Awesome Foundation - Proyectos

Artsakh (Inactivo) – Քո ստեղծած գրքով դեպի մեծ հեքիաթ

2019-06-16T00:00:00Z

Լինելով արվեստագետ, ով նկարելուց զատ գրում է, հետաքրքրությամբ սկսեցի ուսումնասիրել գրքարվեստն ու գրքի ստեղծման տեխնիկաները: Ինքս ցանկացա գրքեր ստեղծել` ամբողջովին ձեռքով, առանց տպագրական միջամտության: Գրքարվեստը դեռևս վաղուց եղել է Հայաստանում: Ինչևէ`յուրացնելով գրքի մի տեխնիկա, որը կոնկրետ ծագումնաբանություն չունի, սկսեցի գրքեր պատրաստել և ոչ միայն: Տվյալ կերպով գրքի պատրաստման տեխնիկան և հետաքրքիր է, և յուրօրինակ ու չկրկնվող, այնքան վառ ու մոտիվացնող, որ ստիպում է կաղապարներից ազատվել ու այն օգտագործել գրքից բացի մեկ այլ հարթակում: Ֆոտոգիրք, սեփական մտքերի թռիչքով ստեղծված մի այլ բան,որ կարող է դառնալ այս տեխնիկայով պատրաստված գիրքը: Ինքս նման գրքեր պատրաստելով` հետաքրքրվողների շրջանակ եմ ստեղծել, պատվերներ վերցնելով` տան պայմաններում վաստակել: Այս տեխնիկան երկարատև է, բայց ոչ այնքան բարդ. պատրաստելու համար նկարիչ լինելը պարտադիր չէ: Յուրաքանչյուրն այն կարող է իրագործել սեփական երևակայությանն համապատասխան: Լեռնային Ղարաբաղի շատ գյուղերում, ստվերում ապրող երեխաներին լուսավորելու ու գույներ ներարկելու նպատակով իմ թիմով մեծ ցանկություն եմ հայտնում սովորեցնելու այս ամենը: Դասընթացին կարող են մասնակցել 10 տարեկանից բարձր երեխաներն ու պատանիները: Նպատակը հետևյալն է. յուրաքանչյուր մասնակցի հետ ստեղծել հեքիաթ, որից հետո հեքիաթի նկարազարդումներով վերոնշյալ տեխնիկայով պատրաստված գիրքը: Արդյունքում կլինի հեքիաթի գիրք, որը հեղինակային կլինի յուրաքանչյուր երեխայի համար, կբացահայտի` ինքն իր մեջ պարփակված ապագա ստեղծագործողին: Հեքիաթի գրքից զատ`ցանկացողներին կարող ենք սովորեցնել ֆոտոգրքի պատրաստում: Այս ամենի արդյունքն այյն կլինի, որ միտքը կսկսի նոր գաղափարներ ծնել` ի նպաստ հոգևորի և նյութականի ձեռքբերման: Գրքարվեստի այս ոլորտը քչերին է հայտնի, իսկ ես ցանկանում եմ այն կիսել այնպիսի մարդկանց հետ, որոնց միտքը կենցաղի հարթակից դուրս է թռչելու: Իսկ ծրագրի շրջանակներում ինձ կօգնի և երեխաներին ուլունքագործություն կսովորեցնի Նելլի Սարգսյանը:

Cass Clay – We Are More Alike Than Different

2019-06-15T00:00:00Z

For my awesome project I’d like to visit classrooms, day cares, afterschool programs and maybe even businesses to share my message: We Are More Alike Than Different. I already have about 15 classroom visits scheduled in May and would love to be able to do even more. I want to share my story with kids and help them learn that kids with disabilities are pretty awesome too! We might look a little different, or talk a little different but we have the same goals and dreams as everybody else. I think/hope my project will help kids think twice about bullying and being mean to others because of differences.

Orlando, FL – Pine Hills Community Mural

2019-06-14T00:00:00Z

Public murals help shape and define (or in some cases, re-brand) communities. Art can serve as an agent of change, and the distinctiveness of a particular mural is often a source of pride for community members. Due to the sheer amount of effort and logistics that accompanies planning and painting a mural, communities are energized and it encourages further development and stewardship. Recently we've experienced graffiti near an elementary school. This location is directly outside the Pine Hills branch of UCP of Central Florida. Beginning in 1955 as a therapy program, UCP serves students with and without disabilities from Pre-k to the 5th grade. UCP is also a Title 1 school. We recognize that children are our most precious resource and in an effort to shield them from graffiti, spur their imagination, and add more character to the Pine Hills community, we are painting a mural in the location that has been repeatedly gratified. We envision a mural that encompasses the diversity and dynamism of Pine Hills. At the moment we are developing possible designs for our future mural.

Austin, TX – Outsiders Anonymous

2019-06-14T00:00:00Z

We are a local nonprofit that exists to provide free fitness training and an awesome sober community to individuals in recovery from drugs and alcohol to help them run from relapse and lift themselves into a life worth living. We were birthed out of our research at the University of Texas which showed that physical activity reanimated neurotransmitter receptor sites in the brain during early recovery. This allows the individual to then experience positive mood states that they otherwise wouldn't have access to, significantly reducing relapse rates. The number one cited reason for relapse is a desire to experience any emotion, as biological changes in the brain leave the individual unable to feel, and by turning back to their drug of choice, the individual then experiences positive affect again. Our work then is to create a community to practically implement these findings. We go to rehab centers, sober homes, and hold classes at local parks and tracks for free(!!) to show people that life is something to be enjoyed and that they are truly capable of more than they know! Through workouts and eventually completing a Spartan Race (also free!), the individual struggling with addiction will begin to realize that they can achieve freedom through fitness. Recovery is the hardest thing anyone will ever do; we are trying to stack the deck in favor of success - help us even the odds a little more!

Buffalo, NY (Inactivo) – Blessing Bags

2019-06-13T00:00:00Z

The Buffalo chapter of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul (SVDP) is an independent, non-profit organization whose members seek the forgotten, the suffering, the deprived, and treat them with dignity and compassion. Our most relied upon programs is our meal and food distribution through our Dining Hall and Food Pantry and our Discount Clothing and Appliance shop. Five days a week, we serve a hot and delicious meal and provide fresh baked breads to go. Once a week, we open our food pantry of frozen donated foods for families and individuals to shop, assisted by volunteers. For both our bread and frozen item distributions, we require the recipient provide their own shopping bag which has customarily been a plastic shopping bag. Our store is open to the public assisting shoppers six days a week to obtain affordable clothing and household goods all bagged in plastic shopping bags upon purchase. With the looming threat of eliminating and/or taxing plastic shopping bags in favor of using reusable bags, our clients will experience yet another great hardship to obtain these bags which may lead to lack of food and even punishment by law. We unfortunately are also financially ill equipped to provide reusable bags so we ask the Awesome Foundation may help. We will use the $1,000 Awesome Grant to purchase reusable shopping bags for our food and clothing recipient’s that depend on us in these harsh economic times. We will also use these bags as a visual platform to spread the Vincentian message of environmental stewardship. Serving the less fortunate while protecting our environment truly is awesome!!!

Minas Gerais (Inactivo) – O Ponto do Idealista

2019-06-13T00:00:00Z

PIT STOP IDEAL UNIVERSAL Em consonância com o Movimento Internacional Idealista, o projeto mais Awesome de nossas fronteiras em Junho, do Wander Luiz Pio de Sena, criará Pontos Físicos Públicos e Privados denominados "O Ponto do Idealista" cuja infra estrutura é um totem multimídia, com tela touch screen para acesso ao endereços tidos como Pontos dos Idealistas Virtuais espalhados pelo Mundo. Um aplicativo, conectará Idealistas para atendimento a questões e para agendamento de encontros para confabular sobre Ideais. Assim, a ideia é que tenhamos, na geografia mundial, a longo prazo, pontos oficiais onde se conspira pelo bem e onde se encontra seres com os mesmos sonhos! Saiba mais sobre o movimento idealista em: www.idealist.org/agir QUE SEJA AWESOME

Newcastle – Newcastle Dog Day

2019-06-13T00:00:00Z

Pound Paws presents ‘Honeysuckle Dog Day', a community place-making initiative to help raise awareness about pet adoption & build a strong sense of community within the Newcastle community. This paw-some (ha ha) project will consist of 15 stalls, live entertainment (dog shows), acoustic music, food (encouraging attendees to sit/eat and enjoy the event), as well as dogs available for adoption. The main purpose of the event is to raise awareness about pet adoption, by including local rescue groups and pounds in the event, showcasing their pets available for adoption. We will also educate attendees about responsible pet ownership, and include services like; free vet checks, free micro-chipping and much more.

Ottawa – 613 Day Block Party

2019-06-13T00:00:00Z

June’s Awesome Ottawa award goes to the co-founders and volunteers of Apartment613 to support a free block party and mini-festival that will celebrate the city, as well as the 10th birthday of the Apt613 blog. “613 Day,” explains Philippe Ha, Apt613’s Community Manager, “is a one-day, open-source festival that happens every year on June 13th – 6/13 – when the people, companies, and organizations of Ottawa host small events to celebrate the diversity and awesomeness of our city. So it’s sort of like Canada Day, but for Ottawa!” “The 2019 block party,” he continues, “is just one event in a citywide movement that looks to celebrate Ottawa year after year on 6/13. This year just happens to be Apt613’s tenth anniversary, so we couldn’t think of a better way to thank the city than with a free event alongside volunteers, friends, neighbours, some cake, and a few balloons.” “We've acquired permits to close the street outside Happy Goat Coffee on Laurel and to extend their patio for the evening. We've also invited DJs and visual artists, a food truck, a couple of breweries, and a few other local pop-ups to participate. Join us 5 à 7 for birthday cake, and as day turns into night stick around to meet new people, and for local music, art exhibitions, food vendors, and street-side activities.” More details about the block party are available at apt613.ca. It runs from 4:00 to 9:00 PM. Apt613 is a volunteer-run not-for-profit organization whose main activity is apt613.ca, an award-winning blog dedicated to uncovering the best of Ottawa’s arts and culture.

Louisville, KY (Inactivo) – LGBTQ+ Friendly Healthcare Providers

2019-06-11T00:00:00Z

Here at Queer Kentucky, our mission is to bolster and embrace Queer Kentucky culture through stories, art, and action. We are working to create a larger platform with informational articles that affect the Queer community of Kentucky. One of the struggles we face is finding doctors and medical facilities that are understanding, compassionate and supportive of the LGBTQ+ community. We are already working with an investigative reporter on this project and we would love to compensate them for their work.

Louisville, KY (Inactivo) – Derby City CARES Mentoring Movement: THE RISING

2019-06-11T00:00:00Z

Derby City CARES Mentoring Movement--Community Wellness and Wealth-Building Circles (Community Circles): are opportunities for wellness healing gatherings through which we are deepening our reach into struggling African American communities. Charged by the National office (National CARES Mentoring Movement) to galvanizing on the local level through affiliate leaders to implement healing circles in their respective cities, Community Circles provide a safe place for reflection and connection, where our mentors and other community leaders can learn to relieve the debilitating stress too many of us shroud in silence. Anchored by our culturally specific curriculum, Community Circles provide able adults needed health and wellness support and best-practices in community and mentor engagement, ensuring a pipeline of healthy, caring adults who are emotionally, physically and financially stable, and who will love and guide our children to total well being. In these gatherings we acknowledge the historical and intergenerational toxic stress that is at the root of many of the debilitating, but preventable, diseases that lead to premature mortality among African Americans - at every economic strata. From this place of acknowledgement CARES facilitators lead participants toward self-discovery through proven principles and practices that affirm our humanity, resilience and ancestry. Together, community participants learn and practice stress-management techniques that foster psychological and physiological balance and well being, and, ultimately, allow individuals to self-heal. Our curriculum deepens pride in Black heritage and what African Americans have survived and achieved. In Circle, mutuality is built, and spirituality and faith are honored. Our innovative curriculum has a strong focus on rooting economic independence within Black communities, encouraging civic engagement and support for strengthening local Black institutions, including our media organizations.

Fleurieu – Tick Tock - Music Video

2019-06-11T00:00:00Z

TICK TOCK (Music Video) Directed by Albert Jamae & Loren Kate Music & Lyrics by Loren Kate Produced by Albert Jamae As the old adage goes ‘give a man a fish and feed him for a day – teach him to fish and feed him for life’. Awareness of mental health is something we’re all familiar with but empowering those in despair is potentially the way forward. This project is a collaboration between two award winning creatives who reside in the Fleurieu region who share a passion for improving the quality of life in our community. The aim of the project is to use as many locals as possible (on screen and off) in helping to bring the project to fruition. It's to be released during mental health week for any organization (and beyond) to show the clip in a hope of inspiring others to find courage to hold on and know they're not alone. We believe our job as community members is to find ways to empower those experiencing despair (or those supporting them), so they can have the strength to carry themselves forwards. It’s the actions we choose or not choose to take that make the difference. Tick Tock…the time is now.

Awesome Without Borders (Inactivo) – Vpershe

2019-06-10T00:00:00Z

Why our project is awesome? In Ukraine, the rates of HIV/AIDS and other STDs, as well as unwanted teenage pregnancies are the highest in Europe, while the tolerance level to LGBTQ is among the lowest. One of the reasons for it is very low sexual literacy among the population. There is no sexual education in schools, and often the topic of sex and sexuality is taboo at homes. We strive to solve this problem by creating an online-platform that serves as an inclusive space and provides scientifically-based and easy to understand information on the topics of sex and sexuality, tolerance and inclusion, gender equality and feminism, consent and ethical aspects of sex and relationships, LGBTQ support, and prevention of rape and abuse, HIV/AIDS and other STIs, unwanted teenage pregnancies, bullying and slut-shaming. Another aspect of the website is stories of grown-ups that share their experiences from puberty and how they learned to deal with them/what they wish they knew. Some of the examples of stories include being gay in the army, having eating disorders, getting out of toxic relationships. Another functionality is asking an anonymous question that can get answered by medical professionals that collaborate with us. When we have time, we also organize offline lectures and discussion groups in different cities around Ukraine on youth events and in schools. During offline events we also provide free contraception and consult on the regional centers, where STI and HIV testing is done free and anonymously. The entire project was created pro bono by us and other enthusiasts with skills. We are an official NGO but we have just started in September 2018 and did not manage to receive any funds yet because sex ed in Ukraine is a controversial topic. However, even a microgrant would help us improve our website and outreach significantly. We chose an online format to reach a maximum amount of people that need it, however spreading the word by mouth is long and ineffective.

Newburgh, NY – Chess Kids - Pop Up Park !

2019-06-10T00:00:00Z

Come to the Chess Kids Community Pop Up Park! Children in our community are invited to join the kids from an award-winning Chess program for an exciting and rewarding journey into the wonderful world of the game of Chess. Participants will get to have the amazing and fun experience of learning the great game of Chess and gain tools for thinking and problem solving that will benefit them both in school and in life. For Summer 2019, the location is the 191 South Street Community Park, and the date is Saturday, July 6, 2019, from 2:00 to 4:00PM. Additional dates will be announced in late-June. We see this as the original launch location; however, the “Chess Kids Community Pop Up Park” is envisioned to occur many times at potentially many different locations. We seek to create a mobile version of the program that can be easily deployed almost anywhere, such as highly visible “pop-up parks”, and bring positive activity to other parts of our community. The intention of the Project is to allow access to a successful Children’s Chess program originally developed at the Newburgh Armory Unity Center to any and all children of Newburgh.The current veteran students take the lead in hands on teaching with active support from our adult instructors. Kids develop an appreciation for mastering their skills through teaching what they have learned to others. The intention is to demonstrate a positive community and create opportunities for collaboration.

Cleveland, OH – Delivering joy through recycled flowers

2019-06-10T00:00:00Z

Many people around Cleveland fight tough personal challenges alone - people where a simple show of support can make an immediate impact on their outlook, emotional strength and happiness. BigHearted Blooms collects flower arrangements that would normally be thrown away after their intended purpose, such as weddings and corporate events. We repurpose them to make new bouquets that can be enjoyed a second time using recycled vases. We then surprise people who need an emotional lift with a random act of flowers and a personal touch to let them know that others are thinking of them. It is a simple act of kindness, but with this one gesture that's using all recycled products we are lifting spirits and spreading joy and hope to people all around Cleveland. Since launching in May 2018, we’ve touched 5000 people in Cleveland's assisted living, skilled nursing, memory care, hospice, drug and alcohol rehabilitation, cancer treatment, dialysis centers, senior day centers, senior housing in some of Cleveland’s most struggling neighborhoods, the Veterans Administration hospital and more. If you see the smiles and grateful tears of someone surprised by BigHearted Blooms you know we make a difference. But our idea is also supported by research studies that find flowers have an immediate impact on happiness, a long-term positive effect on mood and a strong positive impact on emotional well-being. Our young, grass-roots, all volunteer organization is off to a strong start, which, to me, shows this idea has tremendous potential. We were able to take a big step and secure a permanent workshop in March but we have another critical need in order to expand our impact (hence this application). We are grateful for your consideration. Learn more and sign up to volunteer @ http://www.bigheartedblooms.org

Cleveland, OH – Building Furniture to Build Futures

2019-06-10T00:00:00Z

I just finished my second year teaching Engineering at Design Lab Early College High School, a CMSD school. To date, we have made: cornhole boards, little free libraries, bookcases, tables, chairs, custom engraved bathroom signs, and custom 3D printed items that our students designed. My project plan for 2019-2020 is to team up with Community of Hope and make “graduation presents” for teens aging-out of foster care. These gifts will serve to help them furnish their first apartment. Design Lab students will make a night stand, a slatted mattress platform (that replaces the need for bed frame or box springs), a small kitchen table, and two chairs. We plan to donate these projects to Community of Hope. My goal is to get our students thinking, collaborating, and making. I want kids to design and make their own projects, but the projects must hold significance that extend beyond a simple classroom setting. Preparing our students for the real world means that they must be engaging in real work. That being said, all of the Engineering projects at Design Lab are either directly used to make our school a better place, or are donated to help our community. The cornhole boards were donated to middle schools and some remain for use in our gym class; the little free libraries were donated to the Cleveland Housing Network for use in their communities; the bathroom signs replaced deteriorated ones at the school; many of the bookcases are in teachers’ classrooms, while the rest accompany the tables and chairs built for our newly renovated library space. Funding this project will help us to build furniture to help build the futures of the youth in our communities. If it takes a village, let that village be all of Cleveland. More information about the Community of Hope can be found here: https://www.hopecle.org/ https://cuyahogacounty.us/cuyahoga-county-news-now/news-detail/cuyahoga-county-news-now/2018/01/29/open-table-open-hearts-year-2-in-cleveland

Vegan (Inactivo) – Natura Umana Film

2019-06-10T00:00:00Z

The first Romanian documentary that questions our traditions and habits regarding the animals in contrast to the morality of the time we live, debunks myths in terms of nutrition, shows the impact we have on the environment and offers solutions. Over the next few years, we plan to conduct investigations and interviews with anthropologists, nutritionists, philosophers, politicians, athletes, activists, or ordinary people, in a captivating documentary that will inspire and present the world as we know it in a unique way.

Sydney – The Supertee project

2019-06-07T00:00:00Z

Supertee project is the new medical garment created for sick kids in hospital. Disguised as a superhero costume, this new innovative hospital shirt is- 100% cotton with non toxic print Press studs on both sides and over one should to bypass iv drips, central lines and breathing masks or feeding tubes etc. The spaces between these press studs allow for these tubes and monitoring lines to be nicely organised. It’s MRI, X-Ray, and P.e.t scan friendly Has underarms exposed for rountine thermometer checks which allows for a more restful sleep Has a cape that doubles as a bib! Is packaged in a reusable tin which contains a free comic/activity book, 5 x stickers and a bookmark for the parents. The supertee concept revolves around the studies of the “Batman effect” from child psychologist Dr Stephanie Carlson. In this study Dr Carlson found when children dress as their favourite superhero they adopt the persona of that hero and thus were able to endure tasks longer and distance themselves from the tasks through the use of imaginative play. The goals of the supertee project are primarily to encourage the fighting spirit of children and their families when faced with life threatening conditions, provide a degree of independence by allowing an easier way to change clothes during a hospital stay (thus increasing hygiene and reducing nurse calls). It also aims to provide a new way to fund for research into childhood illnesses. The supertee project is only several months old. Launching at the very hospital that saved my daughters life, and since then we have begun to make our way around Australia’s children’s hospitals.

Sarnia (Inactivo) – Cries of the Earth - an International Opera

2019-06-07T00:00:00Z

I am the director and founder of The Art Song Collaborative Project, and each year I bring artists together in the creation and performance of a new international opera relating to issues of our modern world. Originally created as an opportunity to perform the music of active Canadian and International composers, the project has evolved into an exploration of drama through art songs. This year our goal is to bring awareness to the dangerous state our planet is in: from the overflow of plastic pollution to governments and figures in power denying climate change. Through the Art Song Collaborative Project I invited 13 composers and 6 performers to work with me in the creation of "Cries of the Earth" an international opera. The opera ensemble of 2 sopranos, tenor, violin, cello, piano, percussion and electronics, with appearance of guitar, will premiere a total of 14 new pieces, each unique in instrumentation, style and text, but tied together by one theme and one story. Three performances will take place in Toronto on July 26th, 27th at the Array Music Space and on July 28th in the Richmond Hill/ Markham Area. My goal with this opera is not only to give composers and performers a chance to speak about the ever-growing environmental threat that assails our world; but also to urge our audience to reflect on the issue from different viewpoints, and contemplate possible solutions. As artists we must strive to use our art to portray problems in a new light and hope to inspire people towards positive change. "Cries of the Earth" is a creative and impassioned cry for help from Mother Nature through the artistic eyes of composers from Canada, Australia and United States, brought to life by North American performers.

Adelaide – Part of Things - Launch Event

2019-06-07T00:00:00Z

Part of Things is a new space in Barmera - a small regional town next to Lake Bonney, approx. 2.5 hours drive from Adelaide - opening mid 2019 for an 18month trial. Part of Things is interested in two things - building networks and connections with and between young professionals in our region and doing that by presenting quirky, interesting and engaging programs facilitated by local artists (to create paid opportunities). Our team are all young professionals ourselves and we are interested in the ‘churn’ of this demographic in the Riverland – the constant coming and going and how difficult it can be to retain young professionals in our region, and the reality that many young professionals in the Riverland go 'home' to Adelaide on the weekend taking the money they've earned here to be spent elsewhere. We want to connect with our young professional peers to develop allies, networks, friendships and everything in between - and we want to encourage more dollars to be invested here for our shared future. We are doing this by exploring quirky creative projects, events and activities that offer a place to ‘find your people’ and add to the social and cultural fabric of our community. Part of Things is a small in scale exploration being entirely boot-strapped by us, there is no funding or confirmed income, though we have the space itself at a very subsidised rent for two years from the Berri Barmera Council. We are designing the program to expand and contract as dollars are available but cash is the biggest limiting factor to our ambitions! We have just launched a call-out for our first program - a Thinker in Residence program in July, August, September and October 2019. We are applying to the Awesome Foundation to make our planned launch 21st June a little more AWESOME. We are planning a ticketed pyjama party for thirty people to officially launch Part of Things and open to the public. We will also be announcing our Thinkers in Residence at this event.

Glasgow – Overdrive

2019-06-07T00:00:00Z

Overdrive is a dance company for boys and young men aged 10-24 to become involved with dance. Through creative movement, the boys have a way to express themselves as well as improve health and wellbeing through physical movement. Overdrive is an open company for all boys interested in dance regardless of ability or experience. The vast age range of the company allows the members to learn from one another and offer peer support. Independent dance artist, Hayley Earlam, leads workshops for the boys to attend with payments taken as a donation/pay-what-you-can in order to make workshops affordable and accessible for all. Together with the dancers, they create performances which boosts the dancers' confidence and creativity. The company has performed across a variety of community and youth dance platforms in Glasgow and was recently invited to perform at an event in Dundee.

Sofia (Inactivo) – Void Simulacrum

2019-06-06T00:00:00Z

I want to set 50 colorful bands of spandex throughout Sofia, Bulgaria! The bands will be controlled by the beautiful people of Sofia and its visitors. The message is Love. The project I propose is Void Simulacrum. In Void Simulacrum, participants from the community help shape a 50 foot long wall of spandex into different shapes. The performance can start with only two people, and over the course of three to eight hours, the sculpture incorporates willing spectators and passers-by who become full participants and owners of the piece. As each person makes aesthetic decisions they become responsible for the artwork as the fabric shifts and breaks. The stage, which usually alienates and assigns a static role to the audience is eliminated in favor of a collective choice and emergent behavior. Forward, K

Rockport, MA – Rockport Legion Band Tribute Concert

2019-06-06T00:00:00Z

The Rockport Legion Band concert on July 21 pays tribute to the original members of the then Rockport American Legion Band, the majority from Finnish homes. The band played at the Community House until 1938 when the bandstand was constructed of Cape Ann materials under the direction of Ernie Nelson, John Huttunen, and John Anderson. Most of the Finnish charter members remained active to the 50s-early 60s. Sunday concerts in these days included works by Finnish-American composers, quartets playing familiar Finnish folk tunes, and instrumental soloists like Sylvester Ahola, Jacob Knuttunen, the Niemi sisters to name some. Sixty years later, however, community audiences, many assimilated second and third generation Finns and all but two of the 30 RLB members, possess little knowledge of the band’s origins and the instrumental role of Finns in building a solid foundation for today’s band. The RLB, conductor Howard, and sponsor Post #98 expressed enthusiasm about the project from the start. The band has been practicing an entirely new program since January. Howard has invited brass band founder Paul Niemisto to be guest conductor; between four and six musicians including local school youth will augment the band. Our project will introduce and educate band members and the diverse audience of all ages about early twentieth Rockport and Finns on Cape Ann, the origins of the community band in the Finn halls, the history of the RLB, biographical information about the charter members. At the same time interest in the special concert will boost attendance and visitors to our town.

Oakland, CA (Inactivo) – Homeless First community screenings

2019-06-06T00:00:00Z

“Homeless First” is a 27-minute documentary about First They Came For The Homeless (FTCFTH), a drug and alcohol-free encampment in Berkeley, created by and for houseless people. The group provides safe space for individuals in need and helps members transition into housing. We recently finished the film and are ready to start screening it. We have the first screening set for June 9th, 2019 at Omni Commons in Oakland. All of the filming, editing and supporting art (graphics, music) were donated by artists, but we do need funds to be able to distribute the film and organize community screenings. We intend to treat these showings as fundraisers to raise money for the needs of homeless camps. We will work with FTCFTH, Village in Oakland, Consider the Homeless, the camp on E.12th Street and any group of homeless individuals that work for the self-determination of houseless people. We would also like to arrange screenings at the homeless camps as the film can serve as an example of how people can organize themselves. We plan to include discussions, panels, music and performances with each screening to further facilitate the community conversation.

Raleigh, NC (Inactivo) – Hen Institute

2019-06-05T00:00:00Z

Hen Institute is a public art project sponsored by the Raleigh Arts Commission as part of SEEK Raleigh. It is composed of a mobile chicken coop and classroom inhabited by egg laying chickens. Hen Institute invites artists and community members to use hens as a curatorial framework to create artistic, community-based, and educational programs. Themes include but are not limited to, sustenance, protection, feminism, immobility, nesting, community, sustainability, home, rural, courage, motherhood, nutrition, and generosity. Occurring at a variety of outdoor locations throughout the city of Raleigh, an assortment of creative and educational performances, exhibits, lectures, and workshops will happen on site at the coop. Community meals created off-side by guest chefs using eggs produced by the hens will compare ideas of creative and educational nourishment to food related nourishment.

San Francisco, CA – Buried Ships Project

2019-06-05T00:00:00Z

San Francisco has some amazing history buried beneath the financial district, in what was once known as Yerba Buena Cove. When the city expanded during the gold rush, ships often came to port and never left. So many ships remained here that it was famously described as a “forest of masts.” In May 1851, this whole area burned down and San Franciscans built atop the skeletons of the ships. At least 30 ships have been pinpointed, though now there is little evidence of their existence. The Buried Ships project would create street art monuments to these pillars of our city. The plaques will be placed around the cove for local residents, employees, tourists, and wanderers to discover how San Francisco came to be home for so many people. To achieve this, the Buried Ships project would use a unique infrastructure piece to San Francisco, its sewer vent covers. The project will replace the covers closest to the last known location of the ships. Each one would show the name of the ship and a coded number located on the face. These plaques would be an integral part of a choose your own adventure story about the history of the city and its golden dreams. With an old map of the cove, available for free at cafes and shops, participants can explore the old harbor and hear different parts of its story by texting a ship’s code to the phone number on the plaque. This lets people listen to a story based around that ship and gives them a choice on where to go next. Using SMS and phone calls makes the stories accessible with any phone, without requiring web access or an app installation. This project will give people a time-traveling moment where they can stand amongst the hectic traffic of current day life and imagine the streets as they once were. Through these stories of San Francisco’s history as a boom town brimming with hope and dreams, we’ll see that some things are not all that different from how they were 150 years ago.

Annapolis, NS (Inactivo) – Bert's Shirts

2019-06-05T00:00:00Z

Sophia Oldford is bringing the concepts of zero waste and upcycling together by creating and selling useful fabric creations made from recycled clothing. Initially she will focus on turning used men’s dress shirts into aprons and small accessories for eco-conscious adults. Her goals for this project are: 1) Extend the useful life of discarded textiles to minimize the environmental impact of their initial creation 2) Reduce the amount of textiles going to landfill 3) Start a business that can support me 4) Eventually provide employment for other sewers, similar to the Suttles and Seawinds model 5) Provide a reason to smile while doing house chores

Aviano (Inactivo) – Aviano Archetypes

2019-06-05T00:00:00Z

We’re studying archetypal imagery imbedded in the art and architecture of Aviano Italy. We’re photographing the pieces and making a chapbook out of them.

Ann Arbor, MI – Kaboom playground build

2019-06-03T00:00:00Z

- Through a community-driven effort, the Bailey Park Project purchased several vacant lots that will become Bailey Park. Bailey Park will bring social, environmental and economic benefits to the McDougall-Hunt community. It will be the first community neighborhood gathering place that has been created in years and will have ample green space for community activities and events. Bailey Park will provide recreational opportunities for everyone from children to senior citizens; In June of 2019 we will break ground and build the play area for the park. The Bailey Park Project in partnership with Kaboom. In one day the neighborhood will gain an open, inclusive, and accessible play area for children of all abilities. Kaboom with a grant from Forester Financial will pay for the playground. The Bailey Park Project will need to cover the cost for tools to prep the land for the build, equipment and food for 100 volunteers.

Awesome Without Borders (Inactivo) – Abortion Access Front

2019-06-03T00:00:00Z

Every year, Abortion Access Front travels to states where abortion is most at risk and where we’ve fielded requests from clinics in need. We also look for areas where progressives may feel isolated and without a community. We bring pro-choice people together to celebrate with music and comedy shows, and then connect the audience with local abortion providers and activists who give them tangible ways to fight for abortion access. We're committed to strengthening grassroots reproductive rights networks and bringing new people to the fight! Everywhere we travel, we also provide acts of service and caring to independent abortion providers so they know that they don’t stand alone in the wake of anti-choice threats and violence. We also create fun networking events for local activists and new volunteers. And we’ve increased our capacity to do direct public action: we to confront anti-choice extremists at their rallies, crisis pregnancy centers, fundraising events and harassment actions. This year AbortionAF: The Tour will travel to from coast to coast with stops in Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, Maine, Texas, Washington, Louisiana, Alabama and Mississippi. We will kick off our tour in July with a “week of action” in Milwaukee that gathers activists from across the Midwest to join locals in counter protesting Operation Save America who is coming to town for a major harassment action. We’ve created an amazing week of community events, clinic support/defense, counter protest and a public awareness campaign that exposes Operation Save America for the bigoted extremists they are.

State College, PA – Open Seat

2019-06-01T00:00:00Z

The purpose of Open Seat is simple. We want to build community within the greater Centre county area by gathering folks from all walks of life to sit down and enjoy a sustainable (and delicious!) meal together. The catch is that all participants must assist in the meal in some way, shape, or form. Whether this is volunteering to come early to help cook, contributing a locally sourced ingredient, or bringing your instrument to serenade our guests, Open Seat is strictly for the people and by the people! Events aim to build a sense of community not only by sharing a meal, but also by putting on display the many amazing local purveyors in Centre County. In the past, this has been done by assigning each participant one ingredient to provide for the dinner. We ask that they make every effort to source the ingredient locally, which we facilitate by listing the various locations where they might be able to find their ingredients. The hope is that this opens up a dialogue and increases awareness of all that is offered in this area, further adding to the communal ties that Open Seat is aiming to establish. Thus far, Open Seat has hosted 4 events. As we progress and hold more events, our vision for the project is constantly evolving and we’re using each event to try new things. No event has been at the same venue, they’ve varied in size, and the activities that we’ve had the participants do have been different each time. It is our hope to continue to have the event grow organically, but to continue to provide a unique experience every time, it has become obvious that we need a small amount of funds to draw from.

North Minneapolis, MN – The HeArt Project

2019-06-01T00:00:00Z

I’ve taught art in most schools districts in an after school program called “Young Rembrandts.” I currently am a guest teacher for Camp Capri at the Capri Theatre. I have a passion for children and I believe they all have a story and a voice that needs to be heard. I know how it feels to not be heard, hurt, full of grief and pain many artwork on exhibit at The Phonic Theatre in Uptown, I’ve also lost a loved one to Northside gun violence I’ve been wanting to put together a youth community project of healing fear, grief and pain through art, sharing our stories and possible documenting them or having a live event to share them. I plan to have a variety of artist volunteer time in order to provide some one on one assistance, I plan to have poems, pictures, painting, videos all dedicated to grief and healing. I believe now is a great time to invest in community and especially our youth. Art is and has been an awesome coping skill for me, its proven to relieve stress and create new brain/thinking pathways.

North Minneapolis, MN – New Salem Youth Summer Program

2019-06-01T00:00:00Z

We serve youth in north Minneapolis our program is free summer program that we incorporate learning on a fun setting. We provide lunch and two light snacks. It will help by continuing to do what we are already doing helping the youth with a village approach. We know parents have to work and a lot of youth are left home unattended and under feed healthy foods. Our free program help element the stress of where the go for summer and how do they eat during the day.

Artsakh (Inactivo) – Գունավոր հովանոցների փառատոն

2019-06-01T00:00:00Z

Ինչպես գիտեք հովանոցների բարձրացումը աշխարհում տարածված, ամենագունեղ միջոցառումներից է: Երկար ժամանակ է ուսումնասիրում եմ Պորտուգալիայի փորձը և վաղուց ցանկություն ունեմ նման ավանդույթ ձևավորել նաև Արցախում: *Միջոցառման կազմակերպման համար դիտարկում եմ Շուշիի կամ Ստեփանակերտի զբոսաշրջային ամենատարանցիկ փողոցներից մեկը: *Միջոցառման անցկացման նախնական օր դիտարկում եմ սեպտեմբեր ամսվա ցանկացած օր: Արցախի անկախությունը հռչակվել է հենց այդ ամսում և օրացույցի մեջ այն կամրագրվի ամենավառ գույներով ու այս ավանդույթը շարունակական բնույթ կկրի: * *Հովանոցների գույները տրամադրող են, կարող են դրական տրամադրություն ստեղծել մարդկանց մոտ, քանի որ բոլորս միշտ վառ գույների կարիք ունենք: * Այն կդառնա քաղաքային մշակույթի ձևավորման այցեքարտ, must see վայրերից մեկը: * Կբարձցրացնի Արցախի ճանաչելիությունը տեղեկատվական դաշտում:

Santa Fe, NM (Inactivo) – Santa Fe Public Schools Adelante Car Seat Project

2019-05-31T00:00:00Z

Nationally, 43% of children in a deadly car crash were not properly restrained, but the Santa Fe community can help. As reported through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, child safety seats have been shown to reduce fatal injury by 71% for infants and 54% for toddlers ages 1-4. A study, conducted through the Journal of Pediatrics shows that a 10% improvement nationally in the use of appropriate child restraints in cars, would decrease the national child crash fatality rate significantly, cutting it from 0.94 per 100,000 to 0.56 per 100,000. The Santa Fe Public Schools (SFPS) Adelante program serves children and families in the Santa Fe community who are experiencing housing instability and homelessness. These are families who need assistance to acquire proper child safety restraints in vehicles. Through the support of the Santa Fe Chapter of the Awesome Foundation, eleven families can be provided with an infant or toddler car seat. Car seats generally range from $80 - $300 dollars, and not many are found at donation centers or garage sales. This is because car seats have an expiration date of approximately 5 years. Expiration dates help to ensure the item reflects the latest in technology and meets the most up-to-date safety regulations. The expiration date is also important when considering the structural integrity of the seat's components. The webbing, plastic, foam, buckles, etc., experience wear and tear over time that could weaken their ability to provide optimal crash protection if they’ve been in use for too long. This is why new seats need to be purchased. SFPS Adelante will use the requested funds to purchase eleven car seats. Six infant car seats and five toddler car seats will be purchased. The seats, once purchased, will be available in the Adelante warehouse for distribution to families who need appropriate child safety restraints in their vehicles.

Gloucester, MA – Introduction to net mending class

2019-05-31T00:00:00Z

Oahu, HI – Precious Plastics Recycling Machines Materials

2019-05-31T00:00:00Z

Aloha, My name is Navin Tagore-Erwin and I am obsessed with trash. I am working to build four small scale plastic recycling machines to be used across my community. The machines are an open-sourced design by an organization called Precious Plastics that can be made fairly easily with the appropriate resources. When built, the machines break down plastic of all types, then melt them into custom molds. The molds can be used for anything at all. My plan is to melt them into molds for building materials, so that we can revitalize park benches, build durable planters for community gardens, and eventually pitch the idea to the city to build housing for the homeless. I plan to build the machines with teams of students from across different campuses on Oahu. I have support from engineers at the UH Manoa campus, metalworker students from Honolulu Community College, and support from all of the campus's student sustainability clubs. We would like to build the machines with help from this grant and our pooled resources in order to eventually recycle all of the plastic from the smaller campuses. The machines that Precious Plastics designed do not have a large capacity, but they do have a large impact on the perception behind recycling. It's so much easier than we'd like to believe. The problem that we face is scale. Recycling and repurposing is easy, but recycling and repurposing ten of thousands of tons of materials seems impossible. The idea behind this project is to influence perception, reduce waste, help communities, and show the state and the waste industry that they can do better. If a bunch of young kids can do this with extremely limited resources, then why can't the professionals do more? Oahu is a small island with a million people. Our landfill will run out space in six years. It's too expensive to recycle our plastic, so we burn it. our beaches our littered. Even our mountains. We need to change. Even if it starts small.

Disability – Miller's Grove Public Access

2019-05-31T00:00:00Z

Utilizing the media critical eye of video art, the community based objectives of public access television, and the personal orientation of the 1990s, Miller’s Grove Public Access explores personal experiences with mental illness to deconstruct stigma. By humanizing symptoms and providing a platform for healthy self expression, the on-going project aims to dispel harmful ideologies keeping individuals from getting the help they need and deserve. The project's main initiative is to create a safe space for marginalized artists to produce personal and impactful work. Using older videography methods and re-used materials with a DIY sensibility, the project strives to be as accessible as possible. Eliminating the need for high quality visuals and intricate production values will allow artists to focus on their message while still creating work in a unique style. Originally the endeavor of one artist, Miller’s Grove Public Access was pleased to announce it’s first ever call for submissions on 05/10/19. The project welcomes anyone who has struggled with their mental health at some point in their life or anyone with a mental illness to apply by July 15th, 2019. These submissions will be considered for one of two lineups during our September and October exhibition in the Green Gallery at Turnip Green Creative Reuse (Nashville, TN). Our guidelines are simple: create a 2:30 – 5:00 minute piece of video art in the format of a public access show that highlights your experiences with your own mental health. It can be any aspect of these experiences such as your daily routine, a specific symptom, or how stigma has effected your life. These "shows" can fall under any genre, type, or style and artist's are not limited to any formal storytelling structure. We encourage all those who submit to be bold! After our first exhibition, shows will be added to our Vimeo Channel as a way to continue curating the work and spread our message. The project will also begin taking submissions on a rolling basis. What our grantee is saying: "Winning the Awesome Disability award is a huge step forward for Miller’s Grove Public Access. Not only will the award help the project financially in a huge way, but it also means it’s been recognized as an important voice in the fight to end mental health stigma. Knowing that others believe in this project and want to see it flourish is a true honor."

Kitchener-Waterloo – Change is in the bag

2019-05-30T00:00:00Z

This project's goal is to reduce the use of single use plastic produce bags - the kind that people use many of at the grocery store - to cut down on valuable resources wasted in their production, to eliminate the burden on our recycling system, to keep unnecessary items out of our landfill, and to protect our waterways and wildlife. I want to replace these with a sustainable alternative, by making and giving away mesh produce bags made from nearly 100% upcycled materials - previously-loved lace and sheer curtains and tablecloths, and drawstrings made from upcycled tshirt yarn. The bonus is that this process also keeps unwanted textiles out of our overburdened landfill. I want to organize a Making Day, where volunteers come together to make mesh produce bags, then insert a note explaining this environmental issue, then distribute them for free to the public. I already make this item as part of my business, so I can easily streamline the production of these produce bags on a larger scale. We would have volunteers to cut, sew, and stuff bags then hand them out at various locations throughout KW. Each reusable bag can be used hundreds of times, so the environmental savings are huge, and the pride of people making earth-friendly choices is immeasurable.

Kitchener-Waterloo – Summer Circus Park Jam

2019-05-30T00:00:00Z

Weekly, we would transform the space next to the gazebo on the island in Victoria Park into an open area of circus arts exploration. Aerial silks and rings would hang from the large tree in the middle of the area with safety mats underneath (we have previously put both of these up with much success). Gym mats would cover part of the grass, offering opportunity for acrobatic exploration, yoga and movement arts. Circus props such as juggling equipment, hula hoops, unicycles and numerous other types of circus props (i.e. poi, staffs, fans) would also be available to explore. A slackline might also be suspended between 2 trees. A chalkboard welcome sign explaining and encouraging curious exploration and play for the public would welcome passerbys. The chalkboard would also list specific circus skill classes that would run weekly (i.e. an intro to hula hooping class or learning a three ball juggling cascade). Music would also play from a Bluetooth speaker throughout the evening and blankets would be available for lounging and relaxing, along with healthy vegan snacks available for everyone (i.e. fruits, granola bars). Once the sun goes down, the area would be lit by battery powered LED strands and fairy lights, and there would be ambient music until the park closes for the night. Given the wide skill range & sizes of circus props we would have available, our project offers opportunity for anyone, of any age to come, explore and potentially pick up a new skill among a group of supportive like-minded individuals. From a 68 year old couple walking by deciding to try their hand at learning a beginner juggling trick, to young children picking up hula hoops and spinning around, to differently abled people being assisted through their first acrobatic yoga moves, supported by a team of spotters, there is plentiful opportunity for individuals, families and people of all walks of life to engage in safe play.

Phoenix, AZ (Inactivo) – Lights Camera Discover Youth Workshops

2019-05-30T00:00:00Z

Lights Camera Discover is "turning imaginations into opportunity." The nonprofit organization provides underserved youth opportunities to develop confidence, build self-esteem and learn teamwork by participating in a series of workshops that teach various aspects of performing and digital arts (including digital filmmaking, photography, acting, screenwriting, website design and animation). Through afterschool and summer programs youth receive mentorship in group and one-on-one settings. They have the chance to work with seasoned veterans in film, acting, writing, production and more and discover a different way of thinking, writing, speaking and ways to be creative. "The activities in which our youth engage in are critical to their development," says executive director Kema Charles. "The world of technology is ever rapidly changing and in order to prepare our youth, we have to be able to expose them to tomorrow's trends and technology today." She continues, "If we are able to keep a majority of our students out of trouble off the streets and out of jail we feel that we are doing what is needed to ensure our youth have a bright future ahead of them." The long-term goal of Lights Camera Discover is to instill in youth to make positive career choices in life. "We encourage our students to understand the old concept of it takes a village to raise a child. That means they will encounter all facets of life, their environment and community. But their ability to choose is first and foremost," Kema says. The organization focuses on partnerships, innovation and engagement. LCD has formed partnerships with City of Phoenix Housing Department, Roosevelt School District, Maricopa County Regional School District and local community organizations to ensure reaching more youth and more often. The grant will allow the nonprofit organization to purchase needed equipment and supplies as well as meals and snacks for the participants.

Birmingham, AL (Inactivo) – Cadettes Care-Helping the homeless

2019-05-30T00:00:00Z

We are the Cadettes of Girl Scout Troop 350 and we are working on our Silver Award. For our Silver Award we are raising money to buy backpacks specifically designed for the homeless in Birmingham, Alabama. Our goal is to raise $10,000. When you buy a backpack you are making a homeless person's hard times much better by giving them a safe place to put their personal items and giving them many more advantages built into these customized backpacks. This will greatly help us achieve our goal of giving the homeless a safe, convenient backpack to help make their everyday lives easier.

New York City, NY – The Birthday Party Project

2019-05-29T00:00:00Z

The Birthday Party Project is a nationwide non-profit that partners with homeless shelters and transitional living facilities across the country to host big, fun birthday pizza parties for the children living there. They work with 5 locations in New York City alone, celebrating with 120 children each month. In their own words: _Every month we bring birthday JOY to the families at local shelters in your community. From art parties to petting zoos... from carnivals to dance parties...our parties bring new and special experiences to these children and let them know they’re worthy of celebration. They bring a sense of consistency and normalcy during a difficult time and show them their community cares. They allow kids to be kids!_ _The children we celebrate have all experienced varying levels of trauma. From being evicted, bounced around from shelter to shelter and/or witnessing domestic violence, giving them this carefree hour to JUST BE A KID is vital! Many of the children we meet have never blown out a candle or made a wish. We bring them experiences they might not otherwise have, including have a roomful of people sing to them! The stories we hear and the moments we witness are beyond special._ The pizza is being donated by local sponsors (yay!) so our $1,000 grant will help The Birthday Party Project buy presents for the kids, ensuring an even more awesome birthday for each and every one of them. Would you like to volunteer at one of their upcoming birthday parties? You can find their [NYC Party Calendar on their website](https://thebirthdaypartyproject.volunteerhub.com/?format=Calendar&filter=40905) where you can learn about how to get involved!

Melbourne (Inactivo) – Reaching for Gold

2019-05-29T00:00:00Z

The Goannas are Australia's men's Deaf Basketball team who are aiming for Gold at this years Asia Pacific Deaf Games in Hong Kong this November. All athletes on the team are Deaf or hard of hearing meaning that in competition they have to communicate with each other using Auslan (Australian Sign Language) Now that's pretty awesome. What sucks is that team do not receive any government or sports association funding. This means that the players themselves have to pay their own way to represent Australia. Now that's a bit unfair! The team has been selected and consists of Deaf and hard of hearing athletes from all over Australia who love the game of basketball. Being Deaf or hard of hearing is big barrier in society as it can be a hardship as they experience higher levels of social isolation due to being Deaf and hard of hearing. We help them experience higher levels of confidence through the game of basketball by giving them the opportunity to Deaf basketball on the world stage. Having this opportunity however is not free as there are costs involved, however the friendships that the team-mates form from being involved in the national program last forever. That's awesome.

Ottawa – The Company of Adventurers

2019-05-29T00:00:00Z

May’s Awesome Ottawa award goes to Cynthia Sugars to support The Company of Adventurers, a young people’s Shakespeare company in Old Ottawa South that performs in a neighbourhood back yard. “For years my dream was to run a summer theatre program for local kids to bring what I do in the classroom to the public,” says Cynthia, a teacher of English and Theatre at the University of Ottawa. “It is my belief that we underestimate what kids are capable of. Shakespeare is not hard or scary. Our actors revel in the poetry, humour, and social insights of Shakespeare. As each production develops, we see their creativity, self-expression, community spirit, and confidence build. They are an inspiration!” “Our goal,” Cynthia continues, “is to nourish the creative talents of local children and to offer them access to a genuinely enriching cultural and theatrical experience. No prior acting experience is necessary, and we accept children from ages 10-19. We try to bring out the inner confidence and creativity of children and youth by working very cohesively as a team. We also foster the talents of the actors by using music, dance, gymnastics, and other abilities that the actors bring to the group. We are also trying to instill in young people a sense of community outreach and responsibility,” says Cynthia. “We present our shows as fundraisers for a local charity. We pass a hat after each show and donate all of the money raised to the designated charity for that year – which is chosen by the children.” The company’s show for 2019 is Shakespeare's As You LIke It. “We choose a different play each year,” explains Cynthia, “and rehearse all summer, two nights a week, presenting our shows on weekends in September.” To learn more, and to attend a show this fall, visit companyofadventurers.ca.

Leiden – O.K. Lammenschans XXXL #9

2019-05-29T00:00:00Z

Bouwplaatsen in Leiden zijn altijd super lelijk, wij willen hier verandering in brengen. wij willen de gigantische bouwplaatsen in de lammenschansdriehoek (bij het ROC) gaan opleuken met onze kunstzinnige uitingen. We zijn al in gesprek met de gemeente en de reacties zijn super positief! ons doel is om van de zomer de grootste graffiti-jam van Zuid-Holland te organiseren in de Lammenschansdriehoek.

Awesome Without Borders (Inactivo) – Promoting production of edible insects in Uganda

2019-05-28T00:00:00Z

Edible insects are recognised as a valuable source of protein and other nutrients. In addition, they are easy and cheap to produce, requiring little feed, water and space. These properties make production of edible insects an attractive option for people who lack access to land or resources for farm inputs, especially in areas where there is limited access to nutritious food. This is the case in Uganda, which is host to more than 1 million refugees, who have limited access to land and resources, and suffer from severely limited access to a nutritious diet. If the right business model is developed, production of edible insects could become an important source of income for refugees, and at the same time provide a valuable source of nutrition. The project has two equally important overall objectives: 1) Improved access to nutritious food for refugees in Uganda; 2) Improved income generating opportunities for refugees in Uganda. These objectives will be achieved through the development of a sustainable business model for the production and sale of edible insect products (focusing to begin with on mealworm), and supplying the necessary initial inputs and training to refugees to start production. We will focus in particular on associations of refugee farmers, many of whom are women, in the Kyaka II settlement in Western Uganda. We are working with the Danish Refugee Council, one of the world's leading humanitarian agencies, who have been supporting these farmer's associations for several years. Unfortunately most refugee farmers have lost most of their land during 2018 as a result of renewed influx of refugees from DR Congo to Uganda, and there is therefore an urgent need to develop new forms of produce that does not require much land. Insects are commonly eaten among both Ugandans and the Congolese refugees, and our preliminary research in the settlement showed great interest in the production and consumption of mealworm.

Portland, OR – Miss Anthology

2019-05-28T00:00:00Z

Miss Anthology’s mission is to support racially and economically diverse young comics artists by teaching professional skills through free and open to the public hands-on workshops, and publishing their work online and in print. By introducing female and LGBTQIA+ artists, writers, and creators to the comics and art industries before they graduate, they will gain a firm understanding and head start on their careers, as well as an established network of peers within this otherwise cisgender male-dominated field.

Portland, OR – Nat Turner Project: Drinking Gourd Fellowship

2019-05-28T00:00:00Z

I am one half of the fugitive gallery space, Nat Turner Project. We provide safe spaces, exhibits, funding, and press for artists of color. maxx martinez and I originally started this curatorial project in the bathrooms of our MFA studios when we were art students at PNCA in 2016. Most recently, we were lucky enough to procure funding to launch the Drinking Gourd Fellowship program, which is a series of need-based studio visits, exhibition opportunities, and no-strings-attached stipends for Black and POC artists in Portland. While we able to secure enough funding for the stipends and studio visits, we would like additional funding for our end-of-the-year exhibition showcase of the artists. We have also recently employed a part time Research & Development Operator to handle administrative tasks, social media, and research of other art collectives and spaces we can collaborate with, which has been extremely helpful. As maxx and I are both working artists with full time jobs and several part-time jobs, alleviating the burden of some of our administrative tasks has helped us concentrate on the main missions of our project: providing opportunities for artists of color.

Alaska (Inactivo) – P.O.P.-Promote Our Pollinators

2019-05-28T00:00:00Z

Many people on the Kenai Peninsula do not realize how important pollinators are to the environment; I hope to educate my community about how crucial pollinators are. I will distribute tools and supplies, so everyone can help promote our pollinators. I will present and distribute the following to schools on the Kenai Peninsula, Senior Centers, the Rotary Club, the Chamber of Commerce, Gardening Clubs, and other community events around the Peninsula to provide information about pollinators and the means to help them. -Educational flyers: o Contains information about the importance of pollinators and why they are declining o A description of how to create a pollinator garden o Ways to avoid harmful pesticides using ecologically safe methods -Pollinator packs: o Ready-made, six-pack pollinator garden starter kits o Contains six different Kenai Peninsula hardy seedlings -Pollinator activity book: o Contains elementary-appropriate information about pollinators o Original illustrations and activities to inspire the next generation of gardeners -P.O.P. logo “Gear” o Buttons o Reusable tote bags I will host more “Make and Take” pollinator planting events at schools on the Kenai Peninsula and senior centers, so students and seniors can plant pollinator packs, potentially inspiring over 800 people. I will distribute the activity books and teach them about our pollinators to inspire the next generation of gardeners who will be the ultimate solution to this critical problem. My idea is time sensitive; I would like to begin disseminating my materials this spring. I plan to implement my project according to this timeline: • Purchasing equipment and supplies: June 2019 • Educational presentations and material dissemination: May-September 2019 • Planting and pollinator pack care: March through April 2020 • Educational presentations and pollinator pack distribution: May through June 2020

Sydney – Hinchinbrook Hornets Open Women Team

2019-05-26T00:00:00Z

I write on behalf of my team. My name is Jax and I'm the co-captain for the Hinchinbrook Hornets Junior Rugby League Football Club Open Women's Team (What a mouthful!). Our team are based in Green Valley, in the Liverpool area of South West Sydney. Our project is to fund our teams needs for new tracksuit tops/hoodies for the current 2019 season. Our team is made up of passionate women who love to play football. Unfortunately many members of our team come from rough homes where paying for boots, gear and even registration to play the game, is impossible. 50% of our team are Aboriginal, many of our ladies are mums and we all love to play footy and inspire the next generation of young women to rise up and play footy. Rugby League is no longer a sport for men, it's a sport that connects people, and provides a family to those who need it. Our Open Women's Team of 22 players really need new tracksuit tops/hoodies to train in as our season is played throughout the whole of winter. We train late on Monday and Wednesday nights, and play on Sundays. We feel like we are close, family orientated team and we just want to look the part (and also not freeze!).

Newmarket – Hockey for Autism

2019-05-26T00:00:00Z

My husband and I started Hockey for Autism in response to a lack of programming available for children with Autism. Hockey for Autism was founded with a single goal - to offer safe, fun, non-competitive hockey to children on the spectrum desiring to play. Our program is for children aged 7 to 14 with basic skating skills and runs for 24 weeks (September to March) at National Training Rinks in Newmarket. Hockey for Autism provides a fun and supportive environment teaching kids both basic hockey skills, as well as, helping them build their self-confidence and the experience of being part of a team. Our program consists of 30 minutes of fun hockey drills followed by a 30 minute scrimmage game. Both my husband and I provide on ice coaching with the support of our great community of parent volunteers and player mentors who provide dressing room support, help manage the player benches and provide on ice encouragement to all our players. The cost of the program is $160 which includes a jersey and hockey socks, as well as, the year end team party..

Singapore – The Block Party by The Community Theatre

2019-05-25T00:00:00Z

Community Theatre is an initiative by Beyond Social Services that rallies volunteers from different walks of life to co-create a show that engages its audience to reflect on the social challenges faced by children and families from low-income backgrounds. Since 2015, the Community Theatre has developed into a youth development programme that engages both rental and purchase flat youths to produce interactive performances base on personal experiences. This year, Beyond Social Services will be partnering with the good people of ArtsWok Collaborative by providing The Community Theatre an opportunity to be part of the upcoming M1 Peer Pleasure Festival 2019. This will be a great opportunity to elevate the voices of marginalize youths through The Community Theatre programme. As the theme for the festival is Poverty in Singapore, it will be a platform to hear the voices of young people living in poverty taking their stand on the topic and sharing their ideas to tackle them. They will share and perform their experiences living in rental flats, the unheard stories, aspirations and perspectives on people living in poverty that we don't usualy hear from professionals and academics. Through this experience, we will be re-shifting their personal narrative from a receiver to a contributor as they will be empowered to advocate, take ownership of their community issues while de-bunking the stigmas that others have on them.