#Resist – and how: The Opportunity Agenda

I confess. I have a crush on The Opportunity Agenda. Any organization whose motto is ‘Moving Hearts, Minds, and Policy for Lasting Change’ has me at hello. And that Helvetica Bold—the moxiest maven of media messaging is indeed a social justice superhero.

I stumbled across this organization quite literally. Then I read everything I could find. The Opportunity Agenda defines itself as a social justice communication lab. This David takes on the Goliath of well-financed communication efforts that support inequitable and unjust policies. This New York City based organization tackles social justice issues through communication expertise and creative engagement.

They have communication toolkits for journalists, politicians, and community stakeholders trying to make a difference. The topics they cover include poverty, criminal justice and immigration among others. Along with the toolkits, which are free and downloadable, they have internship and volunteer opportunities.

What are you waiting for? Download that communications toolkit and go out and provide some opportunity in your neighborhood—wherever that may be.

#opportunityagenda @oppagenda #socialjustice
https://opportunityagenda.org/resources

#WednesdayWomen Hallie, Conductor/Music Educator, New York City

#RevolutionaryHeroes Google

I know. Odd choice given Google’s problems with posting offensive materials next to high priced brand name advertising. Unlike many situations, I do believe that the free market will sort this one out. (For more info on the ad revenue problems, see NY Times article http://nyti.ms/2nu43Yr) BUT, and this is a very big but, they are doing something that lots of folks in Silicon Valley give lip service to and then don’t take action.

Starting this summer, Google and Howard University have joined forces to set up a satellite campus at the Googleplex in sunny Mountainview, California. Howard University is one of the largest historically-black colleges in the US. Howard computer science students in their junior and senior year of study will head from DC to Howard West to study with Google employees and Howard faculty. Talk about taking networking to the next level.

Let’s keep breaking down those barriers!

#HowardUniversity #Google #HowardWest

#RevolutionCookbook The Spice of Life

I am a spicy woman and proud of that fact! Although spice is traditionally associated with hot, that is only the tip of the iceberg (the flame?). Spices are the substance that bring magic to any dish. For me, shopping for spices is just as much fun as cooking with them.

One of my favorite spice shops in the world, International Grocery, is tucked in the shadow of the Port Authority. Not by the new, shiny front facing Port Authority that welcomes harried workers on their way home to New Jersey, but the back side, the dark side, the side where streams of buses circle like sharks.

I have never understood why everyone in the shop recognizes me and treats me like royalty every time I come in. Because of the inconvenient location—at least in my life—I hardly ever go there. Yet to them, I am queen. (A title I’m willing to share with all of the other shoppers, btw. I’m all about equality.)

I can never resist the octopus—prepared specially for me at each visit: “Would you like me to make it the way you like it?” Like they have to ask.

The next time you’re in the neighborhood—or even if you’re not—I recommend this treat for the senses. You won’t be disappointed and you won’t leave empty handed!

Check out these Yelp! Reviews: https://www.yelp.com/biz/international-grocery-new-york-2

#QuirkyNYC Yoga to the People!

I really like the way Yoga to the People operates—throughout New York City and the rest of the country.

The idea behind this organization is that as part of their training, yoga teachers need to have a certain number of teaching hours before they can be officially recognized and accredited—and paid. Honestly, everyone—yoga teachers included—has a limited number of friends who are willing to do things for us, like taking 400 hours of yoga classes in a short period of time.

Enter Yoga to the People! They rent large studio spaces in neighborhoods where there is lots of interest in yoga, but not always a lot of options—or affordable options. They even have podcasts! The teachers rotate through the studios, so you never know quite what to expect at each class. For example, my last class had me surrounded by people comfortable being pretzels. These are the moments I opt for child’s pose.

These classes are no fuss, no pressure and are funded by your donations at the end of each class. The donations go towards the rent and upkeep of the studio space. In NYC the suggested donation is $10—about half the price of a regular yoga class—but all contributions of more or less money are welcome.

Namaste.

#yogatothepeople https://yogatothepeople.com/ https://yogatothepeople.com/podcasts/

#Resist – and how: The Story of Alice

Alice in Wonderland is the most popular statue in all of Central Park. I have never seen her without someone admiring or climbing on her.

A few months ago, a study reported that by the time little girls were six years old, they doubted that women could be brilliant. At age 5, sure, anything goes and of course a woman can be brilliant. In growing older by one year, all of that changes. Girls doubt. Boys don’t. Here’s a nice summary of that study. http://nbcnews.to/2jmRQPS

Did you know that there are 29 statues in Central Park? Five of them are women and one is a dog (second most popular). The rest are men. What I propose is that you ask kids—girls AND boys—if they think this is fair. Then ask them what they think should be done. I predict the most surprising answers—and that you will have planted the seeds of gender equity. Neat.

Let me leave you with this one final thought. All of the women statues in Central Park are imaginary beings. All of the men statues are historical figures. Even the dog is a historical figure--Balto.

#WednesdayWomen -- Nicole, Chief of Staff for my local Assemblyperson, New York City