NGO on sustainable living

I lived and worked in India for nine months when I was 21. I worked and taught 150 village girls elementary education. The organization that I worked with was a non-government organization (NGO) that assisted rural communities with basic needs. The organization was founded around fabrics, and natural dyes for clothing that they sold on their property.
The activities of Urmul trust have so far concentrated on primary education, health care, group organization, agriculture and animal husbandry, income-generation, water and sanitation, capacity building of local governments as well as advocacy. The education program has focused on increasing community awareness and responsibility for children’s education, with special attention to girl children and adolescent girls. The health care program has focused on child and maternal health with a view to develop local resources by strengthening the capabilities of dais (local midwifes) or trained village health worker. Pharmacies have been set up too in many villages and immunization facilities established. Further, Setu has established a number of Sangathans (Organizations) as participatory platforms for people, especially women, with a common interest to come together and engage in collective action to improve their living conditions in a consciously orchestrated effort. Setu works in 110 villages and hamlets (which are distributed in three tehsils) in Lunkaransar block of Bikaner district.
In chapter 15 of the rural social work book it discusses sustainable living at an international level. Financial side of I had the opportunity to see first hand how a country like India survives when ¾’s of any given year is dominated by drought. This organization that I worked with had multiple projects in the Thar Desert an area that’s on the boarder of India and Pakistan. I had the opportunity to visit two that were specific for finding ways to save rainwater. Building water wells and dikes for areas to continue their annual crops and feed their livestock.
This was an amazing experience and adventure for me. I will never forget my time there and will hopefully one day return for a visit.

Breakdancing

Only The Super-rich Can Save Us

Only The Super-rich Can Save Us is a fictional book with real-life public figures written by Ralph Nader.
In chapter 18 of the rural social work book it talks about charitable choice, social workers, and rural congregations. In a rural setting some social workers have sought out help from rural churches as a resource for social service provisions. Through these rural congregations one can find 4 components; organization, leadership, relationships, and methods (to the madness). Each of these serves a purpose and can be utilized by a social worker whose trying to maximize services for a rural community.
Ralph Nader’s title is a quote from an elderly lady who thanked Warren Buffett for bring food and other supplies to New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina. Is this the wave of the future? Should social workers begin seeking out multi-millionaires as our saviors or stay with the rural congregations. These rural congregations have been and will most likely continue to be valuable partners in coalitions of organization in rural communities. Will these super-rich, mega power individuals assist those in need or are they looking for a tax break? Do these super-rich folks even have a clue as to what it would take for public policy to be sufficient. What about collaboration between these two bodies? I think that would be great. Get the local, rural congregations together and the super, duper, rich and see what happens.

Health Care reform...is it good for me

Health care debate has made it to the Senate floor, however will it stop there or make it through….what changes will be made and will the bill look anything like its original version. The Senate tentatively plans to vote on the bill today, however with all the uproar surrounding the abortion segment it seems debates will be heated. It seems that the House passed the bill with antiabortion language and now the Senate is attempting to do the same. So those abortion rights advocates need to start stirring the pot in order to get their needs met. After reading through NPR’s blog from yesterday, it seems the bill will most likely not pass but the more yes votes for the abortion amendment will make it trickier for the abortion rights advocates to get their voices heard.
The main reason I brought this up was not to talk about abortion but to inform you of my past. I am 28 years old and haven’t had health insurance for close to 4 years. I have worked on and off for 8 years at one of the most prestigious golf resorts in the world, as well as other courses in the nation and overseas. When I say I’ve worked there, I caddied at these places. I’ve caddied for some of the wealthiest people in the nation who don’t bat an eye at health insurance, and for the most part I enjoy meeting them and getting to know who they are. However, as a caddy there certainly is one major drawback/benefit in that I’m an independent contractor, so unless I want to research an insurance that’s right for me I won’t have any. Which for now is fine, I have no health concerns, and have been able to utilize clinics in the area that assist those without insurance. But what happens when I’m ready to start a family… what happens if a health concern suddenly becomes apparent. These are concerns that I have, and will continue to have without some sort of universal coverage. But I am not in agreement with this broad bill that the Senate is attempting to pass and link with the House bill, so who knows what the future holds for me and thousands of other Americans.

Coos County NAMI

Breakdancing machine

CIVIL WAR FOR THE ROSES!!!!!!

Civil War in Oregon has come and gone. This time who ever won would be heading to the Rose Bowl, this is a first in University of Oregon and Oregon State University history. Since Oregon beat Arizona on November 21 it’s been nothing but “civil war for the roses” across the state of Oregon. Tee shirts, stickers, ice cream, arrangements of yellow or orange roses, and ESPN commercials non-stop. Again the media has taken hold of a historical event and ran with it. Of course all these businesses that are making and selling these products are jumping for joy, and most of these businesses comment that even once the game is over Thursday December 3rd, people will be buying Rose Bowl specific items Friday December 4th.
Myself and most of Oregon was probably glued to their TV’s around 6pm excited to see the outcome and cheering for their favorite team. I rooted for the ducks and was very excited to see them pull ahead in the forth. Thankfully it was a good game so for those Beaver fans can at least say their team didn’t go down without a fight.
I want to briefly recap on a past blog that I posted in regards to a duck player Blount. He was okayed to begin playing back in early November, but he hasn’t…. until civil war, where he came out after half time, scored and brought the ducks ahead. Even though hes made some mistakes in his past, its nice to see that the coaching staff was willing to give him a second chance.
I want to end with saying that I don’t own any Duck or Beaver paraphernalia and can’t say that I ever will, but I am still a fan and will root for both teams depending on the sport. So the media and all the other businesses that gain from these events haven’t captured my need for more stuff.

Governers and their choices

Since the announcement of governor Sanford skipping town for five days, to continue his affair with an Argentine lady became public in June. He is now possibly facing 37 ethics charges for acts such as; using first and business class tickets for personal pleasures, reimbursing himself $3,000 of campaign money to attend Republican governors meetings in Miami and hunting trips in Ireland. The Register Guard (Eugene, OR paper) stated that these ethics violations will be pivotal in a push by some lawmakers to remove him from office.
My thoughts are, is he under all this scrutiny because our evolving media has been able to retrace his every move since coming into office and look at every possible mistake he’s made. And at that particular time in June he was the biggest scandal to hit nation wide news so he stayed in the spotlight for a while. Now that I flipped through the paper, I find this news about 37 ethics charges on page 3 in a corner, not so important anymore. We can’t forget the reasons he was caught in the first place….off gallivanting to south American countries to have an affair, when he was suppose to be hiking some mountain. Since we are all aware that he isn’t the first to utilize tax payers money for personal trips even if one was for a special hair cut. We have had presidents fall into this category, but did they face the same bashing that Republican Sanford has/is. Just some thoughts in regards to our current media abilities.
In the mean time his wife has taken her place in the limelight, endorsing a female Native American Republican governor, as well as publicizing her autobiography, which will be in stores later this year.

Holden Village

This summer my mother and I spent a week in the Wenatchee National Forest (WA) at a place called Holden Village. It was originally a copper mining community, but was eventually bought by the Lutheran Church (1950's) as a year round retreat center. Its run mainly by volunteers, short and long term, these photos give one an idea of what the village is like. Holden is accessible only by ferry over Lake Chelan plus a 45 min school bus ride. My family and I visited 20 years ago, so it was amazing to return and realize nothing has changed. Its in such a remote area there are no outside influences, no TV, cell phone reception, or land lines available. One stays in a dormitory setting, shares a shower and bathroom, plus meals are served in a dinning hall where everyone congregates at least 3 times a day. This summer, it was an opportunity for my mother and I to spend some quality time together. We went on daily hikes, sat in on evening talks, and took advantage of the popcorn stand. The community of Holden is constantly changing because families are consistently arriving or departing. However as I stated the ideaologoies and
physical apperance have stayed virtually the same since opening. They request everyones attendance at evening vespers where the community daily acknowledges the new comers and those departing the following morning. A week is a decent amount of time there, but others stay months or days. There are always activities to get involved with or one can sit under a pine tree and read. Its a place that allows one to be who they are without judgment or criticism.

Acts of Aggression/lack of impulse control

This is an ongoing controversy that's stemmed from one punch during a season opener between University of Oregon and Boise State or should I say one player heckling another once the game was over.  Defensive end Byron Hout (Boise) walked up to running back LeGarrette Blount (Oregon), tapped him on the shoulder said some quick words and began walking off, but whatever was said pushed Blount over the edge, he turned around and punched Hout in the nose, knocking him to the ground.  Fortunately Boise state head coach Chris Petersen grabbed Hout before the situation escalated.  However for Blount as he walked into the locker room Boise State fans heckled him, which intensified his rage and he began going after fans.  I watched the scene unfold and I was amazed, it took 3 or 4 people pushing Blount into the locker room before he was out of sight.  This happened the first week of September and now its October, the initial punishment for Blount was for him to be suspended for the remainder of his Senior year, but just a few days ago Chip Kelly head coach for Ducks decided to give Blount a second chance if he proves himself off the field by attending regular anger management meetings and follows academic requirements. He may be able to play as early as November 7th.  The issue that I want to bring up is the fact that Byron Hout of Boise had no repercussions from his actions.  Even head coach Peterson stated it takes two to tango but didn't bother to set an example with Hout's obvious instigation.  One Oregon newspaper that I read threw out the race card since Blount was black he was given the harshest punishment while Hout who is white received nothing.  One can't help but wonder.  The good news is Blount is being given a second or possible third or forth chance, it seems he's had some earlier out bursts during practices too. As we all know this is not the first act of aggression during a college, high school or profession game and it certainly won't be the last, after reading numerous articles and listening to news clips I can't help but wonder what's missing.   I will agree that acts of aggression/violence are few and far between but when they happen its amazing that more people don't get hurt and the media certainly takes ahold of it and runs with it.  As for these two players Blount has apologized to Hout, and Hout's still playing.  

Pictures

"What the Hay"

We were one of 4,500 other votes during the What the Hay contest on Sunday (9/13).  Now your thinking what on earth is this, I thankfully had a news paper to look at prior to my exposure that gave pictures of previous years winners.  But literally its a contest to see who can make the best design out of hay bales.  We saw giant wedding bells, and a 60 foot long Chew Choo, made to advertise the Charlie Russell train.  There were some pretty creative ones and quite a few political ones.  Lots were discounting Obama's abilities as president, definitely publicly slandering the health care policies he's trying to pass.  A creative way to voice ones opinion I must say.  All in all I enjoyed my driving around and voting for the best hale bale experience.  I certainly would never have seen anything like it in Oregon.  

Charlie Russell Chew Choo

      
The day of the Chokecherry festival my boyfriend's mother was in charge of running the Charlie Russell Chew Choo.  Its stated as the premier dinner train in Montana, traveling 56 miles roundtrip through ranchlands, valleys and mountains of big sky country.  The train crosses three trestles, all seeming to be 100 or so feet in the air and looked like at any minute they may crumble beneath us.  The tracks originated in 1912, which may explain my concerns.  Yet, I had such a great time working the train I didn't even get much time to look out the windows except when we were stopped at various points along the way.  We began taking drink orders around 3pm and said our goodbyes around 8pm.  There was a train robbery on the way back, where guys on horse back came riding alongside shooting blanks at the train.  Some ladies came on board with bright red lip stick, kissing all the bald men on their foreheads, and the robbers jumped aboard taking fake money that every passenger was given.  It was quite exciting.  Certainly an experience that I would recommend to anyone traveling through Montana, interested in reliving the wild west.  

Montana

This was my third trip to Montana.  There's always a bit of anxiety for me around visiting because we are visiting my boyfriend's family, the people who may be my future in-laws....someday.   This year his mother really encouraged us to visit during the chokecherry festival; a weekend festival where they close main street and have 200 plus vendors with all kinds of items for sale. The festival kicked off with the Kiwanis club making pancakes and scrambled eggs with chokecherry jam.  The day ended with a chokecherry stomp at the fair grounds, there was a live band, dancing, food and beverages.  I of course made Jay dance with me, which he loved.....

I have come to realize that small communities around the nation have berry festivals, not to mention beer, wine, cheese, religious, and cultural festivals.  Where I'm from there's a blackberry festival and the town I currently live in holds a cranberry festival.  Festivals are a joyous way to socialized with community members and support local crafts or small businesses, among other reasons.  I can't forget all the great food festivals have to offer. 

Anyways, as much as I look for differences between Montana and Oregon there certainly are similarities too.         

Airports

My boyfriend and I recently returned from a trip to Lewistown, MT where we visited his parents. Along the way we spent some time in four different airports, San Francisco, Denver, Billings, and Seattle.  I certainly have spent my fare share of time in airports but now that I have this blog to do I tried to look at my surroundings a bit more.  

Traveling

Still waiting to board our last flight to Billings, where we arrive at 6:30 pm.  We will still have a two hour drive to Lewistown, MT after beginning our journey at 5 am that morning.  Even with the hour loss we were still traveling a total of 16 hours.  It seems to me that the cheaper one wants to travel the more time they spent doing it.  We were only in the air about 4 hours so, most of that was either waiting for a flight or driving to and from the airport.  I was beat by the time we made it to the house.  

Our flight from Eugene, OR to San Francisco, CA was our first flight of the trip.  The plane circled the tarmac for 30 minutes before landing due to fog delays.  We were concerned because if out flight out of San Fran to Denver was delayed than we would most likely miss the Denver to Billings connection since we only had 50 minutes in between those two.  It certainly puts a lot of pressure and stress on travelers who are already uptight wanting to make their connections or waiting for a flight thats been overbooked, hoping that a seat is available.  I met a girl who had 22 more hours of traveling since she was heading to India for business. We also sat next to a couple that was coming back from Italy and their final flight arrived at midnight after traveling a full day.  

We flew United over and Alaska/Horizon back.  I remember when breakfast, lunch, and dinner were offered no questions asked.  Now a free soda and the option of purchasing candy is available.  The Horizon flights gave us pretzels and complimentary beer, a step up from United.  It amazes me how much has changed in the last 10 years, from the new security measures we are subjected to, to the prices we pay for flights, and the lack of direct flights available.  I know my blood pressure rises as soon as I get my boarding pass in hand and start heading through the numerous security steps.  Thankfully both Eugene and Billings airports are smaller so the staff are not quite so rude and pushy.  

 So what is the traveling community?  Does it include the many employees from the flight attendants to the bartenders as well as the thousands, millions of daily travelers.  Who else could be incorporated within the term of traveling community.  What about those people who are anxiously waiting for their friends, partners, sons/daughters, family members or business associates to make it home safely.  I'm not really sure, but since I did have the opportunity to spend some time in four different airports I thought about my situation and compared it to those around me and wondered where they were going, how long it would take them, how much they paid, or if they used frequent flier miles.  I questioned if they were eager to arrive or nervous about their trip.  

Outside Lands Cont....

One can't go to a three day festival without purchasing organic produce while there.... or can they.  I was pretty impressed to see the farmers market centrally located, with people around it every time I walked by.  I must admit I didn't purchase anything but the idea is fabulous.  I have become more informed about eating within a 100 miles or less of where one lives and I encourage the idea.  I'm not ready to go full steam ahead with the idea but there are farmers markets where I live and I purchase most of my produce from them.  I have also become a gardener, which has been so exciting to watch fresh veggies grow right in front of my very own eyes. 

This is the solar stage, which wasn't that big, but the sound was great.  If you go to www.sfoutsidelands.com there is some info on the amount of power this stage had running through it.  The mind power and physical strength that went into building each of these stages is amazing and I am really happy that they designed a stage specifically to run off of solar power.  It gets the idea that much further out there for the public to see and be informed about.   

Of course we can't leave out the beer suppliers, this year Heineken was the sole distributor for the three day festival, which I must say was disappointing to have three choices.  Heineken, Heineken light, or New Caste.  One would think that with all the micro brews around this festival that lends itself to being outside the box would encourage more local breweries.  I'm sure Heineken paid a pricey fee to be the only distributor for some 80,000 people.  

This windmill is a great feature for the festival not only is it appealing to look at, it also has a purpose by assisting in various lights and sounds in the festival grounds.  I am such a believer in wind power, especially since I live on the Oregon Coast and most summer days feel like I'm going to be blown over this is an area that I am passionate about and am eager to watch, learn and hopefully utilize wind power sooner than later. 

Since I'm still figuring out the kinks of blogging these first few will be a bit messy. 

This is a picture of Cage the Elephant one of the many bands we had a chance to see.  They put on a fabulous show all seemed pretty young so I was quite impressed with their musical talent. 

Outside Lands Festival

Once my first week of class had ended I headed down to San Francisco where I planned to watch and experience three full days of live music in Golden Gate Park at the 2nd annual Outside Lands Festival.  My boyfriend and I went last year and had such a blast we couldn't pass up this years, especially since his favorite band was the first night headliner *Pearl Jam*.  I took some pictures of this festival in order to share on my blog and discuss some of the activities that happened.  

This is a picture of the main stage.  The largest by far of five stages.  The festival itself was inside the Equestrian Stadium, which encompasses Speedway Meadow and Polo Field.  This area is roughly 15 blocks, so walking from stage to stage did not give one much time in between.  The main feature for this festival and certainly a reason I returned is its awareness of energy efficiency.  There were refillable water stations, beer cups were corn based, a solar powered stage and we were given three options for where to throw our used items; compost, recycle or landfill.  

Over due

So this is week four and I am finally doing my first blog.  I'm still not sure what I think of this blogging stuff, but the wave of the future is passing me by in little old Bandon, OR.  So since this is an assignment I figure its a must.