tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:/nl/projects?page=31 2023-06-15T11:48:01Z tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/223573 2023-06-14T00:00:00Z 2023-06-15T11:48:01Z The Glasgow Sunflowers are a baseball team for women, non-binary and all trans people, founded in November 2022. We play baseball in Queen’s Park Recreational Ground on Tuesday evenings and Saturday mornings. We aim to promote the equality and inclusion of women, non-binary and all trans people in sport and in the community in Glasgow. We aim to improve the quality of our players lives through community sport, improving both their physical and mental health. We want to build a community reputation of being more than a baseball club and engaging with local community initiatives, volunteering opportunities and sponsorship collaborations. We strive to create a culture of transparency where every member is involved in the decision-making process of the team and to create a safe and welcoming space for all our members to feel respected, supported and seen in. When we started out in November 2022, we had around 40 players and only 7 months later, now have over 90 players, and we anticipate continued growth for our team. One of our main principles is financial inclusion, so we refuse to charge our players to use equipment, attend training sessions or take part in games. This is to ensure that everyone can access the space, regardless of their income. As our team grows, we are in need of financial support in purchasing equipment for our players, to make sure that no one cannot access the space that we have worked so hard to create, the space that we are incredibly proud of. Georgie Price The Glasgow Sunflowers United Kingdom Glasgow https://www.awesomefoundation.org/nl/chapters/glasgow tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/223631 2023-06-14T00:00:00Z 2023-06-15T14:20:14Z It is no secret that our planet is in need of some love and attention. The importance of the Honey bee and other pollinating creatures is undeniable. This festival brings together a place for families and individuals to learn more while having a whole lot of fun. Our goal is to keep the festival FREE for all, encourage diversity and support our local Depot Town commerce of vintage, shops and restaurants . We invite artists, young entrepreneurs, farmers, flower growers, beekeepers and more all out to sell their goods. We will have multiple arts tables for kids projects and activities to keep kids entertained while skilled volunteers help to educate and inspire. Live painting and interactive series of a second honeycomb tower community mural. Games, prizes and more!!! Through performance, interactive art, dance and creativity we bring people out from many surrounding cities and communities to enjoy the day. The main entertainment attraction is a family friendly wrestling match. The storyline is that Big Bruce Buzzbee is the largest bumble bee on planet Earth and subsequently the smallest wrestler in the ring. His winning reign last year was loved and supported by all, BUT will he win again this year???? Bruce is set to fight against the nasty pesky pesticides that threaten his and all of his bee-ples and polli-homies existence. The Pesky Pesticides; Guy Phosate and Nic Anoid are some lean mean characters that want to keep Bruce down. but we can't let that happen can we??? Find out who will come help Bruce win the fight against pesticides and terrible companies who produce them. It will be a battle to the end. His buddy from the Dark Caves, Nectarno Tucker T. Bat the III will be a new character this year. He comes with a colony of other bats and drone dark music hopefully played by a theremin. This new character will come out in the second round. The third will be both Bruce and Tucker united against those nasty good for nothing, planet killing, poison chemicals. Claire Broderick Festival of the Pollinator/Rumble of the Bumble http://rumbleofthebumble.org United States Ann Arbor, MI https://www.awesomefoundation.org/nl/chapters/ann-arbor tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/214280 2023-06-14T00:00:00Z 2023-10-13T08:24:16Z Different cities have queer feminist bookstores. We started the first in Rotterdam: Queer Feminist Books! The concept is very simple: a combination of a library and store that exclusively offers books that are queer and/or feminist. We strongly believe that as a society, we have a long way to go when it comes to feminism. That's why we feel it's important to spread the existing knowledge and ideas of queers and feminists. We believe that books should be more accessible, which is why everyone can borrow books as well as buy them. We currently offer books in the following categories: queer, feminism, (anti-) racism, climate (change), art and poetry. But we are very eager to expand: we’d like to offer more books in more categories. We want to invest in books from femxle*, BIPOC and queer writers. We also want to offer a collection for children and teenagers. (*the feminist spelling of female, with which we also want to include trans, non-binary, intersex and other identities) Aside from the library we organise events. Last December we organised a Queer Christmas get-together; for people without a supportive family (or for who just wants to queer up this heteronormative celebration). This evening was heart warming and we received a lot of positive feedback from the attendees. In the coming months we will host more events such as our Pussy Poetry Club (a queer collective that will share poetry on a monthly basis (in collaboration with the iconic Poortgebouw). When we went online, we reached 630 followers on Instagram in a very short amount of time. When we go to events ourselves or when we visit other local bookstores, people say: ‘aren’t you Sam/Mattias from QFB?’. People talk about it, people want a space like this, Rotterdam needs Queer Feminist Books! Sam & Mattie Queer Feminist Books Netherlands Rotterdam https://www.awesomefoundation.org/nl/chapters/rotterdam tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/217434 2023-06-14T00:00:00Z 2023-07-10T15:35:52Z Studio E is a space in the heart of downtown Westminster that is pretty much in heard of. With a state of the art recording studio performance space and rehersal space it’s a hidden gem lots of our of town bands have relied on to create dynamic music, My idea is to provide a space now for the local musician to explore there artistry and creativity right here in the community ! With my experience as a career touring Musicain it’s my dream to help Westminster become a haven for music and art. Drew Wagner The Studio E music collective http://Drewwagner.com United States Westminster, MD https://www.awesomefoundation.org/nl/chapters/westminster tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/218291 2023-06-12T00:00:00Z 2023-06-12T21:58:16Z 'An ecological discourse' is envisioned to be a trilogy of short films based on three seasons (grazing, non-grazing and monsoon), which emerges from the perspective of grazing and human-nonhuman entanglements in the landscape in times of climate crisis. So far I have completed one video chapter (titled Scream) out of two chapters. Scream emerges from that season in the year when grazing of goats ceases as grazing commons transform to mono crop farmland and foraging for domesticated non humans takes complex forms, considering many more herders of cows and goats in my village gets constricted with lesser access to grass/plants for their animals. The remaining two video chapters will be in collaboration with my goat/cow grazing colleagues, traditional sculptors in the village who makes animal figurines during the harvest festival (elements of which will be incorporated into the making of the videos) and ritual based musical performers (elements of which will be incorporated into the making of the videos). I envision these three video chapters to evoke a rethinking of anthropocentric narratives on landscape with the hope that this stimulates and radicalizes new ways of actions in the near future in times of climate emergency. While the project forays into the contested ecosphere, it will also delve into the nuances of the socio political and gender realities within human societies with specific focus on my wider village, which forms as micro lens. The landscape here is the reference to understand enmeshed human hegemonies and its implications in the ecosphere. After the completion of the short films, I intend to show them in local schools and colleges in my village and other institutes for a wider engagement, whereby a discourse can kickstart to rethink grazing and its entrapped gender and class biases within my village and in wider India. The intent is to open a dialogue around landscape and our complex relationship with it and why such a discourse is crucial today. Namrata Neog An Ecological Discourse - 3 short films on seasons Worldwide Awesome Without Borders (Inactief) https://www.awesomefoundation.org/nl/chapters/awesomewithoutborders tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/218688 2023-06-12T00:00:00Z 2023-06-12T23:44:08Z Our Peace Garden at Eastern Heights Elementary is equal parts science lab, social-emotional gathering spot, reading nook and writing inspiration location! Unfortunately, our Peace Garden has come into disrepair in the last 5 years, particularly our vegetable and flower beds. Our 4th and 5th grade EL (English Language) learners are responsible for managing and maintaining our garden beds, but this has become difficult recently, as a result of rotted wood and termite damage. This makes it difficult for planting, weeding and sowing, and also preventing potting soil run off. Our project involves replacing the worn-out wooden beds with self-watering elevated beds with steel legs and treated lumber, to increase the longevity of the beds. Why raised beds? First of all, raised beds will allow our Kindergarten students and wheelchair-bound special education students to better access the planting process. If the bed is raised anywhere between 10-24 inches from the ground, basic gardening tasks become more accessible to our entire student body. In addition, damage to young seedlings and established plants from critters and rodents is significantly reduced with the use of raised beds. Grades Pre-K through 5 use the Peace Garden as a science laboratory, studying units on weather and climate, life cycles, seasons, and bird migration and habitat, to name a few. These raised beds would enhance our science curriculum, and improve on this space for years to come. At Eastern Heights we have a "peace pledge" displayed in our Peace Garden, which states: "I am a peacemaker. I treat myself and others with respect. I listen. I share. I care for the earth, air, water, plants and animals. I am important to this very big world. Peace begins with me." This pledge is a reminder that our Peace Garden serves many purposes at our school, and this grant will allow us to continue to use it for years to come. Patricia Boyt Raised Beds Guarantee Gardening For All Students United States St. Paul, MN https://www.awesomefoundation.org/nl/chapters/stpaul tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/223080 2023-06-11T00:00:00Z 2023-06-12T13:59:18Z Golden Hour Books will be a brick-and-mortar bookstore located at 181 Broadway in the City of Newburgh, looking to open in Summer 2023. We will be Newburgh’s first independent bookseller in quite some time and plan to offer a hybrid of used and new books to customers, and curate a selection of titles that will appeal to the wide-ranging demographics of this beautiful city, as opposed to retreading the broad territory that our nearby Barnes & Noble covers. The scope of our offerings will include literary fiction and nonfiction, memoir, cookbooks and culinary literature, children’s books and YA literature, with an emphasis on writers of color, to ensure that the Latino and BIPOC populations of the city feel represented. Literature not only expands our knowledge and teaches us things, but helps to shape identity and our relationship to the world. We think it’s important for every member of our community to feel seen in the shelves of our shop. We also hope to become a space that members of the community feel comfortable visiting and spending time in, whether by coming with their infants and toddlers for our weekly story time; as young readers in the community seeking a quiet, welcoming environment to browse and read; or as a local book club or writing group looking for a place to congregate. Furthermore, bookstores can be destinations, and we hope to create a beautiful destination within the City of Newburgh – offering a uniquely curated selection of titles with a strong point of view that residents from elsewhere in the Hudson Valley, as well as daytrippers and other tourists to the area, seek out. We will conduct local media outreach and cultivate a strong and attractive social media presence to announce ourselves as one of the many destinations attracting visitors to Newburgh. We’re excited to contribute and be a part of Newburgh’s ongoing economic growth, and to the resurgence of Broadway in particular. Angie Venezia Golden Hour Books United States Newburgh, NY https://www.awesomefoundation.org/nl/chapters/newburgh tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/228466 2023-06-09T00:00:00Z 2024-03-28T05:53:28Z I am a queer disabled writer living on Kaurna Country. I am currently writing a narrative nonfiction book exploring the connections between farming, labour and the healing of land and people. I came to this project through personal hardship, when chronic illness forced me to leave the farming job I loved. I began to question how alternative farming could be truly regenerative – not just for the soil, but for people too – while existing within systems of capitalism and colonialism. How can we make agriculture a project of healing? This book is my boldest and most challenging creative undertaking, and I can’t wait to share it with readers. I believe this work will impact all of us, as we are all connected to the land and its workers through the food we eat. To complete my book and include key voices, I need to take a research trip. I hope to attend the Australian Food Sovereignty Convergence in NSW in October, where I will join this country’s food sovereignty movement in debate, sharing, strategy and collaboration. This will be an opportunity to connect with farmers and activists from across the country, and will provide important insights and relationships to enrich my work. On the way to Convergence I will visit and interview farmers, landholders and traditional custodians who are developing models of land use and food production that show a better way forward. These include Budj Bim Cultural Landscape, Farm Raiser, Tumpinyeri Growers, Jonai Farms, Yambulla and Black Duck Foods. These experiences will help point the way to a collaborative, healing and sustainable farming future that I will share in my book. The more I learn, the more I am convinced that there can be no food sovereignty without land sovereignty, and no food justice without labour justice. I don’t have all the answers to the food system’s challenges, but in order to find them – and frame the right questions – connection with other farmers, food activists and First Nations practitioners is vital. Phoebe Paterson de Heer An Observer of Shifting Light https://phoebepatersondeheer.wordpress.com/writing/ Australia Adelaide https://www.awesomefoundation.org/nl/chapters/adelaide tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/222873 2023-06-08T00:00:00Z 2023-06-10T13:08:35Z In 2014 a small group of undergraduates at MSUM wrote a small grant proposal to the Dille Fund for Excellence to build a small tide pool system. It was fun, educational, and had a powerful effect no one foresaw, Students were drawn to it to help run it, feed it, and ultimately expand it. We added new displays. A student club was created and the "Marine Ecology Lab" came into being. Several students working in the Oceanarium started to translate their experience at the Oceanarium into careers in marine biology in Florida. MSUM students were not the only ones to find the facility engaging. The YMCA, K12 and Home School groups heard about it by word of mouth and began requesting tours. Without any advertising whatsoever, we had 2400 students tour the facility in the year before covid. We started charging for tours as a means of recovering some of our costs. Students came from FM and surrounding areas up to an hour away. Interest in a live marine facility is without peer in the Red River Valley. Covid was a major reset. We were reduced to a skeleton crew to maintain the animal life, and we lost all revenues generated by tours. However, by then we were aware of the enormous potential of the facility to serve the community and educate the public about marine ecosystem diversity and conservation. We rebranded as the "Oceanarium", applied for and received a one-time grant from the MN University system for $25,000 and position ourselves to launch publicly. There is a ribbon-cutting ceremony schedule for World Ocean Day, June 8, 2023. We are partnering with the Red River Zoo for that event. We are poised to become a major outreach resource in the Moorhead area. For people living in the Red River Valley far from any ocean, the opportunity to learn about ocean life is very important. Ocean literacy is a component of environmental literacy (https://www.marine-ed.org/ocean-literacy/overview) and a national movement that we can champion at the MSUM Oceanarium. Brian Wisenden Oceanarium https://www.mnstate.edu/oceanarium/ United States Cass Clay https://www.awesomefoundation.org/nl/chapters/cassclay tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/223404 2023-06-08T00:00:00Z 2023-06-12T23:40:45Z We would like to take over 100 2nd graders to the world famous Ordway Theater! The Ordway will provide busing to St. Paul students, but their ticket prices require a significant monetary outlay. So many of the young people we teach have never seen a live art performance. They have great familiarity with performances on screens or in their homes, but to be a part of a community music and dance performance has the potential to be transformative in the lives of young St, Paulites. We would need tickets totalling $440 to take four 2nd grade classes plus chaperones downtown to the Ordway in the fall of 2023. Ruth Krider World Music Ensemble 7/4 at the Ordway Theater https://ensamble74.com/ United States St. Paul, MN https://www.awesomefoundation.org/nl/chapters/stpaul tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/205809 2023-06-07T00:00:00Z 2023-06-09T02:10:43Z Sandy Peaches is a relaxed social hang out for LGBTIQA+ people at Newcastle Beach. We meet up monthly to have a cuppa, go for a swim and connect. Sandy Peaches was born out of a desire to provide an alternative way for people to make new queer friends, aside from pubs, clubs, parties and apps. So much of our social connections come about through apps and online worlds. Sandy Peaches is all about providing a space where queers can hang out with other queers, in a safe, relaxed environment. Our project is awesome because it's really fun to make new friends, be together in the sun and hang out with no strings attached. It's awesome because I love bringing people together, especially queer people! Chris Brown Sandy Peaches - LGBTIQA+ hangs at the beach Australia Newcastle https://www.awesomefoundation.org/nl/chapters/newcastle tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/223031 2023-06-07T00:00:00Z 2023-06-09T19:28:57Z Our project takes on the awesome work of expanding our already awesome event. First, let me tell you about the event – then I’ll explain the project. The Trans Power Soup Social started from a fairly simple place: when I was early in my transition, I went looking for community. I knew scarce few people like me, and longed for a place where I felt like I could truly belong. While there are some vibrant, thriving queer events in our city, the weekly trans community groups I found were lacking. They felt institutional and bureaucratic. The main group I found was segregated by age and partially run by cis people. While those running the program – including the cis staff! – were warm, kind, and generous, it felt the opposite of grassroots. It seemed like a good place to connect with a few friends, but not a space in which we might build lasting, generative community. I wanted to try to build something by and for trans people, and welcoming of all generations. Real community requires the presence of both our elders and our children. Real community is not just a social club, but a place to be safe and become strong. I had the idea that if I were to make a vat of soup in High Park every week, play a little music, and spread the word, people would come. They have. In August 2022, on our first Sunday – the day we make soup – there were five of us. Last Sunday, there were 30. Some attendees were local; others travelled from Scarborough, Brampton, and Hamilton. There were children; there were elders. We are building a space in which we can be safe and become strong. The project of Growing the Trans Power Soup Social aims to reinforce our group’s position and help us spread the word throughout the broader trans and non-binary community. While our operating budget is funded through community donations, the Awesome Foundation grant will enable us to invest in a few larger expenditures that will help us as we continue to grow. Alice Elizabeth Graham Growing the Trans Power Soup Social Canada Toronto https://www.awesomefoundation.org/nl/chapters/toronto tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/223541 2023-06-07T00:00:00Z 2023-06-12T12:11:08Z This awesome project is running a six week all inclusive pre kindy program - that looks at supporting children (3-6yrs of age) and their families transition from home life to school. It will be an opportunity to experiment, explore and discover the world in a safe and nurturing environment whilst developing life long skills needed in social and educational settings. Each week the program will deliver information (using a variety of methods) to the children and their families. The aim of the project is to have children in their early years be socially, emotionally and academically ready in order to adapt and transition to school easily. The program will focus on sensory, motor, intellectual and emotional skills. Each week there will be structured play based activities with a specific task/skill as the focus. The program requires school, community and teachers to work collaboratively with experts in order to design and implement the program. The money will be used to purchase play equipment and resources needed to implement the program and make it more inclusive. We will have kids who are resilient and ready for school and parents who aren't stressed out! We will be able to offer not only the community of Bass Hill but Sydney on the whole - an excellent pre kindy program. mecca laalaa The Bass Hill Pre Kindy Program Australia Sydney https://www.awesomefoundation.org/nl/chapters/sydney tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/224740 2023-06-07T00:00:00Z 2023-06-12T12:12:59Z Deaf Festival Sydney is happening at Cathy Freeman Park, Sydney Olympic Park on Saturday 26th August, 10am – 4pm. The Deaf Festival Sydney is an annual inclusive, family-friendly event celebrating the diversity of Deaf and hard of hearing people and the community’s culture, language and history. The primary audience are Deaf, deafblind, hard of hearing people and their families. The secondary audience includes hearing people who engage with the Deaf community, e.g., Allies, Auslan students and anyone who would like to learn and understand more about the Deaf community, its language and culture. The Festival has the goals of: 1. Create a safe for celebration, learning and inspiring deaf people, especially young deaf people, with a sense of pride in the Deaf Community, culture, and history, leading to greater optimism and sense of connection to a community. 2. Inspire the wider community to engage with the Deaf Community, get an understanding of Deaf Culture and Auslan to encourage greater inclusion for deaf people. 3. Increase awareness of community initiatives available for the Deaf community and the Deaf Ecosystem. The Deaf Ecosystem is a collection of information and resources presented in Auslan with the intention of providing the Deaf community with access to facts and information of interest. We are looking for grants to support our KidZone area, having enough funds to provide activities and workshops provided for Deaf/all children are fun, inclusive, safe and creative to keep the children, and young families throughout the 6-hour event occupied. Such as art materials, face-painting, hair-styling, balloons and supporting Deaf artists. We aim to have a few workshops in the KidZone run by Deaf artists to support their businesses and inspire the young generation to be creative. Madeleine Uaine Deaf Festival Sydney https://deaffestivalsyd.org.au/ Australia Sydney https://www.awesomefoundation.org/nl/chapters/sydney tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/219445 2023-06-06T00:00:00Z 2023-06-07T01:13:25Z Our project supports and celebrates the LGBTQ+ youth of Ohio with a permanent, large scale art installation. The idea for an art installation came following vandalism of Colors+ 2 weeks after we moved into a central location in Fairview Park. Windows were broken to remove a Pride and Black Lives Matter flags, pray painted slurs across the building. Youth wanted to make a statement as a positive response to this event. City restrictions helped us think outside the box to design an art piece that meets city codes and celebrates our community. LGBTQ+ youth, staff, and artists from Sugar Harris (Roni Callahan and Kim Lavery) will collaborate to make a window front art display that encapsulates the artistic skills and energy of our youth and offers a lasting interactive art piece for Colors+Youth Center. Based on discussions between youth and artists, Callahan and Lavery designed an interactive art piece to create in collaboration with youth. Art making days will be held at Colors+ and led by Sugar Harris to . A minimum of 50 youth are expected to participate. Youth will work with artists to construct and paint the art. The art will fill the full window front of Colors+ Youth Center, being enjoyed by those who participate in Colors+ programs and those walking by. The art will reflect Pride colors celebrating the LGBTQ+ community. There will be interactive art pieces: pedestals to display youth art on a rotating basis and a Plus sign that reflects our logo that will provide a seating area for youth. The art piece is multilayered to reflect the intersectional identities of our youth. The largest piece will be translucent to allow light in, create prisms throughout the center, and still provide a sense of privacy for youth. The art has been designed with our youth who are autistic to consider specific sensory needs. Shannon Scott-Miller Show Your Colors http://www.colorsplus.org United States Cleveland, OH https://www.awesomefoundation.org/nl/chapters/cleveland tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/220737 2023-06-06T00:00:00Z 2023-06-09T19:00:21Z Lifting Fog is a novel set in current day San Francisco. I am 82 years old and this is my first novel. There are two primary characters both female in their 20s who have ended up homeless by completely different paths and meet in the Tenderloin District. They help each other find their way (lifting the mental fog that can entrap us). It's not really a gritty tale although it addresses real issues (COVID, homelessness, suicide, addiction, grief, friendship, love, determination and inner strength) and explores the beautiful and damaged city of San Francisco. I hope to give readers an approachable insight into how people can find themselves in a situation that might seem hopeless but with help from generous and caring people can be a path of growth and strength. Lani Fehr Lifting Fog http://N/A United States San Francisco, CA https://www.awesomefoundation.org/nl/chapters/sf tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/221840 2023-06-06T00:00:00Z 2023-06-07T01:13:44Z The A.I.m project is helping 30 youth this spring summer and fall development emotional learning skills which help them a their household distress. Being certified in meditation from f.I.u and Harvard medical school we ensure the most quality results to our youth in this topic. After becoming certified to coach track we have been training youth for upcoming meets and helping participants reach fitness goals! One Saturday each month we hold art contests for young artists for cash prizes and other awards. This project is holistically combining arts and physical activities to spring forth the best in each child. A part of the arts and paining portion will be creating banners designs with great words/quotes we came up with. Putting these banners on corner stores and gas stations in the community will make sure teens and young adults at risk see these good thought provoking banners and it takes a good affect on their minds daily as they see the words in their communities. Sirwilliam Cofield A.I.M (Art. In. Mindfulness) Project http://Hattieshelpers.org United States Cleveland, OH https://www.awesomefoundation.org/nl/chapters/cleveland tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/222570 2023-06-06T00:00:00Z 2023-08-23T11:34:40Z Wij willen een speel/sport dag organiseren voor kinderen met en zonder beperking. Omdat deze groep kinderen onzichtbaar is en geen vriendjes heeft willen wij ze een onvergetelijke dag bezorgen. Samen met een student van de HU hebben wij dit project opgezet. De studenten/ toekomstige zorg professionals leren hier ontzettend veel van. Samen spelen, sporten en samen doen is ontzettend waardevol voor alle kinderen! Geen kind zonder vriendjes. De contact wat ontstaat tussen de kinderen en hun ouders op zulke momenten zijn bijzonder. Jong geleerd is oud gedaan. Kinderen met en zonder beperking komen elkaar helaas niet vaak tegen in de wijk, omdat ze gescheiden leven, niet dezelfde school of sport vereniging bezoeken. Hoe meer dit gestimuleerd wordt, hoe normaler het wordt. De missie van InContact Bijzonder is een inclusievere samenleving, meer empathie voor elkaar en elkaars situatie. Een community bouwen waar iedereen zich welkom voelt. Door Awsome Utrecht hebben wij een goede start om dit AWSOME project te realiseren! Locatie: Sportpark De paperclip InContact Bijzonder - Saida Al Ayachi & Shirin van Rooijen No Boundaries http://incontact.bijzonder@gmail.com Netherlands Utrecht https://www.awesomefoundation.org/nl/chapters/utrecht tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/224087 2023-06-06T00:00:00Z 2023-06-07T00:56:23Z The goals of the Sophiscleveland Stepper and Drumrow DC is to increase participation in school, self-improvement, self-esteem, physical health, leadership, and a moral sense for development and growth. We would like to decrease negative and risky behaviors such as (disrespect, withdrawal, bullying, depression, drug and alcohol abuse, sexual activity, and police involvement. The students will have the benefit of learning different styles of marching band fundamentals, arranging and orchestration that can be implemented in the learning environment. Through this program the students will have the opportunity to develop an appreciative attitude towards the HBCU (historical black college university )marching band art form and create a sense of cultural sensitivity. (Youth will also have the opportunity to participate in mandatory characters development workshops such as empowerment,social skills,,and career development workshops Hudson Lee Sophisticleveland Steppers and Drumrow Drumline United States Cleveland, OH https://www.awesomefoundation.org/nl/chapters/cleveland tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/218430 2023-06-05T00:00:00Z 2023-06-05T19:42:50Z The Holy City Birding Conservation program will promote bird conservation through education and experience at local schools. The program will teach youth about local bird species and their habitat. An interactive presentation will show students how to find, identify and experience local birds. The program will supply tools for students to experience and learn about birds on school grounds, at home and at local parks. 1) Provide a bird feeding station and bird seed on school grounds. 2) Teach students about local birds with an interactive presentation including pictures, videos, and sounds. 3) Provide students with a take home bird feeder attachment that they can attach to any plastic bottle. This will allow students to experience birds at home and recycle plastic bottles. 4) Provide a take home bird finding game that includes pictures and brief clues about local birds to encourage students to find birds in their backyard or local park. Charles Donnelly Holy City Birding Conservation Youth Program Worldwide Awesome Without Borders (Inactief) https://www.awesomefoundation.org/nl/chapters/awesomewithoutborders tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/221811 2023-06-04T00:00:00Z 2023-06-05T18:17:51Z Stephanie Suarez founded a collective back in 2018 that sends art and mail to LGBTQI+ Prisoners. The project has grown to include bi-monthly arts & crafts days specifically for LGBTQI+ individuals. The events include a wide variety of activities including Open Mic (music & poetry), Plus size gender non conforming clothing swap, friendship bracelets, potpourri making, prayer candle decoration, painting on canvas, clay arts, coloring, and many other various mediums of arts. Her project includes coloring & signing postcards that will be mailed off to LGBTQI+ Prisoners across the United States. The idea is to create inclusion for the individuals who can't be present at events and remind inmates that they are not alone. (The postcards are designed by local artists.) Right now her attention is focused on disabled queer artists and the lack of accessibility and supplies in the arts. Several local businesses have been generous enough to share their spaces and host the events, and she has received amazing feedback from the community and the local businesses! Funding will be used for art supplies, specifically for those who have limited use of their hands and upper body, such as high folding tables, larger easy to grip pencils, paintbrushes, etc. Funds will also be used to purchase the PA Rental for open mic events. Stephanie Suarez Bipoc Arts healing circles United States Santa Cruz, CA https://www.awesomefoundation.org/nl/chapters/santacruz tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/222293 2023-06-04T00:00:00Z 2023-06-04T18:55:34Z Newburgh has been hosting the Illuminated Festival as cultural event for several years. It was suspended during COVID and resurrected last year. In 2023, the organizers and the municipality were unable to find common ground and the festival will not occur this year, much to the chagin of local residents and small businesses who depend on this event. The local business community has come together to host a miniature version of the festival in an attempt to provide continuity and an event around which to rally. We plan to invite local businesses to participate as vendors, schedule youth programing, and provide a small stage for entertainment. This will also coincide with the grand opening of a new business on Liberty Street which we hope will serve as a spring board for them. We hope to have a traditional block party feel at the center of our great city for residents and visitors to enjoy a pedestrian only Liberty Street. Philippe Pierre 2023 Liberty Street Throwback Block Party https://www.newburghilluminatedfestival.com/ United States Newburgh, NY https://www.awesomefoundation.org/nl/chapters/newburgh tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/222591 2023-06-01T00:00:00Z 2023-07-31T13:58:50Z Ես Արամն եմ "Ակտիվ" ակումբի համահիմնադիրը, մեր ակումբն զբաղվում է ռաֆթինգ, քայլարշավ և վրանային գիշերակաց տուրերով Լոռու մարզի Թումանյանի տարածաշրջանում։ Մենք արդեն 6 տարի իրականացնում ենք ռաֆթինգ, որից վերջին 2 տարին որպես առանձին կազմակերպություն (մինչ այդ գործարքային հիմունքներով աշխատել ենք այլ կազմակերությունում)։ Գործունեության առաջին տարիները մեզ համար բարդ են ու դժվարությամբ են տրվում, սակայն մենք հաստատակամ ենք ու պիտի փորձենք անել ամեն ինչ հետաքրքրված բոլոր կողմերին ներգրավվելու համար։ Դեբետի առաջնային մաքրումն այն ամենափոքր պարտքն է, որ պիտի վերադարձնենք, սակայն միայն սեփական ուժերին ապավինելը կպահանջի բավական երկար ժամանակ, որը մենք չունենք։ Ավազանի առաջնային մաքրումն իրենից ներկայացնում է կենցաղային աղբի հեռացում գետից, որոշակի տեղերում աղբամանների տեղադրում և իրազեկման անսահման ակցիաներ։ Այսօր գլխավոր խնդիրը ոչ թե աղբի մաքրումն է, այլ նոր աղտոտումից խուսափելը։ Մենք չենք կարող մեզ թույլ տալ մասնագիտական խոր հետազոտություն և վերլուծություն ջրային ռեսուրսների համար, սակայն ուշադրություն գրավելով և աստիճանաբար մաքրելով կարող ենք հասնել արդյունքի։ Արամ Փարսադանյան Դեբետի ավազանի առաջնային մաքրում https://www.facebook.com/activerafting Armenia Nature Armenia (Inactief) https://www.awesomefoundation.org/nl/chapters/naturearmenia tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/224025 2023-06-01T00:00:00Z 2023-07-31T13:53:10Z Հաշվի առնելով Անի և Արթիկ խոշորացված համայնքների բնակավայրերի դիրքը, բնակլիմայական պայմաններն ու ոռոգման համակարգի առանձնահատկությունները՝ առաջարկվում է բարձրարժեք մշակաբույսերի տեսակներ տնամերձ տարածքներում փորձարկելու համար։ Ներքոնշյալ մշակաբույսերը մշակվում են ջրովի պայմաններում, ցրտադիմացկուն են և օժտված բարձր սննդային արժեքով: Անձրևաջրերի հավաքման համակարգը անձրևաջուրը տանիքներից, մակերեսներից կամ այլ տարածքներից, որտեղ անձրևաջրերը բնականորեն թափվում են, հավաքելու և պահելու մեթոդ է։ Անձրևաջրերի օգտագործումը ոռոգման նպատակով կարելի է դիտարկել որպես ոռոգման արդյունավետ և կայուն մեթոդ: Անձրևաջրերի հավաքման համակարգերը կարող են օգտագործվել ոռոգման նպատակով անձրևաջրերը հավաքելու և պահելու համար՝ նվազեցնելով կախվածությունը ստորերկրյա և մակերևութային ջրերի աղբյուրներից: Անձրևաջրերի օգտագործումը գյուղատնտեսության համար ունի մի քանի առավելություն, ինչպիսիք են՝ ոռոգման ծախսերի կրճատում, հողի էրոզիայի նվազեցում, նվազեցված բնապահպանական ազդեցություն: Այն կարող է օգնել նվազեցնել համայնքային ջրամատակարարման պահանջարկը, նվազեցնել ջրի վարձերը և պահպանել ջրային ռեսուրսները: Անձրևաջրերի հավաքման համակարգերի բաղադրիչներն են՝ ● Հավաքման մակերեսը. Մակերեսը պետք է լինի մաքուր և զերծ բեկորներից, որպեսզի ապահովվի հավաքված ջրի մաքրությունը։ ● Հեղեղատարներ. Հեղեղատարները  պետք է լինեն ճիշտ նախագծված և պատշաճ կերպով տեղադրված, որպեսզի ապահովվի հավաքման առավելագույն արդյունավետություն: Պահպանման բաք. Պահեստային բաքը այն վայրն է, որտեղ պահվում են հավաքված անձրևաջրերը: Բաքը կարող է պատրաստվել տարբեր նյութերից` բետոնից, պլաստմասսայից կամ մետաղից: Բաքի չափը կախված է անձրևաջրի քանակից և ջրի նպատակային օգտագործումից: ● Զտիչ. Ֆիլտրը օգտագործվում է հավաքված անձրևաջրից ցանկացած բեկորներ կամ աղտոտիչներ հեռացնելու համար նախքան դրանք պահեստավորման բաք մտնելը: ● Պոմպ և բաշխման համակարգ. Պոմպը և բաշխման համակարգըօգտագործման համար բաշխելու համար: Ջրախնայող տեխնոլոգիաների ներդրման հայեցակարգից են բխում կաթիլային, ենթահողային և անձրևացմամբ ոռոգման համակարգերի տարածումն և ընդլայնումը: Նելլի Վարդանյան Անձրևաջրերի հավաքման կայանի տիպային օրինակ Armenia Nature Armenia (Inactief) https://www.awesomefoundation.org/nl/chapters/naturearmenia tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/225004 2023-06-01T00:00:00Z 2023-08-03T14:32:11Z Last year 2022 Boalsburg saw the first cross culture music event; Kirtan Fest! An opportunity to participate through call and response in an age long traditional music style that hails from India. Artists from Argentina, Ghana, Los Angeles, Ukraine, New Zealand, Vietnam and State College participated in a day long performance that saw a new artist every hour. Local food vendors satisfied appetites with Ethiopian and Southern cuisine, as the day crossed into evening and people got to their feet to dance and sing. Kirtan is not only a music genre, it is a meditative sound that with the use of sacred mantras can ease anxiety, relieve stress and open the heart to compassion, acceptance and peace. This ancient musical tradition has been spread all over the world through such artists as Krishna Das, Jai Uttal, Jahnavi Harrison and Gaura Vani. This years focus is an East meets West melding of narrative styles that compliment each other through a focus on vocals and acoustic instrumentation. We have three local bands lined up and international kirtan artists heading in from Maryland and DC. Using the same venue; the Boals Barn amphitheater, not only is this an opportunity to savor the historic site of the Boalsburg Mansion, but we are drawing people into the area that are now aware of the other cultural and artistic events that State College has to offer. The Awesome Grant will go a long way to helping to pay the transportation costs of the artists, as well as paying for the venue and other expenses associated with such an event. Yasoda Mensah Kirtan Fest 2023 United States State College, PA https://www.awesomefoundation.org/nl/chapters/statecollege tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/218731 2023-05-31T00:00:00Z 2023-07-08T00:52:02Z May’s Awesome Ottawa award goes to Harmony Eshkawkogan to support a community garden helping Indigenous youth connect to the land. “I am an Indigenous youth from Wikwemikong, on Manitoulin Island,” explains Harmony, “but I reside on Algonquin territory, or in Ottawa. I am the garden helper with a grassroots Indigenous youth organization called Assembly of Seven Generations, or A7G, which supports Indigenous youth with community and cultural support.” “An important part of Indigenous culture,” continues Harmony, “is connecting to the land. But it is challenging living in an urban area. Our group has a small garden plot and would like to plant various Indigenous plants that our ancestors grew to help other youths reconnect to the land. The plants would be harvested to serve at community feasts. The sacred medicinal plants would also be shared within the community and for ceremonial purposes.” “This is my third year helping with the A7G garden,” says Harmony, “and more youth want to help with gardening every year. I will use the money not only to buy garden supplies, but also to ensure the youth have transportation to visit the garden. I will also buy notebooks and paint kits to encourage nature journaling. This will allow youth to learn about traditional plants and the Indigenous names of the plants.” Harmony moved to Ottawa for high school, and is in the first generation in her family to not attend residential school. “I suffered a lot of culture shock from adapting to living in the city,” she says, “but A7G became my home away from home. A lot of Indigenous youth share similar stories, so I agreed to become an A7G youth helper to support them.” Harmony Eshkawkogan Kitigan-Garden https://www.a7g.ca/ Canada Ottawa https://www.awesomefoundation.org/nl/chapters/ottawa tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/220835 2023-05-31T00:00:00Z 2023-06-01T10:48:37Z I would like to bring Michael Chase into GMHS as an inspirational speaker in the fall. Mike is the School Resource Officer at Essex Tech, and he grew up in Danvers. I have known him since we were in high school together. Mike was at the Boston Marathon Finish Line when the bombs exploded, and he provided care to victims. Mike speaks about resilience in the face of adversity, and growing a culture of kindness. I would like for him to share his experience about "Kindness is a lifestyle" with our students grades 7-12. Mike has grown a kindness week program at Essex Tech and he will consult with me on how to begin something similar at GMHS. Amanda Girard "Kindness is a Lifestyle" Inspirational Speaker https://www.michaelchasespeaks.com United States Georgetown, MA https://www.awesomefoundation.org/nl/chapters/georgetown tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/222265 2023-05-31T00:00:00Z 2023-06-07T21:45:09Z Ability Through Action was co-founded by Kelsea MacKay and Patrick Lloyd, two students from Toronto Metropolitan University, with the goal of enhancing accessibility and promoting independence for individuals with disabilities. Our primary focus is on providing mobility devices and support to those in need, particularly in Ukraine. Our collaborative efforts with Align Home Health Care in Ontario have enabled us to gather wheelchairs from long-term care homes. Subsequently, we have partnered with Goodwill to refurbish these chairs, ensuring they are in impeccable condition. Our primary objective is to prioritize active wheelchairs for veterans. We are currently focused on collecting active chairs from Alberta, yet require assistance in transporting them to a shipping dock for subsequent shipment to Ukraine. The funds acquired through this endeavor will support both the logistical aspects of transportation and our work on the ground in Ukraine. To date we have delivered over 1000 mobility devices to Ukraine. **What our grantee is saying:** "This is truly amazing. This grant will help us cover the cost of shipping wheelchairs to Ukraine." Kelsea MacKay Ability Through Action https://www.abilitythroughaction.com/get_involved Worldwide Disability https://www.awesomefoundation.org/nl/chapters/disability tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/220012 2023-05-30T00:00:00Z 2023-05-31T04:45:34Z We feel there is a need in our community of Greater Phoenix, AZ for more outreach youth programs, especially during the Summer when kids aren’t in school and the childcare burden on their families is greater. Specifically, we desire to reach families who otherwise wouldn’t have the opportunity to participate in a program such as this due to financial constraints. We have a full outline prepared for camp, which will include working on skills and game play, character discussion times, free lunch, and motivational speakers each day. The primary objective of this outreach basketball camp is to provide a fun basketball camp experience for kids whose families otherwise wouldn’t be able to afford this type of experience. We also hope to connect with these kids through athletics, to give them perspective that working hard can produce success - both physically within the confines of a sport and hypothetically within the context of life. Our greatest limitations are usually related to motivation and confidence, and athletics can provide both of those characteristics. Our hope for our outreach programs is that we play a positive role in helping children to be able to break the cycle of financial burden/poverty. Jennifer Cottrell 2023 Sports Kidz AZ Outreach Basketball Camp Worldwide Homelessness (Inactief) https://www.awesomefoundation.org/nl/chapters/homelessness tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/220572 2023-05-30T00:00:00Z 2023-06-14T23:42:16Z Willunga National Trust is in the process of creating an Art Gallery in Waverley Park Homestead at Willunga. It will be open on three afternoons each week (Fri, Sat and Sun) from 1pm to 4pm. The artworks are not-for-sale and entry is free. The Heritage Art program is run by a team of 15 volunteers who are of various ages from 20s to 70s. This is an opportunity to pass on valuable skills associated with research, writing and hanging artworks from one generation to another. Our first exhibition is the Jane Price Retrospective showing watercolours of the cultural landscapes and built heritage of the local area by Jane Price (1933-2020). New exhibitions featuring local both living and deceased artists are planned for every three months (4 per year). Mark Staniforth Art Gallery at Waverley Park Homestead Australia Fleurieu https://www.awesomefoundation.org/nl/chapters/fleurieu tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/220718 2023-05-30T00:00:00Z 2023-05-30T22:59:31Z «Սավառնիր ինձ հետ» նախագիծը էլեկտրոնային երաժշտության և բնության համադրման մասին է։ Երևի համացանցում հանդիպած կլինեք հայտնի DJ-ների երաժշտական ծրագրի (dj set) ներկայացումը բնության տարբեր տեսարժան կետերում (օրինակ՝ https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=crZfT5qnFdA&feature=youtu.be կամ https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=El90OBILFBw&feature=youtu.be կամ https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=m4U232MuTG4&feature=youtu.be): Սավառնիր ինձ հետը լինելու է նմանօրինակ նախագիծ, որի ժամանակ ես (DJ Vakcina) կներկայացնեմ էլեկտրոնային մի քանի ոճերի երաժշտական սետ Հայաստանի տարբեր մարզերում ամենագեղատեսիլ վայրերում։ Այս ընթացքը կնկարահանվի մի քանի կամերաներով և դրոնով, որից հետո արդեն մոնտաժված տարբերակը կտեղադրվի ինչպես յութուբում, այնպես էլ instagram-ի reel-երում։ Այս նախագծի նպատակները մի քանիսն են. 1. Ստեղծել ականջին ու աչքին հաճելի հայկական կոնտենտ 2. Տարածել Հայաստանի տեսարժան վայրերի մասին ինֆորմացիա այլազգի աուդիտորիայում 3. Տուրիզմի հնարավոր զարգացում ընտրված location-ներում Հնարավոր է նաև ավելացնել բնապահպանական կոմպոնենտ ներկայացնելով նշված տարածքներում բնապահպանական խնդիրները։ Arusik Mkrtchyan Fly with me / Սավառնիր ինձ հետ Armenia Yerevan https://www.awesomefoundation.org/nl/chapters/yerevan tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/221210 2023-05-30T00:00:00Z 2023-05-30T12:47:07Z Our May grant has been awarded to JustFix, an organization that creates tools to fight displacement and achieve healthy housing for all. In collaboration with tenants, organizers, and advocates, they build accessible tools to help renters assert their rights. **JustFix believes housing is a human right. By leveraging technology with housing justice movements, they seek to shift power to historically disenfranchised communities.** One of the tools built by JustFix helps tenants build letters to address repairs in their apartments. These letters can be assembled from any smartphone, detail specific repairs issues, and be sent directly, by certified mail, to the tenant's landlord, free of charge. This AwesomeNYC grant will allow JustFix to include color photos of user/tenant housing conditions with these letters to provide additional evidence both to highlight to landlords the extent of the damage in need of repair as well as in use in court cases as physical evidence to be shown in support of the tenants' cases. Visit JustFix.org to use their tools, learn more about your rights as tenants, and [join their email list](http://eepurl.com/gvYb-f). [Donate to JustFix](https://donorbox.org/donate-to-justfix-nyc) to keep their work going and empower tenants like you. Sateesh Nori at JustFix Tenant Tools for Repairs https://www.justfix.org United States New York City, NY https://www.awesomefoundation.org/nl/chapters/nyc tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/222100 2023-05-30T00:00:00Z 2023-05-31T04:54:58Z There is a special Jaatikara an ethnic community of People in Ranipet district living in Oocheri - Karivedu Village. They are called as Jattikara Community who hail from the hilltop. Their main profession is to beat themselves with the WIP(Jaati) in the bus stands, market places and wherever people gather in large numbers to showcase the demonstration to people by raising the children on the Pole top (10 to 15ft) height, make a walk on the string tied between two poles without any support. These community people are now living /roaming on the plains since they moved down from the hilltop for livelihood reasons. 30 Families have set up a camp near Ranipet at Karivedu village for more than 2 years. They are lacking a proper house. So, they have made a camp out of their old sarees/dhoties and coconut leaves which is neither saving them from getting wet during the rains nor providing shadow during the sunshine. So We will provide Dr.P.Vedhanayagi - THENDRAL MOVEMENT Tarpouline Sheets for Jaatikara Community Families https://thendralmovement.1ngo.in Worldwide Homelessness (Inactief) https://www.awesomefoundation.org/nl/chapters/homelessness tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/214961 2023-05-30T00:00:00Z 2023-05-31T00:14:51Z Veggies for Seniors raises fresh vegetables for my fellow residents of Rockport High School Apartments. Veggie gardening is a passion of mine & last Spring I was given permission to garden an empty bed. The patch produced tomatoes, cucumbers and peppers which were shared with residents. The patch was small but productive and enhanced the property as well. The garden was very well received and enjoyed by passersby too. This year an additional empty bed has been offered to me. It would mean more produce for residents of RHS Apts and also enhance the grounds of this historic building in the heart of downtown Rockport! BONNEY HERRINGTON Veggies for Seniors United States Rockport, MA https://www.awesomefoundation.org/nl/chapters/rockport tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/221680 2023-05-25T00:00:00Z 2023-05-31T19:18:52Z This school year were lucky enough to receive federal funding (Title IV-A), in the form of a grant, to purchase new orchestral instruments (Violins, Violas, Cellos). This money has been earmarked for instrument purchasing only, with the goal is to begin offering orchestra classes for the first time at Kaimuki High School. While we are excited to welcome these new instruments, currently we are struggling to figure out how to store all of the new equipment as our storage rooms are almost completely full. With some thoughtful downsizing and and appropriate instrument specific shelving we believe we can make it work! Our school is at Title I status, meaning that majority of our students live in low income households. It is an important, and self imposed, goal of our program that we provide high quality music making experiences to the students an $0 to them an their families. This money from the Awesome Foundation would go a long way in supporting that goal! Alan Evans Starting an Orchestra Class at Kaimuki High School https://kaimukihighband.weebly.com/ United States Oahu, HI https://www.awesomefoundation.org/nl/chapters/oahu tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/217637 2023-05-25T00:00:00Z 2023-05-26T01:48:47Z It started last summer when I put together a group of band students (mostly 5th graders with 8th grade helpers) to practice and to perform during the summer of 2022. The 2021-2022 school year had been a year of rebuilding the band program in Gloucester post-pandemic; 5th graders had missed their entire 4th grade year of band because of pandemic cancellations, so they were about to enter middle school in the 2022-2023 school year with only one year of experience instead two. I decided to volunteer my time over the summer to give students a little more time with their instruments before entering middle school. Our group practiced once a week and we opened for the Rockport Legion Band and Cape Ann Community Band concerts during the summer. Fast forward to December 2022, I was asked to put together a group of students to play Christmas Carols for a fundraiser hosted by the Gloucester Fishtown Horribles Parade. The group included students in grades 5-10, many of whom had performed with the summer band. Our group was then asked to play at the Shaws Grand Re-Opening, and at the Gloucester 400 New Year’s Eve celebration. Inspired by the positive experiences from both the summer band and the Christmas caroling group, the students and I decided to form an official group to play regularly together for the community. We chose the name Gloucester Student Band (GSB) and made a goal to practice once a month and to perform once a month. We already have gigs lined up at The Linden Assisted Living Center and the Magnolia Community Farmer’s Market, in addition to opening again for the Rockport and Cape Ann Bands and many other future opportunities! We would love to offer free musical performances for nonprofits, fundraisers, and community events, in order to give back to the community and bring our joy and love of music to all. Jamie Green Klopotoski Gloucester Student Band United States Gloucester, MA https://www.awesomefoundation.org/nl/chapters/gloucester tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/218726 2023-05-23T00:00:00Z 2023-05-26T17:20:50Z "Pack is Here" is a 90-minute feature-length documentary film. This documentary will follow transgender roller derby skaters and the packs they form as they hip-check prejudice and show the world that they are right where they belong. We’ll watch Portland's Rose City Rollers skaters Link and Bruise and the changes they undergo as they quest for victory this season. Meanwhile, 12-year-old Attacknid will make friendships with their team at Salem's Cherry City while finding their place in the sport as a whole. We will follow Link, Bruise, and Attacknid’s derby lives from MVP awards to penalty box visits and the joys and struggles of grassroots athletics. We will also interview other derby players and experts to learn about the history of queer representation in this special sport and how other athletic programs can follow its example. "Pack is Here" is what a roller derby referee yells to signal skaters to form tightly together on the track. By following these skaters and the packs they form, we seek to use roller derby as an entertainment landscape to normalize the role of trans people in sports - and therefore in society as a whole. Sosha Belle Pack Is Here http://seedandspark.com/fund/pack-is-here United States Portland, OR https://www.awesomefoundation.org/nl/chapters/portland tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/220613 2023-05-23T00:00:00Z 2023-05-24T01:30:56Z Like A Rose is a nonprofit organization that raises awareness on child loss. We also provide support and services to families who have experienced child loss and walk alongside them through this journey of grief. Each year we have an annual women's conference where we bring in women from all over the state and surrounding states and we have guest speakers who encourage the women during the hard seasons. We bring in a celebrity guest to host a concert. We also have a panel where it is filled with women from all walks and careers such as teachers, counselors, ministers, etc. The panel is a place where the attendees can ask any question on various topics and it will be answered by the panel. This conference will provide women, who often feel ostracized that they cannot share their child with the world, with a community that can and will support them in every season. Chandria Taylor Like A Rose Conference United States Chicago, IL https://www.awesomefoundation.org/nl/chapters/chicago tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/222715 2023-05-22T00:00:00Z 2023-05-24T22:48:27Z Many Extra Only More is a massive-scale, site specific dance project for 40 dancers, framed by 40 windows, plus a handful of tricked out storage units, at Extra Space Storage Facility in Brookland, DC. It is a communal holler, shout, and shake it all about that will fill an openopen glass facade with quirky-luscious, exuberant dance, before spilling out onto the street with infectious “dip me, twirl me” energy that invites appointment viewers and passersby to cut themselves a rug and a piece of some happy pie. Research questions for the project include: How does large scale synchronicity contribute to collective joy? How do we engage with facade, window treatment, locks, and temperate isolation via storage units and on-display windows? What are the expected and unexpected stowaways in the things we pack away - in industrial storage units, or the little chambers of our heart? How do we repurpose empty space, or make something from nothing? The work promises a joyous, good time with my dance company Heart Stück Bernie's classic tug of heartstrings, audience engagement, and penchant for surprises along the way. Aside from the firework of a live dance performance, this project is ultimately about the three-month rehearsal process - meant as a weekly gathering place and action for DC's dance community this side of the pandemic. I am centering community-engaged practices to nurture, enthrall, and create opportunities for [renewed] connection. (Many DC dancers haven’t had an opportunity to perform since before the pandemic, and many of our recent college grads transitioned into our community during a time of low opportunity/employment.) Bringing so many dancers together with a robust production and design team means this project is meant as a supportive hug, and also as a launch pad for future creative relationships. Sarah Beth Oppenheim Many Extra Only More http://sarahbethoppenheim.com United States Washington, DC https://www.awesomefoundation.org/nl/chapters/dc tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/185652 2023-05-22T00:00:00Z 2023-05-23T19:59:36Z I'm working on a series of short stop-frame animated movies about adventures of a small crochet owl. This will be a continuation of the style and story I developed in experimental game "Odgłos", where the owl played the main character, travelling through the multiverse along many peculiar objects that were brought to life to play part in quirky musical puzzles. Now I’d like to try simpler stories through a different medium that’ll be more accessible to wider audience. This time the eccentric owl is going to visit a surreal world, full of shapeshifting furniture and other weird creatures. I’m developing the miniature furniture as mechanical toys - automatons, that will come alive, have personality, feelings, needs, and go on adventures, despite their designed function. I’m also making puppets of animals and otherwordly creatures that may play part in some episodes. The stories will be loosely connected by our curious owl, all happening in the same odd universe. Imagine a mysterious, flying piano, that composes magical music that heals owl’s wild friends, bringing hope to the depressed owl. Or when she finds a solitary chair in the middle of snow-covered world, that protects from the winter a miniature universe full of blooming grasses and crazy creatures. I find that bringing out soul in everyday objects makes people more empathetic and connected to the life around them. I want it to have relaxing atmosphere, inspired by ASMR movies, which were proven to help with anxiety, depression and loneliness. I may use my piano compositions as well. Stories will be playful and heartwarming. They’ll bring hope to all these misunderstood, sensitive misfits that feel they don’t belong in this harsh world. They will feel understood, and learn to see magic in ordinary objects. The movies will teach about acceptance of diversity, and about helping others, especially nature and animals. I am currently working on scenography for the first movie and plan to shoot test scenes soon. Agata Nawrot The Flight of the Quirky Owl http://agatanawrot.com/sova Worldwide Awesome Without Borders (Inactief) https://www.awesomefoundation.org/nl/chapters/awesomewithoutborders tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/220177 2023-05-18T00:00:00Z 2023-10-19T15:22:13Z “The Voice Inside” (TVI) is an ongoing series of interactive episodes made for educational and entertainment purposes. TVI is created and performed by young professional writers & actors with and without special needs. And it is their own actual success stories which inspire the episodes. TVI follows teens & young adults through difficult real life situations as they come of age. All the while, TVI viewers hear the inner voices of the characters as they work to overcome their challenges. As characters face life-changing decisions, TVI viewers get to choose which decision is made. The viewers then see the consequences of that decision. At the end, TVI viewers learn which decision was made in real life and why. TVI builds awareness, confidence, and empathy in parents, students, and teachers alike in people of all abilities by relying on the inner strength individuals have in trying times. TVI shows that no matter our life’s circumstances, we achieve anyway. The first character we see the world through is Matt, who is based on autistic playwright, Matteo Esposito. We chronicle Matt’s journey from being a special education student, fresh from the psych ward, who took seven years to graduate high school, to a successful college student actively pursuing a writing career. We let our viewers make Matt's crucial decision: should he take the advice of teachers who doubt him, and give up on his college dreams, or pursue a GED so he can apply to his dream school? We create episodes that show each decision's potential outcomes, and a "full version" that reveals Matteo's real-life decision to get a GED. Throughout Matt’s journey, we will meet other characters, like his girlfriend also in special education, Zoe, his autistic GED teacher Ms. Taylor, and his neurotypical friend in adult learning school, Brad. Over the course of the series, we will watch episodes from their perspectives that tell their stories, among others. Gena Sims "The Voice Inside" Autism Series for Miami Schools http://www.autismtheaterproject.org United States Miami, FL https://www.awesomefoundation.org/nl/chapters/miami tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/221633 2023-05-18T00:00:00Z 2023-05-24T15:23:45Z In partnership with Skeleton Park Festival, on June 22, 5:30pm-8pm, the Integrated Care Hub (ICH) will be hosting the festival on the property of ICH. Our goal is to celebrate our indigenous friends, educate the Kingston community & promote the work we do, & why we do it. Kelli McIsaac Hub Festival Canada Kingston https://www.awesomefoundation.org/nl/chapters/kingston-on tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/218297 2023-05-17T00:00:00Z 2023-06-26T23:01:20Z Our project truly is awesome! After visiting several foreign cities and having been provided great tur experiences we decided that an immersive tour of Piqua should be offered. With that a contact to MainStreet Piqua and we were off and running. This summer we are going to offer tours to tour hosts (people who would bring a bus group) to "sell" them the idea of visiting Piqua. We have teamed with Miami County Visitors and Convention Bureau and they have attended several conferences and have had interest in our tour. The actual paid tours will begin in 2024. Hosts plan a year in advance for such bus tours. Our tour includes all of the awesome things about Piqua such as the Johnston Farm, Hartzell Propellor, the monuments around our community the Piqua Library and local businesses. We will be providing lunch and dinner from local vendors for the tours and all tours will be docent led. Seven of our area businesses will be offering hands on experiences as part of the tour and the group will have an opportunity to actually walk through one of the houses in the Piqua Caldwell Historic District as well as a commentary on the districts many historic homes. The residual effects of this tour will be an overnight stay at a local hotel, shopping in the downtown area and both lunch and dinner provided by local chief. This tour is meant to spotlight as our brochure states "Piqua just may be the most interesting town you never heard of." Rather than upload photos I recommend a visit to our website listed for photos and more information. Don and Sue Smith Piqua Surprise http://PiquaSurprise.com United States Piqua, OH (Inactief) https://www.awesomefoundation.org/nl/chapters/awesomepiqua tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/220513 2023-05-15T00:00:00Z 2023-05-17T17:28:43Z Moorhead PAL is working with the Department of Justice and bringing a positive one on one mentoring opportunity to Moorhead for teens this summer. Working with EHP Crossfit, officer are meeting with 14 teens twice a week to work out, followed by a healthy snack and 30 minute mentoring session on healthy habits and positive attitudes. This program will help foster positive relationships between youth and law enforcement in our community. Scott Kostohryz Moorhead Police Athletics and Activities League http://moorheadpal.org United States Cass Clay https://www.awesomefoundation.org/nl/chapters/cassclay tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/220652 2023-05-15T00:00:00Z 2023-09-04T04:10:43Z Hello Awesome Foundation Melbourne Chapter! My name's Marjorie Tenchavez and I'm the founder and director of social enterprise, Welcome Merchant. Our mission is to elevate the voices of entrepreneurs who identify as a refugee or as a person seeking asylum in Australia. As a social enterprise, Welcome Merchant acts as a directory, making it easy for conscious shoppers to find unique gift hampers and products and cultural events operated by underrepresented entrepreneurs, all while making a meaningful social impact. Since we launched on Instagram in March 2020, we've featured over 125 refugee-powered businesses, from across Australia, on our social media pages & online directory, for free. Since April 2021, we've organised 29 refugee powered events, in Sydney, Melbourne and Wollongong. These events include 3 markets, 3 art exhibitions and 19 dining events, which have all sold-out. We run our events in partnership with chefs and entrepreneurs who are also refugees and people seeking asylum. The chefs take home 50% of the ticket sales from the dining events. We also donate a portion of each event ticket to a select charity, for example, at our Iranian Pop-Up in Melbourne, the chef decided to donate $5 from each ticket to the Syrian American Medical Society, to help the Syrian earthquake victims. We also offer free skill-building workshops to the entrepreneurs, to help them scale up their own businesses. We provide information & referral, as we don't do casework due to lack of resources. We also sell gift hampers in partnership with 5 refugee business owners, they are sold nationwide. In January 2023, we were given accreditation by Social Traders Australia, so we are now officially a Social Enterprise. In full disclosure, in March 2021, the Awesome Foundation Sydney chapter awarded us our very first grant, which helped us run our first cooking class with a Sri Lankan refugee chef. The money went to the venue hire, it was a huge help! Marjorie Tenchavez Refugee & Friends Market https://welcomemerchant.com/ Australia Melbourne (Inactief) https://www.awesomefoundation.org/nl/chapters/melbourne tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/221010 2023-05-15T00:00:00Z 2023-06-01T21:52:10Z Our project is on Saving Our Tomorrow's community garden located in the City of Poughkeepsie. As a member of the community and founder of the organization, I am passionate about providing a free, safe, and accessible space for individuals, particularly veterans, to plant flowers and vegetables to sustain themselves. As you may know, our garden is completely unfunded, and we are in dire need of resources to help us sustain our efforts. We are currently seeking assistance with the following items: soil, fertilizer, tools, fencing materials, bushes, seeds, plants, gloves, hats, eyewear, and garden bags. With your help, we can continue to provide a valuable service to our community. Our garden not only provides healthy and nutritious food options, but it also serves as a therapeutic outlet for individuals to engage in a relaxing and fulfilling activity. We believe that everyone should have access to fresh produce, regardless of their financial situation. Our garden plots are free, and we strive to make our space as inclusive as possible. We are committed to maintaining our garden and serving our community for years to come, but we cannot do it alone. We kindly ask for your assistance in providing the resources we need to make our garden a thriving and sustainable community resource. Thank you for your time and consideration. We hope to partner with you to continue to provide a valuable service to our community. Jasmaine Clay Veterans Community Garden http://www.savingourtomorrow.org United States Poughkeepsie, NY https://www.awesomefoundation.org/nl/chapters/poughkeepsie tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/221221 2023-05-15T00:00:00Z 2023-08-31T19:02:44Z This production of Jesus Christ Superstar would exclusively feature a Transgender and Non-Binary cast of artists at Point Park. Both within our school as well as in the professional world, transgender performers are frequently passed up solely for being trans, or for not looking exactly like their cisgender counterparts. They also run into problems with only being cast in very specific kinds of roles due to their appearance or voice, and are not given opportunities to branch out. I want to create a piece for transgender actors by a transgender director with the goal of creating an opportunity for these students to play types of roles they wouldn’t typically be considered for. Jesus Christ Superstar was chosen because of the current opposition the trans community is currently facing, in legislation and everyday life. Alec Miller All-Trans Production of Jesus Christ Superstar United States Pittsburgh, PA https://www.awesomefoundation.org/nl/chapters/pittsburgh tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/211628 2023-05-15T00:00:00Z 2023-05-15T16:40:54Z Women and community members perform ancient lamentation rituals at a contested site in Cape Town, South Africa, where there has been historical violence against women and indigenous lands. Our project explores the intimate correlation between the degradation of the natural world and interdependent ecologies, and the exploitation, domination, and violence against women. Collaborating with internationally renowned voice experts and South African performers, we have chosen the sacred land of the Liesbeek River. The event will be filmed and include short interviews with activists and artists. Global retail giant Amazon is building its $284 million African headquarters on contested indigenous land in Cape Town. The floodplain, at the confluence of the Black and Liesbeek rivers, is of great heritage significance to the Khoi and San, First Nations people of South Africa. Historically, the site has been documented as pastoral grounds for the Goringhaicona Khoi groups in pre-colonial times. It is also claimed it is the site of the first battle between indigenous people and Portuguese colonists who landed on South African shores more than 500 years ago. The Khoi victory over the Portuguese in 1510 and later their defeat of the Dutch in 1660 has inscribed the land as the first site of colonial defiance. The land bears heritage-- is the site for commemoration and memory and is critical to the revivalist movement of First Nations people. The rivers and its diverse ecosystems are intrinsic to First Nation identity and connection to Spirit. It is also an ecologically significant green urban corridor that mitigates against flooding in a time of climate change and hosts a diversity of wildlife. In this context, Amazon's development is considered a sacrilege, a violent recolonization of place and people in the interest of global corporate capital. The female body is also a "contested site," as women are disproportionately affected by violence and discrimination. Micha Espinosa Ukuzila/Lament http://n/a Worldwide Awesome Without Borders (Inactief) https://www.awesomefoundation.org/nl/chapters/awesomewithoutborders tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/216960 2023-05-15T00:00:00Z 2023-06-21T13:05:29Z Orlando Bal Vihar (non profit organization) is hosting another great opportunity within the Central Florida community, where we coach, mentor and help gets kids ages 6 to 18 become entrepreneurs. We value that every kid wants to become independent early on but they struggle to find how to combine passion with the professional journey. We provide this platform to allow for kids to experiment early and become independent. Our workshops allow for kids to gain confidence, understand the key terms around marketing, planning, financials- which all goes towards becoming an entrepreneur. https://www.childrensbusinessfair.org/orlando-florida Adity Gandhi Kid$ Bi$ Orlando, Florida https://www.childrensbusinessfair.org/orlando-florida United States Orlando, FL https://www.awesomefoundation.org/nl/chapters/orlando tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/219957 2023-05-12T00:00:00Z 2023-05-11T14:03:11Z Summary 1. To provide an accessible solution for hard of hearing (HoH) Dungeon Master (DM) 2. Players, whether hearing impaired or not, will gain an immersive gaming experience 3. To demonstrate this accessibility setup at scholarly and gaming conventions and organized public games Current Situation I am a professional DM and run organized role playing games (RPGs) through my non-profit, GameOn! I am also HoH. Origin of the Idea I was recently at a very crowded public gaming event. I noticed a DM using a boom mic with a speaker projected to her players. The setup intrigued me. Yes, she could broadcast her voice to her table of 8 people but I need the reverse, as I’m HoH. Proposed Solutions 1. Purchase equipment to overcome DM’s hearing impairment 2. Broadcast game audio via a free app like Discord. Players connect via noise canceling bluetooth earbuds on mobile devices 3Demonstrate this setup at convention panels on accommodations at the gaming table Advantages to this audio setup: Accommodates DM’s hearing impairment. Eliminates background noise of crowded public events and provides an immersive, distraction-free gaming experience. Allows DM to create an audio-rich gaming environment with background music and sounds to enhance game play. For players who lack a mobile device, this grant would provide one for their use (refurbished, previous generation Amazon Kindle Fire tablets are inexpensive and have bluetooth and 3.5mm audio capabilities). Some people find earbuds to be uncomfortable. For those people, wired over-ear headphones could be provided. Cleaning wipes and a USB battery hub to charge all of the devices complete the setup. I'm a scholar interested in showcasing the joy and pro-social benefits that RPGs provide. In addition to enhancing HoH gamer experiences, this grant will help illustrate one way to accommodate hearing impairments via presentations at gaming and professional development conventions. I am a frequent presenter at such venues. David Perlman Hear, Hear! Let’s Make D&D Hearing Accessible http://www.gameonphilly.org United States Philadelphia, PA https://www.awesomefoundation.org/nl/chapters/philadelphia tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/219743 2023-05-11T00:00:00Z 2025-03-14T14:40:29Z AwesomeStPaul is proud to announce our May 2023 grant winner. Brik Share will create a lending library of Legos at the Arlington Hills branch of the Saint Paul Public Library. We are thrilled to support our winner, Bora Mandic, a sophomore at St. Paul Academy. His project will provide access to learning tools for children of all ages through the public library system. Congratulations! In his own words, Bora describes his project in more detail.. "An article by The National Center for Biotechnology Information explained that educational toys help children’s cognitive development and also help them develop emotional skills like increased empathy, a stronger imagination, and better social skills. However, these educational toys can be very expensive and are ultimately inaccessible to many children. One such educational toy that I have a personal connection to is Lego. When I was younger, I was lucky to have access to Legos. From my first set when I was three years old to my life now as a sixteen-year-old, Legos have always been a way for me to express myself and my creativity. I want to make it possible for all kids to have the same amazing experiences I had. My idea is to implement Lego sets in public libraries in Saint Paul where kids can borrow and return Lego sets just like books. Not only would providing sharable Legos at the library would give all local children access to engaging, physical toys, but it would also encourage youth to visit their local libraries and read. According to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, the number of in-person visits to libraries in the US per 100 people has declined by 24% from 2009 to 2018, and this is ignoring the impact COVID-19 has caused. I have been connecting with my local library in Saint Paul, and a mentor is helping me further develop the idea and identify pilot sites. I am currently working on building a website for the project, as well as applying for funding to get the project started. One question I consistently receive for my project is, “Why Legos?” Unlike many educational toys, Legos give children their own choice of what they want to do. They can either build the set the instructions provide or use their imagination and create whatever they want, making Legos the perfect toy to share!" Bora Mandic BrikShare United States St. Paul, MN https://www.awesomefoundation.org/nl/chapters/stpaul tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/220298 2023-05-11T00:00:00Z 2023-05-11T13:55:54Z We are dedicated to making books more accessible. Our mission is to help children build their home libraries, foster a love of reading, and improve literacy outcomes by providing evidence-based literacy programming and support, and gifting new and gently used books to children in Detroit. Books are available in Spanish and English and are culturally sustaining, diverse, and inclusive. Since receiving a donation from The Awesome Foundation in May and our launch in June 2022 we have gifted 2616 books to 957 children in Detroit. Our primary focus is on providing books and programming to children ages 5-14. Board books, picture books, early readers, chapter books, graphic novels, and middle-grade books. We are intentional about ensuring that our books have BIPOC characters, celebrate diversity and inclusion, have neurodiverse and disabled characters, STEM-related themes, and are reflective of the communities we serve. Birdie's Bookmobile is partnered with six DPSCD and Charter Schools in Detroit and eight organizations that are literacy and summer and out-of-school time program providers. We visit the schools and organizations once a month. We also attend summer camps and community events and have installed eight Little Free Libraries that we steward and curate. Literacy rates in Detroit are 47% for adults and as low as 3.6% for third-grade reading in some zip codes. We are expanding our book titles at the request of high school students, families, and literacy organizations to provide YA titles for high school students ages 15-18 years old. Alyce Hartman Birdie's Bookmobile http://www.birdiesbookmobile.org United States Ann Arbor, MI https://www.awesomefoundation.org/nl/chapters/ann-arbor