tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:/pt/projects?page=11Awesome Foundation - Projects2023-02-28T19:07:11Ztag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/2157612023-02-27T00:00:00Z2023-02-28T19:07:11ZWashington, DC – Our Climate, Our Action “Our Climate, Our Action” is the official launch of an annual community event celebrating and engaging the frontline communities in DC, led by Our Climate, a youth-based climate justice organization. This event will take place on Earth Day, April 22, 2023, at The Village in Union Market, a Black-owned café and lab in the local community with a designated event space. During this day of celebration, attendees will explore art created by local high school students, take part in letter writing to elected officials, work with a horticulture therapist to plant seeds and discuss the reclamation of land, and attend a dynamic panel on climate justice. The goals of the event are to foster communal relationships between frontline communities of DC and those who work in climate justice, and to provide fun and engaging ways for locals to advocate for themselves. Through the letter writing workshop and the panel discussion on climate justice and grassroots advocacy, we believe the voices of the community will leave feeling empowered. In addition to the gallery and workshops, local vendors and restaurants will be represented, as we aim to highlight and promote the small businesses of DC neighborhoods.
Going forward, we want to build upon Our Climate, Our Action in the coming years to develop an even further reach with more community engagement, bigger and bolder youth art installments, and tangible legislative outcomes for the local frontline communities of DC. In the future, Our Climate will conduct outreach to more schools, specifically in Wards 7 & 8, provide transportation for the day of the event to community members all over DC, and collaborate with more DC businesses, vendors, artists, and organizations with aligned missions and goals! Overall, we desire to create lasting and genuine communal relationships where climate justice advocacy is built from the ground up in an equity-centered and community-led way.
Savanna NebOur Climate, Our Action https://ourclimate.us/United StatesWashington, DChttps://www.awesomefoundation.org/pt/chapters/dctag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/2101082023-02-25T00:00:00Z2023-02-25T14:49:08ZAviano (Inativo) – Aviano Animal Sanctuary FundWe’re collecting blankets and food for the local animal sanctuary in Aviano, Italy. We’re helping by providing as much comfort as we, especially during the cold winter weather. Denise BechtAviano Animal Sanctuary FundItalyAviano (Inativo)https://www.awesomefoundation.org/pt/chapters/avianotag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/2143222023-02-24T00:00:00Z2023-02-25T08:33:43ZYerevan – Pictures of my journeyThe project is dedicated to children with cancer.
We will translate and print a cancer picture book dedicated to children with cancer to help them navigate each step of the disease, chemotherapy and admission in an explanatory and fun way.
We will also add some parts that are relevant to the process of fighting cancer in Armenia.
When the book is ready, we will contact various organizations and hospitals so that the book is available to children with cancer.
The book was prepared by "leukemia and lymphoma society", and we will translate and adapt it for the children of Armenia.Laura ZabounianPictures of my journeyArmeniaYerevanhttps://www.awesomefoundation.org/pt/chapters/yerevantag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/2159822023-02-23T00:00:00Z2023-02-24T18:37:12ZOahu, HI – Ordinary Days Thesis ProjectOrdinary Days is a 4-person musical being self-directed by myself and fellow graduate student Rebecca Mahar at the University of Hawai'i at Mānoa as part of our acting thesis presentation. It will be performed April 28-30, 2023. With this project we will illuminate the struggle of interpersonal relationships within our generation. We will look at the intricacies and challenges of relationships affected by trauma. We hope to provoke thought, give joy, provide comfort, and bring female empowerment to our audiences. This project offers two substantial “strong” female roles that fall outside both traditional love interests and traditional action heroes which are the most common “strong” female role types., but as real people with real lives and feelings. Within the musical, interpersonal, platonic, and romantic relationships are explored through trauma, reconciliation, and building friendships with those who are different from us. This show, while remaining upbeat and fun, can teach the audience how different traumas and the pressure we put on ourselves affects our relationships. We also aim to give hope to our audiences by showing them they are not alone in their search for friendship and meaning in their lives. Post-Covid this is a struggle many adults, young adults, youth - everyone - are facing now as we continue to emerge from quarantine. In addition, UHM offers almost no musicals so we are excited to bring one to the space. This is a rare opportunity to give students a chance to perform in and enjoy a musical in their program of study.Jasmine AndersonOrdinary Days Thesis ProjectUnited StatesOahu, HIhttps://www.awesomefoundation.org/pt/chapters/oahutag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/2149572023-02-23T00:00:00Z2023-02-24T18:37:52ZOahu, HI – Herbivores in the Hot-SeatAloha! My name is Taylor Souza and I am a 3rd year PhD Candidate at Stanford University, currently based out of the Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology (Coconut Island) on O’ahu Hawaii. The basis of my PhD is formed around the idea that to best protect our nearshore Hawaiian waters, science must be integrated into the management strategies that we use. My research is based on the premise that marine coral reef herbivores (algae eating marine fishes) could be the salvation in mitigating some of the harmful effects of climate-change induced coral bleaching. The key concept of my dissertation is that the efficacy of using herbivores to protect coral reefs from bleaching and marine heatwaves only works if herbivorous fishes themselves are resilient to the same stressors killing corals. A 4-series project, my first project begins in the field observing herbivore feeding behavior in Kane’ohe Bay and aims to identify the patterns of reef herbivores in the wild. The next three chapters, which are lab based, tease out the exact patterns observed in the wild by zooming in on herbivorous reef fish thermal preference, foraging patterns, and food preference. While this premise seems obvious, it has never previously been tested. By investigating the impact of ocean temperature on herbivore movement patterns, foraging patterns and overall resilience to heating, the results of this study will be critical in allowing coral reef managers to determine the best ways to protect our coral reefs and designate herbivory management areas that sustain our ocean for generations to come. As climate change advances to the forefront of scientific advancement, it is my hope that my research provides guidance on how to determine appropriate areas for Herbivory Management Areas as a climate adaptation strategy. AF funding will specifically support Project 3, observing herbivore feeding preferences in marine heatwaves. This in-lab research will take place in the Johansen Fish Resilience Lab at HIMB. Taylor SouzaHerbivores in the Hot-Seathttps://www.johansenlab.com/United StatesOahu, HIhttps://www.awesomefoundation.org/pt/chapters/oahutag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/2143812023-02-23T00:00:00Z2023-02-24T02:59:02ZGloucester, MA – Instruments for Student Musicians! During the pandemic, I started a music studio in Gloucester where I offer music lessons in singing, songwriting, piano, and beginner guitar/ukulele. This past year as it is safe to be together again, I began teaching group singing workshops with the hopes of bringing young creatives together through music after two years of being apart. I've seen how much my students have grown in participating in the two vocal workshops, not only with their musicianship and creativity but also with the friendships they are cultivating and confidence they are gaining. I would like to add a piano group class and ensemble opportunities for young musicians to come together and create in a group setting.Alexandra GraceInstruments for Student Musicians! United StatesGloucester, MAhttps://www.awesomefoundation.org/pt/chapters/gloucestertag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/2116232023-02-23T00:00:00Z2023-02-24T02:59:26ZGloucester, MA – New Year New Me Its no secret that how you look determines how your treated.
A lot of our participants often face discrimination in local businesses and even on the streets due to appearing "homeless." We are very fortunate to have many donations from the community of new or gently used clothing however the access to grooming amenities such as haircuts, beard trimming, and general feel good self care is about non existent.
My hope is to get participants looking good and feeling good about themselves in the new year. Justine BaezNew Year New Me https://healthproject.org/one-stop.htmlUnited StatesGloucester, MAhttps://www.awesomefoundation.org/pt/chapters/gloucestertag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/2134532023-02-22T00:00:00Z2023-05-08T09:55:44ZRotterdam – Net Niet Genoeg Social SofaStichting Net Niet Genoeg zet zich in voor alle Schiedammers die op of onder de armoedegrens leven. Een stad als Schiedam, waar ruim 12% van de inwoners op of onder deze leeft, staat bekend om haar sociale cohesie en de Rotterdamse mentaliteit: niet lullen maar poetsen. Met onze social sofa willen wij de Schiedammers een gezellig rustpunt in de stad geven waar ze kunnen praten over de stad, over elkaar en over al het moois dat de stad te bieden heeft.
We gaan de bank beplakken met mozaiek samen met mensen uit onze doelgroep. Op deze manier dragen wij allemaal een (mozaiek) steentje bij aan het mooier maken van Schiedam. Het exacte ontwerp zullen wij ook met de doelgroep maken. De basis zijn de lachende gezichten waar onze stichting om bekend staat. (zie ook bijlage)
Waarom de lachende gezichten?
- Doel van de stichting is mensen blij maken: koppie op;
- Samen is leuker dan alleen;
- Een dag niet gelachen is een dag niet geleefd;
- Een glimlach doet de mens goed.
Als iedereen zou lachen, zou Schiedam meer awesome worden dan deze prachtige stad al is. En wij helpen de Schiedammers daar graag een beetje bij.
In levende lijve kunnen wij dit verhaal lachend en vele malen beter dan op papier toelichten. Maar wij vinden het awesome en we weten zeker: jullie ook!Natasja WestmaasNet Niet Genoeg Social SofaNetherlandsRotterdamhttps://www.awesomefoundation.org/pt/chapters/rotterdamtag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/2137282023-02-22T00:00:00Z2023-02-22T20:02:20ZChicago, IL – Ladies of Song Button-o-maticI would like to create buttons that each feature a different female songwriter from the 30s-50s who made significant contributions to jazz, but were written out of history. I'd like to distribute these buttons with a Button-O-Matic (looks like a gumboil machine, but for buttons) machine that would be placed in different locations throughout the city. Each button would come with a short description of the featured songwriter as well as a QR code that would take you to a biography of the songwriter (on my website www.nerd-mountain.com ) Christy BennettLadies of Song Button-o-matichttp://nerd-mountain.comUnited StatesChicago, ILhttps://www.awesomefoundation.org/pt/chapters/chicagotag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/2144192023-02-21T00:00:00Z2023-02-22T20:04:30ZChicago, IL – Women Who Discovered How to Measure the UniverseWe are creating a physical theatre performance that tells the true story of the Harvard Computers. "The Women Who Discovered How to Measure the Universe" follows the friendship of Annie Jump Cannon and Henrietta Leavitt through their scientific breakthroughs that forever changed the field of astronomy. This performance brings the science of space to life through movement, music, and light. A celebration of friendship, curiosity, and the never-ending search to find our place in the universe.
This piece was initially developed at Northwestern University through a six month collaborative process. Unfortunately, the final performances in June 2020 had to be canceled due to COVID-19. We are thrilled to finally get this show on its feet! We will be renting space at Raven Theatre for two weekends of performances in June 2023.
While minimal set and lighting design will help create the world of the play, the story truly shines through the incorporation of original music, movement, and lights! Our artists use dance and abstract physical movement to communicate not only the lives and stories of these women but also their scientific discoveries. Artists make constellations out of string lights and describe complex scientific theories about calculating the distance of stars through the use of colorful orbs. Audience members of all ages will leave not only with a new zeal for science, but a broader understanding of our vast universe.
In addition to the performances, we are excited about using this production to create a larger impact in the Chicagoland community. We are working with partner organizations that share our goals of inspiring young women in STEM through community events and workshops. We hope to shed light on these real women who forever changed the field of astronomy, and to inspire the next generation of stargazers!Ellie LevineWomen Who Discovered How to Measure the Universehttp://EllieLevine.comUnited StatesChicago, ILhttps://www.awesomefoundation.org/pt/chapters/chicagotag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/2153582023-02-20T00:00:00Z2023-03-04T13:23:47ZPoughkeepsie, NY – Barbering Classes for TeensClasses on barbering for ages 14-18 on Monday and Wednesday night 6-7:30pm held at The Fireman Exempt. I will be teaching the barbering skills from haircuts, lineups and basic cosmetology Stylez Da BarberBarbering Classes for TeensUnited StatesPoughkeepsie, NYhttps://www.awesomefoundation.org/pt/chapters/poughkeepsietag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/2152992023-02-20T00:00:00Z2023-03-18T19:42:18ZOrlando, FL – School Butterfly Garden A main goal of this project is to create wonderful butterfly gardens that establish habitats and food for pollinators like butterflies and bees across a large area. This will allow students to play a bigger part in the role we all take in the preservation of things in nature. It'll also allow them to get their hands a little dirty. Hands on learning seems to often be a lost art with the structured course of the education system.
Additionally, this will most definitely serve as an educational resource all students. We will be able to closely study the life cycle of the butterflies and take extensive notes. This will help us tie in important educational standards with hands on learning. We will also have the opportunity to make theories, investigate and build our understanding of earth science,.
Another great goal of this project is to further the feeling of school community. All students will have the opportunity to take part in this fantastically enriching project and will feel impacted by its success. They will have the opportunity to pick everything from the type of netting to the species of butterfly they'd like to inhabit the space. This is important because often times projects are centralized around a specific grade level. This is very inclusive and will bring joy to many students with different interests and strengths.
We often do not realize the impact we have on nature and our environment, although its success is vital to all of us. Nature awareness will help our planet now and for a long time after the project is completed. When the butterfly population flourishes, future years will see affects of the breeding.
One of the greatest things about this project is that it will not be a one time project, but one that is able to be continued each year. It will truly be a gift that keeps on giving. Imagine all of the young minds who'll be positively affected by this wonderful project. Please give us the opportunity to fly!
Alison HerringSchool Butterfly GardenUnited StatesOrlando, FLhttps://www.awesomefoundation.org/pt/chapters/orlandotag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/2111932023-02-20T00:00:00Z2023-02-21T22:04:29ZAwesome Without Borders – Glen Lake Accessible Playground ProjectMy name is Betsy Julien. I am a teacher and parent in the Hopkins School District. I teach at a small community school called Glen Lake Elementary! Many of my friends went there growing up, and now my own kiddos go there as well. It's a magical school where around 460 students attend, and 8 of those students use a wheelchair (one being our youngest child, Luke).
For the last several years, it's been a dream of mine to transform our upper playground into a beautiful fully inclusive magical place where ALL of our GL kiddos can play, laugh, and share the love of the outdoors together. My classroom overlooks the playground. Everyday I witness the inequities of an old playground. Wood chips do not mesh with wheelchairs. My heart aches when this is my view each and every day.
This fall, I wrote an initial grant to Hopkins Education Foundation and was awarded $35,000 towards a wheelchair swing and merry-go-round. With additional district allocated funds and our Parent Teacher Organization, we were able to secure $100, 000 towards this project (The overall cost for a wheelchair swing and merry-go-round is $135,000). I announced this exciting news to my students, told them we were really close to meeting our budget, needed only $35,000 more, and they immediately said, "Can't we just do the entire playground? We will help you!"
Honestly, this almost brought me to tears. So, I went back to my principal and asked if we could just shoot for the moon and try to make the entire upper playground accessible for ALL of our students. We made a DREAM BIG goal of trying to raise an additional $300,000. My 25 students in my class have been busy making promo letters, flyers, posters, cold calling, delivering flyers to neighbors and local businesses and cover letters being sent to large companies.
Inclusive playgrounds are rare and hard to find in the cities, AND they are so expensive to put in. Having a fully inclusive playground would not only be a huge asset to our school.Betsy JulienGlen Lake Accessible Playground Projecthttps://www.glenlakepto.org/glen-lake-accessibility-projectWorldwideAwesome Without Bordershttps://www.awesomefoundation.org/pt/chapters/awesomewithoutborderstag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/2143342023-02-20T00:00:00Z2023-08-31T20:01:48ZPittsburgh, PA – Friendship Park Asphalt Art ProjectThe Bloomfield Development Corporation will partner with artists to create a community-inspired design on an asphalt art project. Community members will be involved throughout the planning and design process. The final artwork will be installed along Friendship Park, where it is currently unsafe for crossing pedestrians, and illegal parking is common. The artwork is intended to improve the visibility of pedestrians, slow car traffic, and beautify the neighborhood. The final artwork will occupy two spaces of approximately 200 square feet each.
Being located at a neighborhood park, a major component of the project has been focused on educating community members about the diversity of plant and animal species in our very urban neighborhood parks. In 2022 we were able to host two eco-literacy walks focused on trees and birds to help generate ideas for community-submitted drawings that were incorporated into the artwork design.
After hosting the additional eco-literacy walks and reengaging the community, the project will culminate in the final installation of the asphalt art with community members being invited to participate in painting the street.Sam SpearingFriendship Park Asphalt Art Projecthttps://sites.google.com/view/luna-street-art/about/asphalt-art-projectUnited StatesPittsburgh, PAhttps://www.awesomefoundation.org/pt/chapters/pittsburghtag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/2116072023-02-16T00:00:00Z2023-03-16T21:14:21ZMiami, FL – Funding for Five (5) more Warrior patch designsThe Oliver Patch Project (OPP) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation whose mission is to create a free, fun, engaging platform where children with childhood cancers and their families can connect through a series of unique patches created by artists and designers just for them.
We empower kids to find their inner warriors, as they endure life changing milestone events, by providing a bit of sunshine throughout their cancer journey.
The project is currently open to children and teens in the United States undergoing active treatment for cancer, is supported by donations, and all the fun is provided to our Warriors 100% free of charge.
We have over 500 kids in over 45 states having sent out our first jacket in September 2021...and things are taking off!!!!!!
Brian BurkhardtFunding for Five (5) more Warrior patch designshttps://www.oliverpatchproject.org/United StatesMiami, FLhttps://www.awesomefoundation.org/pt/chapters/miamitag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/2148892023-02-16T00:00:00Z2023-02-20T01:01:11ZKingston – Chaharshanbe Suri 2023 (Red Wednesday Eve)Chaharshanbe Suri is ancient Zoroastrian cultural-religious festival celebrated on the eve of the last Wednesday of the solar new year by people of Iranian, Afghan, Kurdish, and Azeri descent. Participants jump over small fires, summoning the fires to "Take the yellow of my sickness, and bring the red of my health!", while others sing and dance around, welcoming the coming new year. There are traditionally fireworks, as well.
Last year, we had 330 people in front of the grandstand of the Memorial Centre, with three real fires for the adults and three faux fires for the children. It was a huge success and the first of its kind in Kingston.
This year, with the difficult circumstances faced by those in Iran, family members here have a strong need for a robust expression of their tradition. This is a unifying event of Iranian culture, and is celebrated in other countries in various forms too.
We are approaching this event with a ten-year mindset, slowly building up the material assets, such as fire extinguishers and tables, so we can ensure this event happens every year with the ever-changing (largely Queen's student) base.
Though we received donations last year, these were only enough to provide a bare minimum of supplies. We want this year and the next to be increasingly larger, always public and always free.Iranian Multicultural CommunityChaharshanbe Suri 2023 (Red Wednesday Eve)https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/chaharshanbe-suri-tickets-295335274757CanadaKingstonhttps://www.awesomefoundation.org/pt/chapters/kingston-ontag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/2153972023-02-15T00:00:00Z2023-04-21T13:44:15ZWatertown, SD – Watertown's 27 Wonder Puzzle PaloozaThis project will bring the entire community--young and old--together to assemble the world's largest puzzle which has 51,300 pieces. The puzzle itself is divided into 27 separate puzzles featuring different world landmarks that all connect together to create a montage of images. The goal will be for the community to complete the world's largest puzzle in ONE day! Teams of 4-5 will work together to assemble their individual puzzle, so they will be completing one small portion of the whole puzzle. We plan to step the event up a notch and offer prizes for the top three teams who finish their puzzle the fastest. Danielle Harms & Becky WeberWatertown's 27 Wonder Puzzle PaloozaUnited StatesWatertown, SDhttps://www.awesomefoundation.org/pt/chapters/watertowntag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/2153452023-02-15T00:00:00Z2023-04-07T15:18:31ZOn the Water – Stream Assessment: Passaic River"Stream Assessment: Passaic River” is a publicly-engaged art project that works directly with community to create an eco-feminist narrative of the Passaic River through collaborative sampling efforts. This social practice inspires, informs, and leads directly into the creation of an editioned interactive artist’s book.
Guided by the collaboration of local marine biologists (project partners, Sandra Lavigne at the Great Swamp Watershed Association and Allison Fitzgerald at NJCU) and Stephanie Beth Jordan, a critical ethnographer of ocean science studies, this culturally-responsive project develops materials from within the community to train participants to perform scientific water sampling and visual assessments, providing tools to help the community better connect with the local river. Ethnographic observations/interviews will identify and produce important insights, practices and storytelling that define this community. Field notes and data from collected water samples will provide documentation and source material for the book creation. This information will be woven together through design - testing narratives will be translated into color, shape, and pattern - to tell a lyrical and visual narrative reflective of the connection between the river and the local community.
This project is led by Amanda Thackray, a multidisciplinary ecofeminist artist and educator, based in Newark, NJ. You can find out more information about Thackray and her projects by visiting https://ajthackray.com and https://www.instagram.com/mandattacks/. You can sign up for her mailing list to learn more about the project as it unfolds this spring. Amanda J ThackrayStream Assessment: Passaic Riverhttps://ajthackray.com/WorldwideOn the Waterhttps://www.awesomefoundation.org/pt/chapters/onthewatertag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/2131102023-02-15T00:00:00Z2023-03-02T20:35:39ZMelbourne – Love (Let Our Voices Echo)I am an aspiring musician that fled to Australia as a refugee from Botswana. Throughout my schooling years, I enjoyed poetry and developed a great passion for music and storytelling.
After school and on weekends I played sports, made music and always engaged in activities to stay occupied. I feel that many kids these days are getting in trouble because they lack passion and guidance.
I will produce a 4 song EP (Album) called LOVE (Let Our Voices Echo). It will spread a positive message to the youth by encouraging them to focus on school, sports and their passions as too many are being misled down the wrong path and jeopardising their futures.
My EP will contain 4 professionally recorded songs with themes promoting positive behaviour as lyricism and storytelling is an effective way to capture an audience. The aim of the project is to educate the youth, spread positivity and encourage them to LOVE (Let Their Voices Echo).
Emmanuel DengLove (Let Our Voices Echo)AustraliaMelbournehttps://www.awesomefoundation.org/pt/chapters/melbournetag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/2140722023-02-15T00:00:00Z2023-02-28T22:39:46ZCass Clay – Spud ImpactSpud Impact helps our Moorhead, MN schools in a wide range of ways. Currently, one major need that our student facilitators are seeing is truancy. Students who WANT to be in school but are facing hurdles such as missing buses, not waking up in time because they do not own alarm clocks or do not have a phone line - this ties into food insecurity, as many of these same students are then missing out on nutrition. When students miss school, staff are required to do truancy reports to the county. The goal is to remove those hurdles, but the reality is that some students have to get ready for school while parents have already left for work. Some of the youngest cannot walk to school on their own, nor do they have the proper winter gear to do so.
Overall, it is the facilitator staff's goals to make a positive experience for the whole family in prioritizing education - when truancy is recurrent, it can lead to shame and negative feelings surrounding schooling. We want to support those students sooner so that by the time they reach middle and high school, they are emotionally and mentally stronger. Staff have been identifying needs of individual students, and providing one-on-one time for counseling or
social/hygiene education. Each of the 5 elementary schools in Moorhead has between 20 to 60 students who are missing school regularly for various reasons.
Because many of these students are lacking basic needs, we want to build an app for families/guardians to request items through a "Spud Store" that will be managed by staff. We plan to engage our Moorhead students at the Career Academy to help build an app that the district will be able to oversee. We plan to fund the startup of housing articles of clothing and hygiene items, alarm clocks, etc. so that staff can then distribute to those in need within the schools.Janelle Leiseth, MLEF ChairSpud Impacthttp://www.MoorheadLegacy.orgUnited StatesCass Clayhttps://www.awesomefoundation.org/pt/chapters/cassclaytag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/2108382023-02-13T00:00:00Z2023-02-23T15:10:27ZNewmarket – Kids in the KitchenKids in the Kitchen are hands-on cooking and baking classes for kids in Newmarket between the ages of 7 and 12. In these classes, kids have the opportunity to work alongside York Region Food Network’s Community Food Animator to learn chopping skills, safe food handling and how to make basic culinary dishes from scratch. As a result of this program, children will benefit from:
- Increased confidence in the kitchen
- Increased food literacy
- Reduced social isolation
- Meeting new friends
- Having fun with food
- Trying new fruits and vegetables
- Sharing food and recipes with their family
Workshops will be offered at York Region Food Network’s kitchen space in Aurora in the evenings and/or on PA Days. Participants will have the opportunity to learn about where food comes from with trips to YRFN’s
Aurora Community Garden.
High school students in Newmarket can also benefit from volunteer opportunities associated with the Kids in the Kitchen classes.Joanne WittKids in the KitchenCanadaNewmarkethttps://www.awesomefoundation.org/pt/chapters/newmarket-ontariotag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/2128412023-02-13T00:00:00Z2023-02-15T15:25:55ZAwesome Without Borders – '12 Angry Men' at Sing Sing Correctional FacilityI am producing and assistant directing the play '12 Angry Men' at Sing Sing Correctional Facility in May. The production will mark the return of live theater within NYS correctional facilities for the first time since 2020 when the COVID pandemic began. The production will feature a cast and crew of Sing Sing residents who are participants in the arts program "Rehabilitation Through the Arts" (RTA). The play will be performed three times: twice for in-house audiences of Sing Sing residents and once for an invited audience including family members of the cast and crew members. Margaret Ables'12 Angry Men' at Sing Sing Correctional Facilityhttp://www.rta-arts.orgWorldwideAwesome Without Bordershttps://www.awesomefoundation.org/pt/chapters/awesomewithoutborderstag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/2131962023-02-13T00:00:00Z2023-03-07T15:10:01ZWestminster, MD – CCRE Community Initiates 2023Carroll Citizens for Racial Equity (CCRE) is currently planning our 2023 Annual Conference, which is titled “Be The Change in Carroll County: Expanding the Vision of Equity”. This conference provides an educational opportunity for members of our community to come together to learn about issues related to race and equity. Keynote and breakout session topics will focus on didactic information, providing context and background, voter rights and eliminating barriers, accountability partners, organizational change; why change is so hard, and micro/macro aggressions. We will be offering this conference in person and virtually. We have entered a new partnership with Carroll Community College for this year’s conference, so we’ll be holding the event on their campus.
CCRE represents key stakeholders within our community that promote social justice and equity for all. Our group prioritizes equity to make sure everyone in our community has access to what they need. We give a voice to those who struggle to be heard. Our group seeks out solutions to systemic problems. These problems exist with our neighbors, but also nationally. CCRE focuses on our neighbors and how we can provide education, knowledge, and tools to develop solutions.
We also collaborate with other organizations throughout the year in support of events and activities related to our mission. Members from various organizations around the county are represented on the Steering Committee, including the Carroll County Health Department, Carroll Community College, Carroll County Youth Service Bureau, Citizen Services of Carroll County Government, Carroll County Public Library, McDaniel College Social Work Department, NAACP, Human Service Programs of Carroll County, Carroll County Public Schools, Carroll Hospital, St. Paul’s United Church of Christ, Zepp Center for Peace and Nonviolence, Human Relations Commission, and many community members.
Gary HonemanCCRE Community Initiates 2023http://www.carrollcitizensforequity.orgUnited StatesWestminster, MDhttps://www.awesomefoundation.org/pt/chapters/westminstertag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/2099652023-02-13T00:00:00Z2023-02-23T15:11:37ZNewmarket – Disco Skate NightThe Newmarket Youth Leadership Group is planning an outdoor skating event for the community on February 24th, 2023. The goal of "Disco Skate Night" is to encourage youth and teenagers to get outside and experience the Canadian Winter while having fun with friends. We hope to attract the youth and teenagers by hosting a night filled with skating, music, food, and a costume contest.
The event will be hosted at the Newmarket Riverwalk Commons. At Riverwalk Commons, there is an outdoor skating rink where the skating will take place. The skating will be accompanied with live music played by a DJ. In addition, food trucks and a hot chocolate stand will be set up a distance away from the skating rink to provide a space for food and refreshments, and a social area off of the ice for anyone to interact with their friends. Towards the end of the night, we will also host our costume contest. Leading up to our event, we will promote the wearing of costumes on the night in order to increase the spirit of the event. Throughout the night, a few of the best costumes will be selected for a final vote where the top three costumes will win a prize.
Through skating, music, food, and a costume contest, the Newmarket Youth Leadership Group is excited to host a fun and interactive night for teenagers and youth to participate in the community during the Canadian Winter. We are confident that the event will attract many people and are positive that we will be able to provide a positive experience for anyone who attends!
Alex Zhao, Catherine Zhang, Beverly Huang, and the rest of the NYLGDisco Skate NightCanadaNewmarkethttps://www.awesomefoundation.org/pt/chapters/newmarket-ontariotag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/2128172023-02-12T00:00:00Z2023-02-12T21:20:47ZNewburgh, NY – South Middle School Books & Breakfast EventThe South Middle School Parent Teacher Group (SMS-PTG) is seeking financial assistance for the 2023 South Middle School 10th Annual Books & Breakfast event on March 18, 2023. This event is free of cost for our entire student body and their parents. Books & Breakfast celebrates community and the benefits of reading through a Saturday morning event filled with complementary books, breakfast, family games & informative sessions rooted in boosting student literacy interest & rates.
Each student that attends the event will leave with (2) books of their choosing in addition to an SMS bag filled with an additional (2-4) culturally responsive books. These books are purchased by the school administration based on feedback from an SMS student interest survey conducted within the same school year. Attendees are asked to RSVP by a specific date in order to gauge food preparation & event costs. If a student cannot attend, books may be reserved for them per their request.
Books & Breakfast is advertised on our school's website, the district website, school calendar, social media accounts, and through fliers sent home with students.
More Than a Traditional Book Fair | Books, Breakfast & Fun!
• Dozens of students & staff volunteers assist in hosting this event.
• Hot breakfasts are prepared & served by student chefs under the supervision of Mr. Wenzel, who is a CIA-trained chef, NECSD instructor & NFA graduate.
• Each SMS student has the opportunity to select culturally responsive books based on their interest, enjoy breakfast & games with their families, and gather info from local community organizations.
• Families may also attend info sessions & a workshop.
• Our 9th annual event included music by South's very own Ms. Whaba & her band.
• A photo booth & printed photos are available for all participants as an additional event take-away. The photographer donates his time & equipment.Emily Garcia-OteroSouth Middle School Books & Breakfast Eventhttps://www.newburghschools.org/news.php?storynum=4356United StatesNewburgh, NYhttps://www.awesomefoundation.org/pt/chapters/newburghtag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/2137202023-02-09T00:00:00Z2023-04-16T19:49:25ZSt. Paul, MN – Explore Careers in the Trades with Virtual RealityAwesomeStPaul is proud to announce that our February 2023 grant has been awarded to Urban Boatbuilders. They will use our $1,000 grant to encourage high school students to consider careers in the trades by using virtual reality technology. Urban Boatbuilders was chosen because our trustees want to help students build their teamwork and math skills, which are critically-important to success in all careers. Our trustees also understand there is a shortage of young people considering careers in the trades and this is our way of helping. Congratulations Urban Boatbuilders!
According to Michael Wurth of Urban Boatbuilders, "We have become more focused on promoting careers in the trades to youth in our apprenticeship program. These careers are referred to as gateway occupations or careers that can lift youth out of generational poverty, providing them with wages of more than $42,000 annually. These wages allow youth to live independently and build wealth for themselves and their families. Urban Boatbuilders hands-on youth programming provides introductory courses into the trades, and many youth express an interest to build on these skills and pursue a career in the trades.
At a recent tour of Saint Paul College, youth apprentices were able to use virtual reality (VR) to see what a career as an industrial painter was like. The youth absolutely loved it!
Urban Boatbuilders heard of another nonprofit organization called Big Ideas. Their goal is to provide exposure to these careers through VR - everything from carpentry to running an excavator. Big Ideas has a full-size semi-trailer that they bring to host sites for half-day programming. The interest in a partnership is very real from both parties. However, the cost for a half day of programming is around $2800. If Urban Boatbuilders can secure some funding, there will be interest from other organizations to pitch in to make this dream become a (virtual) reality."Michael WurthExplore Careers in the Trades with Virtual Realityhttp://www.urbanboatbuilders.orgUnited StatesSt. Paul, MNhttps://www.awesomefoundation.org/pt/chapters/stpaultag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/2135052023-02-08T00:00:00Z2023-02-09T00:36:05ZBaltimore, MD – Basketball Student-Athlete DevelopmentHI!
Our boy's basketball team works tirelessly all year round. They workout in the off season, play in a summer and fall league, then play their high school season.
These athletes are dedicated to their academics and athletics. They go to study hall several times a week all year round. They care about their grades and consistently work to improve their academic standing.
In addition to practicing basketball skills and other activities that build stamina they have learned meditation practices and yoga.
The missing piece of this wholistic plan is eating healthy.
Wendy HutchinsonBasketball Student-Athlete DevelopmentUnited StatesBaltimore, MDhttps://www.awesomefoundation.org/pt/chapters/baltimoretag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/2142722023-02-08T00:00:00Z2023-02-10T06:15:55ZSan Francisco, CA – StoryMap of California’s WaterHello!
I am a painter and educator who usually creates portraits of ecosystems en plein air. This summer my family joined the Winnemem Wintu tribe on the Run4Salmon canoe journey to bring advocacy and community together around the health of California’s waterways (Run4Salmon.org is awesome!)
While paddling, I had a vision of a painted story-map to support the Winnemem Wintu in visualizing what’s impacting California’s salmon and river health and how their creation story, ceremonies and prayer run are inviting us back into right relation.
I’m a little over halfway done! The Winnemem Chief Caleen Sisk and her son have given me approval on the design and feedback as I send updates of my progress.
My intention is to gift the tribe the painting upon completion, so they can use the painting as they best see fit, and additionally make prints of the image to sell for fundraising the Run4Salmon.
I could use a little awesome funding to help offset the many hours put into this large-scale painting. I’m creating it from natural pigments and binder (gum arabic powder!), which has been an awesome transition off of oil paint, which I used to use.
Creating a story-telling painting with figures and nature pigment is really different for me, and I’m loving the experimental process. I also love collaborating to support California’s water and Indigenous tribes.
Thank you for taking the time to learn about this project!SaritaStoryMap of California’s WaterUnited StatesSan Francisco, CAhttps://www.awesomefoundation.org/pt/chapters/sftag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/2119212023-02-08T00:00:00Z2023-02-09T13:50:22ZAnn Arbor, MI – Postpartum PackagesAs medical students who are completing clinical clerkships in Metro Detroit hospitals, we have witnessed first-hand the resource poverty that exists within the city of Detroit, especially in the pregnant and postpartum population. While there are many service initiatives that exist in the area, and a number of them target the female population, there is a persistent need in the pregnant and postpartum population for basic supplies to support their pregnancy journey. We have dedicated much of our time in medical school to service in our community, and we have witnessed how small things, such as providing basic pregnancy, newborn, and after-birth care supplies, can make a huge difference in new mothers' lives and change the course of their pregnancy and post-partum journey. With all this being said, we as students have been searching for a way to serve the population of Detroit and bridge the gap for postpartum women to have all the supplies that they need at the tail-end of their pregnancy journey.
Our project aims to create a number of “Postpartum Packages” that contain items such as: absorbent briefs, nursing pads, newborn onesies, burp rags, perineal care items, and educational material (information on Detroit resources, breastfeeding, postpartum mental health, contraceptives, and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). Our goal is to distribute these packages to women at hospital discharge after their birth in preparation for their postpartum journey. We have conferred with a number of OB/GYN providers in the area and have identified that there is a real need for these products in the Detroit postpartum community, and we think we can contribute to filling that gap through this service initiative. We are fundraising for the purpose of purchasing the items for a minimum of 100 packages; we will distribute them in the Detroit community via the local nonprofit Make Your Date, which aims to serve underprivileged and high-risk pregnant individuals.Sara KoussaPostpartum PackagesUnited StatesAnn Arbor, MIhttps://www.awesomefoundation.org/pt/chapters/ann-arbortag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/2069432023-02-06T00:00:00Z2023-02-07T01:46:08ZAwesome Without Borders – The Rana Arab-Jewish Women's ChoirThe Rana Arab-Jewish Women’s Choir is the only Arab-Jewish women’s choir in Israel and as such serves as a unique example of the possibility and potential of creative collaboration and Shared Society. We aim to provide a space for Jaffa’s Christian, Muslim, and Jewish women to meet, sing, and exchange cultural and interpersonal knowledge. Our performances feature original interpretations of folk and women's songs from various cultures in the Mediterranean, as well as songs written by the members of the choir based on their own life experiences. When these amazing women take to the stage to sing and share stories together in Hebrew and Arabic they exhibit a hopeful alternative to the usual reality of division and mistrust. Our Song and Discourse Encounters project includes samples from our musical repertoire together with personal insights and relationships of choir members along with an open dialogue with the audience where we provide audience members the opportunity to ask honest questions and share their thoughts and aspirations regarding Jewish-Arab relations in their communities. In 2023 we aim to engage with diverse target groups in Israeli mixed cities through collaborations with community centers, shelters for women who have escaped domestic violence, Jewish and Arab teachers, parents and youth movements. Furthermore, our new concert project The Girl I Was, The Woman I Am, includes multilingual folk songs about girlhood, adolescence, and womanhood while incorporating choir members' personal narratives. This project will provide a platform to artistically express questions surrounding images of girls and women including the enforcement of domestic and professional roles and the power dynamics in relationships between men and women. This program gives the female voice a stage to afford women and girls with an opportunity for empowerment and validation, while offering men and boys exposure to gender perspectives that are often hidden from public discussion.
The Rana Arab-Jewish Women's ChoirThe Rana Arab-Jewish Women's Choirhttps://ranachoir.com/en/home-page-english/WorldwideAwesome Without Bordershttps://www.awesomefoundation.org/pt/chapters/awesomewithoutborderstag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/2158882023-02-01T00:00:00Z2023-05-03T18:24:56ZState College, PA – REEL-izing Dance & Theatre on FilmTogether with Cynthia Mazzant, theatre artist, teaching artist, and artistic director of Tempest Productions in State College, VanDance proposes a new community arts educational event, REEL-izing Dance & Theatre on Film. Our mission is to curate dance, performance art, and spectacle films for a mini-series of monthly showings hosted by local professional artists/teaching artists. Offered on Sunday afternoons, we have scheduled Tempest Studios on 3/19 and 4/16 at 4pm and possibly 6/11 at 7:30pm to build excitement and awareness for the Central PA Theatre & Dance Fest. We are looking at films such as El Amor Brujo, Billy Elliot, Honey, Ballet Russes, Chicago, Moulin Rouge, Strictly Ballroom, Tap, and an evening of shorts such as Dance on Camera distributed by Insight Media.
The purpose is to build and to serve audiences knowledgeable about dance film, dance, performance art, and theatre in film through a series of two to three film screenings in an intimate, arts-based setting in State College. Local teaching artists will discuss/workshop aspects of the films with the audiences. It is a community friendly way to enjoy choreographic storytelling and creative expression through classic and innovative media works.
To this end I have already begun to identify key individuals in our local dance and theatre arts community such as studio owners with instructors and students of dance, and college faculty with students of film and dance in the School of Theatre at Penn State. A screening of the classic film “The Red Shoes” also provided for a discussion of films that could further enhance community education and training. Our goal is to continue to build a dance/performance art community and audience and dialogue with facets of this niche community that don’t often intermingle. This is another goal for the series. An Awesome Grant will would allow this project to meet its potential of having 2-3 films of excellent quality, high interest and educational value for this niche.
Ann Van Kuren REEL-izing Dance & Theatre on FilmUnited StatesState College, PAhttps://www.awesomefoundation.org/pt/chapters/statecollegetag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/2128762023-02-01T00:00:00Z2023-04-21T17:36:52ZSouth Bend, IN – The JumpOff Pedal Trolley The JumpOff was created to bring a new social experience to the South Bend area. The pedal trolley is perfect for families, singles, or groups visiting the area. Whether visitors like to be active or take it easy, there are plenty of choices for you!!!!
If you prefer the great outdoors and want to enjoy the Beautiful scenery of the downtown area, you certainly will enjoy a ride on trolley. The trolley concept will allow individuals to experience the city in an unique way.
The trolley will promote community diversity, inclusion, and most importantly this concept will create unforgettable memories.Tiarra Hammond The JumpOff Pedal Trolley http://thejumpofftrolley@gmail.comUnited StatesSouth Bend, INhttps://www.awesomefoundation.org/pt/chapters/southbendtag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/2162112023-02-01T00:00:00Z2023-04-03T10:30:03ZNature Armenia – Դիդակտիկ դասասենյակ Ջրափի համայնքումՄենք նախատեսում ենք Ջրափիի դպրոցում ստեղծել դիտակտիկ սենյակ, որտեղ առաստաղին պատկերելու ենք աստղերի համաստեղության մասին ներկայացնող պատկերներ՝ Մեծ Արջ, Փոքր Արջ։ Ինչպես նաև արեգակնային համակարգի և մոլորակների մասին պատմող նկարներ։ Իսկ սենյակի պատերից մեկին լինելու է պատկերված ծառերի մասին պատմող նյութեր, կտրած ծառի կոճղեր, որոնց միջոցով կարելի է հաշվել, թե քանի տարեկան են ծառերը, ինչպես նաև կլինեն տարբեր տեսակի ծառերի նկարներ։
Մյուս պատին կլինեն միջատների մասին պատմող նկարներ, նրանց տեսակների, ինչպես են սնվում, զարգանում և այլն։ Մի պատի վրա կլինեն կենդանինները՝ վայրի և ընտանի, իսկ մյուս պատին կլինեն թռչունները իրենց տարբեր տեսակներով։
Սա կլինի ուսուցողական սենյակ բնության հետ կապվող։
Նաև կլինեն տարբեր խաղեր այս սենյակում դրված, խաղաթղթերի չափին թղթեր, որոնց վրա կլինեն հարցեր կենդանինների, թռչունների, արեգնակային համակարգի, ծառերի մասին։ Երեխաները կկարողանան բաժանվեն թիմերի և խաղան։ Կլինեն նաև թղթեր, որոնց վրա կլինեն հուշող պատասխաններ և վերջնական պատասխաններ։ Այս ամենի շնորհիվ երեխաները կկարողանան զարգացնեն իրենց գիտելիքները բնության այս հրաշքների մասին և ավելի պատկերավոր կերպով ընկալեն։
Այս պահին խոսել ենք դպրոցի տնօրինության հետ։ Ստացել ենք նրանց համաձայնությունը, մեծ ուրախությամբ պատրաստ են համագործակցել ևս նաև իրենց կողմից ևս ներդնում կատարեն այն ամեն մասով, ինչով որ կկարողանան։
Հռիփսիմե ՊետրոսյանԴիդակտիկ դասասենյակ Ջրափի համայնքումArmeniaNature Armeniahttps://www.awesomefoundation.org/pt/chapters/naturearmeniatag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/2131992023-02-01T00:00:00Z2023-04-21T17:36:12ZSouth Bend, IN – Homegrown HypeHomegrown Hype, a innovative new industry, built by the community, for the community. Homegrown hype was founded by 3 highly motived individuals, Nia (Reminisce.X), Myron (Heyzeus), and Mike (Toast); who want to create a safe space for the artistic community.
We want to create a new eco-system/ industry for music and art the the helps everyone grow. The local South Bend, IN artist community is the majority of people who have experienced homegrown hype. Our presence on instagram and Facebook grow every time we drop a new set of trading cards. However we are finding it a bit difficult to keep up with due to the lack of capital. We are all struggling Artist who just want to make the artist industry of South Bend easier to navigate for all of us.Nnenia OkerekeHomegrown Hypehttp://Facebook.com/HomegrownhypeUnited StatesSouth Bend, INhttps://www.awesomefoundation.org/pt/chapters/southbendtag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/2105882023-02-01T00:00:00Z2023-04-21T17:37:55ZSouth Bend, IN – Art for Climate South BendArt for Climate South Bend, a registered Indiana non-profit, is organizing a public art exhibit in South Bend. Local students, grades K-12, have the opportunity to create climate change aware art. The art will be displayed in the Main Branch of the St. Joe Public Library starting on Earth Day, April 22, 2023. The interactive public art show will grant students the ability to see their art displayed publicly without paying a fee and allows the South Bend community to interact with each other regarding the complex topic of climate change. I will attach QR codes to art work that allow the museum goers to see more information on the topic displayed in the art. A Wall of Hope will be added for patrons to put their hopes for the future on a wall.
Rebecca WagmanArt for Climate South BendUnited StatesSouth Bend, INhttps://www.awesomefoundation.org/pt/chapters/southbendtag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/2141322023-02-01T00:00:00Z2023-02-02T03:43:49ZSydney – NWME Inc - Nurrgingy Miniature RailwayNorth Western Model engineers are a dedicated group of volunteers with an interest in Model engineering.
"Model Engineering" covers a variety various interests, including Scale Model
Locomotives (Steam, Diesel & Electric) and their rolling stock, Model Railways, Steam Trucks, and also Traction, Stationary Portable Steam Engines.
Opening its southern loop in Nurragingy Reserve (November 2019) to raise the funds to complete the track the volunteers have tirelessly given their time to the project.
We run Scale Model locomotives on this Southern loop every 3rd Sunday of the month for a nominal fee of $3, the money raised from these running days is then put back into working towards the completion of Stage 1 of Nurragingy Miniature railway
Through the setbacks of floods (February 2020 & March 2021) in Nurragingy Reserve, the volunteer members keep going. Redesigning elements of the project and coming up with flood mitigation strategies to ensure the safety of the railway assets.
During the Covid lockdown the club drew on the skill sets of its volunteer members to find a way to keep the railway open during this strange new way of living. The volunteer members were able to formulate a COVID safe plan and resume a basic form of COVID running in August 2020. This enabled the railway to share their love of the project and model engineering with the Blacktown City Community under the Covid Lockdown Period.
They have reached out to other community groups such as Blacktown Lions and Blacktown Rotary and built a community partnership with these organisations, building a better community in the Blacktown area. They also received grants through My community Project and Community Building project.
These partnerships and running days will enable the volunteers of North Western Model Engineers after 4 years of hard graft to open the completed stage 1 of Nurragingy Miniature Railway in April 2023. With all the hard work the volunteer members have put into this project, a big Grand Opening Ceremony is planned for the weekend of April 15th and 16th 2023. The grant will be used to decorate the site and run the event.
The Miniature Railway will bring the community together with rides for adults and children alike while also providing a place to build friendships learn new skills and reduce loneliness with the community. The railway will help share the rich history of trains with the current generation.Jennifer Barnett-BaistowNWME Inc - Nurrgingy Miniature Railwayhttps://nwme.org.au/AustraliaSydneyhttps://www.awesomefoundation.org/pt/chapters/sydneytag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/2070112023-02-01T00:00:00Z2023-02-22T23:14:51ZNewcastle – Kid Biz Academy Kid Biz Academy hosts entrepreneur workshops for kids get them thinking about how they can start their own business.
They learn how to turn an idea into a business and work through practical skills such as writing a business plan in a fun, engaging environment.
The money from Awesome Newcastle will be used to develop more materials and resources for use in the workshops.ClaireKid Biz Academy https://kidbizacademy.au/AustraliaNewcastlehttps://www.awesomefoundation.org/pt/chapters/newcastletag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/2106672023-02-01T00:00:00Z2023-04-21T17:37:26ZSouth Bend, IN – Mural Mania 2.0 Hello! I am the founder of South Bends mural festival “Mural Mania”. Last year was our first run- and it was a success! This project is a huge passion of mine. I decided to organize another for the summer of 2023.
Every mural festival is different and unique to the city it belongs to. My festival involves 5 professional street artists from across the country, painting 5 new murals in 5 days to brighten and inspire the town. The community is invited to watch the artwork unfold in real time, and hopefully be inspired by the process! This year I’d like to organize a mural walk at the end for everyone in the community to attend. I think it would be great to have an artist Q & A, too. Alex AllenMural Mania 2.0 http://downtownsouthbend.com/muralmaniaUnited StatesSouth Bend, INhttps://www.awesomefoundation.org/pt/chapters/southbendtag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/2131842023-01-31T00:00:00Z2023-02-06T22:02:55ZDisability – COVID Safe Campus Ambassador ProgramCOVID Safe Campus is a nationwide group of disabled academics advocating for COVID safety and disability inclusion in higher education. Founded January 2022, CSC has led initiatives focused on community support, advocacy & outreach, and research for social action. We create resources for direct use by disabled academics most impacted by COVID policies and provide online community to build solidarity and organizing power alongside peer support. In the past year our work has reached over 1 million views on social media, earned media coverage in Inside Higher Ed and The Chronicle of Higher Education, and been presented to the APHA Annual Meeting.
The Campus Ambassador Program:
In January 2023 we launched our Campus Ambassador Program to support disabled student-led COVID safety and disability advocacy initiatives. CSC will provide student ambassadors with resources to foster community care, effective peer health education, and disability-led advocacy. We have 16,800 donated high-filtration masks and need funding to help ship them to our 1st cohort of ambassadors to distribute on their campus.
Why is the program needed?
-Insufficient COVID mitigation and exclusionary policies disproportionately threaten marginalized students’ health and access to education
-Disabled students are often denied support needed to access higher ed; support for campus advocacy is essential to social, educational, and vocational inclusion
-In absence of strong public health policy, information and resources are necessary for community care
Program goals:
-Support student leadership and foster knowledge on Disability Justice
-Provide opportunities to connect advocacy on national, local, and cross-campus levels
-Supply students with information & resources to increase protection from COVID and promote community care
The program offers:
-Support with community organizing, educational info, and advocacy strategies
-Community building
-Mutual aid & health education resources
-Advocacy training
**What our grantee is saying:** “COVID Safe Campus is so grateful to receive this award from Awesome Disability. The COVID-19 pandemic is still a serious crisis and disabled students are disproportionately impacted by insufficient protection from it. This grant funding will help us ship out thousands of masks to students across the United States this month and support our first cohort of Campus Ambassadors as they start up campus mutual aid initiatives promoting COVID safety. Thank you Awesome Disability and its trustees for investing in disabled-led community care and public health, it means so much to us!”
**What our trustees are saying:** "I voted for this project because it's clearer than ever that mutual aid will be what keeps us safe."Eiryn Griest SchwartzmanCOVID Safe Campus Ambassador Programhttp://covidsafecampus.org/ambassadorsWorldwideDisabilityhttps://www.awesomefoundation.org/pt/chapters/disabilitytag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/2122482023-01-31T00:00:00Z2023-02-01T04:40:54ZHomelessness – Tuba Farm and Garden -U pick Ur PriceTuba Farm and Garden is a Small brown and female operated sustainable farm and garden center cultivated with love and kindness. As a nonprofit helping to reduce food insecurity and reduce food waste, we serve communities of Southern New Jersey by providing fresh produce and growing opportunities to those who are historically underserved and disadvantaged. Our goal is supply Fresh whole foods to children and elderly Southern New Jersey residents in the local rural and urban communities. Feeding those in need with gleaned and donated produce continues to be our top priority. Tuba Farm and Garden has an abundance to offer the community. We are building a sustainable Food Forest where anyone can pick fresh produce including fruits, vegetables, chickens, eggs, herbs, microgreens, cut flowers, and fresh honey at a price they choose. We are donation based only and never demand payment. We feed those in need weekly in Camden NJ, a food desert local to us. Cyara PhillipsTuba Farm and Garden -U pick Ur Pricehttps://tubafarmnj.onuniverse.com/WorldwideHomelessnesshttps://www.awesomefoundation.org/pt/chapters/homelessnesstag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/2127152023-01-31T00:00:00Z2023-02-12T18:26:37ZLiverpool – Lowlands LinesLowlands Lines is a creative writing group with 11 people - sadly one of our members passed away in October’22. We meet once a month for 2 hrs and it is a most joyful 2 hrs spent listening to each other’s writings, discussing poetry, different ways of writing, how our lives affect our writing, and sharing ideas and experiences. We have a qualified leader for our group. A lady who is an English Language/literature lecturer who sets us homework, and who plans the group sessions, and very much listens to everything we have to say. Our age ranges are from 25yrs to 79 yrs young, both male & female. Within our group we have carers, one dealing with parents and dementia, a person who is Autistic, a person who is bi-polar. People who live on their own, people who suffer ongoing medical conditions, those who have suffered bereavement, and those of differing sexual orientation.
All through Covid lockdowns, our group leader, Shirley, kept in touch with us all, setting us homework- which was a great focus - then putting all our writings together in a booklet, which she posted out to us all - paying for the postage herself. How exciting it was to receive a booklet and to read what everyone in the group had written! Through such dark and isolated times the booklets brought a sense of hope when we could come together again as a group.
Sadly we have run out of funding. Our first year, 2018-9, the North End writers funded the rent we paid for the room we use in Lowlands, home of the West Derby Community Association (WDCA). The second year, Shirley managed to gain funding for the rent from the West Derby Wastelands charity. Shirley was not paid, but the group put £2/3 each in as “subs” that we gave to Shirley for expenses. There was only 6 of us in the group at that time. Last year the WDCA funded us and gave Shirley expenses., but can no longer afford to do this.Anita OliverLowlands LinesUnited KingdomLiverpoolhttps://www.awesomefoundation.org/pt/chapters/liverpooltag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/2119042023-01-31T00:00:00Z2023-01-31T17:30:37ZNew York City, NY – Black History Month Game JamAwesomeNYC is happy to announce that our first grant of 2023 has been awarded to the Black History Month Game Jam, hosted by Black Web Fest.
This February, Black Web Fest will be hosting a game jam to honor Black icons. It will be a **free, weekend-long event for underrepresented creators to come together and learn how to develop video games** with the longer term goal of increasing diversity in the gaming industry, both as creators and in representation of Black characters in games.
This event provides early-career and aspiring game developers with an opportunity to build a playable game, learn from industry experts and connect with their community. Black Web Fest will provide free food throughout the event and will be giving away prizes.
**Creators of all skill levels are welcome to join!**
* [Sign up to attend the Game Jam the weekend of Feb 17-19](https://blackwebfest.org/black-history-month-game-jam-23/)
* Would you like to help out? [Fill out this form to serve as a mentor or volunteer onsite](https://forms.gle/qKi1J6Xn1HKu3gxP8)
Victoria CokerBlack History Month Game Jamhttps://blackwebfest.org/black-history-month-game-jam-23/United StatesNew York City, NYhttps://www.awesomefoundation.org/pt/chapters/nyctag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/2085962023-01-31T00:00:00Z2023-03-27T01:43:11ZOttawa – Ottawa's Freelance PhotographyJanuary’s Awesome Ottawa award goes to Patrick Lescard, to support his video documentation of Ottawa’s light rail construction and more.
“I started my [YouTube channel] (https://www.youtube.com/@OFP) about three years ago,” says Patrick. “I pretty much film or take pictures of anything, but my main project is the light rail construction. I have my drone certification so I fly my drone around the construction and gather up the content to make videos and put us on the map – I want to show how things get done in the nation’s capital!”
“I started all this right before the pandemic,” Patrick continues, “and it really helped me to cope with what was happening. I would go out and film snow removal operations, and then decided this would be a good way to document the light rail project. It gives me a real sense of accomplishment that I’m able to show the progress of construction and this beautiful city of ours.”
Patrick is a property manager, as well as a new father. In three years his YouTube channel has grown to more than 34,000 subscribers and includes hundreds of videos of [snow removal] (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LCFbUB9oMSc), [garbage collection] (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OzWRmjrl9Vw), [road paving] (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5byTByA6ycE), and of course [light rail construction] (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7XX7LpyQnVk) – videos that have been viewed close to 20 million times from all over the world.Patrick LescardOttawa's Freelance Photographyhttps://www.youtube.com/@OFPCanadaOttawahttps://www.awesomefoundation.org/pt/chapters/ottawatag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/2129242023-01-31T00:00:00Z2023-02-28T18:28:47ZLos Angeles, CA – In it for the Long RunStudents Run LA (SRLA) is an awesome organization that challenges teenagers to do something less than 1% of the population will ever do – run a 26.2-mile marathon!
Each year, SRLA welcomes 3,000 middle and high school students from 185 schools across LA to train ALONGSIDE their teachers to complete the entire LA Marathon, learning along the way that if they can run a marathon, they can do anything!
Through SRLA’s FREE 7-month marathon-training program, students train WITH their teachers, on average, 10 hours per week. With support from funders like you, SRLA provides students with the resources needed to be successful, including uniforms, shoes, monthly community training races, transportation to the races, and, most importantly, caring adult mentors who guide them every step of the way.
To prepare students for the BIG DAY, SRLA organizes, transports, and pays for participants to enter six community races of progressively longer distances, building from a 5K in September to a 30K in February. Emphasizing completion, not competition, at each race, SRLA creates a supportive, encouraging community. Participants of all shapes, sizes, and athletic abilities have a chance to succeed.
Over 30+ years, our consistent annual results are striking - 99% of students who start the Marathon, finish it.
Our students’ success on the race course translates directly to the classroom:
-- 99% of SRLA seniors who finish the Marathon graduate high school;
-- 94% of these students have plans to attend college in the fall; and
-- 75% of those students are among the first-generation of their families to go to college.
But that’s just the beginning. Kenia, a Marathon finisher from Manual Arts H.S., explains:
If I had not been part of SRLA or run any marathons, I would not have been as confident and ready to take on a challenge like I am now. It made me realize that if I can do a marathon as a teenager, imagine all the other goals and dreams I can fulfill if I believe in myself.Christine PajakIn it for the Long Runhttps://www.srla.org/United StatesLos Angeles, CAhttps://www.awesomefoundation.org/pt/chapters/los-angelestag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/2097622023-01-30T00:00:00Z2023-01-30T20:34:25ZAwesome Without Borders – Preserving Yurakaré cultureThe Yurakaré people are an indigenous group native to the Bolivian tropical forests. They form a small community of only 2,500 people and they speak a unique language, which is also called yurakaré. The origin of their language is quite mysterious, as it appears not to be linked to any other language. Their traditional religion, their culture, and their ancestral knowledge of the medicinal use of tropical plants are also remarkably fascinating, although still largely unknown to scientists.
With the aim of preserving this heritage, this project aims at finishing and publishing the first yurakaré language dictionary. Among other things, the dictionary contains vocabulary referring to traditional medicine, nature, culture, and ceremonies. The goal of the project is twofold: (1) to help preserve the language and the traditional knowledge embedded in it, and, (2) to support the ongoing efforts to provide mother-tongue education to the community. In fact, the Yurakaré people have suffered from discrimination, displacement, and cultural loss for a long time. Their lands, culture, and traditions have been and still are threatened by a white and mestizo majority, and they still lack sufficient resources to promote their mother-tongue schools. Following the tradition, the fascinating ancestral knowledge and language of the Yurakaré have been transmitted orally from generation to generation, but now a written format is needed to preserve them.
My work will involve collaborating with the Yurakaré people for verifying the entries, improving the definitions, and adding missing examples, as well as help publish and distribute some copies of the dictionary. I will work alongside the Yurakaré leaders Mrs. Mercy Noé and Mr. Jeremías Ballivián Torrico, and I will be supervised by Prof. Rik van Gijn (Leiden University) and Prof. Vincent Hirtzel (CNRS), who started working on this dictionary 10 years ago.Julen Villarreal MorenoPreserving Yurakaré cultureWorldwideAwesome Without Bordershttps://www.awesomefoundation.org/pt/chapters/awesomewithoutborderstag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/2074422023-01-30T00:00:00Z2023-02-01T21:45:41ZWestminster, MD – Cupcakes for CaregiversI am a teen baker in Westminster and when I have extra cupcakes I always donate them to police and firefighters. I'd like to host a day where we make cupcakes for caregiversEmily UhlmanCupcakes for Caregivershttp://N/AUnited StatesWestminster, MDhttps://www.awesomefoundation.org/pt/chapters/westminstertag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/2116802023-01-26T00:00:00Z2023-01-26T21:00:00ZOahu, HI – Hana Noʻeau Da Aquaponics ShedsThomas Jefferson Elementary School seeks a grant of $1,000 from The Awesome Foundation to fund the painting of a mural on recently-installed storage sheds for our school's aquaponics system.
Ms. Alyce Dodge, a Teaching Artist, was originally set to start a two-year teaching residency with the help of the Artists in the Schools grant from Hawaii State Foundation for Culture and the Arts. However, due to personal circumstances this project has been delayed until next school year. Ms. Dodge has generously offered to volunteer her time to work with students on an alternative Hawaiian Studies project. Two recently intalled storage sheds for the aquaponics system on campus were identified as suitable for the project and, after approval from the Principal, they have been authorized for painting.
Kumu Alston will provide in-class instruction that explore Hawaiian Studies cultural values / content. His innovative pedagogical methods and student-centered approach promote all learners to comprehend the Hawaiian Studies curriculum. In a previous art project, Ms. Dodge led students in an exploration of Hawaiian kapa and other authentic Pacific art objects which consissted of researching, printing with traditional methods and techniques and motifs, discussing, and then creating new printed patterns with modern techniques. She will teach student's different art forms (hands-on), asssist with drafting design(s), and oversee the painting of the shed(s). It is our hope that the artwork is completed before the end of the school year.
This project will not only provide a beautiful mural that celebrates Hawaiian values and culture, but it will also give students an opportunity to learn more about this place we call our home. They can use their creativity to express themselves through art and foster pride in their work. We hope the mural inspires our staff, students, and community showcasing the legacy of Hawaii’s vibrant culture for generations.Alston Alika Albarado, M.F.A.Hana Noʻeau Da Aquaponics ShedsUnited StatesOahu, HIhttps://www.awesomefoundation.org/pt/chapters/oahutag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/2102072023-01-26T00:00:00Z2023-01-26T21:01:14ZOahu, HI – Mentoring Micronesian Youth thru Traditional ArtsDAC works with arts guilds and organizations e.g., Hawaii Craftsmen, Handweavers Hui, Watercolor Society, independent curators such as the architects who work in downtown,and the community to offer the island of Oahu and Downtown Chinatown diverse and high caliber exhibits, public programming, and classes.
The islands that make up Micronesia are undergoing fundamental and rapid transformation. As rising seas and climate change are threatening islanders’ homes and very means of existence, many are being forced to seek refuge or relocate outside of their island homes. In fact, former residents of Chuuk, Palau, Kiribati, Pohnpei, and other parts of the Micronesian chain make up a large segment of Hawaii’s newest immigrants. When they relocate to Hawaii and other points east, many find themselves in a completely different context that is difficult to navigate culturally and assimilation comes slowly if at all; prejudice and lack of opportunity is very real.
The traditional arts in Hawaiʻi are seriously under-represented with minority groups, such as the Micronesian artists, who are most affected. We are collaborating with the Micronesian community to provide after-school traditional arts classes for the Micronesian students in the downtown Chinatown area. Principal Joe Passantino at Keʻelikolani Middle School is in support of the proposed program. The middle school has 60% Micronesian students. We also have the support of Mark Meriman of the Downtown Chinatown Rotary Club. We plan to hold the traditional arts classes in the middle school so that the students can remain on campus.
The arts education initiative is in conjunction with a bigger project with the Micronesian community to provide artists access to needed exhibit space, opportunities for public programming, workshops, and entryways into the art marketplace.
The Downtown Art Center is the prime venue for an upcoming exhibit celebrating Micronesian Arts in 2023. Isaiah PrakashMentoring Micronesian Youth thru Traditional Artshttps://www.downtownarthi.org/United StatesOahu, HIhttps://www.awesomefoundation.org/pt/chapters/oahutag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/2100902023-01-26T00:00:00Z2023-01-27T02:30:05ZGloucester, MA – Give a treat to a Senior!My name is Rosalie Nicastro, I work for the Glou. Health Dept. My job is grant funded to take Senior out on our Seniors on the Go Bus. I am limited to what we can do. I pick Seniors up at their house. I take them shopping for groceries. I try to get them to buy healthy food and to get some exercise. During the summer I take them to walk the boulevard. Two days a week we go to groceries stores of their choice. I also take them to Marshall’s ;s Farm stand and to local fish markets. Once a month I take them to the Senior Center to attend the Mobile Mart at which the Open Door give the seniors fresh veggies, eggs, bread. & fruit. On the second Monday of the month I take them on a Mystery Trip. I have to take them to a store where they can buy healthy food and get some exercise. They love to go to Walmart and Job Lots. My grant rents a bus and driver from CATA. If I received the grant fro Awesome Gloucester. I would use the money to take the seniors out to lunch. They always ask can we go out for lunch. The current grant I have does not allow me to buy lunch for the seniors. Receiving this grant would allow me to buy a healthy lunch at a Gloucester restaurant or maybe a healthy take out lunch. The seniors on my bus hardly get out of the house. They would love to go to a nice Gloucester restaurant & be treated special. Thank you for your consideration.Rosalie NicastroGive a treat to a Senior!United StatesGloucester, MAhttps://www.awesomefoundation.org/pt/chapters/gloucestertag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/2118952023-01-25T00:00:00Z2023-01-26T23:44:26ZGeorgetown, MA – Can you hear me now? If you have had the opportunity to visit Beane Park (Field behind Perley) recently, you might have noticed that the field is one of the nicest around. Last year, the community rallied around the Forever Royal Project and an updated backstop was installed along with some nice cosmetic changes. Playing on that field and seeing other teams come and visit in awe of the field is an Awesome feeling and makes me proud to be part of the Georgetown school community. There is only one problem if you have been to a game. The PA system does not create a positive game experience. First of all, our coach has to bring his own PA system from his home that is really not powerful enough for the sound to carry. Only those sitting right next to the speaker can hear and when the National Anthem is played, many don’t even know to stand and often continue their conversations because they cannot hear the music. And of course, there is no better feeling than having your name announced at the game and music played when you come to bat, but we often don’t get that experience here. Each season, Georgetown hosts the Spofford tournament which is a one of a kind event that bring some great baseball to the area and lots of fans; the tournament would be even further enhanced with a better PA system. While the PA system would certainly benefit the high school, it would also benefit the youth league (Babe Ruth plays here) and the field is also used for Charity events each season (The Burkinshaw fundraiser, Matt Torgerson fundraiser). Finally, many of you may know Coach Desilets. Coach works tirelessly to create an awesome game day experience for all of us and we would love to surprise him with this Awesome grant……Thank you for considering this idea and pretty soon you may hear “Play Ball!”Jake ThompsonCan you hear me now? United StatesGeorgetown, MAhttps://www.awesomefoundation.org/pt/chapters/georgetowntag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/2123482023-01-24T00:00:00Z2023-02-25T08:34:04ZYerevan – Conscious Parenting Content for Deaf ParentsParenting School NGO, a Yerevan-based nonprofit organization for conscious and positive parenting, has created easy and practical video content on YouTube available for all parents across Armenia and beyond. Except for deaf. We want to make parenting knowledge and tips available to deaf parents simply by using what has already been created over years, investing little time and money in adding sign language to videos and promoting the new content widely to make psychologist’s support on parenting available to deaf community in Armenia, too.
Here are a couple of examples of our videos:
How to deal with child fears: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qX6ZQSiG4y4&t=19s
The child and the gadgets: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gKdilVEH718
Sibling conflicts. Dos and Don’ts: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z-9JTX5qtOs
"Parenting School" Parenting, Educational and Psychological Support Center NGOConscious Parenting Content for Deaf Parentshttps://youtube.com/@ParentingSchoolArmeniaArmeniaYerevanhttps://www.awesomefoundation.org/pt/chapters/yerevantag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/2123922023-01-24T00:00:00Z2023-03-15T16:35:25ZPortland, OR – Push MovementPush Movement is an organization that promotes holistic, youth and peer-to-peer based pathways to recovery – built from the culture of skateboarding and open to individuals in all stages of change. We provide movement-based, one-on-one youth support and outreach for historically underserved populations in the Portland Metro area. We currently work with 165 youth participants monthly, with the numbers growing. This program is being offered to assist houseless youth in their recovery journey through the lens of skateboarding.
We will use the funds to help with equipment, travel and rental costs for our current programming. We are currently working in partnership with culturally specific youth organizations to provide safe, peer run spaces for their underserved participants. Our partnerships exist with the Harmony Academy (a place that provides a safe, sober and supportive gold standard in education for youth in recovery) and P:ear (a place of self-discovery and resilient young people moving through and beyond homelessness). We plan to expand our programming and scope of work in 2023 to include partnerships with Outside In, Portland Public Schools and Centennial School District. If given this grant opportunity we would be able to cultivate a sense of community and responsibility for youth in the recovery world, while providing a space for them to learn and grow.
Stevie MoePush Movementhttp://pushmovementrecovery.orgUnited StatesPortland, ORhttps://www.awesomefoundation.org/pt/chapters/portland