365 Ways to Change the World

Think you can Change the World in 1 Minute? Watch this.

Starring - What You Can Do
Written by -  Jessica Arinella & Julie Tortorici
Shot, Edited and Directed 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

Special Thanks: Dennis Arinella

For more information, please visit - www.whatyoucando365.com

Help a Person Living with a Disability

Think you can help a person with a disability in 1 minute? Watch this

Starring - Alicia Arinella
Written by -  Jessica Arinella & Julie Tortorici
Shot, Edited and Directed 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: Canine Partners for Life, www.k94Life.org

Special Thanks: Moira Owens, Darlene Sullivan and everyone at Canine Partners for Life, and Dennis Arinella

For more information, please visit - www.whatyoucando365.com

Make a Difference for People this Holiday

Think you can help a person in need in 1 minute? Watch this

Starring - Illiana Inocencio
Written by -  Jessica Arinella & Julie Tortorici
Shot, Edited and Directed 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, www.mercycorps.org

Special Thanks: Sylvia Ross and everyone at Mercy Corps, and Dennis Arinella

For more information, please visit - www.whatyoucando365.com

Click for Your Mama

Click for Your Mama

Starring - The What You Can Do Ensemble
Written by -  Jessica Arinella & Julie Tortorici
Shot, Edited and Directed by - Alicia Arinella
Produced by: On the Leesh Productions
Music by: Scissor Sisters
What You Can Do Logo Created by: SCG Siddharth Creative Group

Additional Footage Provided by: Shutterstock, Inc. Used by Permission

Statistical Information provided by: The GreaterGood Network, www.thebreastcancersite.com

Special Thanks: Scissor Sisters "Take Your Mama' courtesy of Spirit Music Group and Universal Music Group, David Fedon, Scott Graves, Don Terbush, Chris Etscheid, Rosemary Jones, Rian Cool and everyone at The GreaterGood Network, and Dennis Arinella

For More information, please visit - www.whatyoucando365.com

For more information, please visit - www.whatyoucando365.com

Help Fight Heart Disease

Think you can't Fight Heart Disease in 1 Minute? Watch This.

Starring - Josh Zitomer
Written by -  Jessica Arinella & Julie Tortorici
Shot, Edited and Directed by - Alicia Arinella
Produced by: On the Leesh Productions
Consulting Producer: Mary Micari
Music by: Banana Whale
What You Can Do Logo Created by: SCG Siddharth Creative Group

Additional Footage Provided by: Shutterstock, Inc. Used by Permission

Special Thanks: Bryan Keane and everyone at The American Heart Association, and Dennis Arinella

For more information, please visit - www.whatyoucando365.com

Thank you for making What You Can Do 365 a Success

So this is it. We are staring down the last week of 2010. And we did it! 365 days, 261 videos, over 75 not for profits organizations, a wonderful cast and an exhausted crew. When I envisioned “What You Can Do” I don’t think I ever could have imagined the immense feeling of gratitude and admiration I feel for the amazing cast and crew who made all of this possible. A huge thank you must be given to Alicia, Julie, Melissa, Karen, Noah and Ashley. If any one of them hadn’t been present the project would have fallen apart.

And of course I thank everyone who has tuned in, commented on Facebook and lent their voice to the project. “What You Can Do” is nothing without viewer participation, and it is because of everyone’s participation that I am so hopeful and excited for what’s to come in 2011.

I wish everyone a wonderful holidays, and I ask you to stay tuned for all that is to come!

Jessica

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For more information, please visit - www.whatyoucando365.com

Learn How a Service Dog Can Help

Learn How a Service Dog Can Help

Starring - Canine Partners for Life
Written by -  Jessica Arinella & Julie Tortorici
Shot, and Directed by - Alicia Arinella
Edited by - Julie Tortorici
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: Canine Partners for Life, www.k94life.org

Special Thanks: Moira Owens, Darlene Sullivan and everyone at Canine Partners for Life

For more information, please visit - www.whatyoucando365.com

Holiday Party

Think you can't Go Green in 1 Minute This Holiday? Watch this.

Starring - Julie Tortorici
Written by -  Jessica Arinella & Julie Tortorici
Shot, Edited and Directed 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

Special Thanks: Dennis Arinella

For more information, please visit - www.whatyoucando365.com

Make a Difference with Your Holiday Tree

Think you can't Go Green in 1 Minute This Holiday? Watch this.

Starring - Jack Halaby
Written by -  Jessica Arinella & Julie Tortorici
Shot, Edited and Directed 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

Special Thanks: Meredith Tufaro, Laura Davis and Dennis Arinella

For more information, please visit - www.whatyoucando365.com

Holiday Gift Wrap

Think you can't Go Green in 1 Minute This Holiday? Watch this.

Starring - Maria Christina Perry
Written by -  Jessica Arinella & Julie Tortorici
Shot, Edited, and Directed 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

Special Thanks: Dennis Arinella

For more information, please visit - www.whatyoucando365.com

A Gift for Pet Lovers

Think you can't support a Shelter Animal in 1 Minute? Watch this.

Starring - Damion Fitz
Written by -  Jessica Arinella & Julie Tortorici
Shot, Edited, and Directed 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: Petfinder.com Foundation, www.petfinderfoundation.com

Special Thanks: Lisa Robinson and everyone at the Petfinder.com Foundation, and Dennis Arinella

For more information, please visit - www.whatyoucando365.com

Students Help Fight Hunger in NYC

Think you can't help fight Hunger in NYC in 1 Minute? Watch this.

Starring - Keanna McGarrell
Written by -  Jessica Arinella & Julie Tortorici
Shot, Edited, and Directed 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: City Harvest, www.cityharvest.org

Special Thanks: Heather Wallace, and everyone at City Harvest, Griselda Garcia and everyone at The New York Daily News, and Dennis Arinella

For more information, please visit - www.whatyoucando365.com

Learn about Canine Partners for Life

Learn about Canine Partner's For Life

Starring - Canine Partners for Life
Written by -  Jessica Arinella & Julie Tortorici
Shot, and Directed by - Alicia Arinella
Edited by - Julie Tortorici
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: Canine Partners for Life, www.k94life.org

Special Thanks: Moira Owens, Darlene Sullivan and everyone at Canine Partners for Life

For more information, please visit - www.whatyoucando365.com

What You Can Do presents: What You Can Do Kids' Favorite Outtakes

Think there's nothing you can do to Go Green in 1 Minute? Listen to the What You Can Do Kids! - Our Favorite Outtakes

Starring -The What You Can Do Kids
Written by - Jessica Arinella & Julie Tortorici
Shot, Edited and Directed 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

Special Thanks: Ilana Levine, Diana Marsh, Jack Halaby, and Dennis Arinella

For more information, please visit - www.whatyoucando365.com

What You Can Do Kids' - Reduce & Reuse

Think there's nothing you can do to Go Green in 1 Minute? Listen to the What You Can Do Kids!

Starring -The What You Can Do Kits
Written by -  Jessica Arinella & Julie Tortorici
Shot, Edited and Directed 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

Special Thanks: Ilana Levine, Diana Marsh, Jack Halaby, and Dennis Arinella

For more information, please visit - www.whatyoucando365.com

What You Can Do Kids' - Protect Wild Animals

Think there's nothing you can do to Protect Wild Animals in 1 Minute? Listen to the What You Can Do Kids!

Starring -The What You Can Do Kits
Written by -  Jessica Arinella & Julie Tortorici
Shot, Edited and Directed 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

Special Thanks: Ilana Levine, Diana Marsh, Jack Halaby, and Dennis Arinella

For more information, please visit - www.whatyoucando365.com

What You Can Do Kids' - Turn off the Lights

Think there's nothing you can do to Go Green in 1 Minute? Listen to the What You Can Do Kids!

Starring -The What You Can Do Kits
Written by -  Jessica Arinella & Julie Tortorici
Shot, Edited and Directed 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

Special Thanks: Ilana Levine, Diana Marsh, Jack Halaby, and Dennis Arinella

For more information, please visit - www.whatyoucando365.com

What You Can Do Kids' - Plant and Use a Lunchbox

Think there's nothing you can do to Go Green in 1 Minute? Listen to the What You Can Do Kids!

Starring -The What You Can Do Kits
Written by -  Jessica Arinella & Julie Tortorici
Shot, Edited and Directed 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

Special Thanks: Ilana Levine, Diana Marsh, Jack Halaby, and Dennis Arinella

For more information, please visit - www.whatyoucando365.com

The What You Can Do Kids - Commute to School

Think there's nothing you can do to Go Green in 1 Minute? Listen to the What You Can Do Kids!

Starring -The What You Can Do Kids
Written by -  Jessica Arinella & Julie Tortorici
Shot, Edited and Directed 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

Special Thanks: Ilana Levine, Diana Marsh, Jack Halaby, and Dennis Arinella

For more information, please visit - www.whatyoucando365.com

The What You Can Do Kids' -"Plant, Reuse & Conserve"

Think there's nothing you can do to Go Green in 1 Minute? Listen to the What You Can Do Kids!

Starring -The What You Can Do Kids
Written by -  Jessica Arinella & Julie Tortorici
Shot, Edited and Directed 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

Special Thanks: Ilana Levine, Diana Marsh, Jack, Halaby, and Dennis Arinella

For more information, please visit - www.whatyoucando365.com

Be a Smarter Seafood Consumer - An Interview with Monterey Bay Aquarium's Alison Barratt

Learn how to be a better seafood consumer with Monterey Bay Aquarium's Seafood Watch Program. An Interview with MBA's Alison Barratt



Shot and Directed by - Alicia Arinella

Edited by - Julie Tortorici

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, and The Monterey Bay Aquarium



Special Thanks: Alison Barratt, Jenny Slafosky and everyone at The Monterey Bay Aquarium, and Jack Halaby



For more information about the aquarium, please visit - www.montereybayaquarium.org


For more information, please visit - www.whatyoucando365.com

Monterey Bay Aquarium's Seafood Watch Program

Learn about the Seafood Watch Program with The Monterey Bay Aquariums's Alison Barratt



Shot and Directed by - Alicia Arinella

Edited by - Julie Tortorici

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, and The Monterey Bay Aquarium



Special Thanks: Alison Barratt, Jenny Slafosky and everyone at The Monterey Bay Aquarium, and Jack Halaby



For more information about the aquarium, please visit - www.montereybayaquarium.org


For more information, please visit - www.whatyoucando365.com

Help an Animal After a Disaster

Think there's nothing you can do to Help an animal after a Disaster in 1 Minute?

Starring - Iliana Inocencio
Written by -  Jessica Arinella & Julie Tortorici
Shot, Edited and Directed 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

Statistics Provided by: The Petfinder Foundation, www.petfinderfoundation.com

Special Thanks: Lisa Robinson and everyone at The Petfinder Foundation, and Dennis Arinella

For more information, please visit - www.whatyoucando365.com

Gifts That Give More to Animals

Think there's nothing you can do to Help An Animal in 1 Minute?

Starring - Ashleigh Awusie
Written by -  Jessica Arinella & Julie Tortorici
Shot, Edited and Directed 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

Statistics Provided by: The GreaterGood Network, www.theanimalrescuesite.com

Special Thanks: Rosemary Jones and everyone at The GreaterGood Network, and Dennis Arinella

For more information, please visit - www.whatyoucando365.com

Support African Wildlife

Think there's nothing you can do to Help African Wildlife in 1 Minute?

Starring - Wilton Yeung
Written by -  Jessica Arinella & Julie Tortorici
Shot, Edited and Directed 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

Statistics Provided by: The African Wildlife Foundation, www.awf.org

Special Thanks: Kurt Redenbo and everyone at The African Wildlife Foundation, and Dennis Arinella

For more information, please visit - www.whatyoucando365.com

Vaccinate a Shelter Animal

Think there's nothing you can do to Help Vaccinate a Shelter Animal in 1 Minute?

Starring - Maria Christina Perry
Written by -  Jessica Arinella & Julie Tortorici
Shot, Edited and Directed 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

Statistics Provided by: Pet Finder Foundation, www.petfinderfoundation.com

Special Thanks: Lisa Robinson and everyone at The Petfinder Foundation, and Dennis Arinella

For more information, please visit - www.whatyoucando365.com

Protect Big Cats

Think there's nothing you can do to Help Protect Big Cats in 1 Minute?

Starring - Michaela King
Written by -  Jessica Arinella & Julie Tortorici
Shot, Edited and Directed 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

Statistics Provided by: Big Cat Rescue, www.bitcatrescue.org

Special Thanks: Carol Baskin and everyone at Big Cat Rescue, and Dennis Arinella

For more information, please visit - www.whatyoucando365.com

Learn about Ocean Health with The Monterey Bay Aquarium's Alison Barratt

out Ocean Health with The Monterey Bay Aquariums's Alison Barratt

Shot and Directed by - Alicia Arinella
Edited by - Julie Tortorici
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, and The Monterey Bay Aquarium

Special Thanks: Alison Barratt, Jenny Slafosky and everyone at The Monterey Bay Aquarium, and Jack Halaby

For more information about the aquarium, please visit - www.montereybayaquarium.org

For more information, please visit - www.whatyoucando365.com

An Interview with the International AIDS Vaccine Initiative (IAVI)

We'd like to thank Lauren Wesolowski, Communications Associate at the International AIDS Vaccine Initiative for taking the time to answer some questions regarding the work that IAVI is doing. For more information, check them out at: www.iavi.org

Please tell us about IAVI and the work that you are doing.
The mission of the International AIDS Vaccine Initiative (IAVI) is to ensure the development of preventive AIDS vaccines that are not only safe and effective, but also appropriate for and accessible to all people, including those in the developing world, where some 95% of new HIV infections occur. IAVI invests the bulk of its resources in the research and clinical assessment of candidate vaccines. IAVI works around the world to apply promising scientific ideas and technologies to the design and swift development of AIDS vaccines.

In developing countries, we work closely with governmental, civic and community organizations to ensure the transparent and ethical conduct of clinical trials.
We also analyze and develop policies to promote the involvement of the private sector in AIDS vaccine research and development. And we advocate for policies that will ensure that once an AIDS vaccine is developed, it will be swiftly produced and distributed and priced as inexpensively as possible worldwide.


What is a preventive vaccine?
A preventive vaccine is a substance introduced into the human body that teaches the immune system to detect and destroy a pathogen—which is a particular virus, bacterium or parasite that causes a preventable disease. All vaccines contain some harmless form or part of the pathogen they target. They exert their effects through the adaptive immune response, an arm of the immune system that learns to recognize and neutralize specific pathogens (as opposed to pathogens in general).

Traditionally, vaccines are the most cost-effective, high-impact public health interventions for coping with infectious disease. And an AIDS vaccine offers the best hope of ending, and not just mitigating, the pandemic.

Does an AIDS vaccine exist?

At this time, no licensed AIDS vaccine exists anywhere in the world. However, many AIDS vaccine candidates are being studied by researchers and some are being tested in clinical trials throughout the world.

Developing any vaccine takes a very long time. The polio vaccine, for example, took over 40 years to develop. An effective AIDS vaccine is particularly hard to develop for many reasons. The science involved in designing an AIDS vaccine is very complicated. HIV is very good at evading the immune system, making it hard for scientists to understand how to create the best immune response with a vaccine. Once scientists develop a possible vaccine, the process of testing it in animals and humans is very lengthy.

In 2009, in a clinical trial in Thailand, an AIDS vaccine candidate reduced the risk of HIV infection by about 30%. This was a modest result, but it did prove that an AIDS vaccine can work in humans. Now researchers are working to improve on that result.

How widespread is the HIV/AIDS epidemic?
In the 27 years since scientists identified HIV as the cause of AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome), it has spread relentlessly, causing one of the most devastating pandemics ever recorded in human history. Nearly 30 million people have died from HIV-related causes, and roughly 33.3 million are living with HIV.

AIDS remains the fourth leading cause of death globally. Every day 7,100 people worldwide become newly infected with HIV, and the most vulnerable people in the world continue to bear the heaviest burden of this merciless disease. Sub-Saharan Africa accounted for nearly three-quarters of all AIDS-related deaths in 2009. And the epidemic seems to be emerging with a new ferocity in other parts of the planet, including China, Indonesia, pockets of Eastern Europe and Central Asia as well as in high-income countries like Germany, Britain and Australia.

How can the average person get involved and help?

An AIDS vaccine is the world's best hope for ending the epidemic. Giving to IAVI means helping to ensure the development of safe, effective, accessible, preventive HIV vaccines for use throughout the world.
Donations help IAVI to conduct medical and scientific research; develop new AIDS vaccine candidates; build the capacity to conduct AIDS vaccine trials, including the construction of state-of-the-art laboratory and clinical facilities in developing countries; educate local communities most affected by the pandemic and engage them in the effort to develop an AIDS vaccine; increase awareness of and commitment to AIDS vaccine development; and advocate for the increased attention of policy makers to the need for an AIDS vaccine.

It’s also important to spread the word that the world needs an AIDS vaccine. You can connect with IAVI and help us share this important message through a variety of social networks, including Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, Flickr and LinkedIn.

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To learn more about the AIDS Vaccine, please visit - IAVI

Help Fight AIDS in Africa

Think there's nothing you can do to Help Fight AIDS in Africa in 1 Minute?

Starring - Maria Christina Perry
Written by -  Jessica Arinella & Julie Tortorici
Shot, Edited and Directed 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

Statistics Provided by: Mercy Corps, www.mercycorps.org

Special Thanks: Sylvia Ross, and everyone at Mercy Corps, and Dennis Arinella

For more information, please visit - www.whatyoucando365.com

Get Screened for HIV/AIDS

Think there's nothing you can do to Help Fight HIV/AIDS in 1 Minute?

Starring - Nikaury Rodriguez
Written by -  Jessica Arinella & Julie Tortorici
Shot, Edited and Directed 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

Statistics Provided by: AIDS Project Worcester, www.aidsprojectworcester.org

Special Thanks: Martha Akstin and everyone at AIDS Project Worcester, and Dennis Arinella

For more information, please visit - www.whatyoucando365.com

Support an AIDS Vaccine

Think there's nothing you can do to Help Fight HIV/AIDS in 1 Minute?

Starring - Wilton Yeung
Written by -  Jessica Arinella & Julie Tortorici
Shot, Edited and Directed 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

Statistics Provided by: The International AIDS Vaccine Initiative, www.iavi.org
**The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) updated their official statistics on HIV epidemiology shortly after this film was produced. The updated figures reflect that there were 2.6 million new HIV infections in 2009, or about 7,100 new infections each day

Special Thanks: Lauren Wesolowski and everyone at The International AIDS Vaccine Initiative, and Dennis Arinella

For more information, please visit - www.whatyoucando365.com

The AIDS Memorial Quilt

Think there's nothing you can do to Spread the word about HIV/AIDS in 1 Minute?

Starring - Alicia Arinella & Jack Halaby
Written by -  Jessica Arinella & Julie Tortorici
Shot, Edited and Directed 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

Statistics Provided by: The Names Project Foundation- www.aidsquilt.org

Special Thanks: Janece Shaffer and everyone at The Names Project Foundation, and Dennis Arinella

For more information, please visit - www.whatyoucando365.com

Help Prevent HIV/AIDS

Think there's nothing you can do to Help Fight HIV/AIDS in 1 Minute?

Starring - Julie Tortorici
Written by -  Jessica Arinella & Julie Tortorici
Shot, Edited and Directed 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

Statistics Provided by: Path, www.path.org

Special Thanks: Dawn Bass, Teresa Guillien and everyone at PATH, and Dennis Arinella

For more information, please visit - www.whatyoucando365.com

About The AIDS Memorial Quilt

Below is our interview with Janece Shaffer, Director of Communications at The Names Project Foundation. The Names Project Foundation is the international caretaker of The AIDS Memorial Quilt. Find out more about this amazing, ongoing living memorial.


1. Can you tell us a little bit about the AIDS Memorial Quilt? Why was it started?
In October 1987, a group of friends gathered in a San Francisco storefront armed with an idea that would inspire their community, their country and ultimately the world. They gathered to remember the names of friends and loved ones lost to a disease that would be called AIDS. With fabric and markers, needles and thread, fear and hope, loss and love, they began to create what would become The AIDS Memorial Quilt -- the most democratic memorial ever made and the largest ongoing piece of community folk art in the world.

And so what began with a single name and a 3 foot by 6 foot stretch of fabric now includes more than 47,000 panels honoring more than 92,000 people lost to AIDS. This handmade memorial, a testament to entire lifetimes of love and joy, now forms one of the world’s most powerful weapons in the battle to educate about HIV/AIDS.

With teddy bears and Boy Scout badges, wedding rings and faded photographs, The AIDS Memorial Quilt is a vivid reminder that HIV/AIDS can happen to anyone, anywhere, at any age. It allows us to see not a disease or a set of statistics, but a mother, a child, a father or a brother. By revealing the humanity behind the statistics, The Quilt helps teach compassion, triumphs over taboo, stigma and phobia; and inspires individuals to take direct responsibility for their own well-being and that of their family, friends and community.

2. Does it raise funds for HIV/AIDS? If so, how does that work?
Since its founding in 1987, The NAMES Project Foundation, the international caretaker of The Quilt, has raised more than $4 million for direct services for people with AIDS.

The NAMES Project is committed to caring for the aging, handmade 54-ton AIDS Memorial Quilt so that it’s life saving messages can be shared with future generations. The costs associated with hosting a display of The Quilt also go to supporting and maintaining this important American treasure.


3. What is the Quilt made out of?
The Quilt is made up of 3-foot by 6-foot cloth panels that were created one at a time for individuals lost to HIV/AIDS and eight of these panels are bundled together to create a 12-foot by 12-foot section of Quilt. Every display of The Quilt is composed of these 12-foot by 12-foot Quilt sections.

The 47,000 panels of The Quilt are as unique as the individuals they memorialize and they include wedding rings, love letters, half a bowling ball, oil paintings, 100-year old quilts, snorkel masks, human hair, cowboy boots, shower curtain, photographs, stuffed animals, tuxedos – and so much more.


4. What is the historical and ongoing significance of the Quilt?
The AIDS Memorial Quilt is an ever changing, living memorial dedicated to the mission of remembrance, education, inspiration and conscience. And The NAMES Project works to preserve, care for and use The AIDS Memorial Quilt to foster healing, advance social justice and inspire action.

Throughout its history The Quilt – now recognized through an act of Congress as an American Treasure - has been used to fight prejudice, raise awareness and funding, as a means to link hands with the global community in the fight against AIDS, and as an effective tool in HIV and AIDS education and prevention

New single panels arrive at The NAMES Project on a regular basis and sections of The Quilt are continuously on display across the country – in middle and high schools, on college campuses, in places of worship, community centers, businesses, government centers and corporations – making the realities of HIV/AIDS shockingly real and moving to each of us regardless of ethnicity, class or social group.

Wherever it is displayed, The Quilt provides balm for the painful wounds of grief, pours oil into the waters made turbulent by controversy, opens eyes that refuse to see and enlists every person who experiences it to play a role in stopping the pandemic. It is difficult to walk away from The Quilt unchanged.

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To learn more, please visit - The Names Project Foundation

The Thanksgiving Dilemma: Answered

The Thanksgiving Dilemma: Answered

There were so many comments about whether or not I should speak to my father about his water usage on Thanksgiving that I figured a follow-up was necessary.

For those readers out there that are coming in late and could use a recap, checkout last Sunday's blog: HERE.

After thinking about it I decided, what better time to talk to my father about his water habits, than on Thanksgiving? You can't get mad at someone on Thanksgiving, right? Isn't that some holiday rule? Feast and peace? So, I did.

I put it to him like this: "So, Dad, I hope you're not too mad about this, but I wrote a blog about how you hand wash your dishes and how I wish you wouldn't leave the faucet running when you walk away from the sink." Then I gave him that statistic from the EPA - which I horribly misquoted - but I believe he got the idea because he agreed to be more mindful! He was totally game and ready to try it out.

After dinner on Thanksgiving, I was happy to hear the faucet shutting on and off. The sound of a constant steady stream from year's passed was no longer. Later on, when I asked how it went, he said he wasn't perfect, but it went pretty well and I've got to say... he looked proud.

So this Thanksgiving, I gave thanks for an open-minded dad who was willing to reshape one of his habits for both the earth and his daughter.

Help Fight Hunger in NYC This Holiday Season

Think there's nothing you can do to Help Fight Hunger in New York City in 1 Minute?

Starring - Jack Halaby
Written by -  Jessica Arinella & Julie Tortorici
Shot, Edited and Directed 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

Statistics Provided by: City Harvest, www.cityharvest.org

Special Thanks: Heather Wallace and everyone at City Harvest, Griselda Garcia and everyone at The Daily News, James Long and everyone at the FDNY, and Dennis Arinella

For more information, please visit - www.whatyoucando365.com

Happy Thanksgiving

Think there's nothing you can do to Give Back This Thanksgiving in 1 Minute?

Starring - Tom Morwick
Written by -  Jessica Arinella & Julie Tortorici
Shot, Edited and Directed 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

Special Thanks: Dennis Arinella

For more information, please visit - www.whatyoucando365.com

Help Fight Hunger This Thanksgiving

Think there's nothing you can do to Fight Hunger on Thanksgiving in 1 Minute?

Starring - Ashleigh Awusie
Written by -  Jessica Arinella & Julie Tortorici
Shot, Edited and Directed 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

Special Thanks: Dennis Arinella


For more information, please visit - www.whatyoucando365.com

Conserve Water this Thanksgiving

Think there's nothing you can do to Conserve Water on Thanksgiving in 1 Minute?

Starring - Nikaury Rodriguez
Written by -  Jessica Arinella & Julie Tortorici
Shot, Edited and Directed 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: The EPA, www.epa.gov

Special Thanks: Dennis Arinella

For more information, please visit - www.whatyoucando365.com

Wear Your Seat Belt

Think there's nothing you can do to Travel Safely this Thanksgiving in 1 Minute?

Starring - Michaela King
Written by -  Jessica Arinella & Julie Tortorici
Shot, Edited and Directed 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: The National Traffic Safety Administration, www.nhtsa.gov

Special Thanks: Michele Dellinger, and Dennis Arinella

For more information, please visit - www.whatyoucando365.com

A Thanksgiving Dilemma

My dad is a water addict. Don't get me wrong, I'm no water conservation hero either. I have many a 'let-the-water-run slip-ups, however my father is an H2Ohmygod do you really need those twelve gallons of water to wash that spoon person. After beginning "What You Can Do", watching my father's water consumption in the kitchen sometimes causes me to have heart palpitations. He's a full blast, dawdle while you wash dish washer.

Since my dad would likely assume you could cook a pot roast in the blender, he puts in his share of the holiday workload by doing the dishes. He does them every year and it's always assumed that it's his gig. This year though, I've decided to ask him to be more mindful as he hand washes the plates and such. To shut off the faucet if he needs to walk away from the sink to grab a dish. To shut the water off again if he needs to scrub something for any length of time. What do you think - is that judgmental or is it environmental of me? I myself have resolved to be more aware of when I'm turning the sink on and off as well. DO turn the sink on when rinsing a dish. DON'T turn the sink on when scrubbing a dish. And I know my dad won't want me to co-opt his dish duty, since traditionally, my dad does the dishes, my mom and I cook and my sister clears the table.

So is his water usage my business?

Before you answer, check out this statistic: according to the EPA, if every household in the US reduced their water use by ten gallons on Thanksgiving, we’d save more than one billion gallons of water.

Does the environment trump politeness? Should I risk it?

Part 2 of our interview with Dark Ranger Kevin Poe - Protect the Night

Learn why it's important to protect the night sky.

Special Thanks: Dark Ranger Kevin Poe

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For more information, please visit - www.whatyoucando365.com
and www.iamthedarkranger.com

Protect the Night Sky for Your Health

Think there's nothing you can do to Help Protect The Night Sky in 1 Minute?

Starring - Dark Ranger Kevin Poe
Written by -  Jessica Arinella & Julie Tortorici
Shot, Edited and Directed 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: The International Dark Sky Association, www.darksky.org

Special Thanks: Rowena Davis and everyone at the International Dark Sky Association, Dark Ranger Kevin Poe, and Dennis Arinella

For more information, please visit - www.whatyoucando365.com

Help Protect Wildlife

Think there's nothing you can do to Help Protect Wildlife in 1 Minute?

Starring - Jack Halaby
Written by -  Jessica Arinella & Julie Tortorici
Shot, Edited and Directed 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: The International Dark Sky Association, www.darksky.org

Special Thanks: Rowena Davis and everyone at the International Dark Sky Association, Dark Ranger Kevin Poe, and Dennis Arinella

For more information, please visit - www.whatyoucando365.com

Help Protect Birds

Think there's nothing you can do to Help Protect Birds in 1 Minute?

Starring - Alicia Arinella
Written by -  Jessica Arinella & Julie Tortorici
Shot, Edited and Directed 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: The International Dark Sky Association, www.darksky.org

Special Thanks: Rowena Davis and everyone at the International Dark Sky Association, Dark Ranger Kevin Poe, and Dennis Arinella

For more information, please visit - www.whatyoucando365.com

Protect the Night Sky - Safety

Think there's nothing you can do to Protect the Night Sky in 1 Minute?

Starring - Jack Halaby
Written by -  Jessica Arinella & Julie Tortorici
Shot, Edited and Directed 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: The International Dark Sky Association, www.darksky.org

Special Thanks: Rowena Davis and everyone at the International Dark Sky Association, Dark Ranger Kevin Poe, and Dennis Arinella

For more information, please visit - www.whatyoucando365.com

Learn About The Night Sky

Think there's nothing you can do to Protect the Night Sky in 1 Minute?

Starring - Dark Ranger Kevin Poe
Written by -  Jessica Arinella & Julie Tortorici
Shot, Edited and Directed 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: The International Dark Sky Association, www.darksky.org

Special Thanks: Rowena Davis and everyone at the International Dark Sky Association, Dark Ranger Kevin Poe, and Dennis Arinella

For more information, please visit - www.whatyoucando365.com

Why You Should Protect the Night

Support Our Troops - Closing Blog

Before you read this, open your medicine cabinet and gloss over it. Done? Okay, now run to your living room and count your DVD’s. Back again? Now take a look in your pantry. Check. Now think about where it all came from - drug stores, superstores, grocery stores. Maybe you couldn’t find the exact product you were looking for, so you walked a couple of blocks and boom, there it was: your favorite brand of roll-on, non-flakey, extra-protection, shower fresh-scented deodorant. Whew, because you definitely could not live without it. I know, I’m the same way.

Now plop yourself in the mountains of Afghanistan. Sure you are in the US Armed Forces but you are still in Afghanistan. Where is all the stuff? The tissues with lotion, the cheese puffs with real cheddar, the movies with George Clooney. Good luck finding any of it.

Am I the only one who really didn’t give this serious thought? The first time someone mentioned in one of the interviews I was doing for these episodes that they were sending soldiers socks, I thought, socks? But think of the places where we get all of this stuff for ourselves. There is no megastore in the mountains of Afghanistan. So where is this stuff going to come from if not from us?

It is one thing to not be able to wrap my head around the reality of war, but I would have to be a complete space cadet to not comprehend what it might feel like not to have access to such basic necessities. So, think of a soldier as your neighbor. You’re going out to the store and you ask your neighbor if they need anything. Imagine that each time, your neighbor says “yes” about one item. Pick it up, put it in a box and at the end of the month, ship it off to an organization that sends care packages. Because, after all, we do care.