social*consciousness

10 Focus Issues below...

1 -- Go Green!!!
There are lots of ways to go green :) I choose to use canvas bags when I go to the store, use recycled products, conserve water, recycle all my paper, plastic, & aluminum waste, grow certain foods for personal consumption, & buy organic produce (when I can, from farmer's markets).To learn more about farmer's markets & find one in your community, click on ths link...Farmer..'s Markets

..

2 -- Preserve nature
We must consider the impact we have on the world. One way we can have a more positive impact is to get involved with organizations that dedicate their lives to this cause. Secondly, we must unite against policies that support further damage to our natural preservations. Without natural habitats, all living creatures suffer. ..To learn more about global warming, click on this link...Global WarmingYou can also click on the picture below for info/tips & to sign a petition...

3 -- Animal Rights
I feel extremely passionate about this particular focus issue!!! There is soooo much that can be done & NEEDs to be done in this area. First, take action at home & care for your pets -- spay & neuter, adopt don't buy, & make sure your pets have proper medical care. Depending on your passion, there are many organizations out there that are dedicated to your cause -- join them & be proactive!!! In addition, dog fighting has received some additional attention recently due to Michael Vick, Falcons Quaterback; dog fighting is cruel & ILLEGAL!!! Take a strong stand against this barbaric, sadist form of entertainment!!! See the petition section & let your voice be heard...Click on this link for information & tips on ways to get active for animals... Get Active for AnimalsTo learn more about dog fighting click on these links...Take Action to End DogfightingandDog Fighting FAQ

4 -- VOTE!!!
So if we want to see anything change, we must get out there & vote for politicans & lawmakers who care about the same issues we do! The presidental election is next year -- get informed & vote!!!! ..Click on this link for daily updates regarding the 2008 election... 2008 Election

5 -- Be tolerant!! Put an end to prejudice
Well we have come along way yet still have a long way to go. Prejudice may not be as overt as it once was however is still unfortunately alive & well. Challenge your biases & try to put yourself in other's shoes. Live a lifestyle that exudes tolerance & compassion. ..To learn about hate crimes click on link below...HateCrime.orgTo learn more about gay rights click on link below...SpeakOut.com

6 -- No violence in the home, set a peaceful tone
In my professional life I work with both children & adults, many who suffer from violence whether as a victim or a perpetrator & one thing that remains consistent is being brought up in a violent home. Many people think that violence is just physical however violence exists through verbal fighting, hostility, & anger. Think about this long & hard...make a commitment to maintaining a violence-free home environment. ..Click on this link to read about how violence starts in the home...Violence Has a Home AddressClick on this link to learn more about family violence & spanking...Plain Talk About SpankingClick on the banner for parent & educator resources & teach compassion to animals...

7 -- Healthcare should be a right not a privelege
This is a constant yet relatively neglected issue. Too many Americans live without any form of healthcare insurance. This is just unacceptable. Some states such as Georgia have what they call "Peachcare" which is funded through the state's lottery profits which provides healthcare for all children. Why is this up to the state to instate a policy like this? Michael Moore's new film "Sicko" addresses this very issue -- check it out!!! Also...did you know that many Rx companies provide free Rx for qualifying patients? Take advantage of this because it may be the only break we are going to see until something changes. ..Click here to read more about the problems with healthcare in this country...What..'s Wrong with Healthcare in AmericaIf you would like to learn more about how you can get your Rx for free click on this link...Patient Assistance Program Info

8 -- Hold corporations responsible for the damage & neglect they commit
Well I could go on & on about this!!!! Many corporations in the US today have managed to really make a mess of things & yet take no or limited responsibility. To escalate the problem, policies made &/or adjusted over the last decade have allowed these corporations even more freedoms than before!!! Some have been forced, by way of the public's dedicated efforts, to attempt to rectify a certain degree of the damage done but it still isn't enough! However we know our stern objections have made a difference so we must continue to hold these companies accountable -- unfortunately we cannot count on the gov't to do this effectively so we have to take on this reponsibility ourselves. Furthermore, we need to support companies that do make the effort to minimize if not eradicate damage before it even exists. ..Click on this link to read about efforts to stop Tyson Chicken from polluting...Tyson Strike EffortsClick on link below to read more about Exxon!Exxon SecretsSee Peta websites for more info about KFC cruelty...

9 -- Every person deserves a chance -- reach out your hand to those in need
So there are alot of opinions out there about poverty & homelessness. It really is simple -- we as a whole have a responsibility to all living creatures on this planet. To what degree you feel you can support that notion is your choice. In my line of work, it is crucial for us to continue to find funding & legislative interest in programs that support self-sufficency. And it is important to have the pubic support this cause as well! You may feel as though this issue is so much bigger than you & you cannot do anything about it but you can -- write your legislators, donate money to related programs, & volunteer your time (most of these agencies rely on volunteers so all the money can go to the cause/service). You can make a difference! ..Click on this links to view more about homelessness & ways to make a difference... National alliance to End HomelessnessPreventing Homelessness in AmericaAmong the many problems & injustices occurring in Burma, homelessness is a huge issue! Click on the text & banner links below to learn more...Burma Newsladder

10 -- Drug-related crimes should be handled through rehab not prison
So many people struggle with addiction & this lifestyle often times leads to criminal activity. Most of us have known someone or currently know someone struggling with addiction & many of us have witnessed the devestation & despair that accompanies this disease. Secondly, it does have a negative impact on our society as a whole -- crime rates, poverty, family suffrage, & tax dollars spent on imprisoning addicts (lots & lots of tax dollars). Lastly, when these individuals are released from prison they receive little if no case mgmt, resources, & doors are slammed in their faces in regards to employment because they are felons. Well dah people, many end up back in prison & have no means, resources, or support to try to break through the addiction! Many of the drug rehabilitation programs in this country work -- not only do they work but they cost less & recidivism rates are lower. Treatment is not a magic cure but it is far more effective & less costly than the alternative. You can support these efforts by educating yourself in the area, supporting & aiding those strugglig with addiction in an appropriate way, & contacting your local gov't, lawmakers, & criminal justice prfessionals about your concerns &/or preferences. ..If you want to learn more about treatment vs. prison & recidivism rates, click on the link below..Cost SummaryClick here to learn more about treatment...CSAT/SAMHSA

Other Vehicles for Awareness
..