Lil' MDGs - Youth Making Changes

Text It’s that time of the year again…

Whee! It’s the season of giving! It’s that lovely time when the world is white, and trees are set up with way too many ornaments! -insert christmas tune here- It’s CHRISTMAS TIME!

I for one am amazingly happy to be on Winter Break. My plan for these 2 1/2 weeks: sleep. Just kidding, I’ll probably do a lot of other things … and sleep for 12 hours. But anyways, getting off topic here….

Christmas-time has always been associated with a spirit of giving for me. You know, Scrooge eventually sharing, collecting soup cans, raising money for cows (seriously, Heifer International, it’s pretty cool, check it out!)… It’s that time when you see that red hanging bowl in front of supermarkets, and a person dressed up like Santa jingling their little hand-bell asking for a donation to the Salvation Army. It’s giving gifts, and helping out. Basically, it’s the season to be nice. And I love it.

Fast forwarding a bit, it’s also the time for New Year’s Resolutions! I haven’t been the greatest person this year, probably broke ten of my New Year’s resolutions within a month, but this year I just have one resolution: to be good. I want to help people this year, in any way I can. Whether it’s holding open a door, or dedicating myself to huge philanthropic projects, I’m going to try my very best.

So, this season, think about what you want to do. Make a huge resolution (or a simple one, whichever you prefer) or drop a quarter into that bowl in front of Shaw’s. Give a gift, or just be nice.

It also would be very much appreciated if you would be nice to Lil’ MDGs this season… -hint hint, nudge nudge- Haha, just kidding.

Think of us sometime this season and we’ll be satisfied, or if you feel like it, mention us to a friend. It’s all good.

Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, (I’m sorry if I left anything out!), and have a HAPPY NEW YEAR!

#Christmas #New Year #resolution #giving

Text What’s going on? - Lil’ MDGs Updates

Here’s just a little update on what’s going on at Lil’ MDGs:

We’ve been invited to the UN MDG Review Summit in September! During the summit, world leaders are coming together to reevaluate the world’s progress on the MDGs, and to form strategies on how to speed up progress and accomplish the goals by 2015. Lil’ MDGs will be meeting with world leaders as well as hosting a few workshops. Watch for us there!

Currently, we’re planning an exciting event for October 16 at the Stockbridge Theatre in Derry, NH. The event will be hosted with support from Nestle and the Nestle Very Best in Youth Foundation.

Comedian Dan Ahdoot, one of the most booked comedians in the country, will be our main act. Besides from his hilarious stand-up comedy, Mr. Ahdoot has written for shows on MTV, Comedy Central, and A&E. He has also been featured on Jay Leno and Comedy Central’s Premium Blend. As our prelude act, we have comedian Tarun Shetty. Mr. Shetty, not your normal comedian, has hosted global programs such as Showbiz India Extreme and written and produced for the TV show X-Play on the G4 network. He has made TV appearances on CMT and Nickelodeon’s Laugh Out Loud, all while establishing himself as one of the leading commercial print models and comedians in the US.

Special Offer until September 16! You can buy discounted tickets for $15 Adults, $12 Students, and $10 Pinkerton Students. From Sept. 17 onwards, tickets are $20 Adults, $17 Students, and $15 Pinkerton Students. VIP Pre-event tickets are also available for premium seating and a special pre-event reception (5:45-6:30pm), where you can meet and greet the special guests. VIP tickets must be purchased in advance. For more information, email info@lilmdgs.org or call us at 603.722.0414

We’re looking for volunteers as well! Help is needed with ushering, manning raffle tables, helping at the VIP reception area, the “Will Call” table, selling some water and snacks, and at the information desk. If you’re interested, email us at info@lilmdgs.org. Any help is very much appreciated!

There will also be a raffle going on to benefit New Eyes for the Needy.. Tickets can be purchased for $6 each, 2 for $10, or 6 for $25 from The UPS Store in Derry. Call at 603.722.0414 or email at info@lilmdgs.org.

Until next time!

#UN #MDG #review summit #event #derry #update

Text Update: IYY activities

All of us at Lil’ MDGs were extremely excited to be going to the Kick-off Event for the International Year of Youth. We had a great time and really became inspired by all the speeches and acts. If you haven’t heard of the International Year of Youth (IYY): check out the official page at http://social.un.org/youthyear/ It’s really just a celebration of us, the world’s youth and giving us a chance to really move things.

Throughout the year, Lil’ MDGs is going to be hosting events and creating opportunities for youth to get involved. As well, if you want to start your own event or movement, just contact us, and we’ll help any way we can.

Pictures from the UN IYY event will be going up soon, and check back here or at www.lilmdgs.org for upcoming events!

#IYY #youth

Text UN MDG International Year of Youth Kick-off Event

All of us at Lil’ MDGs were extremely excited to be going to the Kick-off Event for the International Year of Youth. If you haven’t heard of it: Check it out here http://social.un.org/youthyear/ It’s really just a celebration of us, the world’s youth and giving us a chance to really move things.

After eating breakfast at a local Starbucks (one of many!), we set off for the UN. A few blocks of walking and we arrived at the building. Flags from all countries stood tall, waving in the breeze. The visitor’s entrance was not quite open yet, so we waited outside the gates. We met up with Dylan and Pooja while waiting. Plus, we took a few pictures! A little while later some movement started happening. All the people, and there were quite a few by now, lined up and began walking in. Through security we went, up an elevator, through a few halls, and then we reached the General Assembly Hall. It really was very amazing to be there. The hall is huge, and you can just imagine the all world’s delegates sitting there.
Sitting down, we discovered microphones and earphones, just another little thing to remind us of the people who usually sit there. There was a light chatter while people found seats and filled in. Finally, the event began.
The MC, Chris Bashinelli, gave a speech to start us off and then introduced the first musical performance by The Bonde. The two girls had amazing voices and really got us off to a great start.
Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon followed with an inspirational speech. He urged youth to “look beyond the borders” of their own countries and to “engage with the world, and be a global citizen.” Shortly after he had to leave for other commitments, but we were glad that he took the time to attend at least part of this event and to make a speech.
The following hours passed in a whirlwind of amazing speeches and performances. One very inspiring act was the Move for Autism group. They had a dance set entirely to dialogue and the piece was beautiful.
Finishing up was a speech by Monique Coleman. She most notably was featured in HSM and DWTS, but she really has a passion for youth. On Sept. 8, she’s launching her new show online, Gimme Mo’ Talk, for youth. Her speech was great, and you could tell that she really feels strongly about this cause.
After all the formal performances, we stuck around to talk to a few of the speakers. Everyone was really friendly and eager to connect. We had a great time!

#UN #MDG #IYY #youth

Text Water: It’s Essential

I have a glass of water on my desk. The water is as clear as can be, almost transparent, with nothing floating in it. It’s just pure water.

When we think of water, we think of water like that: crystal clear, flowing gently through a river or stream. But how often do we think of the “dirty” water? And how often do we think of drinking it? Approximately 2.4 billion people worldwide go without proper sanitation for their water. Almost 1.1 billion people do not even have adequate access to water. Without water, a human being will not survive.

Having that unclean water can become lethal. Every year, 2 million people in developing countries alone, most of these children, die from diseases associated with unsafe drinking water, inadequate sanitation and poor hygiene. These people had just been trying to quench their thirst. And because of the unclean water they drank, died. Leaving water like that, it simply is not safe.

Not only is it vital for the survival of a human being, water serves many other purposes. It is an essential part of agriculture and other industrial processes. Water can also serve as a transport system and a potential energy source. Relating to the goal of international cooperation, water can serve as a peacemaker, something that is being shared between several countries. Even beyond just one person, water can make a huge difference.

#water

Text

“Mozambique: Government Establishes Partnerships to Attain MDGs” http://bit.ly/cmXGBb

Text

“Renewing our promises to protect women’s health” http://bit.ly/cGUfO9

Text

You have the chance to speak to world leaders!
Create a video about what you think about the UN MDGs. http://bit.ly/cz5gRY

#UN #MDGs

Photos

Dropping off bears from our BABWs to children at Child Health Services

Text

“MDG - numbers vs. reality” http://bit.ly/agtDSN