There are some non-profit education-based organizations whose mission and programs are so uniquely effective that they become stand-out models for others to emulate. I recently discovered Community of Unity in New York City which is definitely one such program.

Founded in 2001 by Eric Komoroff,  Community of Unity (CofU) aims to help young people discover and develop their unique potential and purpose (their “song”) using seven essential life skills (or “instruments”):  self awareness, self esteem, sense of humor, empathy, integrity, responsibility, and focus. Learning how to use these skills empowers youth to make more positive choices for themselves and transform their own lives.

According to the CofU website:

Community of Unity bases its curriculum on the premise that by building successful peer-to-peer and peer-to-adult relationships over multiple years, youth are provided opportunities for belonging, space to build essential life-skills, and are able to grow their connection to family and community.

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mikelicht's Flickr photostream/Creative Commons

The FDA has announced plans to investigate the “Smart Choices” initiative, an industry-led nutrition labeling program, arguing that the labels may mislead the public by implying that sugary foods are healthy.

I’m amazed that the “Smart Choices” label has gotten this far, considering it was trying to suggest that Froot Loops are somehow nutritious, and happy that the FDA is taking decisive action to curtail the manipulative marketing scheme.  However, given that Kraft has announced that they are phasing out the label, and General Mills, Kellogg and Unilever plan to follow suite, I have a feeling the label will not be around for much longer regardless of what the FDA does.

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houseofsim' Flickr photostream/Creative Commons

Skateboarding, snowboarding and surfing may be considered rebellious activities by some people, but the Stoked Mentoring program utilizes these non-traditional sports to teach life skills to at-risk and disadvantaged youth and transforms rebellion into hope.

Currently operating in New York and Los Angeles, Stoked seems like a totally radical way for kids to develop confidence and perseverance from positive role models, while having fun and getting great exercise.  And if you happen to be in New York on November 12th you can show your support of the amazing work they do by attending the 2009 Stoked Awards.  Watch the inspiring trailer below to learn more about the program and this years awards, and use the Act link to find out how you can become a mentor or support Stoked in other ways. Read the rest of this entry >>

Tonight, four very young artists will have their artwork displayed at the renowned Society of Illustrators and they will also receive a cash prize of $1,000 to be used toward their future education. The art show is sponsored by Henkel (the folks that bring us Dial soaps, Purex, and an array of other products) as part of the Henkel Helps Create! Kids’ Art Contest where children ages 2-18 were invited to create art that showcased thier unique visions for creating a better world, and to upload their creations into the virtual art gallery . Artistic submissions were judged by online visitors and the Henkel Celebrity Judges, who include contemporary artist Romero Britto, Fancy Nancy author Jane O’Connor, Sotheby’s Auction House Print Specialist Courtney Booth and Anelle Miller, Director of the Society of Illustrators.

Check out the work of the four winners by clicking here and also learn about future contests for your budding little artist.

U2’s Bono and his wife Ali Hewson have launched a new collection for their eco-fashion line, Edun, which they founded in 2005. A percentage of proceeds from the new T-shirt collaboration with British lifestyle publication Dazed and Confused will benefit the charity War Child International, a global network of independent organizations helping children affected by war. The network uses creative methodologies for psycho-social trauma recovery and assistance based on musical, creative, and sports activities, coupled with counseling. Hewson’s contribution aims to enable the charity’s projects in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Most of Edun’s manufacturing is done in sub-Saharan Africa with the aims of driving sustainable employment there. It’s a great model: raise consumer awareness with style, and engine that with localized, sustainable production.

Another manufacturer that outfits leading apparel and style makers, LITE leather, champions these aims; its tannery, newly opened in Vietnam, is the first ecologically low impact kind of its size and output. LITE Leather has reduced its carbon emissions by 35% compared to conventional tanneries, which can often be awful for the environment and its many global workers by proximity. Read the rest of this entry >>

The People Speak is a new documentary film premiering on HISTORY December 13th 8/7c. The film highlights the lives and experiences of ordinary Americans who spoke up for social change throughout history with dramatic performances from their letters, songs, diaries and speeches. Produced by Chris Moore, Matt Damon, Anthony Arnove and Howard Zinn, the film is based on Zinn’s books A People’s History of the United States and Voices of A People’s History. Featured artists include Matt Damon, Josh Brolin, Kerry Washington, Marisa Tomei, Danny Glover, Bruce Springsteen, and John Legend.

THE PEOPLE SPEAK COLLEGE TOUR is bringing the film’s producers and cast members to eight universities across the country for live readings, clip screenings, and in-depth discussion! The college tour begins tonight at Boston University. We will be featuring blogs and videos from students on each campus right here. So be sure to check back in with us!

Watch the trailer!

With all the Sesame Street excitment yesterday I decided to see what the creative folks on Etsy had done with Sesame Street for my Etsy Pick of the Day. By far the coolest thing I found was also the most environmentally friendly.  This Handmade Life’s REpurposed Upcycled Sesame Street Golden Book Blank Journals are not only a great reusing of old books but they feature my favorite friend’s from Sesame Street! Read the rest of this entry >>

Afraid to fly? Your phone might be able to help. Virgin Atlantic is introducing an IPhone app to help customers who are afraid to fly. The app includes a video-based in-flight explanation of a flight, frequently asked questions, relaxation exercises and a fear attack button for emergencies with breathing exercises. Richard Branson, president of Virgin Atlantic, said in a statement “the app will put many travelers at ease and enable them to prepare for their first Virgin Atlantic flight.”

The app is part of Virgin’s Flying Without Fear program aimed at helping customers deal with, as Virgin’s website explains it, “those strange noises that an airplane makes, turbulence” and helps people cope with “claustrophobia, panic attacks, anxiety, or the fear of losing control.”

The online lottery for tickets to the National Christmas tree lighting ceremony opened today at The National Tree. The National Park Service and National Park Foundation will distribute free tickets for 2,800 seats and 7,000 standing room only spaces for the December 3, 5pm National Christmas tree lighting ceremony through the lottery. The lottery ends Friday evening so if you want to attend, apply for the lottery now. And to get you in the spirit, let’s enjoy this classic tree lighting ceremony of sorts, shall we?

Ooh between that and sipping my coffee today out of one of those Starbucks red cups, I feel super jolly!

In addition to spreading holiday cheer, the National Park Service does all sorts of good stuff throughout the country like revitalizing communities, preserving local history, and celebrating local heritage, learn more by visiting their site.

This summer I did a series called 40 Years of Sesame Street in anticipation of the upcoming 40th anniversary of what is probably my favorite TV show of all time, Sesame Street.  Well I am excited to announce the day is finally here at that it is today that Jim Henson’s wonderful brainchild turns 40!

To celebrate I’m going to re-post all the entries from my summer series (admittedly I only made it through about 20 days, not 40–but 20 days of SS is still a lot) that show how Sesame Street handles many of the issues we here at TakePart deal with and then I’m going to post a few special videos that will always be near and dear to my heart–my favorites and some birthday themed ones! Read the rest of this entry >>