Leadership Inside Your Chicago Community Leadership Development Program

Gay High School in Chicago? Chicago Public Schools Looking at the Possibility

michael snell — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 10:35:06 GMT

New York City created the nation's first public high school for gays, bisexuals and transgender students. The Harvey Milk High School initially enrolled about 100 students and opened in 2003.

Now, Chicago school officials are considering a plan to create a separate high school for LGBT students, but the proposal is not without its detractors - both outside and within the gay community.

Some LGBT advocates hail the idea, but others warn the school would isolate gay students.

Conservatives call the proposal a waste of taxpayer money. - Of course they do!

The plan must still undergo a series of public hearings - the first will take place this month. A community hearing will be held Sept. 18 at the Center on Halsted, 3656 N. Halsted. 6pm - 8pm. There, the public can learn more about the proposed school. It then would require approval by a Chicago Public Schools evaluation team with the final decision up to the head of the school system.

Bill Greaves, director and community liaison of the City of Chicago Commission on Human Relations' Advisory Council on LGBT Issues and a member of the proposed school's design team, told Windy City Times that the community forum will be the “last hurdle” in the process. The CPS Office of New Schools has already twice interviewed the design team, made up of veteran teachers and administrators, a member of About Face Theater, CPS Office of Student Development staff and others. On Aug. 26, the delegate principal, Chad Weiden ( the current assistant principal at the Greater Lawndale Little Village School for Social Justice ) , was interviewed.

A 2006 report by the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network ( GLSEN ) found that 35 percent of Illinois students reported that sexual orientation is the most common reason students are harassed or bullied at school. Nearly the same number of Illinois students said the same for gender identity.

The earliest it could be up and running would be 2010.

The Best of Gay Chicago and the New Gay Travel Guide

FREE Family Admission to ANY Museum in Chicago

michael snell — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 15:30:01 GMT

DID YOU KNOW......

The Chicago Public Library has "Museum passes" that you can borrow for admission to ALL of the 13 museum's in the city including costly ones (over $20 pp!) like the Shedd Aquarium, The Childrens Museum, Brookfield Zoo, and the Field Museum. Each museum has one pass that covers the admission of a family of four.

All you need is a Chicago Library card (apply for free card at any public library), or a friend that has a library card, and you can go to any of over 50 branches of the Chicago library. Just go to the front desk and ask to see which museum passes are available and voila, you have a week to use it! This costs no money at all!

These passes are good for one week and more than one person at a time, but they usually do not apply to special exhibits.

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Chicago Windy City Wine Festival at Millenium Park September 5th and 6th

michael snell — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 14:33:50 GMT

A Celebration of
Wine, Food, Music and Friends !

Windy City Wine Festival

Daley Bicentennial Plaza
@ Millenium Park

September 5-6, 2008

Friday, September 5
4:00PM to 10:00PM
(Ticket sales end at 8:30PM, alcohol sampling
and sales end at 9:30PM)

                                            Saturday, September 6
                                            3:00PM to 10:00PM
                                              (Ticket sales end at 8:30PM, alcohol sampling
                                              and sales end at 9:30PM)

The festival provides an opportunity to sample from more than 250 wines from around the world. Learn about new and exciting varieties from the experts in a relaxed festival setting.

Wine seminars and cooking demonstrations are conducted by event sponsors, exhibiting wineries, area chefs and restaurateurs.

Enjoy food from some of Chicago’s finest restaurants and caterers.

Local musical talent will perform live each day.

*Adult Wine Tasting Ticket is $30 at the door. This ticket includes a souvenir wine glass, ten tastings, Festival Program, Food & Wine seminars, cooking demonstrations, musical entertainment, and the opportunity to purchase wine at a discount.

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National Hunger Awareness Month September

michael snell — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 14:06:09 GMT

As we enter National Hunger Awareness month, we’re reminded of the 35 million Americans at risk of hunger. CATHOLIC CHARITIES provides Chicagoans with information on how they can help in the fight against hunger – an issue lurking in their own backyard. Through visiting the site, community members can learn how to:

- Host food drives
- Volunteer with local food programs

- Register for the September 30 Walk Against Hunger
- Enter our Hunger Awareness Month Poster Contest (for students ages 10 – 13)

Catholic Charities provides more than 5 million meals to those in need on a yearly basis, and also provides them with the tools they need to decrease their reliance on food pantries long-term, including case management and benefits screening; employment/job training services, and nutrition programs.

For more information, call (312) 655-7315

Whether they are young or old, hungry or addicted, homeless or friendless, Catholic Charities sees the face of God in those in need. By providing food, clothing, shelter and counseling, we bring hope to the hopeless in the city of Chicago and its suburbs.

Catholic Charities: All about help and just about everywhere. Catholic Charities is in your neighborhood. With more than 160 programs at 158 locations across Cook and Lake counties, we help people of all races and religions move toward empowerment and self-sufficiency. Last year we touched the lives of more than 1.1 million parents, children, seniors and individuals, helping them through hard times.

Only 8 cents of every dollar donated goes toward our administrative expenses; the rest goes directly to help clients. While Catholic Charities raises funds separately from the Archdiocese of Chicago, we serve as the social service arm of the church. When clients seek help from Catholic Charities– whether for emergency assistance or for another type of help–they enter into a network with services that range from counseling to job training to immunization linkage.

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Trump International Hotel and Tower Chicago Unveils 53 New Spa Guestrooms and Full Kate Somerville Spa Treatment

michael snell — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 14:42:50 GMT

Trump International Hotel and Tower Chicago Unveils 53 New Spa Guestrooms and Full Kate Somerville Spa Treatment

The Trump International Hotel & Tower Chicago offers plenty of room to relax... Sounds like just what I need!

Sumptuous 600-square-foot guest rooms to the more than 1,000-square-foot suites - sunlight pours through the ten-foot floor-to-ceiling windows, offering stunning panoramas of Chicago.

Modern kitchens feature top-of-the-line stainless steel appliances, sub-zero refrigerator and Snaidero wooden cabinetry.

The luxurious limestone baths provide deep-soaking tubs and state-of-the-art showers. Custom vanities, a 42-inch LCD HDTV and complimentary wireless Internet complete the experience, with a staff at your service for any additional need.

On September 1st, the Trump Hotel and Tower Chicago will unveil 53 new spa guestrooms of complete rejuvenation and respite connected to the Kate Somerville Spa at Trump to pamper guests in true over-the-top Donald Trump-like fashion.

The rooms feature full in-room treatments, a healthy minibar, yoga kits, a whole menu of Bath Packages, and spa amenities and toiletries that evolve with the seasons.

As guests are led to the spa guest room by their Spa Attaché, who will customize the guest experience from start to finish, they will be enveloped by a custom spa scent in the corridor and soft music playing overhead. Upon entering their room, they will find inspiring city and riverfront views, gentle earth tones, light oak woods, fresh orchids, ambient candles and a music library. Thats it, I'm booking a room!

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Buckingham Fountain's $25 Million Renovation Details Announced This Month

Derrick Sorles — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 10:47:29 GMT

Buckingham Fountain's $25 Million Renovation Details Announced

The Chicago Park District approved a project to undertake a
$25-million restoration project for Buckingham Fountain in February and the details were released earlier this month. The project will be the most comprehensive restoration yet undertaken on the 81 year old landmark.

Chicago's famous lakefront fountain is set to undergo the overhaul closing Sept. 2, about two months earlier than last year. The renovation is the second time in 15 years that the fountain will be required to close.

"It's an icon for the city and it deserves this attention to ensure it has another 80 or more years," said Michael Fus, a preservation architect at the Chicago Park District. In 1994, a $2.8 million project repaired the fountain's three smaller, central basins.

This time, the larger outer basin, which is leaking thousands of gallons of water a week, will undergo the same treatment, Fus said. He said he hopes the fountain ends up using half the water it currently does.

According to Michael Fus, the goal is to have the project done by April 1, 2009 when members of the International Olympic Committee visit Chicago. Chicago is one of four cities bidding for the 2016 summer games.

Officials are considering a more dramatic lighting show that would coordinate with lighting installed along Congress Parkway.

They're also debating between new lamps that show sharper colors and the yellowish, more romantic hues of the current lights.

The restoration also includes treating the fountain's bronze sea horses and fencing. Park officials are considering replacing the loose pink gravel at the site with precast stone and concrete pavers.

Landscaping and the planting of trees will more closely mirror the original plans by Edward H. Bennett.

The Buckingham Fountain Restoration Plan will be paid with park, city and possibly state funds as well as $1 million generated from the Lollapalooza music festival and $8 million from an endowment for the fountain (the reserve fund set up as part of the original endowment for the fountain by its benefactor - Kate Sturges Buckingham), officials said.

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Imerman Angels 2nd Annual Rooftop Benefit - July 12th!

michael snell — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 14:39:54 GMT

This event was so much fun last year! And Imerman Angels is a great group to support, who help cancer fighters and survivors across the United States.

Buy your tickets now and don't miss this event!

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Marianne Williamson to Speak in Chicago on Peace

michael snell — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 13:18:03 GMT

2008 Midwest Regional Conference    for a U.S. Department of Peace

Date: June 19-22, 2008

Location: Schaumburg, IL / Marriott Chicago-Schaumburg

Building a Culture of Peace in the Heartland

June 20: Friday 7:00 PM - 9:30 PM

Marianne Williamson - will be speaking

"The Politics of Possibility"

                             benefiting The Peace Alliance

(tickets are $40 for the benefit - call 815-987-9897)

Conference dates - June 21-22:
Saturday 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM
Sunday 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM

Peace Alliance Staff in attendance:

Wendy Greene, Managing Director and

Kathy Kidd, National Field Director

Pre-conference and Post-conference workshops will be offered and information will be provided soon.
Learn more about H.R. 808 and connect with other local organizers.
Access to information, resources and strategies to increase your effectiveness in the grassroots campaign, including NVC training, writing a laser speech, campaign fundraising, city council resolutions, building performing teams and more.

Confirmed speakers:

Robert Koehler, award-winning, Chicago-based journalist, editor at Tribune Media Services and nationally syndicated writer.
Lynn McMullen, National Campaign Consultant, The Peace Alliance

Conference Pricing: $50-95, self-selecting sliding scale
This cost includes Friday night benefit.

Lodging and meals are not included in the conference pricing.

Please contact the Chicago Marriott Schaumburg hotel directly for rooms at the conference site.
($99 single, Group Code: DOPDOPB; $109 double, Code: DOPDOPA).

If you want to attend only the Friday night benefit,with Maria the cost is $40

Volunteers needed and welcomed for planning and for on-site assistance.

Contact: Karen Johnson, 312-545-3460, DOPmidwestregion@aol.com

Visit the regional site online

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June Festivals and Events in Chicago

michael snell — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 13:14:23 GMT

Festivals. Chicago offers LOTS of festivals - something for every taste.

In June, Chicago hosts the annual Blues Festival and if you’re visiting in late June/early July, you won’t want to miss the Taste of Chicago, held annually at Grant Park. In late August, the Chicago Latin Music Festival features the sounds of cumbias, meringue and salsa. All summer long there are a number of neighborhood festivals, art fairs and other special events.

COMING UP in June....

FREE Chicago Blues Festival, Jun 5-8
Grant Park, Jackson Blvd at Columbus Dr. 11am-9:30pm.
The Blues Fest hits the quarter-century mark and celebrates with special anniversary performances. James Cotton, Johnny Winter with Koko Taylor and her Blues Machine, and Eddy Clearwater headline.

Jeff Fest, Jun 6-8
Milwaukee Ave at Higgins Rd. Fri 5-11pm; Sat 1-11pm; Sun 1-9pm; $5.
Jefferson Park’s annual neighborhood fest features food, games, arts and crafts, and live entertainment including “Slow Ride” rockers Foghat.

Chicago Botanic Garden Wine Festival, Jun 7-8
1000 Lake-Cook Rd, Glencoe. Sat noon-8pm, Sun noon-6pm; $30, $25 in advance, $10 designated driver ticket.
At this classier than average fest, you can taste from several wines, nibble on cuisine from Osteria di Tramonto and Nick’s Fishmarket, and glide across the dance floor to live bands.

* FREE Chicago Tribune Printers Row Book Fair, Jun 7-8
Dearborn St between Congress Pkwy and Polk St. 10am-6pm.
Before that fair food slathers your hands in barbecue sauce, stop by Printers Row to pick up some bargain books. Author readings and signings take place in tents and surrounding buildings.

FREE 57th Street Art Fair, Jun 7-8
57th St between Kimbark and Kenwood Aves. Sat 11am-6pm; Sun 10am-5pm.
As art fairs go, this is one of the Midwest’s oldest (it’s been around for 60-plus years), biggest and best. Pick up jewelry, paintings, sculptures, photographs, ceramics and more.

Ribfest Chicago, Jun 7-8
Lincoln Ave at Irving Park Rd. Noon-10pm; $5.
Smoky, tangy ribs sizzle over the pits at this annual North Center neighborhood festival where you can sample slabs grilled by restaurants from around Chicago and feast your eyes on more than 20 bands.

FREE Chicago Festa Pasta Vino, Jun 12-15
Oakley Ave between 24th and 25th Sts. Thu, Fri 5-11pm; Sat noon-11pm; Sun noon-9pm.
The lost era of the Rat Pack meets all things Italian-American in the Heart of Italy neighborhood. Dozens of nostalgia-inducing crooners take the stage over four days, and fresh-cooked pasta abounds.

* Andersonville Midsommarfest, Jun 14-15
5200-5450 N Clark St. 11am-10pm; $5.
Andersonville celebrates its Swede side at this summer solstice festival. In addition to traditional family entertainment-Nordic dancers, singers and food selections-the fest shows off the hood’s lesbian hangouts.

* FREE Testicle Festival, Jun 14
Sportsman’s Club, 111 N Capitol Ave, Mount Sterling. 3pm-midnight.
Mount Sterling residents are on the ball at this fest. They’ve prepared a night of live music, games and all the pork, beef, turkey, lamb, and buffalo testicles you can eat. If you think you’re a tough nut, round out the night as a participant in the testicle eating contest. EW! Think I will pass on this one!

Wrigleyville SummerFest, Jun 14
Seminary Ave between School and Roscoe Sts. 11am-10pm, $5.
This fest stands out from the fray with a plethora of fun for the wee ones (pony rides, climbing wall, crafts, face painting), and games (cornhole and Guitar Hero tourneys) for the big kids.

Old Town Art Fair, Jun 14-15
Between Menomonee and Wisconsin Sts, from Lincoln Park W to Sedgwick St. 10am-6pm; $7, kids 12 and under free.
Old Town’s juried outdoor art fair rivals Hyde Park’s for endurance: This year marks its 59th incarnation.

FREE St. George Greek Festival, Jun 14-15
2701 N Sheffield St at Schubert Ave. Sat 4pm-10pm, Sun noon-11pm.

Wells Street Art Festival, Jun 14-15
Wells St between North Ave and Division St. 10am-10pm, $7-10.
More than 300 artisans convene in Old Town. Nightly entertainment includes A Flock of Seagulls.

Halsted Tastes Better, Jun 16
Halsted St between Belmont and Addison Sts. 6-9pm; $30, advance $25.
This event rounds up the tasty eats on North Halsted and serves them with live music and a waitperson’s race.

* Taste of Randolph Street, Jun 20-22
Randolph St between Peoria St and Racine Ave. Fri 5-11pm; Sat 2-11pm, Sun 2-10pm; $10.
Several posh area restaurants will sell bite-size samples of their cuisine. While you’re nibbling, tune into the band lineup-it’s always one of the summer’s freshest.

Custer’s Last Stand Festival of the Arts, Jun 21-22
Chicago Ave and Main St, Evanston. 10am-9pm, $1. Evanston brings in 350 artists and cuisine from 30 restaurants.

Pizza Fest, Jun 21-22
Racine at Fullerton Ave. Sat noon-10pm; Sun noon-8pm; $5.
Nosh on a $1 sampler, get a whole pie or watch a professionally judged contest that pins a ribbon on the area’s best pizza.

FREE Chicago Arabesque, Jun 25-28
Daley Plaza, Washington and Dearborn Sts. Wed-Fri 10am-3pm; Sat 10am-5pm.
Explore the Arab world through its art, cuisine, culture, music and dance while leaving religion and politics out of the mix.

Chicago Salsa Festival, Jun 26-29
Grant Park, Jackson Blvd at Columbus Dr, and other locations;
Fri, Sat 10am-5pm; Sun 11am-4pm; $10-25.
Become a dancing queen for the weekend with four days of live music and dance performances and 30 dance workshops led by some choice instructors.

* FREE Taste of Chicago, Jun 27-Jul 6
Columbus Dr between Monroe and Balbo Drs; and Jackson and Congress Drs from Michigan Ave to Lake Shore Dr. 11am-9pm; Jul 3,4 11am-9:30pm; Jul 6 11am-8pm.
Scores of restaurants from around the city offer tastes of their top dishes. A strip of tickets costs $8 at the festival. Shell out one to four tickets for snack-size “Taste portions” or a few more for an entrée. The band lineup has finally snagged some big-name performers including Chaka Kahn, Joss Stone, Fantasia and Stevie Wonder.

Chicago Pride Fest, Jun 28
Halsted St at Waveland Ave. 11am-9pm, $5.
Chicago’s biggest preparade party unfurls over ten hours. Sponsored by the Northalsted Area Merchants Association, stages will feature many flavors of queer entertainment. The Chicago Pride Parade kicks off Jun 29 at noon on Halsted St at Belmont Ave.

BAM! Belmont Arts and Music Fest, Jun 28-29
2000 W Belmont Ave at Damen Ave. Noon-10pm; $5.

Fountain Square Art Festival, Jun 28-29
Sherman Ave at Church St. Sat 10am-9pm; Sun 10am-6pm; $5.

For more festival information visit City of Chicago online!

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Organic School Project Brings Good Food and Nutrition To Chicago Students

michael snell — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 14:11:09 GMT

Imagine a school…

where when you walk in the door, it smells like home cooking.

In the cafeteria, children are eating made-from-scratch, locally and sustainably grown foods—a feast of whole grains, bright green vegetables, and freshly sliced fruits.

Plate waste is minimal. The students like this food.

Then they rise from their seats and walk to the trash receptacles – there are multiple ones: one for compost, one for recycling and one for waste. They know what bin to put every part of their meal in, and the meal’s biodegradable tray and disposable packaging.

After eating, the children go outside to the school garden and see some of the food they just ate growing in the garden. They planted some of those foods, they helped care for them.

WHAT A CONCEPT! The Organic School Project is the creation of Greg Christian. With a culinary career spanning over 25 years and as owner of Greg Christian Catering, Greg Christian Organics and Get Me Greg’s, Greg brings considerable knowledge and passion for food to OSP.

We’re the only organization bringing together hands-on gardening, organic food preparation and meal service with health-related curriculum and scientific evaluation.

This combination of interactive programs is designed to engage children – along with their families, school staffs and communities – in growing, learning about, and preparing the food they eat.

A unique collaboration of educators, public and private-area gardens, farms, food retailers and suppliers, parents, community organizations, cooking professionals and health care professionals, OSP seeks to reconnect the Chicago community with their food source.

OSP is a non-profit organization currently making this a reality in 3 Chicago-area schools.

Read the Organic School Project Blog !

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ELLEN Brings Her Show To Chicago May 3rd!

michael snell — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 13:54:10 GMT

ELLEN  will be filming in Chicago for one day on MAY 3rd!

This will be ELLEN's   first time taping in the Windy City.

Not a whole lot of information has been said regarding the taping - mum is the word!

We don’t know the guest line-up quite yet — nor the exact site of the May 3 taping — as DeGeneres’ quipped recently that ‘‘I don’t want to say exactly where, because I don’t want anyone snooping around ... Oprah!’’

Find out how you can WIN TICKETS! or apply for tickets!

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SOBCon 08 Welcomes 200 Bloggers and Online Publishers to the Windy City

michael snell — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 13:28:06 GMT

IT'S BACK! The Second Annual SOBCon Conference!

BIZ SCHOOL FOR BLOGGERS will take place in Chicago May 2,3, and 4th!

200 bloggers from around the country will meet in downtown Chicago at this exciting 3 day event!

Whether you are a blogger now and want to take your blog to the next level or a business owner who wants to jump into the blogosphere, THIS IS A MUST ATTEND EVENT!

We attended last year and it was truly an amazing experience. And this years looks to even bigger and better than ever. Part seminar / part conference / part networking / - it has something for everyone!

Lots of Guest speakers like Anita Bruzzese, Brian Clark, Lorelle VanFossen, Liz Strauss, Chris Garrett, Muhammad Saleem, Chris Brogan, Dave Bullock, and more!

If you blog and get to Chicago in May, you have to attend this event!

There are still a few tickets left!

See you there!

Derrick and Michael

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Looptopia 08 - Takes Place May 2nd in Downtown Chicago

michael snell — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 13:01:26 GMT

It's back!

If you are in Chicago the weekend of May 2nd - you have to check out LOOPTOPIA 08!

5PM TO 7AM

Come rain or come shine Looptopia will illuminate Chicago's most historic neighborhood known worldwide as "the Loop". Showcasing some of the best and most dynamic of Chicago's artistic and cultural communities, Looptopia's 14 hours of programming will conclude on the morning of May 3rd with a Sunrise Celebration in Millennium Park.

Inspired by "White Night" events in cities like Rome, Paris, and Madrid, Looptopia made its wildly successful debut as the first American event of its kind last year. 300 artists. 100 venues. 14 hours. More than 100,000 people! Wether you live in Chicago or visiting, plan on checking out this event! Urban Adventurers. City dwellers. Night Owls. Students. Couples. Families. Music fans. Circus lovers. There is truly something for everyone at Looptopia. Shopping, music, art and more.

FYI, for visitors who may not know, The Loop is what locals call the historical center of downtown Chicago. It is the second-largest central business district in the United States, after Midtown Manhattan. The zip code for the Loop is 60602, and was named by Forbes as the hottest zipcode in the country and residential real estate averages $700,000.

For more details visit LOOPTOPIA 08

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Earth Day in Chicago @ Lincoln Park Zoo this Weekend

michael snell — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 13:03:28 GMT

EARTH DAY IS THIS SUNDAY APRIL 20th!

Where will you be??

Here in Chicago, the Lincoln Park Zoo will be hosting an all-day Earth Day Celebration. 10:30 am - 6 pm.

The GREEN APPLE MUSIC & ARTS FESTIVAL is touted as America's Largest Earth Day Celebration!

We have an amzing zoo here. It's FREE, open all year, and has an amazing botanical garden nearby.

Lincoln Park Zoo is a world of wildlife in the shadow of skyscrapers. Located within a verdant park just minutes north of downtown Chicago, the zoo has been a natural, free oasis for generations of animal lovers, who come to hear a lion’s roar echo off nearby apartment buildings, see gorillas climb trees as the Sears Tower looms in the distance, or forget where they are as they immerse themselves in tropical rainforests, dry-thorn forests or spacious savannas.

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Leadership in New Orleans - Brad Pitt Helps Make It Right

Derrick Sorles — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 09:19:23 GMT

Last night, while watching IDOL GIVES BACK, they highlighted several great programs that are happening around the world. Programs that started really out of frustration for lack of government concern. Everyday people and celebrities are now taking leadership roles with idea's that can and will make a difference.

As we know, Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans. The slow reaction to the initial emergency and to the ongoing crisis exposed troubling realities about the response capabilities of the American government when the citizens of our most culturally diverse city were in desperate need of help.

When Brad Pitt visited the Lower 9th Ward for the first time after the storm, he was shocked by what he saw: the remnants of people's lives strewn across the streets and an entire neighborhood torn apart and turned upside down. Pitt was even more disturbed by the lack of a clear plan to address the situation. Many were quietly saying there was no chance the Lower 9th Ward would ever be re-built.

Inspired by the courage and hope of the residents he met, Pitt resolved to do whatever he could to help them rebuild. Just as importantly, he wanted to help recreate and nurture the unique culture and spirit of the Lower 9th Ward, which symbolizes the soul of New Orleans. He understood instinctively that a New Orleans rebuilt without the Lower 9th Ward would never be whole. MAKE IT RIGHT was born.

He began by working with Global Green to sponsor an architecture competition aimed at generating ideas about how to rebuild sustainably. Pitt worked with local community leaders as well as experts from around the world to develop viable ideas for the Lower 9th Ward. That successful project inspired Pitt's new focus: Make It Right.

The Mission of Make It Right is clear: It is to be a catalyst for redevelopment of the Lower 9th Ward, by building a neighborhood comprised of safe and healthy homes that are inspired by Cradle to Cradle thinking, with an emphasis on a high quality of design, while preserving the spirit of the community's culture. The goal is to accomplish this quickly, so that the first residents can begin returning to their homes as soon as possible.

Without Pitt's dedication and concern - this would NOT be happening. In all likelihood, government officials would be standing around bickering about what to do.

Idol Gives Back Foundation is a new not-for-profit organization established by the producers of American Idol and FOX to raise money and awareness for children and families living in poverty and at risk in the U.S. and abroad. Idol Gives Back Foundation is harnessing American Idol's ability to capture America's hearts and the power of entertainment to benefit some of the poorest and most vulnerable people in the world.

Groups like this and ONE, are going to change the world. WE CAN make a difference!

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Imerman Angels St. Patricks Eve Event

michael snell — Wed, 12 Mar 2008 11:45:22 GMT

Friday, March 14th 8-11pm @ ENCLAVE

Join IMERMAN ANGELS for a benefit and St. Patricks Eve Party.

Tickets $30 in advance/ $40 at the door

Open bar with selected Vodka, rum, beer and wine & appetizers too!

ALL PROCEEDS WILL BENEFIT THIS AWESOME CAUSE!

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EARTH HOUR AND THE CHICAGO LOOP

michael snell — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 14:54:31 GMT

The Chicago Loop Alliance is asking you to turn off your lights from 8pm to 9pm on
March 29th, 2008 as part of a global initiative on climate change called “Earth Hour”.

Earth Hour is an initiative of World Wildlife Fund, which began with one successful event held in Sydney, Australia in March 2007. In 2008, Earth Hour will be celebrated globally in cities across with world, including Copenhagen, Manila, Tel Aviv and Toronto. Chicago has been chosen as the flagship city for the United States, with San Francisco, Phoenix and Atlanta also participating. We hope you’ll support this creative initiative and participate.

How is Chicago celebrating Earth Hour?

Earth Hour is meant to be celebrated while maintaining safety. Streetlights will remain on, as will any lights deemed to impact public safety like lobbies and elevators. All hospital and emergency services will be operating as usual – none of their lights will be turned off. However, the dramatic skyscape that is the Chicago Loop will make a powerful statement during Earth Hour if as many members as possible of the Chicago Loop Alliance participate!

Signs of Climate Change are Everywhere

Climate change is perhaps the most significant issue facing our planet today. We are beginning to witness dramatic impacts—from melting glaciers and frequent heat waves to increased intensity of hurricanes—as a result of the amount of carbon dioxide we load into the atmosphere. The 10 hottest years on record have occurred since 1990—2006 was the hottest yet. The U.S. is the world’s leading emitter of carbon dioxide, with over 20 tons per person produced every year. To alter the current course of climate change we must act now to curb our emissions. One person can make a difference, and millions of us working together can change the world.

VISIT EARTH HOURS CHICAGO!

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OPRAH GIVES BACK! $1 MILLION

michael snell — Thu, 21 Feb 2008 11:31:17 GMT

What would you do if you were handed a bundle of cash—and told you have to give it all away?

Challengers on Oprah's Big Give, a new series by Harpo Productions that will begin airing on ABC Sunday, March 2nd, have to face that very difficult question.

10 People from across the country are given a wad of cash and challenged to help total strangers so that they can feel the high of giving. Over eight weeks, we follow their every move, and in the end, the biggest giver wins! $1 million to the one who gives the best. Givers are judged on creativity, leadership and accomplishments. And someone will be sent home! "Give big - or go home!" say's O.

Oprah will have designer pal Nate Berkus as co-host but also Jennifer Aniston, John Travolta, Jada Pinkett Smith, Donald Trump, and a few of Oprah's other pals will be around to lend a hand.

The "pay-it-forward" themed show will be a cross between The Amazing Race and Extreme Home Makeover. And get out a box of tissue! It's said to be an emotional roller coaster ride!

"It's always fun for me to be able to give and watch people's reactions. I love a great surprise. And I wanted other people to have that feeling of what it feels like to give back," explained the TV queen.

"What I know for sure is that most American's really are giving. We're the most loving, caring people, concious of others and how they feel. I know that's how people really feel. We wanted to show how one person can make a difference...and do it in an entertaining, fun way that people will watch." said Oprah.

SHOULD BE A GREAT SHOW! GET IT IN YOUR TIVO!

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I C STARS

michael snell — Sun, 09 Dec 2007 10:03:26 GMT

i.c.stars executes on its mission by providing IT career programs and services that strengthen the leadership potential of inner city young adults in Chicago.

i.c.stars offerings focus on providing social and economic value to participants, communities and industries.
7 years ago, i.c.stars began it's first training Cycle amidst the dot com boom. Slowly, the industry took a turn.
However, today, i.c.stars is still training future technology and community leaders!

Tucked inconspicuously inside a trendy Chicago loft in the upscale River North district, known for its art galleries, chic restaurants and tech startups, i.c.stars is a three-month boot camp designed to develop computer programming skills, business savvy and leadership. - Writer Michael Bitoun Blecher did a great article about ic stars for Graduatingengineer.
Volunteers are always needed!

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XO Laptop: Giving every child in the world access to Social Media

michael snell — Wed, 14 Nov 2007 07:45:21 GMT

The mission of One Laptop Per Child (OLPC) is to empower the children of developing countries to learn by providing one connected laptop to every school-age child. In order to accomplish our goal, we need people who believe in what we’re doing and want to help make education for the world’s children a priority, not a privilege. Between November 12 and November 26, OLPC is offering a Give One Get One program. During this time, you can donate the revolutionary XO laptop to a child in a developing nation, and also receive one for the child in your life in recognition of your contribution.

Give One Get One

For the next week, OLPC is offering a Give One Get One program in the United States and Canada. This is the first time the revolutionary XO laptop has been made available to the general public. For a donation of $399, one XO laptop will be sent to empower a child in a developing nation and one will be sent to the child in your life in recognition of your contribution. $200 of your donation is tax-deductible (your $399 donation minus the fair market value of the XO laptop you will be receiving).

PLUS, for all U.S. donors who participate in the Give One Get One program, T-Mobile is offering one year of complimentary HotSpot access.

It’s not a laptop project. It’s an education project.

In 2002, MIT Professor Nicholas Negroponte experienced first-hand how connected laptops transformed the lives of children and their families in a remote Cambodian village. A seed was planted: If every child in the world had access to a computer, what potential could be unlocked? What problems could be solved? These questions eventually led to the foundation of One Laptop per Child, and the creation of the XO laptop.

OLPC’s mission is to provide a means for learning, self-expression, and exploration to the nearly two billion children of the developing world with little or no access to education. While children are by nature eager for knowledge, many countries have insufficient resources to devote to education—sometimes less than $20 per year per child (compared to an average of $7,500 in the United States). By giving children their very own connected XO laptop, we are giving them a window to the outside world, access to vast amounts of information, a way to connect with each other, and a springboard into their future. And we’re also helping these countries develop an essential resource—educated, empowered children.

WHAT A CONCEPT!

For more information visit Laptop.org!

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