Not into reading about boating safety, check out this informative video

About.com parenting provides a video that provides simple tips for boating safety with families.

Spending a few minutes going through this video can save a life.

http://video.about.com/childparenting/Boating-Safety.htm

Free Child's Make It Yourself Go-Kit

Looking at the current state of the economy, you might not put a children's Go-Kit on the top of your priority list.

Now you have no excuse. Lowe's is offering a free "Ready-To-Go Kit" that the children get to make themselves. What a great no cost activity.

"Safety month starts in June. Get prepared by building this Ready 2 Go kit!"

Lowe's Build and Grow Clinic

Saturday May 23, 2009

10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

For additional information, visit:

http://www.lowesbuildandgrow.com

What I Want for You - and Every Child in America

"Dear Malia and Sasha,

I know that you've both had a lot of fun these last two years on the campaign trail, going to picnics and parades and state fairs, eating all sorts of junk food your mother and I probably shouldn't have let you have. But I also know that it hasn't always been easy for you and Mom, and that as excited as you both are about that new puppy, it doesn't make up for all the time we've been apart. I know how much I've missed these past two years, and today I want to tell you a little more about why I decided to take our family on this journey.

When I was a young man, I thought life was all about me—about how I'd make my way in the world, become successful, and get the things I want. But then the two of you came into my world with all your curiosity and mischief and those smiles that never fail to fill my heart and light up my day. And suddenly, all my big plans for myself didn't seem so important anymore. I soon found that the greatest joy in my life was the joy I saw in yours. And I realized that my own life wouldn't count for much unless I was able to ensure that you had every opportunity for happiness and fulfillment in yours. In the end, girls, that's why I ran for President: because of what I want for you and for every child in this nation.

I want all our children to go to schools worthy of their potential—schools that challenge them, inspire them, and instill in them a sense of wonder about the world around them. I want them to have the chance to go to college—even if their parents aren't rich. And I want them to get good jobs: jobs that pay well and give them benefits like health care, jobs that let them spend time with their own kids and retire with dignity.

I want us to push the boundaries of discovery so that you'll live to see new technologies and inventions that improve our lives and make our planet cleaner and safer. And I want us to push our own human boundaries to reach beyond the divides of race and region, gender and religion that keep us from seeing the best in each other.

Sometimes we have to send our young men and women into war and other dangerous situations to protect our country—but when we do, I want to make sure that it is only for a very good reason, that we try our best to settle our differences with others peacefully, and that we do everything possible to keep our servicemen and women safe. And I want every child to understand that the blessings these brave Americans fight for are not free—that with the great privilege of being a citizen of this nation comes great responsibility.

That was the lesson your grandmother tried to teach me when I was your age, reading me the opening lines of the Declaration of Independence and telling me about the men and women who marched for equality because they believed those words put to paper two centuries ago should mean something.

She helped me understand that America is great not because it is perfect but because it can always be made better—and that the unfinished work of perfecting our union falls to each of us. It's a charge we pass on to our children, coming closer with each new generation to what we know America should be.

I hope both of you will take up that work, righting the wrongs that you see and working to give others the chances you've had. Not just because you have an obligation to give something back to this country that has given our family so much—although you do have that obligation. But because you have an obligation to yourself. Because it is only when you hitch your wagon to something larger than yourself that you will realize your true potential.

These are the things I want for you—to grow up in a world with no limits on your dreams and no achievements beyond your reach, and to grow into compassionate, committed women who will help build that world. And I want every child to have the same chances to learn and dream and grow and thrive that you girls have. That's why I've taken our family on this great adventure.

I am so proud of both of you. I love you more than you can ever know. And I am grateful every day for your patience, poise, grace, and humor as we prepare to start our new life together in the White House.

Love,
Dad"

Source: http://www.parade.com/news/2009/01/barack-obama-letter-to-my-daughters.html

Cyber Crime - Youth Should Not Be Overlooked

For additional information, please visit http://www.bytecrime.org/

Children Around World

A few days ago, we had the opportunity to hear "A Prayer for Children" again.

This poem fit very well to the experiences that have been shared on Neighbors Helping Neighbors over the past year.

From helping a community in a developing country reduce their risk from a disaster or helping a fellow neighbor, it is important to realize that others may not be as fortunate as others.

At the same time, realizing that we should not feel sorry for those that do not have the same tangible item, as they lead very happy lives within their means.

The following poem is really appropriate for any religion and can be found on multiple websites.

A Prayer for Children

We pray for children…
who put chocolate fingers everywhere,
who like to be tickled,
who stomp in puddles and ruin their new pants,
who sneak Popsicles before supper,
who erase holes in math workbooks,
who can never find their shoes.

And we pray for those
who stare at photographers from behind barbed wire,
who can’t bound down the street in a new pair of sneakers,
who never “counted potatoes,”
who are born in places where we wouldn’t be caught dead,
who never go to the circus,
who live in an X-rated world.

We pray for children
who bring us sticky kisses and fistfuls of dandelions,
who sleep with the dog and bury goldfish,
who hug us in a hurry and forget their lunch money,
who cover themselves with Band-Aids and sing off-key,
who squeeze toothpaste all over the sink,
who slurp their soup.


And we pray for those
who never get dessert,
who have no safe blanket to drag behind them,
who watch their parents watch them die,
who can’t find any bread to steal,
who don’t have any rooms to clean up,
whose pictures aren’t on anybody’s dresser,
whose monsters are real.


We pray for children
who spend all their allowance before Tuesday,
who throw tantrums in the grocery store and pick at their food,
who like ghost stories,
who shove dirty clothes under the bed and never rinse out the tub,
who love visits from the tooth fairy,
who don’t like to be kissed in front of the school bus,
who squirm in church and scream in the phone,
whose tears we sometimes laugh at
and whose smiles can make us cry.


And we pray for those
whose nightmares come in the daytime,
who will eat anything,
who have never seen a dentist,
who aren’t spoiled by anybody,
who go to bed hungry and cry themselves to sleep,
who live and move,
but have no being.

- Ina Hughes

International Youth Leader joins Neighbors Helping Neighbors Leadership Team

As many Neighbors Helping Neighbors readers know, we are a strong supporter of including youth in our programs.

As part of National Preparedness Month 2008, we are pleased to add Michael Esguerra as a member of Neighbors Helping Neighbors Leadership Team. Michael will be sharing best practices from our next generation of leaders, serving as an International Youth Representative.

While visiting the Philippines, we had the opportunity to work with Michael through the Philippines National Red Cross, University of Mindanao, and the Kadayawan festival.

The following is an article that appeared in Sunstar newspaper.

PORTRAIT OF A YOUTH AS A LEADER
By Henrylito D. Tacio

IF you're a student and Michael M. Esguerra doesn't ring a bell to you, then you are not doing your homework lately. This 18-year-old Dabawenyo is the country's vice president of the Red Cross -National Youth Council.

During the national congress held in San Fernando, La Union last year (which he attended as one of the eight delegates from Davao City), Mike – as he is fondly called by his friends and colleagues – was chosen as the second most important position during a contested election.

"I did not expect to be the vice president," he says. "It was really hard to get a national position because there were three of us from Mindanao who were vying: one from General Santos, another from Cotabato and myself from Davao."

During the election, the body has to select first area coordinators before they are nominated for a national position in the youth council. "It's like in the Congress," Mike explains. "We have to run first as representatives of our districts. Once elected, he can now join the House of Congress, were the house speaker and other positions will be elected among members."

Mike won as coordinator of Area 9, which is composed of 10 city chapters in Mindanao. "First I was shocked when I emerged the winner," he admits. "It was like I was riding a roller coaster. I couldn't explain my feeling at that time." (His term will end by 2009.)

Just like the character Peter Parker of Spiderman distinction, with great power comes responsibility. And Mike is very aware of that. "I know I will have a lot of sacrifices to do because I am no longer an ordinary youth volunteer. I am leader and I have a great responsibility with my fellow youths."

As vice president, he has the responsibility to coordinate all chapter youth councils under his jurisdiction, mostly in Mindanao. "We have done many things already like intensifying all of the Red Cross Youth programs. I am also the chairman of the HIV/AIDS and Drug Abuse Prevention Education program and we have conducted symposia and seminars on these youth problems. We are also involved in several projects like recruiting young blood donors. Last October, we were awarded as one of the ten most outstanding Red Cross youth councils in the Philippines."

Another responsibility as vice president: He has to attend national meetings of the council. Only 18, Mike has the pleasure of going to other parts of the country. He considers Subic (in Zambales) and Baguio as the most memorable places he has visited. "Subic was really beautiful. The place was also peaceful and the people were well-disciplined. In Baguio, foods were affordable and you can buy well-made handicrafts."

He also could not forget the Enchanted Kingdom in Laguna. "I felt I was a kid all over again," he says. "It was a super fun experience."

In all his travels, though, he is very proud to be someone from Davao. "I don't only bring the name of Davao but also the voice of our youths here," he says. "I want them to know that even if we are from the southern part of the country, we have lots of potentials here."

Being a youth leader, Mike urges: "I think today's youths should be more creative and get involved in what is happening to our country. They have to make wise decisions and be pro-active because they are the people that will shape this country in the future."

How he was involved as a youth volunteer in Red Cross was an interesting story. "I am now in my fifth year serving this organization," he says. "I started when I was in high-school but I never thought of becoming a member of the Red Cross. However, I didn't want to join the Citizen Army Training and there was no other option but to sign up with the Red Cross. I was elected as public relation officer when I was in my second year until I graduated from Daniel R. Aguinaldo National High-School in Matina."

When Mike entered college at the University of Mindanao, a former president of the Davao City chapter of Red Cross Youth asked him if he wanted to serve the UM-council. "I was elected as the president of the UM council when I was in second year college," he says. And it was this time that "I realized and was inspired to serve this great organization for my fellow youths. I am aware that I have lots of shortcomings as a leader but the good thing is we are helping others and we have inspired other youths to help. Achievements like that are priceless."

As if those activities with the Red Cross are not enough, Mike is also the president of the Young Marketers Society of UM's Business Administration department. Although he is still a third (year) student and only 18 years old, he was elected as the leader of the society. "I always believe that age doesn't matter," he says. "I think being young is an advantage, since we are more dynamic, more active, and more creative and we know the taste of other people, especially the youths."

The (YMS or my group ) society has done several programs and projects for its members. "We conducted various seminars to equip our knowledge in marketing," he says. Early this year, the society held the "Marketing Week 2008"— with the theme "4P's –Passion, Patience, Perseverance, and Progression" – at the UM Quadrangle Area, Bolton Street, Davao City. "The event was totally engaging and a fruitful experience for all of us."

Mike is also the auditor of the Davao City Junior Marketing Association and chairman of the ways and mean committee of the working youth center program of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).

Although he is still a student, he is also working as field reporter and news writer of DXUM's 'Radio Ukay' program. In fact, he is a member of Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas until 2010. He also writes for a local daily.

Mike is the eldest of three children of Daniel and Annabelle Esguerra. Although he was born in Bacoor, Cavite, he grew up in Davao where his parents are now engaged in a small business retailing aquarium fishes.

His final words on today's youth: "I think those young people are the most vulnerable. They are vulnerable to several temptations. They are also influenced by other bad elements of our society."

Michael can be reached at juno62089@yahoo.com

Should emergency response volunteers be background checked?

When talking about background checks, two of the main concerns are often the cost and the time that it takes a person to process it.

If a volunteer is wearing a vest from your jurisdiction, does the public make the assumption they have been checked?

So, what do some organizations do?

Lets look an organization that has been doing this type of volunteer work for a long time. The America Red Cross background checks their
volunteers - through a service http://www.mybackgroundcheck.com/

Organizations, such as Volunteer Fairfax, have also asked related questions on their blog - http://askanagency.blogspot.com/2008/03/background-checks.html

Is the assumption made by people in other agencies that volunteers have the same credentials as other volunteers?

Should all volunteers in an organization have background checks or just some? And is it then assumed all have gone through background checks?

If a police volunteer is working side by side with a fire volunteer who is working side by side a spontaneous volunteer, is it just assumed they have gone through a check (and similar training)?

What about if one jurisdiction does a background and the neighboring one does not, is it just assumed that everyone is background checked?

If you answered no to many or any of these questions, you may want to ask around. It is probably not the norm.

The next time you have a volunteer look after your children, might you want to ask some of these questions?