15 February 2011

Could You...Rock The Red Pump?

Pump: CARLOS by Carlos Santana Venetian

The Red Pump Project, found in March 2009 by Luvvie Ajayi and Karyn Watkins was born out of the twos desire:
1.      To get a conversation started on the issue of HIV/AIDS, and
2.      To ask others to do the same. With this the Luvvie and Karyn put out a call for bloggers to “Rock the Red Pump.”

The project raises awareness about the impact of HIV/AIDS on women and girls. Their mission is to promote HIV prevention through education, and open dialogue about the issues that surround sexual and reproductive health.

The red shoe is used as a symbol of empowerment to represent the strength and courage of women infected and affected by HIV/AIDS. The incorporation of fashion into the message of HIV prevention is the founders’ contribution as they hope to show that Awareness is Always in Style!

Red Pump along with The Red Tie Project™ (which focuses on men), embody The Red Project Collective™, a nonprofit organization that raises awareness about the impact of HIV/AIDS on minority communities (women, people of color, LGBT). The Collective is doing work online and on the ground to motivate action and encourage dialogue about the effects of the disease.

With this year’s 3rd campaign launch (January 18th) bloggers from across the country were invited to join in commemorating NWGHAAD and to use their voice, platforms, and influence to help us raise awareness about the increasing impact of HIV/AIDS on women and girls.

The goal? To get 500 blogs to place one of the six available Red Pump badges on their sidebars in the 50 days leading to NWGHAAD (March 10th). As of February 11th they have surpassed that goal - 650 blogs are officially Rocking the Red Pump!
 
And so now that you’re informed would you join in? It’s a simple request for a great cause.

REMEMBER:
When: Annually, March 10th
What: National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (NWGHAAD), a nationwide initiative to raise awareness about the increasing impact of HIV/AIDS on women & girls and encourages ladies to take action.
Why: Women still represent 27% of all new AIDS diagnoses, with African-American women accounting for 66% of that group. This year focuses on this statistic, “Every 35 minutes, a woman tests positive for HIV in the United States.
How can you help: 1st, Educate yourself, 2nd, Educate a friend, a loved one, a stranger, and 3rd Just Rock the Red Pump!

14 February 2011

Happy Heart Day!

This past weekend was quite an event. I usually like to keep the weekend’s extremely low key. What does that mean? Well, visit family, possible trip to the market, the library, mixed with loads of laundry. But this weekend I/ we/"E":

Saturday
  • Took my two younger cousins downtown to watch a protest staged by middle school students in response to a historic building being slighted for demolition.
  • Picked up a small treat for my dad for his birthday – extra sweet raspberry and cream pastry from the bakery, specially wrap by me and handed off by my son with a rendition of happy birthday.
  • "E" made Valentine’s Day cards for the kids in his class.  This was the first time E has ever painted - that I know of - I watched in horror not excited about what I'd have to clean up! What a mess, but great fun - sorta. (Materials: card stock, small heart punch, water color paint, stamps).
                                  
Valentine's Day Cards made for friends @ school.
 
  • Made heart shaped sugar cookies for the grandparents – that was trial and error. I am so not Martha! The end result was cool though.
  • Had dinner with my parents and presented them their special treats. Before and after dinner, E gave orders and tried to get everyone to play in his room…we partially declined and enjoyed television in the living room, and as a result most of E’s toys ended up in the living room.

Sunday
  • Enjoyed a great oatmeal breakfast and lovely church service
  • Delivered more cookies and visited family
  • Laundry and prep for Monday
All in all, I’d say the weekend was interesting – a change in the norm – I loved it. However, we won’t be painting for a long time!

How did you spend your weekend? 
Any special plans for Valentine’s Day?