Went to the art-projects-for-kids-in-hospital program. The last time I did this was a long time ago, but it was nice to see the same group of people consistently keep it going. I really like this one, it’s about going in on a weekend to do a project with kids who are bored of staying in their hospital room. The project of the day was to make something by pieces of paper (don’t know the technical/artsy word for it). The environment is relaxed and you can either help someone or let the kids laugh at your clumsiness :)
Also, went to the mentoring/book club thingie from last month, but they stood me up. I emailed them to ask if their schedule has changed, but received no response. Oh well, I might or might not try this again.
Attended another meeting of the local Amnesty chapter, which was about death penalty. Nothing new, but it was nice to hear their argument against capital punishment all in one place.
The second half of the month was different, though. Organized and participated in multiple rallies and vigils related to the aftermath of the presidential election in Iran… but they hardly count as volunteering, ‘cause they were mostly for my own sake.
Jul 02, 07:50AM PDT | 18 cheers | 7 comments
While going back home from the vigil on Friday, this man stopped me on the sidewalk to ask about my armband and my view. Then he asked if I liked poetry, and following my positive response, recited two of his own poems. I think his work was great, and it’s a shame that this talent had trouble for the very basics of life (struggling for food/shelter, recently out of jail, ... according to himself). The whole purpose of this post is to ask for input about possible ways to support him.
He gave me one of his autographed poems to “take back home.” :) I’m quoting him below.
Technically, I don’t have his consent to distribute this. All rights reserved by the poet.
CHAOS
in my part
of town
we creep
among cockroaches rats
we creep
among cockroaches rats
brawling dogs
‘neath glutenous skies
soft human shadows
blending
into the chaos
that will be tomorrow
where we see
screaming blues
frayed hunting eyes
aching billyclubs
and patent-leathered shoes
the ones they used to pound
natty dreads into the underground
railroad tracks that no longer
leads to safety
leaving us scourged and slashed
wit’ tongues pulled out
like melons calling it justice
Jun 28, 08:22AM PDT | 26 cheers | 2 comments
donated a small amount over the weekend, and that gives me the excuse (/right?) to invite you all to support the Children’s Library in Nepal. You can find more information about it here in Heather’s post.
So please put those bucks in good use, and support literacy.
Considering my current mindset, I would recommend reading the Universal Declaration of Human Rights or the Constitution (any one will do)... so that nobody can take their rights away from them. But a colorful children’s book is perhaps more appropriate.
Jun 23, 09:20AM PDT | 19 cheers | 8 comments
I'm doing 43 things
