From GenV.net:
Ashoka GenV and the Lemelson Foundation will support 50 young inventors in using their inventions to create positive change – by providing mentorship, seed funding, networking opportunities, and even a $20,000 scholarship. Submit your one-paragraph idea before March 15, 2009.
Get the details here.
Photo courtesy of the Hippo Water Roller project: www.hipporoller.org.
Many thanks to Mitali Perkins for her recent post entitled “How Kids Can Change the World.” It was a short post, but it touched many lives. Personally, I discovered a wonderful web site about books for young readers, read some powerful essays by Mitali and Hazel Rochman, and found a list of wonderful new books to read.
This Thursday, I was Mystery Reader in my daughter’s second grade classroom. Thanks to Mitali’s essay, I read Amadi’s Snowman, Amelia’s Road
I also recently read Eve Bunting’s Fly Away Home
I love how literature can open our eyes and minds to worlds so very different from our own and spark ideas and dreams we never knew were there. What are your favorites?
Teens, pop on over here for more information about an essay contest that could help you “fund your dream”. Lisa McMann wants to know, “What is the greatest obstacle you’ve overcome?” Answer in 500 words or less and submit your essay to enter the contest. Lisa McMann and representatives from Simon & Schuster will choose one winner who will receive $1000 toward meeting his or her life goals! The contest runs from 12/23/08 to 3/6/09 and is open to legal residents of the fifty United States and the District of Columbia who are 14-18 years of age. Good luck!
The Staples Youth Social Entrepreneur Competition combed through a record-breaking 530 entries from 61 countries and chose 15 finalists who represent the best of the best. Check out the finalists and vote for your favorite here.
Starbucks and (RED) today announced a multi-year partnership that will give coffee lovers a chance to do good every day.
Throughout the holiday season, Starbucks will contribute five cents from the sale of any of (Starbucks) RED Exclusive beverage (the three beverages that make up the Starbucks popular holiday trio) at all of their US and Canadian stores to the Global Fund to invest in AIDS programs in Africa.
“(RED) is making remarkable progress in the worldwide effort to address AIDS in Africa,” said Howard Schultz, Starbucks chairman, president and CEO. “We have a deep partnership with coffee growing regions in Africa. We are proud to partner with our customers to contribute toward an AIDS-free Africa.”
Schultz joined Bono, co-founder of (RED), for today’s announcement in front of 10,000 Starbucks partners (employees) at the company’s 2008 Leadership Conference in New Orleans.
“(RED) is coming to a corner near you thanks to Starbucks. I’m very excited to be able to say that,” said Bono, co-founder of (RED). “The business of Starbucks with roots in Africa and branches all over the world is an ideal fit for (RED). It’s pretty mind-blowing to think that millions of people can buy (RED) going about their daily lives and in doing so raise millions of dollars to fight AIDS in Africa. That’s not a bad hit from your caffeine.”
(Starbucks) RED Exclusive Holiday beverages go on sale November 27, 2008 and continue through January 2, 2009.
According to a recent press release:
Borrowing private sector techniques, Do Something is issuing an IPO that promises significant Social Return on Investment (SROI). The growth capital investment will foster exponential growth and bolster the organization’s self-sustaining programming.
OK, this is cool, but really just an interesting way to put out a call to donors and raise funds. Will it work?
Ashoka’s Youth Venture and Changemakers is partnering with Staples to launch their first global competition to recognize young leaders who are finding new ways to create positive change in their communities. They are seeking the most inspirational ideas and projects led by young people between ages 12 and 24. Spread the word about this initiative and nominate young leaders with fantastic ideas! Now through October 15, 2008. Winners will be announced November 12, 2008.
I just got back from my first ever SCBWI Summer Conference in Los Angeles, and besides all of the:
the best part of the whole conference is that my teen nonfiction manuscript about how to save the world got nominated for the Sue Alexander award!
So, now I’m feeling this awesome pressure and responsibility to GET TO WORK! (Along with an irresistable urge to break into my happy dance.)
Here’s some encouraging news. The Measles Initiative partnership recently announced that worldwide measles deaths fell 60% from 1999 to 2005, from 873,000 down to 345,000 deaths per year. That’s 528,000 lives saved every year.
“One of the clearest messages from this achievement is that with the right strategies and a strong partnership of committed governments and organizations, you can rapidly reduce child deaths in developing countries,” said Dr. Julie Gerberding, Director, United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
We’ve seen that it can be done. What’s next?
I am a children's book author who specializes in nonfiction about social issues, math, and science. I'm an advocate for youth empowerment and a sucker for underdogs.
I am represented by Ammi-Joan Paquette at Erin Murphy Literary Agency (definitely NOT underdogs).
