Photo by Tima Miroshnichenko on Pexels.com

Recently, Kristine Hadeed published a piece on Medium titled:”I’m tired of being antiracist“. Kristine favors working toward “liberation” as a more emotionally sustainable position than constantly fighting racism. I agree with her clear and cogent argument. And, perhaps we can go even farther.

Paradoxical as it may seem, I think we need to reclaim race as a positive concept. We may all be equal under the law but we are not all the same. Sometimes we need to surround ourselves with people who share similar cultural values, look like we do, move the same muscle groups, are vulnerable to similar diseases. Except for cultural values, these are genetic characteristics we often collectively refer to as ‘race’. There are occasions when segregating ourselves or viewing others along racial lines can be useful. For example, children need to see people who look like themselves in successful careers and participants in family gatherings are very likely to have visual and cultural features in common. This is not an excuse for racially-based social or economic exclusion. It is an acknowledgment that all mammals exhibit an affinity for their own kind under some circumstances. So what could be an alternative to ‘antiracism’?

How about ‘celebracism‘ and ’embracism‘? What changes might occur if we, as individuals and as a society, acknowledged, accepted and celebrated our racial differences? We can be proud of our various complexions, round or almond eyes, kinky or straight hair. You wouldn’t refuse to have tea with your next-door neighbor because she had free-swinging earlobes while yours are attached. Liberation includes the freedom to notice, explore, even exploit our genetic (I mean racial) variations. We’ve spent 200 years trying to overcome the American legacy of racially-based slavery. Instead of demonizing racism or trying to ignore it, maybe celebrating it can move us into a more socially and economically equal future.

photo by Liza Loop

In order to celebrate, we first have to embrace, acknowledge, accept, love and support. My grandchildren have a light skinned, freckled-faced, redheaded, round-eyed father. Their mother, from Japan, has clear olive skin, straight black hair and eyes with the epicanthal fold typical of many Asian peoples. There’s no way I could fail to notice that their children are of ‘mixed race’. Why would I want to? These kids are proud of their looks, their cultural heritages and the wonderful variety of friends and neighbors from around the globe. I embrace them, the rest of their family embraces them and so does much of the world.

I’m tired of ‘antiracism’ too. It’s time we stop kidding ourselves that race (genetic variation accentuated by acquired cultural behaviors) doesn’t exist. It’s time to acknowledge that sometimes gathering with people we feel an affinity to is a positive, self-affirming behavior not based on hate or a desire to oppress. Let’s try a little more celebracism and embracism and see whether that brings us well down the road to liberation.

I thought you might like to see what my friends in Siberia are doing today. Not all Russians are trying to interfere with the US elections. Many, such as my friend, Edward Shornik, are promoting activities that help children around the world find a common bond by participating in events like the one announced below. I met Edward in 1987 when my son and I traveled with a group of US Citizen Diplomats  (20 youngsters, 20 adults) to Moscow, Novosibirsk and St. Petersburg. We met with families, visited sites of interest, planted trees and got to know each other. People asked us why Americans hated Soviets. We replied, “We came all the way here, spending our own money on this trip, to show you that not all Americans hate Soviets. No matter what propaganda our governments try to feed us, we are all just people who love our children and are only too happy to share our joys and sorrows with you.” I’m still in touch with the friends I met then and we are all working toward more peace and friendship in this troubled world we inhabit together. If you know any young artists, you might want to pass on this invitation to them.

Rotary club Novosibirsk-Initiative
www.novorotary.ru

The International Online Children and Youth Art Contest “Heroes in White” dedicated to the International Doctor’s Day

ART CONTEST RULES

1. General Provisions

The following rules determine the conditions, procedure, organization and conducting the International Online Art Contest " Heroes in White” - dedicated to the International Doctor's Day (hereinafter referred to as the Contest).
Participants, from 7 to 18 years old, are invited to take part in the Contest. The goals are to identify and stimulate young artists, fostering and understanding the importance of a doctor's work and the responsibilities.
Based on the results of the competition, a film will be created dedicated to the participants’ art work and the best ones will be sent for exhibition display at the medical institutions, in Russia and abroad.

2. Contest Objectives

The contest is designed to promote:

+  The development of children’s creative activity, abilities, needs and interestsIdentification and support talented youth,
+  Raising civil awareness among young generation, a sense of national pride and respect for doctors’ work.

3. Contest themes

* Medical treatment and our easy-going attitude
* If I were a doctor
* The life of a doctor
* Helping doctors
* The doctor of my dreams
* My hero doctor

4. Contest art work registration

Original works made in the techniques of “fine art” and “computer graphics” (graphic work, realism). One participant submits one art work for the contest. The works must be scanned and, with the application form (scroll down), sent to the e-mail: katiapichikova@mail.ru marked “International Art Contest 2020”.  A personal photo of the artist is also required.

5. Art contest procedure

The competition is conducted in absentia (remotely). Works must be submitted scanned via email, no later than October 25th, 2020.

A Jury panel will review submitted art works during October 26-30th. During the same time the voting for the Audience Award will take place. The online broadcast of the award ceremony will take place on November 1, 2020 at 1 PM GMT* (Greenwich Mean Time) – 4 PM Moscow time.

The jury selects the winners according to the following criteria:
– exact compliance with the chosen theme;
– the originality of the composition;
– correspondence of the creative level to the age of the contestant, independence;
– work execution culture;
– performance technique and artistic quality.

The art contest categories: winners will be judged in the following age groups:
7-10 years old
11-13 years old
14-15 years old
16-18 years old.

In each age group, plus in the the “digital graphics” category, there are three prizes, as well as the Public Choice Award (voting will take place on the contest instragram page).

All participants will receive an electronic certificate of participation on the letterhead of the Rotary club “Novosibirsk – Initiative” with the partners’ and sponsors’ logos.

President of the Rotary club “Novosibirsk-Initiative”
Fedeneva Julia

Art Contest Facilitator
Tashlykova Ekaterina

___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___

Application form

FIRST NAME:
LAST NAME:
ROTARY CLUB AFFILIATION:
COUNTRY CITY
AGE
THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR PARTICPATION

CONSENT

I (first and last name) authorize / do not authorize to post a photo or other personal information of my child (posting photos, videos and information about participation of my child in the international art – contest “Heroes in White”.
I allow to post them on the website: www.novorotary.ru, and on the page on Instagram contest page as well, and also in the video clip.
*(The Law on the Security of Personal Data on the Internet adopted on 01.01. 2010).

Please, indicate below the participant’s name, age and your data as his ’s the representative.

Underline “I AGREE” \ I DISAGREE

Signature

Date

Девиз Ротари – Ротари клуб “Новосибирск-Инициатива”
NOVOROTARY.RU
Девиз Ротари – Ротари клуб “Новосибирск-Инициатива”
Cлужение обществу – выше личных интересов Ротари это… …всемирная организация представителей делового мира и интеллигенции, верящих в важность оказания гуманита…

You may find this blog repeats my comments from the previous two on the Valley Fire. Sorry, but each time I try to capture my ideas in text it comes out a little differently. My hope is that you will respond to these published essays by telling me what you think will work, what doesn’t make sense and how we can work together to implement any ideas that resonate with you. So…

More on how we might improve response to local disasters such as the still-burning Valley Fire in Lake County, CA.

3) the interim, during which initial shock gives way to planning for a short-term future and assessing of resources;

4. Channels for delivering physical goods or services are blocked and donors are turned away
5. Relief agencies begin appealing for cash instead of personal involvement
6. Donors, feeling frustrated and angry, lose interest in the cause as soon as headlines fade
7. Victims, having been steered to overwhelmed, understaffed and underfunded agencies are left without adequate support during their Interim and Rebuilding phases.

The Valley Fire broke out on Sept 12, 2015 about 60 miles east of my home. I learned about it the following morning, before the enormity of this catastrophe had penetrated the airways, and watched as the phases I’ve described unfolded. Among the onlookers on social media, shock and awe from sensational pictures were quickly followed by “how can I help?” This is when a supply chain infrastructure — one that does not require the attention of first responders — should be activated so that initial outpouring of desire to contribute can be channeled constructively and sustained over time. Here are a few of the features we need to build into an online, disaster action template.

 

1. Mostly empty database-with-web-interface that can be activated immediately by a local community as soon as the disaster strikes.
2. Publicity so that
   1. first responders are aware that activation can be done within seconds simply by going to the central site and naming the crisis.
   2. news sites will point people to this site
   3. social media participants will use a single site instead of creating competing sites on Facebook and other platforms (of course, not everyone will cooperate)
3. Instant features (1st phase) should include:
   1. Call for rescue section
   2. Missing person – ‘I’m here’ section
   3. Pet Lost and Found section (publicize in advance to animal shelters)
   4. Emergency Shelters requests and offers section
4. 24 hour features (person to person, not agency moderated)
   1. Short-term temporary housing match (to move people out of shelters and tents)
   2. Pet foster match
   3. Special goods match (for medical supplies, dietary needs, etc.)
5. 24 hour agency support
   1. agency needs match (specifically for volunteers and warehouse space)
   2. money appeals
6. Interim Phase
   1. Skills bank (offers of free labor, skills, consulting, counseling and temporary employment)
   2. Medium-term temporary housing match
   3. Vehicle and RV loan program (needs detailed planning)
   4. General goods and services match
7. Rebuilding Phase
   1. Continue skills bank
   2. Continue warehouse program
   3. Continue skills bank

Each local disaster site should remain available as long as there are unsettled disaster victims.

Implementing this program can probably be done by a staff of 4 to 10 people:

1. Database programmer
2. Web UX designer
3. Emergency response consultant
4. Publicist
5. Manager/Coordinator/Executive Director
6. Supply chain/resource allocation consultant
7. Legal consultant
8. Site host/manager/webmaster/maintainer

It could be funded by a combination of grants and in-kind labor.

“Interim” period of life begins, between before and after the Valley Fire

It has been 10 days now since the Valley Fire erupted in Lake County, California. I’ve been watching social media and have seen the outpouring of concern for afflicted “neighbors” from miles around the burn area. How do we help? Who do we notify to let the “authorities” know we have resources, money and personal energy to offer? I have a spare room in my dog-friendly home, an extra car, unused clothing, extra office supplies, a patient ear and a kind word or two. Who do I tell?

In the early chaos of evacuations, pet rescues and emergency feeding and sheltering I thought I would just be in the way so I have sat quietly by and held on to my urge to help. Indeed, within the first 48 hours of the fire’s outbreak on Sept. 12, Red Cross shelters were so overwhelmed with truckloads of food and piles of clothing that the request went out to stop bringing “things” and just send money. Many people tried to use Facebook and Twitter to get or give information. The instant response was heartwarming and many, many fire victims, both human and animal were helped. Today, evacuees are sifting through the ashes and trying to organize an interim period in their disrupted lives.

Volunteers at Community Market in Sebastopol pack donated food for delivery to Valley Fire shelters

We’ve seen other disasters and we know that there will be delays in insurance payments and relief assistance, bureaucratic snafus, denied and disputed claims, uncountable frustrated tempers flaring in uncoordinated relief offices across the state and even the country for months to come. It has been 10 years since Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans and some families are still living “interim” lives. Now that the dramatic photos of flaming houses, crying children and singed, bewildered animals have been replaced by images of drowning Syrian refugees, much of the initial outpouring of public compassion may have drained away. Many would-be helpers are feeling relieved that the benevolent, authoritative hands of government and large-scale relief agencies such as the Red Cross are caring for those we wanted to rush in and support just a fortnight ago. Local agencies such as Lake County Local Assistance Center are making a valiant effort but they were not evident to outsiders a week ago and it took me days to find them. Perhaps, in the aftermath of dramatic disasters such as the Valley Fire, private, sustained, coordinated contribution is needed as much, if not more, than it was 10 days ago.

With this thought in mind (and my extra room still unoccupied) I again sallied into cyberspace to try to connect with a few individuals whose burdens might be lightened by my modest resource sharing. To cut to the chase, I fear I’ve failed. I did find one voice at the end of a phone line who took down my name, phone number and offer of a room. FYI, this was Shelter Care Hotline: 707-262-1090. Perhaps my information will find a circuitous route to a person and a dog who need it. With luck it will reach someone with whom I can stand to cohabit for more than a day or two while he or she traverses that interim between former and future settled existence.

While I wait for a response I’ll continue to share my ideas are about how we might create a more effective, efficient local disaster response infrastructure — via this blog in several more posts. This is a resource distribution problem and all the tools for an immediately deployable, just-in-time supply chain utility are available in both business and the military. We need to use these technologies to create a public/private collaboration, ready to be activated when the next inevitable, local emergency strikes. This way, when that emotional punch-in-the-stomach hits me – when I see my neighbor in trouble and automatically reach out saying “how can I help?” – there will be an answer. Send canned goods here. Show up to volunteer there.

Found terrier seeks fire displaced owner

Describe the skills you’re offering on this list. Post a picture of the frantic dog you are feeding and where to find him at this URL. Enter your temporary housing opportunity here. Throw your unique ideas into the bin over there. The time to get organized is before the disaster, not during it. And no, I couldn’t find such a response infrastructure at the Red Cross. If it exists it’s a very well-kept secret. Whether we find a workable utility someone else has built and simply publicize it, or build a new one, this is a task society needs done — now. We’re talking one, central, web site with several empty databases to be replicated for specific incident use, that can be filled with local resources when needed. It won’t take a lot of people to build it but it will take everyone in “the crowd” to spread the word once we have the prototype. Information technology can’t solve all of humanity’s problem but this is one that we can nail. I want it in place very, very soon. After all, the next fire, flood or explosion may happen on my street!

One of the organizations I serve as a Board Member, SHS, recently suggested mounting an email fund raising campaign. Below is my reply to my fellow Board Members.

“Dear All,

In this age of the internet, my personal response to online advertising is particularly negative. I always block messages from individuals and organizations that send me multiple appeals to give or to buy. I don’t click on ads that decorate the web pages I visit even if I am actually interested in the product. I generally don’t return to sites that mix ads with content in a way that makes it difficult for the reader to tell the difference. I don’t visit news feeds and blogs that cover more than 15% of the screen space with unrelated images or text. This is my way of voting with my dollars and my patronage. It is so easy for advertisers to barrage the public with unchosen messages that I believe we’ll gradually lose the ability to avoid them if we don’t fight back now. I would be very disappointed if SHS engaged in this practice. Even though the YIVO appeal is quite visually attractive, it is still advertising. This practice might appear to be successful at first but, IMHO, it will backfire in the long run.

I will support our strategy of making personal contact with potential sponsors by phone, snail-mail and personal email. I am also ok with “user-pull” strategies such as including small buttons on web pages that reveal the ad or appeal only when the visitor clicks on it. If we decide we need to be in more frequent contact with potential supporters, we might consider sending out single SHS Newsletter articles monthly. Each article could carry a donate button. This mailing would work like a free subscription service and should also carry a subscription cancellation button. Without that option we risk forcing resisters such as myself to block all communication from us so that we can not reach them, even occasionally. When users block our communication channel everybody loses: users can no longer receive the messages they do want from us and our overall readership decreases.

Let’s think this process through before we embark on a funding campaign that will hurt us down the road.”

How do your  organizations use the internet for fund raising?