Category Archives: Non-Profit

Education, Internet & Online, Kids & Teens, Marketing, Media, Non-Profit, Society

Charity Educating the Children Benefits from Support of Leading Web Agency Alchemy Viral

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Children in the Masai Mara region of Kenya will now be helped further following the announcement that one of the UK’s leading Web Search Optimisation agencies is backing charity Educating the Children. Alchemy Viral has this week announced its support for the leading international children’s charity.

Educating the Children works to raise awareness of the issues affecting children throughout the Masai Mara region, including things like Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) and enforced childhood marriages for young girls.

Masai Mara is a time-honoured favourite destination for tourists from all over the world, yet the region’s inhabitants remain neglected and abused. Educating the Children was set up after one of the charity’s founder visited Masai Mara and found poor education conditions, with not enough teachers and poor schooling levels for children throughout the region.

In Masai Mara some girls are forced into marriages as young as 8 years old. Andreas Voniatis, Managing Director of Alchemy Viral, wants his company to commit to supporting forward-looking projects like the current Educating the Children scheme to build a secondary school for girls in the region.

Andreas Voniatis says, “I have great sympathy with the aims of ETC. My daughter is just 3 months old. Like every parent in every country I have high hopes for her. I can’t imagine her being denied an education, or even worse being a victim of enforced marriage or FGM”.

“I want to spread the word about the charity’s work. We will be quite overt in our support of ETC to all of the people we communicate with, be it by email, our website, or corporate activities. We are also supporting the charity with what we do best… raising their profileon the web. We have already created a Facebook page for the charity and added a link to our Facebook page. We are Tweeting regularly about ETC and teaching them also the importance of regular publishing and how to earn coverage across the web”, Andreas went on.

Sonal Kadchha, co-founder of ETC, said of the backing of Alchemy Viral:

“I’m very pleased that Andreas has come on board to support ETC – not only is he contributing financially but his help in increasing our online presence is invaluable given the importance of social media in the world today”, commented Sonal.

Alchemy Viral’s Andreas Voniatis will visit Masai Mara this year to observe Educating the Children’s work for himself – the visit will coincide with Educating the Children having recently named one of the new school’s classrooms after Andreas’ daughter, Julia.

About Alchemy Viral
Alchemy Viral was founded in 2007. The company started out servicing small enterprises and now works with major digital agencies in the UK, Germany and Australia, working for major brands and publicly quoted companies. It is fast becoming one of Europe’s leading multilingual web search media publishing firms providing safe and ethical web search optimisation for their clients. It is the only firm in the UK that gears its practices and measures of success beyond the search engines such as Google and Bing. It uses other unique methods to find potential customers and drive them to the target website, bringing more visitors and hence business to clients. Clients are delighted with the results. The team also has the advantage of speaking a number of languages including, French, German, Swedish and Russian, to name but a few.

For further information please contact:
Kate Bodoano
kate@jaguarpublicrelations.com
Alchemy Viral
www.alchemyviral.com
Tel: 07725 035738

Education, Entertainment, Internet & Online, Kids & Teens, Non-Profit, Society, Sports

Kick Racism Out Of Soccer

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United, formed in 2011 following the amalgamation of Coral Springs Storm and Coral Springs Renegades, are teaming up with Kick It Out and the Fort Lauderdale Strikers, south Florida’s only professional men’s soccer team, to host the inaugural One Game, One Community Trophy on June 2.

The Trophy, which will be competed for annually in a one-off game between United’s two under-14s teams, is set to take place prior to Lauderdale’s North American Soccer League fixture against the Tampa Bay Rowdies at the Lockhart Stadium.

The youngsters will be supporting Kick It Out by conducting a flag display and donningOne Game, One Community t-shirts before the match at the 18,500-seater arena – a historical venue where football legends George Best, Gerd Mueller, Gordon Banks and Teófilo Cubillas have all previously featured.

To see an e-flyer for the One Game, One Community Trophy match, please click here (e-flyer).

Having established the partnership between Kick It Out and United, Spencer Freedman, who acts as the under-14s assistant coach and parent liaison manager, is looking forward to the occasion. The Englishman said: “We are proud to be one of the first soccer clubs to be carrying the message in the United States.

“It is vital to educate youth players on the importance of social behaviour both on and off the field, and we’re looking to generate as much support ahead of the One Game, One Community Trophy as possible. Let’s get unity in the community, and help in educating our youth to become responsible and productive members of our society.”

Former England international Earl Barrett, one of Kick It Out’s leading ambassadors, has been impressed by the commitment shown by United to spread awareness of the campaign. He said: “Kick It Out is proud to be affiliated to Coral Springs United.

“This is one of the first youth soccer programs to promote the campaign’s message in the United States, and the club deserves praise for spreading awareness around the importance of equality and diversity. Coral’s projects are further proof that football is able to act as a key engagement tool when it comes to educating youngsters, and bringing people together from all different backgrounds.”

For further information on the One Game, One Community Trophy, Tampa Bay Rowdies at 7:30 pm. We hope to have a great attendance and support from the crowd on that day

http://www.kickitout.org/1417.php

http://www.kickitout.org/files/461eb00f-/csu.pdf

For more details & Press Information Contact Spencer Freedman onegameonecommunity@gmail.com Tel: 954 780 9088 Cell: 631 896 8815 Twitter@coralspringsutd

Ken Mendonça | Media Relations & Communications Manager | 954.547.7567 | kmendonca@strikers.com

 

Non-Profit

Achieve Financial Independence With The 2 Ecstatic Brits ‘ Home Business Opportunity In Social Promoting : promote | marketing.

Achieve Financial Independence With The 2 Ecstatic Brits ‘ Home Business Opportunity In Social Promoting : promote | marketing.

As self made entrepreneurs The Two Cheerful Brits are now prepared to open their fresh home business opportunity and will train and mentor associates personally with an easy system that shows the easiest way to make a multiple 6 figure revenue.

Suzanne and Roger Curwin know the way to live life the internet site travel the world, enjoying high quality wine, exotic food and fun in the sun, and all while working at their home business of online marketing and coaching. They pride themselves in finding out what’s required in the market and surrounding themselves with specialists to help them in their business.

Over the next two years, it is anticipated that $77 bill will move from print advertising to net advertising and Suzanne and Roger are now taking advantage of the possibilities created by that move.

“We use tools such as video optimisation to help businesses improve their social media marketing and find more shoppers for their products than they ever imagined,”

announces Suzanne, who is founder, along with her man Roger, of 2 Happy Brits. At the beginning of May the Curwins made a decision to expand and offer this ground floor home business chance to folks like them who are looking to make their financial stability. “What we offer is perfect for today’s world,” asserts Roger. “People who have been downsized, who’ve seen their jobs outsourced, who are on the lookout for a method to become entrepreneurs and gain financial independence, those are the ones who need to chat to us.” The couple, originally from London, Britain, are enthusiastic to share what they do. They’re offering to teach,train and mentor folks to reach the same life that they now enjoy. After living in Spain on the Costa del Sol for the last three years, the Curwins moved back to LA in March to launch this chance in the USA. “Spain was fantastic,” says Suzanne.

“The food, the sun, the beaches, everything. But we missed our family too much and we were prepared to come back home to the States.” Roger agrees, adding, “That’s why this business is so great. We loved living in Spain, but love living in L.A. Too. It is wonderful to be able to live as globetrotters and know that our business gives us so many advantages.

This is an enterprise that can be taken anywhere globally. All that is needed is a laptop PC and a phone.” In today’s world of uncertainty did you know how secure your future is? Last year more folk faced bankruptcy than graduated from college. “We are in the worst recession since the Great Depression.”

If the approach to life of the Two Contented Brits sounds attractive,visit their website at twohappybrits news release distribution for full information about the business or to see footage of Suzanne and Roger living life enormous.And all becuse their home business

Healthcare, Internet & Online, Non-Profit, Science

Chordoma Foundation Announces the Launch of an Improved Website.

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World’s leading chordoma information resources now available.

Durham, NC March 29, 2012 – Since 2007, the Chordoma Foundation has been the only organization in the world dedicated to finding a cure for chordoma, a rare cancer that affects the neck and spine of people of all ages. The Foundation’s website has become the world’s leading source of information about chordoma for patients, families, researchers and physicians. To better serve all of these constituents, the Chordoma Foundation is pleased to announce the launch of a newly designed website at chordomafoundation.org.

“For rare diseases like chordoma, vital information is often hard to come by,” says Josh Sommer, Co-Founder and Executive Director of the Chordoma Foundation and a chordoma survivor. “Our new website will empower patients to more effectively navigate treatment, doctors to better manage their chordoma patients, and researchers to more easily study the disease.”

A new section for patients and families includes easy-to-understand information about chordoma and treatment options, a doctor database, an up-to-date list of open clinical trials, opportunities to participate in research, and a vast list of helpful resources.

“A patient’s initial treatment can have a major impact on their outcome and quality of life” says Sommer. “It is, therefore, critical to our mission that any newly diagnosed patient visiting our website come away with the information they need to get the best care possible.”

For scientists and physicians, the site features tools to facilitate collaboration and information sharing. A Researcher Directory lists over 150 colleagues and potential collaborators across the world, and a resource repository catalogues all publically available chordoma cell lines, animal models and datasets.

Chordoma is a relentless and difficult to treat bone cancer that occurs in the head and spine in people of all ages.  Since its inception in 2007, the Chordoma Foundation has systematically funded and facilitated research to develop new treatments, and ultimately a cure, for chordoma. More information on chordoma, the Foundation, and opportunities to contribute to this important research can be found online at chordomafoundation.org.

Contact:

Deirdre Callahan, Development Coordinator

Chordoma Foundation

(919) 809-6779

deirdre@chordoma.org

 

Art, Education, Entertainment, Internet & Online, Media, Non-Profit, Science, Society, Travel

First Images Of WWII German Submarine Sunk 68 Years Ago In Brazil

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The U-Boat was located by the Schurmann Family in July 2011. Almost one year after locating the submarine, the Schurmanns joined efforts with deep sea diving experts to collect images of the U-513. With specialized technology, using a remotely operated underwater vehicle (ROV) the expedition made a 135 meters dive to film and take pictures of the wreck, for the first time in history.

“After years of research, finally we watched this historical moment. We first saw a shadow then gradually the images became very clear, the submarine is almost intact and whole as if she was placed there to sleep” said Vilfredo Schurmann leader of the expedition.

“The ROV (Remotely operated underwater vehicle) did several dives and with every new image we celebrated this great feat” says David Schurmann, the film director.

It all began in 2001 aboard their sailing yacht “Aysso”, when the Schurmanns a well-known sailing and expedition family in Brazil, was told of the story of a German submarine, sunk in 1943 during WWII in the waters of Southern Brazil.

Vilfredo and Heloisa Schurmann where hooked on the mysterious story and started researching the facts in the National Archives in Washington – USA, Berlin – Germany and in Rio de Janeiro – Brazil.

They were granted a license from the Brazilian Navy, and obtained the support of the Santa Catarina Government and UNIVALI University and were sponsored by TOTVS, CPE (Coastal Planning & Engineering) and FUGRO BRAZIL to further the search.

A team of 35 professionals (all volunteers) which included divers, oceanographers, retired officers from the Brazilian and USA Navy & Air Force, archaeologists, historians, filmmakers and the last surviving member of the USA airplane responsible for the U-boat sinking aided on the search.

After 2 years and 18 expeditions at sea, operating Side Scanning Sonars and Magnetometer, on July 17th 2011 on board their adapted sailing yacht “Aysso”, the Schurmanns located the exact position of the sunken submarine.

On March 8, 2012, aboard two ships, the expedition led by Vilfredo Schurmann and a crew of 20, filmed for the first time in history since her sinking 68 years ago, images of U-513. The U-boat is considered one of the WWII submarines sunk furthers away from Germany during battle.

THE UNDERWATER FILMING
The underwater footage of the U-513 was made with a ROV model Sea Eye Falcon Marine, capable of operating up to 300 meters deep, assigned and operated by FUGRO BRAZIL.

S/V “Aysso” and M/V “Thunder” anchored at the location, launched the ROV (Remotely operated underwater vehicle) and with sonar-aided navigation (similar to a ship’s radar – working under water) located the submarine.

The recordings were performed with the ROV camera itself. For best results, HD 3D cameras were also mounted in housings to captured images of the submarine.

Sponsors: TOTVS, CPE, FUGRO BRAZIL
Support: Santa Catarina Government and UNIVALI University

HISTORY
The U-513, under the command of the German captain Karl Friedrich Guggenberger, had the mission to sink any enemy vessel on the route between Buenos Aires and Rio de Janeiro. She had already torpedoed three ships, including two Americans and a Brazilian.

The U-Boat-513 sank on July 19th, 1943. Lieutenant Roy S. Whitcomb was on a PBM-VP-74 flying-boat bomber on an antisubmarine sweep and spotted the surfaced U-boat. He ordered the attack. Captain Guggenberger on the deck of the submarine saw the approaching plane, he knew there was no time to submerge and began a counterattack. Whitcomb’s dropped six 225-pound bombs depth charges and the U-boat absorbed the full impact on her hull.

The U-513, 76 meters in length sunk immediately with its 46 crew. 7 men who were on deck where the only survivors, among them the captain Guggenberger.

THE SCHURMANN FAMILY
The Schurmann Family is the first Brazilian family to circumnavigate the world on a sailboat and the only Brazilian family to have done it twice. A household name in Brazil, the Schurmann Family has been active around the world through their online school program, as well as their films and TV programs.

In 1984 Vilfredo, Heloisa and their children left their home, their work and school and set off from Florianópolis, the capital city of the State of Santa Catarina, in southern Brazil, to pursue their dream: circumnavigate the world on a sailing yacht.

Their children, Pierre, David and Wilhelm, were 15, 10 and 7 years old. On this first adventure, the Schurmann Family spent 10 years at sea.

In 1997 the Schurmann Family began their second great adventure Magellan Global Adventure. The goal was to retrace the route sailed by Ferdinand Magellan’s fleet, the first complete circumnavigation of the planet. For this adventure, apart from the parents only their son David Schurmann and Kat, their 5-year-old daughter went along. Magellan Global Adventure was followed by more than 1,5 million people, from 44 countries. Every month the adventure’s filmed reports, broadcast internationally, had an average of 40 million television viewers in Brazil and many more around the world. After 30 months, the Schurmann’s yacht returned to Brazil.

The Family members are: Vilfredo, Heloisa, Pierre, David, Wilhelm and Kat Schurmann (d. 2006).
They have released 4 best sellers in Brazil and one box office hit documentary film: Books
• Em Busca do Sonho (2006) Portuguese
• Momentos De uma Aventura (2001) Portuguese/English
• Um Mundo de Aventuras (2002) Portuguese
• 10 Anos No Mar (1995) Portuguese

Films & TV
• O Mundo em Duas Voltas (The World in Two Round Trips) 2007 (Film)
• Em Busca do Sonho (Film)
• Magellan Global Adventure (TV Series)
• Schurmann Family 20 years (TV Series)

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Non-Profit, Society

Volunteering In New Countries Represents Exciting Opportunity For Many

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March 10, 2012 – Society is changing at a rapid pace and this is true not just in the Western world, but all across the globe. Today, more and more people are becoming aware of the plight of others across the globe and in this age of plenty, many are deciding the time is right for them to take action and strike out to volunteer abroad where they can help create positive changes in societies where people are less fortunate. This drive to change the world is not just an affect that is striking the younger people of the world, people of all ages are finding that they can do things to help make the world a better place, particularly in places where this does a great deal of social good. A lot of people are even using their vacations to give of their time and energy and reaping many benefits in the process that go well beyond feelings of good will. For many volunteers, being able to experience life in a brand new country is exciting, but knowing that they are contributing something positive to the world with their energy is definitely another strong point. In today’s global economy, being well traveled is certainly another very strong advantage that appeals to a large segment of the population, as well.

Volunteer is a Volunteer Service Organization that operates in a number of countries, helping to organize volunteer trips at the local level so that those who are choosing to come to a country will be able to get to work helping in the places that need it the most. Today, a great many people decide that volunteering abroad is a way they want to spend their time and Volunteer helps them to be able to do this for much less money than most people realize is possible. This means that their trip will be affordable and they will be doing a great deal of good at the same time, something that is a truly sensible combination and one that social change advocates believe will help increase the level of participation in programs such as these. The time for good to spread across the globe seems at last to be upon us thanks to organizations like Volunteer.

Those that are interested in learning more about volunteering opportunities should visit http://www.uvolunteer.org today. Here they can find out about helping in many different countries all around the world.

Contact Info:

Nathaniel Amponsah Manu
501 Silverside Road, STE 105,
Wilmington, DE 19809
Phone: 302-241-2159
Email: info@uvolunteer.org

Education, Kids & Teens, Non-Profit, Society

New Public Class Fosters Social-Emotional Skills in Children

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Mariposa Child Success Programs, a nonprofit organization that promotes the healthy development of children, will be offering a class to the public on how to foster social-emotional competence in children. Promoting Social-Emotional Competence: Managing Behaviors and Improving Performance will begin on February 9, 2012 at the new Union Mill complex in Hampden and will continue for eight weeks.

The course will be taught by Dr. Anne Townsend and Dr. Harriette Wimms, Mariposa’s Chief Academic Officer and Lead instructor respectively. The course trains adults in Mariposa’s unique process for increasing social-emotional competence in children, including interpersonal and learning-related social skills, and reducing problem behaviors through a skills-based model for adult interactions.

This course offering is an extraordinary opportunity for an adult to learn how to develop and apply five key skills that can make a great impact on children’s lives. Participants will have access to numerous journal articles, books, instructor examples, role plays, Mariposa workbooks, skills application exercises, and more.

This presentation of the course – typically available only on an institutional basis – is open to the public will follow a weekly schedule, occurring every Thursday night from 5:30-7:30pm. For more information or to register for the class, please contact Emalee Rodriguez at erodriguez@mariposaeducation.org.

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Non-Profit

Concepts For Non-Profts In Promoting Finances

Nowadays, many non-profit organizations need fresh ideas in fundraising. It is because many of us are having a difficult time when it comes giving away our hard earned money. In fact, even the old ideas in fundraising have grown stale, many people find these ideas uninteresting and not worth their time. Now the question to be asked is: “How to raise money and still keep people interested?” With this article, NPOs will know how they can do it.

It is important that the event NPOs will hold follows the organization’s missions and goals so that they could attract more audience. Furthermore, if they have a popular speaker that they could ask to work for free then the event could attract more crowds even if the crowd would have to pay for tickets just to attend the event. When NPOs host events like concerts and shows where they can sell tickets and raise funds, they ask famous actors or famous singers to perform for free.

NPOs can even collect items that can be put on auction says Start a Non Profit Organization. This fundraising event is among the most successful fundraising ideas and it is among the most popular ideas as well. NPOs can still sell items for fundraising. These items have to be similar from those sold at a grocery store but it would be better if these items are handcrafted and are cheaper than the regular ones.

Fundraising events will not be successful without the public knowing; there should be ads on radio, television or perhaps the Internet. NPOs can then ask for any amount of donation and provide small incentives so that individuals are encouraged to donate. NPOs can conduct contests and promote it with advertisements so that more people are encouraged in joining the contest. Of course, any friendly competition will do such as a baking contest, literary contest or even sports.

However, not every competition is a contest of acquired skills. One fine contest would be holding a contest between followers of the NPO regarding who can raise the most amount of money. The winner of the competition must have a prize but that prize must be within the budget scope of the organization. It would be a whole lot better if the prizes were donated by certain companies or individuals.

If there is enough manpower and time, NPOs can host large events such as bazaars where they can invite different companies to join and sell their products. Well, since the event is for a just cause, businesses must agree to pay a certain amount or donate some of their profit to the NPO. As long as the event is properly organized, everything will be as smooth as silk.

Consumer Services, Healthcare, Internet & Online, Kids & Teens, Non-Profit, Science, Society, Telecom

Ribbon Cutting & Launch of Breathmobile® in Alameda

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On Friday, January 20, 2012, the Prescott-Joseph Center for Community Enhancement, Inc. (PJCCE), in partnership with the Alameda Boys & Girls Club and Alameda Head Start will host a special ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Alameda Boys & Girls Club, 1900 3rd Street in Alameda as it launches services of the PJCCE Breathmobile®, a 33ft pediatric mobile asthma clinic, in the City of Alameda. The press conference and ceremony will start at 10:00am and will include members of the Alameda School Board, City elected officials, Alameda Head Start representatives, Alameda County representatives, and the Bay Area Air Quality Management District. Light refreshments will be provided.

Event: Breathmobile ® Press Conference & Ribbon Cutting
Friday, January 20, 2012
10:00am – 10:30am
Alameda Boys & Girls Club
1900 3rd Street, Alameda

Asthma rates for children in the City of Alameda, and particularly at Alameda Point are high in the 0-5 age group. Many families do not have insurance to access regular asthma health care,” says Washington Burns, MD, Executive Director of the Breathmobile. “We are happy to be partnering with the Alameda Head Start and Alameda Boys and Girls Club.” Dr. Burns was contacted in 2011 by Daniel Javes of Alameda Head Start, after Javes concerned about asthma rates in Head Start children, had heard about the work the Breathmobile was doing at schools in Oakland. Javes contacted Dr. Burns and said that the Boys and Girls Club would be a perfect site in Alameda to see children with asthma. Javes suggested he should contact George Phillips, Executive Director of the Alameda Boys & Girls Club, which he did. “The Breathmobile fits right in with our other health care initiatives like our dental clinic.” says George Phillips, the Club’s Executive Director, “It allows us to offer convenient access to services they might not otherwise use and will help us realize our goal of instilling healthy lifestyle habits in the children of our community.”

The Breathmobile®, the first of its kind in Northern California is owned and operated by PJCCE and is a 33 ft. Winnebago RV outfitted with the latest equipment to function as a pediatric mobile asthma clinic. Inside the van, there are an intake station, a small waiting space, a testing area for vital signs including Oximetry, allergen skin testing and spirometry, and an exam room. On board are two computer systems, the first has a health risk assessment system for asthma, and a screening module for pre-diabetes, and the other system is a state of the art electronic medical records system called “AsmaTrax.” Asthma and allergy specialists on-board include Pediatric Allergists, Registered Nurses, and Respiratory Therapists. A video system is also on board to play educational videos and CDs. Services are provided in English and Spanish, and are available at no cost to children and families. The Breathmobile® will also provide services at the Matheson Head Start in Alameda Point.

The Breathmobile’s® mission is to reduce the effects of asthma among economically challenged families by providing a sustainable, accessible asthma management program that will focus on regular preventive care, thereby shifting families away from acute episodic and emergency care.

There are other Breathmobiles® operating throughout the US, including Los Angeles, Orange County, Chicago, Baltimore, University of Alabama, and Phoenix, Arizona. All of these units form a national collaborative organization linked by a computer system located at USC to study and improve the effective treatment and management of asthma. Collaborative studies of Breathmobile® units in Chicago, Baltimore, Los Angeles and Orange counties in Southern California show a dramatic 73% reduction in Emergency Room visits and hospitalizations of asthma children being served by their Breathmobiles®. In its two years of operation, the PJC Breathmobile® has shown significant decrease in emergency room visits from 122 to 2, asthmarelated hospitalizations from 63 to 1, and school absences from 351 days to 17.

“There are so many diseases that we cannot control, but asthma is a controllable disease,“ says Dr. Burns, “By having the Breathmobile®, we can drastically reduce emergency room visits, hospitalizations, school absenteeism, reduce medical costs, and decrease morbidity and mortality of asthma by teaching patients how to control their children’s asthma. We are also increasing children’s academic performance.”

Founded in 1995, the Prescott Joseph Center for Community Enhancement, Inc. works to enhance the wellbeing of individuals and families in the West Oakland community through a broad range of wellness, education and cultural programs, and resources delivered in a safe, welcoming, respectful environment. Prescott Joseph Center partners with organizations and agencies to deliver services and referrals within the community. Located in the Prescott district, also called the Lower Bottom,” of West Oakland it is a center for community services, education, culture and development. Prescott Joseph Center for Community Enhancement has a three-fold mission to: promote the individual self-esteem of citizens in the community through education, skill training and cultural programs, thus supporting healthy families and economic self-sufficiency; promote the on-going renewal of community spirit among West Oakland residents and to organize and promote community activities that facilitate economic, social and cultural development within West Oakland community.

For more information, about the Breathmobile ® of Northern California, please contact Washington Burns, Executive Director at 510-290-1476 or e-mail: drburns@prescottjoseph.org. You may also visit the Breathmobile® website at: www.breathmobile-nca.org.

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Art, Education, Entertainment, Media, Non-Profit, Religion, Society

1,127 Buddhism Tudongha Monks in Thailand

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These eye-opening pictures have been happening for 12 consecutive days in Thailand. The starting date was on Jan 2, 2012 and it has been going on until today, Jan 13.  It will continue on until Jan 25, 2012 which is the last day of this special activity. Normally, Tudongha in Buddhism involves the discipline of detaching from materials as they are in order to free the mind from defilements.

Although the monks are walking from province to province instead of walking in the forest, they still have to practice their mind. This is the first time in history of Buddhism that 1,127 Theravada monks are doing Tudongha in unison for the distance of 365 km.  It will take them 24 days to walk on the path strewn with rose petals and with local people waiting along the path saying “Sadhu” to express their joy in seeing the monks doing this Tudongha on the entire route. What inspires a large number of people to carry out this activity continuously for a long time in strong heat of the afternoon sun?  These people never give up their intention even though they have to wait on the rugged roads and lack various means of comfort. They never neglect their participation even for a short time.

This is because of the peaceful temperament of the monks who have practiced their mind very well.  This enables the Buddhists to touch the real core of Buddhism by watching the monks doing their Tudongha. The monks and the people intend to walk the various routes that cover 6 provinces in order to pay homage to the 6 significant places that their Great Master used to stay.

As of today, the 1,127 Tudongha monks have walked through 2 places which are in Song Pi-Nong District, Suphanburi Province. These places are: 1. Phra Mongkolthepmuni Memorial which is the place where The Great Master was born, and 2. Song Pi-Nong Temple where The Great Master ordained.Today, all 1,127 Tudongha monks are coming to the third important place which is Boadbon Temple, Bangkuvieng, Nonthaburi Province where The Great Master attained Dhammakaya.

The monks have walked 150 km. already and they have to walk the remaining of 215 km. in 12 more days and that will be the end of this Tudongha.  We can say that this had never happened before in history.  What will happen next?  Let us continue in the next episode. For more information  www.dmc.tv.

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