You can learn about so many things on the internet, but how much more powerful would it be if you could also DO after you learned stuff? From a lesson about The Emancipation Proclamation to joining Obama’s Day of Service and applying to be a Mars colonist, we have things for you to learn and do from this week. Oh, and since we’re always learning from the GOOD community, we’re sharing member profiles that are starting great discussions and activating the online platform.
Let’s Learn:
There’s No Race Like Home: ‘Searching for Zion’ Explores Being Biracial in America
Rebecca Carroll realizes that as a biracial, black-identified mother of a racially ambiguous looking child, her son’s name “Kofi” implies some sort of African legacy, which in reality, he can no more claim than her or any of us. In this post, she speaks with author Emily Raboteau of Searching for Zion: The Quest for More in the African Diaspora.
A DO Suggestion? Read Raboteau’s book.
Here’s What Energy Company ‘Land Men’ Tell Homeowners in Rural Eastern Ohio
Reuters just put together a short, informative doc on the “land men” who would like to get landowners to lease their land to energy companies. There’s been a lot of discussion on this issue, from the movie “Promised Land”, which brought you our community-driven photo essay, to the man that’s walking the entire length of the proposed Keystone XL Pipeline.
A DO Suggestion? Sign up to be involved in the 350.org campaign against the Keystone XL pipeline.
During a time of bankruptcy in 1977, Milton Glaser created the famous “I Love New York” logo pro bono and since then, New York has become the safest big city in America. Lee-Sean Huang discusses how branding can be a part of the difference, and how he helped designed a logo for Rio.
A DO Suggestion? Come up with a logo for your neighborhood.
‘Kale-Eating Overlord’ Musk Will Allow Meat on Mars—If It’s Viable
Want to be a Martian colonist? No problem. Wait a decade or two and you can be one of the first several thousand to do so, says space baron Elon Musk. There’s just one catch…
A DO Suggestion? Apply to be a Mars colonist.
The Emancipation Proclamation Story Not Taught in Schools
More than 200,000 African American soldiers and sailors helped to save the Union and carry out what Lincoln called “a new birth of freedom.” William L. Katz tells us how their emancipation story offers useful lessons about people power during a time of slavery and for today.
A DO Suggestion? Read The Emancipation Proclamation, then take your slavery footprint. See how your lifestyle contributes to forced labor.
Retrofitting Surburbia: Bringing Life to Vacant Spaces
Ellen Dunham-Jones is an expert on retrofitting suburban spaces. She gives us insight about the communities that are changing vacant strip malls into creative spaces and restaurants.
A DO Suggestion? Occupy a vacant lot in your neighborhood.
The Digital Divide? It’s at Your Local School, Too
Dewitt Robinson only has four computers and an outdated projector in his classroom. This lack of a strong tech environment isn’t unusual in classrooms across America. He asks, how can we end the digital divide?
A DO Suggestion? Nominate a nonprofit that’s impacting youth to be featured on the Give for Youth microgiving site. Microsoft will match the microfunds through our Give for Youth Maker Challenge.
Redesigning the Front Yard: Replacing Lawns with Food, and Now Prairies
Now, it’s also becoming more common to replace lawns with native plants. In the Midwest, homeowners are starting to bring back the prairie yard by yard.
A DO Suggestion? Plant a square foot garden for your home, whether it’s on your balcony, in a carport, or on your front lawn.
Softwalks: Turning Scaffolding into Pop-up Parks
In New York City, there is no shortage of “sidewalk sheds”. Softwalks designed a “Kit of Parts,” a selection of improvements, such as chairs and planters, that can be added to standard sidewalk sheds.
A DO Suggestion? Support Softwalks’ Kickstarter campaign.
The Tricycle House and Garden Imagines a Sustainable World on Three Wheels
The Tricycle House and Tricycle Garden is a self contained traveling home and garden concept that was in part a response to property laws in China.
A DO Suggestion? Build a log cabin mobile home.
Let’s DO:
Share Files You Don’t Want with People You Don’t Know
File share your digital trash with Dumpster Drive.
Help Support a New Design to Remove Landmines
Mine Kafon is a low-cost landmine detonator that’s looking for funds on Kickstarter.
Volunteer for the Los Angeles Homeless Count 2013
Volunteers are still needed to help count the homeless population in Los Angeles Jan 29-31st. Get involved.
Build Public Schools That Create More Energy Than They Use
On the SW side of Chicago, Academy for Global Citizenship is building a net-positive energy school campus and replicable model for learning and living in the 21st century. Donate to the cause.
In on honor of MLK day and Obama’s inauguration, the White House is planning a day of service on January 19th. Find a volunteer opportunity near you and pledge to participate.
GOOD Member of the Week:
Nicole Cardoza started a conversation about The Science of Creativity and its importance in our society on GOOD. Check out how she engaged the community. Get inspired to start a discussion on our platform.
Illustration by Jessica de Jesus, Original Image via (cc) flickr user Markle1
