Adding Extra Dimensions To The Lives Of Youth

One of the opportunities for students to provide community service.

Here's something that got started from seeing a need and then creating a solution. When Mark A. Lee's son was in middle school, he noticed that there were students already left behind. A hole was left because there were fewer mentors to provide emotional and intellectual support so that those students, who needed it, could be the best they could be.

So, he collaborated with the school's principal to found TICKET 2 SUCCESS, INC. to provide leadership and educational benefits for students in both Missouri and Illinois. Mr. Lee stated, "I started Ticket 2 Success in partnership with my son's Jr. High School Principal. He recognized that African-American students did not have teachers, role models, or authority figures that looked like them in his building. In general, a result of this culture gap was lower standardized test scores and longer periods of full academic, programmatic, and social integration."



Student participants in Ticket 2 Success have monthly contact with successful role models who can share examples of their career, educational, networking, financial, and goal-setting activities. The organization also provides a nonjudgmental and accepting environment where the usual stereotypes have been reduced and students from diverse backgrounds can belong. There are all sorts of enrichment activities that add to students' developing leadership capabilities and educational development.

On April 22, there was a video conference link provided for Delores Moye Elementary School with the Aquarium of the Pacific. One hundred fifth grade students were able to participate in this knowledge exchange with the experts regarding marine ecosystems. Students could ask whatever question they wished about the seas in their interaction with the aquarium's marine biologists. Students could actually view sea plants and animals through the live cam connection, along with the extra treat of viewing the creatures, which live in the Shark Lagoon. There were three different 45 minute sessions from which students were able to benefit. T2S's Junior Executive group and other volunteers lent their assistance to make these events possible.

On Feb. 19, The Marcus Roberts Trio appeared at Cardinal Ritter College Preparatory HS, under the sponsorship of Jazz St. Louis and the Emerson Jazz in the Schools Program. This appearance built upon the journey of Marcus Roberts, who lost his sight to glaucoma at the age of five, but didn't let that stop him from pursuing his musical dreams. Besides setting an example for student participants of a person in the flesh who overcame physical barriers, the appearance also highlighted the addition of arts into the school system's STEM curriculum.

The ability to talk directly to marine biologists helps students get their questions answered.

These two events highlight the life-enriching activities of this wonderful organization that engages young and more seasoned professionals in helping the young people in their community develop their talents and skills. Along the way, they are leveling the playing field and giving opportunities to youth, who would otherwise not experience them.

Students who met members of the Marcus Roberts Trio and saw music fitting in with STEM.

Thanks for information from this article on Pollination Project: https://thepollinationproject.org/grants-awarded/mark-lee-ticket-2-success-inc/; and these articles from the T2S events page: http://www.t2success.org/events.html; and the above link.

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Two Ways That Empathy Helps In Schools

The Center for Building A Culture of Empathy logo.

There is one place that serves as a storehouse of information on all things empathy, THE CENTER FOR BUILDING A CULTURE OF EMPATHY. As it says on their website, this "site contains the largest collection of articles, conferences, definitions, experts, history, interviews, organizations, videos, science, and much more about empathy and compassion."

Let's check out some of the recent news on this topic in the world of education. Finland has a very good program in its school for teaching students how to stop bullying. The program focuses on bystanders. Utilizing games, students get to practice how to be nice to someone, say nice things to someone who wants to be part of the group, for instance. Students also get to role play other situations that they commonly encounter. Other students give feedback on the behaviors that were tried and offer their own advice about how they would handle the situation. Interestingly, studies have showed that this program is working, since the program decreases the odds of a student being bullied by about one-third.



Many may recall how the issues of school suspensions and expulsions have been discussed around this country, with various tactics being tried in school districts. Stanford did some research that showed that when empathy tops punishment, school discipline increases. When middle school teachers became more empathetic toward students, the number of students who were suspended during the entire school year dropped by half.

The researchers noted that a crucial part of teaching was developing positive relationships with students. But many schools have developed a zero tolerance policy toward certain types of student behavior. When that is the prevailing philosophy at the school, teachers automatically revert to a default punitive mindset, undermining their positive relationships with students.

Teaching bystanders to speak up can help reduce school bullying.

One of the researchers, whose last name is Walton, commented, "It is heartbreaking. Teachers are caught between two models, a punitive model that says you have to punish kids to get them to behave and an older model that goes to the heart of the profession, which says that teaching is all about building strong relationships with children, especially when they struggle." And those of us in the mental health field frequently pick up the pieces of the children who have been shattered by too much negative discipline. And to know that that type of discipline is all for naught, since it is quite ineffective in establishing newer patterns of behavior, is the ultimate betrayal of our children.

Becoming more empathetic helps teachers reach out and help struggling students.

Thanks for information from two articles, one by James Gaines, and the other by Grace Smith, in this newsletter: http://us8.campaign-archive2.com/?u=83b412dd95de60e7b42e0b42e&id=abfe54eced; and the above link.

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Counting The Crows - And More

Some of the images from Erica Hansen's book.

A varied background in the arts and education has led one woman to research exploration, one venture being a multidisciplinary focus on crows. In fact, Erica Hansen has been exploring the world of crows for more than ten years. Much of her work does involve observation, which she can then share in various formats.

Most people may not realize how much crows have been connected to human beings, yet most of us rarely focus on them. So, Erica's work strives to familiarize people with the world of crows through art and historic traditions. The hope is that people will realize the complexity of crows' lives and help to conserve this species.



As Ms. Hansen said, "Crows have always lived in close proximity to human made environments. Crows, are common, distinct, and complex. I want to explore our relationship to them again, and offer something of value to artistic and scientific communities by examining the culture of crows in a creative and collaborative mode."

Her latest project in her work with crows is Crow: Mirror Muse and Sentinel. This project is part of Erica's ongoing investigation and research into the tradition of counting crows. The work is depicted in images of crows and how much they can figure into everyday human life. Some of these images have been installed as large murals, illuminated panels, and projected images. It includes a multimedia exhibit that includes photos, videos, and performance art. A limited edition book on this series is being compiled, with a planned release date of November 1. In addition, there will also be a smartphone app, through which fellow lovers of crows can access and add to an ongoing conversation about crows.

There was also a series of workshops scheduled between November 2015 and March of this year that were designed to get participants thinking about their own human experience with crows and then creating their own predictive processes based on their future wishes.

First, attendees participated in a crow observation experience and then created field guides based on crow behavior and sightings. Then the group explored the mythology of crows and created paintings based on sacred geometry and the sightings. Finally, in a writing session, the group investigated the history and tradition of Counting Crow rhymes, summing up by creating their own rhymes. All of the creations would be collected in a book and placed at a location within the community. Participants could be children or adults, with the maximum number of participants in each session limited to 20.

Counting Corvids on a glass wall in Baltimore.

An interesting part of these workshop concepts was that they were designed to meet Common Core Standards for Mathematics: looking for and using structures and also English Language Arts standards for reading, writing, speaking, and listening. Ms. Hansen was providing the workshop as a gift, part of the gift economy, and in return, the organizations which received the workshops could choose an appropriate gift to give her in return.

Brochure announcing series of workshops on crows.

Thanks for information from this article on Pollination Project: https://thepollinationproject.org/grants-awarded/erica-hansen-counting-crows/; this article on Ms. Hansen's webpage: http://ericahansen.net/; and this bio on Ms. Hansen's webpage: http://ericahansen.net/about/.

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Art Works And Literature Raising Hope

A picture by a 12 year old Pakistani girl was in The Images of Compassion Exhibit.

There can be a number of reasons for an organization to hold an exhibition. Among the reasons is to raise funds, to share works of art, to bring awareness of an issue to a general audience, to highlight important features of specific art collections.

THE COMPASSION ANTHOLOGY compiles works of art, essays, stories, poems, and video that depict compassion. Some of their exhibitions raise funds to help groups of people in need. This spring they held The Images of Compassion Exhibit at North Shore Community College in Danvers, Massachusetts to raise funds for CHILDHELP SIERRA LEONE, an NGO that helps underprivileged and impoverished children, families, and communities. The funds were targeted specifically to Global Giving's project, GIRLS HOPE MISSION, which works to help end child marriages through the education of girls.



In 2014, as most of us remember, an ebola outbreak affected the people of Sierra Leone. Children became orphaned and destitute, putting their survival at risk. Many young girls were coerced into marriage in order to survive. But that also meant many losses for these girls, especially if they were forced to get married before they turned 15 years old. Among the losses were the opportunity to receive a full education, leading to a lifetime of lower income. Often, these girls were exposed to physical, sexual, and emotional violence. ChildHelp's initiative through Global Giving was designed to provide education and support to approximately 600 girls, giving them the hope of being able to engage in sustainable employment.

Many artists and writers contributed works to the exhibition. They include Don Cooper, Jan Houten, Marielle Folk, Beth Grossman, Zachary Naylor, and many others, Volunteers Michelle Wessely and Mark Regnier, along with librarians Kerri Mangione and Christine Goodchilde, arranged the works into their spectacular look for the public.

Here's an excerpt from a poem, about sex-trafficking survivors:

What Is Hope?

A second wind.

The flight inside

the creature that

is the holy,

eternal verb, Is:

who bent the metal.

Is: the mother

of a lighter bone.

The kind that

Terror cannot allow.

- from "Bird"

by Jennifer Jean

(Evolve #Hope)

Some of the works on exhibit.

This poem could just as well apply to the events in Nice and how terrorizing has been affecting those who live in France, on continental Europe, in the US, and refugees from war-torn areas.

Some of the children served by ChildHelp Sierra Leone.

Thanks for information from this article on The Compassion Anthology: http://www.compassionanthology.com/exhibitsfundraisers.html; this post containing the poem excerpt in a post on The Compassion Anthology Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/compassionanthology/posts/1831945153700280; and the above links.

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A Multi-Generation Business

After the 1904 Baltimore fire, the business moved to E. Baltimore St.

When it comes to places that have been in business for generations, you can take a look at SOL LEVINSON & BROS., INC.. This organization has been in business for five generations, or more than 120 years, owned and run by the Levinson family. These days, it's the third, fourth, and fifth generations, who are actively involved.

Based in Pikesville, this company has specialized in serving the Jewish community and has that specialized knowledge of the arrangements and services that are required in this faith community. They also serve non-Jewish family members as well. Now, besides Pikesville, Sol Levinson has a facility in Columbia, as well.



Sol Levinson is sponsoring, along with Lifebridge Health, Jewish Community Services, and the Jewish Federation of Howard County, a series of talks, called Life Happens, by experts about having the difficult conversations with elder family members about the aging process and planning for the future. Four different talks are planned, one on each Tuesday in September from 7-8:30 PM at various locations in Columbia. Topics include talking with elder loved ones about financial, medical, and end of life matters; Jewish perspectives on aging and end of life; healthy living leading to a healthier future; and Jewish funerals - traditions and options. Admission is free and attendees are requested to register through Lifebridge Health.

Another seminar also being held in September, is sponsored by Sol Levinson & Bros., Jewish Community Services, and Gilchrist Grief Services, touches on the topic of grieving. We Remember Them: Finding Hope And Meaning After Loss is being held on September 20, 6:30 to 8:30 PM at the Sol Levinson & Bros. facility in Pikesville. Although the journey through grief has many commonalities among those who have lost a loved one, it is also uniquely individual. Those who attend can learn new coping skills, understand their feelings, and leave with a renewed feeling of hope and meaning. This event is also free, but the sponsors are requesting participants to register by September 15.

The attendees at a previous series of talks by Life Happens.

For anyone who is wondering why mourners at a Jewish funeral cut the kriah, there is an answer. Kriah refers to tearing of garments and it traditionally represents how the loss of a loved one tears your heart. The tradition was an outward expression of loss. These days mourners use a black ribbon that is worn on the outside of the clothes, particularly by immediate family members. Children wear the ribbon on their left side, which symbolizes that they are the direct lineage of the deceased. All others wear the ribbon on the right. Usually the ribbon is worn for seven days of shiva, but there are some rabbis who recommend 30 days.

Some of the Levinsons at work, with a member of the 6th generation checking out the workplace.

Thanks for information from these articles on the Sol Levinson & Bros., blog: http://www.sollevinson.com/slblog/columbia-life-happens-series-september-2016/; http://www.sollevinson.com/slblog/we-remember-them-finding-hope-and-meaning-after-loss/; http://www.sollevinson.com/slblog/why-do-we-cut-kriah/; and the above link.

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Sonoma County VegFest Ready For Its Third Year

One of the speaker presentations.

You know those fests and festivals that are seen around the country throughout the year? Some of those are annual events, with committed leaders and volunteers who help put them together every year. Just about every one of them has had a start one day in the past. Someone had the idea and the fest or festival was celebrated every year.

That happened in the case of the SONOMA COUNTY VEGFEST. Hope Bohanec had been an activist for animal protection and preservation of the environment for more than 20 years. She also had a book, The Ultimate Betrayal: Is There Happy Meat? to her publishing credit. Along with enlisting the help of COMPASSIONATE LIVING, an organization active in protecting farm animals and promoting a vegan lifestyle, and also located in Sonoma County, she organized the first ever Sonoma County VegFest in 2014.



This first event would feature recognized speakers, vegan cooking demonstrations, opportunities to sample vegan food from local restaurants, and informative exhibits. This year marks the third year of the VegFest. The day-long event is scheduled for August 20, 10 AM to 5 PM at the Luther Burbank Center for the Arts in Santa Rosa. Entrance fee is only $5 and kids under age 13 are admitted for free.
This year's events include renowned speakers from around the world; a musical performance by Zahira, a soul/pop/reggae artist with her own unique style; and a wide variety of local and bay area vendors and exhibitors.

In addition, there will be a number of professional cooking demonstrations, some combined with nutritional information, throughout the day. Of course, there will also be free samples to try and a Kids Corner, featuring events of interest to families, including interactive music activities, a storyteller, and information about veganism in the lives of children.

Ramses, demonstrating cooking techniques.

Topping the event off is another first, the North Bay Vegan FilmFest, a wonderful new addition to the event activities. There is a separate charge for each film viewed, but attendees must have purchased a ticket to the VegFest. There are three films scheduled: Food Choices, Unlocking the Cage, and Vegan: Everyday Stories. Tickets may be purchased online or onsite.

A young boy samples free food at the Kids Corner.

Thanks for information from this article on Pollination Project: https://thepollinationproject.org/grants-awarded/hope-bohanec-sonoma-county-veg-fest/; the event announcement on PurplePass: https://www.purplepass.com/#141374/Compassionate_Living-North_Bay_Vegan_FilmFest-Luther_Burbank_Center_for_the_Arts-_FilmFest_Room-August-20-2016.html; and the Sonoma County VegFest homepage: http://www.socovegfest.org/.

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Well-Known Activist and Every Day Acts

Malala, on stage and presenting, proves that even a bullet can't stop her.

Promoting compassion - it's something that is much needed throughout the world. The COMPASSIONATE ACTION NETWORK (CAN), located in the Pacific Northwest, is doing just that through public gatherings, research, and organizational support.

On Sunday, July 24, CAN hosted Malala in Seattle, providing a forum for an audience to hear her words. As most of us know, Malala Yousef, originally a resident of Pakistan, has championed education for girls, since she was quite young. When she was 15 years old, she was targeted and shot by the Taliban, leaving her with severe injuries, for speaking out for her beliefs. She was evacuated to Britain, where she has continued her activism, utilizing peaceful protest. She became the youngest recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize at the age of 17, for her work.



Lori Matsukawa from KING 5 news hosted the evening. Ten percent of the ticket price was donated to the MALALA FUND and its mission to provide free education for girls around the world through the 12th grade level. In her speech, Malala spoke about the continued work of the Malala Fund and her battle to ensure that all girls receive an education. In accord with the mission of CAN, she spoke of compassion and working together to develop a world united by its compassion.

Malala's father, Zaiuddin remained on the sidelines backstage, providing emotional support to his daughter. He says, about his relationship with Malala, "Malala used to be known as my daughter, but now I'm known as her father."

CAN has received a note from Leena Al-Arian, who had this encounter at a Barnes and Noble bookstore. She and her two daughters were waiting on line to meet the Paw Patrol characters, who were appearing that day when a man came up and complimented her on her young daughters' beauty.
He apologized for the anti-Muslim sentiment so abundant in the US and expressed concern for the daughters growing up in such a world. He likened it to the experience of his people of Jewish background, who had been rejected and discriminated against. He asked for permission to hug and then did so when permission was granted. He continued to note that most Americans are decent people, who don't hate people who come from a Muslim background. He was turning 90 and he insisted on buying gifts for her daughters to remember him by. Even though all she wanted was a photo to remember the meeting, he still bought the gifts, too.

Then Ms. Al-Arian recounted how she shared this happening with her friend and that it was something like those Facebook posts about random acts of kindness, only this one had the added note of being more like chicken soup for the anti-racist soul.

Zaiuddin Yousef listening to Malala on the sidelines.

Let's keep being kind, like this gentleman, to those who aren't like us. Our country is made up of people from many different backgrounds, all blended together in this one great nation. Let's make sure that we continue to keep this legacy. And how we do it is one act at a time.

Leena Al-Arian, her two daughters and the almost 90 year old man at Barnes and Noble.

Thanks for information from this event post on CAN: http://www.compassionateactionnetwork.org/events/malala; this Facebook post: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10100900184415040&set=a.989178536150.1073741825.2907232&type=3&theater; this post on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CompassionateActionNetwork/photos/a.381238817034.172741.361638597034/10153590014207035/?type=3; and the above links.

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