**Voices of Hope Productions |THE EYE| July 2006 - Everything About Media and Pop Culture with a Social-Change Slant

"It's about getting people to see public service in a different way, we've grown up in a time when the word 'public' has become synonymous with 'inferior' and 'poor,' and that's got to change. We need to reorient our sense of public service and our sense of what it means to serve this country."
Chris Myers Asch, Campaign for a U.S. Public Service Academy
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>>>>CLIMBING MOUNTAINS, LIFTING LIVES
The 2006 National Conference on Volunteering and Service
by Sarah Thoma, Social Entreprenuer

Having grown up in a household where community service was embedded in our lifestyles, at times I felt different from other people. When someone needed something, my family was there. My father, being a member of New York City law enforcement, was looked on as a resource to go to whenever there was a problem. Even when my father wasn't around, we all got called in to assist someone. As I reflect back as an adult, I can say that I was very lucky to have parents who instilled service in us. Although we did not have much money, my parents showed us that we had something to give. We didn't realize that we weren't rich, because in many ways we were.

When I attended my first National Conference on Volunteering and Service seven years ago, I had the honor to meet Bob Goodwin, CEO of the Points of Light Foundation and Volunteer Center Network. I told Mr. Goodwin that I felt “like a kid in a candy store.” The conference opened my eyes and mind to the many programs, resources and most importantly, people like me, who wanted to use their talents, skills and passion to make a difference and make the world a better place. I found that every time I participated in this conference, I came away with new ideas, resources and friends. This year was no different. Read Story
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TV: The Amazing Kids! Television Show is a weekly television program targeted for the elementary school child, and is currently under development. Although today there are many children who have achieved, or are achieving, the "amazing," we rarely hear about them. What is missing is a communication bridge to broadcast their inspiring stories to a wider audience. The Amazing Kids! television show will act as this communication bridge. Amazing Kids! is dedicated to inspiring excellence in children.

Music and Poetry: Looking for song titles, words and instrumental music that can be used to describe Volunteerism? Here's a good resource. But remember the lyrics provided are from a variety of different resources, and their copyrights are held by a large number of different people and/or organizations. If you wish to use any of the lyrics you must contact the holder of the copyright and inquire about the copyright status for nonprofit or charitable use.

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>>>> MOST AMERICANS BELIEVE ONE PERSON CAN CHANGE THE WORLD
Can the actions of one person truly make a difference in the world? According to a volunteerism survey sponsored by Kiwanis International, which polled 1,517 men and women throughout the U.S., 86 percent of Americans say one person can indeed make a difference. Additionally, the survey found that 61 percent of individuals would prefer to give time through volunteer activities rather than just donate money to a cause. When asked what type of community service makes the biggest difference, over two-thirds of those surveyed said that hands-on activities such as donating supplies, volunteering with a local service club or participating in local community events have a bigger influence than giving money.

Nearly 600,000 members of the Kiwanis family help to serve children and communities worldwide in 96 countries and geographic areas. Each year, members dedicate 19 million volunteer hours and invest over 100 million US dollars to strengthen communities and make a better world for children.
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>>>> CALL TO ACTION FOR MORE "BIG BROTHERS": SHORTAGE OF MALE VOLUNTEERS LEAVES BOYS IN JEOPARDY
Step Up to the Plate! That's the challenge Big Brothers Big Sisters and Holiday Inn(R) Hotels and Resorts have issued in a major recruiting effort to attract men to volunteer to be "Big Brothers" to boys across the nation. The two partners have joined forces to drive home the urgency of the need for "Big Brothers" with the help of Major League Baseball teams in five cities.

To draw attention to the critical need for male mentors, four "Little Brothers"-two from Big Brothers Big Sisters of Pittsburgh, one from Big Brothers of Massachusetts Bay and a fourth from Big Brothers Big Sisters New York-have been selected as "out fielders," snagging fly outs during the game. The Step Up to the Plate promotion will conclude in October with the World Series, when one newly matched "Big Brother-Little Brother" pair will be selected to receive a free trip to the World Series.

"We have a serious challenge facing our organization," said Judy Vredenburgh, president and CEO, Big Brothers Big Sisters of America. "For every 10 people who make inquiries about becoming a 'Big Brother' or 'Sister', only three are men." Being a "Big Brother" requires no experience; just one hour a week is all it takes. Busy men of all ages do fun activities that fit their lifestyle like grabbing a pizza, watching a ballgame or just hanging out. Learn how easy it can be to make a difference.

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>>>>MARLBORO STUDENT NAMED TOP VOLUNTEER IN STATE

Mamapalooza - Women Who Rock
by Hillary Roberts, Founder, Project Linus NJ, Inc.
Do you know a gal who's a little bit Martha Stewart and a whole lotta Rod Stewart? Meet the women of Mamapalooza! Founded in 2002 by Joy Rose, lead singer of the band, Housewives on Prozac, Mamapalooza is dedicated to empowering women musicians, artists, poets, comics, dancers and filmmakers to pursue their creative dreams. Moms Who Rock headlined the first underground Mamapalooza performance at The Cutting Room, NYC with cookie jar money and a handfull of dedicated Mom-Musicians. The unique format caught city-wide attention and today, dozens of female artists have joined the Mamapalooza organization across the globe.

With greater media exposure and new artists signing on MAMA has taken a closer look at charitable pursuits. As a lupus survivor, Joy Rose, realizes the greater potential in cross promoting the Mama organization while bringing community awareness to the Alliance for Lupus Research. A natural extension of performance art, Mamapalooza promotes musical venues under the agency moniker by partnering with ALR walkathon events around the country. What's next for Mamapalooza?

>>>>MOST INTERESTING CANNES-WINNING TV SPOTS FROM OUTSIDE U.S.
Along with the other purposes it serves, the Cannes Lions International Ad Festival is also a window on the best and most interesting TV commercials produced outside the U.S. each year. Here are 10 videos from other countries that were standouts at this year's event. Free online subscription needed to view. Watch spots

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