Cinco de Mayo celebrates a victory by the Mexican Army over the French Army in the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862.It was a great victory because it was unexpected. France at that time was still very powerful and had many troops in Mexico. Why were French troops in Mexico? Let’s go back a few years.Mexico gained its independence from Spain in 1810. But the Mexican War with the United States and the Mexican Civil War almost entirely wiped out the Mexican Treasury. During these wars, Mexico had borrowed heavily from European countries, including France. In the early 1860s, Mexico stopped paying France back. France’s answer was to invade Mexico.
The French had tried to make Archduke Maximilian of Austria the ruler of Mexico. Under his command, French troops marched from the Gulf of Mexico toward Mexico City.
As we celebrate diversity let's take some time today to find creative ways to celebrate this wonderful holiday. This week's Dimension's of Diversity Alliance Meeting is Thursday at 3 p.m. at the Michigan Paralyzed Veterans Office in Novi.
Hope to see you!-Read something great!
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Princeton comes to Michigan...
I have heard my fair share of stereotypes about young people and their lack of motivation. Today's blog makes me feel great because it always an awesome feeling to dispel generalizations. My hubistrator (Jason) and I are co-chairs this year for the Princeton Prize in Race Relations Committee of Michigan.
Our duties include seeking out young people (high school age) who have made strides in race relations. I am happy to say that this year's winner Shirisha Thota made an amazing difference in race relations by being innovative, hardworking and creative.
One of the first things mentioned about ths student when we talked to her reccomender was that "Shirisha's one of a kind; she's going to be president one day!" She describes Shirisha, a junior at Farmington H.S., as incredibly friendly, gregarious, passionate about social justice issues, a leader who leads by example and is well-respected and liked by her peers. Shirisha has made personal contact with her state representative, Vicki Burnett, about promoting race relations in her school and county area, and is apparently on a first name basis with her!
Shirisha is very proactive and has gone above and beyond in her role as a Youth Policy Leader. She is "thirsty for this kind of work" i.e.. work related to race relations, social justice, and intergenerational/interracial dialogues. She is working with her Vice Principal and community officials (like Representative Burnett, aka, "Vicki") about organizing more programs and dialogues to promote race relations, including people of all ages.
Shirisha was awarded with a monetary stipend and acknowledgement from Princeton University for her efforts-she also was given the opportunity to come to the National Symposium on Race at Princeton University to meet other young people who have made an amazing difference in their respevctive states.
Today's blog is dedicated to Shirisha for making Michigan stand out in diversity!
-Read something great!
Our duties include seeking out young people (high school age) who have made strides in race relations. I am happy to say that this year's winner Shirisha Thota made an amazing difference in race relations by being innovative, hardworking and creative.
One of the first things mentioned about ths student when we talked to her reccomender was that "Shirisha's one of a kind; she's going to be president one day!" She describes Shirisha, a junior at Farmington H.S., as incredibly friendly, gregarious, passionate about social justice issues, a leader who leads by example and is well-respected and liked by her peers. Shirisha has made personal contact with her state representative, Vicki Burnett, about promoting race relations in her school and county area, and is apparently on a first name basis with her!
Shirisha is very proactive and has gone above and beyond in her role as a Youth Policy Leader. She is "thirsty for this kind of work" i.e.. work related to race relations, social justice, and intergenerational/interracial dialogues. She is working with her Vice Principal and community officials (like Representative Burnett, aka, "Vicki") about organizing more programs and dialogues to promote race relations, including people of all ages.
Shirisha was awarded with a monetary stipend and acknowledgement from Princeton University for her efforts-she also was given the opportunity to come to the National Symposium on Race at Princeton University to meet other young people who have made an amazing difference in their respevctive states.
Today's blog is dedicated to Shirisha for making Michigan stand out in diversity!
-Read something great!
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Guest blog from Senior Alliance
Friendship Has No Age Limit
By: Linda DeVore
Program Manager
The Senior Alliance
The Senior Alliance, (TSA) Area Agency on Aging 1-C is a non-profit organization serving the 34 communities in southern and western Wayne County. TSA’s mission is to coordinate a comprehensive network of services to enable older persons to function as independently as possible in the community environment, which best suits their needs. TSA provides advocacy, programming, planning, contracting, funding and personnel necessary to accomplish the foregoing purpose. Services are also provided to individuals with physical disabilities. The people we serve come from a variety of backgrounds and ethnicities.
Oftentimes, when we think of the words “diversity” or “inclusion” we think of the color of someone’s skin. But, diversity also encompasses age, ability, knowledge, and much more. One of my favorite sayings is, “Friendship has no age limit”—something we strongly believe at The Senior Alliance.
TSA has a comprehensive network of nearly 50 programs and services. In the past year, The Senior Alliance has had remarkable success in all of its programs and has continued to provide services to meet the needs of hundreds of seniors. Older Americans and the disabled have witnessed many turbulent times in the history of our country including World Wars, The Great Depression, and tragedies of diverse kinds. They have made it through those times with great resolve and dignity and are a valuable asset to the next generation. Without the fundamentals they have laid, this country would not be what it is today.
One of the programs that TSA provides is the Holiday Meals program, which delivers meals to seniors who otherwise would not get a hot meal on Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter and Labor Day. Seniors receiving these meals are homebound due to disability or frailty. Many of them may have no family or friends to assist them or visit with them during the holidays. Meals on Wheels does not deliver on holidays, so programs like Holiday Meals through TSA ensure vulnerable and delicate seniors receive a meal for that day.
For many, this brief encounter with someone from the outside is very beneficial to the welfare of the senior and leaves a lasting impression on their hearts and minds, along with the actual nutrition that the meal provides. These seniors look forward to the companionship and of the individual bringing the meals, if only for a few minutes. Sometimes, this is the only opportunity that they have to speak to another human being. How difficult this must be. I can only imagine how this brief visit tugs at the heart strings of the senior. The Holiday Meals program has managed to reach its arms far into the community. Schools and churches participate by having children create beautifully colorful placemats that are delivered along with the meal; many times these seniors keep these placemats for the entire year as a keepsake.
By: Linda DeVore
Program Manager
The Senior Alliance
The Senior Alliance, (TSA) Area Agency on Aging 1-C is a non-profit organization serving the 34 communities in southern and western Wayne County. TSA’s mission is to coordinate a comprehensive network of services to enable older persons to function as independently as possible in the community environment, which best suits their needs. TSA provides advocacy, programming, planning, contracting, funding and personnel necessary to accomplish the foregoing purpose. Services are also provided to individuals with physical disabilities. The people we serve come from a variety of backgrounds and ethnicities.
Oftentimes, when we think of the words “diversity” or “inclusion” we think of the color of someone’s skin. But, diversity also encompasses age, ability, knowledge, and much more. One of my favorite sayings is, “Friendship has no age limit”—something we strongly believe at The Senior Alliance.
TSA has a comprehensive network of nearly 50 programs and services. In the past year, The Senior Alliance has had remarkable success in all of its programs and has continued to provide services to meet the needs of hundreds of seniors. Older Americans and the disabled have witnessed many turbulent times in the history of our country including World Wars, The Great Depression, and tragedies of diverse kinds. They have made it through those times with great resolve and dignity and are a valuable asset to the next generation. Without the fundamentals they have laid, this country would not be what it is today.
One of the programs that TSA provides is the Holiday Meals program, which delivers meals to seniors who otherwise would not get a hot meal on Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter and Labor Day. Seniors receiving these meals are homebound due to disability or frailty. Many of them may have no family or friends to assist them or visit with them during the holidays. Meals on Wheels does not deliver on holidays, so programs like Holiday Meals through TSA ensure vulnerable and delicate seniors receive a meal for that day.
For many, this brief encounter with someone from the outside is very beneficial to the welfare of the senior and leaves a lasting impression on their hearts and minds, along with the actual nutrition that the meal provides. These seniors look forward to the companionship and of the individual bringing the meals, if only for a few minutes. Sometimes, this is the only opportunity that they have to speak to another human being. How difficult this must be. I can only imagine how this brief visit tugs at the heart strings of the senior. The Holiday Meals program has managed to reach its arms far into the community. Schools and churches participate by having children create beautifully colorful placemats that are delivered along with the meal; many times these seniors keep these placemats for the entire year as a keepsake.
Monday, March 22, 2010
Diversity Quotes...to remember!
Readers,
Quotes are so important to me. I like to remember them as affirmations, advice and sometimes just motivation to keep me going...I thought I'd share some great ones about diversity with you all today!
-Read something great!
“We all should know that diversity makes for a rich tapestry, and we must understand that all the threads of the tapestry are equal in value no matter what their color.”
Maya Angelou quotes
“Diversity is the one true thing we all have in common. Celebrate it every day.”
“I feel my heart break to see a nation ripped apart by it's own greatest strength--it's diversity.”
ahimsadawn
Melissa Etheridge
“There never were in the world two opinions alike, no more than two hairs or two grains; the most universal quality is diversity”
Michel de Montaigne quotes
“If we cannot now end our differences, at least we can help make the world safe for diversity.”
John Fitzgerald Kennedy
“Variety is the spice of life”
American Proverb
Quotes are so important to me. I like to remember them as affirmations, advice and sometimes just motivation to keep me going...I thought I'd share some great ones about diversity with you all today!
-Read something great!
“We all should know that diversity makes for a rich tapestry, and we must understand that all the threads of the tapestry are equal in value no matter what their color.”
Maya Angelou quotes
“Diversity is the one true thing we all have in common. Celebrate it every day.”
“I feel my heart break to see a nation ripped apart by it's own greatest strength--it's diversity.”
ahimsadawn
Melissa Etheridge
“There never were in the world two opinions alike, no more than two hairs or two grains; the most universal quality is diversity”
Michel de Montaigne quotes
“If we cannot now end our differences, at least we can help make the world safe for diversity.”
John Fitzgerald Kennedy
“Variety is the spice of life”
American Proverb
Thursday, March 11, 2010
“Diversity is the one true thing we all have in common. Celebrate it every day.”
Women's history month reflects a time to commemorate some very special people. So many pioneers made it their mission for women to have an opportunity to work and to vote...but what about the heroes of today? I believe that it is important that we celebrate the strong women of our past but that we also celebrate the women that we see every day. I am so fortunate to be amongst some very influential women who strive to be excellent not only for themselves but also for others.
My co-founder Jaclyn Kochis has been a great person to work with in collaboration with the Dimensions of Diversity Alliance. Jaclyn works at the Michigan Paralyzed Veterans Association of America. Jaclyn often mentions that as we celebrate diversity it is important not to forget those who are disabled as a part of the community. She and her boss Michael Harris have been an inspiration to many and they continue to provide a voice that helps to educate and inform those about the goals of the DDA and the MPVA. April 15th is their annual open house. If you are interested in learning more about this awesome group-please feel free to stop by and enjoy refreshments in the corporate office. 40550 Grand River Ave., Novi, MI 48375 For more info on this event and the DDA call toll free: (800) 638-MPVA (6782) Contact Us
-Read something great!
My co-founder Jaclyn Kochis has been a great person to work with in collaboration with the Dimensions of Diversity Alliance. Jaclyn works at the Michigan Paralyzed Veterans Association of America. Jaclyn often mentions that as we celebrate diversity it is important not to forget those who are disabled as a part of the community. She and her boss Michael Harris have been an inspiration to many and they continue to provide a voice that helps to educate and inform those about the goals of the DDA and the MPVA. April 15th is their annual open house. If you are interested in learning more about this awesome group-please feel free to stop by and enjoy refreshments in the corporate office. 40550 Grand River Ave., Novi, MI 48375 For more info on this event and the DDA call toll free: (800) 638-MPVA (6782) Contact Us
-Read something great!
Monday, March 8, 2010
Comfortable in Your Own Skin...
Shared post from www.taramichener.com from
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
I felt the need to share this post with those who support the diversity community. I hope you enjoy and would love to hear your comments. (Tara Michener)
Comfortable in your own skin...
Why is diversity an important topic for young people? This is a question that I am asked often at book signings and events. Many feel that we should not complicate kids with the worries of culture studies and race. I have been told that it is better to let them just be and ignore color. In a perfect world this sounds adequate. Our world is improving but it is far from perfect. Diversity is an important topic for young people because it teaches them to learn to embrace people different from themselves and to accept themselves as well. When kids don't understand that the world is much bigger than one race or class it can be detrimental to their social development. As a young person I have had people touch my hair, ask me why I don't talk like a Black person and various questions about my ethnicity and background because of a lack of education on cultural understanding and etiquette. I wrote my book series to help kids to discover the importance of race relations, diversity and self-esteem in a fun and healthy way.
I think that my smile is the biggest when kids happily embrace the characters Janelle and Zoey. March is reading month and women's history month. If you think it would benefit your school or group to have a woman author give a presentation on diversity involving my books and or the topic overall. Please let me know at whoiamnotwhatiam@yahoo.com Feeling comfortable in our own skin involves us allowing others to be comfortable in their skin. -Read something great!
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
I felt the need to share this post with those who support the diversity community. I hope you enjoy and would love to hear your comments. (Tara Michener)
Comfortable in your own skin...
Why is diversity an important topic for young people? This is a question that I am asked often at book signings and events. Many feel that we should not complicate kids with the worries of culture studies and race. I have been told that it is better to let them just be and ignore color. In a perfect world this sounds adequate. Our world is improving but it is far from perfect. Diversity is an important topic for young people because it teaches them to learn to embrace people different from themselves and to accept themselves as well. When kids don't understand that the world is much bigger than one race or class it can be detrimental to their social development. As a young person I have had people touch my hair, ask me why I don't talk like a Black person and various questions about my ethnicity and background because of a lack of education on cultural understanding and etiquette. I wrote my book series to help kids to discover the importance of race relations, diversity and self-esteem in a fun and healthy way.
I think that my smile is the biggest when kids happily embrace the characters Janelle and Zoey. March is reading month and women's history month. If you think it would benefit your school or group to have a woman author give a presentation on diversity involving my books and or the topic overall. Please let me know at whoiamnotwhatiam@yahoo.com Feeling comfortable in our own skin involves us allowing others to be comfortable in their skin. -Read something great!
Monday, March 1, 2010
Dimensions of Diversity Alliance Kick-off A Success!
The Michigan Paralyzed Veterans of America (MPVA) and author of the children's book series “Who I Am” which focuses on diversity and self esteem, Tara Michener, launched the first “The Dimensions of Diversity Alliance (DDA)” on February 25, 2010. The meeting was a great success as Michigan-based professionals came to the MPVA Chapter Headquarters to discuss how they could actively partner together to better their communities by creating positive perceptions and awareness regarding diversity issues.
The first meeting was kicked-off with an icebreaker which demonstrated that although the Alliance members may seem uniquely different, they are indeed extraordinarily similar. As Michael Harris, MPVA Executive Director, pointed out, “As human beings we all have the same basic needs—to be accepted and cared for.”
In addition, the Dimensions of Diversity Alliance launch brought forth some excellent dialogue regarding their goals of becoming an action oriented group as Ms. Rita Crooks, a Director of the Michigan Roundtable for Diversity and Inclusion, spoke about the 10th Annual Walk2Gether Michigan for Unity in the Community. The walk, which celebrates the spring season of new growth, draws thousands in the name of diversity and inclusion to Bell Isle, Michigan on May 16, 2010. It offers corporations, organizations, and individuals a great outing for a great cause.
The Dimension of Diversity Alliance hopes to help build upon these important events and causes that promote inclusion and togetherness throughout our Michigan community. In hosting the meetings quarterly, the DDA can create a platform for groups and individuals to share professional resources, unify goals, and form a strong enough interest on the subject of diversity and inclusion that we are able to change the world, or at least Michigan, for now!
At this time we would like to thank everyone who supported the first Dimensions of Diversity Alliance Meeting. We would also like to thank everyone from the PBS TV Show on Abilities, A Wider World, for filming the meeting and helping the DDA to promote their vision. Lastly, we would like to thank Glenda’s Garden Center of Novi for donating a $25.00 gift certificate that was raffled off at our launch!
-Jaclyn Kochis
The first meeting was kicked-off with an icebreaker which demonstrated that although the Alliance members may seem uniquely different, they are indeed extraordinarily similar. As Michael Harris, MPVA Executive Director, pointed out, “As human beings we all have the same basic needs—to be accepted and cared for.”
In addition, the Dimensions of Diversity Alliance launch brought forth some excellent dialogue regarding their goals of becoming an action oriented group as Ms. Rita Crooks, a Director of the Michigan Roundtable for Diversity and Inclusion, spoke about the 10th Annual Walk2Gether Michigan for Unity in the Community. The walk, which celebrates the spring season of new growth, draws thousands in the name of diversity and inclusion to Bell Isle, Michigan on May 16, 2010. It offers corporations, organizations, and individuals a great outing for a great cause.
The Dimension of Diversity Alliance hopes to help build upon these important events and causes that promote inclusion and togetherness throughout our Michigan community. In hosting the meetings quarterly, the DDA can create a platform for groups and individuals to share professional resources, unify goals, and form a strong enough interest on the subject of diversity and inclusion that we are able to change the world, or at least Michigan, for now!
At this time we would like to thank everyone who supported the first Dimensions of Diversity Alliance Meeting. We would also like to thank everyone from the PBS TV Show on Abilities, A Wider World, for filming the meeting and helping the DDA to promote their vision. Lastly, we would like to thank Glenda’s Garden Center of Novi for donating a $25.00 gift certificate that was raffled off at our launch!
-Jaclyn Kochis
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
