The document summarizes the agenda and discussions from a meeting of RCoHH, a student group focused on tackling poverty and homelessness in Houston. The meeting included recaps of recent sandwich-making and consulting projects helping the homeless, as well as discussions around future photojournalism and youth homelessness initiatives. Members also shared lessons from consulting homeless clients directly and brainstormed ways to collaborate with other local housing and advocacy groups.
The document outlines plans for a new techno club night in the city. It would be held at The Fez Club, a venue that hosts a wide variety of music genres. The goal is to bring the local community together through healthy and informed partying focused on techno music. An information stand would provide resources on substance use and promote harm reduction. The club night aims to give partygoers a new option, spread techno music, create an informed clubbing culture, and find new local talent. It does not face direct competition from other local clubs that focus on genres like EDM, urban music, and alternative styles.
This document discusses poor housing conditions in Hong Kong. It describes cage homes and extremely small, overcrowded flats that are often shared by 16-20 people and have only one bathroom. The causes of poor housing include lack of money and being underprivileged. The perspectives of the government, cage dwellers, and concerned organizations are examined. The authors conducted research from reliable websites and using the DC Inquiry Model. Their actions to address this issue included a bake sale that raised $860, a donation box in the shape of a cage, and donating blankets to a community center.
The Chinatown area in Chicago is located south of downtown, spanning from Cermak Road to Wentworth Avenue. It is home to about 70,000 people and is the second largest Chinatown in the United States. Chinatowns developed in the late 19th century due to discrimination from the Chinese Exclusion Act. Over time, the boundaries of Chicago's Chinatown have expanded to accommodate population growth. While the original culture has remained, newer foreign investment has brought modern development and amenities. The area now represents a diversity of social identities, although nearly half of residents are foreign-born and over half do not speak English well.
This is the presentation that me and my wife Nathalie presented at the World Refugee Day 2012 event that was hosted by the Museum of Photographic Arts in San Diego, CA. This event was focused on highlighting and celebrating refugee issues from around the world. This event was sponsored by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. Find out more about our work at: www.cultureasart.com.
Jesus Campos chose to document a suburban neighborhood in Lockport, NY for a photo walk slide show. During the walk around Walnut Street, Campos observed well-maintained homes and apartments nearby. The area provided easy access to businesses, golf courses, and sports fields within minutes. Campos concluded that the suburban lifestyle appeals to those seeking more space and privacy while still residing near work, stores, and activities.
The document summarizes a photo walk around the Walnut Street area in Lockport, NY. It describes the suburban neighborhood as having well-maintained homes, nearby apartments, businesses along Davidson Rd like restaurants and bars, and recreational areas like golf courses and sports fields. The walk showed how the suburban lifestyle provides space and privacy while still being close to amenities, giving residents a comfortable and safe feeling.
Eric Phelps of RAINMAKER Consulting gave a presentation on communicating fundraising messages to donors. He reviewed principles of effective storytelling using the SUCCESs model (Simple, Unexpected, Concrete, Credible, Emotional, Stories). Examples of successful nonprofit videos were shared that incorporated these principles. Attendees then practiced crafting fundraising messages and stories for their own organizations. The presentation emphasized the importance of thanking donors for their support.
The document outlines plans for a new techno club night in the city. It would be held at The Fez Club, a venue that hosts a wide variety of music genres. The goal is to bring the local community together through healthy and informed partying focused on techno music. An information stand would provide resources on substance use and promote harm reduction. The club night aims to give partygoers a new option, spread techno music, create an informed clubbing culture, and find new local talent. It does not face direct competition from other local clubs that focus on genres like EDM, urban music, and alternative styles.
This document discusses poor housing conditions in Hong Kong. It describes cage homes and extremely small, overcrowded flats that are often shared by 16-20 people and have only one bathroom. The causes of poor housing include lack of money and being underprivileged. The perspectives of the government, cage dwellers, and concerned organizations are examined. The authors conducted research from reliable websites and using the DC Inquiry Model. Their actions to address this issue included a bake sale that raised $860, a donation box in the shape of a cage, and donating blankets to a community center.
The Chinatown area in Chicago is located south of downtown, spanning from Cermak Road to Wentworth Avenue. It is home to about 70,000 people and is the second largest Chinatown in the United States. Chinatowns developed in the late 19th century due to discrimination from the Chinese Exclusion Act. Over time, the boundaries of Chicago's Chinatown have expanded to accommodate population growth. While the original culture has remained, newer foreign investment has brought modern development and amenities. The area now represents a diversity of social identities, although nearly half of residents are foreign-born and over half do not speak English well.
This is the presentation that me and my wife Nathalie presented at the World Refugee Day 2012 event that was hosted by the Museum of Photographic Arts in San Diego, CA. This event was focused on highlighting and celebrating refugee issues from around the world. This event was sponsored by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. Find out more about our work at: www.cultureasart.com.
Jesus Campos chose to document a suburban neighborhood in Lockport, NY for a photo walk slide show. During the walk around Walnut Street, Campos observed well-maintained homes and apartments nearby. The area provided easy access to businesses, golf courses, and sports fields within minutes. Campos concluded that the suburban lifestyle appeals to those seeking more space and privacy while still residing near work, stores, and activities.
The document summarizes a photo walk around the Walnut Street area in Lockport, NY. It describes the suburban neighborhood as having well-maintained homes, nearby apartments, businesses along Davidson Rd like restaurants and bars, and recreational areas like golf courses and sports fields. The walk showed how the suburban lifestyle provides space and privacy while still being close to amenities, giving residents a comfortable and safe feeling.
Eric Phelps of RAINMAKER Consulting gave a presentation on communicating fundraising messages to donors. He reviewed principles of effective storytelling using the SUCCESs model (Simple, Unexpected, Concrete, Credible, Emotional, Stories). Examples of successful nonprofit videos were shared that incorporated these principles. Attendees then practiced crafting fundraising messages and stories for their own organizations. The presentation emphasized the importance of thanking donors for their support.
EPIP Webinar: The Power of Advocacy for LGBTQ Communities from All Levels of ...Elizabeth - Biz - Ghormley
2015 was a year of major shifts in rights and awareness for LGBTQ communities. The Supreme Court ruled in favor of same sex marriage. Trans issues receive an unprecedented awareness. Politicians made major commitments toward the end of AIDS. How did these legal, cultural and political actions translate to actual investment in the programs and organizations funding change for LGBTQ issues?
Funders for LGBTQ Issues' Annual Tracking Report - to be released on February 24 - analyzes the trends, gaps, and opportunities related to LGBTQ grantmaking.
Join Funders for LGBTQ Issues staff and young grantmakers with experience advocating internally at their organizations for increased LGBTQ funding for an important conversation. You will leave with a better understanding of the current state of LGBTQ philanthropy and tools to help your institution better support LGBTQ communities.
Speakers:
Naa Hammond, Research & Communications Associate, Funders for LGBTQ Issues
Kristi Andrasik, Program Officer, The Cleveland Foundation
Luis Vivaldi, Program Associate, Foundation for a Just Society
an interactive workshop where you learn more about:
The history of housing & homelessness
The range of resources available to low-income & homeless individuals/families
The cost of homeless & the solutions
Practice what you learn with hands-on activities like case-studies and leave with valuable, information as well as suggestions for locally specific resources you can display for patrons at your library.
This document summarizes an asset-based community development workshop. It introduces asset-based community development (ABCD) as an alternative to the traditional needs-based approach. ABCD focuses on identifying the skills, talents, and assets within a community rather than focusing on deficiencies. The workshop teaches techniques for asset mapping individuals and communities to discover strengths and make connections between people and groups. The goal is to encourage local communities to work together to achieve extraordinary things using their own assets.
The document provides an overview of a workshop on understanding culture differences using the Culture Bump approach. It introduces the four main Culture Bump tools: 1) using a common language, 2) redefining culture, 3) an 8-step process for responding to differences, and 4) understanding the cultural adjustment cycle. The workshop covers exploring different types of cultural information, defining what a culture bump is, practicing identifying different identity "bits and pieces", going through the 8 steps for responding to culture bumps, and learning about the cultural adjustment cycle people experience when moving between cultures.
Red Sweater Society: Weaving Together Gaps Caused by GentrificationDeirdre Walsh
The Red Sweater Society aims to address opportunity gaps caused by gentrification in Austin, Texas by encouraging local businesses contributing to neighborhood changes to become partners, rather than displacers, of the existing community. The Society proposes five steps for businesses to take: 1) become informed on community challenges and needs through data resources, 2) be inclusive through diversity-focused practices, 3) give back to community needs, 4) inspire others by sharing social stories, and 5) be rewarded for achievements with a recognition sticker. The goal is to bring opportunity to existing residents by leveraging business resources for community benefit.
1) The Rice Coalition on Hunger and Homelessness (RCoHH) is a student-led group that focuses on tackling homelessness and poverty in Houston through food distribution services, advocacy, and raising awareness of issues facing the homeless population.
2) Houston has a significant homeless population, with over 40,000 experiencing homelessness annually and over 13,500 homeless at any given time. Common causes of homelessness include mental illness, substance abuse, being part of the foster system, and lack of affordable housing.
3) RCoHH addresses the needs of the local homeless community through events like making sack lunches for distribution, photojournalism projects that raise visibility, and panels/speakers that
The document discusses the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (TRC), which was established to address the legacy and harms of the Indian Residential School system. The TRC's mandate is to educate Canadians about this history, gather statements from survivors and others involved, and promote reconciliation. It will complete its work over a five-year period through statement gathering, national and community events, research and reporting, and commemorating the residential school legacy. The TRC encourages participation and sharing of experiences to further its reconciliation process.
Skokie, Illinois has a diverse population, with over 50% speaking a language other than English at home and over 90 languages spoken. The document discusses SkokieNet, a community information network maintained by the Skokie Library, community partners, and volunteers, that provides information about organizations, events, and demographics. The library plays an active role in building community connections through SkokieNet, partnering with local organizations, and providing programs and services like assistance from a Congresswoman's office. Teen volunteers help interview residents, document events, and create content for the community network.
The Advertising Standards Authority banned anti-begging posters published by Nottingham City Council for reinforcing negative stereotypes about homeless people. The posters implied that money given to beggars would be spent on drugs, alcohol or fraud. Over 2,000 people signed a petition criticizing the posters for vilifying the homeless. The ASA ruled that the posters portrayed all beggars in a negative, disingenuous way. The council leader said they wanted a hard-hitting message but may appeal the decision.
In this webinar, speakers Patti Uplinger (Consultant and Coordinator at the Lanterman Housing Alliance) and Kristine McCann (Executive Director of the Bay Area Housing Corporation) will discuss:
- The importance of housing planning
- Different housing options
- Subsidized housing
- SSI benefits / ABLE Act
- Statewide Housing Plan
- Sources of help / advocacy
This document provides information about the charity Shelter and their work helping the homeless population in Britain. It discusses Shelter's history beginning in 1966 to address poor housing conditions. Currently, Shelter provides housing advice and legal support to millions each year. They also campaign for policy changes and funding to help the homeless. Some of Shelter's key achievements include influencing a 1977 law requiring local authorities to house the homeless. However, issues around affordable housing and homelessness still exist. Shelter continues working to help as many people as possible obtain stable housing.
The document discusses homelessness and various organizations that work to address it. It defines homelessness as lacking a regular place to live and staying in emergency shelters or other temporary spaces. It lists several common causes of homelessness like lack of living wage, illness, abuse, or mental health issues. It notes the large numbers of homeless people in Canada including 65,000 homeless youth. Several organizations are highlighted that work to advocate for affordable housing and help homeless individuals, like the Canadian Housing & Renewal Association, Covenant House, and The Scott Mission. The missions of these organizations focus on providing basic necessities, dignity, and support to help those experiencing homelessness.
Homelessness refers to people without permanent housing such as a house or apartment. While homelessness has existed since the 1640s, it was exacerbated by cuts to housing programs in the 1980s. Common causes of homelessness include loss of income, domestic violence, mental illness, and substance abuse. Those experiencing homelessness often have health problems, substance abuse issues, and higher rates of crime and suicide. Services that can help the homeless population include employment assistance, housing, mental health and substance abuse treatment, food banks, and shelters. However, providers face challenges like lack of shelter space and funding as well as clients' lack of skills or untreated conditions. Effective interventions include referrals to services, assistance obtaining IDs, and motivational
The presentation covered homelessness from several perspectives. Charisma provided basic research on the issue and its importance given Toronto's growing population. Shanshan analyzed the root causes such as economic recession, lack of affordable housing, and addiction. She also discussed effects on society like increased government costs and crime. May and Jay proposed social actions like volunteering or donating to Covenant House Toronto, which provides services to homeless youth. They also mentioned Five Days for the Homeless, a campaign where students live homeless to raise awareness and funds.
This document discusses global nomads and third culture kids (TCKs). It defines a TCK as someone who spent a significant part of their developmental years overseas, and a global nomad as someone who spent time overseas because of their father's career. The document explores some of the challenges and opportunities of this lifestyle, noting that different families experience the transitions differently. It provides resources for understanding the cultural issues TCKs face in preparing for transitions.
The document discusses multiculturalism in the UK. It defines multiculturalism as describing a society where people of many different backgrounds live together. It also notes that multiculturalism refers to government policies that seek to give equal status to all social, ethnic, religious and cultural groups in a country. The document then examines views from a 2005 BBC poll that found most British people believe multiculturalism makes Britain better, but also think people should adopt British values and traditions when immigrating. It explores some of the advantages and disadvantages of multiculturalism and immigration.
A workshop exploring how to design individualised and community-focused support for older people. Developed in partnership with ACH Group and delivered in Adelaide on 4th December 2014.
EPIP Webinar: The Power of Advocacy for LGBTQ Communities from All Levels of ...Elizabeth - Biz - Ghormley
2015 was a year of major shifts in rights and awareness for LGBTQ communities. The Supreme Court ruled in favor of same sex marriage. Trans issues receive an unprecedented awareness. Politicians made major commitments toward the end of AIDS. How did these legal, cultural and political actions translate to actual investment in the programs and organizations funding change for LGBTQ issues?
Funders for LGBTQ Issues' Annual Tracking Report - to be released on February 24 - analyzes the trends, gaps, and opportunities related to LGBTQ grantmaking.
Join Funders for LGBTQ Issues staff and young grantmakers with experience advocating internally at their organizations for increased LGBTQ funding for an important conversation. You will leave with a better understanding of the current state of LGBTQ philanthropy and tools to help your institution better support LGBTQ communities.
Speakers:
Naa Hammond, Research & Communications Associate, Funders for LGBTQ Issues
Kristi Andrasik, Program Officer, The Cleveland Foundation
Luis Vivaldi, Program Associate, Foundation for a Just Society
an interactive workshop where you learn more about:
The history of housing & homelessness
The range of resources available to low-income & homeless individuals/families
The cost of homeless & the solutions
Practice what you learn with hands-on activities like case-studies and leave with valuable, information as well as suggestions for locally specific resources you can display for patrons at your library.
This document summarizes an asset-based community development workshop. It introduces asset-based community development (ABCD) as an alternative to the traditional needs-based approach. ABCD focuses on identifying the skills, talents, and assets within a community rather than focusing on deficiencies. The workshop teaches techniques for asset mapping individuals and communities to discover strengths and make connections between people and groups. The goal is to encourage local communities to work together to achieve extraordinary things using their own assets.
The document provides an overview of a workshop on understanding culture differences using the Culture Bump approach. It introduces the four main Culture Bump tools: 1) using a common language, 2) redefining culture, 3) an 8-step process for responding to differences, and 4) understanding the cultural adjustment cycle. The workshop covers exploring different types of cultural information, defining what a culture bump is, practicing identifying different identity "bits and pieces", going through the 8 steps for responding to culture bumps, and learning about the cultural adjustment cycle people experience when moving between cultures.
Red Sweater Society: Weaving Together Gaps Caused by GentrificationDeirdre Walsh
The Red Sweater Society aims to address opportunity gaps caused by gentrification in Austin, Texas by encouraging local businesses contributing to neighborhood changes to become partners, rather than displacers, of the existing community. The Society proposes five steps for businesses to take: 1) become informed on community challenges and needs through data resources, 2) be inclusive through diversity-focused practices, 3) give back to community needs, 4) inspire others by sharing social stories, and 5) be rewarded for achievements with a recognition sticker. The goal is to bring opportunity to existing residents by leveraging business resources for community benefit.
1) The Rice Coalition on Hunger and Homelessness (RCoHH) is a student-led group that focuses on tackling homelessness and poverty in Houston through food distribution services, advocacy, and raising awareness of issues facing the homeless population.
2) Houston has a significant homeless population, with over 40,000 experiencing homelessness annually and over 13,500 homeless at any given time. Common causes of homelessness include mental illness, substance abuse, being part of the foster system, and lack of affordable housing.
3) RCoHH addresses the needs of the local homeless community through events like making sack lunches for distribution, photojournalism projects that raise visibility, and panels/speakers that
The document discusses the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (TRC), which was established to address the legacy and harms of the Indian Residential School system. The TRC's mandate is to educate Canadians about this history, gather statements from survivors and others involved, and promote reconciliation. It will complete its work over a five-year period through statement gathering, national and community events, research and reporting, and commemorating the residential school legacy. The TRC encourages participation and sharing of experiences to further its reconciliation process.
Skokie, Illinois has a diverse population, with over 50% speaking a language other than English at home and over 90 languages spoken. The document discusses SkokieNet, a community information network maintained by the Skokie Library, community partners, and volunteers, that provides information about organizations, events, and demographics. The library plays an active role in building community connections through SkokieNet, partnering with local organizations, and providing programs and services like assistance from a Congresswoman's office. Teen volunteers help interview residents, document events, and create content for the community network.
The Advertising Standards Authority banned anti-begging posters published by Nottingham City Council for reinforcing negative stereotypes about homeless people. The posters implied that money given to beggars would be spent on drugs, alcohol or fraud. Over 2,000 people signed a petition criticizing the posters for vilifying the homeless. The ASA ruled that the posters portrayed all beggars in a negative, disingenuous way. The council leader said they wanted a hard-hitting message but may appeal the decision.
In this webinar, speakers Patti Uplinger (Consultant and Coordinator at the Lanterman Housing Alliance) and Kristine McCann (Executive Director of the Bay Area Housing Corporation) will discuss:
- The importance of housing planning
- Different housing options
- Subsidized housing
- SSI benefits / ABLE Act
- Statewide Housing Plan
- Sources of help / advocacy
This document provides information about the charity Shelter and their work helping the homeless population in Britain. It discusses Shelter's history beginning in 1966 to address poor housing conditions. Currently, Shelter provides housing advice and legal support to millions each year. They also campaign for policy changes and funding to help the homeless. Some of Shelter's key achievements include influencing a 1977 law requiring local authorities to house the homeless. However, issues around affordable housing and homelessness still exist. Shelter continues working to help as many people as possible obtain stable housing.
The document discusses homelessness and various organizations that work to address it. It defines homelessness as lacking a regular place to live and staying in emergency shelters or other temporary spaces. It lists several common causes of homelessness like lack of living wage, illness, abuse, or mental health issues. It notes the large numbers of homeless people in Canada including 65,000 homeless youth. Several organizations are highlighted that work to advocate for affordable housing and help homeless individuals, like the Canadian Housing & Renewal Association, Covenant House, and The Scott Mission. The missions of these organizations focus on providing basic necessities, dignity, and support to help those experiencing homelessness.
Homelessness refers to people without permanent housing such as a house or apartment. While homelessness has existed since the 1640s, it was exacerbated by cuts to housing programs in the 1980s. Common causes of homelessness include loss of income, domestic violence, mental illness, and substance abuse. Those experiencing homelessness often have health problems, substance abuse issues, and higher rates of crime and suicide. Services that can help the homeless population include employment assistance, housing, mental health and substance abuse treatment, food banks, and shelters. However, providers face challenges like lack of shelter space and funding as well as clients' lack of skills or untreated conditions. Effective interventions include referrals to services, assistance obtaining IDs, and motivational
The presentation covered homelessness from several perspectives. Charisma provided basic research on the issue and its importance given Toronto's growing population. Shanshan analyzed the root causes such as economic recession, lack of affordable housing, and addiction. She also discussed effects on society like increased government costs and crime. May and Jay proposed social actions like volunteering or donating to Covenant House Toronto, which provides services to homeless youth. They also mentioned Five Days for the Homeless, a campaign where students live homeless to raise awareness and funds.
This document discusses global nomads and third culture kids (TCKs). It defines a TCK as someone who spent a significant part of their developmental years overseas, and a global nomad as someone who spent time overseas because of their father's career. The document explores some of the challenges and opportunities of this lifestyle, noting that different families experience the transitions differently. It provides resources for understanding the cultural issues TCKs face in preparing for transitions.
The document discusses multiculturalism in the UK. It defines multiculturalism as describing a society where people of many different backgrounds live together. It also notes that multiculturalism refers to government policies that seek to give equal status to all social, ethnic, religious and cultural groups in a country. The document then examines views from a 2005 BBC poll that found most British people believe multiculturalism makes Britain better, but also think people should adopt British values and traditions when immigrating. It explores some of the advantages and disadvantages of multiculturalism and immigration.
A workshop exploring how to design individualised and community-focused support for older people. Developed in partnership with ACH Group and delivered in Adelaide on 4th December 2014.
2. New Members?
RCOHH
Welcome New Faces… (and old)!
Introduce yourselves!
• Name…
• What you do…
• How you heard about RCoHH
• Why you’re here.
3. Group Mission…
RCOHH
“So… what’s RCoHH?”
“The Rice Coalition on Hunger and Homelessness is a
student-led service and advocacy group focused on
tackling systemic poverty and homelessness in
Houston.”
4. Group Mission…
RCOHH
Put simply…
We’re looking for ways to help the folks in need:
• Stay well-fed.
• Be uplifted out of poverty.
• And have others be made aware of their existence.
12. Begin… Owls Consulting
Owls Consulting
Seeks to partner volunteers
directly with homeless
individuals looking for help.
13. The Story of a Sad Sandwich…
And so…
Our young idealistic
protagonist ventures off to
hear stories of injustice,
abuse, poverty, and
suffering.
14. The Story of a Sad Sandwich…
Only to hear the refrains:
“Nope. I don’t need anything”
“I’d say 90-95% of the people out
here just want to be homeless.”
“I just want weed”
18. Client #1: T.
RCOHH
• Photo hidden for privacy.
• Client #1 is the perfect example of a homeless man who
genuinely needs help…
19. Client #1: T.
RCOHH
• 42 year old from New Mexico.
• Moved to Houston 3 months ago. Has been homeless
since.
• Likely suffering from low-level schizophrenia
• Requests:
• Recently, robbed at the Beacon. ID stolen. Unable to
obtain recurring benefits.
• Likely needs help with mental issues.
20. Client #2: P.
RCOHH
• Elderly Ethiopian man. Previously worked for Methodist.
• Using disability ($800) to pay for apartment. Landlords
abusive. Cost is too high. Likely to end up in shelter.
• Requests:
o Looking for help identifying low-cost housing (~$300)
21. Client #3/4:J&E.
RCOHH
• Former Veteran. Real chatty.
• Had been homeless for many months. Recently found
homeowner willing to spare a room for cost.
• Requests:
• Looking for way to secure benefits
o Food Stamps
o Medicare
o Social Security
• Looking to recover fiancé's ID after stolen at SEARCH
22. **** Client #5: L.
RCOHH
• Elderly Hispanic lady. Mother of three.
• Unemployed after recent operation. Currently staying with
daughter-in-law. Likely to be kicked out in next few
weeks.
• Requests:
• Looking for help applying for jobs
o Need help making resume
o Need help identifying places that are hiring
o Need help applying online (no internet access)
• Looking for low-cost housing or other benefits.
23. Lessons thus far…
RCOHH
Big lessons from our recent attempt to identify clients…
• Better to create conversations with people at
sites directly.
• Cards travel much further than expected.
• Homeless community is incredibly varied.
24. Next Step:
RCOHH
Applications for Consultants
• Client Interfacing:
• This type of consultant will be responsible for directly
contacting and maintaining connection with the client. Will
provide status reports and may end up meeting with client.
• Rice Researcher:
• This type of consultant will be responsible for researching
opportunities, performing assistance from Rice. (No travel
required).
38. One Voice Texas (OVT)
A network of public, private, and nonprofit organizations in the greater Houston
area using collaboration, capacity-building, and advocacy to ensure the health
and human services needs of all Texans are addressed.
OVT Homeless Initiatives
1. Increase Awareness
2. Expand the number of providers
3. Expand the opportunities for targeted populations to receive services
OVT has youth and adult-specific initiatives
39. Collaboration with RCoHH
•Speaker series featuring Dr Katherine Barillas, OVT Director of Child Welfare
Policy (and others)
•Workshops on legislative process and public health work
•Student involvement in Texas legislative process
•Potential for new partnerships, opportunities, and connections
40. “Everybody has a birthday. Help kids in
homeless shelters celebrate theirs”-
Dosomething.org
41. Over 1 million children experience
homelessness every year. Many kids’
birthdays fall while they are in a shelter,
making it hard to celebrate.
Creating and Sending a homemade birthday
card to a shelter will help ensure that
everyone is celebrated on their special day
42. Create on homemade birthday card
Take a picture of you and the card
We can take pictures for you and email them to
you if you don’t have a camera or smart phone
with you
Submit the picture online to have your name
entered once for a chance to win a $4,000
scholarship
Create 2 more cards to enter your name
again… and your name can be entered an
infinite # of times
Due by October 11th
43. Laura will mail all of the cards made in this
meeting in a manilla folder to the shelter
We will be sending our cards to either the
Star of Hope Mission
or
Covenant House Texas
Feel free to make more on your own!
The website is DoSomething.org for more
information
44. Gender neutral
Age neutral
Blank on the inside
The shelter will write in a personal note
to the kid or teen.
Please don’t write your own name on
the card
Get creative!
Drawing of well known cartoon
characters, such as despicable me
minions, seem to be thoroughly enjoyed
Editor's Notes
speakers, partners with national policy experts to hold forum with Mayor Annise ParkerPolicy recommendations- success: SB 717 (West) which now allows youth who are homeless, without support, and 16 or 17 years old to consent on their own to housing and services from a transitional living program.
Ahmed and Marina met with OVT Director of Child Welfare Policy to discuss. Barillas is interested in holding a meeting of OVT members to talk about our upcoming projects and bring RCoHH to the community’s attentionWe can also set up workshops and speaker events with OVT members to talk about how to get involved (careers) in legislation and public health if that is something students are interested in. OVT has a huge network of over 100 members that could participate.OVT makes suggestions to the Texas House, and RCoHH could be involved either via letter writing and calling, or potentially in a more substantial way