We come together in our own time zones at 1:11 pm on January 11th, 2017 to collectively intention ‘Children across the planet in love, care and respect.” Unifying our hearts and minds in love, peace, and compassion for all. And igniting these intentions. Do yoga, meditate, dance ,sing, however you are uniquely called to contribute, host a meditation flashmob, gather at a favorite body of water. We come together for the children.
The National Tartan Day New York Committee President, Kyle Dawson, announced that acclaimed actor Tommy Flanagan, born and raised in Glasgow, Scotland, will be the Grand Marshal of the 19th Annual New York Tartan Day Parade, which will take place on Saturday April 8th.
150 East 55th Street, 3rd Floor, New York, NY 10022
“It is an honor to celebrate my culture,” said Mr. Flanagan about his appointment to Grand Marshal. “I have great pride in my heritage. Although I now live in Malibu, I visit Scotland regularly with my family. I’ll have my daughter flying her flag forever.”
The parade steps off at 2:00 PM and marches up Sixth Avenue from 44th Street to 55th Street.
Bands, Pipers, Dancers and Clans from Scotland and throughout the United States, Canada, Scotland and elsewhere are joining the Parade, along with dozens of Scottish and West Highland Terriers. To register to participate, please visit: http://nyctartanweek.org/
If you have any questions about your registration, please write to info@nyctartanweek.org.
National Tartan Day New York Committee
New York City, NY 10022
In celebration of the upcoming International Day of Peace, September 21st, we are hosting Greg Reitman’s ROOTED in PEACE – a globally transformative, socially-conscious, environmentally-based film. Reitman’s journey of self-analysis resonates with audiences seeking inner peace in a world full of people dominated by war, affected by global warming or haunted by inner conflict. The film follows him as he speaks to thought leaders around the world having conversations around sustainable development, discussing the challenges of our never-ending wars, and facing the realities of uncertainty placed on the world’s institutions by our current political climate. Reitman’s introspective and socially relevant documentary was most recently screened at the United Nations.
From the US to Costa Rica to India, award-winning filmmaker and environmental activist Greg Reitman traveled to visit such luminaries and activists as Deepak Chopra, music legends Donovan, Mike Love and Pete Seeger, film director David Lynch, Nobel Peace Laureate Mairead Maguire, Ted Turner, Archbishop Desmond Tutu and many others. Their common ideas and examples make ROOTED in PEACE an unexpectedly inspirational viewing experience magnified by a stellar soundtrack opening with Pink Floyd’s ‘Time’ and closing with John Lennon’s ‘Love.’
In celebration of the upcoming International Day of Peace, September 21st, we are hosting Greg Reitman’s ROOTED in PEACE – a globally transformative, socially-conscious, environmentally-based film. Reitman’s journey of self-analysis resonates with audiences seeking inner peace in a world full of people dominated by war, affected by global warming or haunted by inner conflict. The film follows him as he speaks to thought leaders around the world having conversations around sustainable development, discussing the challenges of our never-ending wars, and facing the realities of uncertainty placed on the world’s institutions by our current political climate. Reitman’s introspective and socially relevant documentary was most recently screened at the United Nations.
From the US to Costa Rica to India, award-winning filmmaker and environmental activist Greg Reitman traveled to visit such luminaries and activists as Deepak Chopra, music legends Donovan, Mike Love and Pete Seeger, film director David Lynch, Nobel Peace Laureate Mairead Maguire, Ted Turner, Archbishop Desmond Tutu and many others. Their common ideas and examples make ROOTED in PEACE an unexpectedly inspirational viewing experience magnified by a stellar soundtrack opening with Pink Floyd’s ‘Time’ and closing with John Lennon’s ‘Love.’
In celebration of the upcoming International Day of Peace, September 21st, we are hosting Greg Reitman’s ROOTED in PEACE – a globally transformative, socially-conscious, environmentally-based film. Reitman’s journey of self-analysis resonates with audiences seeking inner peace in a world full of people dominated by war, affected by global warming or haunted by inner conflict. The film follows him as he speaks to thought leaders around the world having conversations around sustainable development, discussing the challenges of our never-ending wars, and facing the realities of uncertainty placed on the world’s institutions by our current political climate. Reitman’s introspective and socially relevant documentary was most recently screened at the United Nations.
From the US to Costa Rica to India, award-winning filmmaker and environmental activist Greg Reitman traveled to visit such luminaries and activists as Deepak Chopra, music legends Donovan, Mike Love and Pete Seeger, film director David Lynch, Nobel Peace Laureate Mairead Maguire, Ted Turner, Archbishop Desmond Tutu and many others. Their common ideas and examples make ROOTED in PEACE an unexpectedly inspirational viewing experience magnified by a stellar soundtrack opening with Pink Floyd’s ‘Time’ and closing with John Lennon’s ‘Love.’
In celebration of the upcoming International Day of Peace, September 21st, we are hosting Greg Reitman’s ROOTED in PEACE – a globally transformative, socially-conscious, environmentally-based film. Reitman’s journey of self-analysis resonates with audiences seeking inner peace in a world full of people dominated by war, affected by global warming or haunted by inner conflict. The film follows him as he speaks to thought leaders around the world having conversations around sustainable development, discussing the challenges of our never-ending wars, and facing the realities of uncertainty placed on the world’s institutions by our current political climate. Reitman’s introspective and socially relevant documentary was most recently screened at the United Nations.
From the US to Costa Rica to India, award-winning filmmaker and environmental activist Greg Reitman traveled to visit such luminaries and activists as Deepak Chopra, music legends Donovan, Mike Love and Pete Seeger, film director David Lynch, Nobel Peace Laureate Mairead Maguire, Ted Turner, Archbishop Desmond Tutu and many others. Their common ideas and examples make ROOTED in PEACE an unexpectedly inspirational viewing experience magnified by a stellar soundtrack opening with Pink Floyd’s ‘Time’ and closing with John Lennon’s ‘Love.’
In celebration of the upcoming International Day of Peace, September 21st, we are hosting Greg Reitman’s ROOTED in PEACE – a globally transformative, socially-conscious, environmentally-based film. Reitman’s journey of self-analysis resonates with audiences seeking inner peace in a world full of people dominated by war, affected by global warming or haunted by inner conflict. The film follows him as he speaks to thought leaders around the world having conversations around sustainable development, discussing the challenges of our never-ending wars, and facing the realities of uncertainty placed on the world’s institutions by our current political climate. Reitman’s introspective and socially relevant documentary was most recently screened at the United Nations.
From the US to Costa Rica to India, award-winning filmmaker and environmental activist Greg Reitman traveled to visit such luminaries and activists as Deepak Chopra, music legends Donovan, Mike Love and Pete Seeger, film director David Lynch, Nobel Peace Laureate Mairead Maguire, Ted Turner, Archbishop Desmond Tutu and many others. Their common ideas and examples make ROOTED in PEACE an unexpectedly inspirational viewing experience magnified by a stellar soundtrack opening with Pink Floyd’s ‘Time’ and closing with John Lennon’s ‘Love.’
In celebration of the upcoming International Day of Peace, September 21st, we are hosting Greg Reitman’s ROOTED in PEACE – a globally transformative, socially-conscious, environmentally-based film. Reitman’s journey of self-analysis resonates with audiences seeking inner peace in a world full of people dominated by war, affected by global warming or haunted by inner conflict. The film follows him as he speaks to thought leaders around the world having conversations around sustainable development, discussing the challenges of our never-ending wars, and facing the realities of uncertainty placed on the world’s institutions by our current political climate. Reitman’s introspective and socially relevant documentary was most recently screened at the United Nations.
From the US to Costa Rica to India, award-winning filmmaker and environmental activist Greg Reitman traveled to visit such luminaries and activists as Deepak Chopra, music legends Donovan, Mike Love and Pete Seeger, film director David Lynch, Nobel Peace Laureate Mairead Maguire, Ted Turner, Archbishop Desmond Tutu and many others. Their common ideas and examples make ROOTED in PEACE an unexpectedly inspirational viewing experience magnified by a stellar soundtrack opening with Pink Floyd’s ‘Time’ and closing with John Lennon’s ‘Love.’
Meeting of anyone interested in giving prayers and invocations for Peace from all faiths and backgrounds incorporating a Minute’s Silence at Noon.
Panel discussion on theme: ” Together for Peace: Respect, Safety and Dignity for All”
Aim to link this with the SDGs and propose actions which can be taken locally to achieve SDGs.
Audience input encouraged
In celebration of the upcoming International Day of Peace, September 21st, we are hosting Greg Reitman’s ROOTED in PEACE – a globally transformative, socially-conscious, environmentally-based film. Reitman’s journey of self-analysis resonates with audiences seeking inner peace in a world full of people dominated by war, affected by global warming or haunted by inner conflict. The film follows him as he speaks to thought leaders around the world having conversations around sustainable development, discussing the challenges of our never-ending wars, and facing the realities of uncertainty placed on the world’s institutions by our current political climate. Reitman’s introspective and socially relevant documentary was most recently screened at the United Nations.
From the US to Costa Rica to India, award-winning filmmaker and environmental activist Greg Reitman traveled to visit such luminaries and activists as Deepak Chopra, music legends Donovan, Mike Love and Pete Seeger, film director David Lynch, Nobel Peace Laureate Mairead Maguire, Ted Turner, Archbishop Desmond Tutu and many others. Their common ideas and examples make ROOTED in PEACE an unexpectedly inspirational viewing experience magnified by a stellar soundtrack opening with Pink Floyd’s ‘Time’ and closing with John Lennon’s ‘Love.’
Screening Times at: 2:00, 4:30, 7:00, 9:20
Join us on GlobalkindnessTV with host Karen Palmer @MindfulmediaMom on all social media and Karen McMillian founder of Sacred space, community/mastermind of YINpreneurs. Heart-centered women blending ancient wisdom with modern practice and balancing yin and yang energy to slow down and speed up your success.
The place to gather, breathe, celebrate and support each other with love, wisdom, practices, tools and resources to grow you and your business bliss.
In celebration of the upcoming International Day of Peace, September 21st, we are hosting Greg Reitman’s ROOTED in PEACE – a globally transformative, socially-conscious, environmentally-based film. Reitman’s journey of self-analysis resonates with audiences seeking inner peace in a world full of people dominated by war, affected by global warming or haunted by inner conflict. The film follows him as he speaks to thought leaders around the world having conversations around sustainable development, discussing the challenges of our never-ending wars, and facing the realities of uncertainty placed on the world’s institutions by our current political climate. Reitman’s introspective and socially relevant documentary was most recently screened at the United Nations.
From the US to Costa Rica to India, award-winning filmmaker and environmental activist Greg Reitman traveled to visit such luminaries and activists as Deepak Chopra, music legends Donovan, Mike Love and Pete Seeger, film director David Lynch, Nobel Peace Laureate Mairead Maguire, Ted Turner, Archbishop Desmond Tutu and many others. Their common ideas and examples make ROOTED in PEACE an unexpectedly inspirational viewing experience magnified by a stellar soundtrack opening with Pink Floyd’s ‘Time’ and closing with John Lennon’s ‘Love.’
In celebration of the upcoming International Day of Peace, September 21st, we are hosting Greg Reitman’s ROOTED in PEACE – a globally transformative, socially-conscious, environmentally-based film. Reitman’s journey of self-analysis resonates with audiences seeking inner peace in a world full of people dominated by war, affected by global warming or haunted by inner conflict. The film follows him as he speaks to thought leaders around the world having conversations around sustainable development, discussing the challenges of our never-ending wars, and facing the realities of uncertainty placed on the world’s institutions by our current political climate. Reitman’s introspective and socially relevant documentary was most recently screened at the United Nations.
From the US to Costa Rica to India, award-winning filmmaker and environmental activist Greg Reitman traveled to visit such luminaries and activists as Deepak Chopra, music legends Donovan, Mike Love and Pete Seeger, film director David Lynch, Nobel Peace Laureate Mairead Maguire, Ted Turner, Archbishop Desmond Tutu and many others. Their common ideas and examples make ROOTED in PEACE an unexpectedly inspirational viewing experience magnified by a stellar soundtrack opening with Pink Floyd’s ‘Time’ and closing with John Lennon’s ‘Love.’
In celebration of the upcoming International Day of Peace, September 21st, we are hosting Greg Reitman’s ROOTED in PEACE – a globally transformative, socially-conscious, environmentally-based film. Reitman’s journey of self-analysis resonates with audiences seeking inner peace in a world full of people dominated by war, affected by global warming or haunted by inner conflict. The film follows him as he speaks to thought leaders around the world having conversations around sustainable development, discussing the challenges of our never-ending wars, and facing the realities of uncertainty placed on the world’s institutions by our current political climate. Reitman’s introspective and socially relevant documentary was most recently screened at the United Nations.
From the US to Costa Rica to India, award-winning filmmaker and environmental activist Greg Reitman traveled to visit such luminaries and activists as Deepak Chopra, music legends Donovan, Mike Love and Pete Seeger, film director David Lynch, Nobel Peace Laureate Mairead Maguire, Ted Turner, Archbishop Desmond Tutu and many others. Their common ideas and examples make ROOTED in PEACE an unexpectedly inspirational viewing experience magnified by a stellar soundtrack opening with Pink Floyd’s ‘Time’ and closing with John Lennon’s ‘Love.’
There will be a second screening at 7:00 PM
In celebration of the upcoming International Day of Peace, September 21st, we are hosting Greg Reitman’s ROOTED in PEACE – a globally transformative, socially-conscious, environmentally-based film. Reitman’s journey of self-analysis resonates with audiences seeking inner peace in a world full of people dominated by war, affected by global warming or haunted by inner conflict. The film follows him as he speaks to thought leaders around the world having conversations around sustainable development, discussing the challenges of our never-ending wars, and facing the realities of uncertainty placed on the world’s institutions by our current political climate. Reitman’s introspective and socially relevant documentary was most recently screened at the United Nations.
From the US to Costa Rica to India, award-winning filmmaker and environmental activist Greg Reitman traveled to visit such luminaries and activists as Deepak Chopra, music legends Donovan, Mike Love and Pete Seeger, film director David Lynch, Nobel Peace Laureate Mairead Maguire, Ted Turner, Archbishop Desmond Tutu and many others. Their common ideas and examples make ROOTED in PEACE an unexpectedly inspirational viewing experience magnified by a stellar soundtrack opening with Pink Floyd’s ‘Time’ and closing with John Lennon’s ‘Love.’
In celebration of the upcoming International Day of Peace, September 21st, we are hosting Greg Reitman’s ROOTED in PEACE – a globally transformative, socially-conscious, environmentally-based film. Reitman’s journey of self-analysis resonates with audiences seeking inner peace in a world full of people dominated by war, affected by global warming or haunted by inner conflict. The film follows him as he speaks to thought leaders around the world having conversations around sustainable development, discussing the challenges of our never-ending wars, and facing the realities of uncertainty placed on the world’s institutions by our current political climate. Reitman’s introspective and socially relevant documentary was most recently screened at the United Nations.
From the US to Costa Rica to India, award-winning filmmaker and environmental activist Greg Reitman traveled to visit such luminaries and activists as Deepak Chopra, music legends Donovan, Mike Love and Pete Seeger, film director David Lynch, Nobel Peace Laureate Mairead Maguire, Ted Turner, Archbishop Desmond Tutu and many others. Their common ideas and examples make ROOTED in PEACE an unexpectedly inspirational viewing experience magnified by a stellar soundtrack opening with Pink Floyd’s ‘Time’ and closing with John Lennon’s ‘Love.’
In celebration of the upcoming International Day of Peace, we are hosting Greg Reitman’s ROOTED in PEACE – a globally transformative, socially-conscious, environmentally-based film. Reitman’s journey of self-analysis resonates with audiences seeking inner peace in a world full of people dominated by war, affected by global warming or haunted by inner conflict. The film follows him as he speaks to thought leaders around the world having conversations around sustainable development, discussing the challenges of our never-ending wars, and facing the realities of uncertainty placed on the world’s institutions by our current political climate. Reitman’s introspective and socially relevant documentary was most recently screened at the United Nations.
From the US to Costa Rica to India, award-winning filmmaker and environmental activist Greg Reitman traveled to visit such luminaries and activists as Deepak Chopra, music legends Donovan, Mike Love and Pete Seeger, film director David Lynch, Nobel Peace Laureate Mairead Maguire, Ted Turner, Archbishop Desmond Tutu and many others. Their common ideas and examples make ROOTED in PEACE an unexpectedly inspirational viewing experience magnified by a stellar soundtrack opening with Pink Floyd’s ‘Time’ and closing with John Lennon’s ‘Love.’
In celebration of the upcoming International Day of Peace, we are hosting Greg Reitman’s ROOTED in PEACE – a globally transformative, socially-conscious, environmentally-based film. Reitman’s journey of self-analysis resonates with audiences seeking inner peace in a world full of people dominated by war, affected by global warming or haunted by inner conflict. The film follows him as he speaks to thought leaders around the world having conversations around sustainable development, discussing the challenges of our never-ending wars, and facing the realities of uncertainty placed on the world’s institutions by our current political climate. Reitman’s introspective and socially relevant documentary was most recently screened at the United Nations.
From the US to Costa Rica to India, award-winning filmmaker and environmental activist Greg Reitman traveled to visit such luminaries and activists as Deepak Chopra, music legends Donovan, Mike Love and Pete Seeger, film director David Lynch, Nobel Peace Laureate Mairead Maguire, Ted Turner, Archbishop Desmond Tutu and many others. Their common ideas and examples make ROOTED in PEACE an unexpectedly inspirational viewing experience magnified by a stellar soundtrack opening with Pink Floyd’s ‘Time’ and closing with John Lennon’s ‘Love.’
In celebration of the upcoming International Day of Peace, September 21st, we are hosting Greg Reitman’s ROOTED in PEACE – a globally transformative, socially-conscious, environmentally-based film. Reitman’s journey of self-analysis resonates with audiences seeking inner peace in a world full of people dominated by war, affected by global warming or haunted by inner conflict. The film follows him as he speaks to thought leaders around the world having conversations around sustainable development, discussing the challenges of our never-ending wars, and facing the realities of uncertainty placed on the world’s institutions by our current political climate. Reitman’s introspective and socially relevant documentary was most recently screened at the United Nations.
From the US to Costa Rica to India, award-winning filmmaker and environmental activist Greg Reitman traveled to visit such luminaries and activists as Deepak Chopra, music legends Donovan, Mike Love and Pete Seeger, film director David Lynch, Nobel Peace Laureate Mairead Maguire, Ted Turner, Archbishop Desmond Tutu and many others. Their common ideas and examples make ROOTED in PEACE an unexpectedly inspirational viewing experience magnified by a stellar soundtrack opening with Pink Floyd’s ‘Time’ and closing with John Lennon’s ‘Love.’
In celebration of the upcoming International Day of Peace, September 21st, we are hosting Greg Reitman’s ROOTED in PEACE – a globally transformative, socially-conscious, environmentally-based film. Reitman’s journey of self-analysis resonates with audiences seeking inner peace in a world full of people dominated by war, affected by global warming or haunted by inner conflict. The film follows him as he speaks to thought leaders around the world having conversations around sustainable development, discussing the challenges of our never-ending wars, and facing the realities of uncertainty placed on the world’s institutions by our current political climate. Reitman’s introspective and socially relevant documentary was most recently screened at the United Nations.
From the US to Costa Rica to India, award-winning filmmaker and environmental activist Greg Reitman traveled to visit such luminaries and activists as Deepak Chopra, music legends Donovan, Mike Love and Pete Seeger, film director David Lynch, Nobel Peace Laureate Mairead Maguire, Ted Turner, Archbishop Desmond Tutu and many others. Their common ideas and examples make ROOTED in PEACE an unexpectedly inspirational viewing experience magnified by a stellar soundtrack opening with Pink Floyd’s ‘Time’ and closing with John Lennon’s ‘Love.’
Share your smiles, compliments, time, talents, money, and energy with those around you. We must truly be the change that we want to see. And we can do it. We are doing it. Believe that the future is full of mindfulness where hearts mean more than our accounts.
The Love Initiative.
Notes From the Road – Bright Lights Blog
http://troubadourofpeace.blogspot.com/
Book a house concert or music for a yoga class today!!
TOUR DATES
| Date | Time | Venue | Location | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3/22/18 | 3:00 PM | Choices | Akron, OH | |
| 3/22/18 | 6:00 PM | Tea Time for Peace | Kent, OH | |
| 3/23/18 | 5:00 PM | Friends of the Metro Parks Benefit w/ the Bright Lights | Akron, OH | |
| 3/27/18 | 7:00 PM | Brother’s Lounge | Cleveland, OH | |
| 3/30/18 | 6:30 PM | 330 Day @ Akron Civic Theatre | Akron, OH | |
| 3/31/18 | 10:30 AM | Celebration of Life for Marilyn Stroud | Cuyahoga Falls, OH | |
| 4/3/18 | 6:30 PM | MLK Kirtan | Akron, OH | Donations |
| 4/4/18 | 6:30 PM | Nonviolent Communication Circle | Akron, OH | Donations |
| 4/6/18 | 7:00 PM | Big Love Night @ Live Music Now w/ Rhodes St Rude Boys | Akron, OH | $5-10 |
| 4/7/18 | 8:30 PM | Mustard Seed Highland Square w/ Bright Lights! | Akron, OH | |
| 4/10/18 | 7:00 PM | Brother Lounge | Cleveland, OH | |
| 4/16/18 | 7:00 PM | Wolf Creek Winery | Norton, OH | |
| 4/21/18 | 6:30 PM | Bright Lights @ the Rialto | Akron, OH | $5 |
| 4/22/18 | 4:00 PM | Yoga Central | Canton, OH | |
| 4/28/18 | 7:00 PM | Wine Mill | Peninsula, OH | |
| 5/2/18 | 6:30 PM | Nonviolent Communication Series | Akron, OH | Donations |
| 5/4/18 | 7:00 PM | Big Love Night @ Live Music Now w/ Gretchen Pleuss | Akron, OH | $5-10 |
| 5/5/18 | 12:00 PM | Cleveland VegFest | Cleveland, OH | |
| 5/5/18 | 6:00 PM | Bent Ladder winery | Doylestown , OH | |
| 5/8/18 | 7:00 PM | Brother’s Lounge | Cleveland, OH |
International Children’s Month is a full year long, free, thematic, activity platform for all. The mission is “Children across the planet in love, care and respect.” Our peak month is JUNE and we ask all involved with children to take it up a notch or twenty and do something special for this month with them. Support the children in doing what they feel called to do. Support the children in what you feel called to do. This month is about celebration and joy of our children, and of appreciation. Please visit the SEL partner platform for all at www.internationalchildrensmonth.com
In celebration of our common humanity, we join with citizens from all around the world on September 21st for International Peace Day. This year we are excited to celebrate the EMPOWERED VOICES OF YOUTH in our commUNITY, who are leading the way to a more peaceful and just world. International Day of Peace was established in 1981 by unanimous United Nations resolution and this day of peace provides a globally shared occasion for all humanity to commit to peace above all differences and to contribute to building a culture of peace.
Come and join us as we
march, chant, dance, rally, listen and create
with one another to celebrate our
connection, hope, and commUNITY!
Festivities include:
March
Unique voices from our International community
Performances
International Flag Ceremony
Face-painting
Sign Making
…and more!
‘GRANDMOTHERS ON THE MOVE’ Podcast Episodes
Click HERE!
NO START TIME and NO END TIME – LISTEN to past and current podcasts!
Grandmothers To Grandmothers Campaign
The Grandmothers to Grandmothers Campaign exists to support the indomitable African grandmothers who are caring for the millions of children who have been orphaned by AIDS. Members of the Grandmothers Campaign share three goals. They work to:
- Raise funds to meet the needs of African grandmothers and the children in their care;
- Listen to African grandmothers, respect their expertise and amplify their voices, in order to promote authentic and substantive responses to the epidemic in Africa;
- Build solidarity among African and Canadian grandmothers in order to motivate and sustain the vital work of turning the tide of AIDS in Africa.
Canadian grandmothers groups are tremendously active in their communities. They put on concerts, organize card tournaments, and sell jewellery. They visit countless schools and community organizations. They bake, cook, sew, knit, paint, write, organize cycle tours, walks, and even ride motorcycles – all to raise funds and awareness for grandmothers in sub-Saharan Africa through the Stephen Lewis Foundation.
To learn more about how you can get involved in the Campaign, write to Ilana here.
Articles About The Campaign
What started as a conversation around a kitchen table has grown to become a movement to empower women, especially grandmothers, in Africa.
The Grandmothers Campaign, an initiative of the Stephen Lewis Foundation, is known as Grandmothers 4 Grandmothers in Regina, which was among the very first places in Canada where women took on projects to support families in Africa.
‘We know the power of women’s organizing in Canada and older women have an extraordinary amount of vigour and energy.’– Ilana Landsberg-Lewis
As Ilana Landsberg-Lewis explains, the movement arose in response to the human crisis, observed by her father Stephen Lewis during his time as a special envoy for the United Nations, afflicting the African continent during the HIV and AIDS pandemic.
Millions of children were orphaned by the deaths of their parents. Their grandmothers were left to raise them, with little or no support.
Ilana Landsberg-Lewis is co-founder, with her father Stephen Lewis, of the Stephen Lewis Foundation. One of their main campaigns supports grandmothers in Africa. (Lisa MacIntosh/Stephen Lewis Foundation)
“Grandmothers were just in an agony of loss,” Landsberg-Lewis said. “Death was everywhere. They were left with no income and often isolated by the terrible stigma surrounding HIV-AIDS.”
Landsberg-Lewis recalled how requests seeking aid referred to the grandmothers as “caregivers” and when she asked why, she learned there was a strong bias in play.
“Nobody wants to fund them because they’re older women and nobody sees them as a meaningful investment,” she learned.
“We decided if Canadian grandmothers knew what was happening on the [African] continent then it would surely resonate with them and boy did it ever,” Landsberg-Lewis said.
“I wish I could say that I was prescient but it would be overstating it,” she said, talking about how the success of the organization, which quickly grew from a handful of activists brain-storming at a kitchen table (her own) to over 250 chapters across the country.
Since 2006 they have raised about $25 million.
“It was really extraordinary but I can’t say that I’m surprised,” she said. “Older women in our communities, we know the power of women organizing in Canada and older women have an extraordinary amount of vigour and energy.”
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The Campaign currently boasts more than 240 grandmothers groups across the country. Many of the groups have organized into regional and national networks in order to support each other’s efforts in solidarity with African grandmothers and the children in their care.
Resources from the Grandmothers Campaign go to grassroots organizations that support African grandmothers with food, health care, school fees and school uniforms for their grandchildren, income-generating programmes, counselling, social support, essential shelter, and other necessities. Throughout Africa, grassroots organizations run by and for grandmothers are sharing insights, deepening their expertise, collaborating with other local organizations, and building their capacity to turn the tide of AIDS at community level.
ECOLISE
The European Network for Community-led Initiatives on Climate Change and Sustainability, is the initiator and main organiser of the European Day of Sustainable Communities. We have 46 member networks and organisations across Europe
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A celebration of local communities taking action for a zero-carbon, regenerative and inclusive Europe.
This is an ECOLISE flagship event. #EDSC19 #SustainableCommunity
Become a co-creator of the day! For details see https://www.sustainable-communities.net/
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