activism
Grassroots campaigns have proven instrumental in bringing about political, social or environmental change; you've got to start somewhere-might as well start here.
The Hidden Slavery
Sherry Johnson, age 11, is a new parent and a soon-to-be wife. Instead of attending school and socializing with friends, she is forced to pay bills, change diapers, and focus on house chores. Soon, she is married to the man (age 20) at her church who raped and impregnated her. Where were her parents during all of this? They helped plan the wedding to avoid legal issues with the church. Years later, Sherry finds herself acting as a single mother to nine kids while her husband seems to have disappeared—something he does often.
By Lorraine Woiak7 years ago in The Swamp
Watershed Year
As the spring of 2019 continues, there still remains over 40 percent of the population that still can't grasp the reality of what Trump and the Republican party have done and continue to do to further divide this nation. When the United States cries out for unity they fall on the deaf ears of both political parties. Today, they continue to only deepen the divide. There is more truth to it now that both the Democratic and Republican parties are entrenched with Wall Street and all those corporate donors. The high stakes of campaign contributions fuel the divisions that exist in America today.
By Dr. Williams7 years ago in The Swamp
Teenagers Skipping School? No, Teenagers Demanding for Needed Change
March 6th of this year I turned 27, I pay my own bills, and I have two kids. I am, by definition, an adult. So are many people who are now weighing in on hundreds of teenagers throughout several countries who staged a walkout this week against climate change.
By Misha Alsleben7 years ago in The Swamp
A Look Back at the Horace Greeley Activism of Charlotte Bilski
A recounting of Charlotte Bilski and all her good work in Westchester... It's not hard to see. Too often, the world just isn't right. People still struggling in an earthquake's aftermath, Westchester County cutting crucial funds to childcare, and kids mired in unhealthy peer relationships. Just the short list seems overwhelming and the change we'd all like to see leaves us too far removed from the people who run things. Chappaqua, New York's Charlotte Bilski of Horace Greeley High School and the Westchester Youth Council doesn't see it that way. She believes true activism emanates from a much smaller constituency.
By Rich Monetti7 years ago in The Swamp
Climate Change and Protest
Climate change and orchestrated “protest”—how many people protesting actually know what is happening? The “rent a mob brigade” of disconnected people, many calling themselves anarchists, have joined with socialists to protest about climate change. These are not true anarchists since they appear to believe in a new world order controlled by themselves; while a true anarchist believes there should not be any order, any form of government at all. This alliance has, in Britain, dragged school children into their political protests. They are political protests despite the claims they wish to save the planet for the future generations. It would seem the lobbyists have done a good job; these lobbyists seem to be working for the multibillion dollar Lithium using industries, including the makers of electric powered cars, wind generators, solar power producers and anyone who wants to change the politics of the world. I am sure all the young protesters are well meaning and well intentioned, although I have doubts about the amount they have studied all the varied aspects of climate change. They are fed what the lobbyists advise their teachers to tell them, questioning is not allowed. Just as with any modern political debate, young students are not allowed to hear contrary arguments. The “no platform” movement is simply to ensure no one questions the agenda of those declaring no platform.
By Peter Rose7 years ago in The Swamp
Cooperatives, a Game Changer for Local Economic Emancipation in South Africa and Beyond
A cooperative is a business model where people unite with a common socio economic interest. The business is democratically owned and controlled, and generally each member has an equal proxy. Every member/worker shares the burden of success or failure—therefore the business is generally motivated and driven; hence cooperative businesses have significantly low failure rates of around 10 percent after the first year, whilst traditional businesses have a failure rate of around 60-80 percent after the first year.
By Rowan Sampson7 years ago in The Swamp
The Rise of Tyranny
Today, there is a sense of urgency that prevails in the consciousness of many. The world is moving much faster now. The tempo of life is racing so fast there is no time for rational thinking only reacting spontaneously to the many crises we face. Years ago, in a time of style and grace, life moved much slower where the tempo of life responded with a more rational and collective effort to solve whatever crisis there was.
By Dr. Williams7 years ago in The Swamp
Humanity and Immigration
Recently, as I'm sure most are aware, the United States has implemented strict immigration policies looking to combat the influx of people seeking asylum within its walls. The most recent policy is one where none of us can stand by silently as families are ripped apart.
By John Ames Birch7 years ago in The Swamp
That Summer Wind
Oh! How I long for that summer wind. The gentle breeze warmed by the sun. In this troubled world one needs the sweet caress of that soft summer wind. Now, as another page of life turns fond memories rekindle precious moments that are now frozen in conscious thought. Whatever joy can be found today quickly is overwhelmed by the calculated callousness of a power structure that continues to whittle away those endeavors that would negate all the anguish throughout the world.
By Dr. Williams7 years ago in The Swamp
How to Be an Introverted Activist
Many people believe that they cannot make a difference due to being an introvert, not realizing how much activism needs introverts to get involved. It can be so much easier to listen to an opinion of a loved one rather than a stranger on the street. Activism can be portrayed in our wardrobes, on our dinner plates, in our conversations among friends, it can be as simple as bringing a reusable shopping bag! Here are some different ways you can be an introverted activist and some tips to make your message as effective as possible.
By Vala Rogers7 years ago in The Swamp
