Self Worth

"You yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe, deserve your love & affection."

Buddha

I realize how important it is to stand up for yourself. Yet, I rarely do.

I value my ability at empathy and service. I would not change that about myself. I will always strive to do for others, to listen to others and to hopefully help others in some small way. It is as good for me as I hope it would be for them. That is what I have talked a lot about in this blog over the semester. I believe it to be an integral part of who I am and more importantly, who I want to be. I want my career to be a testament to the belief that your life should have a purpose to better the world in some way, whatever way that might be and in every opportunity you are given. It is your job to reflect that purpose, to show love to others and to value your life and your goals in the way that shows your commitment to said purpose. But there is a fine line between doing a positive service and being used. It exists in every human interaction and you must commit yourself always in positive and uplifting ways.

Committing to yourself is as important, if not more so than, any other commitment you make. You cannot give fully and beautifully of yourself if you continually allow yourself to be slighted. It must be positive in the way people treat you in return and in the way you treat yourself. I am striving to recognize that more in my own life and my relationships with others. I am committed but I need to make sure I am not being used. This is especially important in friendships and relationships. The ability I will have to impact and uplift others must come from being a person who is impacted and uplifted in return.

I guess what I am trying to say is, surround yourself with light and positivity and you will be a better mirror to that light and positivity.

Love

"Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that."

~ Martin Luther King, Jr

So, I met the horses to consider for adoption through the Oklahoma Thoroughbred Retirement Program. They were all so lovely and what's more, loving. The horses I met were some of the most loving creatures and were almost like giant puppies in their willingness to seek human affection. I have been around horses my whole life and I have rarely come across such immediate devotion from these animals as these horses exhibited to me, a virtual stranger in their pastures. I was filled with joy to spend the day around horses. To know these were horses that were safe now but had been, for a large majority of them, slated for ill fates at the hands of man, but still could display such trust and warmth, was humbling. I recently read a book by Susan Richards called Chosen By A Horse, in which an ex-race horse, a Saddlebred for pacing races, was rescued by Richards and in turn saved Richards and taught her how to live and love again. The power of love is often times overwhelming. It defies reason and almost always returns. Despite horrible life experiences, we still have faith in the emotion, animals are no different. I am given strength in my faith in humans because of the wonderful women charged with caring for these rescued horses. They were sacrificial in their love and I know that there will always be this power of love in people to combat the evil of others. The key is awareness. People must know about atrocities and be given a catalyst for their love. We all have the ability to affect change, we just have to be brave and purposeful in our love to keep the wheels in motion. I am refreshed to receive this lesson in love from a field full of rescued race horses.

Writing

"There's nothing to writing. All you do is sit down at a typewriter and open a vein." ~Walter Wellesley "Red" Smith

Im here on campus writing so I've included a picture of my journalism school...

Today has been perhaps the coldest day of fall thus far and marks the descent into winter. Rain has pelted down intermittently and the wind blusters through around campus. It makes it a nice atmosphere for writing and since I am trying my hand at fiction for a class assignment it fits rather nicely. I am pondering the main character in my story. I fear I model her too much off of what I foresee in my future in both good ways and bad in terms of the toll my career aspirations could take on me. That doesn't deter me from my plans however as I am careful to not forget my convictions. This character in my story has similar convictions and I guess it lines itself with that old adage of write what you know. Well I know that I want to live boldly, even more, I want to make an impact. I know that I am not completely there in terms of what that will require of my courage or ability to write but I view the learning opportunities ahead as fated preparation. I know that I will work hard and I know that inside and out of my career I was to be able to have a full life, a life that relishes in the beauty of this world. That is the struggle for the character in the story, to embrace the beauty of the world despite all of the horrific things she has witnessed with humans and animals at the hands of evil. I am encompassing an element into the story concerning horse slaughter because the more I learn, the angrier I get and it channels into my writing. The character in my story will save a particular group of horses but I know that in this fiction scenario and in real life, there are countless other animals (and people) that desperately need help and I hope to have the strength to work to make some small impact continuous despite the immensity of the world's problems.

November

"November comes and November goes with the last red berries and the first white snows..."

So November is here and it finds me keeping up. Simply put, I am keeping up with school and work and friends. I am accomplishing all projects and responsibilities and just all around keeping up. Though I admit sometimes it is just barely. I find that my diet and workout will power is lagging and I'm not seeing as many friends as often as I did in the warmth of summer but at least, for the most part, I am staying on track.

The weather dawns colder than it did and is starting to make me fear the coming winter, but each afternoon the sun shines promisingly overhead and I am able to enjoy another day. I'll admit, I missed elections, I simply forgot what the date was until I had left my community to drive to school and in class I realized I could not get back to a voting site before they closed... part of the "just barely." Some things slip through the cracks... though it was a rather important thing that slipped this time. I will have to work even harder this month to be successful but I thrive on the deadlines in some ways.

Also, I am completely incensed with what I am learning of the abuse horses find at the hand of man. I knew it existed but I did not fathom the extent until recently of the horse slaughter that ends up being the fate of far too many magnificent animals. Sadly, I could substitute cattle or chickens and say the same thing. But with horses, I am able to adopt another one, so I am planning to do that. I hope to, in some small way, help in the efforts to save them. Later, when I am more capable I hope to do more for animals but the horse adoption or other form of rescue is my November goal.

Sunrise

When you arise in the morning, think of what a precious privilege it is

to be alive - to breathe, to think, to enjoy, to love.
- Marcus Aurelius
I was on my way to school today and amid my hasty routine and pending to-do list, I watched the sunrise over the swiftly changing trees of a fall morning. The colors were spectacular, more blue than they usually are with bits of brilliant clouds snaking across the sky. Between them rose the golden sun. What a glorious start to the days, and once again, I was reminded of how lucky we are to be alive. Even up early is a blessing. Thank the schedules and the grind because they often afford sights like this sunrise. It is such a magnificent world we've been placed in. I don't think any of it was done without absolute consideration and planning. It is a grand gift to have the days begin with a bright glowing hope and the nights to be bathed in a soft creamy light. I know I am lucky and I am thankful for all I've been given. I don't always act as grateful as I should. I complain and stress along with everyone else, sometimes I think more so, but this world never fails to remind me, as it did this morning, to never take a second for granted. Never look without truly seeing. Notice the shades of blue and the puzzle of clouds across a morning sky and your day will start with the reminder of these careful, thoughtful gifts. These sunrises, sunsets, whatever and everything... Don't get too busy to notice. It didn't take much effort to think about it as I drove to work, multitasking is ok. Just take in the glory of the day and let it fill you completely. You still have errands and work and school and commitments but isn't it great to accomplish those things on a beautiful day? Yes. Yes. Yes.

Wild

A thousand horse and none to ride! -
With flowing tail, and flying mane,
Wide nostrils never stretched by pain,
Mouths bloodless to the bit or rein,
And feet that iron never shod,
And flanks unscarred by spur or rod,
A thousand horse, the wild, the free,
Like waves that follow o'er the sea,
Came thickly thundering on,...
~Lord Byron, XVII, Mazeppa, 1818

I am constantly grateful to know a horse, to look deep into their eyes and feel a connection to their soul. I know the freedom felt from a horse’s back with the fury of thundering hooves. I know how in the summer their coats glisten and the scent is warm. In the winter their coats grow long and their bodies grow fat. I know how to exist at peace in the same space as a horse and to control my emotions because they directly influence a horse’s. I know the feel of a saddle and the confidence I’ve gained. I know how to gather their mane in my hands and hold on tight. I know horses are a perfect metaphor for how we should live, brave and strong and boundless in forward motion. All of this I know because I’ve been granted a gift. However, this gift of domesticated horses comes at a price. Wild horses are quickly becoming a thing of the past. More and more their numbers are shrinking and their futures are becoming uncertain. A year and a half ago I spent a day in the Kiamichi mountains with a man named Bryant Rickman. He was doing amazing work to conserve a bloodline of Spanish Mustangs and allowing them to remain mostly in their wild, natural state of freedom. But even as I got to see the herds and peek in on their instinctual ways of life, logging companies were demolishing their habitat and they were slowly being forced off the mountain they lived on. Yesterday I met two girls who are also doing great work to rescue wild mustangs. The horses are smart and hold so much potential, a lot of them will be great with people but still I long for there to always be a place for horses to run free...

Sadness

"It is such a secret place, the land of tears."
-The Little Prince


Sadness… I think we all know a little too much about sadness. In its universal ability to affect us, it is still very unique to the individual. Grief, in particular, is a deep ravine where no one can anticipate how they will handle the terrain.
For me, the death of my mother has been an unmerciful teacher in the lessons of sadness. Every sadness since her absence has balled itself back into that one cold, hard truth of my life. She’s gone and it is often unbearable.
I have this silent fear that despite all I’ve been blessed with, and no matter how good life can (and does), become, I will always find it to be just unsuccessful attempts to assuage her loss.
That being said however; is just an aspect of this journey that I’m on, that we’re all on. Deep down, I do know how beautiful life is and I know how lucky I am. It takes effort and time, but more and more, I am seeing that the good things are not attempts of atonement but rather, proof of how strong love is. No matter how fleeting time can be, love will continue ever strong. My mother is there in everything that I do and all that I become. She is the strength I have and the work ethic. She is the mind and the stability. She is the determination. I owe so much to her and as hard as it is for her to be gone, I know she has given me so much so that I may live my life and succeed. .
Yes, sadness invades a great deal of my emotions. It used to be constant and expected, but now it has evolved into using guerilla warfare and showing up in rushed surprise assault. I don’t exactly know which is worse but I do know that I am learning how to fight back.

Fashion

"Fashion is not something that exists in dresses only. Fashion is in the sky, in the street, fashion has to do with ideas, the way we live, what is happening,"
Coco Chanel

The other night I put on a dress, quite possibly, the most beautiful dress I’ve ever owned, and for a rare evening, I felt glamorous. It is funny that fabric and thread can do that for a person. But what it can’t do, what you have to do for yourself, is decide to possess inner confidence, to believe in yourself, your worth, your future, and strut toward it with the confidence of a girl in those high heels and satin. I think I’ve always held a good grasp on that inner confidence. What I struggle with, is my confidence in the outer. It can’t be dismissed completely. It is important to feel like you look good, but so many people do get caught up. That becomes the sole factor in one’s entire focus or mood, me included on many days. We need to realize that we are simply blessed to be alive, to breathe air into our lungs and gaze at the stars. The other night, I was lucky to be surrounded by wonderful friends at a wedding. We were in a vineyard reminiscent of Italy but it glowed under an immense Oklahoma night sky. We laughed and caught up and I tried to savor the moment and be happy. We are given such a gift to be here, to be alive. Underneath the glitz and glamour or even mundane and everyday, of moments or places, is what is truly important, the relationships and the life we are gifted. We need to keep focused on what matters, and it’s not how we’re dressed or they way we look. What matters are our goals, our determination, and most of all, our hearts. The other night was a testament to that. I am so thankful for what and more importantly, who, I’ve been given. It was just a bonus to feel pretty in a blue dress.

Bonfire

“When you do something, you should burn yourself up completely, like a good bonfire, leaving no trace of yourself,”
-Shunryu Suzuki

Throughout the summer my friends and I started to have bonfire parties out in my pasture. They were usually full of crazy antics and held a sense of freedom from a populated and hectic life. Most of my friends don’t get the chance to just be in nature and spend time with grass at their feet and the moon shining down (or even an exhilarating rain, as we once had at one of the parties). These parties served a stereotypical sense of debauchery but they also solidified the feeling of being young and I am often reminded of how fleeting this feeling can be. Though, summer is especially good at bringing them to the surface. We’re having one this coming weekend to ring in fall and I think it will be good to be together and relish in the disappearing warmth. I also hope that the people who come take a moment to savor the environment and this time in their lives. We’re young and we have so much potential. We are incredibly lucky and to have this time together is a gift. We need to be strong and full of purpose in our actions. I want to have a life that is continuous in seeking purpose and I want to drink life in with a clear mind and an open heart. I hope I always remember these times as well. I hope to think on them fondly in the winter and then the following years of my life. I want to be in the moment and savor it. I hope I always try to take the time to do that and be cognizant of how to live fully and warmly like a fire burning bright and with a strong fury, under the expanse of stars on a summer night…

Fall

"Then summer fades and passes and October comes. We'll smell smoke then,
and feel an unexpected sharpness, a thrill of nervousness, swift elation, a
sense of sadness and departure."
- Thomas Wolfe

So, on this, the first official day of Fall, I feel it necessary to acknowledge its arrival in an attempt to be gracious. Fall is bittersweet for me in many ways. The weather is near perfect, the colors are beautiful and opportunities in adventure abound. All of this speaks directly to my soul and is, or at least should be, invigorating, but still, fall and I are often at odds with one another. I suppose it may have begun innately, as a child who relished in summer vacations, school always returned along with fall, and so too did it signify winter approaching. As someone who has grown up caring for horses, Winter has always been tough. If you've ever had to fill up water buckets in your bathtub because your outside faucet is frozen, you'll know the pains that winter brings....If you live in Oklahoma where we get more ice than snow and fear cabin fever and being stuck inside your house like I do, you will also understand...So fall has always carried a sense of foreboding, of a downward spiral into Winter, but I suppose my real fear of this season began years ago with a few unfortunate times in my life that seemed to coincide with fall and then winter..... Then the most heartbreaking was the loss of my mother in December of 2006. From that point on, this time of year held the heartbreak that summer has been increasingly therapeutic for. I know that each fall is getting better but there will always be that fear. I am seeking to balance it with the joy brought to me by beautiful weather. I am being proactive about filing my time with adventure so that I may carry the possibility of summer into the cold months. It is a matter of preservation...

Journalist

~ I became a journalist to come as close as possible to the heart of the world. ~
Henry R. Luce


I always Knew I wanted to write and I wanted to leave the world a better place. Then I decided to fuse those two ideas and become a journalist. I believe everyone has a story and that the world is a beautiful place, even amidst the heartbreak. I want to show people this beauty and tell these stories. For everyone, but primarily, for those that can't speak for themselves. They are our true charge and responsibility as journalists. The voiceless need the world to be aware. People must have access to what is going on outside of individual spheres of influence in order to understand situations on the other side of the world, and then to take that awareness and act upon it. that is the most important thing; act upon what you know and use your own talents to affect positive change. If that is writing or math or people skills or art. No matter, use it and find a way to do what you love and to leave the world a better place.
I have been inspired by many amazing people in my career. One of the most influential is Dan Eldon, he was a photojournalist killed in Somalia in the early 90s and his work did amazing things to bring awareness to the situation going on there. He was killed at the age of 22 but his life story continues to inspire people to use this idea of creative activism and personal ability to change the world. He made me want to be a journalist and make use of my love of writing the way he did of his photography. His untimely death reminds us all to live fully and with purpose. Do what we love and love others. Make your life one that reflects the beauty of the world. I hope I can help show that to the world.

Horses

"The wind of Heaven is that which blows between a horse's ears." -Arabian Proverb

Horses have always meant freedom to me. As a kid I was lucky enough to get my first horse and have been enraptured by them ever since. There is something unexplainable about a girl's bond with a horse. It is that perfect meeting between strength and grace. To know a horse is to know what is wild and beautiful in ourselves. Their every movement is poetry and there is something to be said for the way they can transport a mere mortal into a flying vessel of perfection. if you have ever smelled a horse's smooth coat on a summer evening or ridden astride one in a thrilling competition, or wrapped your arms around their long slender necks and pressed your face in their course yet silky manes, then you know the power of a horse. I firmly believe they are our link to sheer abandon and that to have a horse in your life, you are given a rare gift of strength and opportunity. As a child, a horse became that opportunity to me. They taught me to be brave and to take chances. They helped me to be strong and free. My two horses are a huge part of my life. My horse Harley saw me through most of my childhood, from age 11 to now that I am grown. She is getting on in her years but still as beautiful as ever. My horse Coaltrain is 10 years old and I've had him since he was a baby. He is unpredictable and a handful but he has a deeply connected ability to love. He is immensely attached to Harley and myself and the two of them make me incredibly happy. I cherish looking out my backdoor and seeing them grazing in the field. I am reminded of my childhood and I am reminded of possibility and what it feels like to be free all because they are in my life.

Travel

"Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness, and many of our people need it sorely on these accounts. Broad, wholesome, charitable views of men and things cannot be acquired by vegetating in one little corner of the earth all one's lifetime."
-Mark Twain

There is nothing I love more than to travel. The simple act of going somewhere new equates itself to possibility for me. I love not knowing what I will find around the corner or who I will meet, and meeting people is the best part. To meet people, I wholeheartedly recommend youth hostels. Forget the horror film connotations and stay in one; in Europe in particular, and you will meet people from all over the world. I still have friends I've met from my stays in hostels. I may discuss travel a lot in future blogs, because I feel there is no better way to celebrate the magnificent gift we've been given of this earth than to relish every place we can. Drink it in.
The first time I went to Europe (and I'll be the first to say I have so much more travel I want to do and in no way am I a seasoned explorer) but the first time I went was Greece in 2008. I went with my sister and we arrived in Athens to a hot, crowded but still unbelievably historic place. Even the soil held resonance when I imagined that underneath the archeological layers of earth, there were entire lives led and cities constructed. I felt invigorated by being overseas. We traveled on to the awe inducing island of Santorini and then to the tropical vibe of Crete. I learned perhaps for the first time, just how big the world really is. I was reminded about how small it can be too when I mentioned to a stranger on a bus about my experience with a non profit called Invisible Children and a woman a few rows up turned around and asked me if I knew a girl who in fact had been one of my good friends and roommates. Crazy how people can connect. The world is limitless in the things we can experience if we are open to GO.

Change

"When you are through changing, you are through." ~Bruce Barton

When people think of change, many get stuck on the magnitude of the problem or situation. I've learned that change is almost invisible while it is occurring, only obvious once it has happened. When I think of the changes I see in myself, most of the time, I never realized they were happening. They just did. That doesn't mean I didn't set out to change, work hard and apply myself. Anyone who has ever dieted or began a workout regime will identify with this. But even in those surface changes attempted, a deeper change is at work inside. This refers to one's mindset, how they view their routine, their habits and even their possibilities. They begin a steady transformation but usually don't notice the results. Then one day, they are different. This doesn't just allude to health and fitness, which I admit I am currently at work to alter, this is true for all of life. Growing up is change in perhaps it's most gradual form. The baby becomes the child, the child becomes the teen and the teen becomes the adult. Change never stops. It is essential that it never stop. Life and this earth are in constant transformation.
To accept that the world has heartbreaking realities does not negate the responsibility we all have to attempt change. No, there may not be some cataclysmic alteration. Peace may never be worldwide, but it is imperative to work toward that change. If there is injustice or hurt somewhere then it must be addressed. We may not recognize the monumental things happening on a day to day scale but the beauty is in the efforts toward that change. It is in the silent way you touch someone's life and perhaps more unexpected; the way you impact your own. Do not be dissuaded by the immensity of our world's problems. Set out to change what you can. This may be in your home, your town, your country or on the other side of the world. No matter where, it will also be in yourself that the greatest change happens.

Falling Whistles

New non profit Falling Whistles is seeking interns for the fall and continuing their efforts to spread the story of child soldiers in the Democratic Republic of Congo. In addition to interning, the organization encourages young people to spread the story by hosting awareness events and wearing a whistle as a symbol of protest.
According to the organization’s website, the ongoing conflict in the Congo has lasted over ten years and resulted in over 6 million dead. In this region, children are forced to be child soldiers. According to the organization, if the children are too young to hold a weapon, they are given a whistle and sent to the frontlines of the fight. The lessening cries of a whistle indicate to rebel leaders, the extent of the fighting. Mineral trade is a definite factor in the instability of the region.
Founder Sean Carasso was traveling in the DRC in 2007 when he learned of this situation. He began to tell the story upon his arrival back home and the non profit was formed. Melissa Chambers, a recent college grad, shares why she wears a whistle.

The movement is fueled by people who wear the whistles to spark the attention of others, and spread the story. The organization is also in the process of networking options with community leaders in this war torn area, to aid the escaped child soldiers.
This process is funded by whistle sales. To help spread awareness, you can host a speakeasy by emailing david@fallingwhistles.com. For more information and a history of the conflict, visit www.fallingwhistles.com

Pride Profile: Final Project

This June Oklahoma City held its 23rd annual Pride festival to spread awareness and acceptance of sexual orientation. The festival lasted three days and included vendors, a block party, live performances and a parade. One college student, Josh Lindsey, shares his story of growing up gay in a small Oklahoma town. He has been influenced in a positive way by being in a larger city. Oklahoma City’s gay community is breaking new ground with their efforts in the fight for equality. Runs: 2:00



And now some additional voices on why Pride is important....

Invisible Children picks new roadies for fall tour:

Non profit Invisible Children seeks to spread awareness about a 23 year long war in Uganda. Their movement uses young activists called roadies to spread the message by traveling and speaking to people around the world. They are now in the final stages of selecting new roadies for the fall tour.
According to the organization's website, the tour will last from September to November and will help benefit the organization's Schools For Schools program to rebuild schools in Northern Uganda. Joining the tour will be 11 Ugandan students ready to tell their stories to American youth.
Invisible Children began in 2003 and has since sent numerous tours across the country, and the world, to show media documentaries and grow their movement organically. The Schools for Schools program alone has raised over 4 million dollars for the 11 partner schools supported.
Roadies chosen will travel and speak publically as well as gain experience from the internship as a whole. Newly picked roadie Lauren Grace is excited about the upcoming opportunity.

The roadies will be scheduling stops on their tours. To have them visit your school or to look into applying to be a roadie on the next tour, go to www.invisiblechildren.com
Below, a former roadie discusses the experience...

TOMS: New Line: Same mission

Who said helping others couldn't look good? Toms sure didn't when they introduced their new summer line Calypso as well as a fresh batch of their original style. The humanitarian focused shoe line is following up their nationwide spring awareness event with a new take on their popular shoe. Simply buying a pair will provide a pair of shoes for a child in need.
Toms currently delivers shoes to children in need in developing countries. There, many do not have access to simple protection for their feet. The resulting implications of potential disease and illness prompted the creation of Toms. To date they have delivered 600,000 pairs of shoes.
Since the organization began in 2006, they have been steadily introducing new designs and creating an awareness movement. In April Toms hosted "One Day Without Shoes" an awareness event where, according to the organization, 250,000 people went sans shoes for an entire day.
Lindsey Burleson, a student at OU, owns at least six pairs of Toms and believes in what the company is doing. She recently bought the new wedge design, Calypso, and comments on why she chose Toms.



The new design can be found at Shoetopia in Norman, among other metro locations. Toms is already gearing up for next year's "One Day Without Shoes." Check out www.toms.com for ways you can get involved today.

Regional Food Bank in Urgent Need of Volunteers

The Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma is already doing the seemingly impossible. Now, they are in desperate need of volunteers. With a recent grant, they aim to have an almost 4 million pound increase in food distribution in the form of emergency family boxes.

Already, the organization feeds over 77,000 people in need on a weekly basis. They accomplish this through the help of numerous volunteers. According to the organization, this new initiative will equal an added 51 pallets of food and utility items to be boxed up per day by their volunteers.

The emergency family food boxes come at a time of increasing need in the summer months. The organization has been in operation since 1980 and last year their volunteers numbered in the thousands.

“They’re hoping to get out about 50 pallets a day just of the emergency family boxes. We cannot get that packaged without volunteers. We have about 200 today and we’d like to have that many all summer if possible,” says a representative in volunteer retention. She adds that they are seeing triple the workload. “The volunteers don’t see it go into the hands of the people but they know the benefit of it.”

Volunteer sessions are Monday through Saturday 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1p,m, to 4p.m. Individual volunteers do not need to make an appointment. Groups can call 405-600-3154.

Midterm Project

What began as a dream between a mother and her daughter has now evolved into an extensive therapeutic riding program that is changing the lives of children with disabilities. Lucille Fancey and her daughter Joy Milligan started Coffee Creek Riding Center. The organization provides free riding for approximately 180 children each semester and is staffed with three instructors and 150 volunteers. The children involved range from 3 to 12 years old. Coffee Creek is located in North Edmond, OK. Run: 2:04

Pride Needs Volunteers

In efforts toward awareness and celebration, the LGBT community will host a parade and festival for Central Oklahoma. The weekend, called OKC Pride 2010, will take place June 25 through 27 and according to OKC Pride Inc, the festival is impossible without the support of volunteers.

OKC Pride seeks to improve services in regards to health and education, as well as increase pride in sexual orientation within their community. They will be offering free HIV screenings at the event.

This is the 23^rd annual event for Oklahoma City. The event is open to all, regardless of sexual orientation. Awareness and acceptance has become increasingly important as topics such as gay marriage dominate our politics and the Aids virus continues to spread.

Performances will abound over the weekend. Talented displays, specifically by drag queens, offer a fun and lively addition to the festivities. Popular club The Boom is helping to sponsor the event and hosts weekly performances year round. One such performer, known as Elecktra, comments on why everyone should come out to Pride as a way to see all the community has to offer.

The event will kick off with a block party Friday, June 25 with many events to follow. To volunteer, email volunteer@okcpride.org for more information.

Clip of performance, one of many happening regularly at The Boom, sponsor of Pride.



Another Performer; "Elecktra" comments on why you should attend Pride.

Wildcare:Up for Pepsi Grant

Hawk: in recovery at Wildcare

This month Oklahoma based wildlife rescue and nonprofit WildCare needs help more than ever. They are currently in the running for a $250,000 dollar Refresh Grant from Pepsi. This comes at a time when the facility is inundated with rescued baby animals.
Summer sees a regular influx of animals born in the spring that are now in need of help. WildCare currently has approximately 800 wild animals they are caring for and rehabilitating. The center is entirely donation based. They are calling out for people to vote for them to win the grant from Pepsi, which will provide the facility with new education, clinic and nursery space.
We’ve been rehabilitating injured and orphaned wild animals with the goal of releasing them back into the wild for 25 years,” says Director Rondi Large. She adds that they take in on average 4000 animals a year.
The grant, “would change Wildcare dramatically in terms of what we’d be able to offer the public,” says Large. This is in reference to more education opportunities as well as increased space to house animals brought in by the public.
Votes and volunteering are ways to get involved. Large says they take volunteers year round with a three-month commitment, but that summer is especially busy. “This is our baby season, so this is when it’s most hectic.”
Volunteers assist in a wide variety of animal care activities. Voting for the Pepsi Grant takes place everyday in the month of June. To place your vote, visit www.refresheverything.com/wildcareeducationbuilding

The following is audio directly from the facility. The many species of wildlife make music.

Fair Trade

Norman Oklahoma has finally become an official fair trade town, according to fairtradetownsusa.org. This recognition makes Norman the 17^th town to attain this status. It comes as the direct result of the efforts of Norman Fair Trade, a local organization that seeks to localize global issues.

TransFair USA is a non profit behind the certification process for fair trade products in the United States. They cite that fair trade currently benefits over one million farmers in 50 different countries, growing a range of products from coffee to flowers.

According to the Norman Fair Trade website, there are now many places in Norman where people can directly impact issues of injustice by shopping for products that qualify as fair trade. The group advocated for support from the local government as well as more products available that were produced locally or imported with fair prices and minus child or slave labor.

The Campus Corner restaurant Café Plaid is one such place. They offer fair trade coffee and teas. "It's just the right thing to do," says manager Jason Skeel. "It's our style of business," he says. Within the business they believe in the justice behind the products which give "appropriate wage for appropriate work." Skeel also says that the products themselves are a higher quality and that, due to the global implications, "our customers almost demand it."

With this recognition, "Norman serves as both an example and a leader in terms of supporting and promoting social justice and environmental responsibility worldwide," says Stephanie Bates, a member of Norman Fair Trade.

However, the trend will not stop with Cafe Plaid and Norman. The number of fair trade towns is growing due to increased awareness and support. Bates says that their group is constantly seeking new members and in general, for people to shop responsibly. Visit transfairusa.org to learn more.

Five Graph:OKC Holdout

Young Oklahoma activists have influenced international political policy first hand. Their efforts were officially recognized this May when President Obama signed the LRA Disarmament and Northern Uganda Recovery Act into law.

This law requires the Obama administration to develop a plan to stop horrific atrocities, namely against children, committed by Ugandan rebel group the Lord's Resistance Army. This passage comes in response to a political campaign spearheaded by young people around the world.

The rebel group, led by a man named Joseph Kony, has waged a civil war for 23 years in Central East Africa. According to policy based non profit Resolve Uganda, the bill, which would require United States involvement and provide recovery aid to ravaged parts of Northern Uganda, hit a road block in February when Oklahoma Senator Tom Coburn placed a hold on its passage through the House. That is when young Oklahomans, mostly college students, rallied and held a peaceful protest outside of Coburn's office.

The protest lasted 11 days in freezing temperatures and gained attention throughout Congress. Finally, Coburn lifted his hold on the bill. This spelled success for the activists. Jessica Walizer, a student at the University of Central Oklahoma participated in the campaign and felt committed to their cause. "We were just ordinary kids who saw a need and fought for what was right. It is evident now that we are changing the course of history for the better," she says.

The Obama administration has 163 days left to come up with their official strategy. This could finally mean peace for Uganda and the neighboring countries affected by the LRA.

PWOP/SOP

To use an image of belongings to capture the essence of a person, I utilized my love of travel and Africa to compose this piece. I believe it illustrates my desire to see the world as much as possible and for this class, reminds me how I hope to use journalism as a means to show other people parts of the world as well...

For capturing a sense of place, this photo is where my heart is, in a barn near my horses, as the morning light cascades in from the east...