Activist????

[fzzy]

I know that many of our Pixies members spend time, energy, money, etc. in great causes ... would you like to share what causes you believe in to the extent that you give something of yourself to them .... you don't need to name specific charities, just the general causes ....


for example, we know that Lilith does volunteer work with children who are in harmful and difficult situations.

I believe the IAKG mentioned that she devotes a week or so each year to helping people in an area that lacks many basic services (don't know the specifics so I may be explaining it badly)

As for me, I do volunteer work and donations through my religious community, as well as make gifts as finances allow to local women's and children's shelters.

How about you, what causes are deeply important to you?

[OzKristin]

animals...i go on to a wesbite every day that with clicking generates donations for different kinds of biomes, animals, and needy children, as well as the fight against breast cancer. When I'm at a pet store I usually drop a few dollars and change into the donation bin for needy animals as well. I have belonged to the World Wildlife Fund for years, and have done volunteer work for The Nature Conservancy (that particular organization however sparks some controversy now however-but I won't get into it). I have visited elderly homes in the past, more when I was younger though, and strive to reach out and counsel those in need. Just recently I volunteered 10+ hrs. of my time to a neighborhood arboretum and put in a lot of hard work. Next step to continue my help, I am getting hired (keep your fingers crossed!) at an interview May 8 at a nearby animal hospital so I can become a vet tech, so I can always be helping animals in need!

[wyndhy]

literacy programs at the local library. you can't get through life w/o knowing how to read and write, and it is amazing how many people do not know how! (and sad)

[fzzy]

Yay for you OzKristen .... your causes are good ones and I am always happy to be associated with people who do things they believe in to benefit the world around them.

[fzzy]

Wow Wyndhy ... that's something I've often thought about doing, maybe when I retire and have a bit more time for a few more causes ... Another great cause to be involved in!!!

[FallenAngel5]

I volunteer at a local Rape Crisis center... I use my personal experiences to work as a hotline volunteer. I also work through the center as an advocate for victim's rights, a cause very close to my heart. I also volunteer in a group called Vox on my campus, which is a student run group that is a part of Planned Parenthood. We work fighting for women's reproductive rights, also a cause close to my heart. With the conservative base in the federal government, Roe v. Wade is coming under fire, and we need to do all that we can to combat that. :) My $.02.

[OzKristin]

you two have done very nice things as well, good to hear it! It really does warm my heart to help out, but also great to hear how so many others are doing the same things!

[fzzy]

I just knew our Pixies community was filled with people actively in pursuit of making progress in areas that are important to them.


Might I also add that I believe that if you are a mom of young children, you are also actively involved in a great work!!!! Putting your time, energy and talent into raising children who understand they have a place in this world and something to contribute is one of the truly great things you can do in life!

[WildIrish]

I'm very active with Habitat for Humanity and have been for awhile. Before becoming involved with them, I really didn't understand the program and am glad I do now. It's a hand up, not a hand out. And I don't see leaving anytime soon.

[fzzy]

Wonderful work WildIrish .... I've heard a lot about that program and know that those who received have to do a whole lot of work in the process .... I think that's wonderful!

[GingerV]

I'm a damned proud third generation contributer to Planned Parenthood. My grandmother started the tradition, bless her heart.

I do other things, tutoring mostly. But can I just brag on my mom here for a bit? She gave money, gave computers, and recruited skills teachers for the first ever battered women's shelter in my tiny little macho home town. And when it was burned to the ground by an irate ex-husband.....she helped find the site that they helped rebuild it on. She's a silent supporter, no-one in the town knows she's doing it. She's just a quiet sort...doesn't want anyone fussing over her, she's never been a battered wife. But I know, I'm damned proud, and I never get a chance to say so.....'cept here no-one will know (especially her). So I'm gonna. ;) Way to go MOM!

[ukjeeping]

Wow, those are some cool things. I wish I was able to do something like that, my job takes up most of my time.

[osuche]

I mentor a group of young women engineers, and I teach economics to at-risk high school students......I try to teach people the things that I wish I'd learned when I was younger.

[fzzy]

GingerV - glad to hear of your good works and your mom's as well.... you have every reason to be thrilled with her!!!

Osuche, also glad to hear about the things that you are doing to contribute to making the world a better place.

I love to hear such things about our Pixies ... and UKJeeping ... it's not always possible to be actively involved in such things, but hopefully there will come a time in your life when you can do something that you believe in and in the process make the world a better place .... it may even be that you do that already in your very busy job - just because you get paid for it doesn't mean its not valuable!!!

[ukjeeping]

fzzy I was talking to the wife and she reminded me of the rescue missions in africa I went on(USAF), so I guess you are right ty

[Summer]

I volunteer 2 days a week at the local elementary school (kindergarten through 5th grade). I am currently providing a make shift art program for 7 classes. In the county I live in they have cut out art classes. I believe art is a major step in the learning process that every child should be exposed to. I am also pushing that they add in an art program so that every class gets a chance. I wish I could be there all the time to work with them all but my schedule limits me. I do what I can and sometimes what I can't. ;)

[fzzy]

Yay for you ukjeeping ..... thanks for making the world a safer place!

Summer, wonderful ... thanks for building beauty into the souls of those children. It is a great thing to make the lives of children brighter and more beautiful!

[denny]

I mentor young engineers of both genders, participate in Christmas in April (charity rebuilding effort).

[fzzy]

More great causes Denny!

I'm so pleased to be able to be associated with such caring and giving people.

[Lilith]

Any body else ever do those shoe boxes for Operation Christmas/Child?

Where Summer and I used to work we had one night before Thanksgiving where our whole staff would get together and bring tons of toys, toothbrushes, supplies, etc. plus shoe boxes and wrapping paper. We ate and drank and made a party out of getting these boxes put together for kids. It was a guilty pleasure.

[Irish]

Anything to do with Autism!My wife & I,never really,thought about
it,until one of our Grandsons,was diagnosed with it.It's amazing,
how prevalent it is,& how little people know about it.It always makes me proud,when I see,the attention,that my youngest daughter,unselfishly,spends on her youngest son.Especially,
when I see,how little care other mothers,spend on children with
NO problems!Sorry,I get carried away,it's a Very touchy subject,to
me & my wife! Irish

[fzzy]

Again, more great causes - the world is filled with those who have needs and gratefully is also filled with truly amazing and selfless people who pick an area and begin the process of filling the need ... one time or on-going, I applaud your dedication (one and all) to worthy causes!!!

[Scarecrow]

All right you guys I don't want to hear a word from you. I have been involed with Girl Scouting for over 20 years, Every volunteer job from Assitant troop leader to Secretary of the Board of Directors. Helping our youth learn and grow.

[fzzy]

Wahoooo Scarecrow .... good for you .... Love that helping our youth (male or female) is vital to you!!!

[Mae]

The governor of Alaska has okayed permits for people to shoot wolves, wherever they see them, from airplanes. This will boost the population of moose for the mighty hunters. I won't say any more about the crass stupidity of this, as it could get me reprimanded by Lilith. If you want to protest, just email or mail the governor of Alaska. (Lower case printed, intentionally.) The local wolf sanctuary, here, is Wild Spirit Wolf Sanctuary (formerly Candy Kitchen Rescue Ranch).

[fzzy]

Sounds like a cause you are passionate about Mae .... good for you!!! and thanks for the info for those who may be similarly inclined.