Causes Archives - Page 3 of 3

Remembering Sacrifices for Justice and Freedom

May 30, 2016May 30, 2016 by Mark JohnsonNo Comments

Today we remember all of the men and women who gave the lives in the service of our country as the ultimate sacrifice for the freedoms that our nation continues to enjoy. As I skimmed posts and thoughts others were sharing, one in particular caught my attention. It included a short excerpt from President Truman's speech on April 16, 1945 to a joint session of Congress during World War II. "Our debt to the heroic men and valiant women in the service of our country can never be repaid. They have earned our undying gratitude. America will never forget their sacrifices. Because of these sacrifices, the dawn of justice and freedom throughout the world slowly casts its gleam across the horizon." Memorial Day should remind us that every pursuit for a cause is not accomplished without sacrifice. Right here. Right now. We have this day to continue striving to make a difference for others. It is one of the best ways to attempt repaying the immense debt we owe....

Kreed’s World

May 27, 2016May 27, 2016 by Mark JohnsonNo Comments

Kreed's World: A Life Unfinished is a motivating resource for parents, caregivers and families of those dealing with any of these issues: autism, hypothyroidism, epilepsy, SCAD (metabolic disorder), Adrenal Insufficiency, and/or Common Variable Immune Deficiency. The blog topics will echo your journeys, and educate those new to the experiences. Click here to visit the site and learn more....

Insight Dialogues with Judith Rodin and Robin Wright

May 25, 2016May 27, 2016 by Mark JohnsonNo Comments

An inspiring conversation this evening between Judith Rodin and Robin Wright which was the first Insight Dialogues from the Rockefeller Foundation. A few takeaways: Engage people to act and share - to be a part, participation - skills and talents; not just giving money. Silence is apathy; let your compassion win - possess everyday drive and get up to fix the broken and unresolved for the betterment of our world. Engage with people/organizations who are on the ground making change. Movements make the change. Repeat your message with conviction that won't let go. Love the cause. The indomitable optimism in the face of extraordinary adversity is powerful to witness. Living thankful, hopeful and joyful despite situations and conditions. No matter if you are a victim or an activist, advocate, partner, etc..., you must have an attitude and outlook that won't give up or quit. Watch 'Making Noise': Robin Wright and the Path Towards Global Equality | Insight Dialogue with Judith Rodin presented by The...

North Texas CPS To Fix Broken System

May 18, 2016May 27, 2016 by Mark JohnsonNo Comments

Since 2005, we have known there were gaps which were failing children in North Texas. An report released today, Child Protective Services Dallas County Management Review, confirmed it's time for change. It stated, "much of the crisis facing Dallas County is self-inflicted." Click here to read more. Robert T. Garrett reported, "CPS has been publicly reeling for months. Turnover has skyrocketed as overwhelmed, low-paid caseworkers flee the agency. Cases of suspected abuse and neglect have lingered, leading to missed signs that could have helped rescue children much sooner. And a federal judge has ruled that a key portion of the state’s child-protection work, foster care, is broken and in need of long-term oversight and repair." Click here to read his article....

The Great Need Within The Great Need

May 13, 2016May 26, 2016 by Mark JohnsonNo Comments

"Not only is there a lack of resources, many cultures in developing countries marginalize disabled children from society, making them extremely vulnerable and more likely to experience discrimination. Children with special needs are more susceptible to abuse, neglect and exploitation than children without disabilities." Caroline Logan. Borgen Magazine, August 2014. Within the poverty of developing countries there are millions of children who are in need of health, sanitation and nutrition. Further down in their population is a group who are often cast aside and forgotten - those with disabilities and special needs. They can't be sold or worked for profit, so developing countries have no use for them. As a parent of a child with special needs, I understand how challenging it can be for a child to live with disabilities and special needs in the United States. How much more extremely difficult it must be in developing areas like Congo, Guinea, Bosnia, Haiti, etc...? "The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has found...

Wren’s Song Helping Orphans in the DRC

May 6, 2016May 6, 2016 by Mark JohnsonNo Comments

Sarah and Tony Witbrod are passionate about helping children in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). There are an estimated 4.6 million orphaned children in this area of Africa. In February, the Washington Times published an article detailing their inspiring story of finding hope for Congolese children through the tragedy of others. Here's an excerpt: "The brief life of a little girl named Wren is making a positive difference for many other children. Sarah and Tony Witbrod were in the process of adopting Wren in 2010 from an orphanage in the Democratic Republic of Congo. There are an estimated 4-6 million orphans in this war-ravaged country in central Africa. The Witbrods, who lived in Douglas at the time, also planned to adopt Wren’s sister Emory because they did not want the two to be separated. On Oct. 27, 2010, they received a phone call with a devastating message that changed their lives: 15-month-old Wren had died. A malaria epidemic swept through...

Nike Pro Skills

May 2, 2016May 2, 2016 by Mark JohnsonNo Comments

Nike Pro Skills is helping youth grow to not only become better basketball players. They are providing the opportunity to become better citizens. Today I had the privilege of meeting Josh Feemster who is a Nike Pro Skills coach in Dallas. He shared that another aspect of Nike Pro Skills is their mission to help youth in Haiti. They make it possible for boys to come to the U.S. with the prospect of building a better life through basketball. Visit the website to learn more. www.nikeproskills.com Follow them on Twitter teamproskills...

Adventure of Goodness

May 2, 2016May 2, 2016 by Mark JohnsonNo Comments

Goodness. It is a daily pursuit. It is not a state of living perfectly - none of us can do that. We can do our best to excel at living "good" however. Look for opportunities to serve those around me Listen to those who would like to share a success or struggle Give from resources I have been blessed with Comfort those who are hurting Encourage those pursuing similar paths and goals Highlight the unique talents and skills you see in others Do you want more adventure in your life? Pursue to do good every day! ...

Pour Les Femmes

April 28, 2016April 28, 2016 by Mark JohnsonNo Comments

See how Pour Les Femmes, Robin Wright and Karen Fowler have grown their social cause and product line in the latest Selfridges & Co. video. Pour Les Femmes is a socially conscious sleepwear company created by Actress/Activist Robin Wright and longtime friend and Designer Karen Fowler. The company was founded to make a product that they love that symbolizes comfort and security and at the same time helps women around the globe. Click here to visit their website....

Jeff Skoll Group

April 23, 2016April 28, 2016 by Mark JohnsonNo Comments

Participant Media, Takepart.com, The Skoll Foundation, The Skoll World Forum on Social Entrepreneurship and The Skoll Global Threats Fund are philanthropic and commercial enterprises of Jeff Skoll. Click here to visit the website and learn more about The Skoll Group. Jeff Skoll is leading social entrepreneurship in the the world. Watch the video: Click here to learn more about Jeff Skoll....