I Hope The Poverty Pimping at Philadelphia Department of Human Services Has Come To an End!!

WHAT ..... Found in the trunk of the foster parent's relative's car, ten-year-old Jalayshia Maylayshia Allford.

 An advocate partner shared the story with me on Facebook. I'm working on getting my life in order before I get back to serving our communities. Everything pause. Once again, the Philadelphia Department of Human Service under Pa Department of Human Services supervision has destroyed another family. The poverty pimping of our family's needs to end. I’m happy that city council is preparing to hold a Philadelphia DHS accountability hearing. I plan to be there and hope this is a real accountability hearing. Enough is enough.  

2007 or 2008 my family like so many others were targeted by corrupt officials within the Philadelphia School District, a feeder for the various pipelines set against our families. I fought back when they tried to take my other son just because they had my first son at Glenn Mills. I’ve been advocating for transparency and accountability with the 2012 Pennsylvania’s takeover of Philadelphia DHS, which was birthed because of child neglect and deaths. City Councilwoman Cindy Bass heard our cries and did her best to have Philadelphia DHS made transparent and accountable.

Too no avail. That curtain of corruption I hope is exposed by Jalayshia family, the city council hearing, any FBI investigation. I hope all our families get answers for their children's where abouts. I also hope that Pennsylvania Secretary of Human Services, Valerie A. Arkoosh, MD, MPH will be there looking to shut that mess down. 

City Councilman David Oh was falsely accused by Philadelphia DHS and had to fight the case to be dismissed. He heard our cries after he was targeted by DHS because his wife doesn’t speak English is how that bias call got made.

Kimberly Ali and her staff need to be held accountable for the years of neglect towards our families. I hope the city of Philadelphia shuts the current Philadelphia DHS administration down. Our families deserve better from our city and state. In fact our state had several initiatives that were designed for quality family support. Most of this information is no longer on the website, yet the five year plan ended in October 2026.

DPW Bulletin #2010-1 Integrated Children’s Services Plan Guidelines

APPENDIX B SELF-ASSESSMENT OF COMMUNITY LEVEL OUTCOME INDICATORS PA ChildStat

Community Level Outcome Indicators Why Integrated Children's Services Planning Matters

By integrating the service coordination and delivery role in each county, children and families do not have to jump through multiple hoops to receive appropriate services. Every year, each county in Pennsylvania submits a children's plan that describes how that county will integrate their children's services. One of the goals of the integrated plan is to take planning efforts in service programs that historically may not have planned together and ensure coordination, consolidation and/or ultimately the integration of program administration and resource allocation for services to children and families. Integrating children's services includes many areas: child welfare, juvenile justice, permanency planning, early intervention, mental retardation services, behavioral health services, child care and education. Counties are also being asked to seek meaningful coordination and cooperation with services provided by local school districts and Early Intervention programs, physical health care services, Food Stamps, and other public benefits programs that are not directly led by county governments. The integration framework incorporates the following elements for children and adolescents and their families, in every county, who need public "system" involvement: A continuum of care that provides for the healthy development, safety and well being of the child; A service plan that accesses resources from all appropriate sources to meet the needs of the child and family; and A prevention strategy for children that results in healthy development and stability. The focus must continue to be on positive outcomes related to integration. Each year cross systems teams review county plans and analyze where each county is currently on the integration continuum.

ICSP RESOURCE D Strategies for Promoting Cultural Competence among Agencies and Staff

The Integrated Children’s Services Plan was offering funding through PAChildStat, to track welfare agencies' requests and progress with our families. This funding was to end October 2026. I wondered what Philadelphia's data look like. I shared this information with some of our state legislators to get an answer for Philadelphia. No doors would open for me or our legislators. I was feeling defeated. I pivoted to work on prevention solutions to share with my communities of families. What is going on with these funds and protecting our families?

Department of Human Services > Keep Kids Safe > Family First Begin Main Content Area Family First

Family First allows Pennsylvania to use federal funding to help children safely stay with their parents or relatives and out of the foster care system.

Prevention & Treatment Services:

Mental health prevention and treatment

Substance use prevention and treatment

In-home parenting skill-based programs Resources for caregivers

Resources for youth transitioning to adulthood

Enhanced standards for kids in residential facilities

Sign up to receive Family First updates in your inbox.

Read the 5-year Prevention Plan about Family First to learn more. ( no longer there)

Got questions about Family First? Use this form Opens In A New Window to get answers. Need help with caring for a child of a loved one?

Visit www.KinConnector.org Opens In A New Window for support, resources, and more.

History The Family First Prevention Services Act

(Family First) was signed into law in February 2018 by amending Titles IV-B and IV-E of the Social Security Act. Family First is comprised of 11 provisions. Out of the 11 provisions, the two that have the most impact in Pennsylvania are the optional Title IV-E Prevention Program (implemented on October 1, 2021) and the required limitation on Title IV-E foster care maintenance payments for placements that are not foster family homes (imposed on October 1, 2021). Requirements and funding opportunities from the Family First Prevention Services Act are being successfully implemented into current child welfare practice and are being used as a catalyst to better support families and improve the array of services available to them across the Commonwealth.

Expand All Click here for a more accessible version Pennsylvania’s Family First Vision Statement

​In Pennsylvania, we are enhancing our child maltreatment prevention efforts and strengthening families. This will be accomplished through partnerships and empowering families and communities to build supports that enhance the safety of children and youth. While our child welfare system is complex, our vision is simple: Key Provisions Pennsylvania implementation on key Family First Prevention Services Act's provisions: Prevention Services Specialized Settings Kinship Navigator Opens In A New Window Expand All Click here for a more accessible version Kinship Navigator Summary Education and Training Grant and Chaffee Criminal record and registry checks for adults working in a childcare institution

Where's the results for Pennsylvania's Family First?

I created a petition and plan to reach out to local and state officials as well as various organizations. We have to see the current Philadelphia DHS dismantled. We have to be part of the creation of family services in Philadelphia. Please sing and share this petition with your family and networks. We Need Gov. Josh Shapiro and Sec. Valerie Arkoosh to Dismantle Philadelphia DHS #shutitdown

Stressed Out and Need To Keep More of Our Money In Our Pockets

 Facing our reality can be a bit challenging when we have to face this reality with no support. I hope that sharing information helps us connect to one another and resources that support our mental, physical and financial health. One of my goals for this year is to get my family on track with our finances. Wishful thinking so far. I approached my sons and asked them if we could have money conversations that leads us to saving and investing together. They both have their own financial issues going on and didn't want to share their status with me. Just didn't want to come together and work on our finances as a family. They're stuck in the anti-social club, another trap for those with little to no support. So I have to create a plan b and c to help them get on track. Understanding that we are stressed out with little support is the foundation for me to come up with a better plan for us. If we are looking to gain stability in all aspects of life. We have to understand our environment and mindsets. "Rich Dad Poor Dad" by Robert T. Kiyosaki shares what the rich teach their kids about money - that the poor middle class do not! He suggests that we read, discuss, study.... and discuss again. 

I share resources with my sons, that cater to black men and our community. They will look at the resources and sometimes utilize the resource. My oldest son would join a weekly call with Focus On Father's, a men's group that helped him understand being a father. Unfortunately the stressors in life stopped him from continuing with the Thursday call.  I keep sharing and staying on them and their friends. Our mental health is super important so I'm sharing with them resources that cater to black men. 

Monthly, hundreds of Black men attend Real Men Real Talk, which includes dinner, an impactful conversation led by agency leadership, brotherhood, and healing in a safe atmosphere. Because of the agency’s commitment to holding national monthly RMRT events, a core group of Black men consistently gather and receive Talk Therapy.

The Black Brain Campaign also has resources that help us erase stigmas towards our differences. They offer free therapy and resources that supports our differences. Understanding our mindset helps us live comfortably. I'm happy that we have resources and support that helps us embrace diversity and understanding for diversity. 

While doing an Amazon delivery I learned about Phoenix Trauma Center in Media, Pa. . A wealth of resources and support both in person and online for Pennsylvania and out of state residents. Parental Stress is part of parenting. Having people and tools to help get through those stressful times is a plus. At the Phoenix Trauma Center they don't accept insurance but can work with you on a sliding scale and connect you to providers who do accept insurance. 

The Phoenix Center for Experiential Trauma Therapy is named after the legendary figure of the phoenix. Mythology suggests that the phoenix dies and is reborn from its own ashes – it is a symbol of transformation and resilience. The phenomenon of growing after experiencing trauma has been labeled “Post-Traumatic Growth”. This is exactly what we strive to help our clients cultivate in their lives, through Individual Therapy and Group Therapy.

The Window of Tolerance

Growth Mindset vs Fixed Mindset: What Do They Really Mean?

In talking to my family about how to change our financial situation, I'm suggesting that we use some tools to help us keep more of our money in our pockets. I really like the concept of the vision board and journals for personal and financial goals. I started my journal last week. Putting my responsibilities and desires on paper allowed me to see my dream. The journal gave me a view of what I'm working on and made everything obtainable. I bought both Tiffany Aliche aka The Budgetnista, "Get Good with Money" and "Rich Dad Poor Dad" by Robert T. Kiyosaki. I look at the books everyday with plans to open and read them by February. I'm sharing this so that people don't put pressure on themselves to conquer our finances. When I share the blog with people, some open and read the blog right at the moment and others tell me they will read the blog when they get a chance. This is life stressors blinding us to pathways that make life less stressful. I've been working on getting my finances in order for several years now. Don't give up, sometimes we have to fall on plan b, c, and d before we start to gain control of our situations. 

Showing my family how to keep more of our money in our pockets, I use several apps. Greenlight is a great tool that helps me teach my grands about better money habits. Greenlight also offers our families earnings for sharing the app. I love when I can share an app that we are interested in. Why not give and get some perks for downloading versus downloading the app with no perks. So I share links that help us keep more of our money in our pockets!! 

I just recently learned about OnePay while we were shopping at Walmart. OnePay is a great tool if you don't have a bank account and would like to get direct deposit. On OnePay you get points for direct deposits and shopping at select stores. Those points turn into cash back that you can save or invest on the OnePay app. In fact OnePay gives you $5 to invest in stocks and $5 to invest in cryptocurrency. Taking advice from Investopedia, I invested that $5 now. If you click on my OnePay link and set up direct deposit. You will get an extra $50 cash back if your direct deposit is $500 or more. With a direct deposit of $500 or more you become part of OnePay Cash+ and now you are getting more money back when you shop at Walmart, Pizza Hut, KFC and other retailers. I have my Amazon flex being directly deposited to OnePay. OnePay also teaches about saving and investing. You can build your credit with their credit builder and file your taxes for free. I'm thinking of doing a YouTube video about the app and doing some taxes with the app. 

Let's talk about tax time and doing our taxes for free. The federal government provides free tax sites all over the country. These free tax sites known as VITA help us avoid expensive tax fees, and often connect us to resources that help support our family stability. The best part of the VITA sites is that your return gets a quality review that helps avoid any errors. 

Discount Cards

When shopping for most anything, Groupon is a great place to start. They give you an additional 20% off exclusive offers.  

Have you heard of AAA membership? Most people think AAA is just for roadside assistance. AAA is the discount card that you don't want to leave home without. AAA is offering a New Year special that allows you to join and add a household member for free. Cha Ching $$$ in your pockets!! I love AAA because you get so much for one low yearly price. You get your membership fees back with the use of the free identity theft protection offer through Experian among other great discounts on movie, sports, and most entertainment tickets with no service fees or taxes. Sometimes you get free food when purchasing tickets to family spaces like the zoo or Sesame Place. 

Recognizing Investments That Work For Us!!

 I would like to share some investments that are making people right now money. Yes we have to spend money to make money, this is known as the return on our investment ROI. I really look to start a cooperative and hopefully a susu. I need to do more research on both but would love help in us taking ownership of both. We really need a way to support our families and community financially like Madame C. J. Walker was able to do. 

The price of gold is up. If you have old jewels just collecting dust. You might want to cash that gold, silver or diamonds in. 

Turo is a car rental platform that allows you to rent cars to people through their app. Car rentals are always in demand. Please do the research.

Uber Fleet  is another way to generate right now income. Your cost is the car, car insurance, car tracker and business registration. I'm looking to start working on an Uber Fleet in April. Again I would love for others to join me and possibly start our own cooperative with the Uber Fleet platform. 

If you have a drivers license and like to drive on various platforms, Uber is always looking for drivers. If you click on my shareable link Uber guarantees that you will earn at least $2,385 for your first 189 passenger trips in 30 days. So if you do 189 passenger trips and the total isn't $2,385 Uber will make up the difference. With that shared, you can take any rides you like. I do most of the rides that come to me, especially short rides in center city, because they are good tippers!! With The Uber Pro card we get paid after each ride and good cash back rewards at the charging stations. Uber also has great perks, like free enrollment at Arizona State University for yourself or one of your children. That's Ching ching in your pockets!! You can rent a car through the Uber marketplace. Uber partnered with car rental companies as well as fleet owners whose cars you can use with no credit or debit card. 

For some of us tax season is when we get a lump sum of money. Let's plan to have that money work for you by making some researched and planned investments. 

Updates from past blog

The inflammation is going away, thanks to the colon hydrotherapy, GasX and noni tea that I purchased for $1.99 at Hmart on Cheltenham Ave. Forgot to mention that I also went down a pants size. I'm feeling really good!! WalMart held a wellness event over the weekend. I talked to the dietician about the gas and inflammation. She suggested that I work on taking the sugars out of my diet and that not getting our teeth cleaned regularly also produces inflammation. I shared that I recently had my teeth cleaned at ESWA.

 Eastern Service Workers Association is a national volunteer organization that supports low income workers from various backgrounds. They are always looking for volunteers to help with food distribution, their free medical, dental and legal clinics along with help at the office. ESWA supports their members with advocacy for a way out of poverty. In Philadelphia ESWA is located at 1518 South Street and can be reached at 215.545.9055

Last tip: some of us look to buy much needed furniture with our tax return. You can reach out to organizations who are part of the furniture bank and furnish your home. 

Let's Talk Family Finances

 Happy New Year!! I hope that you are open to information that helps us pursue a healthy and prosperous life. Healthy in our physical and mental well-being along with our financial understandings. Over the past few years I have been struggling with my health. How can we work to provide for ourselves and family when our body is in an unhealthy state. Overwhelmed with life, I didn't pay much attention to the damaging eating habits I had developed. Allergies were getting worse. My energy was low. Bloating once a month really halted my life production until I purchased a Colon Hydrotherapy. Instantly my energy levels went up, the allergies were less frequent and the bloat went away. I did the Colon Hydrotherapy in October but didn't change my eating and drinking habits. The bloat came back and I didn't have the $59 to get the Colon Hydrotherapy. So I purchased some GasX to hold me over until I get the $59. Now I can work and focus on getting my family financials in order!!

 Setting goals is key. 

What do we want to achieve for ourselves?

Changing the eating habits right now is my biggest challenge. I recently purchased "Fighting Inflammation - Harvard Medical School"  thinking I was getting information about my gut inflammation. Turns out that internal inflammation from bumps and bruises are unseen and have consequences on our health. Eating the rainbow is now on my radar with tasty smoothies. 

I want to learn a to z about building financial security for myself that will create a legacy for my family. Knowing about our taxes is vital to understanding financial security. Thankfully in Philadelphia, New Jersey and New York we have The Campaign for Working Families, a nonprofit, offering volunteer free tax preparation. As volunteers we learn tax law and help tax payers understand their tax liabilities when filing their tax returns. This exposure to various tax scenarios builds understanding of how to manage our money. There are Vita sites in most every city always looking for volunteers to help during tax season. 

Applying what we learn will create the habits of financial wellness. Savings and investment goals is what I would like to work on. We have to change our mindset about our finances. That is easier said than done often because of our current situations. We save only for something to come up and take all that savings away. That's some frustrating #@$%^$%. We can't give in to the hard times. There are tools like Cash App that allow us to build financial security with as little as $1. Setting time to learn with

The Budgetnista

 and Investopedia each week puts us on the right path.

What do we want to achieve for our family? 

If teamwork makes the dream work, then we need to be building team family financial. Having talks with the family about finances is important and helps create the foundation for family support. I recently had a conversation about saving habits with some of my Uber riders. One rider shared that their family created a birthday club. Each family member chips in to help celebrate the families birthdays. Another rider shared that all their siblings chipped in to purchase a vacation for their parents. My favorite of the shares was the rider who uses envelopes to teach their family members how to set goals and save. I also introduce the family money management   Greenlight App Greenlight is child friendly and offers financial learning activities that can support families with better money habits and protection from unseen threats. If you click on the link and download the app you will get $30. Greenlight costs about $15/month to manage all your family's financials. 

When we know better, We do better!! I'm looking forward to sharing more. Please share any suggestions or resources in the comments. Let's talk family finances with our families and extended families!!

Fanbase is a social media platform created by Issac Hayes III, I look to support his platform because he supports the content creators on Fanbase!!

Invest in Fanbase

Fanbase: The New Mainstream for the Social Economy

For people who value Content and Community, Fanbase is a free to download, free to use, next-generation social network that allows any user to earn money from day one. Fanbase enables anyone to monetize their content charging from $2.99 to $99.99 a month per subscriber, for exclusive access to photos, videos, audio chat rooms, and long-form content.  Fanbase also has virtual gifts known as "Love", that allows users to tip other users half a penny per love. Unlike Other social apps, Fanbase is the one place you can truly be you. #BeYouWithoutLimits

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.

---

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.