This week:
Happy International Women’s Day 2018!
In the year of #MeToo and Time’s Up, March 8 keeps the spotlight on women calling for progress.
https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2018/mar/08/international-womens-day-2018-live-protests-press-for-progress-live
Now, more than ever, there’s a strong call-to-action to press forward and progress gender parity.
#PressforProgress is motivating and uniting friends, colleagues and whole communities to think, act and be gender inclusive.
Learn more at https://www.internationalwomensday.com/ and celebrate the women in your life!
Jimmy K’s Opening Monologue at the ’18 Oscar’s:
Whether you prefer that your main dish and your veggies never touch i.e. Entertainment and Politics should not be mingled, or see all venues as an opportunity to serve as a voice and viewpoint for matters of equity and social justice, all the entertainment awards this year have been unapologetic about amplifying the voice of women, immigrants, under-represented minorities, LGBTQ and other marginalized groups, and this past week’s 90th Oscars Celebration was no exception.
Enjoy Jimmy Kimmel’s Opening Monologue at the ’18 Oscars. I thought it was poignant and fantastic but you be the judge if it is award-winning!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2bxw_1Un9S4
Speak to Inspire:
Here is an event where I was privileged to speak on Purpose-Driven Leadership to the next generation of game changers…
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=eh4QmIYOz9o
Are You A Maniac?
It is so easy to blame others for not keeping you in the loop.
It is another thing to take ownership for your role and when you need information going out and getting it.
Here is the Maniac Pledge from my friends at WD-40…
If you are local…
In the spirit of think Global, act Local, this program can do what entrenched leaders on the national stage cannot…
Hands of Peace Summer Program:
As many of you know, I live in a small community in Cardiff-by-the-Sea, and my neighbor Diana Kutlow recently dropped by with a flyer announcing the opportunity for North County families to host an Israeli or Palestinian teenager while they are here for three weeks of dialogue as part of the Hands of Peace Summer Program. In speaking with Diana, I learned that the Summer Program is only the beginning of years of ongoing dialogue, mentoring and connection with “the other,” and was compelled to amplify how much we can learn from young people about empathy, understanding and civil discourse.
In spite of the divides between their communities — cultural, physical, political, religious, ethnic and socioeconomic — these courageous young people are willing to meet and connect with someone they may have regarded as “the enemy.” They are willing to face their own fears and biases in deep and often painful conversations. And they are willing to overcome resistance from their own families and societies in order to search for nonviolent paths to peace.
Hands of Peace is a non-profit organization that was created in 2002 by three women—one Christian, one Jewish, and one Muslim—who shared the conviction that peace could be nurtured, one person at a time. The Summer Program takes place in Chicago and San Diego simultaneously during the month of July, serving approximately 50 teens at each location. The Chicago program has been taking place since 2003 and the San Diego program has been taking place since 2014.
Hands of Peace has more than 500 alumni living and working across the United States and throughout Israel and the Palestinian West Bank. Many alumni serve in government, non-government organizations, non-profits and as community leaders throughout the world.
If you would like to learn more about Hands of Peace or get involved as a host family or volunteer, or have your company or group provide a lunch and break bread with the Hands of Peace Israeli, Palestinian and American participants, visit http://www.handsofpeace.org/ and sign up for their newsletter. Or learn first-hand what Hands of Peace is all about at their upcoming San Diego Benefit (link is https://www.handsofpeace.org/2018-san%20diego-benefit/) on Sunday, April 29 at the Crossings in Carlsbad.
Tough conversations? Yes. Easy answers? No. Empowering youth as leaders for change? Find out more and see for yourself.
Thanks this week go to creatives willing to use their art form to transform societal norms, Stan S and the team at WD-40 making their own quiet dent in the universe right here in San Diego, and Hands of Peace, willing to take on long-term seemingly intractable problems with the greatest love of all- a belief in ourselves and our children!
Please be purposeful and pay it forward
Love,
Neville
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“The meaning of your life is to find your gift. The purpose of life is to give it away.”- Pablo Picasso
Happy Soul Food Friday! 