Imagine a better America

One cannot deny the amazing rights, privillages, and opportunities that are afforded to American citizens. Unfortunately, inequality is still a major issue in America. Imagine an America where every citizens is treated equally. Imagine an America where every child is afforded a high quality education. Imagine an America where every state and neighborhood is full of resources and economic stability. This kind of America can only exist if we the people do our part.

Every human being desires the highest quality of life. Every human being desires financial stability, safety and security, quality education, quality healthcare, and equal opportunity. Everyday we witness a culture that values money and material assets far above people. In fact many times it appears as if people are a burden or liability instead of an asset.

Human capital is undervalued by many but understood by corporations and governments. Many of today’s American citizens undervalue their own selfworth and don’t understand how valuable they truly are. We must recognize our gifts and celebrate the accomplishments of others consistently. By investing in people and helping each other we can be the change we desire. There has never been a better time to mobilize than now.  There are great communities all over America that are often overlooked.

These hidden jewels are unfairly demonized by mainstream media and often forgotten by political officials. There is a movement of hope spreading like wildfire in America and people are mobilizing all across the nation. Remember no story is too small, no person is worthless, and everybody gets to play. You might just be the solution to somebodies problem or an answer to somebodies prayer.

Find a place in your community to volunteer and start positively impacting the world today. If we all become world changers individually we will reap the benefits collectively. Let love and compassion for all people drive you daily. You can turn your negative moments to promising opportunities. The unemployed individual who feels down on their luck, can be a valuable presence and great asset as a volunteer at a local community group or school.

The retired educator of professional can volunteer also and provide a special area of expertise for a community group or organization. Business owners and working professionals can provide training for youth and adults who lack marketable skills. There are plenty opportunities for us to help people daily by visiting sick and lonely elders, mentoring young people, teaching your special skill to others, cleaning up vacant lots, helping a neighbor, encouraging a stranger, creating job opportunities for unemployed people, and tutoring students just to name a few.

If we live selflessly and compassionately instead of selfishly imagine what America could become. There are people all across the nation holding onto this hope and working towards making it happen everyday. Hopefully this will inspire others to join the movement. Let’s make the dream a reality.   

WWW.CLOUD77PRO.COM TM © May 2012

by Ade

If you are interested in joining the heal the hood movement please email us @ cloudnationmedia@gmail.com or healthehoodblog@gmail.com. 

 

You have not because you ACT not!

May 16, 2012

With countless needs and constant questions lingering regarding underdeveloped communities society has failed to ask the tough questions. 1) Why are some communities struggling and others flourishing?   (2) If the world is tired of the same results why do they continue to use the same methods? 3) Last but not least why aren’t communities gathering to come up with their own solutions?

Human Capital is one of the most valuable resources along with time. What amazes me is that most of today’s society doesn’t have a clue about true value. Some say true value is power, religion, politics, money, and material riches. Human capital is an age old resource that many have forgotten. Kingdoms have been won and conquered using human capital. Countries have been built and developed on human capital. In fact the wealthiest and most prosperous corporations rely on human capital to stay afloat.

Currency loses value but human capital is priceless. Every human being was created with great potential. Every human being has the ability to positively impact the world with their gifts, life experiences, and time. We never know how our presence and stories can help other people until we make ourselves available. There are people in this world who are relying on us to put our witty ideas and inventions into action. 

Unfortunately many of us are too busy seeking selfish ambitions to care about others.

When we fail to help others we fail to help ourselves. The gift in giving and serving others is a reward in itself. Recently, I discovered an amazing young lady by the name of Ay-Sha Butler doing amazing things in the Greater Englewood community.  As president and a founding member of R.A.G.E  Aysha along with her team are truly making a difference in their community.

This is a perfect example of concerned residents who have decided to be the change they desire. By working together, planning, strategizing, sharing ideas, and implementing those ideas R.A.G.E is starting to be recognized as a catalyst for positive social change. They understand the power of mobilizing people and utilizing human capital to impact the community. Read the article below to learn more about how you can get involved with the R.A.G.E organization.

WWW.CLOUD77PRO.COM  TM    © May 2012

by Ade

If you are interested in joining the heal the hood movement please email us @ cloudnationmedia@gmail.com or healthehoodblog@gmail.com.  

The Mission

The mission of the Resident Association of Greater Englewood is to mobilize people and resources to force a change in the community by breaking down barriers in communication and promoting positivity through solution-based approaches.

Background

Residents in Englewood feel enraged:  We are upset about the ways our community is portrayed in the media and we are frustrated with the current conditions of our neighborhood, despite the abundant presence of churches, non-profits, and social service agencies.  In late 2010, several residents living in Greater Englewood decided to take matters into their own hands.  Through their fellowship, R.A.G.E. was soon created.

The Resident Association of Greater Englewood represents new leadership within the community.  This resident-funded and resident-led association consists of members who reside in all 6 wards of the Greater Englewood area.  R.A.G.E. members are homeowners, stakeholders, business owners, professionals, students, parents and grandparents fighting against the stereotypes that often stigmatize Englewood.

RAGE members (L to R): Phil Sipka, Asiaha Butler, Eric Wallace, Lindsay Coleman, Corrinn Cobb

Although R.A.G.E. seeks to holistically empower the community, there are currently several areas and issues that R.A.G.E. seeks to address.  With the recent release of the 2010 Census data, R.A.G.E. has been at the forefront of the redistricting process – working to help re-draw the boundaries of Greater Englewood and pushing for at least one ward office in the neighborhood.

At the beginning of the year, R.A.G.E. hosted three aldermanic candidate forums for the six wards in the election (Wards 3, 6, 15, 16, 17, and 20) in Englewood. The forums were created to give residents the opportunity to learn more about the candidates, who in-turn were able to share what their goals are for Englewood.

Residents listen intently to aldermanic candidates at Part II of the "Who's Running?" Summit series.

When R.A.G.E. is not hosting forums, attending community events, or just simply being regular-everyday folk – they meet monthly to discuss current events in the community, share information,  fellowship, and seek concrete plans and actions steps to ensure that R.A.G.E. is always working towards a tangible goal that benefits Greater Englewood.  R.A.G.E. is action-driven, goal-oriented, and dedicated to representing the good in Englewood.

R.A.G.E.‘s presence in the community and the media has rapidly grown.  R.A.G.E. members have made appearances on The Sanita Jackson Show on WVON 1690 AM, The Munir Muhammad Show on CAN-TV Channel 25, and First Business Chicago on WCIU.

Check out R.A.G.E.’s very own, Asiaha Butler, as she discusses the vast array of assets and resources in Englewood