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December 26, 2008

Boxing Day: A Time for Charity

Did you know that Boxing Day was originally a day for giving? I had know idea. Here's a wonderful explanation of the history of Boxing Day via the NY Times.

At the risk of sounding like an unabashed consumer — I'm a big fan of the shopping deals one can get during Boxing Day. That being said, I have to agree with the authour: Let's get back to the roots of Boxing Day and give to those who are less fortunate than ourselves. Give money, give gifts, give your time, your assistance. It doesn't matter really, just be charitable. That's want Boxing Day is for.

Posted by Jason at 1:46 PM | TrackBack

December 18, 2008

Favourite Activist(s): Khalil Sharif

Thanks to my long time friend, Matt, for this suggestion. Matt's thoughts on Khalil:

Khalil is CEO of the Aga Khan foundation of Canada, and is just 33. Khalil is a good friend and one of the most dynamic and inspiring people I've ever met. I consider Khalil a great example of the sort of person I think most of us want to be but don't have the discipline.

Khalil is inspiring to me for his level of integrity, and his ability to use his wonderful sense of humor to capture the hearts of people while his very sharp intellect captures their minds. He doesn't push his opinions or beliefs upon people, yet one is left intrigued by what makes him tick due to his sheer charisma and genuineness

A little background on the Aga Khan Foundation of Canada:

Aga Khan Foundation Canada is a non-profit international agency that supports social development programs in Asia and Africa . As a member of the world-wide Aga Khan Development Network, the Foundation works to address the root causes of poverty: finding and sharing “Smart Solutions” that help improve the quality of life for poor communities. Our programs focus on four core areas: health, education, rural development and building the capacity of non-governmental organizations. Gender equity and protecting the environment are integrated into every program.

Here's a link to an extensive interview with the Aga Khan.

Connect to the Aga Khan Foundation of Canada.

Posted by Jason at 9:49 AM | Comments (3) | TrackBack

December 16, 2008

Favourite Activist(s): Geoffrey Canada

Here's a suggestion from my friend, Kyo:

I vote for Geoffrey Canada. While Geoffrey Canada's experiment with solving poverty in Harlem has not yet come to full fruition, and has hit some tough spots already, the fact that he convinced donors (and continues to) to support a comprehensive support and service package from PRE-NATAL to college is incredible. He was able to get folks to focus not on bits and pieces of the puzzle, but the whole maze of social services (including a baby college for expectant and new parents).

Connect to Geoffrey Canada and the Harlem Children's Zone.

Posted by Jason at 12:13 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

December 15, 2008

AKA Activist Turns Four!

Happy Anniversary!!! I can't believe it's been four years! Thanks to all of you who've stopped by to share your thoughts, links and encouragement. I truly appreciate it.

As I alluded to in an earlier post, I think this coming year is going to be the best year yet. I have a couple of really interesting AKA Activist projects on tap that I hope will inspire, inform and educate.

Happy Holidays!!!

Sincerely,

Jason Robinson aka Activist

Posted by Jason at 5:02 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

Favourite Activist(s): Volunteers at the Missionaries of Charity homes in Calcutta, India.

After making my initial call for naming your favourite activist(s), I've decided to publish the first round of results. I'll try to publish one a day. Again these are the names of people/organizations that inspire you.

Our first activist was suggested by my friend, Jeremy, a Canadian journalist who worked extensively in India:

Volunteers at the Missionaries of Charity homes in Calcutta, India.

Area(s) of activism:

Volunteering at homes such as the one for disabled children and the home for the dying destitute.

What inspires you about this person or group?

Many of these people work at regular jobs in Europe and North America and save up all year the way some people in Canada save for a sun holiday. But instead of going to the beach to relax, overeat and drink, these volunteers use their savings to fly to India, stay in cheap guest houses/hotels and help some of the world's poorest people. Most of the Westerners have no medical or caregiving experience, but they help out in ways that would be hard for most of us to imagine, including helping to teach physically challenged children, cleaning opens wound and holding someone’s hand as they die. One young French woman at the Home for the Dying Destitute described cleaning maggots off of an open wound on an elderly woman’s head. Many of the volunteers I met return year after year to help out. All of them say they get more back out of volunteering than they give, but as someone who has never given so much of myself to a stranger, I can’t really understand what they mean. All I could do was be amazed by them.

Connect to Missionaries of Charity Brothers

Posted by Jason at 3:19 PM | Comments (0)

December 8, 2008

Interview: Ingrid Newkirk, cofounder of PETA

Here's an interview with Ingrid Newkirk, the cofounder of PETA. I have to admit that I don't fully agree with her politics but there is no denying the positive accomplishments PETA has made over the years. One example: I had no idea PETA was behind the use of mannequins for car crash tests. Apparently, baboons had been used?! Way to go, PETA! Here's the link.

Posted by Jason at 10:38 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

December 4, 2008

Comedians Speak Up Against Prop 8

There's something to be said for using the talents you possess to make your point. A nice little skit/video addressing California's passing of Proposition 8 which effectively restricts the definition of marriage to that between men and women — only.

Posted by Jason at 5:13 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

Say It Loud. Say It Proud!

Lately I've been thinking about the power of social-networks as related to activism. In particular, I've been thinking about the power of influence. It seems to me that this is an important first step in any kind of activism. How effectively can you influence other people so that they rally behind your cause?

In order to influence other people however, you must first state your opinion. This is such a simple thing — speaking out loud — yet it's amazing how few people actually do it.

There is tremendous power in saying something out loud. Memes have an amazing way of spreading amongst the people who trust you; this is the basis of viral marketing. Take heed though — with great power comes great responsibility. Do your homework. Read differing opinions. Then form your own opinion. Once you've done this, it's time to be courageous and say it out loud. You just might be surprised by who you are able to influence.

Posted by Jason at 11:01 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack