#FossilFreeSepta The Mayor of Philadelphia Is Working With the Fracking Industry and Has Endorsed Septa Careless Plan for a Natural Gas Plant

Families who board buses at Hunting Park and Wissahickon would like to do so in clean air!! 3/22/17

The mayor of Philadelphia is working with the fracking industry and has endorsed Septa careless plan for a natural gas plant in the already highly polluted Nicetown section of Philadelphia. Mayor Kenney did not side with the public he sided with the industry. There are several environmental groups who have asked our city representatives to stop Septa’s plan to run gas pipelines from upstate Pennsylvania through our city. To no avail.

March 22, 2017 City Council held a hearing on our Environmental and Tourism concerns. Reported from the office of sustainability that the vision of “Greenworks” is that every Philadelphian lives in a home with a healthy environment and our outdoor air meets federal standards. Wish that read meets or exceeds federal standards which are being manipulated by the ugly fracking industry. “Greenworks” stated that air pollution from transportation and energy generation causes climate change and damages our natural environment, causing poor indoor air which can cause asthma and trigger attacks. “Greenworks” will focus efforts in areas of the city most burdened by poor air quality. page 19 Heat is not evenly distributed across the city, and some neighborhoods can be more than 22 degrees Fahrenheit hotter. Depending on global carbon pollution levels, Philadelphia will have between 17 and 52 days above 95 degrees fahrenheit a year by 2100, up from an average of four days per year from 1961 to 2000. As the temperature increases, we will focus interventions on vulnerable Philadelphians in our hottest neighborhoods.

We need every Philadelphian to pay attention to what is taking place with Septa and our city officials. If we want Philadelphia to have breathable air we must demand #Rezoning of Philadelphia now.

Riding past the planned gas plant 3/22/17

#CleanWaterAction speaking at City Council hearing on Environment and Tourism. Septa is already contributing to the high number of asthma related hospitalizations in Nicetown. Septa said they are not responsible for the health of the community. (this photo taken at city council hearing 3/21/17)

Taking my Grandson out of Emlen Elementary His Teacher Sucks

I can no longer take a kindergarten teacher who feels that she doesn't have to build communication with me. I introduced myself in the beginning of the school year and expressed interest in volunteering but have not been allowed to volunteer in his classroom or in after school programs. Was asked to volunteer as security at the front desk which is also in front of my grandson classroom but never was i invited to be part of his educational development in his classroom. But this teacher brings in a young white girl who always wore wife beaters and sweat pants to volunteer in her class. The other day she bought her children to volunteer all day in the classroom. What is wrong with this picture?

If my son goes with me to pick my grandson up, my grandson teacher will look at him all glassy eyed and communicate with him. In fact she told my son that we didn't have to pick my grandson up to take to after school program, that she would take him. Yet the day that i'm cooking for the FAST program and run a bit late. The teacher takes him to the office and signs the late pick up for him. There is no real family and school partnership at Emlen. Again i ask what is wrong with this picture?

Not to mention that the district wants parents to be on time and respectful but yet this teacher is everything but. Started the school year late most everyday in fact she was late this morning. I got a letter from the district that my grandson had missed three days so far this year and that affects his development. But the district didn't send me a letter stating that my grandson teacher has been out five days so far this year and how that affects his grades. Called to speak at the SRC with these concerns and was told that i cannot share these concerns with the SRC, so i told the woman that was registering for the SRC with that i would post the blog so that all would know what is going on at Emlen.

The double standards sucks as much as this teacher. For this reason i will no longer be taking him to Emlen and his mother will probably enroll him in a horrible charter school versus allowing me to give him the best education at home. Best part is that i will always be here for my grandson and educate him so that he becomes a productive member of our society. In fact we plan to start a youtube channel for him this summer!!  Stay tuned for "Exploring with Aiden" !!

#WomensMarch2017

i joined the #WomensMarch to be part of the collective community of women fighting for our human rights. Fighting to be seen as women and not as property. i have been building a campaign focused on #ChangingAttitudesTowardsWomenandFemmesWorldwide for the past three years. The march was a perfect opportunity to connect with women from various backgrounds united for our #HumanRights. Great experience seeing the multigenerational

connections, the support from the men as friends and husbands. There will be more marches and opportunities for all women to come together over the next four years to fight this administration. Please join us!! #100DaysofResistance
http://www.100daysofresistance.org/

There was some bitterness of how the election was lost by Hillary Clinton to Donald Trump. I believe that anger was the fuel for so many of the #NastyWomen who proudly express being a nasty woman. During the election i attended a free election concert where the #NastyWoman was a feature. The musical director noted the bickering and how nothing ever changes among bickering women. i want to know when will we get past all the derogatory images of women, get past the bitterness towards each other, get past the nasty woman mentality and work with peace and joy in our hearts.

We have to have tough conversations amongst ourselves as a culture of women and within the cultures that we represent. Yes white women need to talk and be honest with their roles in our society. To me the #NastyWomen represent the Margret Washington's of our country who promise freedom but then renege on that promise and that may need to be addressed by white women with white women before having the conversation with black women looking to heal all women. Not that the conversation has to go in that order, i'm looking to host conversations on this topic and there is no requirement that white or black women meet before coming together as a collective to address the issues and concerns. The only requirement is that they purchase a copy of "Peculiar Relationships" by Ms. Gwen Ragsdale and then come prepared to discuss the content of the book. Will blog again when ready to actually host these conversations at "Lest We Forget Black Holocaust Museum".

Cooperative Economics Beats Poverty When We "Own The Change"

What is cooperative economics? Creating sustainable revenue from a cooperative business model.

Cooperatives empower communities of people in controlling their economic security. Cooperatives are often formed by low wage workers to address their needs of steady income without labor trafficking abuse. For instance: in your community there is a group who sells dinners on the weekend to support a cause for the community. Every weekend this groups makes money and a difference in their community. The group decides they like how they pull their talents together to create wonderful meals for sale and would like to turn their cooking passion into a business without a boss. This group is on their way to becoming a worker owned cooperative, were all are on the same level when comes to making decisions about the business, salary and profit sharing. Yet recoginze that each talent may have different experience.

i'm learning about cooperative economies, as a an alternative method of producing income for people who may want to leave the street life and as a way to introduce business models to groups of people who work well together. You can learn more about cooperatives from Philadelphia Area Cooperative Alliance. I will post more blogs on the various types of cooperatives and resources that support cooperatives as i learn. Join the #CooperativeMovement 

Net Community Care CUA7, North Central Victim Services, Congresso, WOAR and JJPI Host Right To Know Workshop

Doing what they do best NET CUA7 held a life enhancing workshop with community partners to inform attendees of their rights if they become victims of criminal act. We learned about North Central Victim Services and how they assist victims through the navigation of the criminal justice system.

Victim Services Directory 

The Anti-Violence Partnership, along with the Philadelphia Coalition for Victim Advocacy, has created a list of victim services in the Philadelphia area that provide victim aid outside of, or in addition to, AVP’s range of programs.

AVP provides critical services such as court accompaniment, crisis counseling, legal advocacy, crime victim compensation, and trauma therapy to over 4,600 direct victims of crime and co-victims of homicide each year. These services are provided at our three office locations, in courtrooms, and at local schools through our Violence Intervention/Prevention Program. We see firsthand the pain and trauma experienced by so many people in our city and commit ourselves to reducing the tragically high incidence of violence.

Congresso offers many resources to build our communities. At this workshop the focus was on assisting families of domestic violence.

WOAR: Philadelphia’s Only Rape Crisis Center

Women Organized Against Rape is a non-profit organization whose mission is to eliminate sexual violence through specialized treatment services, comprehensive prevention education programs, and advocacy for the rights of survivors of sexual assault.  WOAR provides free counseling for women, men, and children who have experienced sexual violence.

WOAR is facilitating a legal advocacy support group that will function as a psychoeducational support group for those navigating the criminal justice system, as it pertains to sexual violence. Wednesday, January 18th 1:30-3pm at One Penn Center 1617 JFK Blvd. suite 1100

WOAR offers walkin counseling, 72 hour rape kits, will go to court with you and a 24 hour hotline 215-985-3333 .

Joesph J. Peters Institute was also in attendance sharing the great resource that they are. At JJPI they counsel the victim and the offender to help them both heal. JJPI helps with mental health, trauma and sexual abuse prevention. They have a satellite light program at Health Connections located at 9th and Berks. 

NetCare CUA7,The Institute for Family Professionals and The United Way Empowers Families With Stress Management Tools

Much needed attention addressing stress and tramua, is taking placed in the Strawberry Mansion section of Philadelphia. NET Community Care CUA7 located at 3133 Ridge Ave is one of the best resources in the Strawberry Mansion community, thanks to their caring director Carly King and parent support Carmen who connects families with life enhancing resources.

NET partnered with The Institute for Family Professionals and The United Way to present a "NewEyes" workshop to families with youth birth to five years of age in North Central Philadelphia. The goal of the "NewEyes" workshop is to empower families with life coping tools that they can use immedately. Allowing the participants to leave the workshop and see life from a different perspective.

The "NewEyes" workshops are based on the research of Dr. Sandra Bloom of Drexel University Center for Nonviolence & Social Justice. Dr. Bloom introduced Philadelphia to "The Adverse Childhood Study". Dr. Bloom has written a series of books addressing stress, tramua and social services. Her series of eye opening books discuss building santucary. Strawberry Mansion high school will be implementing "The Sanctuary Model" during the 2016-2017 school year.

During the "NewEyes" workshop we learned about different types of stress, techniques to deal with the stress and a safety plan. We can't help others if we don't first help ourselves. We need a safety plan for ourselves and our children. Understanding "Emotional Safety" is important. "Emotional Safety" is surrounding yourself with people who care about and support you while also being aware of what you project about yourself. Healthy stress is welcomed where as chronic stress can lead to toxic stress and cause serious health problems. Being alert to stress factors in our life helps us adapt to the situation in a calming manner. We made a safety plan that is to be put in use everyday to help recognize stress triggers before becoming stressed. The safety plan list five or more things that give us control over the stressful situation. Learning to pause the everyday stressors is key in building coping skills.

We were given a tangle/fidget to help relieve some stress. The tangle allows you to keep moving when asked to sit or stand and pay attention to someone or thing. Science shared from Dr. Bloom suggest that we don't always learn better when sitting still. We also learned how to belly breathe. Breathe in four counts, until belly expands. Hold breathe four counts. Breathe out until belly is empty. Hold Breathe for four counts. Learning to breathe during stressful situations helps build needed oxygen in our brains.

Please consider hosting a "NewEyes" workshop!!

Ms. Stephaine Bey, M. ED from the City of Philadelphia Department of Behavioral Health & Intellectual disAbility Services shared resources for infant/toddler early intervention. i also learned about Vroom an online tool and app that assist parents with brain building moments!! Ms. Bey also shared with us "LifeSharing Through Family Living" a program that offers alternative living arrangements to people with intellectual disabilities. Through "LifeSharing" everyone lives in a caring home environment.

Gail Pryor Proud Black Woman Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2017

Please allow me to introduce you to "No Fear Advocate" Ms. Gail Pryor of Nicetown Philadelphia. i
met Ms. Gail at Eastern Service Workers Association Halloween party last year. We both had our cameras and started talking photography and other interest we hold in common. I mentioned how i would like to start a knitting campaign during the summer called "Crochet Corners" where we flash mob a corner with crochet needles and yarn. Teaching our community members how to utilize that idol time crocheting. Gail said she was interested.

I interviewed Ms. Pryor to learn more from this well connected to resources block captain. Ms. Pryor volunteers in her community connecting the disconnected neighbors to life enhancing resources. We spoke about her role at Vocatio Hunting Park Career Prep High School located at 4455 N. 6th Street.
Vocatio operates in the summer and Saturdays year round, much like of an out of school facility. The connectibility at Vocatio is created by caring adults of diverse backgrounds, who often volunteer their talents and listening ear to build our youth and community. Vocatio was founded by Andy Kim and service residents in the 19140 community. Students are exposed to welding and other vocational trades leading to livable wages and entrepreneurship!! Ms. Pryor assist with community outreach and support services.

Registration has opened online! Sign up now!

• Increased Registration price: As our program develops, costs increase! The registration fee is $50 this term. However, if you sign up early, you can get the...
• Early Bird Discount! You'll notice at the link above that if you rregister by February 4th, the Early Bird Discount of $20 off applies, leaving a $30 fee for this term.

Ms. Gail Pryor also advocates for families with disabilities. She has a thirty two year old son who labeled retared it. Today his condition would be put under an umbrella of autism and Ms. Pryor feels that avoids treatment based on individual conditions. We are looking to erase the labeling and support people where they are. I'm currently advocating for inclusion at my grandson school for my autistic niece. Gail shared the following information with me:

Institute on Disabilities at Temple University
Mini Course Lecture Series WINTER 2017

JANUARY 26, 2017

From Disability to Possibility: 
The Power of Inclusive Classrooms

Presented by: Patrick Schwarz, PhD

Location: 
Temple University
Student Center, 1755 N 13^th St., Phila., PA 19122

Time: 9:30 AM to noon (sign in begins: 8:30 AM)

 

Patrick Schwarz, PhD

Dr. Schwarz is a professor, author, motivational speaker and leader in Education and Human Services, and is CEO of Creative Culture Consulting, LLC.  He is a professor at National Louis University, Chicago and the author of From Disability to Possibility^™, You’re Welcome (with Paula Kluth), Just Give Him the Whale (with Paula Kluth), Pedro’s Whale (with Paula Kluth) and From Possibility to Success. For more about Dr. Schwarz: http://www.patrickschwarz.com/

This event is free but registration is required. 
(Accommodations must be requested no later than January 12.)

REGISTER NOW: http://disabilities.temple.edu/programs/miniseries/

I have yet to mention that Ms. Gail Pryor also mentor families through a program at Temple University, College of Education, Intergenerational Center. Where adults 50 and older mentor families who are in need of support and some time to themselves. They have a demand from families looking for mentors, please if you are age 50 or older please consider volunteering your time to build a family support system. There is a small stipend for your time!!

Ms. Pryor also agreed to join Cooperative Women's and Girl's Resource and Support Community. Were we the women and girls are the resource and support for each other and our communities. We have hopes of operating a knitting cooperative!!

More to come........................................................................