From the Ecowaste Egroup:
This Action Alert came from Ann Leonard (co-founder of GAIA) who helped the EcoWaste Coalition a lot in terms of introducing us to grantmakers in US who are into public health and environmental justice issues. The Time Magazine in its 6 Oct 2008 issue cited Ann as one of the "heroes of the environment" for her work on Zero Waste and, of course, "The Story of Stuff." Thanks in advance for your support. Manny C. Calonzo
Dear Friends,
You all know that U.S. consumption rates are out of control and driving much of the ecological devastation on the planet. With 5% of the world's population, the U.S. uses 30% of the world's resources and creates 30% of the world's waste.
I created the film The Story of Stuff to inspire people in the U.S. to think about the hidden environmental and social impacts of our out of control consumption patterns here. I have been delighted that many teachers have adopted it for use in classrooms in the U.S. and around the world.
Recently though, a high school teacher in Missoula, Montana showed he Story of Stuff to her high school biology class. An irate parent complained to the school board, which late last month voted that showing the video violated district policy-in effect banning the film.
You can read about this growing controversy here:
http://www.missoulian.com/articles/2009/02/11/news/local/news03.txt and we will post updates to our blog at www.storyofstuff.com
This is a dangerous precedent.
At a time when every reputable scientist and organization agrees that the future of the planet is at risk, educators need to help students to think critically about the causes and consequences of environmental degradation, especially climate change. School textbooks and mainstream media have failed to adequately address the environmental crises we face, and teachers like Kathleen Kennedy in Missoula should be commended for seeking out alternative materials like The Story of Stuff to encourage critical thinking and action for sustainability.
Fortunately students, parents, and teachers in Missoula and elsewhere are organizing to demand the school board revere its decision. Please join them!
Please take a minute to send an email to the Missoula school board to ask that they reconsider their vote. I've pasted a sample letter below or you can write your own comment.
Email the school board at publiccomment@mcps.k12.mt.us and send a copy to the local newspaper, the Missoulian, at newsdesk@missoulian.com. Please blind cc me at ann_leonard@sbcglobal.net
Stay tuned and thank you for helping!
Sincerely,
Annie Leonard
The Story of Stuff
Patuloy na umiibig sa Pilipinas,
At naniniwala sa Pilipino,
Froilan Grate | GreenMinds
www.NoBystander.blogspot.com
A very powerful video.
Lost Generation
I am part of the lost generation
and I refuse to believe
that I can change the world
I realize this may be a shock but
Happiness comes from within
is a lie, and
Money will make me happy.
So in 30 years I will tell my children
They are not the most important thing in my life.
My employer will know that
I have my priorities straight because
work
is more important than
family.
I tell you this
Once upon a time
Families stayed together
but this will not be true in my era.
This is a quick fix society;
Experts tell me
30 years from now I will be celebrating the 10th anniversary of my divorce.
I do not concede that
I will live in the country of my own making
In the future.
Environmental destruction will be the norm.
No longer can it be said that
My peers and I care about this earth.
It will be evident that
My generation is apathetic and lethargic
It is foolish to presume that
There is hope.
And all of this will come true unless we choose to reverse it.
On 2008, the first Future Leaders of Asia Forum was held on January 17-19 at the Ateneo de Manila University, Quezon City, Philippines, with the theme, "Social Entrepreneurship: Developing a New Generation of Asian Leaders." It was a project under the Ateneo School of Government, the Ramon Magsaysay Foundation, and Ashoka, which aimed to gather young leaders from different Asian countries to form a network of social entrepreneurs after being introduced to the concept. The participants were also encouraged to create their own social enterprises.
One of the successful participants was Mian Alampay. She was one of the winners of the Make It Happen! 1st Ateneo de Manila University Social Entrepreneurship Busines Plan Writing Competition that was launched during the first FLAF. Mian founded the Bright Kids Learning Center, which teaches basic arts and crafts to kids in Batasan Hills Elementary School.
Once again, on 2009, there shall be a second Future Leaders of Asia Forum, which will gather the country's top young leaders to introduce to them social entrepreneurship and to encourage them to start their own in their localities.
The Forum's goal is to inculcate in the minds of the young leaders that social problems can be solved in more innovative and creative ways aside from the traditional dole-out projects which are not sustainable. It also aims to empower the youth by reminding them that as early as now, they can already contribute greatly to create significant and meaningful change that can benefit the less privileged.
Recognizing the need of a sustainable environment for the future generations, the 2009 Forum's theme shall be "Social Entrepreneurship: Employing Innovations in Pursuit of Environmental Sustainability." The aim is to find out how social enterprises can creatively help promote and secure the Earth's environmental sustainability.
***
For more information on how to apply, please visit the website: www.ateneoflaf.com
Thank you very much!
======================
The FLAF Secretariat Team
Ateneo School of Government (ASoG)
G/F CSP Building, Social Development Complex
Ateneo de Manila University
Loyola Heights, Quezon City
1108 Philippines
Email Address: flaf2009@gmail.com
Landline and Fax Number: +63-2-4265657
Contact Persons:
- For local applicants and participants, you may directly contact Ms. Steph Cuevas through this number: +63-927-7559992
- For international applicants and participants, you may directly contact Mr. Tadashi Zialcita through this number: +63-927-7559993
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