Sunday Five

This weeks links are all about ACTION: protests, scholarships, campaigns… all sorts of things that you can do to make a positive difference!

1) This may be old news but have we all heard about the Rebellyon?

Basically, what happened is that singer Amanda Palmer’s  label wanted to cut several shots from her newest video because they claimed her, “belly was too fat to appear in a music video.” Amanda didn’t back down and the video was released as it was, along with a message to her fans that explained her labels ridiculous stance. Fans, of course, were upset with the record company for trying to cut the clips from the video and, as a result, launched the Rebellyon website where they post pictures of their OWN bellies. It started out as a protest against Roadrunner Records, but as the website explains…

What was once only a protest has grown in to a movement to promote healthy body image. The Rebellyon is devoted to getting people comfortable with their bodies.

Here’s the video, by the way!

2) I got a comment a few days ago on a post I wrote awhile back about dealing with sadness. The comment linked me to the JED Foundation and asked me to share it with all of you – something that I will happily do! The JED Foundation is an awesome organization who’s goals are to…

* Decrease the stigma surrounding emotional disorders and increase help-seeking in the college student population.
* Increase understanding of the warning signs of suicide and the symptoms of emotional disorders among college students.
* Build awareness of the prevalence of suicide and emotional disorders among college students.
* Strengthen campus mental health services, policies, and programs.

Go check out their website where they offer ways to get involved, informational resources, and even a scholarship competition that honors, “a student who is reducing stigma around mental illness, raising awareness of mental health problems on campus, or encouraging help-seeking among his or her peers.” (The deadline is February 13th – maybe you should apply!)

3) Change.org is a great website – they highlight information on causes from gay rights, to women’s rights, to ending homelessness and poverty, to stopping genocide… basically, anything you could want to help out. Each cause has a section on their website with news, information, and actions that you can join up with – check it out today!

4) United for Peace and Justice provides a bunch of inspiring news and ways that you can get involved to help promote peace. In the organization’s own words:

UFPJ believes that no single type of action will alone stop war and injustice. We instead promote a diversity of non-violent tactics — from congressional lobbying to civil resistance — and encourage you or your organization to participate in whatever ways you prefer.

5) Finally, Take Back the Night is a fantastic organization that, “has inspired both women and men to confront a myriad of social ills, including rape, sexual violence, domestic violence, violence against children, and violence against women.” According to the website:

Common components of Take Back the Night rallies include candlelight vigils, empowerment marches, and survivor testimonials. The goals and specific features of a TBTN rally are just as varied as its vast array of supporters. [...] The unifying theme [...] is the assertion that all human beings have the right to be free from violence, the right to be heard, and the right to reclaim those rights if they are violated.

I took part in a Take Back the Night rally at my college this year and it was one of the most moving and empowering events I have ever been involved with! Check out the website to find out how to bring Take Back the Night to you community.

***************************************************

That’s all for this week, but let me know about other protests, organizations, and events in the comments!