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31 days of service: Setting up your own charitable organization

What better way to wrap this up than showing you how to set up your own charitable organization.  We hope that we've given you various ways to support others, but on our last day, it's time to show you how to set up a charitable organization that represents you.  There are a million companies that will help you set up a 501(c)3. This is how the IRS and most accountants refer to charitable organizations.

I feel that the best source is the IRS. Since they pretty much rule everything, you want to make sure that your IRS forms are in tact and that you follow every single rule listed for your type of organization.  Here's an IRS site to help get you started.

Here's another site that gives a great overview.  It's a little more simple.

True to form, we've missed a few days, so if you have a charity that you'd like to tell us about, please leave a comment!

31 Days of Service: St. Judes

St. Judes is one of my personal favorites when it comes to charities.  Mainly because no family will be denined treatment because they can't afford it.  St. Judes is also the first institution established for the sole purpose of conducting basic and clinical research and treatment into catastrophic childhood diseases, mainly cancer.

As you can tell, Blushblog is a seriuos advocate of healthy children and families.  This is one of the things that made me fall in love with St. Jude.  They have treated children from all 50 states and from around the world.

The mission of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is to advance cures, and means of prevention, for pediatric catastrophic diseases through research and treatment. Consistent with the vision of our founder Danny Thomas, no child is denied treatment based on race, religion or a family's ability to pay.

I don't even want to imagine what it would feel like to have to worry about a medical bill on top of my childs cancer treatment.  We need facilities like St Jude and St. Jude needs us.  This level of service can use all of the help that we can give.  There are tons of ways to help.  You can choose one here.

Do you knwo any child that has been helped by St. Jude?

31 Days of Service - Advocates for Youth

Today, I would like to highlight an organization that is committed to confronting sexual health issues among young people in the U.S. and abroad.  Advocates for Youth, a non-profit organization, seeks to educate young people about sexual and reproductive health.  Advocates for Youth not only works with young people to foster education but also actively advocates for international, federal, and state policies aimed at protecting young people around the world.  Among its many topics, the organization is devoted to educating young people about HIV, abstinence, contraceptive information and access, violence and harassment, teen pregnancy prevention, and sex education. 

Advocates for Youth welcomes donations and encourages those interested in the issues it champions to get involved with advocating current legislation affecting young people.  If you are interested in getting involved with issues impacting young people around the globe, visit www.advocatesforyouth.com and read up on its programs and related legislation.  This a very informative and organized site.

Is sexual education and health important to you?  Are you already advocating these issues.  Share your knowledge with us.  Tell us why in the comments.

31 Days of Service: Give the Gift of Miles

Throughout this process, many people have been looking for ways to help out, even when they have busy schedules.  Well here's another option.  Most airlines have mileage programs where you can use your airline miles to buy tickets as opposed to cash.  Well did you know that you could donate your miles so that relief charities can get volunteers where they need to be?  Charites such as Red Cross, UNICEF, and the American Red Cross benefit from this program.

Delta Airlines has the Sky Wish program
US Airways has the Miles of Hope Program
Continental Airlines allows you to specify where you would like your OnePass miles donated.
United Airlines allows you to donate your Mileage Plus miles

If you don't have enough miles for a ticket, but don't think that you'll get to use them anytime soon, please don't let them go to waste.  Donate.

Did I miss any mileage programs that allow you to donate your miles?  Please list them.

 

31 Days of Service - College Advocate

(Image courtesy of www.thecollegeadvocate.org)

Higher education provides more than academic enlightenment and career preparation.  College exposes students to diverse people and problem solving that exends beyond the textbook. It encourages students to seek independence, self-awareness, and new relationships.  Often, the relationships established during college among students and academic professionals sustain many years beyond graduation. It is a reality, however, that some of those networks are more influential when fostered at the more competitive national colleges and universities.  Therefore, access to these institutions should not be limited to those who already have a route in. 

College Advocate, a non-profit organization in Washington, DC, is devoted to assisting successful and motivated high school students in the Washington, DC area attend some of the most elite colleges and universities in the nation.  The organization partners with the DC Public School system to identify top students to participate in the program.  Among its services, College Advocate provides SAT preparation, assistance completing college applications, contacts college admissions offices on the students' behalf, negotiates grants for students, and offers continued assistance during undergraduate matriculation.  College Advocate endeavors to help our best young minds achieve the best possible education and chart a path for success.  We all know that each generation builds on the generation prior, so the better prepared this generation of students the better prepared the next.  Their advancement and success is not just for them it is for all that follow.

If you are interested in the growth and development of worthy students, College Advocate accepts monetary donations and actively seeks volunteers to assist with many aspects of its mission.  For a comprehensive overview of the organization, visit www.thecollegeadvocate.org

Book Review: Power and Beauty by T.I + A Giveaway

I received a copy of Power and Beauty co-written by hip hop star T.I and and bestselling collaborator David Ritz from Harper Collins Publishing.  When I received it, I didn't know what to expect.  I really thought that it'd be an autobiography.  Ok, i'll only say this a couple times of year.  I was wrong.  The book was essentially about love.  Love that developed between two characters named Power and Beauty.  It shows that no matter how you fight it.  You can't stop love.  No matter how many other people you're with.  It's still there. 

Power and Beauty's love was complicated.  They were raised by the same mother but couldn't deny the love that went beyond sibling affection.  A tragedy forced them to be apart.  A tragedy that changed their lives forever.  

While Beauty pursued her dreams of being a top notch fashion designer, Power was lured into a life of money and women by a man that probably has more to do with their past than they'd both like to admit.  Above all, they never wanted to be with anyone but each other and they couldn't shake what happened that one night when they needed each other the most.  The one night that neither of them could speak of ever again.

This book reminded me a lot of Sister Souljahs book, The Coldest Winter Ever.  To this day, that remains one of my favorite books.  Just to let you know, there will be a part two to Power and Beauty. This book left you with a SERIOUS cliffhanger.  As I was getting to the end, I'm thinking, "Run!"  She was running.  Then I'm thinking, "Hurry up!!!!"  I got all excited and then BAM!  Cliffhanger.  When I closed the book I literally said, "Maaaannnn."  I can't wait for the second book.  I have very high expectations.  Sister Souljah let me down with Midnight.  I have my fingers crossed for T.I and David Ritz.  I can't wait.  I'm on pins and needles.  So hurry up T.I!  

I'm excited to hear what you guys think of the book.  So excited, that we'd like to offer one of you a free copy. 

***To Enter the Giveaway***

1. Click the "Like" button on either Facebook or Google Connect.  It's right here on our page.

2. Leave a comment below saying that you've entered.

3.  If you've already "Liked" us, just leave us a comment and you'll be entered.

You must enter by 11~3~11.  The winner will be announced on 11~4~11

Good Luck!

31 Days of Service: Pat on the Back

We've been speaking of different ways to help the community, but I'd like to offer a way to show acknowledgement for those who have been tirelessly helping for some time now.  Or maybe even you.  There's no shame in nominating yourself. 

You can nominate stellar volunteers (or yourself) for The President's Volunteer Service Award.  This award is based on hours spent volunteering and is offered to both adults and children.  There are 4 awards given. 

Award Criteria

Any individual, family, or group can receive Presidential recognition for volunteer hours earned over a 12-month period or over the course of a lifetime at home or abroad. The following are the eligibility requirements for each age group:

• Kids: Age 5-14
• Young Adults: Individual Age 15-25
• Adults: Individual Age 26 +

 

Presidential Volunteer Service Award Criteria

Bronze Level

Kids: 50 to 74 hours
Young Adults: 100 to 174 hours
Adults: 100 to 249 hours
Family & Groups: 200 to 499 hours

 

Presidential Volunteer Service Award Criteria

Silver Level.

Kids: 75 to 99 hours
Young Adults: 175 to 249 hours
Adults: 250 to 499 hours
Family & Groups: 500 to 999 hours

 

Presidential Volunteer Service Award Criteria

Gold Level.

Kids: 100 hours or more
Young Adults: 250 hours or more
Adults: 500 hours or more
Family & Groups: 1000 hours or more

President’s Call to Service Award

 

Presidential Volunteer Service Award Criteria

All Ages
4,000 hours or more of volunteer service (over a lifetime).

 

You can find more information here

31 Days of Service: Peace Man

 
I was just speaking with a friend this weekend about getting our MBA's.  She wanted to find a way to get it without having to take out student loans.  She, like I, certainly can't afford to just pay for it out of pocket.  On my ride home, I thought about a guy that I met about a year ago that joined the Peace Corps.  Right now he's in Mongolia with the Peace Corps, sharing his business acumen.  He'd shared with me that when he returns, he thinks that he'll go to grad school since the Peace Corps offers to pay for a portion of his education.

When a lot of people think of the peace corps, they think of 18 year olds, living in huts and drinking water out of rivers all day.  The Peace Corps is much more than that.  The friend that I was speaking of is in his 40's.  Once his kids graduated college, he decided to go.  You can share whatever skill you have, whether it be teaching, business, health, or community development. 

I also believe that you can choose what region you would like to help, but you may want to talk to your recruiter about that.  I do know that you can look at the map on the website to see what regions are not available anymore.

Volunteering with the Peace Corps can give you an opportunity to help an underdeveloped area, while receiving help towards your education.  Here are some other benefits.  I'll have to say, in addition to the benefits listed, I'm also attracted to learning another language for free.  That would definitely make you more marketable when you return to the U.S

Take a look at some other things that the Peace Corps  have to offer.

The Peace Corp recently had a photo contest.  Here are some that I loved.  You can see more here

Briana Scroggins
Peace Corps Malawi, 2010-2012

Life Skills

These girls take turns sewing during Village Apprentice Day at a secondary school in Malawi. As a first-year health Volunteer, Briana Scroggins arranged for her life skills class to pair with a local trade smith to teach students about basket making, sewing, knitting, carpentry, tinsmith, art, moringa tree care, baking, and jewelry making.

Pamela Rogers

Peace Corps Lesotho, 2007-2009

Cultural Exchange

A Peace Corps Volunteer and a herd boy enjoy time together at Semonkong Falls in Lesotho. Children in Lesotho are usually curious about white skin and this boy really wanted to check out the Volunteer's hand. This duo was with a group of children and Volunteers who hiked throughout the afternoon

Melanie Chamberlain

Peace Corps Senegal, 2009-2011

Music is a Universal Language

After a long day of language classes during pre-service training in Senegal, Volunteer Melanie Chamberlain finds a quiet corner in her family compound to sit and listen to music with one of her young host brothers. The pair sat and listened to music together the rest of the evening.

Chris De Bruyn

Peace Corps Mongolia, 2007-2009

Picnic Song

Waiting for freshly slaughtered sheep to boil, some community friends enjoy drinks and music in the Darkhan–uul Aimag countryside of Mongolia.

 

Julie Smith

Peace Corps Madagascar, 2009-2011

Riding through the Avenue of Baobabs

Volunteer Julie Smith took this picture at the Avenue of Baobabs in Madagascar in 2011.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kathleen Moriarty

Peace Corps Federated States of Micronesia, 2009-2011

Elementary School Graduation in Yap

The volunteer took this photo on June 13, 2010, on the island of Yap in Micronesia. Eighth grade graduation is a very important event in Yap, and family members celebrate the new graduates with nuwnuws (necklaces) made of flowers, yarn, ciggarette filters, and candy. This photo shows me, the 8th grade teacher, putting a nuwnuw on my graduating student, while parents and family members look on.

 

Do you know anyone who has served in the Peace Corps?  Have you ever thought about it?

31 Days of Service - Orphaned Children

(Image courtesy of www.childrensartvillage.org)

 

When I was  eighteen years old, my mother died after a short fight with an aggressive and painful cancer. A few years later my father also passed.  I feel their absence every moment of my life.  There was a time when I could not have cared less whether I lived or died.  In those moments of self-pity and sorrow, I reminded myself and still remind myself that I was fortunate to have had loving and supportive parents for the short time I did.  Unfortunately, so many children will never know that love. Now that I am a parent nothing scares me more than my death. The thought of not being here for them is terrifying.  As a result of my loss and the gift of motherhood, few things in this life break my heart more than children who have been orphaned.  The bond between a parent and child is something that cannot be substituted but the impact of parental absence can be made more tolerable through the love of others and healthy outlets.  Today, I would like to recognize some organization that seek to provide a better quality of life for orphaned children.  I have listed some of these amazing organizations below:

Children's Art Village (www.childrensartvillage.org) - In Ghana and India, Children's Art Village seeks to instill self-confidence and self-awareness in orphaned children via dance, singing, and art. If you are interested in volunteering, Children's Art Village is looking for volunteers to teach painting, music, drama, dancing, and photography abroad.  The organization also accepts donations. 

Shoes for Orphan Souls (www.shoesfororphansouls.org) - Just as its name suggests, Shoes for Orphan Soul has devoted its mission to providing shoes for orphans.  The organization has provided "more than 2 million pair of shoes to orphaned children in the United States and 74 countries around the world." You can get involved by donating new shoes, socks, and/or shoelaces; hosting a shoe drive; or making a cash donation.

All for Children (www.allforchildren.org) - All for Children is a non-profit adoption agency offering domestic and international adoption services to birth parents and adoptive parents.  The agency also advocates for older children and children with special needs who are in need of loving families to adopt them.  Even if you are not considering adopting a child at this time, All for Children accepts monetary donations.

Many more organization are doing great work to help orphaned children.  There are so many ways to contribute.  We hope that you will.

Are you considering adoption or have adopted? What has been your experience? Do you volunteer in other ways?  Share your story in our comments section.

31 Days of Service: Get up Get out and Get Something

You hear us speak many times on Blushblog about our weight woes. We are always trying to find an exercise program that we can stick to. The one thing that I know that I don't like are the gym fees. I could really do without it. So could many other americans that need to get their fitness level up. Healthy americans are strong americans.

Anyone can start a charitable exercise program. If you have the skill or know someone with the skill, maybe start a free zumba class in your local park or rec center. Start a group walk around a local track. Can you shake your grove thang? Start a free line dancing or salsa class. Or rotate them all.

Everything in our lives starts with health and fitness. Sometimes all that person next to you needs is an extra push.

You can sign up your free class on Meetup.com. Maybe you and some of your friends can each pick a month and choose the exercise. That way, the program doesn't get old. One day a month would be a great start to wonderful health!