Social Impact Social Media

twitter.com Dove Pressnall, founder of Survivors' Truths, was compelled to take action. From 2004 - 2006, while working as a trainer and field supervisor of Liberian counselors and social workers she listened to the stories of war survivors including women survivors of targeted sexual violence, male and female torture survivors of all ages, and conscripted child soldiers. She found that by getting victims to  tell their stories it not only empowered them but also helped change perceptions of them and their experiences from negative to positive. Survivors' Truths has since greatly expanded its mission since Dove relocated to Los Angeles in 2007.  The organization's goal is to transform media coverage and  media imagery of not only war survivors but here in the U.S also  homeless veterans, LGBTQ youth and teen parents from negative to positive. Their work transforms impressions and stereotypes by telling positive storie...

angelsusnews.org According to Will Lopez, a graduate trainee of Homeboys and their current facilitator in domestic violence prevention, “Homeboy Industries is a place of second chances.” Homeboy Industries provides training, support, counseling and real world work opportunities for previously incarcerated men and women.  You might find their delicious salsas and chips on the shelves of your grocery store. If you are ever anywhere near Los Angeles’ Union Station their cafe and bakery is a MUST destination just 2 blocks from the train station.  They have the best coffee drinks! I am not talking wimpy- I mean tasty, substantial, authentically good and baked goods that are a match for any bakery you can name. My favorite is the cranberry muffin with fresh juicy cranberries and large chunks of walnuts. The organization also provides a top notch charter high school and childcare for the children of the clients they serve to help create a supportive family environme...

Roughly 9 years ago while her mother was recovering from cancer Yael Cohen over heard the phrase "fuck cancer," said in passing.  It resonated with her... that and the fact that her generation... Gen Y has been left out of the cancer conversation because they are not the target demographic most susceptible to the disease. But Yael thought "We've taught our parents about technology. We've talked to our parents about watching their cholesterol. Why aren't we talking to them about saving themselves from this disease? While the organization started out raising money and awareness by selling t-shirts with that explicit phrase-- and a PG version,  F___Cancer, the organization has grown to much more than t-shirt sales. The mission and message of Fuck Cancer is to promote early detection, prevention and awareness by engaging Gen Y'ers to engage their parents in "the cancer conversation." The organization's event-based truly approach to re...

Sitting at "Five," the bar at Hotel Shattuck Plaza in Berkeley, CA I struck up a great conversation about social responsibility and giving back with Chris and Roy-- 2 independent contractors taking a break from their work.    Their passion and personal mission is to reach out and help  teens "aging out" of our social services system and kids with terminal illnesses whose parents -- as a result of drug addiction, finances or other circumstances -- really aren't there for these kids. Through our conversation I learned about  a national organization called  Independent Order of Odd Fellows (LOOF) and their charitable work including education- literally getting kids to college and striped bass fishing trips - giving many kids  their first experience outside of gang and violence riddled neighborhoods. They even have a summer camp program. What's more I mentioned to Chris and Roy, in passing, my own little effort with my ki...

wellsbringhope.org It all started when Gil Garcetti spoke at Barbara Goldberg’s Salon Forum in 2008 sharing powerful photos he had taken in Western Africa. He shared the dire need for safe drinking water and the endless struggles of women and girls to get it.    In 2009 Barbara founded Wells Bring Hope and, partnering with World Vision, drilled 10 wells the first year. Inspired by the commitment of Wells Bring Hope Gil Garcetti continues help share the story of this struggle for safe drinking water through speaking opportunities and his photography. In the Fall of 2007, the UCLA Fowler Museum had an exhibition of his photographs, “Women, Water and Wells.” In 2009, many of these photos were on exhibition in the visitors lobby of the United Nations in New York. In February, 2008, these same photographs and his words inspired the founding of “Wells Bring Hope.” Since its start Wells Bring Hope has funded 681 wells  and 3 solar water systems helping...

The Arroyo Food co-op of Pasadena, CA has 500 members. With a newly leased space in Pasadena the co-op will provide organic, sustainable, and locally sourced products along with humanely raised meats, fair trade items and non-GMO produce. The co-op is taking over the space of a former local community market. With visions of  additional features such as   a deli, coffee bar, and community space being considered  the co-op will also be filling a local community void.  To fulfill its has launched a capital campaign. Loans from existing members will provide the bulk of the approximately $70,000 needed to refurbish and renovate the site and $251,000 for operational expenses—mostly inventory—but extra members and donors will be needed. Here's an opportunity for you for a new way to give back;  join the co-op or make a donation to help provide member families and the local community with locally produced, sustainable, fair  trade, non-GMO and organ...