I'm back after a break and a lovely holiday. I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas with friends and family :) I've been hoping to update the blog more in this coming year, so I decided to start that a little early, and share some of the posters I received from Concern Worldwide this past week. When I opened the package, I was immediately moved. The posters were impactful and eye-opening. I am aware of these statistics from being actively involved in Concern's Leadership Network, taking part in the Malawi Field Visit this past July, and by staying up-to-date on current global issues. However, every time I see a Concern post on Instagram, scroll through their website, or read their impact stories, I am amazed. It is so inspiring to me seeing how much their organization is doing to combat global poverty.

Just a few of the posters sent from Concern Worldwide's educational branch, Concern Active Citizenship (originally Global Concern Classroom).

In an effort to spread awareness about growing poverty rates, lack of access to education, food distribution, sustainable agriculture methods and unclean drinking water around the world (specifically in developing countries), the Concern Active Citizenship program has sent posters to hang up in schoolrooms, local businesses, etc, in hopes that others will take action.

Holiday card from Concern & two of the many posters sent.

In the new year, I am hoping to teach a class based around global issues, using theatrical-based methods. I will be following some of the Concern Active Citizenship curriculum, and incorporating original theatre activities and lessons to follow along

holiday giving & concern worldwide:

They call the holiday season the "season of giving." However, society has turned Christmas into a very big holiday of receiving, with ads promoting what we "all want" for Christmas, and how to "score the best gift." Of course, there is nothing wrong with receiving. We all love getting gifts, and we also enjoy giving them. However, we have, as a society, strayed away from the true meaning of Christmas time and the holiday season: giving. It is always a good idea to remember that so many people do not/cannot receive gifts this time of year, so to appreciate everything and everyone you have around you.

This year, my family decided to donate to Concern as part of our holiday giving. On Concern's website, there is a list of donation amounts, each describing where your money will go, and what it will be doing to help in Concern's efforts to combat world poverty. My family chose the third option of a donation to feed 26 malnourished children for 6 weeks. Some of the other donations can include:

giving 2 families farming tools to grow crops
buying 4 months of classroom supplies for a school. Any amount can help and bring hope to those in need.

To donate to Concern this season, click here.

Happy Holidays! Looking forward to everything to come in 2018.

Xx, anna

Because Giving Tuesday was only a few weeks ago, I thought I'd share a little bit about Concern Worldwide, and how they chose to take on Giving Tuesday this year.

After traveling to Malawi with Concern Worldwide this past July, I was informed that I should consider becoming a member of the CLN. What exactly is the CLN? "The Concern Leadership Network (CLN) is a community of leaders, advocates, and influencers who are taking action locally to bring about positive and lasting change for families living in extreme poverty around the world." What I was most inspired by was the fact that the CLN is made up of so many college students, and young adults. I thought it was incredible that Concern created an branch to let younger generations become heavily involved in the work they are doing. Another aspect of the CLN I love is that it fits uniquely to each member. Being a part of the CLN, you can use your own talents, interests and passions to create lasting change.

Giving Tuesday took place on November 28th of this year. The day recognizes a movement to create an international day of giving at the beginning of the holiday season. To #ShowYourConcern this Giving Tuesday, the Concern Leadership Network launched an effort to encourage individuals to donate their one week's worth of coffee money. This really shows that even though your donation may have been small, any contribution counts. Concern's goal this year, between coffee money donations, bar proceeds and individual donations, was to raise $5,000.

This year, Concern raised $7,681 - more than 50% beyond their goal of $5,000. After an added $5,000 donation from a CLN member, Concern reached $12,681.

Sylvia Wong, one of my biggest role models, and the Director of Public Engagement at Concern's New York office, shared with CLN members, some statistics to think about.

$12,681 can provide:

840 blankets to keep malnourished children warm
252 mosquito nets to prevent disease in Haiti
42 health centers with supplies to diagnose and treat malnutrition

Concern recognizes that "You’ve treated yourself on Black Friday, so why not treat someone that really needs it on Giving Tuesday."

Click here to learn more about the Concern Leadership Network or visit https://www.concernusa.org for more information!