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Reasons To Give

Still looking for a way to complete todays challenge?  Reasons To Give is a great opportunity.  This site, which was created by Chicago based Firebelly Design, features individual profiles of families in need of some help this holiday season.  Each profile includes a video of a family member explaining their need, as well as a graphic that shows how much the need costs and the amount has already been given.   

Your donations could provide coats, a new bed, or even a months rent, so head on over to the site and see how you can help.

-JH

via joshspear

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Rethinking Christmas - Day 10

Do, say, or give something to someone you don’t expect to return the favor.  That’s the challenge for today.  This one might take a little creativity, but I’m sure if you keep your eyes open an opportunity will present itself.

Once again, we would love to hear your stories of giving, so let us know how things turn out.  Also, 12 Seconds TV is back up so if you still haven’t posted a video for 12 Second Tuesday now you can.

-JH

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Tuba Christmas

If you’re looking for something to do this weekend you might want to check out Tuba Christmas.  The event, which will be taking place in numerous locations across the country, brings together each cities tuba players to perform the traditional holiday classics. 

The video above is from Baltimore’s event last year.  For locations in your area click here.

-JH

via donmilleris.com

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Going Solar Saves Jobs In Toledo, OH

For years Toledo, Ohio has been known as the glass capital of the U.S.  Local factories produced car windows for nearby companies like Ford, Chrysler, and GM, so with those companies recent struggles you would think the jobs in Toledo would be taking a hit as well.  On the contrary, the city’s employment rate is increasing.  Turns out the worker’s experience with glass translates well to the creation of solar panels and as a result numerous companies are turning to Toledo factories to produce them. 

You can read the whole story and watch a video from ABC World News here.  Hopefully we continue to see more stories like this, where economics and the environment improve simultaneously. 

-JH

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Rethinking Christmas - Day 9

One dollar.  That’s all it takes to complete today’s challenge.  Simply tape it to a vending machine, maybe add a little note, and then let someone be pleasantly surprised.  If the machine is in your office you may get to hear the recipient talking about it; or even better, maybe they will leave money for the next person.

By the way, if you’re trying to post a video for 12 Second Tuesday, the site is temporarily under construction, and should be up soon.  In the meantime, we would love to hear some feedback on how your phone calls went yesterday.

-JH

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Harvard’s New Program Draws Retirees Back To School

Lounging on the beach, RVing across the country, and playing golf everyday are some of the activities that come to mind when you think of retirement; but what about going back to school?  This February, Harvard University will launch their Advanced Leadership Initiative.  The Initiative is a one-year program aimed at preparing individuals transitioning from income-earners to public servants, to make major impacts on significant social problems. 

Over the course of the year, participants will attend seminars, mentor younger students, and engage in hands-on research all while creating a plan for a new foundation, cause, or even a run for political office.  Hopefully they’ll still be accepting applicants in about 35 years!

-JH

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Heifer International

As the old saying goes, “give a man a fish and he’ll eat for a day; teach him to fish and he’ll eat for life.”  That’s the basic idea Heifer International is using in their efforts to end poverty and hunger.  By giving animals to families and communities across the globe and then teaching them to use those animals as sustainable solutions for food and economic stability they have provided millions with access to a brighter future.  Additionally, everyone that receives an animal from Heifer, agrees to pass on some of its future offspring to provide for others in need. 

The best part is that we can help purchase the animals to start the cycle, and its actually pretty inexpensive.  Check out the online catalogue here, and click here for more information about how you can help. 

-JH

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Rethinking Christmas - Day 8

When is the last time you called home?  For some it was just yesterday, but for many it may have been a while.  Whatever the case, today’s challenge is about letting your family or friends know how much they mean to you.  So, call someone you care about, and let them know.

-JH

flikr photo

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Afghanistan Wins Homeless World Cup

Congratulations to Afghanistan, winners of the 2008 Homeless World Cup.  The tournament, which began in 2003 was created to help raise awareness about homelessness and help players find ways to improve their lives.  With over 75% of participants going on to find homes and jobs, come off drugs and alcohol, receive an education, and repair relationships with families; I’d say it’s working.

Next year’s games will be held in Milan, Italy; and while organizers are excited to see the tournament’s continued success, they all hope that one day a “homeless” World Cup will no longer be necessary.

-JH

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Reithinking Christmas - Day 7

something nice on 12seconds.tv

Ok, last week we posted this 12 Second Tuesday Challenge and didn’t get much response…so, we’re going to give it one more try.  In the spirit of giving of yourself (which is what we are trying to promote with this whole Rethinking Christmas thing) we are asking you to post a 12 second clip saying something complimentary about the person who posted the clip before you.  It really only takes 4 simple steps:

1) Click on this link here to view videos that have already been posted

2) Watch the most recent video (that is the person you will compliment)

3) Record a 12 second clip with your phone, camera, or web cam

4) Using your phone or computer, send the clip to 12+485529@12seconds.tv (some phones use x instead of +)

All the clips can be viewed on our 12 Seconds.TV Channel anytime, and later in the week we’ll post some of our favorites to Majority Mag.  If you can’t do it today, that’s fine just send one before next Tuesday, we look forward to hearing from you!

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