Let's Get Out and Vote by November 5th for Kamala Harris and Tim Walz 2024

 

I've been doing my own election poll to get a feel for what people are feeling about this upcoming election.  Most everyone I polled are sick of limited thinking government and are looking to say no more of the hate and greed that plaques our country. Overwhelming support for Kamala Harris and Tim Walz to become the next Presidental administration. So many have already voted and share their vote information with me in pleasure and joy. #WEARENOTGOINGBACK 

Being the family community advocate that I am I share with those who are still undecided that public education is on the chopping block this election and we really can't afford to lose that public resource. So please don't play with your vote and vote for non-party affiliation candidates. Please make the vote to move our country forward and stop the attacks on public education. Our families and communities need support services that our public schools offer. Honestly, we need a public education roundtable table to add more of our voices to the direction of public education and our country. 

I'm planning to host conversation with our registered black males about this upcoming election. The fact that Trump is on their radar means we haven't been in touch with black males. I talked with one who went on about the border. I asked him to fact check the concern because we all want safe borders and not political hype. GLENDALE, Arizona — Less than 200 miles from the southern border, Vice President Kamala Harris promised to fight for “strong border security,” going after Donald Trump for killing immigration legislation that would have curtailed asylum and promising to sign such a bill into law if elected.\ 

I also keep hearing that black business did better under Trump with those PPA loans that totally created covid inflation that hasn't gone away. Truth be told is that the Biden Harris Administration has supported more black business with getting their business in order and continual funding opportunities not a one-time inflation producing fix on our society. I challenge them to fact check the concerns!! 

FACT SHEET: The Biden-⁠Harris Administration Advances Equity and Opportunity for Black Americans and Communities Across the Country

If you know anything about me and my family community advocacy platforms, then you know that ending prison gerrymandering and implementing restorative justice for all is one of my passions. No way would I support anyone looking to lock us up and throw away the key. Let's address the concern of Vice President Kamala Harris doing her job as a prosecutor locking people up for crimes they committed. Kamala didn't destroy the lives of innocent black men like Trump did with public billboards. I'm looking so forward to these conversations!! We will air our conversation on our social media handles. I plan to share a blog with links to our conversations!!

Let's get past the hate and greed in this country and help make our country work for all of us!! An #OpportunityEconomy is what I'm most excited about with the Harris Walz Administration. $6000 more in child tax credits would help so many families. $25,000 to assist in purchasing a home, help build our family legacies. $25,000 to support small businesses is also a major plus!! Let's get ourselves in the position to be able to become homeowners!!

To check your registration status

https://www.pavoterservices.pa.gov/pages/voterregistrationstatus.aspx

 

 

To Register

https://www.pavoterservices.pa.gov/Pages/VoterRegistrationApplication.aspx

 

 

On-Line Mail In ballot application

https://www.pavoterservices.pa.gov/OnlineAbsenteeApplication/#/OnlineMailInBegin

Need a ride to the polls? 

Turning America Bluer: Rideshare2Vote

 

My Independent Vote In 2024

I choose to be an independent so that my voice can be heard as mine and not of a party. I stopped voting, mainly in local elections but I have missed at least one presidential election. My vote aka my voice is powerful, all who are 18 or older and a citizen share this power in shaping policy aka the leadership of our country. Let's examine the policies that are being proposed and our role in making the policies that we agree with a reality on November 5, 2024!!

In my observation, one campaign is promoting division, hate and not losing their Gentry in America. Project 2025 really shares the conservative people’s point of view in our society. The attack on The Department of Education has been taking place for years. Project 2025 looks to dismantle public education from federal responsibility and privatize The Department of Education. Our livelihood from parent, student to educator is being dismantled when more of our public resources are outsourced for profit. The conservatives shaped this policy for who they would like to see in a leader. Destroying a foundational resource like public education would add more stress to our families in my opinion.

When planning to vote we should do the research for ourselves to understand the impact of these and other proposed policies.

This campaign is wild to me because of the character of the candidate. Want my vote to lead our country? Lead me forward not backwards!!  Have a pretty clean reputation and understand diversity in our society. I went to a rally with Gov. Walz in Lehigh Valley and learned of disturbing behaviors against lawn signs on private property. I was also told that supporters of this campaign absorb hate energy daily by listening to hate media. Some are allowing the anger to deteriorate their health.

The campaigns that I'm supporting comes from a perspective that believes in helping us in obtaining our freedom to be who we want to be and respect each other's differences. Upbringing is important to me and I like that Kamala has a strong foundation in Oakland California in a single mom household. Nothing was easy for her or her family. Her cultural background brings added understanding for how diverse we are as a nation. Her legacy in the courtroom helped shape her caring policies that has really helped so many. Her campaign is not on trial nor is her character. I feel connected to her character and love that she is promoting federal housing opportunities that create affordable housing and help people buy a home with $25,000 assistance. No hype aka lies or fear tactics taking place on this campaign. If we get ourselves in position we can help Kamala help us with legacy building assets. 

We don't need disruption to our resources and support services. We need to make sure that we and our households are registered to vote, with a plan to vote together November 5th or by early mail in vote!! We also have to vote in support for Kamala by voting Democrats on your entire ballot!! If they are running unopposed you don't have to vote for them if you don't like their character.

Deadline Alert: 10/21/2024 is the last day to register before the 11/05/2024 election.

If you are not a U.S. citizen and a resident of Pennsylvania at least 30 days before the next election, you CANNOT register to vote.

If you have any questions, please call 1.877.VOTESPA (1.877.868.3772).

Your registration is not complete until processed and accepted by your county voter registration office.

To vote in the next election, you must complete your application by 10/21/2024. You can submit your application:

• On this web site

• Delivered to your county voter registration office.

• By mail to your county voter registration office, received by 10/21/2024.
  Click here to download a blank voter registration form

• If you are on active duty in the military, or you are a hospitalized or bedridden veteran, you can register at any time. See www.fvap.gov for more information.

In Pennsylvania, any registered voter can request to get a ballot by mail. Fill out the mail ballot application and mail or return it in person to your local election office. 

What should I do if I don't get my ballot? 

If you don't receive your ballot in the mail, then contact your local election office. 

How do I return my ballot? 

• Read the instructions carefully on how to mark and return your ballot. Remember to include the date on your ballot and return envelope. Learn more about completing and returning your mail ballot from the Pennsylvania Department of State.

• You can return your ballot by mail or by visiting a dedicated drop off location. 

• Find a ballot drop off location near you.

• If you choose to return your ballot by mail, the United States Postal Service (USPS) recommends that voters mail their completed ballots at least one week before the due date. Find a USPS location near you.

Remake Learning Day Events May 4th 2024

 

If you are into fun family events, then Remake Learning Day is perfect for your family!! Remake Learning Day is sponsored by our Department of Education and likes to share family learning from various organizations. Exciting times for families looking for fun family activities that are free or low cost. From April 20th to May 22nd there will be fun family activities held in libraries, ,museums, at schools, community venues and online!!

STEAM Engineers started by introducing families to video game development using the Roblox platform. We are planning to learn about making music for our video games during "STEAM Saturday: Video Game and Soundtrack Design".  

SATURDAY, MAY 410:30 AM—1:00 PMCommunity Room NEIndian Valley Public Library100 E. Church Ave, Telford, PA, 18969
Community Room WIndian Valley Public Library100 E. Church Ave, Telford, PA, 18969

Designing video game music involves composing and arranging audio tracks that dynamically enhance gameplay, evoking emotions, and immersing players in the virtual worlds through carefully crafted soundscapes and melodies. This program was made possible by a PA Smart Grant administered by VGC USA. Caregivers of children ages 10-12 must remain in the library during the program. Registration is required and starts two weeks before the program.

You don't have to wait until May 4th  11:00 am - 12:00 pm (NZDT) which is 7pm EST, to learn about the Antarctic. You can start that exploration by listening to the podcast "Everything Antarctica" and learn about pancake ice and ice shelves. Did you know that ice can form over years? Icebergs, glaciers and more have important purpose in our environment and you can explore with #EverythingAnarctica!! 

Then join us for a special recording of “Everything Antarctica”  hosted by the insightful duo, Matty Jordan and Jonny Harrison. With over 1200 days spent exploring the continent and a wealth of Antarctic expeditions under their belts, they’re poised to share captivating tales and invaluable knowledge.

Calling all families and youth to join us for an interactive experience! After an interview by RLD team member, Ariel Beach-Westmoreland, engage with the hosts as they delve into the world of Antarctica, and seize the opportunity to ask your burning questions during the interactive Q&A session. #staycool

Tor Project

 Researching ways to be safe while online, i learned about TorProject. Tor is a browser like Chrome. Tor uses DuckDuckGo to search engines. The difference is TorProject uses onion layering to mask your identity while online. I tried Tor and didn't have great success in connecting to my blog or bank account. My blog is a Google product that comes with security that i believe didn't recognize Tor and wouldn't allow Tor to open this blog to create this post. I also couldn't access my bank online with Tor. I was able to access mental health resources and search for other information. i'm interested in creating a onion website in the future so that top security measures are in affect when the site has visitors.

From the Tor page: 

Ensuring safe access to human rights research and resources

Onion services are currently the most censorship resistant technology out there because no internet provider or government can detect the connection to the .onion address or block access to it. Their encryption and decentralized nature make them valuable for whistleblowers, ensuring protection against surveillance and enabling access to information in regions with restricted internet access. That is why many news outlets, like the BBC, the New York Times, and Deutsche Welle, or social media platforms like Facebook or Reddit as well as messaging services and human rights organizations have .onion sites on the Tor network to provide secure and uncensored access for their users.

In 2022, we launched our Onion Support group to address the underutilization and lack of understanding of onion services, and further increase onion service adoption among civil society groups, and human rights organizations. We couldn't be happier that one of the most recognized human rights organizations has adopted an onion service to provide greater online protections for those seeking information, support, and advocacy. Amnesty's choice to offer an onion version of their website underlines the role of this open source privacy technology as a vital tool in our shared work of advancing human rights. We encourage others to follow suit and contribute to the broader acceptance of the Tor network and .onion sites.

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If you want to learn more about onion services and are interested in setting up your own .onion site, check out our onion service resources and get in touch. You can also ask questions and start a discussion on the Tor Project Forum.

The Tor Project provides high-level support for onion service deployment and also trains team members on everything to do with Tor to co-create advocacy campaigns around the Tor network and onion services.

Tor is also used by facebook to help with security and censorship. I'm not sure that is working because my fb group pages gets active attacks daily. Threat actors are looking to disrupt the content quality on the group page. Everyday i have to report the spam or nudity post and block the profile, which i bet are fake profiles. The threat actors were successful in discouraging others from posting and visiting the group page. So many fb users often post that their accounts have been hacked. Threat actors thirst for data, some just to make fake profiles and annoy people like myself. Stay vigilant about what we are sharing on social media and try not to give your personal information to people you don't know.

We are in political season and the hacktivist are busy with fake news. Please do your research by connecting to the political offices in your community or on their official websites. 

My next blog i will explore how we can protect our identity and fingerprints when online with any browser. Please note that threat actors are always busy looking to hack into our information, we have the power to block that nonsense when surfing the web or working on our personal devices. 

Proofing Ourselves from Cyber Attacks Using Grow with Google Cybersecurity

 I've started my journey in cybersecurity with the Grow with Google certification program. I really like the work at your own pace platform because i don't feel rushed to learn the subjects. I also like that the videos are translated so that i can take notes.Cybersecurity is important for us all to understand and incorporate in our daily online practices. The Grow with Google platform has so many resources for us to connect to and enhance our understanding of cybersecurity for personal and career growth. 

Cybersecurity aka security is working to ensure confidentialy and integrity by keeping people and  businesses, information and devices protected from unauthorized access. As a cybersecurity analyst i would help protect from risk and outside threats. This work is interesting and helps make a difference in the digital age that we are living in. Best part is Google is doing a great job with the search engine to combat cyber attacks. 

Im not sure what my role will be, but i like keeping us safe and look to host cybersecurity workshops in our communities to help more of us be safe when on our personal devices. This MLK day of service i've partnered with someCommunity partners and STEM professionals to host a family digital literacy workshop introducing our families to computer repair and maintence, cybersecurity and video game development to help bridge the digital divide and promote the lifestyle that people want to live. Entry level is $100,000 in cybersecurity and that beats minimum wage and $15/hr. In 6 months at 7 hours a week we can change our lives and make a difference supporting safe online use. 

Learning the history of how cybersecurity was created helps us to understand how often Threat Actors are looking to hack our systems. Threat Actors are any person or group of person looking to cause cyber harm to our devices, and data. You are instrumental in stopping threat actors from causing harm to your data and devices. Please take 20 minutes to go through the cybersecurity check list and put cybersecurity into practice. Be very careful when opening emails, Phisihing is one of the threat actors favorite ways of stealing information and damaging devices. Be cautious with emails that you don't recognize,  don't click on any links. Instead mark them as phisihing to stop them from coming into your inbox. A perfect example of phisihing is the I Love You virus.   Someone in the office had received an email with the subject “ILOVEYOU” and the message, “kindly check the attached LOVELETTER coming from me.” When they opened what appeared to be a text file — actually an executable program masquerading as one — the virus quickly took control, sending copies of itself to everyone in their email address book. Those recipients, thinking the email was either some weird joke or a serious declaration of love, opened the attachment in turn, spreading it even further. 

https://www.cnn.com/2020/05/01/tech/iloveyou-virus-computer-security-intl-hnk/index.html

Installing security on your devices will also help stop unauthorized access to data. Norton has different packages at a great price, we can afford to be safe online by visiting Best Buy and purchasing Norton 360 Deluxe at $19.99/per year for 3 devices. They also have some packages that come with lifelock to give added protection for a low cost. 

Cybersecurity Challenge with Code.org #QuadCyberChallenge

 

Cybersecurity is about staying safe when on our technology devices at home, on the go or for work. Protecting your data isn't hard to do. i will share what i'm learning and practicing in a series of blogs because being safe on the internet is important when trying to connect to resources. 

CODE.org is hosting the Quad Cyber Challenge

Apeil 10 - 14th. The Quad Cyber Challenge is a great way to get more people to understand protecting their data while online. The series of blogs will come from the checklist activity for the Quad Cyber Challenge

We are in the "Information Age" were "Malicious cyber actors are constantly seeking ways to exploit any opportunity to get in your systems, such as through out-of-date software, unsecure apps that leave your data exposed, or easy-to-guess passwords."

Here are four simple steps everyone should take to enhancecybersecurity at home and in the workplace:

• Think Before You Click: Recognize and Report Phishing: If a link looks a little off, think before you click. It could be an attempt to get sensitive information or install malware.
• 
  
  
  

• Update Your Software: Don't delay -- If you see a software update notification, act promptly. Better yet, turn on automatic updates. This process of protecting your data is important and should not be put off. 

• Use Strong Passwords/Passphrases: Use passwords that arelong, unique, and randomly generated. Use password managersto generate and remember different, strong passwords for eachof your accounts. A password manager will encrypt passwordssecuring them for you!

• This is how a password manager works

  Intelligent programs that generate secure passwords and store data in a secure digital vault are used in many private homes and companies. The software has an intelligent and secure algorithm and can generate new passwords at the touch of a button. Users can set various options themselves or use the default settings. You can decide on the length of the passwords, upper and lower-case letters, numbers, and special characters. With one click of the mouse, the password manager creates an extremely secure password that cannot even be cracked by an experienced hacker.

  The program stores the passwords and other registration data in a secure database, an SSL-encrypted vault. The password manager can securely store online registration data, passwords, payment details, and other personal information. Users can access their stored data from any device with the cloud functionality and automatic synchronization; however, only after users enter their unique master password.

  The automatic form filler saves a lot of time.

  On the one hand, every program creates secure passwords, while on the other hand managing all the data. Which other features are available differs among the password managers. Many developers continuously improve their software and add new, useful features. The automatic form filling function is both particularly handy and time-saving. Such forms can be found on almost all websites. With every online order, names, addresses, and many other fields must be filled in: a laborious, manual process. The password manager completely takes this off users’ hands, saving them a lot of time. All important registration information and passwords are stored in the secured database. In combination with a browser extension, the password manager can automatically fill in these data on all websites.

  Set-up and use

  1. Installation of the password manager
  2. Setting up the browser extensions
  3. Setting up the user account
  4. Generating a secure master password (must not be forgotten)
  5. Importing all data from the browsers
  6. Optional installation of a mobile app
  7. Additional security by means of two-factor authentication (if available)
  8. Local data backup or in the cloud

  Why no one should do without a password manager

  A password manager is inexpensive and the small investment already bears fruits after a short period of time. Purchasers benefit from secure passwords and no longer have to remember them themselves. To access the encrypted database, they always have to enter their master password to then access the stored data from numerous devices. Surfing the Internet becomes significantly more comfortable and secure when forms are filled in automatically.  .https://www.password-manager-comparison.com/lp/the-best-password-managers-us/?source=b&adw-cpn=password-c&c=2840&msclkid=7632f2536d2c146bc39f9643fa9b2e08

• Enable Multi-Factor Authentication: You need more than a password to protect your online accounts, and enabling MFAmakes you significantly less likely to get hacked 
  
  

i'm working on hosting some workshops on cybersecurity with Urban Tech Fair because we all have a role in protecting ourselves and our families while online!!  

the next blog will explore The Tor Project and how they promote safe internet use!! 

please consider sharing this information with your networks!!

  #cyberchallenge #codedotorg #redhenexploring2023 #hov1and2stronger #socialjusticestopstheviolencebridgingthedigitaldivide #quadcyberchallenge

CyberChallenge Checklist:

  https://www.cyberchallenge.tech/_files/ugd/81e583_5e7039a59484499889494a9bd2a93d5a.pdf

Free & Low Cost Digital Literacy Training

Learn More About The Global Gaming Community!!

Gaming Scholarships!!

 I'm Pushing the needle 4 digital literacy!! Sharing information with parents really helps. I often hear from parents that they don't allow their children to play video games or limit the time they play. I inform the parents that gaming is a skill that pays well. Their response is usually that they didn't know of any benefits that gaming offers but will now allow their youth to play more. 

Scratch is the world's largest free coding community for kids.

Code.org

Techgirlz

Roblox 

Roblox Education ( I charge $10/hr to help families get familiar with Roblox and Minecraft)

Minecraft

Sandbox

Digital Literacy demand is huge and causing the shift in our workforce. Here are more resources to help you and your family become digitally literate!!

She Can Code inspired this blog!!

https://boot.dev/

Get the skills you need to grow your career in tech

Jumpstart your tech career with training and job connections at no cost to you!

https://coursecareers.com/explore/it/ref/18242/

Learn Most any computer programing langiage at www.freecodecamp.org

Want some coaching and studying with others to learn web development? You can jump in the fully free 30 week software engineering bootcamp! Note: This bootcamp started in January, but you can still join!  

Resilient Coders is a free and stipended coding bootcamp that trains people of color for careers as software engineers. Everything we do serves our goal of economic liberation. To that end, there is no tuition, and you never have to pay us back -- not even after you get a job. Free is free. We also provide a $1000 learning stipend so you can focus on your learning. This stipend is paid bi-weekly, for as long as you are enrolled in the program.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

As a non-profit organization that provides a program stipend, our students have to meet the following eligibility requirements:

• You are a resident of the Boston or Philadelphia area
• You identify as Black, Indigenous Latinx, or person of color
• You are between the ages of 18 and 30
• You have a low income background. We have a specific racial and socioeconomic mandate
• You are ready and eligible to work in this country
• You can commit to working as a software engineer in the city you applied to immediately following the bootcamp
• High school diploma or equivalency
• No prior technical experience necessary, but a general interest in a career as a software engineering is important 

Facebook Elevate Scholarships for Digital Marketing Skills

Published: Jun 28, 2021

Welcome to Elevate Learning

Apply for a scholarship to earn an industry-recognized career certification

To help support Black students in the community, Facebook is providing free training and resources that can help those interested in pursuing a career in digital marketing.

As part of this effort, we’re awarding 100,000 scholarships to Black students working towards a digital skills certification through our Facebook Blueprint program. These scholarships will allow recipients to take the Facebook Digital Marketing Associate Exam at no cost. Additionally, certified learners will have access to our exclusive job board, where they connect with employers at over 50 top-rated companies.

If you encounter any issues redeeming your voucher, please submit a ticket through Facebook Blueprint Support.

GOOGLE CAREER CERTIFICATES

Job-ready skills you can put to work

Flexible online training programs designed to put you on the fast track to jobs in high-growth fields.