New Friends New Life – Empowering Women To Overcome Their Past

Rostin Ventures and Social Media Outreach are proud to announce their support of New Friends New Life.

New Friends New Life is a faith-based organization located in the Dallas metroplex that allows women to leave the degradation of the sex industry and build new lives for themselves and their children. New Friends New Life helps women overcome backgrounds of abuse, addiction, poverty and limited opportunities by providing access to education, job training, financial assistance and spiritual support.

“These women can literally walk in off the streets and get their physical, mental and emotional needs met here,” said executive director of New Friends New Life Katie Pedigo “It’s a special place for them to come and be safe.” 

In 2011, the center helped 400 women and children get back on their feet.

“We’ve already seen a dramatic increase in the number for 2012,” said Pedigo “We aren’t just trying to help the woman, we are trying to restore her entire family. We offer counseling, mentoring and tutoring to the children. Eighty percent of the women we help have children.”

To try to prevent children from falling into prostitution, New Friends New Life works with the Dallas County Juvenile Detention Center. The organization counsels girls between the ages of 12 and 17 who have been victims of sexual abuse to prevent them from being trafficked when they leave.

“The average age of entry into prostitution is 13 years old. These girls have usually been abused as a child and to escape the abuse, they run away,” Said Pedigo “Within 48 hours, these girls are approached by a pimp who takes all of their freedom away. That’s why the work we do at the Dallas County Juvenile Detention Center is critical.”

To help implement its programs, New Friends New Life relies on a dedicated circle of volunteers – its Circle of Friends.

“Circle of Friends is volunteer-based. They are the manpower behind our organization,” said Pedigo “Some volunteers raise awareness, some help with fundraising. From being budget mentors to GED tutors, there is a variety of ways to help.”

Anyone who is interested in helping women and children overcome their background in the sex industry is encouraged to join Circle of Friends.

“New Friends New Life is a transformational, holistic program,” said Pedigo “When these women come in, for the most part they have no job and no education. We assist them with rent, childcare and other everyday necessities until they become self-sufficient.”

New Friends New Life’s transformational, holistic program has helped numerous women get back on their feet and create a stable, safe environment for their children. To raise money to fund the numerous services the center provides from counseling to financial assistances, New Life New Friends and their Circle of Friends host three fundraisers per year.

The most recent fundraiser, the WINGS Luncheon, was held in April and featured bestselling author of the Notebook, A Walk to Remember and The Lucky One, Nicholas Sparks and Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott. During the event, Abbott reported on the scope and nature of human trafficking in Texas and legislative preventive measures. New Friends New Life reported on their community activities designed to help women get out of the sex industry and premiered a video highlighting two women’s journey out of the sex industry.

Anyone interested in supporting New Friends New Life is encouraged to attend their next event, join Circle of Friends, make a donation or volunteer. For more information on these activities, visit www.newfriendsnewlife.org

Also, share this article on Facebook or Twitter to help Social Media Outreach and New Friends New Life raise awareness for human trafficking and its victims.

Mothers Day Gifts that Give Back to Charity

What if every time you purchased an item from handbags to wine glasses to an Ipad case, you also donated to your favorite charity?

What if this Mother’s  Day you had the opportunity to buy your mother a unique and elegant present and also donate to her favorite charity?

Sounds like a dream; too good to be true? Well, Gifts that Give has turned this dream into a reality.  When you shop at the Gifts that Give online store, 20 percent of the purchase price of every item you buy will be donated to your favorite charity.  And, the donation is tax deductible! $1 out of every $5 goes to the charity of your choice.  You shop and they make the donation, in your name.

“We give customers the ability to choose from over 1.8 million nonprofits,” said Nancy “The charities range from health organizations to children’s topics to environmental causes to pets and animals. There is something for everyone.”

The ability to choose is the foundation for Gifts that Gives.

“We empower the consumer to choose the products they want and we empower them to choose the cause they want,” said Nancy “Before Gifts that Give, people would go to really awesome charity auctions, however what they bought was rarely exactly what they wanted.  As I always say, they may want a great mixer, but not in pink… they want the one that matches their kitchen, says Taylor.  Although Gifts that Give does not sell mixers for the kitchen, they sell plenty of other things for your kitchen, home, office, gifts for her, him, kids and even pets.  Gifts that Give allows consumers to buy the upscale items they want to have or give as gifts – were buying anyway – and 20% goes to the cause important to them.  Because people are going to shop for themselves, and all the special  occasions in their lives, like Mothers Day, Fathers Day, Weddings, Graduations, Birthdays – we are not changing consumer behavior – and the charities benefit.”

To shop with Gifts that Give and give 20 percent back, customers should visit www.giftsthatgive.com. To begin, find the cause you love by clicking on CAUSES on the homepage. After you choose the cause important to you, it will appear under the “Cause I Love” in the upper right corner of the homepage. Then, continue to shop the site. With over 4,000 products and 100 upscale brands for consumers to choose from for every occasion from upcoming Mother’s Day to graduation to everyday little luxuries, you’re sure to find something you love.

When you checkout, you’ll be given the option to register with Gifts that Gives or check out as a guest. We encourage you to register to enjoy VIP benefits!

And because Gifts that Give partners with GuideStar, an informational service nonprofit specializing in reporting on U.S. nonprofits, customers never have to worry about where their money is going – GuideStar insures all charities are compliant and ethical.

Gifts that Give handles everything for you. All you have to do to give back is pick a cause and shop!  Gifts that Give relies on referrals to raise awareness of shopping with a cause. To help raise awareness and increase donations to your favorite charity, like Gifts that Give on Facebook and follow them on Twitter.

Social Media Outreach was born out of the recognition that, by utilizing social media, we all have the power to raise awareness of worthy organizations and promote philanthropically driven companies like Gifts that Give. Help us spread the word and make a difference today.  Visit Gifts that Give, where you shop and they donate to the cause you love.

Rostin Ventures, Social Media Outreach, and You: A Partnership With the Power to Make a Difference

Times have changed. Brands used to rely on print, radio, or television to get their messages across. Now, the surge in social media platforms lake Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter, have changed the way consumers develop brand loyalty. More than ever before, we are plugged into the opinions of our peers and increasingly use their recommendations to help us make informed choices.

Julie Ross, a pioneer in Internet marketing, founded Rostin Ventures to help her clients position their brands in the quickly changing and often confusing world of online media. Through her work, she noticed the snow-ball effect social media can have. This sparked an idea. Why not use the same principles that propel a business towards a stronger online presence to strengthen organizations dedicated to making the world a better place?

“Social media has exponential power to make or break a brand with the written word of mouth. So how are we using it? Are we using it for the greater good? More and more people report that using social media makes them feel more empowered. Social Media Outreach was created for those with a desire to translate that empowerment into action.”

In just over a year, with the support of Rostin Ventures clients, Social Media Outreach has raised awareness of the following worthy organizations: Susan G. Komen for the Cure, Oak Lawn Community Outreach Center, Habitat for Humanity, Art from the Street, World Vision, National Coalition for the Homeless, American Red Cross, The Children’s Defense Fund, and The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. We look forward to another productive year, partnering with philanthropically-minded businesses, such as:

Gifts that Give is an online store that offers shoppers the unique opportunity to purchase their favorite brands while raising money for the causes they love. Gifts that Give makes it easy for consumers to do what they enjoy and must do – shop– with that which all want to do – give back. Shoppers purchase upscale products at regular retail prices, and the site donates $1 out of every $5 they spend to the cause of their choice. Gifts that Give partners with Social Media Outreach to promote Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Ovarian Cancer Research Fund, Americans for UNFPA (For the Heath and Dignity of Women Everywhere), and Grateful Closet.

Trinity Merchant Group offers a full suite of payment products designed to boost cash flow and keep business running at full throttle. They provide each client with a customized solution built just for them. Managing Partner, Nathan Randel, and his family has supported World Vision for decades. They continue to contribute to this amazing cause and raise awareness for them through Social Media Outreach.

Crawford Services A Green Advantage Certified contractor, they not only provide a comprehensive list of HVAC services, but also work to help your home run with the highest level of energy efficiency. Crawford Services is a new supporter of Social Media Outreach and we are eager to work with them in 2012.

Through social media, we have the power to make the world a better place and you can help. Promote your cause here. Begin your twitter posts with Social Media Outreach: and state your favorite cause. Like Social Media Outreach on Facebook, become a friend with Social Media Outreach on WordPress, or pass information along on blogs like Blogger. Together, we join to create a strong hand with the ability to reach out and help others in need.

Social Media Outreach: 5 Reasons We Love World Vision

In all honesty, the title for this article could easily have been 900 Million Reasons We Love World Vision. Last year alone they disbursed over $900,000,000, improving the lives of people worldwide through child sponsorship, disaster relief, clean water initiatives, micro-loans, AIDS care & prevention, and more programs too numerous to mention.

One of our new corporate partners, Trinity Merchant Group, introduced us to World Vision and approached us about raising awareness for them through Social Media Outreach. Managing Partner Nathan Randel and his family have been sponsoring children through World Vision for almost two decades. He spoke with such passion for the charity, we felt compelled to look into it. We are so glad we did! Aside from the amazing work they do with children, World Vision is also dedicated to improving entire communities worldwide, helping them reach their full potential by tackling the causes of poverty and injustice. Here is just a sampling of our favorite initiatives:

1. Clean Water: Every day more than 4,000 children die of water-and sanitation-related diseases. The Clean Water Fund brings clean water, sanitation, and hygiene to communities through deep wells, irrigation systems, purification equipment, latrines and more.  In the past two decades, World Vision’s water projects have saved countless lives and brought more than 10 million people access to clean water.
2. Life Changing Animals: Many rural families in developing countries depend entirely on the animals they raise and the crops they grow, so they are never more than one drought, one flood, or one conflict away from hunger. World Vision’s Animal and Agriculture Fund helps hardworking families put food on the table and income in their pockets by providing farm animals, tools, drought-resistant seeds, training in livestock and land management, and business strategies on how to market agricultural goods. All of these efforts combine to help families lift themselves out of poverty and provide a promising future for their children.
3. Micro-Loans: Micro-loans put strength in the hands of hard working people living in poverty. They are given to entrepreneurs who have sound business ideas, but need small loans they can use to start or expand a business. As loans are repaid, the funds are used to provide new loans to others. World Vision’s micro-lending website connects online visitors to entrepreneurs worldwide. Donors fund the entrepreneur of their choice, are able to stay connected as the business builds, and see the impact on the entire community as re-paid loans are re-loaned again to help help dozens of families in the same country for years to come. The organization has achieved a 93.4% rate of repayment for its current portfolio of $346 million in micro-loans, along with providing training and support services to enable its clients to succeed.
4. Help for Girls & Women: In many cultures, a girl is devalued from birth. In fact, women in poor communities are the largest group of people to be denied basic needs and human rights. Recognizing women as critical partners in development, World Vision actively and sensitively works to equip and encourage women around the world. They offer basic health care, prenatal, nutrition and hygiene classes and operate facilities that help provide recovery for girls abused in the sex trade. In addition, World Vision programs in nearly 100 countries help provide access to education for girls and literacy training for women. They also promote recognition of the inherent value of girls and train women to advocate for their rights and become leaders in their communities.
5. Disaster Relief: The impact of major disasters has increased thirteen-fold in the last 50 years. Global weather trends and increasing political upheavals indicate that the needs will continue to grow. Immediate emergency response, disaster mitigation and a commitment to long-term rebuilding are critical. World Vision is on the ground in 100 countries, ready to respond at a moments notice with strategically located disaster response warehouses and a highly trained Global Rapid Response Team.

Share the love this Valentine’s Day. Visit the World Vision Gift Catalogue and discover more than 100 opportunities to transform lives around the world.

Valentine’s Day Gifts with a Social Impact

Donate To The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Through Gifts that Give

At 4 years old, Eva Hooten was a budding artist. She loved to draw, paint, color, and create craft projects with anything she could get her hands on. Then one day she was just too tired to color. That’s when her parents knew something was terribly wrong. Eva was diagnosed with Leukemia, the same diagnosis her father, Timothy, had received only months before. Though they had different forms of Leukemia, Eva watched her father get sick and then recover. That gave her the hope and strength she needed to fight the disease. After two years of treatment, Eva went into remission and has been cancer free since 2009. Timothy Hooten controls his leukemia with second generation medication that was developed through research sponsored by the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS).
Formerly the Leukemia Society of America, LLS changed its name in 2000 to reflect an ongoing commitment to cure all blood cancers, including leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma. With roots dating back to 1949, when leukemia was considered 100% fatal, LLS has funded more that $750 million dollars in research and has seen the five year survival rate nearly quadruple. Equally as encouraging, Hodgkin Lymphoma is now considered one of the most curable forms of cancer.

It is the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s dedication to cutting-edge scientific research, resulting in success stories like the Hooten Family’s, that prompted Gifts that Give to make LLS one of their featured causes.
Gifts that Give is an online store that offers shoppers the unique opportunity to purchase their favorite brands while raising money for the causes they love. The website was launched in 2008 after founder Nancy Taylor recognized that the recession had taken a toll on charitable giving, yet most organizations were still relying on outdated fundraising techniques. She knew that by making it easy for consumers to do what they enjoy and must do – shop – with that which all want to do – give back, she could introduce worthy charities to a new pool of enthusiastic donors.

“Traditional retail is changing and technology is driving more Internet shopping. By partnering with Gifts that Give, non-profits have a new and exciting way to encourage donations.”

Visitors to the site locate their favorite non-profit by clicking the CAUSES button. The selected charity appears under “The Cause I Love” in the upper right corner of the page. Then shoppers browse over one hundred highly desired, upscale brands at regular retail prices. Gifts that Give donates $1 out of every $5 spent to the specific charity the consumer selects. The 20 percent is dispersed by Network for Good and is tax-deductible when more than $10.

In addition to making a difference one purchase at a time, customers can also launch their own charitable campaign and encourage others to donate with the “My Fundraiser” Facebook app. Setting up a fundraising campaign is easy: Simply designate a non-profit cause to support and set a fundraising goal; select from hundreds of products to appear in your own personalized boutique then alert friends and family to start shopping.

This inspired approach to linking socially conscious shoppers with worthy organizations like the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society has made a concrete difference in the philanthropic world. Shop with a heart this Valentine’s day. Visit Gifts that Give and buy quality gifts that give back.

The True Spirit of Christmas

World Vision
Empowering Children and Communities Around the Globe

Each year, it seems the holiday season gets more hectic and commercial. Even those of us with the best intentions get caught up in frantically shopping, decorating, planning, and cooking. In the end, we are often left wishing for a more meaningful expression of the season. Rather than giving a token gift to charity this year, consider researching organizations with your family and supporting a cause that you are all truly passionate about.

Nathan Randel, Managing Partner of Trinity Merchant Group, celebrates the true spirit of Christmas with his family by sponsoring children through World Vision. “Contributing to World Vision is a family tradition that my parents began almost twenty years ago. Not only have they continued to sponsor several children each year, now my wife and I sponsor three as well.”

World Vision is a faith-based humanitarian organization empowering children and communities around the globe by tackling the causes of poverty and injustice. Supported by more than one million individual donors, thousands of churches and businesses, and hundreds of foundations, organizations, and government agencies, World Vision raised more than a billion dollars in 2010. Those funds helped provide emergency and hunger relief, community development, agricultural development assistance and leadership training in 100 countries throughout Africa, Eastern Europe, the Middle East, Asia and the Americas. The organization also educates the public on poverty and justice related issues and advocates on behalf of the poor and children in crisis. Here’s a look at what they were able to accomplish in 2010 alone:

• Emergency Relief: World Vision responded to some 80 emergencies in 2010 by providing food aid, basic supplies and child-protection centers.
• Humanitarian Crises: World Vision is responding to complex humanitarian emergencies around the globe, including Haiti, DRC, Sudan and Somalia.
• Child Sponsorship: Nearly 4 million children are assisted through sponsorship programs worldwide.
• Food Aid: World Vision distributed 169,000 metric tons of food for the United Nations’ World Food Programme and U.S. government programs in 2010.
• Clean Water: In 2010, World Vision dug 305 wells in West Africa, expanding access to clean water to an additional 151,500 people in the region.
• HIV and AIDS: World Vision’s care and prevention work in AIDS-affected communities started in 1990 in Uganda, and is now in 60 countries, including most of sub-Saharan Africa.
• Development: In 2010, more than 638,000 men and women in 40 developing countries began building their own businesses with small loans received through World Vision’s micro-finance programs.

World Vision offers many opportunities for donors to make a tangible difference in communities around the globe. To find a cause close to your heart or to find unique charitable gifts, visit their Gift Catalogue. If you’d like to shop for things you love and still contribute to this worthy cause, visit  GiftsthatGive.com and they will donate $1 of every $5 you spend to World Vision. Just click the Causes tab and type “World Vision” in the key word search and enter “Federal Way, WA” for the location. You can also make an impact by helping Social Media Outreach and Trinity Merchant Group spread awareness of this inspiring organization through facebook and twitter.

Stories that Inspire: 3 Breast Cancer Survivors

Susan G Komen for the Cure
Celebrating Life, Love & Hope

When Susan G. Komen was diagnosed with breast cancer, detection methods, treatment options and survival rates were minimal by today’s standards. As Susan was dying, her sister promised that she would do everything in her power to end breast cancer.  In 1982, Nancy G. Brinker began to fulfill that promise by founding Susan G. Komen for the Cure. Now the world’s most successful charity dedicated to the fight against breast cancer, Komen for the Cure has helped turn millions of breast cancer patients into survivors. Thanks to their efforts, the 5 year survival rate for breast cancer, when caught before it spreads, is now 98% and nearly 75% of women over 40 receive regular mammograms.

Through Social Media Outreach, the creators of WOWPONS mobile grocery coupons support Susan G. Komen for the Cure by spreading awareness of their endeavors and highlighting the inspirational stories of three courageous cancer survivors.

Stephanie Hosford  “In September of 2007, I was told that the small lump I had found in my left breast was cancer. The overwhelming shock of this news was then compounded a mere three days later when I discovered that I was also pregnant. “What is happening to me?” I asked my husband as we both stared in disbelief at the two pink lines on the stick. To add to the insanity, we (along with our 6-year old son) expected to hear news any day that the international adoption that had been in progress for two years was finally being approved.

A biopsy of my tumor had shown it was an aggressive type of cancer that would require surgery and several rounds of chemotherapy. The first three doctors we saw all suggested terminating the pregnancy, so I could focus on my own health. But I knew from my very recent, panicked and desperate research that there were other women who had gone through chemotherapy while pregnant, and their babies had turned out fine.

My unborn daughter and I went through four rounds of chemotherapy together. Ultrasounds throughout that time showed that Samantha was developing right on target and growing normally. During those months, we were informed that we had been matched with a 17-month old girl in China. One look at her picture and I knew there was no way we were giving up on her either. Six weeks later, my husband flew to China to bring our daughter Naomi home.

I am soon to celebrate my 3-year survivor anniversary along with my wonderful husband and three beautiful children. My “party of five” is thriving and happy. I hope not only to inform women who find themselves in a situation similar to my own that they can face both cancer and pregnancy at the same time, but also to inspire others to face challenges head on, even when it seems impossible.”

Sharon Thompson  “In 1981, I was 31 years old and had two boys aged 15 months and 3 months old. My 15 month old was playing on the carpet with me when he fell into my breast. I rubbed the area lightly as it hurt a little and I felt a lump. Fortunately, I had an appointment with my gynecologist already scheduled for four days later (as a follow up from the birth of my youngest). This was my first silver lining, as I would normally have procrastinated and not gone to the doctor.

Within five days I was hospitalized and was told that I had extremely aggressive breast cancer and lymphoma. But, I had a doctor who was absolutely incredible. I never had to worry or get a second opinion – that was my second silver lining. After my surgery, they had removed eleven lumps from my breast and seventeen lymph nodes, all of which were malignant. I was given two years to live, but my doctor treated me as if I had the rest of my life. Chemotherapy and radiation brought me right back to normal.

It returned nine years later, but not as serious. My lymph nodes were clear and there were only five lumps in my breast. It then returned eight years later, and at this point the only alternative was a double mastectomy.

I am now 56, my children are 25 and 26, and my health is good. Women must not give up or think of being diagnosed with breast cancer as a death sentence. There were so many wonderful things that have happened to me as a result of my breast cancer. I have made new friends. I have also spoken with newly diagnosed cancer patients so they can realize that there is life after cancer.”

Paula Holland De Long  “I was diagnosed with breast cancer when I was 37. One day I was living my life. Three weeks later I was sitting in a hospital minus my left breast wondering what had hit me, and afraid I was going to die. I remember the pain and fear of not knowing what was going to happen. The tediousness of chemo, keeping my “I’m fine” face on and my wig straight in 90 degree heat and 90% humidity. I was feeling guilty about not being superwoman during a time when I often could barely get out of bed. My focus was on reaching that magic time when somehow this cancer stuff would end and my life could go back to normal. Finally, my treatment did end. Everyone was so happy for me! They were so thrilled that I was “done” with cancer. Well, guess what? I was bald, weighed 95 pounds, and half of my chest was missing. I had scars all over my body and facing the thought that I could die soon had changed me so much that I didn’t know what normal was anymore.

The truth was I wasn’t thrilled to have my old life back. It had probably contributed to making me sick. I decided to take a low paying, mid-level job instead of going back to my executive position. I started gardening and walking the dog. Pretty soon my husband was looking at me and asking me “Who are you and what have you done with Paula?” I kept thinking, “there’s got to be more.” After cancer, it really hit home that bigger houses, impressive titles, or physical perfection (to name a few) don’t take care of you when you’re sick, love you when you’re wrong, or provide inner peace or appreciation for what you do or who you are.

I believe that cancer is a wake-up call, a reminder that living is about being our own unique selves, and actively working to make the world a better place, one small or large step at a time. My mantra has become, “why wait and why worry?” My courage is based on the absolute conviction that if I can do cancer, I can do anything. My new-found way of showing up in the world is based on compassion for myself and others, with excitement and curiosity about what we can do together, rather than alone. Dealing with cancer and all of the changes it forced on me inspired me to contribute the world instead of standing on the sidelines. It wasn’t easy. It was definitely worth it.”

To hear more stories of survival, or to share one of your own, visit Komen’s “What I Would Have Missed” project. If you are inspired by Stephanie, Sharon, and Paula, please share their stories and encourage others to join Social Media Outreach and WOWPONS mobile coupon app in raising awareness of the fight against breast cancer.

National Coalition for the Homeless Awareness Promoted by Trinity Merchant Group

A Coalition of Many, on a Single-Minded Mission to End Homelessness

Social Media Outreach is pleased to welcome a new supporter of our cause.  Trinity Merchant Group shares our belief that, through the power of social media, people can join together to create a strong hand with the ability to change their communities and the world. Each month, on the behalf of Trinity Merchant Group, we will be featuring a new organization who is making a difference in the lives of those less fortunate. Managing Partner Nathan Randel asked that we start with a profile of The National Coalition for the Homeless. “I’ve always had a heart for the homeless, and no organization works harder to advocate for those at risk and put an end to homelessness.”
The National Coalition for the Homeless started taking shape in 1981, when founder Robert Hayes filed a lawsuit which culminated in giving homeless people in New York City the right to shelter. He then started the community-based Coalition for the Homeless in New York City. Before long, other local and statewide coalitions sprouted and, in 1982, the National Coalition for the Homeless was formed.

A national network of people committed to a single mission, the NCH strives to create the systemic and attitudinal changes necessary to prevent and end homelessness. While tackling this goal, they simultaneously work to meet the immediate needs of people who are currently experiencing, or are at risk of experiencing, homelessness. They believe strongly that homeless people, or those who have formerly experienced homelessness, must be actively involved in all of the work they do. In addition, the NCH is made up of activists, advocates, community-based and faith-based service providers. Their combined experiences and strengths make the NCH uniquely adept at public education, policy advocacy, and grassroots organizing.

Projects

• Faces of Homelessness Speakers’ Bureau - A program comprised of people who are or have been homeless that works to educate the public about homelessness and what can be done to end it.

• The Homeless Challenge Project - Economically-privileged people dressing down, emptying their wallets and spending time on the streets as homeless people for up to 48 hours. This project has been hosted by NCH for more than 20 years.

• The Bringing America Home Campaign - Dedicated to the goal of ending homelessness, the campaign is founded on the principles that people need affordable housing, livable incomes, health care, education, and protection of their civil rights.

• National Homeless Civil Rights Organizing Project - In response to increasing civil rights abuses, NCH is coordinating a locally-based national movement to protect the civil rights of people who are homeless. Find out what you can do to help prevent and combat the violation of homeless people’s civil rights.

• The “You Don’t Need A Home to Vote” Voting Rights Campaign - Since 1992, this campaign has already registered thousands of homeless people in all 50 states. The campaign seeks to protect and promote the right of homeless people to vote.

• Hate Crimes/Violence Prevention Project - For many years, advocates and homeless shelter workers from around the country have received news reports of men, women and even children being harassed, kicked, set on fire, beaten to death, and even decapitated. The National Coalition for the Homeless (NCH) has spearheaded the introduction and passage of legislation to add homeless people to existing hate crimes laws at the local, state and federal levels.

• National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week - Co-sponsored annually by the National Coalition for the Homeless and the National Student Campaign Against Hunger and Homelessness, National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week will be held November 12-20, 2011. Click here to see how you can become involved!

• National Homeless Persons’ Memorial Day - Since 1990, NCH has sponsored National Homeless Persons’ Memorial Day on or near the first day of winter (December 21) to remember our homeless friends who have paid the ultimate price for our nation’s failure to address the issue.

• Universal Living Wage - The Austin, TX-based group Living Wage formula is based on the premise that if a person works 40 hours a week, then he/she should be able to afford basic housing.

For nearly three decades, The National Coalition for the Homeless has empowered those experiencing homelessness while advocating for housing justice, economic justice, health care, and civil rights. Join Social Media Outreach and Trinity Merchant Group in raising awareness of their endeavors. Re-post this article on Facebook, spread the word on twitter, or get involved with a NCH project today!

Shop for Gift Ideas with a Social Impact

More than ever before, socially conscious shoppers aren’t simply looking for quality products, they are also intent on using their buying power to contribute to the greater good. No website binds those two desires as seamlessly as Gifts that Give. Launched in 2008, Gifts that Give makes it easy for consumers to do what they enjoy and must do – shop– with that which all want to do – give back. Shoppers purchase upscale products at regular retail prices, and the site donates $1 out of every $5 they spend to the cause of their choice.

How it works

1. Find the Cause You Love

• Click the CAUSES tab on the Gifts That Give homepage.
• The non-profit locater allows the consumer to choose a non-profit by name, category, and even geographic location. Consumers can specify donations to local chapters of the larger non-profits as well.

2. Choose Your Cause

• Once selected, your cause will appear under “The Cause I Love” in the upper right corner of the page.
• Gifts that Give donates $1 out of every $5 of the regular retail price to the specific charity the consumer selects. The 20 percent is dispersed by Network for Good and is tax-deductible when more than $10.

3. Shop for What You Love

• Consumers can choose from over one hundred highly desired, upscale brands including Jay Strongwater, Anna Weatherley, Kim Seybert, Vietri, Agraria, Lafco NY, Toss Designs, Jonathan Adler, Lilly Pulitzer, Jellycat, Trumpette, Michael Aram and Simon Pearce.
• Shoppers can easily browse items by category and price range from $25 to over $1,000.
• VIP members will be given private shopping opportunities, including flash sales, unique auctions, and other exclusive events.

Raise Money for Your Cause on Facebook

In addition to shopping for friends and family, you can also launch your own charitable campaign with the “My Fundraiser” Facebook app. It’s a simple application that allows others to view your personalized boutique, full of exclusive gift ideas chosen by you. They can have fun while shopping for themselves and others, knowing that they are contributing to the cause you love. Setting up a fundraising campaign is easy: Simply designate a non-profit cause to support and set a fundraising goal; select from hundreds of products to appear in the boutique; then alert friends and family to start shopping. The personalized boutique can also be used to raise individual sponsorship funds for charity races, bike rides, and runs. Campaign dashboards will highlight the hot charities and who is raising the most.

Social Media Outreach was born out of the recognition that, by utilizing social media, we all have the power to raise awareness of worthy organizations and promote philanthropically driven companies like Gifts that Give. Help us spread the word and make a difference today. Visit Gifts that Give, where you shop and they donate to the cause you love.

The Children’s Defense Fund: Standing Up for the Least Among Us

“Safety and security don’t just happen, they are the result of collective consensus and public investment.  We owe our children, the most vulnerable citizens in our society, a life free of violence and fear.”

~Nelson Mandela

“A nation’s greatness is measured by how it treats its weakest members.”

 ~Mahatma Gandhi

“A person is a person, no matter how small”

~Dr. Seuss

For more than 35 years, The Children’s Defense Fund has worked tirelessly to ensure a level playing field for all children. Through a variety of local advocacy programs, and partnerships built with lawmakers across the political spectrum, CDF enacts change that helps lift children out of poverty, protects them from abuse and neglect, and ensures their access to health care and quality education. Social Media Outreach supports the Children’s Defense Fund in their endeavor to give all children a strong foundation. Join us in raising awareness of their programs and policy priorities, or learn how to take action and become an advocate for children in your community.

Programs

CDF Freedom Schools Program
The Freedom Schools Program provides summer and after-school enrichment that helps children fall in love with reading, increases their self-esteem, and generates more positive attitudes toward learning. Children are taught using a curriculum based around five essential components: high quality academic enrichment; parent and family involvement; civic engagement and social action; intergenerational leadership development; and nutrition, health and mental health.

Youth Leadership and Development Training
CDF is committed to training and equipping the next generation of young adult leaders who will lead their communities in caring for, protecting, and advocating on behalf of children.

Cradle to Prison Pipeline Campaign
A Black boy born in 2001 has a one in three risk of going to prison and a Latino boy has a one in six. Through community summits and educational and advocacy resources, CDF is working with partners across the country to develop action plans tailored to dismantle the cradle to prison pipeline in their community.

Faith-Based Action Programs
For more than 20 years, CDF has worked closely with national religious leaders and organizations. With millions of members, deep roots in communities across the country, a history of caring for children, and moral authority, they are indispensable to building a successful child advocacy movement.

Black Community Crusade for Children
Launched in 1990, BCC’s successes include the CDF Freedom Schools program, the Harlem Children’s Zone, youth leadership development programs (which have trained 20,000 young leaders), economic empowerment work in 77 “Black Belt” southern counties, and the placed-based policy work of PolicyLink. Today, key Black leaders have taken up the challenge, including nine Black faith denominations, and will recruit others to action to save the Black child and strengthen the Black family.

America’s future is only as strong as the young people we raise to lead it. The Children’s Defence Fund and Social Media Outreach believe that we are stronger as a nation when our children are given a firm foundation of safety, good health, and a quality education. Help us raise awareness of their efforts to give the next generation the head start it needs.