Monday #8- Help The Hungry!

Make Today Matter...

Facts:

• The 2nd largest expense for families is food.
• 35.1 million Americans have limited access to enough food due to a lack of money and other resources. 12.4 million of those are children.
• 30% of families are forced to choose between buying food and paying for medical care or medicine.
• Many soup kitchens serve up to 1,000 meals a week. They need volunteersyear-round, esspecially during the holidays.
• 1 in 4 people in a soup kitchen line is a child.
• 96 billion pounds of food are wasted each year.

Take action today!

1. Locate organizations near you that support the hungry. Find out what those organizations need and help provide it.
2. Donate your time and volunteer at a food pantry/distribution center, a local soup kitchen, or a homeless shelter.
3. Go through your pantry and gather up canned and dried foods to donate.
4. Create or support a local canned food drive.
5. Purchase and hand out fast-food gift cards to homeless people. Buy extra cards to have on hand for spontaneous giving.

You matter!

Ever been hungry...for a whole week?

Most people don't have to decide between buying food, paying rent, and purchasing medicine or medical care. But, the sad truth is, millions do. Whether you personally donate time, money, canned foods, or restaurant gift cards, you can be a part of the solution. And, as you strive to end hunger, you will gain a new appreciation for the food you have on your table at home...

It truly is a blessing.

(Adapted from Every Monday Matters: 52 Ways to Make a Difference by Matthew Emerzian and Kelly Bozza)

Monday #7- Write A Letter To A US Military Hero!

Make Today Matter...

Facts:

• There are approximately 2.1 million active and reserve men and women in the US military.
• Hundreds of thousands of troops are deployed indefinitely in remote parts of the world, including the Middle East, Afganistan, Africa, the Korean Peninsula, and on ships throughout international waters.
• Active military members are deployed for long periods of time, and they love receiving good wishes and words of appreciation and support, even from total strangers.
• The most requested item by military men and women is a letter.

Take action today!

1. Select a soldier you know or one who is related to someone you know.
2. If you don't know a soldier, ask a friend, student, co-worker, pastor, or local military representative to help make a connection. Make sure they provide proper mailing instructions.
3. Grab some paper, an envelope, and a pen.
4. Write a letter from your heart that expresses your gratitude, show your support, and provides encouragement. Share a little bit about yourself and ask questions. Avoid such topics as death, killing, and politics.
5. Include your e-mail or mailing address in case the recipient wants to write back.
6. Send the letter!

You matter!

We can't take them for granted...

Our military protects our nation's freedom, and, regardless of your political affiliation and whether or not you believe in war, these brave men and women need to know that we appreciate their sacrifices and service.

With a simple card or letter, you can brighten the day of a soldier who is overseas ensuring your freedom.

Your letter might be the only thing that makes a soldier smile that day!

(Adapted from Every Monday Matters: 52 Ways to Make a Difference by Matthew Emerzian and Kelly Bozza)

Until The Violence Stops

Join us for a V-Day benefit screening of award-winning documentary film:

Saturday, February 26th

2:00pm

State Theater, 333 Oak St. Red Bluff

(Admission is $3 or FREE with your The Vagina Monologues presale ticket)

Until the Violence Stops shows women from Harlem to Ukiah, CA; from the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation to the Philippines and Kenya, uniting and courageously revealing their intimate and deeply painful experiences with abuse ranging from rape to female circumcision.

Director Abby Epstein takes us on a poignant journey into the hearts of women and includes revealing testimonies from men, who expose social and cultural attitudes that perpetuate the pervasive violence against women.

In emotionally charged interviews and performances, everyday women and celebrities like Rosie Perez, Salma Hayek, Tantoo Cardinal, Jane Fonda, and LisaGay Hamilton embrace their bodies, reconcile their past, and bond together to break the silence that surrounds abuse.

 

Proceeds raised will benefit Girls Inc. NSV and help us "inspire all girls to be STRONG, SMART, and BOLD!

Monday #6- Get Rid of Junk Mail

What Matters Most?

Facts:

• Junk mail deliveries surpass the number of US Postal Service 1st class mail.
• Even though 44% of all junk mail is discarded without being opened, people will still spend 8 months of their lives opening junk mail.
• Only 2% of junk mail gets a response.
• 100 million trees are needed to produce the annual supply of bulk mail--thats the equivalent of deforesting the entire Rocky Mountain National Park every four months.
• Over $350 million taxpayer dollars are spent annually to dispose of junk mail that does not get recycled.
• 5.6 million tons of catalogs and other direct-mail advertisements end up in landfills annually.
• The average person recieves only 1.5 personal letters each week compared to 10.8 pieces of junk mail.
• As of 2010, paper takes up 48% of our landfill space.

Take action today!

1. Write "Please do not rent or sell my name" next to your name whenever you enter a contest, make a purchase or donation, join a buyer's club, order a product by mail, subscribe to a magazine, or return a warranty card.
2. Call the customer service number of the company or organization that is sending you unwanted mail and ask to be removed from their list.
3. Remove your name from several national mailing lists through the Direct Marketing Association's Mail Preference Service. You can register online or by mail.
4. Contact major consumer credit bureaus to have your name removed from mailing lists used for credit offers.

You matter!

How many trees fit in your mailbox?

500 pieces of junk mail per person per year...what a waste.

By decreasing your junk mail, you'll save trees, save waste, decrease pollution, save time, and save the mail carrier's back because he or she won't have to deliver mail that you don't read anyways.

(Adapted from Every Monday Matters: 52 Ways to Make a Difference by Matthew Emerzian and Kelly Bozza)

Monday #5- Eat Healthy!

What Matters Most?



Facts:

• Annual cost for chronic conditions and diseases is big money:

$117 billion for obesity

$66 billion for high blood pressure

$432 billion for heart disease and strokes

$50 billion for weight-loss aids, diet foods, supplements, and weight-loss medications, yet obesity is still increasing

• French fries are the most widely eaten vegetable.
• 79% likelihood exists that an overweight child will become an overweight adult.
• 75% of adults don't eat the recommended daily 5 or more servings of fruits and vegetables.
• Snack consumption by children has increased 300% from 20 years ago.
• 400,000 people die annually from poor eating habits and laziness.

Take action today!

1. If you suffer from or have a family history of any of the aforementioned chronic conditions or diseases, consult your family physician for dietary counseling.
2. Eat to live; don't live to eat.
3. Although every individual is unique in his or her dietary needs, here are some ideas to help:

- Eat fewer food with refined grains and sugars, reduce your intake of fatty food, and eat smaller portions.

- Eat more dark green vegetables, legumes, fruits, whole grains, low-fat milk products, and lean meats.

- Eat slowly so you will feel full before you've overeaten.

- Don't reward yourself or children with food.

- Develop a routine and eat at similar times each day.

- Drink plenty of water.

- Limit snacking.

You matter!

Can you really afford not to?

You deserve to be in good health. For most, diabetes, hypertension, and other obesity-related chronic diseases are preventable by simply eating healthily and exercising. You will feel better than ever both mentally and physically--the only way to really live!

If you don't want to do it for yourself or your wallet, do it for those who love you.

Just start...one day at a time.

(Adapted from Every Monday Matters: 52 Ways to Make a Difference by Matthew Emerzian and Kelly Bozza)

Play, Believe, Achieve!

Today, February 2nd, 2011 we are celebrating the

25th Annual

National Girls & Women in Sports Day!

For 25 years, National Girls & Women in Sports Day has motivated girls and women to get active and stay active. We want everyone to get active and realize the long-term benefits of staying active. Being involved in sports and staying physicially fit helps equip girls and women with self-confidence and strength to flourish in all areas of life.

1st, get out and PLAY! Go for a run, play catch with a friend, join a local sports team. You can play one sport or game that you love, or you can try many. Don't worry about how good you are. If you enjoy whatever sport you begin playing, don't let anyone stop you!

Next, we want you to BELIEVE that you can accomplish anything in sports and in life. Set goals, and you can be great at whatever you set your mind to. Confidence is half the battle and if you believe in yourself, everyone else will believe in you too. In order to fulfill your dreams, you need to have the will and the desire that comes with wanting to be the best, in sports or in anything else.

If you go out, play and believe in yourself, know that eventually you will ACHIEVE your goals, whether on the sports field, in the classroom, or in day-to-day life. Getting involved in sports can put you on the path to success. Have confidence in yourself, take chances, and set goals...You will be unstoppable!

Visit http://www.ngwsdcentral.com/ for activity ideas and a list of other events taking place throughout the nation.

Partners:

Girls Inc. of the USA, Girls Incorporated, NAGWS, National Women's Law Center, and Women's Sports Foundation