Thursday, May 26, 2011
Help A Child In India
Action Link: Commit 2 Change
Starring: Julie Tortorici
Written by: Jessica Arinella and Julie Tortorici
Directed by: John Ruocco
Shot and Edited by: Alicia Arinella
Produced by: On the Leesh Productions
Music by: Banana Whale
What You Can Do Logo Created by: SCG Siddharth Creative Group
Additional Footage Provided by: Shutterstock, Inc. Used by Permission
Statistical Information provided by: Commit 2 Change, http://commit2change.org
Special Thanks:
Sumana Setty and everyone at Commit 2 Change
Dennis Arinella
Thursday, May 19, 2011
You Can Help Veterans
Action Link: The Veteran's Site
Written by: Jessica Arinella and Julie Tortorici
Directed by: John Ruocco
Shot and Edited by: Alicia Arinella
Produced by: On the Leesh Productions
Music by: Banana Whale
What You Can Do Logo Created by: SCG Siddharth Creative Group
Additional Footage Provided by: Shutterstock, Inc. Used by Permission
Statistical Information provided by: http://www.theveteranssite.com/clickToGive/home.faces?siteId=10
Special Thanks:
Rosemary Jones and everyone at The GreaterGood Network
Dennis Arinella
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
An Interview with Angelight Films Creator, Stephanie Angel
Recently we were introduced to an organization called Angelight Films. As stated on their website, this nonprofit production company gives chronically and terminally ill children the opportunity to express themselves in their own short film.
6. What advice do you have for other people who are motivated to create their own nonprofit, but are completely intimidated by the entire process?
If you are passionate about your cause, be persistent, don't give up, and eventually you will make your vision a reality. Don't be discouraged by the paperwork or the processing time. Use that time period to develop your ideas and reach out to contacts in your field. Also, surround yourself with a supportive Board of Directors who believe in your mission and are willing to go the extra mile.
7. What You Can Do focuses on actionable ideas that people can take in one minute. Is there something a person can do in one minute to help Angelight Films? If they can't donate money, is there another way they can contribute?
Email ten people a request to do the following to see if there are ways they may be able to help out:
View our films on our website http://www.angelightfilms.org/
"Like" us on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/update_security_info.php?wizard=1#!/AngelightFilms
And follow us on twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/search/angelight%20films
We had the chance to interview Angelight Films creator, Stephanie Angel, about her organization, where her inspiration came from and how you can help support this important company.
1. Angelight Films is a great example of a person taking their expertise and passion and using it in a way that can help others. Was combining your two passions - film and advocating for children with brain and spinal tumors - obvious to you, or did something more specific spark the idea?
I had a younger sister who died of a brain tumor when she was five and I was seven. I wanted to do something in her honor. As I met more children who had brain tumors, I kept thinking of how wise, smart and funny these children are. I believe that we have a lot to learn from them, which is why I have combined my passion for helping these children and love for film, to give back in this particular way.
2. What is your end goal for each film that is created? What are you hoping the child and his or her loved ones walk away with?
The end goal is two-fold; first the child has a sense of accomplishment like none other, as their focus shifts from being a victim of a brain tumor to being a creator. This has proved to be an empowering process. Second, the child's family has a film to cherish that truly captures their child's brightness. A further goal is to expand to share our films in hospitals and other outlets where others can be inspired by films made by these children.
3. How much guidance are you providing the children when they make their movies?
The process begins with a kickoff meeting where I go to the child's home and meet the child and his or her family. They usually show me their room and share with me their interests and challenges. I ask them a series of questions to get to know them better and leave them with a sketchbook and some crayons which they use to draw and/or jot down some of their ideas. I meet with them again as many times as it takes to develop their ideas into a filmable format. The films are all about what the child wants to create, and they are engaged in the entire process. Our priority throughout the entire production, from the filming to the editing, is to manifest their vision into a film.
4. What are the reactions of the families when watching their film for the first time?
Lily, our first filmmaker, with her eyes wide open said "I want the whole world to see my movie!" Lily and her family call to tell me that they can't stop watching it. Kyle with his arms reached up in the air said “I am important!” And Colin, who was a King in his movie, invited his Queen and all of his friends over to watch the première. They kept playing it over and over.
5. What has been your most profound moment since creating Angelight Films?
It's hard to choose just one. I think the most profound moments for me are simply the looks on the children's faces when they realize they get to create a movie and it's about whatever they choose. It is priceless to see their proud faces when they are the center of attention for something so positive, and the way that they light up when they watch their finished film.
1. Angelight Films is a great example of a person taking their expertise and passion and using it in a way that can help others. Was combining your two passions - film and advocating for children with brain and spinal tumors - obvious to you, or did something more specific spark the idea?
I had a younger sister who died of a brain tumor when she was five and I was seven. I wanted to do something in her honor. As I met more children who had brain tumors, I kept thinking of how wise, smart and funny these children are. I believe that we have a lot to learn from them, which is why I have combined my passion for helping these children and love for film, to give back in this particular way.
2. What is your end goal for each film that is created? What are you hoping the child and his or her loved ones walk away with?
The end goal is two-fold; first the child has a sense of accomplishment like none other, as their focus shifts from being a victim of a brain tumor to being a creator. This has proved to be an empowering process. Second, the child's family has a film to cherish that truly captures their child's brightness. A further goal is to expand to share our films in hospitals and other outlets where others can be inspired by films made by these children.
3. How much guidance are you providing the children when they make their movies?
The process begins with a kickoff meeting where I go to the child's home and meet the child and his or her family. They usually show me their room and share with me their interests and challenges. I ask them a series of questions to get to know them better and leave them with a sketchbook and some crayons which they use to draw and/or jot down some of their ideas. I meet with them again as many times as it takes to develop their ideas into a filmable format. The films are all about what the child wants to create, and they are engaged in the entire process. Our priority throughout the entire production, from the filming to the editing, is to manifest their vision into a film.
4. What are the reactions of the families when watching their film for the first time?
Lily, our first filmmaker, with her eyes wide open said "I want the whole world to see my movie!" Lily and her family call to tell me that they can't stop watching it. Kyle with his arms reached up in the air said “I am important!” And Colin, who was a King in his movie, invited his Queen and all of his friends over to watch the première. They kept playing it over and over.
5. What has been your most profound moment since creating Angelight Films?
It's hard to choose just one. I think the most profound moments for me are simply the looks on the children's faces when they realize they get to create a movie and it's about whatever they choose. It is priceless to see their proud faces when they are the center of attention for something so positive, and the way that they light up when they watch their finished film.
6. What advice do you have for other people who are motivated to create their own nonprofit, but are completely intimidated by the entire process?
If you are passionate about your cause, be persistent, don't give up, and eventually you will make your vision a reality. Don't be discouraged by the paperwork or the processing time. Use that time period to develop your ideas and reach out to contacts in your field. Also, surround yourself with a supportive Board of Directors who believe in your mission and are willing to go the extra mile.
7. What You Can Do focuses on actionable ideas that people can take in one minute. Is there something a person can do in one minute to help Angelight Films? If they can't donate money, is there another way they can contribute?
Email ten people a request to do the following to see if there are ways they may be able to help out:
View our films on our website http://www.angelightfilms.org/
"Like" us on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/update_security_info.php?wizard=1#!/AngelightFilms
And follow us on twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/search/angelight%20films
Thursday, May 12, 2011
Help Japan
Action Link: http://www.mercycorps.org/japanearthquake
Starring: Alicia Arinella and Julie Tortorici
Written by: Julie Tortorici & Jessica Arinella
Shot and Directed by: John Ruocco
Edited by: Alicia Arinella
Produced by: On the Leesh Productions
Music by: Banana Whale
What You Can Do Logo Created by: SCG Siddharth Creative Group
Additional Footage Provided by: Shutterstock, Inc. Used by Permission
Statistical information provided by: Mercy Corps
Special Thanks:
Sylvia Ross and everyone at Mercy Corps
Dennis Arinella
Starring: Alicia Arinella and Julie Tortorici
Written by: Julie Tortorici & Jessica Arinella
Shot and Directed by: John Ruocco
Edited by: Alicia Arinella
Produced by: On the Leesh Productions
Music by: Banana Whale
What You Can Do Logo Created by: SCG Siddharth Creative Group
Additional Footage Provided by: Shutterstock, Inc. Used by Permission
Statistical information provided by: Mercy Corps
Special Thanks:
Sylvia Ross and everyone at Mercy Corps
Dennis Arinella
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
The 46 Day Action Plan - Numbers 41-46
If you've been following along with my 46 day challenge, and want to take part, I've been posting the ideas over the past few days. We're fans of simplicity over here, and this takes out all the guess work; therefore, it limits the excuses. I've already posted ideas 1-40 in previous posts but here are the last 6.Here are numbers 41 - 46.
41. Support a Native American Family
Sign up for The Adopt-a-Native Elder Program and help supply food and medical supplies to Native Americans.
42. Protect the Night
Prior to May of last year, I didn't realize how important natural darkness is to our health and environment. Download these guides to learn out why - Since this is an issue that I didn't realize even existed, I'm guessing some of you may be unaware too. I'm using my minute today to share these 4 print outs - 1. Wildlife, 2. Energy, 3. Safety, and 4. Human Health from The International Dark Sky Association.
43. Help Brighten the Day of a Child Living with a Chronic Illness
Donate to Angelwish's Wish Program and bring a smile to the face of a child living with chronic illness.
44. Donate Your Frequent Flyer Miles to Service Members and Their Families
Through Fisher House, you can donate your frequent flyer miles to service men and women who are undergoing treatment from injuries from combat.
45. Support and Visit Your ParkVisit a local park and vow to do your part to leave it cleaner than how you found it.
46. Adopt a Manatee
Sign up to Save a Manatee and protect these amazing animals.
And that's it.
Please let me know if you take part in any of these ideas. I'd love to hear.
thanks!
Alicia
....more to come....
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
The 46 Day Action Plan - Numbers 31 - 40
Okay, we're getting there. I've already recapped items 1 - 30. Next up, another ten ideas that I featured in my 46 day challenge. If you're interested in participating in any of these, here's a comprehensive list of the next 10 items with links on how to get started.Here are numbers 31-40.
31. Show Shelter Animals Some Love
Donate to the Petfinder.com Foundation's Vaccination Fund and help keep shelter animals healthy and therefore more adoptable.
32. Dishwasher Dilemmas
It was sad to report that my dishwasher is on her last legs. I'm looking to get an energy efficient model, but based on my post - I got a lot of great suggestions in how to deal with the problem. Would repairing be the better fit?
33. No one should be Hungry
Play the Second Harvest Food Bank of Greater New Orleans and Acadiana's online game Hunger 101 to put yourself in the shoes of someone who is struggling to find something to eat.
34. Shop ResponsiblyThrough Green America's Green Pages program, you can search for companies and products that are sustainable.
35. Offset your footprint by Planting Trees
Donate to American Forests' Global ReLeaf Program. For every dollar donated, they will plant a tree.
36. Give Cancer the Bird
I asked our What You Can Do community how many people have been directly affected by cancer. I wanted to start talking about this disease, and share information with each other. And oh yeah, I HATE CANCER.
37. Get Yourself Fire SafeCheck out some Safety Brochures from the FDNY's homepage and get yourself fire ready.
38. Buy a Double Duty Gift
This year for my sister's birthday - I bought her a gift through the GreaterGood.org. Their Gifts that Give More Program you can purchase a variety of gifts to help people or animals in need. I donated to help the relief effort in Japan.
39. Text to Help Fight Domestic Violence
Text “HOTLINE” to 85944 and you donate $10 to The National Domestic Violence Hotline.
40. Support Your Local Animal Shelter
After your "daily click" at The Animal Rescue Site follow the link to vote now. Then you follow the instructions to vote for your favorite Petfinder.com shelter.
Logon tomorrow for the last 6 ideas
Thanks
Alicia
Monday, May 2, 2011
The 46 Day Action Plan - Numbers 21 - 30
I didn't realize it while I was doing it, but compiling all these actions - they really total up to A LOT of ideas. So again, to recap, I'm putting a list together of my 46 day challenge topics in case you want to join in. Here are numbers 21-30.
21. Adopt a Soldier
Visit Soldier's Angels to give thanks to a service member by sending them weekly letters and monthly care packages throughout their deployment.
22. Protect the HoneybeesJess is very happy to report this was our most popular post. Plant items in your garden that attract honeybees.
23. Make a Kid Smile
Support therapeutic horseback riding by supporting organizations like - Pal-o-Mine Equestrian.
24. Support Green Energy
Visit Defenders of Wildlife's Gulf Page you can sign a petition urging President Obama to reinstate the ban on offshore drilling.
25. Choose your Seafood Wisely
Check out the Monterey Bay Aquarium's Seafood Watch program to make sure the seafood you are eating is not in danger of overfishing.
26. Pick Restaurants that Help Fight Hunger
If you're visiting New York City, pick a restaurant partner through City Harvest to visit a restaurant that is committed to fighting Hunger in New York City.
27. Adopt an Acre of RainforestVisit Rainforest Alliance to adopt an acre of rainforest, play games and learn about these precious resources. Be sure to buy products that carry their Rainforest Certified Seal .
28. Help Haiti's Children
The children of Haiti are still suffering from the earthquake of 2010. Visit Mercy Corps Gifts to find a list of gifts to help people in need. I opted to Plant a Tree. Remember these are great gifts to give for Birthdays, Mother's Day, and Father's Day.
29. Help At Risk Youth
Through the OneCause program, I was able to buy my father a gift on Amazon and make a donation to The Home for Little Wanderers.
30. Help Protect Our Fishes
Play Go Fish on the Ocean Conservancy's website to learn about the state of fish in our oceans.
Logon tomorrow for ideas 31 - 40.
Thanks!
Alicia
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