Social Action

Book Review: Black and Blue

Many moons ago, I worked as a community educator at a domestic violence center. I spoke to female and male prisoners, young teens and police officers, sharing stories about the dynamics of domestic violence, spreading the word and searching for advocates. These conversations changed me for life. No class in college could ever teach me [...]

February 26, 2010 CONTINUE READING →

From The Afghan Women’s Writing Project: I Am For Sale, Who Will Buy Me?

Did you know that up to 80 percent of all Afghan marriages are forced on the women, according to the Afghan Independent Human Rights Commission? *** The true story below was originally posted on January 3, 2010 by The Afghan Women’s Writing Project. Based on our commitment to raise global awareness about critical issues – [...]

January 4, 2010 CONTINUE READING →

A Story of Strength, A Cause For Hope

Guest post by Lisa Frank. You can follow Lisa on Twitter and find out more about what she’s up to on her blog. I am intrigued that a location or a song can remind me of a loved one so much that I can almost feel their presence. The sewing room in my parents’ home [...]

December 11, 2009 CONTINUE READING →

A Tico Life For Me

Post written by Christa Avampato. You can follow Christa on Twitter and read more on her blog. The first time I learned Spanish, it was to satisfy a school requirement in 7th grade. The second time I learned Spanish it was for love – my first boyfriend in college was a Venezuelan and I wanted [...]

November 23, 2009 CONTINUE READING →

Book Review: Half The Sky: Turning Oppression Into Opportunity For Women Worldwide

Guest post by Stephanie Finigan. You can follow Stephanie on Twitter. Forced prostitution, honor killings, death by childbirth….these are not exactly the kind of topics that ignite a lot of water-cooler conversations or eager text messages to girlfriends. In fact, some of you might be ready to stop reading this post right here – you’re [...]

November 12, 2009 CONTINUE READING →

5 Ways to Build Your Own Social Action Toolbox

Post written by Laura Cococcia. You can follow Laura on Twitter. I could write endless commentary on last week’s brutal gang rape at Richmond High School. Friends, family and I have been discussing the various opinions, articles and broadcasts about the story for the past few days – I have two brains full of material [...]

November 2, 2009 CONTINUE READING →

The Power of 5

Post written by Christa Avampato. You can follow Christa on Twitter. A few weeks ago, I went to the 92Y to hear Dr. Muhammed Yunus speak. He is considered by many to be the founder of the micro-credit movement and he’s one of my heroes. By his own will and ability to inspire hope in [...]

October 18, 2009 CONTINUE READING →

Pray the Devil Back to Hell

Post written by Christa Avampato. You can follow Christa on Twitter. “There will come a time when you believe that everything is finished. That will be the beginning.” ~ Louis L’Amour A few weeks ago I attended a screening of Pray the Devil Back to Hell, a documentary that tells the story of the how [...]

October 4, 2009 CONTINUE READING →