ONE Protest SongsThe world of film and music has always been a part of the fabric of social change. It has the power to move us, challenge us and change us. In the 1960s and 1970s, a South African man, Steve Biko, was a vocal advocate of non-violent protest as a means to ending racial division in his country. He was also the founder of the African Black Consciousness movement. In 1977, Steve Biko died due to injuries sustained from torture in a South African police station cell.

I was nine years old. My first understanding of who this man was came from a song written and sung by Peter Gabriel, simply titled Biko, written and released in 1980. I came to more fully understand who Steve Biko was when I lived in South Africa as a 17 year old Rotary Exchange student. It was in 1986 and the country was in turmoil — the beginning of the end of apartheid was evident.

Steve BikoBiko’s name was banned, just as he was considered a ‘banned’ person when he was alive. He didn’t appear in history books or newspapers. All were strictly edited and censored. I learned more about his life from my host-sister and her boyfriend. They lived in an artist’s community in Johannesburg and were a part of the end-apartheid movement. I would visit them on weekends, from my whites only girls school in Pretoria, and we would spend hours scouring underground community newspapers (that would lead to their publishers’ imprisonment or death were they to be discovered). They took me under their tutelage and showed me what was really happening in South Africa at that time.

A year later, elements of Biko’s life and death at the hands of South African police torture were depicted in the film Cry Freedom, with Denzel Washington and Kevin Kline. It’s not a perfect film, but it introduced many more to this extraordinary leader. And forever sealed Nkosi Sikelel’ iAfrika in my mind and emotions (now part of the South African national anthem) as the final credits listed name after endless name of those who died in police custody in South Africa during this period. Gabriel’s song and Attenborough’s film were players in moving public opinion.

ONE agit8

The ONE campaign understands the power of art to move us. As a self-described agitator, I am in love with their new Agit8 project – a celebration of protest songs and their power to get us to act! Gabriel’s song Biko, is part of this incredible collection. I want you to check out Agit8 right now. And take a minute to share your favorite protest song and how it’s moved you. Then raise your voice against global poverty as the G8 meets next week.

I heard friend, former lover and mother of two of Biko’s children, Dr Mamphela Ramphele at the Women in the World summit earlier this year. At age 65, she has begun a new political party. She spoke about a new era for South Africa’s politics and social reform that more equitably lines up with Biko’s vision for his country. She reminded me that there must always room for the people’s voices to be heard. And that you’re never too old to stand up and be counted; or to agitate for the change you desire in the world.

How has music and art moved you to challenge the status quo?

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John Howard, former Australian Prime MinisterFormer Australian Prime Minister John Howard spoke at a gathering in New York a couple of weeks ago at the Australian Consulate. He was Australia’s second longest serving Prime Minister, from 1996 to 2007, and represented the Australian Liberal Party.

Before my conservative friends stop reading, in a “the world is upside down moment,” the Liberal Party in Australia is actually the conservative party. A more pragmatic and socially responsible version of conservatism and one I supported in several election campaigns (this might come as a shock to certain members of my extended family).

Still, John Howard was cut in many ways from the Thatcher and Reagan era cloth. I asked him about what he saw as Australia’s biggest challenges. He talked first about shifts in the global economy and then his following statement had me inwardly cheering. It was all I could do to resist a giant “whoop” from my chair (a bit unseemly in a room of global dignitaries, but perfectly  acceptable amongst a room of Aussie expats — I managed to restrain myself).

“(Australia’s) social challenges are the same as most Western societies – balancing work and family and understanding that life is not always about work – (life) is also about a society where people achieve a balance. Stable families are at the center, and a society that allows those things to be properly balanced (will be more successful).”

He highlighted the similar values between Australians and Americans, both deriving much of our national character, individual worth and identity through hard work and education, and providing safety net for those who don’t make it. “Our people to people links and cultural links are strong. The values we have in common are very important.”

I am encouraged that a leader of Howard’s standing is willing to share this opinion and weave it into his remarks as part of a wide-ranging analysis of global trends and issues. Not as an afterthought, but as part of the suite of strategic considerations for his country’s future modus operandi.

We need fifty more statements like it, backed with policy, strategy and cultural shifts that give families the flexibility they need to navigate modern work and life – where the boundaries between the two have irreversibly merged.

Chrysula

 

 

 

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Please Bless All the People

by Chrysula on April 22, 2013 in mothering,parenting

Every night since Sandy Hook, my 6 year old son has uttered essentially the same prayer. “Please bless all the people and all the earth that no bad things will happen and that everyone will be OK.” Clearly this last week (and many of the weeks prior) this prayer has not felt answered. He doesn’t know what the world has dealt with in recent days. But his older sisters do. And like every other family, it has weighed heavily on us.

The Boston Marathon finish line bombed and an entire city stopped in its tracks. A tiny town called West in Texas, blown apart. A cafe in Kabul with 27 coffee drinkers killed and more than a hundred others injured. An earthquake in China killing almost 200 and injuring more than 10,000 people. The natural and the unnatural tragedies swirl into each other and mix with our own reactions of fear and confusion and helplessness. Where does it stop? And how do we make sense of it all? Perhaps the short version is that we don’t. We can’t. But we do have options.

Faith

My inspirational friend, Casey Mullins, has chosen her own way to fight back. A writer and photographer, Casey has started a campaign she’s entitled #LookForTheLovely — to record and share the glimpses of every day beauty and bliss that surround us. These moments are everywhere and they are there all the time. We  simply must look for them. It’s in the searching that we begin to turn sadness to moments of joy.

Creating MemoriesI took my kids to Washington DC for Spring Break. It wasn’t a vacation week for me, but as I worked whilst they went to various museums and parks, we met for lunches and afternoon ice cream breaks. We saw some family and friends. I took them to one of my favorite clients’ offices and my colleagues fussed over them while I had a couple of impromptu meetings in the lobby! They got to explore Philadelphia while I attended a conference. On Sunday we spent the day at church and snuggling on the couch. Regrouping with touch and rest and conversation. Renewing with prayer and faith and knowing that whilst God does not orchestrate all the details of each individual’s choices, He is as much a part of our lives as we’ll allow. There were many, many, many moments to #LookForTheLovely.

Looking out into the world, both in my own community and across the planet, gives me the strength and courage to make sense of the madness. How? Because I see all the incredible progress being made on the world’s big problems. I see how alike mothers and fathers and people are around the world. I see this and this and this. And despite the horrors and evils that are very real, I also see goodness and inspiration. I can’t keep all the people in all the world safe. I can’t even keep my family safe. But I will hope. I will go forward with faith. And I will in my own way, look for the lovely.

Chrysula Signature

 

 

 

 

xo

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IMG_2455In the 48 hours from our pre-wedding dinner with our families to arrival at the honeymoon destination, a series of unfortunate events that in my twenties I would have considered unmitigated disasters, were in my thirties great fodder for future family story-telling.

As we went through the list with our kids over a wedding anniversary brunch this morning, the stories have only ‘improved’ with time.

We regaled them with the one about their Dad getting back to the hotel suite he was sharing with his parents and younger sister, after he and I had stolen some time together post the pre-wedding family dinner. Entering the room for his last night as a single man, he was expecting some sort of ‘moment’ — only to find a chorus of not one, not two, but all three of them snoring in bad harmony. Then we told them how I also arrived at my brother’s house, where I’d moved all my possessions earlier in the day, to find a still and quiet house. And every bed, couch and possible soft sleeping surface taken by extended family gathered from all over the country. After a silent tantrum and “don’t they know I’m the bride?!” moment, I found a quilt and pillow and curled up in the back room on the floor. At least it was carpeted!

IMG_2456The morning of the wedding my mother and I awoke early to meet my hairdresser and make-up artist. Terrible traffic hindered our return and by the time I came out of my room dressed in my ‘going away’ suit, tiny tiara and impossible heels, we realized the only car left at the house was “Dixie’. Dixie was my beaten up wreck of a Toyota covered in rust, with a leaky floor and bench seat in front. She was also a stick shift (manual transmission) and it had been thirty years since my mother had driven a manual car. So I took off my shoes, slung my wedding dress in the back, and drove us both to the Sydney Latter-day Saint temple where we found the rest of our family (and all the nice cars).

The wedding car was a sexy BMW. We swept from the ceremony to the reception on the cliffs of Sydney Harbour, with the sunroof open and the music blasting. School girls gaped as I sped by, waving in my wedding dress. The afternoon and evening were magical, emotional, beautiful. During the speeches, I cried as I acknowledged my impending move to America, leaving almost everyone in the room behind. We were marking endings and beginnings. It was the most wonderful wedding and I loved every moment.

Beloved and I eventually said our goodbyes and sped off. The next morning, alas, the sexy BMW had to be returned and Dixie fetched from where she’d been parked ready for us the night before. With a flat tire. Turns out my brother had taken out the spare. We spent our first morning as a married couple cooling our heels in a gas station on a highway waiting for him to bring us the replacement wheel. As the saying goes, from the sublime to the ridiculous. Just like most people’s lives.

Our kids loved hearing our tales this morning. Some they’ve heard before, some were new. But in the telling, I could see how family identity was being shaped before my eyes. We are our stories. Our stories not only reflect our culture, they shape it. A recent New York Times piece encapsulated this, highlighting current research into what makes strong, resilient families.

The single most important thing you can do for your family may be the simplest of all: develop a strong family narrative…The ones who know a lot about their families tend to do better when they face challenges…children who have the most self-confidence have…a strong “intergenerational self.” They know they belong to something bigger than themselves.

The wedding wasn’t perfect. It had crazy, funny and frustrating moments. But the magic was because of those moments, not in spite of them. It’s a metaphor for a marriage that generally works, because of the hard things we face and the ups and downs we experience. Life doesn’t have to be perfect to be beautiful. Narratives don’t have to end happily ever after to be worth telling, nor living. On this day as we celebrate thirteen years since we made eternal promises to each other, and we navigate crazy children and exhaustion and reality, I celebrate my Beloved. I give thanks for our stories. And I pray for decades more of them.

Yes, that is a real sky! Yes, that is a real sky!

What are the stories you tell that create your family’s culture and narrative? I’d love to hear them.

I’d love to see you again. Please subscribe via email. Or follow on Twitter or Facebook. What will you do today to wake up the world? Share your thoughts, your action and your heart right here.

 

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I know. You’re wondering, has she finally lost it. Because what on earth could the humble sweet potato possibly have to do with the US Federal Budget? Well, I’ll get there. But first…Some of you know I’m an Aussie. So my experiences with sweet potato have nothing to do with Thanksgiving or marshmallow (that’s a cultural divide I can’t quite cross cool). Instead, in my formative years I snacked on sweet potato fries. Thick wedges of oven baked goodness. To spice it up, we’d dip them in sweet chili sauce and a dob of sour cream (dob is so a proper term of measurement!). Mmmm, I’m having a memory lane moment right now. You can learn how to make your own sweet potato fries here. You’re welcome!

The important thing is that as long as you moderate those toppings and extras, the sweet potato packs a substantial nutritional punch. Last year, the ONE campaign had a Sweet Potato Day extravaganza to highlight this superfood, but also to draw our attention to global nutrition needs. This year they’re taking it a step further!

The Take Action Challenge

US Federal budget support for agricultural training and methods is key. Less than 1% of the US budget is spent on foreign assistance. I’d love your support to protect this small level of investment in smart programs that help millions gain access to food, medication and AIDS treatment. Go to ONE.org to add your voice.

Improper nutrition is the hidden killer of nearly 2 million children around the world. The sweet potato is a mascot for this issue, because of its nutritional impact and its ability to grow in many places. It’s literally saving lives. Sign the ONE.org nutrition petition here.

The nostalgia, warmth and satisfaction this ultimate comfort food gives me is one thing. But the chance to add my voice to the growing chorus to help hungry children get what they need and teach their parents how to be ultimately self sufficient is entirely another. The World Bank estimates that growth in agriculture is 2-4 times more effective than growth in other sectors at reducing poverty. Africa contains more than 60% of the world’s uncultivated arable land. With the proper methods and investment, agricultural output could increase from $280 billion (2010) to $880 billion by 2030! The ability to get out of poverty and feed your family? There’s nothing that could compare.

So after you’ve enjoyed your favorite comfort food today, take action to help another do the very same thing.

1. Go to ONE.org to add your voice to protect the Federal budget for foreign aid (less than 1% of the overall budget!)

2.  Sign the ONE.org nutrition petition here.

3. Tweet this!

End World Hunger ONE Sweet Potato at a time!#sweetpotatolove http://bit.ly/W5XSIj

Join me in the fight against world hunger. #sweetpotatolove http://bit.ly/W5XSIj

Happy Sweet Potato Day! Lots of sweet potato yumminess and love to share!#sweetpotatolove http://bit.ly/W5XSIj

25 bloggers are writing about ONE’s favorite superfood: Sweet Potatoes! Learn recipes, then take action http://bit.ly/W5XSIj

Recipe: SimplyRecipes.com

Other Fabulous Sweet Potato Highlights Today

Sweet Potato & Black Bean Burritos from This Week for Dinner
Truffle Sweet Potato Frites from Savory Sweet Life
Sweet Potato & Chicken Sausage Stew from Chefdruck
Honey Sweet Potato Biscuits from Food for My Family
Sweet Potato Burgers from Cutie Booty Cakes
What’s Gaby Cooking and Sweet Potato Day
The Mission List and Sweet Potato Day
World Moms Blog and Sweet Potato Day
Go Graham Go and Sweet Potato Day
Cranberry Sweet Potato Crumb Cake from Barbara Bakes
Bourbon and Marshmallow Sweet Potatoes from Boston Mamas
Documama and Sweet Potato Day
Sweet Potato Bread Pudding from Eat the Love
Lamb Shanks with Sweet Potatoes and Sausage from Kitchen Gadget Girl
Sweet Potato Love To Help End World Hunger from Love That Max
Celebrating Sweet Potato Day with Mom Trends
Sweet Potato Chili from Righteous Bacon
Cooking Sweet Potatoes for Picky Eaters from Rookie Moms
Sweet Potatoes and Global Health from Third Eye Mom
Indian Spiced Sweet Potato Kielbasa ONE Skillet Bake from Tickled Red
Sweet, Dude, Sweet Potato Breakfast Hash from Helen Jane
Oh My Sweet Potato Apple Bake from Bowl Licker
Sweet Potato and Peanut Gratin from Non-Reactive Pan
Sweet Potato Fries from When You Wake Up a Mother (also found on Million Moms Challenge)

This is cross-posted from The Million Moms Challenge, an initiative of the United Nations Foundation and ABC News along with more than 30 partners to share global health issues for mothers and babies. I am the Community Manager–all opinions expressed here are my own.

I’d love to see you again. Please subscribe via email. Or follow on Twitter or Facebook. What will you do today to wake up the world? Share your thoughts, your action and your heart right here.

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I Give Because I’m Selfish

by Chrysula on December 30, 2012 in empowering women and girls

GIVEIt’s year end donation time. Honestly, it makes me a bit sad how charitable organizations plead for final year end funds, reminding us to get our last tax deductible gifts in before the financial year ends. About one third of all giving happens in December and over one-fifth happens in the last two days of December.

The merits of regular monthly donations versus lump sum giving are a debate I’ll leave for the philanthropy experts. I’ll just say this–if you’ve got a few minutes and a little bit of money to share, please squeeze in a little more giving in these next couple of days before year end.

I give to charity not because I’m noble, or even good. I give because I’m selfish. I give because it’s a tenant of my faith. I give because it’s a duty and an obligation. And honestly, I give because I feel so much better when I do. There’s this incredible knock on effect. I cannot explain it other than through the language of religious belief. When I give, the blessings come back to me magnified far beyond my own efforts.

As one of my brothers said to me once, “I give because quite frankly, I can’t afford not to.”

Who are your favorite organizations to give to?

I’d love to see you again. Please subscribe via email. Or follow on Twitter or Facebook. What will you do today to wake up the world? Share your thoughts, your action and your heart right here.

 

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Yes Virginia, There Is A Santa Claus

We went to see the kindest, most gentle Santa I’ve ever met yesterday. He looked entirely the part. Every detail of his suit as it should be. A real bushy white beard and bright ruddy complexion. But he also felt the part. His spirit emanated love and all that Father Christmas in his purest form [...]

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Food As A Sign of Love

I grew up with one of those families. The kind with parents who are only satisfied if you’ve eaten everything on your plate and then some. The kind who shows their love by making sure you’re completely stuffed by the time you leave the table. Food as a sign of hospitality and love is a [...]

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Back to School Anywhere Else After Sandy Hook

I don’t know what today feels like for a teacher. But I know what it feels like for a mother. I’m betting those feelings are pretty similar, no matter your gender or the number of your offspring. It’s my baby’s birthday. His birth story is wonderful, rich with memories and love. But I can’t tell [...]

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Tweens Praying Over the Spaghetti

I’m in the land of tweens and I have no idea what I’m doing. Mean girls are everywhere. There’s lots of signs I’m doing this all wrong (me, not her). But every now and then there is a moment, and it changes everything. You can mentally allow yourself to fast forward to a future global [...]

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