tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:/bg/projects?page=17 2024-04-21T17:21:19Z tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/220710 2023-08-01T00:00:00Z 2024-04-21T17:21:19Z Grace Pharmacy, The Pharmacy Without A Cash Register, has been operating since 2017. Everything, prescription and nonprescription, is free of charge to patients that go through one of our 7 clinics that we work with. To date, we have filled over 29,000 prescriptions. Our patients are: homeless, indigent, and the underinsured that would not be able to afford their prescriptions or nonprescription items. SEE OUR WEBSITE: GRACEHEALTHCS.COM Tim Rogers Grace Pharmacy http://gracehealthcs.com United States Gainesville, FL https://www.awesomefoundation.org/bg/chapters/gainesville tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/226194 2023-07-31T00:00:00Z 2023-08-22T12:07:53Z Bright Park has clear objectives and towards achieving them runs activities to improve the habitat and biodiversity of the land, runs events and activities on the park that bring people young and older outdoors to enjoy the beautiful place and uses our facilities and programmes to improve the health and wellbeing of local communities around the park especially disadvantaged children and young people. The project ‘Many Hands Lighter Work’ was developed 12 months ago to establish a ‘Friends of Bright Park’ group, many of them volunteers from the communities around the Park. One of the main activities for this group of volunteers has been to begin to enhance the 22,000ft2 landscape with 50% of wooded land (TPO protection). Over the next 12 months programme period, we want to create new habitat around the park to improve the biodiversity, bringing more bird types, frogs, squirrels, attract owls, build bees houses, host butterflies, insects, hedgehogs, create a bug hotel, pond wildlife and many more. In all, 60 beneficiaries will on average engage directly in the 2hrs/week x 48week habitat creating programme; 1) To buy and install a new pond essential for the lifecycles of frogs, dragonflies and water beetles, and also making it easier for creatures like hedgehogs and birds to bathe. 2) Buy beehive houses attracting bees and harvesting honey for local community. 3) Build a bug hotel, a dry space that will attract different creepy crawlies and good for lots of different types of minibeast such as ladybirds, bees, woodlice and spiders. 4) Build birds nesting/hedgehog houses. 5) Maintain the condition we have created over the last few months of a beautifully well managed park landscape, attracting and encouraging community groups to come outdoor to visit and enjoy the park. Alfie-Jean Many Hands http://www.brightpark.co.uk United Kingdom Liverpool https://www.awesomefoundation.org/bg/chapters/liverpool tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/226619 2023-07-31T00:00:00Z 2023-08-02T21:25:33Z We have just founded and received our 501c3 status for a brand new awesome nonprofit named "Compassion Kitchens". Our mission is to support community kitchens that are providing meals to homeless children. We are 100% volunteer powered and any money received will be used to purchase food for the kitchens we are supporting in Colombia. We currently are trying to purchase 250 kilos of rice and lentils every month to keep the kitchen cooking, but unfortunately do not have the funding needed at this moment. By supporting this awesome project the money not only is used to help provide the much needed meals for children in need, but also helps support a new nonprofit that has big plans and dreams for the coming years to begin ending a daily hunger and struggle for thousands of children. Our main partnership kitchen who we are doing our best to continue to support is located on the outskirts of one of the largest homeless encampments in South America. They currently are feeding 300 homeless children daily but are struggling staying afloat due to lack of food and donations. Our goal this year is to purchase enough food for them on a monthly basis to help them stay open, at least for a few days a week. I visited this kitchen and volunteered with them earlier this year and the work they do is absolutely awesome and I want nothing more then to make sure the kids there continue to have meals to eat. We received our 501c3 status July 19 and have a small but super awesome team. We also have the systems and strategy all ready completely set up to purchase the food for our partnership kitchens and have already made multiple food purchases and donations the past months . Thanks for your awesomeness and all you do! Derek Jerome Dietz Compassion Kitchens Inc http://compassionkitchens.org Worldwide Homelessness (Неактивен) https://www.awesomefoundation.org/bg/chapters/homelessness tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/226971 2023-07-31T00:00:00Z 2023-08-07T17:40:54Z We’re creating a podcast to share the experiences and perspectives of queer and transgender folks living with lipedema (a chronic, progressive painful fat disorder that almost exclusively impacts people assigned female at birth). Our podcast will explore how being queer and trans presents particular challenges to interfacing with the medical system and lipedema support spaces, as well as the intersecting challenges of white supremacy, mental health, racism, ableism, fatphobia, transphobia, homophobia, classism, healthism, etc. The podcast is hosted by me, MP Vare, (a white, trans non-binary person living with chronic PTSD, bipolar 2, and lipedema who navigates the world through the lens of yoga and its therapeutic applications) and Andy Kuhlmann (a white transmasculine person living with ADHD and lipedema who works as a psychotherapist). Episodes formats will include: The hosts’ personal stories and experiences on a variety of topics such as complete decongestive therapy, liposuction surgery, and finding trans affirming providers General education about lipedema and treatment options (and how being queer or trans impacts these) Interviews with queer and trans folks living with lipedema Interviews with care providers who support folks with living with lipedema (for example physical therapists, mental health providers, nutritionists, personal trainers, and meditation teachers), every effort will be made to identify queer and trans care providers for these conversations Hot takes and queer and trans perspectives on other health and wellness media (podcasts, books, art, etc.) Connect with them at QueerlyItsLipedema@Gmail.com **What our grantee is saying:** "Receiving this grant allows us to move our project from idea to action. We’ve got a list of people we’re very excited to approach for interviews. Due to the labor involved in living with, and sharing our experiences about, chronic illness, we’re grateful your funds will allow us to offer our guests an honorarium. Deep gratitude, Awesome Foundation! It’s so affirming that you believe in the merit of Queerly It’s Lipedema." Marina Patrice "MP" Vare Queerly It’s Lipedema Worldwide Disability https://www.awesomefoundation.org/bg/chapters/disability tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/227391 2023-07-31T00:00:00Z 2023-07-31T23:26:17Z July’s Awesome Ottawa award goes to Tara Howlett, Victor Perez, and Jose Sandoval to support Latin dance at Landsdowne. “We’re hosting a weekly dance series every single Saturday evening this summer, outdoors at Lansdowne Park,” explains Tara. “The event is completely free, and we welcome beginners and people of all ages – no partner required!” Each evening starts with a free Latin dance class from 6-8 pm, and continues with a dance social until 11 pm. Tara, Victor, and Jose only started at the beginning of July, and are already attracting about 200 participants a week. “We’re delighted to bring back public social partner dancing after the pandemic,” says Tara, “and we want to use it as a tool of connection and community.” For more information, or to volunteer, visit [instagram.com/uniteddanceottawa] (https://www.instagram.com/uniteddanceottawa). Tara is a social worker, psychotherapist, and dancer. Victor works in property maintenance and is a dance instructor. Jose works in the tech sector and is a dance instructor. Tara Howlett, Victor Perez, and Jose Sandoval Latin at Lansdowne https://www.instagram.com/uniteddanceottawa Canada Ottawa https://www.awesomefoundation.org/bg/chapters/ottawa tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/227815 2023-07-31T00:00:00Z 2023-09-10T14:37:49Z In the spring, the Public Theatre of San Antonio produced my play Fabulous Monsters, with music written by local Chicana Punk group Fea, using all local actors and musicians. The result was magical. The play was a huge hit, selling out performances and bringing new audiences to the theatre. I would like to make a record of the music with the original San Antonio performers. The talent pool in San Antonio is amazing, and a record would showcase mostly Latine/Latinx artists. Fabulous Monsters is about women in punk rock and features both older women and younger women: " When punk rock exploded in L.A., Sally, and Lou were there: feminists, Latinas, queens of noise. One went pop, one stayed punk but sparks from their tumultuous friendship remain. Decades later, they try to overcome old wounds, forgive each other, and rock as hard as they ever did." The play has gotten awards from Steppenwolf in Chicago and the Latino Theatre Company in Los Angeles. A demo record would continue to give life to the project, and San Antonio talent would be heard at theatres around the country. We would also have the opportunity to get more of Fea's music out into the world. This all-female punk band is an inspiration. They also have a percentage in the royalties of the play. In conclusion, a record would show off the massive amount of talent residing and rocking in San Antonio. Diana Burbano Fabulous Monsters Recording https://dianaburbano.com United States San Antonio, TX https://www.awesomefoundation.org/bg/chapters/sanantonio tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/224125 2023-07-31T00:00:00Z 2023-07-31T21:08:30Z Makerspace is an exciting program hosted and run by the Valley of the Tetons Library (VTL) staff. Within its walls community members will find a myriad of hands-on experiential and experimental learning activities including a music studio, sewing machines, a 3d printer, app driven robots, and various crafting and tinkering stations. Community members of all ages are welcome to follow along with loosely structured activities or use their imagination to create something new! With the space’s demand and popularity continuing to grow, library staff have discovered a need to replace our older and outdated items and applications; including our app-driven robots. The robots of the Makerspace are enormously popular with children of all ages, helping to teach STEM and coding concepts. Integrating robots into the VTL Makerspace environment provides children with valuable skills, inspires their curiosity, and equips them with the tools they need to thrive in an increasingly technologically advanced world by: Advancing Future Technology Exploration: Exploring robotics sparks curiosity and encourages children to explore other emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence, automation, and machine learning, preparing them for the technological advancements of tomorrow. Offer Coding and Programming Skills: Robots offer an excellent platform for introducing children to coding and programming concepts, enabling them to develop computational thinking skills and learn coding languages. Teach Collaboration and Teamwork: Incorporating robots promotes collaboration and teamwork among children as they work together to design, program, and operate robots, fostering important social skills. Tanya Alexander Makerspace Robots https://valleyofthetetonslibrary.org/vtl-makerspace-2/ Worldwide Awesome Without Borders (Неактивен) https://www.awesomefoundation.org/bg/chapters/awesomewithoutborders tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/225696 2023-07-28T00:00:00Z 2023-07-28T06:24:38Z ​2023 marks the 10th Anniversary of the STooPS Bed-Stuy Annual Art Crawl. Each summer, STooPS collaborates with organizations and businesses throughout the community to present local artists working across genres who perform and exhibit on stoops and sidewalks throughout the neighborhood. Bringing together a network of partners such as block associations, community gardens, and the community board, STooPS facilitates community engagement and resource sharing to support both local artists and businesses. This year, the Bed-Stuy Annual Art Crawl will take place on **July 29th from 12pm - 7 pm**. Bed-Stuy-based artists/groups will collaborate with space owners to share their work on stoops, sidewalks, storefronts, and/or in community gardens. Inspired by Intelligent Mischief signs posted throughout BedStuy, this year we are commissioning artists to create new works based on the question **“What if BedStuy was a Black Utopia?”** Reflecting on the history and stories of black homeowners, movements, and institutions in the neighborhood, STooPS is asking artists to create their Afro-futuristic vision of BedStuy in collaboration with a community member, organization or partner. This project gives local artists a platform to showcase their art in their own community while establishing and strengthening the relationships between local artists, neighbors and business owners. It also gives the BedStuy community opportunities to experience high quality art from award winning artists for free in their own community. STooPS is an opportunity for members of the neighborhood to discover and share resources that exist within Bed-Stuy. This awareness allows people to build partnerships and support each other, strengthening the entire community. Kendra J. Ross STooPS Bed Stuy Summer Art Crawl https://www.stoopsbedstuy.org United States New York City, NY https://www.awesomefoundation.org/bg/chapters/nyc tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/227810 2023-07-27T00:00:00Z 2023-07-28T21:05:00Z As a military-impacted school, we serve students who move every 3 years or so. WE (Wheeler Elementary) believe that every student belongs. WE Belong is a project aimed at connecting students with each other through literature. Having books rich in experiences and broad in diversity in the library gives our students the chance to see themselves in stories. Being seen helps one belong. The final outcome is empathy for one another and acceptance. WE believe this will help all our students feel like they belong. Cheryl Sanico WE belong United States Oahu, HI https://www.awesomefoundation.org/bg/chapters/oahu tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/223565 2023-07-27T00:00:00Z 2023-07-28T02:58:03Z We provide coverage for local high school sports via youtube and livestreamed on facebook under the name of Cape Ann LIVE!. We have covered over 200 games and events that normally wouldn't be covered by local cable. Being livestreamed, the games are available for parents and relatives who are not able to make it to the game in person as well as the athletes themselves having a record of the games. JIM CAPILLO Gloucester High Sports coverage https://www.youtube.com/@capeannlive/playlists United States Gloucester, MA https://www.awesomefoundation.org/bg/chapters/gloucester tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/226543 2023-07-26T00:00:00Z 2023-07-26T16:48:34Z Դեռ վաղուց, երբ աղջկաս տանում էի ՄՍԿՀ Հարավային դպրոց-պարտեզ, ինչպես ժողովուրդն է ասում «աչքս ավտոբուսի վրա էր», որը տեղակայված է դպրոցի բակում և ծառայում է, որպես պահեստ: Այդպիսի ևս երկու ավտոբուսներ կային, որոնք տեղափոխել են բակից, որպես թափոն: Ներկայացնեմ մի քանի կարևոր հիմնավորումներ.1.Նախ ավտոբուսը, որ հնություն է, կպահպանվի և թափոն դառնալու հավակնություն այլևս չի ունենա.2. Հարավային դպրոց-պարտեզը կունենա իր փոքրիկ թատրոնը, այստեղ կարևոր է նշել ոչ թե բեմ, այլ թատրոն, առանձին կառույց՝ դպրոցի համար բազմաֆունկցիոնալ հնարավորություններով՝ դրամատիկ, ստվերների, տիկիկային, համերգային և այլ /դպրոցում սովորում է 3000,իսկ մասնաճյուղում 500 աշակերտ, դպրոցը հայտնի է իր ներառականության սկզբունքով/ 3. Անգլերեն մի տեսակ ժամանակակից և լավ է հնչում Theater Bus-ից օգտվելու հնարավորություն կունենան նաև կրթահամալիրի մյուս աշակերտները, հատկապես ձեռքի երաժշտական գործիքների տիրապետողները: 4.Այլընտրանքային միջավայրը միշտ էլ հետաքրքիր և ձգող է, վստահորեն այսեղ կարող ենք համագործակցային համերգներ ևս ունենալ, ոչ միայն երեխաների համար կամ երեխաների հետ այլև՝ մեծահասակների: Փայտենիկի, որի մասին կպատմեմ հաջորդ բաժնում, ստվերների և հարթակային ներկայցումները ևս կարող ենք այստեղ ցուցադրել: Կարող է դառնալ համայնքային նախագիծ, տարածքը գտնվում է Երևանի բավականին ծայրամսում և բնակիչները կարող են ներկայցումների բերել երեխաներին ավելի մոտ և հարմար վայրում, հետևաբար ավելի հաճախ: 5. Կհրավիրենք փոքր համերգային և թատերական խմբերի, կանցկացնենք վարպետության դասեր, հարմար կլինի նաև ոչ ֆորմալ կրթության դասընթացների համար:Այսպիսով, ծրագրով 1.Թափոնի վերածվող հնամաշ ավտոբուսը դարձնում ենք կիրառելի: 2.Դպրոցի բակում ստեղծում ենք այլընտրանքային, կամերային, նմանատիպը չունեցող դպրոցական փոքրիկ, բայց բազմաֆունկցիոնալ ստվերների /ոչ միայն/ թատրոնի, համերգային տարածք: Նպաստում ենք այլընտրանքային, մշակութային կրթության ձևավորմանը, հանրայնացմանը, տարածմանը: Կրթահամլիրում շատ են տարածաշրջանային կոմֆլիկտի արդյունքում ՀՀ տեղափոխված երեխաները, Փայտենիկը առանձին ծրագրով նախատեսում է տարբեր միջոցառումներ նրանց համար: Անի Ղարաբեկյան Թատրոն՝ ավտոբուսում. Theater Bus https://be985.wordpress.com/ Armenia Yerevan https://www.awesomefoundation.org/bg/chapters/yerevan tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/226990 2023-07-24T00:00:00Z 2023-07-29T02:24:45Z Cut Boyz #ClippersOverGuns Empowerment Camp & Experience is much more than camp experiences, it is an one-of-a-kind empowerment opportunity intentionally designed to build support, provide mentoring, life skills training, leadership development, provide hair care education, financial literacy amongst young men between ages 12 to 18 in South Bend, IN Each Cut Boy Camp participant will receive training in areas such as hair health, shampooing, disinfection, a variety of hair cutting techniques including but not limited to loc twisting, line ups, fading, & a variety of hair cutting techniques. In addition to receiving training in hair and business services, our wrap-around training approach includes training in areas including leadership development, conflict resolution, life skills, community outreach, customer service, marketing, & self-development. Upon completing the camp, each participant will receive a hair cutting starter kit! Style Girlz #BraidsOverBabies Empowerment Camp & Experience is much more than camp experiences, it is an one-of-a-kind empowerment opportunity intentionally designed to build support, provide mentoring, life skills training, leadership development, provide hair care education, financial literacy amongst young ladies between ages 12 to 18 in South Bend, IN. Each style girl participant will receive training in areas such as hair health, shampooing, disinfection, a variety of hair styling techniques including but not limited: to loc twisting, a variety of braid styles, wig making, and much more. In addition to receiving training in hair and business services, our wrap-around training approach includes training in areas such as leadership development, conflict resolution, life skills, community outreach, customer service, marketing, & self-development. Upon completing the camp, each participant will receive a haircare styling starter kit! Kintae Lark Cut Boyz Camp & Also StyleGirlz Camp http://www.inspirationplace.net United States South Bend, IN https://www.awesomefoundation.org/bg/chapters/southbend tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/227667 2023-07-24T00:00:00Z 2023-07-29T02:23:32Z PopiCon! Game Convention is focused on non-digital, tabletop games. Tabletop games include board, card, role playing (Dungeons and Dragons), and miniatures games. 2022 marked the inaugural PopiCon!. This event acted as a memorial service where friends and family could celebrate the life of Tom "Popi" Crisovan, my father-in-law, who was an avid gamer his entire life. Once we could open up to the public due to Covid-19 restrictions being relaxed, we sought to make it a larger, public, and annual event in Downtown South Bend. On Saturday, February 4th, 2023 we held the event at Stockroom East with the ambitious goal of having 200 attendees. The response exceeded our expectations with nearly 400 people attending the event throughout the day. Included in the attendees were 10 vendors, each an individual entrepreneur or small business selling unique and in many cases hand-crafted items. Multiple vendors expressed how well they did in terms of sales at the event and how much they are looking forward to next year's PopiCon! It was important for us as organizers to hold the event downtown to support local restaurants and businesses. They were very supportive of the event by offering gift certificates and other prizes to hand out to game winners during the event. We wanted a family-friendly event so offered tickets at no charge for anyone 14 or under. Of the 400 attendees, we had roughly 50 kids attend and play games. People could also get in free by hosting a game at the convention. The only criticism we heard throughout the day was that we needed a large venue. We agree and are seeking larger venues to grow PopiCon! 2024 once again. We think with enough community support we can triple in size. In addition to growing the event in 2024, we aim to diversify our audience by reaching out to the LGBTQ Center, La Casa de Amistad, and South Bend Heritage Foundation. We have hopes of hosting a role playing game for Spanish speakers. Richard Wallace PopiCon! Game Convention https://www.facebook.com/groups/1212798586001564 United States South Bend, IN https://www.awesomefoundation.org/bg/chapters/southbend tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/228108 2023-07-24T00:00:00Z 2023-07-29T02:23:09Z In August 2023, I will be hosting my very first back to school giveaway. Which will include giving away 300 backpacks plus school supplies to 300 kids in the community. I will also have clothing giveaways for the community. Every Thanksgiving I will be donating food baskets to the community. Christmas time I am donating clothing items, food baskets, to families in need and toys for children. I plan to make some personal care baskets and donate them to residents living in nursing facilities. Brianca Denson Blessed By Bri Inc United States South Bend, IN https://www.awesomefoundation.org/bg/chapters/southbend tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/219758 2023-07-24T00:00:00Z 2023-07-25T03:04:49Z Street Medics Austin provides free first aid training programs to underserved populations and those disproportionately affected by violence, empowering them to take life-saving action in emergency situations. This approach is needed because access to first aid training is often limited by socio-economic factors and targeted populations, such as people of color and members of the LGBT community, face a higher risk of violence. SMA aims to make emergency first aid accessible to all members of our community by providing training and equipment to control traumatic bleeding injuries through the Stop the Bleed program. A grant from the Austin Awesome Foundation will fund emergency first aid kits for SMA’s upcoming trainings. Matthew Blaney Street Medics Austin http://www.streetmedicsaustin.org United States Austin, TX https://www.awesomefoundation.org/bg/chapters/austin tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/221571 2023-07-24T00:00:00Z 2023-07-24T10:14:18Z "The Mississippi Delta: Dreams and Reality" is a short-form documentary that follows the daily lives of five individuals living in the Mississippi Delta region of the United States. Through intimate interviews and personal vignettes, the film gives viewers a unique glimpse into the hopes, dreams, and struggles of these individuals as they navigate the challenges of life in this diverse and complex region. At its core, the film underscores the significance of family and religion and the fundamental truth that regardless of our political affiliations or convictions, we really do need each other. Through its powerful storytelling and intimate portrayals of everyday life, "The Mississippi Delta: Dreams and Reality" offers a thought-provoking and inspiring look at the human experience in this unique and fascinating part of the world. As an artist, my main influences stem from my deep connection to Southern culture, which is reflected in my work as a filmmaker. Growing up in the South has given me a unique perspective on life, and I strive to represent this region authentically through my films. The rarity of seeing high-quality independent films coming out of the South has also influenced my work, as I seek to break this trend and showcase the artistic contributions of this region. My past experience shooting commercial fashion campaigns has provided me with the technical skills and knowledge needed to undertake this project. This experience has allowed me to capture authentic moments and combine them with a slick and polished look. Furthermore, my personal connection to the South runs even deeper as my family originates from the region. After the passing of my father six years ago, this project has become even more personal and is dedicated to his memory. Working on this project has allowed me to collaborate with my family in an intimate way, bringing us closer together while fueling my artistic passion and dedication to representing the South through my work. Jon Jenkins The Mississippi Delta: Dreams and Reality Worldwide Awesome Without Borders (Неактивен) https://www.awesomefoundation.org/bg/chapters/awesomewithoutborders tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/220201 2023-07-22T00:00:00Z 2023-07-22T15:43:12Z We are a group of people who assist animals in the Aviano area. We donate food and funds to the regional animal sanctuaries, feed the local animal population and help animals in need in general, whenever we can. Annemarie Edmundson Aviano Area Animal Assistance Italy Aviano (Неактивен) https://www.awesomefoundation.org/bg/chapters/aviano tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/226613 2023-07-21T00:00:00Z 2023-07-21T23:44:27Z OFF NITE is a weekly variety show performed live at the Tabard Theatre hosted by Mighty Mike McGee and Ato Walker on Monday nights and simultaneously broadcast to the internet highlighting the arts and cultural happenings in our greater San Jose area, with a special focus on events happening in that upcoming week. Each show features three guests who promote their individual events, performances or business, sometimes featuring a performance such a music, comedy or spoken word. The focus is to highlight the diverse and multifaceted arts and cultural landscape of San Jose, promote a wide spectrum of individuals and local business owners who are creating art and community and to encourage a greater engagement with the arts by the public here in San Jose. The community is invited to be part of our in-studio audience at Tabard Theatre, or watch the livestream from anywhere. Attendance is free. OFF NITE is unique because it uses livestream and social media technologies to promote local arts and artists. This type of program would only have been possible through cable network TV and local access stations 20 years ago. These are underutilized tools in our local arts landscape. Additionally, OFF makes these opportunities available to individuals and groups who would otherwise face financial and technology gateways that they might not be able to negotiate on their own. Stephanie Whigham Off Nite Show http://Offnite.com United States San Jose, CA https://www.awesomefoundation.org/bg/chapters/sanjose tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/224098 2023-07-20T00:00:00Z 2023-10-19T15:23:45Z The Poetry Potluck is a grassroots, quarterly community gathering which seeks to build stronger communities by creating safe spaces for in-person social engagement, making all spaces learning spaces, increasing access to the arts for underserved populations, and providing opportunities for artists to share and display their work. The Poetry Potluck averages 100-200 attendees (which we call CUZZINs) per gathering and now has a steady roster of 30+ active volunteers who believe in our mission and have personally been affected by attending. The gathering celebrates Miami's rich cultural diversity, food sharing, art-based learning activations, and of course Poetry. Calvin Early The Poetry Potluck https://linktr.ee/thepoetrypotluck United States Miami, FL https://www.awesomefoundation.org/bg/chapters/miami tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/225746 2023-07-20T00:00:00Z 2023-07-22T15:42:24Z I would like to upgrade my drone so that I can do more free drone pictures for our local Indigenous and others in the Katarokwi/Kingston community. I have done footage for the Hwy 15 Indigenous Garden, Indigenous Market along with others. I currently have a DJI Mini 2 and would like to upgrade to. Dji Mini 3 Pro which will provide me more capacity. I do all filming free for non-profit groups with a focus on Indigenous groups. Miigwech , Nyawen'ko:go, Thank you for even considering my application, as I know there are so many great opportunities out there that makes Katarokwi/Kingston Awesome. Paul Carl Paul Carl Aanii Nichii Drones https://www.facebook.com/AaniiNichiiDrones?mibextid=ZbWKwL Canada Kingston https://www.awesomefoundation.org/bg/chapters/kingston-on tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/225898 2023-07-19T00:00:00Z 2023-07-20T23:56:13Z The project is a aquaponics farm being constructed at school that the year 7/12 technology mandatory and hospitality classes use to grow and use in the produce in the kitchens at school. The project is on schedule to running for term 3 the 17th July. Allan Brown Farming Aquaponics Australia Lake Mac https://www.awesomefoundation.org/bg/chapters/lakemac tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/227309 2023-07-17T00:00:00Z 2023-08-21T20:11:55Z As a child, comments about the darkness of my skin tone were rampant. I tried trying to come to terms with being categorized as “darkskin.” I watched as my “brownskin” and “lightskin” counterparts were respected and more engaged with. I looked at myself in the mirror, embarrassed at my type of "skin." In my own way to emphasize my voice, I started writing for a non-profit called “Stick to Change." I decided to leave and start my own magazine, the Africana Literary Journal. My solution offers a culmination of not just my own, but multiple perspectives of inner and outer turmoil witnessed by my community. Although there have been efforts such as TikToks, Twitter tweets, and other forms of social media, most are met with backlash, claiming it "doesn't exist" and "you're reaching." With the Africana Literary Journal, the reader is able to absorb information without the worry of negativity and disregard. As I learn more about my community past my personal experiences, I wish to know how deeply rooted colorism is in our society, and how racism is ingrained in minds unintentionally. Additionally, learning how to combat not only racism, but internalized issues such as colorism (the tone of someone’s skin) or texturism (how curly someone’s hair is). Being able to see the implications of some of these problems in our society can not only assist in growth, but allow others to see what we go through as well and bringing change within their own community. Christiania Zidor Africana Literary Journal https://africanalit.carrd.co/ United States Orlando, FL https://www.awesomefoundation.org/bg/chapters/orlando tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/224127 2023-07-17T00:00:00Z 2023-07-17T15:30:06Z We live on a small island off the west coast of Canada, Mayne Island. We rely on ferry service to access any resources needed. There are a number of children on our small island (population ~1300) diagnosed and undiagnosed with sensory needs that sometimes keep them from participating in group/community events. I would like to use this awesome grant to purchase sensory equipment for the newly built Mayne Island Family Place so that it’s easier for those with sensory needs to participate in activities and events. Simple equipment such as noise-reducing headphones, weighted blankets or stuffed animals, and specialty lighting can make a big difference to a child with ASD or ADHD. Opportunities like this for these children can help them learn to self-regulate so that they can develop the abilities needed to navigate the world independently later in life. Being able to include children with specialty needs will also teach other children how to include and work with those with differences. The Family Place is physically accessible but lets make it mentally and emotionally accessible too! Mayne Island Early Child Society Access for all Worldwide Awesome Without Borders (Неактивен) https://www.awesomefoundation.org/bg/chapters/awesomewithoutborders tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/225306 2023-07-17T00:00:00Z 2023-08-31T20:00:47Z This has been a project long in the making! Conduction, the Pittsburgh Innovation District-based startup, built software that allows a DJ to perform with an orchestra in real time. In 2022 they did a first test with 16 musicians controlled by 3 DJs. Now they are scaling up to do an event where DJs and producers from all over the world can have the chance to perform live with 40 musicians in a mega-party. The event will take place in Munhall at the This Is Red church. Joe Maggiore 40 Musicians Perform Live with 5 DJs https://www.themomentnow.live/ United States Pittsburgh, PA https://www.awesomefoundation.org/bg/chapters/pittsburgh tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/225392 2023-07-17T00:00:00Z 2023-08-24T17:20:56Z The John Flowers Memorial Garden @ Earline Patrice Park, commonly known as Mansion st Park, in Poughkeepsie has 8 garden beds that were put in place almost a decade ago by local organizations. The garden is constantly utilized by the public–especially in the summer while the park serves as a recreational home for the local community. It is currently being run by Black leadership with support from community volunteers and local organizations. Most of the agricultural projects funded in Poughkeepsie are held by white hands that are alienated from the community. We are seeking resources to sustain one of the few Black-led public garden efforts in the city. We have developed relationships in the area with community members, city officials and workers, and vulnerable populations, such as the housing insecure and formerly incarcerated, who have been historically under-resourced and under served in the city of Poughkeepsie. This grant will help materially support the work at the garden to demonstrate holistic community action, educate park goers about gardening, and support small gestures of goodwill. Currently, we have to lug water in buckets to the garden each day from miles away. We are in need of funds for a watering system so that we can have water onsite. To sustain the garden into the future without much outside input, we want to build a compost structure. The community garden can be a space for people to bring their food scraps as a small step towards reducing landfill waste. We also hope to expand our community education work. With a more developed garden, we will organize community days for park-goers to learn about and try plants from our garden. We would like to set up a water station to provide freshly brewed iced tea made with mint and herbs from our garden and provide snacks/food in July of 2023. With our excess mint, we intend to demonstrate a skincare and herb workshop, where park folks will be able to take products like toothpaste, deodorant and serum Saije Jalida Poughkeepsie Community Gardens https://www.instagram.com/pkcommunitygarden/ United States Poughkeepsie, NY https://www.awesomefoundation.org/bg/chapters/poughkeepsie tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/221526 2023-07-15T00:00:00Z 2023-08-01T12:40:36Z You are walking through a Medieval forest. As you travel, you pass a lake, hear birds singing, see several groups of musicians performing. This concert will set that scene. It includes music of nature, pieces from the time, and music based on legends of the Medieval era. In this concert, tentatively on November 4, 2023, we will perform on flute, piano, soprano and alto recorders, piccolo, percussion, guitar, and voice, with musical styles ranging from Medieval plainchant, motets, and madrigals through Renaissance songs to counterpoint at the transition from the Renaissance to early Baroque music. We will, as referenced earlier, also be including music about Medieval legends, but this Pied Piper is from Harlem and Till Eulenspiegel pranks the audience in a march. We will also play two modern classical pieces using extended technique and several original pieces, including the premier of our new, experimental recorder piece mimicking the calls of loons on a lake. Through our music we hope to entertain and educate, but also to directly support others. All proceeds from our concerts benefit local non-profits. This one will be benefiting the Fargo-Moorhead Gay Men's Chorus, whose purpose is “to create musical experiences that enrich [their] members, challenge homophobia, and expose new communities to [their] message of equality.” They are a safe, welcoming space for anyone in the LGBTQ community, including several youth members who were bullied and isolated in school. Amanda and Jared Hoeft Medieval Myths and Magic United States Cass Clay https://www.awesomefoundation.org/bg/chapters/cassclay tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/225920 2023-07-15T00:00:00Z 2023-09-04T04:11:37Z Education, Community, & Maker Space come together at Rethink Recycling Co-op. A way to rethink our current kerbside recycling system, & creative ways to involve the community, our program works with local cafes & households to collect lids that would otherwise go to landfill or be lost to our environment. We take these lids in, where they are then washed & sorted by plastic type, so they can go to one of our partner aged care facilities for colour sorting. “Residents say it makes them feel good knowing they are giving back to a greater cause, leaving them with a renewed sense of purpose & fulfilment. Plastic lid sorting also encourages residents with advanced dementia, who may not otherwise participate in activities, to become involved.” https://www.thirdsector.com.au/aged-care-recycling-program-a-win-for-residents-and-the-environment/ These colour & polymer sorted lids are then used as part of our education programs, which involve an interactive, hands-on component, based on sustainability practises. Participants learn ways to reuse single-use, post-consumer plastics, reducing the need for virgin materials & reliance on fossil fuels. They’re also used in our Maker Space, where functional products & new ideas are made from 100% Australian post-consumer, single-use plastic waste. A place where Uni students, designers, engineers, & people with an idea all come together to make something from “waste”. Through education, community involvement & hands-on product ideas & production, RRC is working to promote a circular economy, all products made can be returned at their end-of-life to be again remanufactured & repurposed into new products. By producing functional, bespoke products from 100% “waste” Rethink Recycling is growing the acceptance of recycled products & materials in the community. We don’t want people to think of recycled as a substandard product. Being a small NFP, every cent is accounted for, a new washing machine just isn’t affordable without Awesome. Kym O'Shannassy Rethink Recycling Lid Sorting Program https://rethinkrecycling.coop Australia Melbourne (Неактивен) https://www.awesomefoundation.org/bg/chapters/melbourne tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/217009 2023-07-13T00:00:00Z 2023-08-13T18:04:17Z We are proud to announce our 20th AwesomeStPaul grant has been awarded to Kaleidoscope Learning Family Resource Center. They will use their $1,000 grant to provide financial help for membership fees, and to purchase toys for their lending library. AwesomeStPaul chose this applicant because we want to help bring people together in St. Paul and to assist organizations and individuals that have creative ideas to make that happen. Congratulations Kaleidoscope! According to Jennie Lynch, "Kaleidoscope Learning’s Family Resource Center is a new family and early childhood education initiative launched in conjunction with our sister-nonprofit, Monarch Montessori School. Located on St. Paul’s East Side, Kaleidoscope Learning (501c3) was founded to address the dearth of accessible services, materials, knowledge, and best practices associated with positive early childhood educational outcomes for families with children ages birth to six. Our services are multifaceted and include a toy library, parent education nights, open play hours in our model home environment space, and online parenting and early childhood education content such as blogs, informative social media posts, and presentations. Kaleidoscope Learning launched its services during the summer of 2022, and since opening our doors, we have welcomed dozens of families from the East Side neighborhood and beyond. Our core product offering is our Educational Materials Library–a toy library filled with hundreds of toys, books, classic Montessori materials, gross-motor items, and children’s furniture. Our organization operates on a membership basis, and we allow families to borrow items for as long as they would like with no official due-date. Our memberships are affordable, and in order to remain truly accessible to all families, we provide membership assistance to those concerned about covering the cost of their membership. The benefits of our toy library and other services are numerous. Families are able to save money, time, and energy by borrowing toys instead of purchasing new ones. Our organization promotes a sustainable, environmentally conscious way to play by reducing household toy consumption and toy waste. Finally, our greatest priority is developing a deep community filled with loving parents and caregivers of young children. As we continue to promote our operations in 2023, we strive to be a welcoming resource for families in St. Paul who are looking to expand their support network." Jennie Lynch Kaleidoscope Toy Lending Library http://www.kscopelearning.org United States St. Paul, MN https://www.awesomefoundation.org/bg/chapters/stpaul tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/160837 2023-07-12T00:00:00Z 2023-07-13T15:32:32Z My name is Michele, I founded MCQE Mobile Pet Pantry to help families in need of pet food assistance. Keeping families together is important to us. People have proven time and again that they love their pets, they value them, they are family members. Since the covid-19 pandemic hit, the number of people who need basic but essential support for their beloved animals has skyrocketed. With so much uncertainty yet ahead, it is vital we have the resources to meet the community's needs. To meet the continued uptick due to covid-19 and the economic strain-we need your help. One of the many things we have learned during this period of crisis is that animals help people through difficult times. We aim to provide 2-3 weeks of pet food to pet owners to supplement their food purchases. The food we provide is not intended to replace owner's monthly food expenses, but to help them get through without struggling to make ends meet. We donate to clients once per month to ensure we have enough pet food to go around. The kind gesture of giving someone a bag of food just might buy them some time until they get back on their feet. Michele Szper Pet Food Assistance http://mcqemobilepetpantry.com United States Westminster, MD https://www.awesomefoundation.org/bg/chapters/westminster tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/225464 2023-07-12T00:00:00Z 2023-07-13T18:39:38Z We are a non-profit located in Dearborn, MI. Last summer, we rolled out our StoryWalk initiative which is an initiative to promote literacy and physical activity in our community. We have had nothing but positive feedback from the community. Families stroll through our StoryWalks reading each page of the story which is on 18"x24" boards with a physical activity movement related to the story at the bottom of every board. One of our stories is fully translated to Arabic with permission from the local author that wrote that story. The StoryWalks were displayed at four community sites during the summer with once a month book rotations. In the winter through this spring, we found a way to display the StoryWalks indoors at local public schools. Currently, we have two of our StoryWalks out at community sites with monthly story rotations. We have the other two StoryWalks on loan for the community to rent out (free of charge) for special events. Everything we do at LAHC is at no cost to anyone in our community. We are able to achieve this through generous donations and grants. Linda Bazzi StoryWalk https://www.healthydearborn.org/storywalk United States Ann Arbor, MI https://www.awesomefoundation.org/bg/chapters/ann-arbor tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/228151 2023-07-11T00:00:00Z 2023-11-28T13:47:05Z Body Empowerment Project empowers youth to find body acceptance and self-worth. The organization works to prevent eating disorders in adolescents, specifically in populations that lack access to treatment and preventive care. Our mission is to decrease eating disorder risk in adolescents and equip them with the skills to live peacefully and healthfully in their bodies through meaningful, near-peer interactions. Body Empowerment Project’s main service is a 10-week eating disorder prevention program for underserved middle and high school students in Philadelphia. The program, offered free-of-cost to all partnering schools, is structured into weekly educational workshops led by trained college students who serve as near-peer mentors. We currently serve public middle and high school students in the School District of Philadelphia—the largest and one of the most poorly funded school districts in Pennsylvania. In line with our mission, the program is offered to all students at our partnering schools free of cost. Christina Miranda Body Empowerment Project http://www.bodyempowerment.net United States Philadelphia, PA https://www.awesomefoundation.org/bg/chapters/philadelphia tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/219459 2023-07-11T00:00:00Z 2023-07-17T15:12:31Z I am a Friend of Kenny Alley. It was once a completely neglected alley in my neighborhood, The Excelsior, in San Francisco, with an unfortunate problem of accumulating various dumped goods and furniture. Lots of mattresses, for some reason. Technically, it's a San Francisco Street, but it is "unaccepted" by the San Francisco Department of Public Works, which means it's up to me and the neighbors and other Friends of Kenny Alley to get things done there on a volunteer basis. We've done well. We've cleaned it up ... Many times, and we have completed some projects at the site in phases. Over time, we have added a mural to a building on one side, as well as planters and plantings. We've added rain gutter gardens on the other side. We tried to keep them planted with cacti, but they were just too attractive and expensive and people kept stealing them. So, we've moved on to less flashy succulents that we can transplant from neighbors' back yards. It's much cheaper that way. Our most impressive project has been a mosaic artwork on the stairway in the alley that is designed to suggest a waterfall. In fact that is the name of the artwork, "Waterfall." We also have future plans to continue the water theme with a mural on the sidewalk that leads from the stairs to Mission Street. We unfortunately can't do that with $1,000.00. So, the $1,000.00 project I'm applying for is to string some lights in a shimmering zig zag pattern across Kenny Alley, perhaps adding some other beautiful dangling elements that will catch the light; to make it even more attractive, make the visibility better and make walking through Kenny Alley safer at night. We want everyone to feel that they can use Kenny Alley to travel to and from London Street to Mission Street by way of Kenny Alley at all times of the day or night. Mel Flores "Dazzling Lights Over Water" https://sanfranciscoparksalliance.org/friends-of-kenny-alley/ United States San Francisco, CA https://www.awesomefoundation.org/bg/chapters/sf tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/223609 2023-07-10T00:00:00Z 2023-07-14T22:56:09Z Neurodivergent children are too often excluded from most extracurricular sports like hockey and soccer due to the nature of the sport. Tennis allows for the unique opportunity to have peer-on-peer play in group settings, and create an environment where neurodivergent individuals can thrive. Our programming is dedicated to helping participants through sport and creating a more inclusive sports community. The Autism Alliance of Canada, in their National Needs Assessment Survey, found that in both pre-school and school aged children, activity based programs were among the top five demanded. For preschoolers, the demand ranked 4th with 55% of participants indicating this was a needed service, while it ranked second with School-aged children at 51%. Proset will be running a fall program in Toronto over an 8 week session in which students will receive one hour of tennis lessons a week. From parental feedback, we know the effects of our programming are felt at home and at school. When enrolled in lessons, caregivers and parents report that participants have better behavioural management, leading to less stressful home-lives for the participant and their families. We see high percentages of re-registration session after session, with many staying for years, and 25% of our paid staff at all locations are former program attendees. John Manning Adaptive Tennis for Neurodivergent Children https://www.specialneedssport.ca/ Canada Toronto https://www.awesomefoundation.org/bg/chapters/toronto tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/224088 2023-07-10T00:00:00Z 2023-07-10T20:24:28Z I want to provide music hour for seniors in living facilities. As a DJ in the military, at the NCO club in Germany, in the 70s, I served as a Disco DJ to my fellow armed services members. That was the most exciting thing, as I look back on my 67 yrs., that I ever participated in. I called it the 'Disco 90' show. I was serving in the Army, at Pioneer Kesernne, in Hanau, W. Germany, 1975-1977. This once a week show, on weekends, brought the hit disco music from the states to my military compound, and for 4-5 hours, lifted the spirits of NCO military personnel, their dependants, and even the local German citizens, who were authorized to enter the Pioneer Kesernne Military Base. There are at least 2 elderly facilities, here in New Orleans, LA. where I have discussed this idea with the Directors, as a 'free' service, from a Veteran, to the residents of these care facilities. The common area, the cafeteria, or the outside seating areas, at these facilities, are readily available to host this music providing event. Yes, special dedications will be provided, as my music catalogue comes from the extensive internet catalogues, and my album collection. There will be NO CHARGE. This is my contribution to the elderly, as I may, inquire about tips to longevity n living as senior citizens, as I hope to also experience. I will be using Bluetooth for internet music catalogue, but will also break out my albums from my extensive album collection to be played on my turntable, this will make it more old school authentic and nostalgic. . Harry S Albert, jr Easy listening music DJ for elderly care facilitie Worldwide Awesome Without Borders (Неактивен) https://www.awesomefoundation.org/bg/chapters/awesomewithoutborders tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/226206 2023-07-09T00:00:00Z 2023-07-17T16:05:49Z Led by the DCJS Office of Youth Justice (OYJ), Exodus Transitional Community has been selected as the Lead Agency for Project RISE: a new community-based effort to address the root causes of community violence and provide support in the aftermath of gun violence. The two main goals of Project RISE are: (1) Re/build and sustain a Newburgh that is healthy, equitable, has access to resources, services, and supports for community members to thrive; and (2) Create sustainable reductions in violence by centering community-generated ideas, prioritizing trauma-responsive solutions, and resourcing grassroots organizers. One of the main ways in which we meet this goal is to conduct extensive outreach in the community and to create positive programming as alternatives to violence for the community at large. Thus, in collaboration with community partners, Exodus will be hosting a Youth Empowerment Basketball Tournament on July 15th for the youth of Newburgh, their families, and the community. The event will be from 12pm-5pm in the park and will be a full day of basketball, food and programming for the community at no cost to them at all. We hope to have food, entertainment and fun. While this is the first Basketball Tournament we have hosted, we are hoping to make it an annual event for Newburgh so that such experiences become routine for the community. It will set the precedent for years to come and will engage the youth in positive outlets that help them put their guns down, invest in their futures, and build a safer Newburgh for all. Indira Charles Basketball Tournament for Exodus and TEAM Newburgh http://www.etcny.org United States Newburgh, NY https://www.awesomefoundation.org/bg/chapters/newburgh tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/226245 2023-07-09T00:00:00Z 2023-07-10T00:24:15Z My name is Felipe Cabrera. I´ve been vegan for 8 years already. I live in Lima, Peru. With the organization VIDA (Veganos Informando Derechos Animales - Vegans Informing about Animal Rights), we organize a monthly event called "LA NOCHE VEGAN" (Vegan Night), which takes place on every month´s last Sunday. It is an event organized by vegans for non-vegan people. It is a public event, and we receive from 30 to 60 people every month. It is a free event, but we invite people to give a donation at the end, in order to sustain the event. However, donations are not enough in order to cover our costs. Last Sunday we spent 190 soles (approximately USD 49,8) and we received 90 soles (approximately USD 23,5). Unfortunately, Peruvian society is very informal, and although we ask people to confirm whether they expect to assist or not, they may confirm and end up not showing up, or viceversa. Because of this, we never know how many people to expect. In may, for instance, we expected to receive over 50 people as it happened in april, but only 30 people showed up. Therefore, we spent a lot (we usually spent less than that) and didn´t get many donations to cover our costs. Because of this, we want to consider this grant as a solution for our event. I believe our event is awesome as we get a lot of non-vegan people who are able to try delicious vegan food. Also, we share animal rights flyers to all non-vegans. We also invite some healthcare professionals, nutriotionists, therapists who talk about health and nutritions topics, artists who share their art, musicians who play live music. We only need help to cover food costs. We don´t need any help with renting a place, as we hold the event in a vegan restaurant (ConSuLado Vegano - Vegan Consulate) which doesn´t charge us any renting fee, and we don´t spend money on advertising as we share the invitation in different social media. Felipe Cabrera La Noche Vegan (Vegan Night) https://www.instagram.com/la.noche.vegan/ Worldwide Vegan (Неактивен) https://www.awesomefoundation.org/bg/chapters/vegan tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/217948 2023-07-09T00:00:00Z 2023-07-13T19:25:35Z Sara Homan teaches sewing to a group of high school students at Star Community school which offers programming for students who need a smaller, more supportive, and more flexible school environment. They have sewing machines but need a few pairs of sewing shears, supplies like pins and seam rippers for the sewing kits, and thread and fabric for projects, She will use this micro-grant to build up a bigger supply of tools and materials so students have more opportunities for projects. Many of her students come in needing credit recovery or social emotional support. She believes learning a skill like sewing and having projects to take home and show family and friends is beneficial to the self esteem and well being of her students. Sara Homan Sewing School United States Santa Cruz, CA https://www.awesomefoundation.org/bg/chapters/santacruz tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/225166 2023-07-07T00:00:00Z 2023-07-14T03:37:28Z Fright for Future, is a free haunted maze of "true terrors" bringing scary issues such as climate change, plastic pollution, and animal rights to light this Halloween. Fright for Future will be on Friday, October 13th - Sunday, October 15th. I put this event on in 2021 by myself at a park in Washington State and last year I partnered with local organizations to put the event on for the public at the Centro Cultural de la Raza in San Diego, CA. It was a success! 170 people got tickets prior to the event on Eventbrite and around 150 people went through the maze! I invited several local environmental and animal rights organizations to create an exhibit as part of the "haunted maze" that is scary and educational, and specific to the cause the organization advocates for. The six participating organizations also tabled at the event. As you go through the haunted maze there are QR codes to scan in each exhibit to learn more about the issue being addressed (see event website below for more info). There were 12 haunted exhibits (I made 6 of the exhibits and partner organizations made the other 6). I will be adding an additional 2-3 exhibits next year. My long-term goal is to create a Fright for Future toolkit with everything there is to know about how to put on this event, so others can hold this event to educate their communities. Fright for Future exhibits: Biohazard Unit - Air Pollution/Climate Change Fur-Eaky - Fur Industry Dead Sea - Plastic Pollution Ghost Netting - Fishing nets affect on sealife Chainsaw Massacre - Deforestation Killer Dinner - Shark Finning Mad Scientist - Animal Testing The Extinction - Animal Extinction Killer Look - Fast Fashion Poacher Camp - Rhino Poaching Butcher Shop - Animal Rights/Meat Industry The Cage - Chicken/Egg Industry Witch’s Cauldron - Animal products used in cosmetics The Circus - Animals used for entertainment Apocalypse - Oil industry/ Fracking Jaidacyn Madrigal Fright for Future https://www.activistattitude.com/fright-for-future Worldwide Vegan (Неактивен) https://www.awesomefoundation.org/bg/chapters/vegan tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/226490 2023-07-05T00:00:00Z 2023-07-11T12:36:30Z Back to Birdy was written by Zach Bui as part of Fruit Box Theatre’s RIPE Development Program; an innovative development program that saw a collective of queer actors and writers work together to develop five original plays for Sydney WorldPride. The play explores the relationship between queer women and trans men, and was formed out of the experiences of Zach and fellow members of RIPE. Taking place in the aftermath of a falling out between protagonists Warren and Emily, Back to Birdy is a candid and humorous look at the chasms that can form within friendships whilst navigating identity politics, coming out, and one's relationship with queer spaces. Set against the backdrop of queer women’s night ‘Birdcage’, the play takes the characters back to Birdy (ie. Birdcage) through a series of flashbacks as they interact with their younger selves. Back to Birdy was first presented as a staged reading at KXT during Sydney WorldPride and received an incredibly warm reception. Audiences and reviewers alike were eager for this play to see its full form. Wishing to bring the play to life in a unique and immersive way, we are currently in talks with various bars about producing the play as a site-specific piece. This will allow us to engage community in an exciting way whilst centralising the significance of place to the production. As Sydney's nightlife and live entertainment begins to return to where it was pre-Covid, our idea will be a crucial contribution to activating public spaces for the benefit of our city. We will bring queer community to a Sydney nightlife venues throughout multiple evenings, creating an exciting evening of theatre for our patrons and contributing to the turnover of the venue. Fruit Box Theatre is a Sydney non-profit committed to staging and developing original LGBTQIA+ theatre. Our mission is to strengthen queer representation, wellbeing, and collaboration in the arts. Too often, artistic representations of the LGBTQIA+SB community are constrained by tropes of shame, isolation and discomfort. The team at Fruit Box Theatre are passionate about developing and staging original theatrical works that reflect and explore the full spectrum of LGBTQIA+SB lived experience. Sean Landis Back to Birdy https://www.sydneyartsguide.com.au/fruit-box-theatre-presents-back-to-birdy-at-kxt-kings-cross/ Australia Sydney https://www.awesomefoundation.org/bg/chapters/sydney tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/223027 2023-07-05T00:00:00Z 2023-07-31T01:07:32Z I own Alice's kitchen a home registered cake business. I want to provide cupcake decorating workshop for women in shelters. This can be an activity to empower them to do something and can also have a positive impact on their mental health as it allows them to be creative. Alice Mbara cupcake decorating workshops https://alicekitchen.com.au/ Australia Newcastle https://www.awesomefoundation.org/bg/chapters/newcastle tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/218877 2023-07-04T00:00:00Z 2023-07-17T21:48:11Z Our Cool To Be Smart, HBCU initiative is to increase the awareness of HBCU's and hopefully encourage enrollment among South Bend Students. Starting in February, we will bring in notable Tennessee State University alumni to do workshops with high school students. In April we are planning a HBCU college tour to Tennessee, Alabama, and Georgia. We are currently putting a group of high school students together who will go on the trip and be able to submit transcripts, talk to recruiters and find out about scholarship opportunities. This fall leading up to the Notre Dame Vs Tennessee State football game, we are planning 4 days of events. A welcome reception on Thursday to welcome TSU dignitaries to the city, Panel discussion, College Fair, Scholarship Giveaway, Pep Rally and Greek Step Show on Friday. An HBCU style tailgate on Saturday. On Sunday we will focus on wellness in an even we are calling college Sunday where all the fraternity and sororities are invited to attend worship service together, followed by vendors, food trucks bouncy houses and hopefully the TSU band. The main goal of all these activities are to give South Bend a small taste of the HBCU experience. Brian Frazier HBCU, It's Cool To Be Smart Initiative United States South Bend, IN https://www.awesomefoundation.org/bg/chapters/southbend tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/221063 2023-07-04T00:00:00Z 2023-07-17T21:46:11Z Talent attraction and retention is a high priority for city officials, organization executives, higher education, and community organizations in the South Bend Elkhart Region. It is no question that people truly care and are invested in making the South Bend-Elkhart region the best place to live, work, and play. We have seen great strides of improvement over the past 5 years, however, we believe there is additional opportunity to improve the “stickiness” factor and accelerate these initiatives in the region. Once an organization has incentivized someone to move to the region, there need to be various organizations working together to retain talent. Today more than ever, people crave human connection. As Kurt Vonnegut argues, “the most pervasive American disease is loneliness”. People stay in a region if they develop friendships, get involved in the community, and have access to an abundance of engaging activities and experiences. Connect 574’s focus is to help individuals find their "home" through intentional connection. Connect 574 is in the early stages of testing the idea and concept with members of the community. There are four key pillars to our business we are in the process of testing: 1) unique Connect 574 experiences 2) special access to events in the region 3) member portal, 4) Connect 574 member card At the moment we have hosted (2) Connect 574 experiences. We had 100% attendance from registrants and each attendee met someone new. Our ultimate goal is to establish a membership model that will provide perks to different activities and opportunities. We believe it’s important to develop a base of raving fans and add value to individuals today to understand the value they see in Connect 574. We’d like to approach local corporations and organizations to include a Connect 574 membership into their onboarding kits for new employees to help them establish their “home” in the South Bend-Elkhart region with intentional connection. Cat Edmonds Connect 574 http://connect574.com United States South Bend, IN https://www.awesomefoundation.org/bg/chapters/southbend tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/223738 2023-07-04T00:00:00Z 2024-05-13T07:56:36Z Our Awesome project is facilitating the first Operation Flinders team for Goolwa Secondary College! There are 10 young women from Alexandrina Region who will be directly impacted by this experience. The girls, accompanied by 2 school staff will travel to ‘Yankaninna Station’ in the Flinders Ranges, to hike as a team and camp out for 7 nights. They will walk many kilometres over different terrain, work as a team, complete challenges and experience the difficult moments of being in the outdoors - like carrying a heavy backpack, rocks, prickles, blisters, camp toilets etc. They will also experience the wonderful moments of the outdoors - like summiting mountains, watching beautiful sunrises/ sunsets and seeing native animals in a remote setting! Teams also have the chance to participate in either an abseil or high ropes experience whilst in the Flinders Ranges. We expect that this experience will bring about increased confidence and belief in self, for these young people. They will have an immersive experience while working as a team, learning about empathy, compassion, leadership, outdoor skills and emotional awareness. We expect that these young people will come back to their homes in Alexandrina as changed young women with more direction, more patience and understanding for themselves and others and a different attitude of success to frame future challenges they encounter. We believe that this journey will have a positive difference to their families and wider community also as they seek to connect, learn and support their peers at school with their additional confidence and leadership. Furthermore, participating in this experience allows these young people to be connected with ongoing activities and training provided by Operation Flinders, and opens more doors for development of skills and future employment. Thankyou for your consideration to bring Awesome into the lives of these young people in the Fleurieu! Amy Mackenzie Goolwa Seondary College Operation Flinders Team https://operationflinders.org.au/ Australia Fleurieu https://www.awesomefoundation.org/bg/chapters/fleurieu tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/224136 2023-07-03T00:00:00Z 2023-07-03T23:43:05Z - To design and produce a deck of cards of everyday vocabulary in Arberesh (with Italian on the back) with corresponding descriptions and pictures. These can be used to match up vocabulary and description. The cards will have pictures, text and a QR code on them. They will be distributed in person. - The QR codes will link to a video playlist where the descriptions can be heard and seen in audio-visual form as well, in both female and male voices. - The same content will be found in Wikipedia articles where the information will be expanded upon. - These resources will follow a polynomic model allowing and encouraging the representation of more than one variety of the Arberesh language. These decks of cards can eventually be replicated by other Arberesh communities in their own variety. Long-term goals - Maintain its usage among the younger generation - Increase knowledge and awareness of vocabulary - Improve attitudes and challenge dominant ideologies - Increase awareness of the polynomic model of language maintenance - Create a consistent orthography that works in practice and is widely accepted Project Goals - Having resources for the community in an intelligibile and easy to read form of the Arberesh language, that do not reflect purist ideology - To have a stock of videos that serve as a pedagogical tool for any age (but especially for children) and simultaneously as a reference work on the Arberesh Wikipedia (which is currently in incubation: https://incubator.wikimedia.org/wiki/Wp/aae/) Martin Di Maggio KARTË ARBRESHË/ARBERESH FLASHCARDS Worldwide Awesome Without Borders (Неактивен) https://www.awesomefoundation.org/bg/chapters/awesomewithoutborders tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/227260 2023-07-01T00:00:00Z 2023-11-03T08:50:13Z Պերմակուլտուրա այգու հիմնում, գյուղատնտեսական հողատարածքի համադրումը բնության էկոսիստեմների հետ։ Սովորեցնում եմ ինպես համագործակցել բնության հետ, ոչ թե պայքարել բնության մեջ կատարվող երեւույթների դեմ։ Օրինակ ' ինչի բերքի որոշ հատված թողնել թռչունների, որովհետև նրանք հիմնավորվում են մեր տարածքում եւ օգնում կառավարել վնասատուների քանակը։ Սովորեցնում ենք խոնավապահպանման մեթոդներ, ինչես ճիշտ կազմել մարգերի շերտերը, որպիսի ջուր չներծծվի, դառնա գրունտային ջուր, ոչ էլ գոլորշանա, այլ կոնդենսատի ցիրկուլացյիա կատարի հողի վերեւի շերտի մոտ։ Սովորեցնում ենք փոխարինել պարարտանյութերի բույսերով, օրինակ որ բույսերն են ազոտ ֆիկսում, կամ ֆոսֆոր մոբիլիզացնում, եւ ինչպես կիրառել դրանք բերքատվությունը շատացնելու, փոշոտումը խթանելու, հողի որակները բարելավելու համար։ Սովորեցնում են կառավարելի պահել վնասատուների քանակը, օգտակար միջատների շնորհիվ, եւ ոնց արդյունավետ կիրառել այն, խուսափելով թունաքիմիկատների։ Սովորեցնում ենք արեւի էներգիայի մաքսիմալ շատ կիրառման մեթոդ, որը ուգլիռոդների տեսքով էներգիա է դառնում ստորգետնյա կենսաբազմազանության համար, նաեւ մուլչապատման մատերյալ հաջորդ տարվա համար ։ Սովորեցնում ենք ինչպես վարվել հողի հետ, որպիսի այն փորելու կարգի չլինի, քանի որ փորը տարիների ընթացքում էրոզիա է առաջացնում։ Սովորեցնում ենք բույսերի միջոցով վնասատուների դեմ պաշտպանության համակարգի ստեղծումը, օդային թակարդների հիմնումը։ Սովորեցնում ենք բոլոր տեսակի թափոնների կիրառումը, կամպոստերի պատրաստում, կամ հենց կամպոստի պատրաստում, որը մաքսիմալ շատ միկրոօրգանիզմ ներդրվի հողի մեջ։ Անձրեւաջրերի կառավարում, գրունտային ջրերից օգտվելու եղանակներ, վալականավաների պատրաստում, ագրոանտառաբուծության մեթոդներ, օդից ջուր ֆիքսելու , միկրոկլիմատ ձեւավորելու, անտառային շերտեր կառուցելու , ակվակուլտուրայի մեթոդներ եւ այլն։ Հողը սպառվող ռեսուրս է, իսկ մարդիկ դրա սպառման հիմնական պատճառը։ Մարդկանց կրթությունը հիմք կհանդիսանա բնության հետ համագործակցել, այլ ոչ թե ոչնչացնել։ Կենդանիների կիրառումը այգու մեջ որպես օգնական, կովերը էտի , խոզերը որդերի պապուլյացյաի, հավերը փորելու , հողը պարարտացնելու եւ այլն։ Էրիկ Հախվերդյան Պերմակուլտուրայի կրթական այգի https://www.facebook.com/fromberdavan?mibextid=ZbWKwL Armenia Nature Armenia https://www.awesomefoundation.org/bg/chapters/naturearmenia tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/222161 2023-06-30T00:00:00Z 2023-07-20T14:05:30Z M.A.S.S. (Music and Artistic Sensory experience for the Soul) is a program developed by San Antonio's The AM Project that takes inspiration from spiritual musical traditions, with each experience being uniquely curated as a fusion of music, sound, and media to create an immersive sensory journey that explores the spiritual connection of music and senses. This nondenominational encourages participants to step away from the noise of modern life and into a sonic sanctuary that combines sounds from western church offering, eastern meditations, classical instrumentals, operatic accents, and many other enlightening elements combined through the DJ’s curated set.  For July 2023, the San Antonio River Foundation will collaborate with The AM Project on an elaborate presentation of MASS focusing on our Asian, Asian-American, and Pacific Islanders community. Ashley Mireles MASS (AM Project + San Antonio River Foundation) https://www.theamproject.org/ United States San Antonio, TX https://www.awesomefoundation.org/bg/chapters/sanantonio tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/222707 2023-06-30T00:00:00Z 2023-07-03T16:08:51Z Meu projeto é começar a empoderar mulheres atingidas pelo rompimento das barragens da Vale S.A em Córrego do Feijão, Brumadinho, em 2019, selecionadas pela AMPARE - Associação pela Inclusão de Mulheres e Pessoas com Deficiância, com sede em Brumadinho e tendo como diretor presidente Maurilio Dias Jardim. Consiste em formalizar mulheres atingidas de Brumadinho, com critérios de inscrição em CADUNICO, desempregada, baixa renda, mães-solo, sem casa própria, enfim, critérios construídos por edital e que definirão mulheres compromissadas a empreender produzindo temperos caseiros. Para começar, três mulheres iniciariam a produção, com matéria-prima e os potes para comercialização, arte gráfica digital para redes sociais, liquidificador industrial, máquina veda pote, rótulos e informações ao consumidor. Nasci em Brumadinho e ainda moro por aqui. Atualmente no bairro Aurora. Sou membro fundadora da AMPARE, e sempre na luta contra a violação de direitos. Sobretudo após ao crime da Vale, num território onde vivi e morei a vida inteira. E isso é uma coisa que abala a gente demais, né? Após 4 anos lutando desde janeiro de 2019 e tendo 2 anos e meio deles trabalhado no setor público municipal, e vivenciado e adoecido por perceber a problemática cruel e impiedosa que vivemos aqui - sai do setor público e há 4 meses desempregada, e convivendo e observando a situação de outras mulheres, das convivências da AMPARE, das rodas de conversas entre amigas de uma vida toda, percebi que precisamos nos unir e usar as estruturas que ai estão e que possibiltam alguns direitos e/ou oportunidades pra gente. E falo isso levando em conta os benefícios de se formalizar através do MEI, da geração de renda que leva uma mensagem de sustentabilidade, de empoderamento, de liberdade, de auto-estima, de esperança, de cura. Valor aprovado para o projeto: R$ 3000 Lilian Jacqueline da Silva Empreender para a liberdade Brazil Brumadinho https://www.awesomefoundation.org/bg/chapters/brumadinho tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/224243 2023-06-30T00:00:00Z 2023-06-30T06:51:21Z We are excited that our June grant has been awarded to One Whale's Tale and their Brooklyn Cumbia Festival which will be taking place next weekend, from July 6-10 around NYC. The festival is a multi-day community-focused music festival that celebrates Cumbia music from its origins in Colombia to its modern forms across Latin America through workshops, live bands, DJs, dancing, food, drinks, arts & crafts. It takes place at the Good Life Garden in Bushwick, House of Yes, Maria Hernandez Park, Barbès, Joe’s Pub, and TV EYE! There is no other event on the East Coast dedicated to celebrating the importance of Cumbia music and this is One Whale's Tale first year throwing this festival. Organizer ​​Camilo Quiroz-Vazquez writes, _"People in the US often speak of the Latino community, but the reality is that we are many different communities with unique cultures, dialects, rituals, food, and politics. One thing many of our countries have in common is a love for Cumbia, and my dream is that through music and art we create a place to start conversations and create a deeper connection with each other. Cumbia was born from African rhythms in Colombia, a fact not all Cumbia lovers are aware of, and the first two days of the festival are dedicated to Afro-Latino artists and acknowledging and celebrating their work and we think that is pretty awesome!"_ * [Visit their site for a full schedule of events](https://www.onewhalestale.com/upcoming) * RSVP and Ticketing information at www.brooklyncumbiafestival.com * Follow [@bkcumbiafest](https://www.instagram.com/bkcumbiafest/) and [@onewhalestale](https://www.instagram.com/onewhalestale/) on Instagram. Camilo Quiroz-Vazquez and One Whale's Tale Brooklyn Cumbia Festival https://www.onewhalestale.com/upcoming United States New York City, NY https://www.awesomefoundation.org/bg/chapters/nyc tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/224951 2023-06-30T00:00:00Z 2023-07-07T19:04:03Z Disability Victory is a 501(c)4 organization building the political power of disabled progressives through training, networking, and leadership development. We envision a country where disabled people have the information, support, and skills they need to successfully lead as candidates, elected officials, and campaign staff. We will accomplish this through three core tracks of work. The first is the Disability Victory Academy, which is an accessible campaign training program led by organizers, consultants, and elected officials who can speak to the unique challenges and barriers that disabled leaders face in the campaign environment. Secondly, as accessibility and disability inclusion subject matter experts, we will assist other training and political advocacy organizations in becoming more accessible and inclusive. Our third goal is to connect disabled leaders with each other to find mentorship and support, and connect other organizations with disabled candidates, elected officials, organizers, activists, and advocates to make their programming more inclusive. Through Disability Victory, we work to center the experiences and needs of multiply marginalized disabled people, especially BIPOC disabled people and disabled people of marginalized genders. We ensure that this is reflected in the speakers, trainers, and organizers we hire and compensate to lead our campaign training programming. **What our grantee is saying:** "Disability Victory is honored to be a recipient of the Awesome Disability ’s June award our organization was built on the foundation of connecting the disability community directly to the electoral process and most importantly training a pipeline of disabled candidates ready to serve their communities. With this critical funding from the Awesome Foundation, Disability Victory will be able to continue our vital work across the country." **What our trustees are saying:** "I voted for Disability Victory because I really believe in the work they are doing, building capacity for disabled political candidates." Sarah Blahovec Disability Victory http://www.disabilityvictory.org Worldwide Disability https://www.awesomefoundation.org/bg/chapters/disability tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/225309 2023-06-30T00:00:00Z 2023-07-09T00:33:24Z June’s Awesome Ottawa award goes to Edouard Marava to support an epic box war. “We'll get a bunch of cardboard boxes,” explains Edouard, “build huge castles, and have a big war.” “People can bring their own cardboard weapons and armour, and we'd split people into two teams, give them an hour to build up their castle, and then declare WAaaarrrrrrrr!” “We'd then recycle all the cardboard at the end of the day,” Edouard adds. “I have a bunch of kids programs running all year, so I'm sure the kids would be happy to paint or build stuff with the leftovers of the battle.” “The event would be free,” says Edouard. “After the big fight, there'd be some stupid games like ‘who can jump through a large piece of cardboard’ or ‘let's build cardboard planes and try to fly them.’ I expect that people will get very creative if we let them use the materials available.” Edouard is a father of two, and runs a nonprofit organization that delivers youth programs. “I've been working with kids my whole life,” he says, and I believe my child heart is still intact!” Edouard Marava Epic Box War Canada Ottawa https://www.awesomefoundation.org/bg/chapters/ottawa tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/225678 2023-06-30T00:00:00Z 2023-08-22T12:07:18Z We're working on building a holistic and empowering Cultural Welcome Guide to Liverpool for the asylum seeker and refugee community in the city. Part of this involves a programme of trips. We are currently applying for larger pots of funding to support the whole project. In the meantime, we want to keep the momentum we've built up going and involve new participants by running a programme of trips in summer 2023. This project was inspired by a tour we organised for a group of vulnerable migrants to the Tate and Open Eye as part of the SOL English through Art project at Metal in Autumn 2022. One of the participants was overwhelmed to discover they could access the art on show at the Tate for free. Another shared photos of last time they had been to an exhibition - It had possibly been a year since they had accessed culture in the city and was only doing so through the filter of organised trips. Our trips are unique as they are done with a view to empowerment. We do this by supporting participants to take public transport, explaining to them how to enter the space, where to go for free tickets etc. Everything about the trip aims to increase participants confidence in entering cultural spaces. Katy Harris Liverpool Cultural Welcome Project https://www.oneseptemberart.co.uk/liverpool-cultural-welcome-project United Kingdom Liverpool https://www.awesomefoundation.org/bg/chapters/liverpool tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/223687 2023-06-29T00:00:00Z 2023-06-30T03:30:24Z The mission of 100 TREES PROJECT is to plant trees in high impact urban heat island locations such as, public housing and public spaces to improve the lives of people, build community, and directly impact the urban quality of life and make an impact on climate change. 100 trees at a time. Working with local partners, 100 TREES PROJECT plans to plant batches of 10 or 20 trees in each location. Six to eight feet in height, the trees are fast growing and are species native to New England. 100 TREES PROJECT provides the trees, necessary fertilizer etc., while the local partner, where the trees are planted, will be expected to commit to help plant and maintain the trees for the first five years. As of today we have planted 90 trees in the 4 years since we started this project. 50 of them are in public housing in Boston and Gloucester. 20 are at Seaside Cemetery in Gloucester. The most recent 20 were planted at Burnham Playground in Gloucester. We are currently scouting locations for next 10-20 trees. Prartaap Patrose 100 Trees Project http://www.100TreesProject.org United States Gloucester, MA https://www.awesomefoundation.org/bg/chapters/gloucester