)
What long ago I ran into a neighbor in my apartment building. I hadn't seen her in a while and so we stopped to chat for a bit. While I was prepared to hear about how her job was going about any run-of-the-mill updates in her life, I was totally unprepared to hear about her creating a nonprofit to help a community in South Africa. Amazed at her passion, I told her about "What You Can Do" and how what she was doing was exactly the sentiment that WYCD is trying to encourage. Wanting to spread the word about her inspiring story, I asked if I could interview her about her new organization, Sharing To Learn. Below is Part 1 of our interview.
1. What made you want to start Sharing To Learn? How did it come about?
I have always been interested in helping others,most especially in making a difference in the lives of children. While I did not know that I would create a non-profit organization, everything that I have ever done in my life has prepared me for this: teaching early childhood education for eleven years, living abroad for nine years, studying psychology, as well as education, etc. Throughout my career as an educator, it has always been a priority for me to create nurturing classrooms, where children develop a sense of compassion for their peers. Creating curriculum that brought children from opposite ends of the globe together, while working towards social change came very naturally to me. When I realized the opportunity to create my non-profit organization, Sharing to Learn, it made so much sense to me and seemed to be the most meaningful thing that I could do with my life. Through my organization, I am able to help empower thousands of children, vs. a classroom of twenty.
When I visited Makuleke in July, 2008 for the first time, I was struck by two things in particular: the utter poverty in which children (and adults) lived with on a daily basis, the lack of food, shoes and adequate clothing, as well as the lack of adequate healthcare and education. I was also struck by the fact that in spite of how little the people of this poor village had, they were the most giving and generous people that I had ever met. In Makuleke, one lives with the African philosophy of ubuntu, which means that a person is a person through other people; one lives in the present moment and with an open heart. The little that one has, one shares. This generosity of spirit resonated with me very much. The people of this village had taught me many lessons on a happy way of living life. When I returned to NYC after my initial 8-day trip, I found it very difficult to continue living my life as if I did not know the poverty in which my new friends were living. Most especially, I knew that the children (orphans) that I had come to care so much about really were not going to have an opportunity to lift themselves out of the cycle of poverty with the education system that they had in place - an education without books. It was then that I began collecting books to set up the Makuleke Village's first community library in July 2009. While working to accomplish that task, I found all the purpose and meaning in life. It was then that I realized the big picture: that I could indeed impact thousands of children's lives by providing the tools to a more solid education and thus giving them a viable way out of poverty. I created my non-profit organization in the state of New York in February, 2010.
2. Can you tell us what Sharing To Learn does?
Through global education, Sharing to Learn creates a forum for children around the world to be part of the solution to poverty. We create service-based learning experiences for schools, linking them with the Makuleke Community in South Africa. Children begin to learn with and from another culture, while also working towards social justice and a world of equality. Children as young as three years of age participate in our programs, becoming young social entrepreneurs. Through our curriculum, students begin to realize when something is not fair and they take action. For example, as a Kindergarten class in NYC learned about the Makuleke Community, they realized that the village did not have a library and that books were scarce. They took the initiative to create a village library. They collected hundreds of books, sorted them and prepared them to be shipped; they also held a bake sale to raise money for the library's bookshelves. STL provides a platform for children to become change-agents at a very early age. Global education is at the core of STL; learning centers established in the Makuleke Village are the offshoots of this learning.
1. What made you want to start Sharing To Learn? How did it come about?
I have always been interested in helping others,most especially in making a difference in the lives of children. While I did not know that I would create a non-profit organization, everything that I have ever done in my life has prepared me for this: teaching early childhood education for eleven years, living abroad for nine years, studying psychology, as well as education, etc. Throughout my career as an educator, it has always been a priority for me to create nurturing classrooms, where children develop a sense of compassion for their peers. Creating curriculum that brought children from opposite ends of the globe together, while working towards social change came very naturally to me. When I realized the opportunity to create my non-profit organization, Sharing to Learn, it made so much sense to me and seemed to be the most meaningful thing that I could do with my life. Through my organization, I am able to help empower thousands of children, vs. a classroom of twenty.
When I visited Makuleke in July, 2008 for the first time, I was struck by two things in particular: the utter poverty in which children (and adults) lived with on a daily basis, the lack of food, shoes and adequate clothing, as well as the lack of adequate healthcare and education. I was also struck by the fact that in spite of how little the people of this poor village had, they were the most giving and generous people that I had ever met. In Makuleke, one lives with the African philosophy of ubuntu, which means that a person is a person through other people; one lives in the present moment and with an open heart. The little that one has, one shares. This generosity of spirit resonated with me very much. The people of this village had taught me many lessons on a happy way of living life. When I returned to NYC after my initial 8-day trip, I found it very difficult to continue living my life as if I did not know the poverty in which my new friends were living. Most especially, I knew that the children (orphans) that I had come to care so much about really were not going to have an opportunity to lift themselves out of the cycle of poverty with the education system that they had in place - an education without books. It was then that I began collecting books to set up the Makuleke Village's first community library in July 2009. While working to accomplish that task, I found all the purpose and meaning in life. It was then that I realized the big picture: that I could indeed impact thousands of children's lives by providing the tools to a more solid education and thus giving them a viable way out of poverty. I created my non-profit organization in the state of New York in February, 2010.
2. Can you tell us what Sharing To Learn does?
Through global education, Sharing to Learn creates a forum for children around the world to be part of the solution to poverty. We create service-based learning experiences for schools, linking them with the Makuleke Community in South Africa. Children begin to learn with and from another culture, while also working towards social justice and a world of equality. Children as young as three years of age participate in our programs, becoming young social entrepreneurs. Through our curriculum, students begin to realize when something is not fair and they take action. For example, as a Kindergarten class in NYC learned about the Makuleke Community, they realized that the village did not have a library and that books were scarce. They took the initiative to create a village library. They collected hundreds of books, sorted them and prepared them to be shipped; they also held a bake sale to raise money for the library's bookshelves. STL provides a platform for children to become change-agents at a very early age. Global education is at the core of STL; learning centers established in the Makuleke Village are the offshoots of this learning.
Saturday, October 23, 2010
Our Interview with the American Overseas Domestic Violence Crisis Center (Part 2)
Below is Part 2 of our interview with Brooke Galloway, Development and Policy Director at American Overseas Domestic Violence Crisis Center. Although this final portion of our interview is only one question, I found Brooke’s answer so illuminating and profound that it stood on its own.
What has been the most surprising thing about being a part of this organization?
The most surprising thing about being a part of this organization has been the evident dedication and commitment to ending intimate partner violence from the crisis line staff, crisis line volunteers, outreach volunteers, and the Americans overseas community. The zeal and inspiration for serving this population comes from the strength of AODVC’s visionary leader, Founder, and Executive Director, Paula Lucas.
For 14 years Paula lived what looked like an ideal life as an American overseas: A Newsweek photojournalist husband, worldwide travel, a successful advertising, marketing and PR business and three beautiful sons. She also hid a terrible secret: the children suffered severe child abuse and Paula, horrific domestic violence, at the hands of her husband, making every day a nightmare.
As the violence increased, so did her desperation. In 1997, she finally disclosed the abuse to her brother in California. Her family called the State Department, congress people and senators. Paula went to the American Embassy and pleaded for help. Their efforts were futile.
Finally her chance to escape materialized, thanks to a thief. Robbed of his passport and money on a train in Germany, her husband was locked outside of the country. Paula searched her husband's offices for the children's American passports which her husband had hidden. After a month of searching she was about to give up. In despair, Paula sat sobbing with her face in her hands. That's when she believes a guardian angel pointed her back to a file she had already checked. Inside, there were her children's passports.
Without access to her own money, Paula forged her husband's signature on a check for just enough money to get them to her sister's house in Oregon. She also forged her husband's signature on documents giving her permission to leave the country with the children. She knew if she were caught, she would be put in prison, or worse. But she also knew the possibility of lethality when her husband returned was very high. In the middle of the night, with one suit case and her three children, she took a taxi to the airport in Dubai and prayed. Paula tried not to show her fear as they shuffled through immigration and boarded a flight to New York, and to freedom. Once in New York, the four of them piled onto a train to Oregon, a three day journey.
At her sister's house outside of Portland, Paula's relief was short lived. She found out that even though she, the children, and her husband were all American, he had the right to fight her for jurisdiction and force her to take the boys back to the Middle East - a certain death sentence. In disbelief, she fled her sister's house and went into hiding, living in shelters, on food stamps and welfare while fighting a costly legal battle she never expected to keep her American children in the United States. If she lost, she vowed she would go underground and disappear permanently rather than take her children back. The battle lasted 18 months and cost tens of thousands of dollars. Finally, the Oregon courts ruled that Paula could keep her sons in Oregon. She was granted divorce and custody in September 2000, but no jurisdiction for child support, alimony or court costs. Her husband received supervised visitation of the children.
Despite experiencing homelessness, poverty and extreme debt after years of abuse, Paula felt she had been given a second chance. She resolved to help other abused American women and children around the world so they would not have to go through what she and her children went through. While living in a shelter, Paula founded a non-profit organization, American Women Overseas, and began her work.
To find out more information on how you can help fight Domestic Violence Overseas, please visit - American Overseas Domestic Violence Crisis Center.
What has been the most surprising thing about being a part of this organization?
The most surprising thing about being a part of this organization has been the evident dedication and commitment to ending intimate partner violence from the crisis line staff, crisis line volunteers, outreach volunteers, and the Americans overseas community. The zeal and inspiration for serving this population comes from the strength of AODVC’s visionary leader, Founder, and Executive Director, Paula Lucas.
For 14 years Paula lived what looked like an ideal life as an American overseas: A Newsweek photojournalist husband, worldwide travel, a successful advertising, marketing and PR business and three beautiful sons. She also hid a terrible secret: the children suffered severe child abuse and Paula, horrific domestic violence, at the hands of her husband, making every day a nightmare.
As the violence increased, so did her desperation. In 1997, she finally disclosed the abuse to her brother in California. Her family called the State Department, congress people and senators. Paula went to the American Embassy and pleaded for help. Their efforts were futile.
Finally her chance to escape materialized, thanks to a thief. Robbed of his passport and money on a train in Germany, her husband was locked outside of the country. Paula searched her husband's offices for the children's American passports which her husband had hidden. After a month of searching she was about to give up. In despair, Paula sat sobbing with her face in her hands. That's when she believes a guardian angel pointed her back to a file she had already checked. Inside, there were her children's passports.
Without access to her own money, Paula forged her husband's signature on a check for just enough money to get them to her sister's house in Oregon. She also forged her husband's signature on documents giving her permission to leave the country with the children. She knew if she were caught, she would be put in prison, or worse. But she also knew the possibility of lethality when her husband returned was very high. In the middle of the night, with one suit case and her three children, she took a taxi to the airport in Dubai and prayed. Paula tried not to show her fear as they shuffled through immigration and boarded a flight to New York, and to freedom. Once in New York, the four of them piled onto a train to Oregon, a three day journey.
At her sister's house outside of Portland, Paula's relief was short lived. She found out that even though she, the children, and her husband were all American, he had the right to fight her for jurisdiction and force her to take the boys back to the Middle East - a certain death sentence. In disbelief, she fled her sister's house and went into hiding, living in shelters, on food stamps and welfare while fighting a costly legal battle she never expected to keep her American children in the United States. If she lost, she vowed she would go underground and disappear permanently rather than take her children back. The battle lasted 18 months and cost tens of thousands of dollars. Finally, the Oregon courts ruled that Paula could keep her sons in Oregon. She was granted divorce and custody in September 2000, but no jurisdiction for child support, alimony or court costs. Her husband received supervised visitation of the children.
Despite experiencing homelessness, poverty and extreme debt after years of abuse, Paula felt she had been given a second chance. She resolved to help other abused American women and children around the world so they would not have to go through what she and her children went through. While living in a shelter, Paula founded a non-profit organization, American Women Overseas, and began her work.
To find out more information on how you can help fight Domestic Violence Overseas, please visit - American Overseas Domestic Violence Crisis Center.
Friday, October 22, 2010
Safety Plan
Think there's nothing you can do to help fight Domestic Violence in 1 Minute?
Starring - Julie Tortorici
Written by - Jessica Arinella & Julie Tortorici
Shot, Edited and Directed by - Alicia Arinella
Produced by: On the Leesh Productions
Music by: Banana Whale
What You Can Do Logo Created by: SCG Siddharth Creative Group
Additional Footage Provided by: Shutterstock, Inc. Used by Permission
Statistical Information provided by: The National Domestic Violence Hotline, www.ndvh,org
Special Thanks: Susan Risdon and everyone at the National Domestic Violence Hotline, and Dennis Arinella
For more information, please visit - www.whatyoucando365.com
Starring - Julie Tortorici
Written by - Jessica Arinella & Julie Tortorici
Shot, Edited and Directed by - Alicia Arinella
Produced by: On the Leesh Productions
Music by: Banana Whale
What You Can Do Logo Created by: SCG Siddharth Creative Group
Additional Footage Provided by: Shutterstock, Inc. Used by Permission
Statistical Information provided by: The National Domestic Violence Hotline, www.ndvh,org
Special Thanks: Susan Risdon and everyone at the National Domestic Violence Hotline, and Dennis Arinella
For more information, please visit - www.whatyoucando365.com
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Spread the Word about Teen Dating Abuse
Think there's nothing you can do to help fight Teen Dating Abuse in 1 Minute?
Starring - Melissa Jernigan
Written by - Jessica Arinella & Julie Tortorici
Shot, Edited and Directed by - Alicia Arinella
Produced by: On the Leesh Productions
Music by: Banana Whale
What You Can Do Logo Created by: SCG Siddharth Creative Group
Additional Footage Provided by: Shutterstock, Inc. Used by Permission
Statistical Information provided by: The National Teen Dating Abuse Hotline, www.loveisrespect.org
Special Thanks: Susan Risdon and everyone at the National Domestic Violence Hotline, and Dennis Arinella
For more information, please visit - www.whatyoucando365.com
Starring - Melissa Jernigan
Written by - Jessica Arinella & Julie Tortorici
Shot, Edited and Directed by - Alicia Arinella
Produced by: On the Leesh Productions
Music by: Banana Whale
What You Can Do Logo Created by: SCG Siddharth Creative Group
Additional Footage Provided by: Shutterstock, Inc. Used by Permission
Statistical Information provided by: The National Teen Dating Abuse Hotline, www.loveisrespect.org
Special Thanks: Susan Risdon and everyone at the National Domestic Violence Hotline, and Dennis Arinella
For more information, please visit - www.whatyoucando365.com
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Text to Help Fight Domestic Violence
Think there's nothing you can do to help fight Domestic Violence in 1 Minute?
Starring - R. Ernie Silva
Written by - Jessica Arinella & Julie Tortorici
Shot, Edited and Directed by - Alicia Arinella
Produced by: On the Leesh Productions
Music by: Banana Whale
What You Can Do Logo Created by: SCG Siddharth Creative Group
Additional Footage Provided by: Shutterstock, Inc. Used by Permission
Statistical Information provided by: The National Domestic Violence Hotline, www.ndvh.org
Special Thanks: Susan Risdon and everyone at the National Domestic Violence Hotline, and Dennis Arinella
For more information, please visit - www.whatyoucando365.com
Starring - R. Ernie Silva
Written by - Jessica Arinella & Julie Tortorici
Shot, Edited and Directed by - Alicia Arinella
Produced by: On the Leesh Productions
Music by: Banana Whale
What You Can Do Logo Created by: SCG Siddharth Creative Group
Additional Footage Provided by: Shutterstock, Inc. Used by Permission
Statistical Information provided by: The National Domestic Violence Hotline, www.ndvh.org
Special Thanks: Susan Risdon and everyone at the National Domestic Violence Hotline, and Dennis Arinella
For more information, please visit - www.whatyoucando365.com
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Help Fight Teen Dating Abuse
Think there's nothing you can do to help fight Teen Dating Abuse in 1 Minute?
Starring - Illiana Inocencio
Written by - Jessica Arinella & Julie Tortorici
Shot, Edited and Directed by - Alicia Arinella
Produced by: On the Leesh Productions
Music by: Banana Whale
What You Can Do Logo Created by: SCG Siddharth Creative Group
Additional Footage Provided by: Shutterstock, Inc. Used by Permission
Statistical Information provided by: The National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline, www.loveisrespect.org
Special Thanks: Susan Risdon and everyone at The National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline, and Dennis Arinella
For more information, please visit - www.whatyoucando365.com
Starring - Illiana Inocencio
Written by - Jessica Arinella & Julie Tortorici
Shot, Edited and Directed by - Alicia Arinella
Produced by: On the Leesh Productions
Music by: Banana Whale
What You Can Do Logo Created by: SCG Siddharth Creative Group
Additional Footage Provided by: Shutterstock, Inc. Used by Permission
Statistical Information provided by: The National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline, www.loveisrespect.org
Special Thanks: Susan Risdon and everyone at The National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline, and Dennis Arinella
For more information, please visit - www.whatyoucando365.com
Monday, October 18, 2010
Help Fight Domestic Violence Overseas
Think there's nothing you can do to help fight Domestic Violence Overseas in 1 Minute?
Starring - Alicia Arinella & Jack Halaby
Written by - Jessica Arinella & Julie Tortorici
Shot, Edited and Directed by - Alicia Arinella
Produced by: On the Leesh Productions
Music by: Banana Whale
What You Can Do Logo Created by: SCG Siddharth Creative Group
Additional Footage Provided by: Shutterstock, Inc. Used by Permission
Statistical Information provided by: Americans Overseas Domestic Violence Crisis Center, www.866uswomen.org
Special Thanks: Brooke Galloway and everyone at Americans Overseas Domestic Violence Crisis Center, and Dennis Arinella
For more information, please visit - www.whatyoucando365.com
Starring - Alicia Arinella & Jack Halaby
Written by - Jessica Arinella & Julie Tortorici
Shot, Edited and Directed by - Alicia Arinella
Produced by: On the Leesh Productions
Music by: Banana Whale
What You Can Do Logo Created by: SCG Siddharth Creative Group
Additional Footage Provided by: Shutterstock, Inc. Used by Permission
Statistical Information provided by: Americans Overseas Domestic Violence Crisis Center, www.866uswomen.org
Special Thanks: Brooke Galloway and everyone at Americans Overseas Domestic Violence Crisis Center, and Dennis Arinella
For more information, please visit - www.whatyoucando365.com
Sunday, October 17, 2010
An Interview With American Overseas Domestic Violence Crisis Center
Since October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, the staff at “What You Can Do” felt it was important to dedicate a week’s worth of videos to combating and preventing domestic violence. In researching organizations for the videos, I came upon the American Overseas Domestic Violence Crisis Center, which serves American victims of domestic violence living overseas. The need would seem obvious and yet, I suppose it was naivety or sheer ignorance that prevented my own awareness of the issue. What does a domestic violence victim do when they are not in their native country, are perhaps unaware of their legal rights in their adopted land and are without a support system? These are some of the questions I asked Brooke Galloway, Development and Policy Director at American Overseas Domestic Violence Crisis Center.
Below is PART 1 of our interview.
1. American Overseas Domestic Violence Crisis Center caters to American victims of domestic violence who live overseas. On your website, you mention that this group of people is under-served or under-represented, can you talk about that a little bit. Why is that the case?
In this era of globalization, there has been an influx in bi-national marriages, overseas assignments, and study abroad programs. There are an estimated 5.25 million Americans living overseas. If these Americans were in one state, it would be the 17th largest state in the nation. Despite its size, this population lacks national recognition. Americans overseas have been excluded from policies directed at ending violence against women and children. At the national level, Americans overseas have been excluded from the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), as it only serves people, no matter their nationality, within the US. Additionally, Americans overseas are excluded from the International Violence Against Women Act (IVAWA), which only serves non-Americans outside of the US. To counter the deficit, AODVC has been working to include the American overseas population in the reauthorization of VAWA by 2012.
In the past year, there has been progress in raising awareness of Americans Abused Abroad. AODVC received the National Crime Victims Service Award from the Office on Victims of Crime, US Department of Justice. While this award honored AODVC, it also shed light on Americans abused abroad at the national level.
2. What are some of the specific challenges a victim of domestic abuse faces when living overseas? Are those challenges more complicated if/ when children are involved?
Americans abused abroad face a myriad of additional barriers on top of the horrific challenges that all domestic violence victims are forced to undergo. These barriers may include lack of access to travel documents, no permission to leave the country, inability to speak the language, unfamiliarity with the legal system, the abuser may be high ranking in the American embassy or local government, and undocumented legal status preventing the survivor from seeking assistance in the foreign country.
In addition to the barriers a survivor faces in a foreign country, when/if they return to the US they may be homeless and penniless, may not qualify for services such as shelter or transitional housing because the abuse occurred overseas, and may have difficulty finding employment.
When children are involved these challenges become more complex creating further barriers for the survivor and the children to live their lives free of abuse. Through the Hague Convention on International Child Abduction and other international jurisdiction laws, an abuser can force a survivor of domestic violence to return the children to the foreign country and attempt to gain custody of them. There are no defenses to these actions and no stated exceptions for domestic violence.
3. If someone is reading this who knows someone experiencing abuse overseas – what should they do?
If anyone reading this is experiencing abuse overseas or knows of someone who is, please contact the Americans Overseas Domestic Violence Crisis Center. We have a toll-free crisis line accessible from 175 countries worldwide, email, and live chat options. Instructions are available on our website, www.866uswomen.org.
If you are in immediate danger, contact your local authorities.
4. Your website talks about some of the myths regarding the reasons for domestic violence - can you talk a little bit more about those? Is there a perception that if someone is from a different culture then domestic violence is okay?
There are myths and perceptions that different cultures promote violence against women, but this is not the case. Abuse is not a byproduct of culture and it can happen to anyone, no matter their demographic, in any country around the world. However, domestic violence survivors abroad may face additional barriers that require culturally sensitive services and intercultural awareness.
5. What is the goal for American Overseas Domestic Violence Crisis Center?
The Americans Overseas Domestic Violence Crisis Center envisions a life where every person’s intimate partner treats them with dignity, respect and compassion; where oppression is replaced with equality; where expression of anger is non-violent and where children grow up in violent-free homes with their self-esteem intact.
Our mission is to continue working with abused Americans and their children in foreign countries to provide domestic violence and child abuse advocacy, resources and tools so that they can navigate the complicated jurisdictional, legal and social international landscapes, to be able to live their lives free of abuse either in the foreign country or back in the United States.
We aim to continue raising awareness of this population around the world and create a coordinated community response through our Global Campaign to Empower Americans Abused Abroad. This multi-faceted campaign has already been conducted in 6 European cities, 2 Chinese cities, 2 Indian cities and 2 Australian cities.
To find out more information on how you can help fight Domestic Violence Overseas, please visit - American Overseas Domestic Violence Crisis Center.
Below is PART 1 of our interview.
1. American Overseas Domestic Violence Crisis Center caters to American victims of domestic violence who live overseas. On your website, you mention that this group of people is under-served or under-represented, can you talk about that a little bit. Why is that the case?
In this era of globalization, there has been an influx in bi-national marriages, overseas assignments, and study abroad programs. There are an estimated 5.25 million Americans living overseas. If these Americans were in one state, it would be the 17th largest state in the nation. Despite its size, this population lacks national recognition. Americans overseas have been excluded from policies directed at ending violence against women and children. At the national level, Americans overseas have been excluded from the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), as it only serves people, no matter their nationality, within the US. Additionally, Americans overseas are excluded from the International Violence Against Women Act (IVAWA), which only serves non-Americans outside of the US. To counter the deficit, AODVC has been working to include the American overseas population in the reauthorization of VAWA by 2012.
In the past year, there has been progress in raising awareness of Americans Abused Abroad. AODVC received the National Crime Victims Service Award from the Office on Victims of Crime, US Department of Justice. While this award honored AODVC, it also shed light on Americans abused abroad at the national level.
2. What are some of the specific challenges a victim of domestic abuse faces when living overseas? Are those challenges more complicated if/ when children are involved?
Americans abused abroad face a myriad of additional barriers on top of the horrific challenges that all domestic violence victims are forced to undergo. These barriers may include lack of access to travel documents, no permission to leave the country, inability to speak the language, unfamiliarity with the legal system, the abuser may be high ranking in the American embassy or local government, and undocumented legal status preventing the survivor from seeking assistance in the foreign country.
In addition to the barriers a survivor faces in a foreign country, when/if they return to the US they may be homeless and penniless, may not qualify for services such as shelter or transitional housing because the abuse occurred overseas, and may have difficulty finding employment.
When children are involved these challenges become more complex creating further barriers for the survivor and the children to live their lives free of abuse. Through the Hague Convention on International Child Abduction and other international jurisdiction laws, an abuser can force a survivor of domestic violence to return the children to the foreign country and attempt to gain custody of them. There are no defenses to these actions and no stated exceptions for domestic violence.
3. If someone is reading this who knows someone experiencing abuse overseas – what should they do?
If anyone reading this is experiencing abuse overseas or knows of someone who is, please contact the Americans Overseas Domestic Violence Crisis Center. We have a toll-free crisis line accessible from 175 countries worldwide, email, and live chat options. Instructions are available on our website, www.866uswomen.org.
If you are in immediate danger, contact your local authorities.
4. Your website talks about some of the myths regarding the reasons for domestic violence - can you talk a little bit more about those? Is there a perception that if someone is from a different culture then domestic violence is okay?
There are myths and perceptions that different cultures promote violence against women, but this is not the case. Abuse is not a byproduct of culture and it can happen to anyone, no matter their demographic, in any country around the world. However, domestic violence survivors abroad may face additional barriers that require culturally sensitive services and intercultural awareness.
5. What is the goal for American Overseas Domestic Violence Crisis Center?
The Americans Overseas Domestic Violence Crisis Center envisions a life where every person’s intimate partner treats them with dignity, respect and compassion; where oppression is replaced with equality; where expression of anger is non-violent and where children grow up in violent-free homes with their self-esteem intact.
Our mission is to continue working with abused Americans and their children in foreign countries to provide domestic violence and child abuse advocacy, resources and tools so that they can navigate the complicated jurisdictional, legal and social international landscapes, to be able to live their lives free of abuse either in the foreign country or back in the United States.
We aim to continue raising awareness of this population around the world and create a coordinated community response through our Global Campaign to Empower Americans Abused Abroad. This multi-faceted campaign has already been conducted in 6 European cities, 2 Chinese cities, 2 Indian cities and 2 Australian cities.
To find out more information on how you can help fight Domestic Violence Overseas, please visit - American Overseas Domestic Violence Crisis Center.
Saturday, October 16, 2010
An Interview With a Breast Cancer Survivor
Many of us know someone who has gone through breast cancer. In fact, it seems that many of us know a number of people who have gone through breast cancer. Though advancements have been made in fighting/treating the disease, it doesn't make hearing about the diagnosis any easier. To close out "What You Can Do's" week on Breast Cancer Awareness, we thought it would be valuable to hear from someone who when through it. My cousin, Lori, a breast cancer survivor, was kind enough to agree to answer some questions about her experiences with the disease.
1. What was your first reaction when you heard the diagnosis?
At first relieved to find out the results of all the tests because the waiting was brutal, but then terrified at the thought of having mastectomies and chemotherapy.
2. You are married with children, and so, went through the diagnosis and treatment while being a wife and mom. What advice would you offer someone in the same position?
I would advise any wife and mother to try and stay strong and positive throughout the long treatment process as hard as that can be, and also to try and keep the family's day to day routines to try and maintain a sense of normalcy during such a chaotic time in your family's life.
3. If someone has a loved one who is going through breast cancer (or any illness for that matter), what advice would you give them about things they can do to support their loved one? Is there something that the people in your life did to help that stuck out to you?
I think i was very blessed to have close family and friends just be there to listen to my fears and lend a shoulder to cry on. it was also very helpful to have meals prepared and household chores taken care of.
4. Is there something in particular you want to share with someone going through cancer right now? Were there particular words or experiences that helped get you through the stress that you would like to share with our readers? Any particular coping mechanisms that helped you?
YOU ARE GOING TO BE OK!! it is a long road but you will make it through and thanks to all the donations and awareness the odds are just getting better and better. breast cancer is very treatable so even though the diagnosis in itself is frightening the long term prognosis is good if detected early. i also think it is very important to let others take care of you when you need it and also do things that help you reduce your stress, whether its going to the spa ,doing yoga, getting away or just going shopping and out to lunch with a friend, the more normal things you do the more normal your life will feel.
1. What was your first reaction when you heard the diagnosis?
At first relieved to find out the results of all the tests because the waiting was brutal, but then terrified at the thought of having mastectomies and chemotherapy.
2. You are married with children, and so, went through the diagnosis and treatment while being a wife and mom. What advice would you offer someone in the same position?
I would advise any wife and mother to try and stay strong and positive throughout the long treatment process as hard as that can be, and also to try and keep the family's day to day routines to try and maintain a sense of normalcy during such a chaotic time in your family's life.
3. If someone has a loved one who is going through breast cancer (or any illness for that matter), what advice would you give them about things they can do to support their loved one? Is there something that the people in your life did to help that stuck out to you?
I think i was very blessed to have close family and friends just be there to listen to my fears and lend a shoulder to cry on. it was also very helpful to have meals prepared and household chores taken care of.
4. Is there something in particular you want to share with someone going through cancer right now? Were there particular words or experiences that helped get you through the stress that you would like to share with our readers? Any particular coping mechanisms that helped you?
YOU ARE GOING TO BE OK!! it is a long road but you will make it through and thanks to all the donations and awareness the odds are just getting better and better. breast cancer is very treatable so even though the diagnosis in itself is frightening the long term prognosis is good if detected early. i also think it is very important to let others take care of you when you need it and also do things that help you reduce your stress, whether its going to the spa ,doing yoga, getting away or just going shopping and out to lunch with a friend, the more normal things you do the more normal your life will feel.
Friday, October 15, 2010
What You Can Do presents: Gifts That Help Fight Breast Cancer
Action Link: http://www.thebreastcancersite.com
Written by: Jessica Arinella and Julie Tortorici
Shot, Edited and Directed by: Alicia Arinella
Produced by: On the Leesh Productions
Music by: Banana Whale
What You Can Do Logo Created by: SCG Siddharth Creative Group
Additional Footage Provided by: Shutterstock, Inc. Used by Permission
Statistics Provided by: The GreaterGood, http://www.thebreastcancersite.com
Special Thanks:
Rosemary Jones and everyone at the GreaterGood
Dennis Arinella
Thursday, October 14, 2010
What You Can Do presents: Touch to Give a Mammogram
Action Link:Touch To Give A Mammogram
Starring: Illiana Inocencio
Written by: Jessica Arinella and Julie Tortorici
Shot, Edited and Directed by: Alicia Arinella
Produced by: On the Leesh Productions
Music by: Banana Whale
What You Can Do Logo Created by: SCG Siddharth Creative Group
Additional Footage Provided by: Shutterstock, Inc. Used by Permission
Statistics provided by: The GreaterGood, http://www.thebreastcancersite.com
Special Thanks:
Rosemary Jones and everyone at the GreaterGood
Dennis Arinella
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
What You Can Do presents: Shop for Breast Cancer Awareness
Action Link: http://thebreastcancersite.com
Starring: Mary Micari
Written by: Jessica Arinella and Julie Tortorici
Shot, Edited and Directed by: Alicia Arinella
Produced by: On the Leesh Productions
Music by: Banana Whale
What You Can Do Logo Created by: SCG Siddharth Creative Group
Additional Footage Provided by: Shutterstock, Inc. Used by Permission
Statistics Provided by: The GreaterGood, http://thebreastcancersite.com
Special Thanks:
Rosemary Jones and everyone at the GreaterGood
Dennis Arinella
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
What You Can Do presents: Self-Exam
Starring: Grace Tortorici and Julie Tortorici
Written by: Jessica Arinella and Julie Tortorici
Shot, Edited and Directed by: Alicia Arinella
Produced by: On the Leesh Productions
Music by: Banana Whale
What You Can Do Logo Created by: SCG Siddharth Creative Group
Additional Footage Provided by: Shutterstock, Inc. Used by Permission
Special Thanks:
Dennis Arinella
Monday, October 11, 2010
What You Can Do presents: Breast Cancer Awareness
Action Link: thebreastcancersite.com
Starring: Rahul Siddharth
Written by: Julie Tortorici & Jessica Arinella
Shot, Edited and Directed by: Alicia Arinella
Produced by: On the Leesh Productions
Consulting Producer: Mary Micari
Music by: Banana Whale
What You Can Do Logo Created by: SCG Siddharth Creative Group
Additional Footage Provided by: Shutterstock, Inc. Used by Permission
Statistics Provided by: The GreaterGood, http:thebreastcancersite.com
Special Thanks:
Rosemary Jones and everyone at the GreaterGood
Dennis Arinella
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Breast Cancer Awareness
What do you think of when you think of pink? Baby girls? Cotton candy? Piglets? Barbie? Do you love pink and wear it with pride? Or do you eschew the color and refuse its access to your personage? Whatever your reaction, I hazard to guess that during the month of October when you see the color pink - you think Breast Cancer Awareness.
The use of color as a symbol. A small ribbon to signify a cause. To let people know: I’m with you. I am you. I hope for you. It’s a way to speak up without saying a word.
Here, at “What You Can Do” we speak in videos. We take one-minute of your time to outline a way to help induce change. This week, our videos represent our own pink ribbon. Each day, we hope you’ll watch new content about showing your support for breast cancer awareness even if you only have one minute of time.
Whatever your personal feelings are about the color pink, we hope you’ll show your support for breast cancer awareness.
The use of color as a symbol. A small ribbon to signify a cause. To let people know: I’m with you. I am you. I hope for you. It’s a way to speak up without saying a word.
Here, at “What You Can Do” we speak in videos. We take one-minute of your time to outline a way to help induce change. This week, our videos represent our own pink ribbon. Each day, we hope you’ll watch new content about showing your support for breast cancer awareness even if you only have one minute of time.
Whatever your personal feelings are about the color pink, we hope you’ll show your support for breast cancer awareness.
Saturday, October 9, 2010
Once Again, A Thank You to the FDNY
A special thank you must be given, once again, to Lt. Jack Halaby, Sophy Medina, Jim Long and everyone at the FDNY who made our Fire Prevention Week. possible.
Our Interview With The Green Divas
We are thrilled to share our interview with the original Green Divas, radio hosts and multimedia duo Megan McWilliams and Jenifer O’Neill. Their weekly internet radio show provides listeners with creative and laid-back ideas for green and sustainable living with a touch of humor. The show also features interviews with celebrities and green living experts on issues related to a healthier and more sustainable lifestyle. Check out the Green Divas radio show on Thursdays from 7-8 pm on http://www.homegrownradionj.com/.
1) What’s the story on how The Green Divas were created?
Well, back when we were publishing Relevant Times (the first magazine/website/radio show devoted to sustainable living in the NY metro region), we began calling ourselves radio divas for fun when we did the radio show. After the magazine shut down – like so many magazines and young media companies in this economy – we carried on with the radio show and the blog as ‘the Green Divas’ and things have just evolved ‘organically’ from there.
2) What are your goals for the radio show and other Green Divas projects?
We are all about sharing our real-world experiences as we continually learn how to live ‘greener’ and more sustainably. We never claim to be experts, but we love to interview them and offer them a platform to share w/ us and our audience what they are doing. Always keeping a sense of humor, we use a combination of credible information, experiential reviews and technology to inform our audience. Our goals are always to expand our platform. We love hearing from a fan or listener/reader that they heard something that was really helpful. We don’t expect to save lives, but if we have a positive impact in some lives and ultimately in someone’s behavior toward the planet and each other, then we are doing our job. We’re always open to expanding our reach through various media. We are multi-media divas . . . Green Diva Meg has a book and a television comedy series in development, which is based on the Green Divas experiences.
3) What green causes especially inspire your passion/activism?
We are both very passionate about food – organic, local, seasonal, but primarily sustainable agriculture. The idea of creating more sustainable regional agriculture systems and relying less and less on industrial farming is something we are both very passionate about. Kids and family are a special focus and passion for both of us, but more so for GD Jen who still has young ones (Benjamin 3 and James 10). Keeping positive and focused on solutions is something we feel strongly about, and keeping a sense of humor about it all – it can get so heavy and depressing sometimes.
4) Any Green Divas news to share with WYCD viewers/blog readers?
GD Meg just got back from LA, where she was associate producer of a politically motivated internet comedy video series starring Jack Black and America Ferrara. It is designed to use quality humor to debunk some of the crazy myths that are being hammered at all of us this election season. It is geared toward health care reform myths, but GD Meg made sure there was a good one about global climate change. It should be out by 10/8. Check our blog for details.
Oh yea, we have Paul Newman’s daughter, Nell Newman on the show next week (10/14). She is AMAZING. She’s running Newman’s Own Organics and like us is a huge supporter of sustainable food systems.
5) What are your secrets for juggling your roles as moms, radio hosts, bloggers etc.?
Keeping perspective and trying not to take ourselves too seriously (did I mention sense of humor?). GD Meg’s kids are older and more independent than GD Jen’s so we try to be realistic about what we can handle and always try to be family-friendly.
6) What is your advice for aspiring Green Divas?
Start with what is easy for you, or where you are drawn. For instance, if you are into fashion, try researching ways to ‘green-up’ your wardrobe (sustainably made clothing and accessories, participating in more consigning/clothing recycling, etc.). We have found that once you try one thing and find out how easy, fun, feel-good and not-as-expensive-as-you-thought it usually is, it becomes a little contagious and you want to do more and try other things. Before you know it, you are composting and have chickens running around your yard or rooftop organic veggie garden . . .
To learn more about the Green Divas, visit: http://thegreendivas.com/
1) What’s the story on how The Green Divas were created?
Well, back when we were publishing Relevant Times (the first magazine/website/radio show devoted to sustainable living in the NY metro region), we began calling ourselves radio divas for fun when we did the radio show. After the magazine shut down – like so many magazines and young media companies in this economy – we carried on with the radio show and the blog as ‘the Green Divas’ and things have just evolved ‘organically’ from there.
2) What are your goals for the radio show and other Green Divas projects?
We are all about sharing our real-world experiences as we continually learn how to live ‘greener’ and more sustainably. We never claim to be experts, but we love to interview them and offer them a platform to share w/ us and our audience what they are doing. Always keeping a sense of humor, we use a combination of credible information, experiential reviews and technology to inform our audience. Our goals are always to expand our platform. We love hearing from a fan or listener/reader that they heard something that was really helpful. We don’t expect to save lives, but if we have a positive impact in some lives and ultimately in someone’s behavior toward the planet and each other, then we are doing our job. We’re always open to expanding our reach through various media. We are multi-media divas . . . Green Diva Meg has a book and a television comedy series in development, which is based on the Green Divas experiences.
3) What green causes especially inspire your passion/activism?
We are both very passionate about food – organic, local, seasonal, but primarily sustainable agriculture. The idea of creating more sustainable regional agriculture systems and relying less and less on industrial farming is something we are both very passionate about. Kids and family are a special focus and passion for both of us, but more so for GD Jen who still has young ones (Benjamin 3 and James 10). Keeping positive and focused on solutions is something we feel strongly about, and keeping a sense of humor about it all – it can get so heavy and depressing sometimes.
4) Any Green Divas news to share with WYCD viewers/blog readers?
GD Meg just got back from LA, where she was associate producer of a politically motivated internet comedy video series starring Jack Black and America Ferrara. It is designed to use quality humor to debunk some of the crazy myths that are being hammered at all of us this election season. It is geared toward health care reform myths, but GD Meg made sure there was a good one about global climate change. It should be out by 10/8. Check our blog for details.
Oh yea, we have Paul Newman’s daughter, Nell Newman on the show next week (10/14). She is AMAZING. She’s running Newman’s Own Organics and like us is a huge supporter of sustainable food systems.
5) What are your secrets for juggling your roles as moms, radio hosts, bloggers etc.?
Keeping perspective and trying not to take ourselves too seriously (did I mention sense of humor?). GD Meg’s kids are older and more independent than GD Jen’s so we try to be realistic about what we can handle and always try to be family-friendly.
6) What is your advice for aspiring Green Divas?
Start with what is easy for you, or where you are drawn. For instance, if you are into fashion, try researching ways to ‘green-up’ your wardrobe (sustainably made clothing and accessories, participating in more consigning/clothing recycling, etc.). We have found that once you try one thing and find out how easy, fun, feel-good and not-as-expensive-as-you-thought it usually is, it becomes a little contagious and you want to do more and try other things. Before you know it, you are composting and have chickens running around your yard or rooftop organic veggie garden . . .
To learn more about the Green Divas, visit: http://thegreendivas.com/
Friday, October 8, 2010
What You Can Do presents: Prevent a Fire In Your Home
Action Link: http://nyc.gov/html/fdny/html/safety/fire_safety_downloads.shtml
Starring: Lt. Jack Halaby
Written by: Jessica Arinella and Julie Tortorici
Shot, Edited and Directed by: Alicia Arinella
Produced by: On the Leesh Productions
Music by: Banana Whale
What You Can Do Logo Created by: SCG Siddharth Creative Group
Additional Footage Provided by: Shutterstock, Inc. Used by Permission
Statistics Provided by: FDNY nyc.gov/FDNY
Special Thanks:
Jim Long, Emily Rahimi, Engine 247,and everyone at the FDNY
Dennis Arinella
Thursday, October 7, 2010
What You Can Do presents: Fire Escape Plan
Action Link: FDNY
Starring: Jack Halaby and Sophy Medina
Written by: Jessica Arinella and Julie Tortorici
Shot, Edited and Directed by: Alicia Arinella
Produced by: On the Leesh Productions
Music by: Banana Whale
What You Can Do Logo Created by: SCG Siddharth Creative Group
Additional Footage Provided by: Shutterstock, Inc. Used by Permission
Statistics Provided by: FDNY
Special Thanks: Jim Long, Emily Rahimi, Engine 247,and everyone at the FDNY
Dennis Arinella
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
What You Can Do presents: Practice A 911 Call
Action Link: http://nyc.gov/html/fdny/html/safety/fire_safety_downloads.shtml
Starring: Sophy Medina
Written by: Jessica Arinella and Julie Tortorici
Shot, Edited and Directed by: Alicia Arinella
Produced by: On the Leesh Productions
Music by: Banana Whale
What You Can Do Logo Created by: SCG Siddharth Creative Group
Additional Footage Provided by: Shutterstock, Inc. Used by Permission
Statistics Provided by: FDNY nyc.gov/FDNY
Special Thanks: Jim Long, Emily Rahimi, Engine 247,and everyone at the FDNY
Dennis Arinella
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
What You Can Do responds to Frito Lay's Loud Bag of Sun Chips
Recently we posted an article about Frito Lay dropping their 100% compostable packaging on all but the Original flavor of Sun Chips because... wait for it... the bag is too... loud.
It's true.
Apparently it's the chip bag heard 'round the world. It's the construction site of chip bags. The firecracker of snack food. The space shuttle take-off of salty treats.
You get my meaning.
I did a little research and even found Facebook sites dedicated to how loud the bag is. Granted, there is also a Facebook page called "I would take a bullet for you... Not in the head but the leg or something. So that puts it into some perspective.
We were stunned at the news here at What You Can Do. For realsies Frito Lay? I know companies want to say that they listen to consumer feedback and all, but really, too noisy? We couldn't believe that a bag could possibly be loud enough to forego the whole eco-factor. I think I can even remember their campaign when the bags first came out - the earth filled with pretty people eating some Sun Chips and then the bag would break down and all would be right with the world. Wasn't snacking wonderful?
Now, we never claim to be scientists here at What You Can Do, it's part of the reason we work with organizations - so that they can ensure we're not putting nonsensical statistics out there, but once in a while, especially when it's around 2PM, involves eating something salty and chip-like, we put on our lab coats and get our science experiments on. So that's just what we did - we compared. We bought one eco-friendly compostable bag of Sun Chips and one plastic-kill-the-world-for-a-chip bag of Sun Chips. And we conducted a noise test.
Holy cow. That is one loud bag of chips.
It was so loud, we could barely hear each other talking OVER the crinkling of the bag. In fact, on the back of said bag was a stamp that read, "This bag is louder because it's compostable". Now, I don't compost myself, but my sister does and I don't quite remember it being a particularly loud activity, nor were the compostable items she put in there rather deafening, but hey, it's for THE EARTH PEOPLE.
Really? This is our line? We want to help the environment, but only so far as things remain quiet? Has anyone been to a movie lately? Loud. Has anyone stood next to someone on a cell phone in a public place. Loud. Has anyone used a blender to make a tasty treat? Loud. Loud. Loud.
We say, buy those compostable bags people! Support products like these. Wake up your sleeping roommates while you snack! Bother people next to you at the movies with your salty treat! You're doing it for the environment! You nosh for the Earth. Be proud and be loud.
And while you're barraging your neighborhood with the sound of a crinkling bag unlike any you've heard before, we suggest Frito Lay gets their smarty R&D people in a room to figure out why biodegradable materials make so much freaking noise once they're put into the form of a chip bag. Either that or Frito Lay should make every line of chips from compostable materials so that we forget what the crap plastic bags sounded like in the first place.
What do you think?
It's true.
Apparently it's the chip bag heard 'round the world. It's the construction site of chip bags. The firecracker of snack food. The space shuttle take-off of salty treats.
You get my meaning.
I did a little research and even found Facebook sites dedicated to how loud the bag is. Granted, there is also a Facebook page called "I would take a bullet for you... Not in the head but the leg or something. So that puts it into some perspective.
We were stunned at the news here at What You Can Do. For realsies Frito Lay? I know companies want to say that they listen to consumer feedback and all, but really, too noisy? We couldn't believe that a bag could possibly be loud enough to forego the whole eco-factor. I think I can even remember their campaign when the bags first came out - the earth filled with pretty people eating some Sun Chips and then the bag would break down and all would be right with the world. Wasn't snacking wonderful?
Now, we never claim to be scientists here at What You Can Do, it's part of the reason we work with organizations - so that they can ensure we're not putting nonsensical statistics out there, but once in a while, especially when it's around 2PM, involves eating something salty and chip-like, we put on our lab coats and get our science experiments on. So that's just what we did - we compared. We bought one eco-friendly compostable bag of Sun Chips and one plastic-kill-the-world-for-a-chip bag of Sun Chips. And we conducted a noise test.
Holy cow. That is one loud bag of chips.
It was so loud, we could barely hear each other talking OVER the crinkling of the bag. In fact, on the back of said bag was a stamp that read, "This bag is louder because it's compostable". Now, I don't compost myself, but my sister does and I don't quite remember it being a particularly loud activity, nor were the compostable items she put in there rather deafening, but hey, it's for THE EARTH PEOPLE.
Really? This is our line? We want to help the environment, but only so far as things remain quiet? Has anyone been to a movie lately? Loud. Has anyone stood next to someone on a cell phone in a public place. Loud. Has anyone used a blender to make a tasty treat? Loud. Loud. Loud.
We say, buy those compostable bags people! Support products like these. Wake up your sleeping roommates while you snack! Bother people next to you at the movies with your salty treat! You're doing it for the environment! You nosh for the Earth. Be proud and be loud.
And while you're barraging your neighborhood with the sound of a crinkling bag unlike any you've heard before, we suggest Frito Lay gets their smarty R&D people in a room to figure out why biodegradable materials make so much freaking noise once they're put into the form of a chip bag. Either that or Frito Lay should make every line of chips from compostable materials so that we forget what the crap plastic bags sounded like in the first place.
What do you think?
What You Can Do presents: Test Your Smoke Alarm
Action Link: FDNY
Starring: Jack Halaby and Sophy Medina
Written by: Jessica Arinella and Julie Tortorici
Shot, Edited and Directed by: Alicia Arinella
Produced by: On the Leesh Productions
Music by: Banana Whale
What You Can Do Logo Created by: SCG Siddharth Creative Group
Additional Footage Provided by: Shutterstock, Inc. Used by Permission
Statistical Information provided by: FDNY
Special Thanks: Jim Long, Emily Rahimi, Engine 247,and everyone at the FDNY
Dennis Arinella
Monday, October 4, 2010
What You Can Do presents: Prevent A Kitchen Fire
Action Link: FDNY
Starring: Lt. Jack Halaby
Written by: Julie Tortorici & Jessica Arinella
Shot, Edited and Directed by: Alicia Arinella
Produced by: On the Leesh Productions
Music by: Banana Whale
What You Can Do Logo Created by: SCG Siddharth Creative Group
Additional Footage Provided by: Shutterstock, Inc. Used by Permission
Statistics Provided by: FDNY
Special Thanks: Jim Long, Emily Rahimi, Engine 247,and everyone at the FDNY
Dennis Arinella
Sunday, October 3, 2010
Fire Prevention Week
Being a New Yorker and a hot blooded female to boot, I have always had a strong admiration and respect for New York’s Bravest. When I was creating the idea of What You Can Do, I often dreamed how amazing it would be to somehow get the FDNY involved. No one can argue that in the ‘making the world a better place category’ firefighters are certainly up there in the top 10. And the FDNY is one of the bravest and best fire departments in the country.
Thanks to some great friends the dream in now a reality.
Fire Prevention Week is Oct 3-9 and What You Can Do has teamed up with the FDNY to create a week of videos that highlight fire safety issues, and one minute ideas that illustrate how to help keep you and your family safe.
A special thank you must be given to Lt. Jack Halaby, Sophy Medina, Jim Long and everyone at the FDNY who made this week possible for us.
Written by What You Can Do Creator Jessica Arinella
Thanks to some great friends the dream in now a reality.
Fire Prevention Week is Oct 3-9 and What You Can Do has teamed up with the FDNY to create a week of videos that highlight fire safety issues, and one minute ideas that illustrate how to help keep you and your family safe.
A special thank you must be given to Lt. Jack Halaby, Sophy Medina, Jim Long and everyone at the FDNY who made this week possible for us.
Written by What You Can Do Creator Jessica Arinella
Saturday, October 2, 2010
Our Interview with the Prostate Cancer Foundation, Part 2
Below is Part 2 of our interview with Dan Zenka, Vice President of Communications at the Prostate Cancer Foundation
If someone wants to get involved and help - what would you suggest?
• One way to become involved is to become an Athlete for a Cure (www.athletesforacure.org) to fundraise and participate in sporting events.
• Make a donation online to advance research at www.pcf.org and click Take Action/General Donation.
• Support annual events such as PCF’s Home Run Challenge, every June, and Movember, each November. (Home Run Challenge: http://www.pcf.org/site/c.leJRIROrEpH/b.5822011/k.BB01/Home_Run_Challenge.htm. Movember: http://www.pcf.org/site/c.leJRIROrEpH/b.5822021/k.D891/Movember.htm).
• Stay tuned for Community for a Cure – a PCF program that allows any individual or group to fundraise on behalf of the Prostate Cancer Foundation.
In your experience, what have you found to be a major misconception about Prostate Cancer?
• Prostate cancer is not just an old man’s disease—men in their 30s and 40 are diagnosed with the disease. Early detection and treatment are crucial and can provide a 5-year survival rate of more than 95%
• There are 24 known types of prostate cancer; some are very aggressive, others are not. Not all prostate cancer patients require aggressive treatment. Some are viable candidates for active surveillance.
Is there anything else that you feel people should know about PCF and prostate cancer?
• PCF’s model of venture philanthropy has changed the landscape for funding scientific research; cash in, cash out rapidly to support research (no endowment)
• Programs such as Young Investigators and Creativity Awards support groundbreaking, out of the box ideas and help accelerate discovery
• Review grant applications and make award decisions within 60 days—fund them in no more than 90 days.
• Require sharing of findings with scientific community to “fast forward” collaboration and further discovery (PCF Annual Scientific Retreat).
• More breakthroughs have been made in PCa research in the past year than in the last decade.
If someone wants to get involved and help - what would you suggest?
• One way to become involved is to become an Athlete for a Cure (www.athletesforacure.org) to fundraise and participate in sporting events.
• Make a donation online to advance research at www.pcf.org and click Take Action/General Donation.
• Support annual events such as PCF’s Home Run Challenge, every June, and Movember, each November. (Home Run Challenge: http://www.pcf.org/site/c.leJRIROrEpH/b.5822011/k.BB01/Home_Run_Challenge.htm. Movember: http://www.pcf.org/site/c.leJRIROrEpH/b.5822021/k.D891/Movember.htm).
• Stay tuned for Community for a Cure – a PCF program that allows any individual or group to fundraise on behalf of the Prostate Cancer Foundation.
In your experience, what have you found to be a major misconception about Prostate Cancer?
• Prostate cancer is not just an old man’s disease—men in their 30s and 40 are diagnosed with the disease. Early detection and treatment are crucial and can provide a 5-year survival rate of more than 95%
• There are 24 known types of prostate cancer; some are very aggressive, others are not. Not all prostate cancer patients require aggressive treatment. Some are viable candidates for active surveillance.
Is there anything else that you feel people should know about PCF and prostate cancer?
• PCF’s model of venture philanthropy has changed the landscape for funding scientific research; cash in, cash out rapidly to support research (no endowment)
• Programs such as Young Investigators and Creativity Awards support groundbreaking, out of the box ideas and help accelerate discovery
• Review grant applications and make award decisions within 60 days—fund them in no more than 90 days.
• Require sharing of findings with scientific community to “fast forward” collaboration and further discovery (PCF Annual Scientific Retreat).
• More breakthroughs have been made in PCa research in the past year than in the last decade.
Friday, October 1, 2010
What You Can Do Presents: Join the Fight Against Prostate Cancer
Join the Fight Against Prostate Cancer
Action Link: http://www.pcf.org
Starring: Alicia Arinella and Jack Halaby
Written by: Jessica Arinella and Julie Tortorici
Shot, Edited and Directed by: Alicia Arinella
Produced by: On the Leesh Productions
Music by: Banana Whale
What You Can Do Logo Created by: SCG Siddharth Creative Group
Additional Footage Provided by: Shutterstock, Inc. Used by Permission
Statistics Provided by: The Prostate Cancer Foundation, http://www.pcf.org
Special Thanks:
Sean Grimes, Cara A. Lasala and everyone at the Prostate Cancer Foundation
Dennis Arinella
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