December 2023 Newsletter
Some of you are new to my nonprofit’s newsletter, and some have been receiving these for over a decade. Wherever you land on that measure, I hope you’ll enjoy the different arrangement for this month.
The key difference will be the first item, below. It’s a set of four wonderfully innovative organizations making a major difference in the lives of those they serve. Please take part, either by supporting them (see below) or using the tool I created as a way of providing gifts as part of the season.
Innovative Service
Below are descriptions of organizations you’ll love getting to know. The bonus here is that if you click on the link after the descriptions and identify the one you chose and why, I’ll send a donation to them. The goal is to donate $1000 to these amazing folks, and all you need to do is learn about them and spend a moment filling out the short contact form. Not only will you help them out, but you’ll avoid getting put on anyone’s mailing list! You’re already on mine, and no one’s getting your email address from me. 8^)
Here we go!
Sanku helps us see what is called “hidden hunger,” which happens when people may get food, but without the nutrients needed to keep them healthy. Sanku provides millers in East Africa equipment that allows them to fortify the flour they sell, and Sanku is able to track these systems to make sure they work properly and to know the impact they are having. (video, website)
100cameras uses the power of photography to help kids in crime-ridden neighborhoods, refugee camps, and places beset by poverty. Through their programs, kids have the chance to express themselves in ways they often haven’t been able to in language, and also build confidence to share their perspectives in artistically powerful ways. (video, website)
Knitted Knockers brings the kindness of those who knit to those who have had to have mastectomies. The treatments that address breast cancer can mean a woman must have one or both breasts removed, and that change can be traumatic for the woman. The people at knitted knockers provide a safe and simple alternative to reconstructive surgery, and also send a message of caring. (video, website)
One reason so many people who are released from prison end up committing crimes and going back is that they don’t have skills that can allow getting a stable job. Mount Tamalpais College is a community college based in and focused on inmates at San Quentin State Prison in California. The students develop hope and dignity through their education, and graduates have a much more successful record once released. (video, website)
Have you watched (and been inspired by) the videos? Are you ready to vote? If so, go to our contact page, and in the comment section, tell which organization you chose and why. I’ll send a donation for your having done so.
Inspiring Stories
The other focus for this newsletter is the most recent set of NVIV posts. These are short but powerful videos with an accompanying set of discussion/writing prompts. We’ll restart these in January as most school years kick back into gear following New Year’s.
Enjoying the Present – This animated piece about a young boy and a dog is interesting on several fronts, including how we think about animals, what we do with our time, and how to make a gift an effective one.
Time, Lines, and Two Lists – This is a timelapse of an artist using colored pencils to draw Detective Pikachu. The detail is impressive, and could be a good tool for helping students think creatively about what they see.
Changes in Views – During the most serious lockdown period of the pandemic, a group in the Italian city of Siena paid homage to their city using drone recordings. The resulting video is hauntingly beautiful.
Experiencing Words – This collaboration among a poet, musician, and videographer takes two of David Whyte’s pieces on the topic of blessings and celebrates the beauty of both Ireland and carefully chosen words.
Finish
If any of the usual topics for this newsletter are ones you have questions about, feel free to let us know. We’re happy to talk with you about video contests, the wildfire grant, and more. None of the above requires any funding from you or your school, I should add. Our little nonprofit is happy to help.
Got any thoughts to share on this format or anything in the newsletter? Please let us know!
I hope you and all of yours have finished 2023 strong, and will find all manner of means to be inspired in 2024! As we always say, “May you inspire, and be inspired, each and every day.”
In service,
Rushton and the Next Vista team
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See you next month!
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