Skip to main content

A Time to Serve!


Happy Service Year 2019!

It’s not by chance the first post is published as many elected officials are being sworn into office. Congratulations to all that have accepted the call to serve. Some memorable pledges, promises and swearing-ins of my life: 

The first time I took the AmeriCorps Pledge, seeing my daughters recite their Girl Scouts Promise and Law and witnessing the historic swearing in of President Barack Obama.  

There are many new elected officials in 2019 and therefore a need for new people to support their efforts in the community. Let’s take the time to visit their websites, see what committees they sit on and really get involved with what’s happening now. Click here for Local, State and Federal elected contacts. Submit your email and subscribe to their newsletters. This will help you to be in the know.

Continue reading to learn ways to be civically engaged in January. (This list is mostly specific to NYC.  Check it out for ideas.)

Attend Forums -The Vanguard Independent Democratic Association, VIDA will host a Public Advocate Forum on January 31. Click here for more info.  Note that forums may be geared to specific interest groups. ie. Women, Democrats, Republicans, etc.

Be Inspired -See a movie on the career of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, On the Basis of Sex. 


Canvass for candidates- AmplifyHer is seeking canvassers in each borough of NYC.


Celebrate MLK Day as a DAY ON! You're welcome to join me in Brooklyn at Repair The World's Action in a Time of Injustice Shabbat Dinner on Friday, January 18, An MLK Supper at RAPHA  Sunday, January 20th or service at various locations, Monday, January 21st. Many other projects are available and happening across the country click here. 

Intentionally follow the Nguzo Saba (The Seven Principles) or your own values. Yours
 truly did a write up about the 52nd Annual Event in Brooklyn attended by the creator of Kwanzaa, Dr. Maulana Karenga. He was passionate about the community studying and knowing who they are. It was published in Our Time Press. Check it out!


Join a professional org in your community. The Oceanhill Brownsville Coalition of Young Professionals will host a planning meeting January 12 at 12noon. 


Listen to podcasts like Sunday Civics by Political Strategist L. Joy Williams. She also happens to be the President of the Brooklyn, NAACP. Meetings are held 4th Wednesdays at Restoration Plaza in Brooklyn.

Sign- To get the public advocate candidate you'd like on the ballot prior to the deadline. Each candidate needs 3,750 signitures. This way you’ll actually be able to vote for that person during the Special Election on February 26. So if out and about and asked to do so, sign for them. Remember though you can only sign for (1) candidate.


Participate- There will be a Women’s March in Washington D.C. and NYC January 19th.  Women also participated in the historic Million Man March so men can go support as well.

Purchase- For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Politics. View the authors on The View.

Have you checked out all the links? Just as our elected officials are being sworn in to serve, let’s pledge to support the work and secure the future we want for our children’s children.

Promise? Peace.


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

The Tea at MEC!

Left: Dr. Patricia Ramsey, President Medgar Evers College and Right: Yours Truly, Melanie Lewis  Hello ThresholdWorld Fam, It’s been a while so we’re gonna start off with some flavorful news to warm your spirit.  Sunday, August 28th was the Medgar Evers College (MEC) Pre-Inaugural High Tea Fundraiser in honor of the Sixth President, Dr. Patricia Ramsey.  President Ramsey is the first female and scientist to serve at the college. You’ve got to read her fascinating bio of accomplishments.  https://www.mec.cuny.edu/office-of-the-president/  While contributing to the history she really just wants to make a difference to students and the school community.  She also has cool ties to the schools namesake in  her family tree. Her very own cousin Curtis Harris, served to make sure Medgar Evers legacy was protected back in Mississippi years ago. She shared these sentiments to those of us in attendance as we sipped our tea and tipped our hats in her honor. Speaking of fashion  Michael Kors was on
Post a Comment
Read more

Honeydew Holistics!

Hello World,  I recently had the pleasure of introducing Alicia Hudson, owner of Honeydew Holistics , for a women's history month event at Borough of Manhattan Community College . Ms. Hudson gave a very informative presentation on womb wellness, to a diverse audience that continued to want more! I followed up by booking a Yoni Steaming, the main service provided at her new shop located in DUMBO (Down Under The Manhattan Bridge Overpass) at 53 Bridge St. in Brooklyn, NY. - A little bit of history : The neighborhoods of DUMBO and Vinegar Hill (named differently in the 1800's) housed a  free black community. Brooklyn's anti-slavery movement began in 1810 and there were black-owned businesses in this very area.  Yours truly, Melanie on site. 53 Bridge St. Ms. Hudson referenced that Essence Magazine had an event in the area some time ago which introduced her to the community. She loves her magazines as they've been the source of much inspiration in her life and business. It
Post a Comment
Read more

Womb Wellness, Education and Celebration!

  Greetings, In May of 2003, I was 7 months pregnant and 10 days shy of my college graduation.  I’d be the first in my family to complete a degree at the time. My mom attended college, yet as a wife and mother in the 1960's, she didn't receive the support needed to continue. Her act in going inspired me. I was filled with so much promise, yet I'd need to develop a new plan. How would I care for a new life, while navigating a career in the real world? Naturally, I continued on with life discovering various paths, yet carrying so much in my womb unknowingly. Joy, Trauma and DisEase included. ——-Fast forward 17 years later ….my daughter would make me aware of a brand which would take me on journey to womb wellness.  Watch as I have a conversation with Genyii of Ahura Apothecary . Genyii is a certified mindfulness and womb wellness coach, holistic birthing doula, mother, community herbalist and owner/founder of Ahura Apothecary. In the video we discuss our journey to the sacre
Post a Comment
Read more