TIGblogs - Group - Youth for Change International (imported from our Blogger blog) http://www.tigblog.org/group/yfci What's on the minds of young leaders from around the globe? en-us YFCI Goals for 2011! http://www.tigblog.org/group/yfci/post/3633493
I hope everyone of you is enjoying the holiday season with your friends and your families.
Another year has gone by, and with this we have made a few adjustments to the organization along the way.
We also noticed that some things have not being working properly because we did not follow any guidelines whatsoever. This is why we are now establishing three main goals for this new year.
These are the following:

1) Increase members and staff members' participation in the organization.
How are we going to do this?
Each one of us needs to post more often in the forums and the YFCI Webpage. It's as simple as introducing yourself to other members or sharing a link to an interesting activism site!
2) Expand our monthly visits in the site.
How?
With the collaboration of all our members, we can manage to find more people interested in at least browsing through the YFCI Website. We only need you to give a shout out about us to your friends!
3) Find members willing to collaborate as part of the staff.
How will we do this?
Now this is crucial. If you have been an active member or if you are a new member who wants to help us improve the Website, we are more than glad to have you as part of the staff. We are still in talks about this, but we are going to modify last year's staff and renew it with people who are indeed active in YFCI. Being selected depends entirely upon you!

We hope these goals satisfy you. If they don't, do not hesitate in letting us know!


Regards,

Victoria Maravi
Co-director of YFCI
]]> Thu, 30 Dec 2010 12:12:00 EST http://www.tigblog.org/group/yfci/post/3633493 43.0388889 -87.906388943.0388889-87.9063889 CNN: Witness of Baharestan Square Massacre (Iran Conflict) http://www.tigblog.org/group/yfci/post/4338763

A Witness to the Crackdown on Protesters in Baharestan Square Shares Her Story with CNN (Video Curtesy of CNN) Youth for Change International is a non-political and non-religious organization of young people from around the world that want to express themselves and make a difference.

"I was going towards Baharestan with my friend. This was everyone, not just supporters of one candidate or another. All of my friends, they were going to Baharestan to express our opposition to these killings and demanding freedom. The black-clad police stopped everyone. They emptied the buses that were taking people there and let the private cars go on. We went on until Ferdowsi then all of a sudden some 500 people with clubs came out of [undecipherable] mosque and they started beating everyone. They tried to beat everyone on [undecipherable] bridge and throwing them off of the bridge. And everyone also on the sidewalks. They beat a woman so savagely that she was drenched in blood and her husband, he fainted. They were beating people like hell. It was a massacre. They were trying to beat people so they would die. they were cursing and saying very bad words to everyone. This was exactly a massacre... I don't know how to describe it."

(Witness of attacks; Curtesy CNN International)

What is your reaction to this interview? What is your opinion of the Iranian conflict overall? Share your thoughts, commentary, insider experiences and more.

Click here to post.

]]> Wed, 24 Jun 2009 02:06:00 EDT http://www.tigblog.org/group/yfci/post/4338763 43.0388889 -87.906388943.0388889-87.9063889 Iran: Stop the Crackdown http://www.tigblog.org/group/yfci/post/713841 Image Curtesy of Getty Images

Here is a message from our friends at Avaaz.org

------------------------------------------------

Dear Friends,

The crisis in Iran has reached a tipping point. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei has warned millions of democracy protesters to be silent or face the consequences, and last night 19 more protesters were killed. Experts warn a massive bloody crackdown is imminent.

Our governments have been cautious, but this is not about taking sides -- everyone should agree that the murder and violent intimidation of peaceful protesters is never acceptable. We need to press all our governments to take a united stand at this historic moment, condemn the crackdown, and withhold recognition of any new Iranian government until the people are permitted to peacefully address their election concerns.

Every day counts -- Top Iranian leaders are split down the middle over whether to support a crackdown, so every bit of pressure matters. Sign the petition below, and forward this email to friends and family -- let's build a massive global outcry of 1 million voices against the crackdown:
http://www.avaaz.org/en/iran_stop_the_crackdown/98.php/?CLICK_TF_TRACK

Some countries like the US have reason to be careful, but Iranian activists say a united international community cannot be so easily dismissed. Our best hope is to show Iran's leaders that a united international community will reject the verdict of a violent crackdown.

We'll publicize the number of signatures in each country, and also deliver our petition directly to the leaders of the EU, Turkey, and Iraq -- Iran's largest trading partners, as well as UN.

Today the hearts and hopes of people around the world are with the protesters facing awful risks on the streets of Iran. Their struggle for democracy and basic rights is our struggle; it's time for us to stand with them.

Youth for Change International is a non-political and non-religious organization.
]]> Tue, 23 Jun 2009 05:06:00 EDT http://www.tigblog.org/group/yfci/post/713841 43.0388889 -87.906388943.0388889-87.9063889 Obama's Message to the "Islamic World" http://www.tigblog.org/group/yfci/post/688897


What's your initial thoughts and opinions after hearing this speech? Add your opinion to the newest thread at the YFCI Discussions. Post your opinion!
]]> Thu, 04 Jun 2009 11:06:00 EDT http://www.tigblog.org/group/yfci/post/688897 43.0388889 -87.906388943.0388889-87.9063889 Become part of the YFCI Staff! http://www.tigblog.org/group/yfci/post/679079 youthforchange
become part of the YFCI team!
Dear YFCI Members,
I am proud to annouce that we're ready to begin Youth for Change International's Staff Reorganization, and we're opening up the process to you! Do you want to become part of one of the largest up-and-coming youth-led organizations and help shape its future? Do you have a passion for youth organizations and activism? If you said YES to either of these questions, WE WANT YOU to become part of THE YFCI TEAM!
Find out more information by visiting:
There are many new staff positions that we want to fill and we want to bring new members onto the "playing field." We want staff to be part of our Member Services, Magazine, Promotion, Partnerships, Discussion Forums, Media Team and many more departments!
We also are introducing a new staff department at YFCI: Our Grassroots Networking Coordinators, who will help connect YFCI members to events and projects in their region!
APPLICATIONS ARE DUE NO LATER THAN JULY 3RD!
We hope this new staff will bring a new era of active participation in this organization, as well as spark more innovation and ideas through a fresh new staff body.
If you're interested, please visit today:
Thank you very much!
Together, we can make a greater difference!
Zach Komes
Founder and Executive Director
p.s.: As always, if you have any questions, feel free to contact me at zach@youth-for-change.org with your concerns, comments, suggestions or questions. Thanks so much!
]]> Mon, 25 May 2009 10:05:00 EDT http://www.tigblog.org/group/yfci/post/679079 43.0388889 -87.906388943.0388889-87.9063889 A new kind of cap http://www.tigblog.org/group/yfci/post/643857
Check out their newest project!

----------------------------------

Meet the mayor of Braddock, PA, John Fetterman.

John Fetterman looks more like he belongs on the Pittsburgh Steelers offensive line than who he really is—a Harvard-educated mayor of a struggling western Pennsylvania steel town.
In Braddock, PA, the hats are hard, just like the economic times. Once called the jewel of the Monongahela, this factory town has seen better days.

That's why Mayor Fetterman is a champion for another kind of cap—a carbon cap. Because John Fetterman knows that capping carbon will put the citizens of his endangered town back to work.

We want all of America to meet John Fetterman and hear his story.

The battle of a lifetime is underway—to cap carbon, to stop global warming, and to put Americans back to work rebuilding our energy economy.

Please don't let the global warming denial machine thwart our efforts. They're sinking hundreds of millions of dollars on propaganda, distortions, and junk science to lobby against us.

The biggest—and to me most offensive—lie the deniers are telling is that capping carbon will cost us jobs. Tell that to Mayor Fetterman and the men and women of Braddock.

Every wind turbine has 8,000 parts and requires 250 tons of steel. With tens of thousands of wind turbines waiting to be built, imagine how many people we'll put back to work when we cap carbon and unleash our clean energy future.

]]> Sun, 19 Apr 2009 04:04:00 EDT http://www.tigblog.org/group/yfci/post/643857 43.0388889 -87.906388943.0388889-87.9063889 How to Schedule a Meeting with Your Congressman http://www.tigblog.org/group/yfci/post/4338765

I found this very helpful video from our friends at The ONE Campaign. It can help you understand how to start a meeting with your congressperson. It was aimed at people in the United States, but the guide can be used worldwide.

More information at www.one.org

]]> Fri, 03 Apr 2009 11:04:00 EDT http://www.tigblog.org/group/yfci/post/4338765 43.0388889 -87.906388943.0388889-87.9063889 How are you volunteering? http://www.tigblog.org/group/yfci/post/632045 Get involved with making this world a better place to live in!
]]> Wed, 01 Apr 2009 10:04:00 EDT http://www.tigblog.org/group/yfci/post/632045 43.0388889 -87.906388943.0388889-87.9063889 Have good opportunities? http://www.tigblog.org/group/yfci/post/609043

Calling all Opportunities!
Do you know any cool projects? events? websites? Youth for Change International is looking for social activism activites to be added WEEKLY on the YFCI homepage. Just email them to us!
]]> Sat, 07 Mar 2009 01:03:00 EST http://www.tigblog.org/group/yfci/post/609043 43.0388889 -87.906388943.0388889-87.9063889 Finally Justice for Darfur! http://www.tigblog.org/group/yfci/post/615581 Finally Justice for Darfur
ICC Files Arrest Warrants

Press Release: 04.03.2009
ICC issues a warrant of arrest for Omar Al Bashir, President of Sudan
ICC-CPI-20090304-PR394 عربي
Situation: Darfur, Sudan

Today, Pre-Trial Chamber I of the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued a warrant for the arrest of Omar Hassan Ahmad Al Bashir, President of Sudan, for war crimes and crimes against humanity. He is suspected of being criminally responsible, as an indirect (co-)perpetrator, for intentionally directing attacks against an important part of the civilian population of Darfur, Sudan, murdering, exterminating, raping, torturing and forcibly transferring large numbers of civilians, and pillaging their property. This is the first warrant of arrest ever issued for a sitting Head of State by the ICC.

Omar Al Bashir’s official capacity as a sitting Head of State does not exclude his criminal responsibility, nor does it grant him immunity against prosecution before the ICC, according to Pre-Trial Chamber I.

According to the Judges, the above-mentioned crimes were allegedly committed during a five year counter-insurgency campaign by the Government of Sudan against the Sudanese Liberation Movement/Army (SLM/A), the Justice and Equality Movement (JEM) and other armed groups opposing the Government of Sudan in Darfur. It is alleged that this campaign started soon after the April 2003 attack on El Fasher airport as a result of a common plan agreed upon at the highest level of the Government of Sudan by Omar Al Bashir and other high-ranking Sudanese political and military leaders. It lasted at least until 14 July 2008, the date of the filing of the Prosecution’s Application for the warrant of arrest for Omar Al Bashir.
A core component of that campaign was the unlawful attack on that part of the civilian population of Darfur – belonging largely to the Fur, Masalit and Zaghawa groups – perceived to be close to the organised armed groups opposing the Government of Sudan in Darfur. The said civilian population was to be unlawfully attacked by Government of Sudan forces, including the Sudanese Armed Forces and their allied Janjaweed Militia, the Sudanese Police Force, the National Intelligence and Security Service and the Humanitarian Aid Commission.

The Chamber found that Omar al Bashir, as the de jure and de facto President of Sudan and Commander-in-Chief of the Sudanese Armed Forces, is suspected of having coordinated the design and implementation of the counter-insurgency campaign. In the alternative, it also found that there are reasonable grounds to believe that he was in control of all branches of the “apparatus” of the State of Sudan and used such control to secure the implementation of the counter-insurgency campaign.

The counts
The warrant of arrest for Omar Al Bashir lists 7 counts on the basis of his individual criminal responsibility (including:
five counts of crimes against humanity: murder; extermination; forcible transfer; torture; and rape, two counts of war crimes: intentionally directing attacks against a civilian population as such or against individual civilians not taking direct part in hostilities and pillaging.

Findings concerning genocide
The majority of the Chamber, Judge Anita Ušacka dissenting, found that the material provided by the Prosecution in support of its application for a warrant of arrest failed to provide reasonable grounds to believe that the Government of Sudan acted with specific intent to destroy, in whole or in part, the Fur, Masalit and Zaghawa groups. Consequently, the crime of genocide is not included in the warrant issued for the arrest of Omar Al Bashir. Nevertheless, the Judges stressed that if additional evidence is gathered by the Prosecution, the decision would not prevent the Prosecution from requesting an amendment to the warrant of arrest in order to include the crime of genocide.

Cooperation of States
The Judges directed the Registrar to prepare and transmit, as soon as practicable, a request for cooperation for the arrest and surrender of Omar Al Bashir to Sudan, and to all States Parties to the Rome Statute and all United Nations Security Council (UNSC) members that are not party to the Statute, as well as to any other State as may be necessary.

The Judges found that, according to UNSC resolution 1593 and articles 25 and 103 of the UN Charter, the obligation of the Government of Sudan to fully cooperate with the Court prevails over any other international obligation that the Government of Sudan may have undertaken pursuant to any other international agreement.

Pre-Trial Chamber I also found that the Government of Sudan has systematically refused to cooperate with the Court since the issuance of warrants for the arrest of the Sudanese Minister for Humanitarian Affairs, Ahmad Harun, and a regional Janjaweed militia leader, Ali Kushayb, on 2 May 2007. As a result, the Judges emphasised that, according to article 87(7) of the Statute, if the Government of Sudan continues to fail to comply with its cooperation obligations to the Court, the competent Chamber “may make a finding to that effect” and decide to “refer the matter […] to the Security Council.”

Furthermore, the Judges noted that the dispositive part of UNSC resolution 1593 expressly urges all States, whether party or not to the Rome Statute, as well as international and regional organisations to “cooperate fully” with the Court.


]]> Wed, 04 Mar 2009 09:03:00 EST http://www.tigblog.org/group/yfci/post/615581 43.0388889 -87.906388943.0388889-87.9063889 ABC4ALL: Hope http://www.tigblog.org/group/yfci/post/596845 Help ABC4All get their project approved!

VOTE NOW and tell others! No fee donations to NGOs/nonprofits. Only 32 more votes are needed by March 4th, 2009. This project is to create concerts world-wide to benefit local NGOs in celebration of Barack Obama's historic inauguration.

First: Find out more about this project.

Then: Vote now at GiveMeaning.org.

Once again, please vote now to get this project accepted and working.

Lets do this!

-Zach, on behalf of ABC4ALL

Note: "Obama World" image curtesy of ABC4All. YFCI is a non-political organization, and does not endorse any political party, candidates, or government officials.

]]> Sat, 21 Feb 2009 07:02:00 EST http://www.tigblog.org/group/yfci/post/596845 43.0388889 -87.906388943.0388889-87.9063889 http://www.tigblog.org/group/yfci/post/595079




.YFCI Future.
What do you see?
Post your suggestions.
]]> Thu, 19 Feb 2009 08:02:00 EST http://www.tigblog.org/group/yfci/post/595079 43.0388889 -87.906388943.0388889-87.9063889 A Tribute to Lincoln http://www.tigblog.org/group/yfci/post/632047

On Lincoln's 200th Birthday, we celebrate the legacy of Abraham Lincoln, who changed history when he proclaimed the "United States, including the military and naval authority thereof, will recognize and maintain the freedom of such persons, and will do no act or acts to repress such persons, or any of them, in any efforts they may make for their actual freedom." in his famous Emancipation Proclamation.

Enjoy this video viewed on CBS News.

May Lincoln's legacy shape this world free of injustice!

]]> Thu, 12 Feb 2009 11:02:00 EST http://www.tigblog.org/group/yfci/post/632047 43.0388889 -87.906388943.0388889-87.9063889 Prayers for Australia // YFCI Members Speaking Out http://www.tigblog.org/group/yfci/post/591741
Australian Bush Fires
Prayers for the Victims

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Original Email

Hello Zach,

My name is Ash and I just wanted to ask that the YFCI community keep the residents of Victoria, Australia in their minds during this times of crisis.

Bushfires have been sweeping across both NSW and Victoria claiming over 700 homes and a confirmed 84 lives. More lives are suspected to be found lost as emergency service workers make their way through the rubble. Fires are still ablaze now and many people are grieving over the loss of numerous friends and family members.

Friends, children, wives, Husbands, Fathers and Mothers have been lost and the uncovering of more tragedy is looming. I would like to ask the YFCI community to keep these people in their thoughts and prayers.

Thanks a bunch,
Ash

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Dear YFCI Members,

Ash, one of our members, have asked that we pray for our members and the citizens of Australia as they grieve the loss of over 108 people that have died in the Australian bush fires. (CNN)

You are invited to listen to the ONE WORLD Anthem:
http://aworldanthem.org/listen.html

When hard times persist, remember that YOU are part of the movement of youth making a difference in the world.

Please keep our friends in Australia in your thoughts.

-Zach Komes

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

From: Richard
To: Youth for Change Intl.

Thanks for the mail. We are very sorry for Ash and his country and we shall keep them in our prayers.

Richard from Africa-Uganda.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: Bizimana Mzee Dieudonné

Dear Zach,

I'm so sorry for not responding on time. I was so occupiie with my school examinations. But, I find this moment to present my condolences to Ash and the whole country. I let [them] know that we pray for them!

Mzee
From Burundi-Africa

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

From: Peter Wilibroad, Executive Director of Kagera Youth Forum

Promosingly, without any doubt, that we are to pray for our friends and the entire community of Australia. May the almighty God,rest those who have passed inh ghis eternity life. Amen.

Wilibroad Peter
Bukoba,Tanzania

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

From: Halimah Isma

I'm so sorry to hear that. I hope our brothers and sisters that safe from the fire be patient in facing it, and pray for the people that burned be received beside of him (God). Amen.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thanks to all who have prayed. Together we can empower the world.
Youth for Change International is a non-religious and non-political youth-led organization.]]> Thu, 12 Feb 2009 10:02:00 EST http://www.tigblog.org/group/yfci/post/591741 43.0388889 -87.906388943.0388889-87.9063889 Spotlight: Global Oneness Project http://www.tigblog.org/group/yfci/post/595081
The Global Oneness Project is exploring how the radically simple notion of interconnectedness can be lived in our increasingly complex world. Since 2006, we've been traveling the globe gathering stories from creative and courageous people who base their lives and work on the understanding that we bear great responsibility for each other and our shared world.

Our living library of films is available for free from our website, through select broadcast outlets, and on DVD. Through events and educational materials we offer opportunities for people to deepen their experience with the different facets of oneness we are exploring.

We hope that by showing the diverse ways oneness is expressed—in the fields of sustainability, conflict resolution, spirituality, art, economics, indigenous culture, and social justice—others will be inspired to create solutions to personal and community challenges from their own lived understanding of oneness.

Learn more about this opportunity.]]> Fri, 30 Jan 2009 09:01:00 EST http://www.tigblog.org/group/yfci/post/595081 43.0388889 -87.906388943.0388889-87.9063889 The Presidential Pledge http://www.tigblog.org/group/yfci/post/595083 MySpace Celebrity and Katalyst present The Presidential Pledge


Hey all,

I came across the following:Ashton Kutcher and Demi Moore have started a campaign of presidential pledges. A lot of celebrities are featured in it (including Alyssa Milano which was how I found it) and they all pledge to do things to help make a change for a better future but WE can help too! We can pledge things to. From small to big..And all because they (and I think we do too) believe that Obama can't make that change on his own we all have to pitch in..

We all have take our responsibility:

For the video and explanation check this site:
www.myspace.com/presidentialpledge

Just thought I'd let you all know!

-Jenny from the Netherlands]]> Mon, 19 Jan 2009 09:01:00 EST http://www.tigblog.org/group/yfci/post/595083 43.0388889 -87.906388943.0388889-87.9063889 Happy New Year 2009! http://www.tigblog.org/group/yfci/post/563809
On behalf of the entire YFCI community, I want to wish all of you a warm, joyous and prosperous 2009. Lets make YFCI even better this new year.

Thanks so much for your dedication,

Zach K.,
on behalf of the
YFCI Staff Members.
P.S.: Here is a little New Year treat for us all: I hope you like the new look of the blog!
]]> Mon, 05 Jan 2009 04:01:00 EST http://www.tigblog.org/group/yfci/post/563809 43.0388889 -87.906388943.0388889-87.9063889 Did you know that...? http://www.tigblog.org/group/yfci/post/558281
Did you know you can actually post a song DIRECTLY to "Music with a Mission" directory? You probably didn't, so here's the scoop.

1) Just go to http://www.freewebs.com/youthforchange/apps/videos/, where you can see all of the current songs listed as music with a purpose.

2) To add your own music video of a song (on YouTube), click "Register" and follow the directions on the screen.

3) After you've finished registering, click "Post a video", add the URL to the YouTube video, and select which world issue (category) it fits in.

Lets compile this list, guys!]]> Sun, 21 Dec 2008 03:12:00 EST http://www.tigblog.org/group/yfci/post/558281 43.0388889 -87.906388943.0388889-87.9063889 Write an Article http://www.tigblog.org/group/yfci/post/548569
Hello members of YFCI! We hope everyone is having a pleasant school year so far.


We want to remind you that you can STILL submit articles, photos, poems, country essays and more to our annual Alpha! magazine, an online publication for YFCI members.


Please click here to find out more information.
]]> Sun, 07 Dec 2008 06:12:00 EST http://www.tigblog.org/group/yfci/post/548569 43.0388889 -87.906388943.0388889-87.9063889 Mumbai: Our Members Speak Out http://www.tigblog.org/group/yfci/post/542597 In an email sent yesterday to the entire Youth for Change International member base, we hoped to bring together our members to support India through this hard time. I sent this email to our members in India, especially Mumbai:

"On behalf of our 400 members from around the world, and our 13 staff members, I want to give you our humble condolences for the attacks on your nation. We pray that your families and friends are well and safe. We are all praying for the rebuilding of peace in your country. Some of our partners are also sending messages to their members praying for peace as well. Please stay safe. Thank you."

I thought that would probably be the end of it, but little did I know that 9 other members would echo the message and send their support for our members. It was amazing to see the power kindness and sympathy together creating compassion and action for India.


"Thank you for your mail. Together the humanity having faith in non-violence can change the world with our committed work. In solidarity, C. Asokan, M.A.,M.Phil."


"It is with great dissapointment that we get to see the culture of terror and destruction still on in the world. The people of India, just like others, have suffered over an attack that is so mallicious and unthinkable. My heart goes out to the people of India in these trying times. Your hurt is mine and I hope that God answers the sincere prayers of many like me that we are all one and we need peace among us. -Hakim Musa"


"Dear Friends, It is indeed a melonchlic state of affairs in the Indo-Pak region with the current wave of terror attacks. It is strongly condemed and hope that all our fellows out there are well and so are their loved ones. God Bless you all. -Ayesha Riaz, YFCI Pakistan Ambassador"

"To all the YFCI Members Around the World, Thanks a lot for your kind gesture. We in India are really shocked and are trying to keep our spirits alive. Once again, thanks for your concern. -Ronald D. Ernest"

"From one fo India's many great gifts to the world, Buddhism: Conquer anger by love. Conquer evil by good. Conquer the mean by generosity. Conquer the liar by truth.. Never in the world is hatred conquered by hatred: hatred is conquered by love. Dhammapada (Book of Buddhist teachings) verse 223."-Sent by Robert Mulhall

"Indeed, our collective prayers may reach the Lord, especially at this time of trouble in India but also in other countries that are facing the same problem. Guys, with the help we have and in what ever simple way we can do lots of help to those who need us -Rhye Ysais"

"Thank you so much. We all need your prayers here with us today and forever. Hoping and Praying everyone on this world stays safe. -Nabila Z. Zaidi"



I hope that this spirit and love do not end here, because there are so many problems in this world that need to be fixed. Lets stand together and end them.

Thank you,

Zach K.,
Youth for Change International

]]> Sat, 29 Nov 2008 03:11:00 EST http://www.tigblog.org/group/yfci/post/542597 43.0388889 -87.906388943.0388889-87.9063889 Our message to India http://www.tigblog.org/group/yfci/post/542599
Please read the following message sent from our partner, A Better Community for All. I have emailed our members from India to wish them luck in this troubled time, and to make sure their families are okay.

Please pray and think of our members in India, and the nation of India as they go through these hard times. You can also light a candle (see below) in memory of the lives lost.

Humbly,

Zach Komes
on behalf of the
Youth for Change International Staff

----Our email to members in India-----
From: Youth for Change International
Subject: To our members in India

Dear YFCI Members in India,

This is Zach from Youth for Change International. In newspapers around the world this morning, the front pages showed Mumbai under fire. On behalf of our 400 members from around the world, and our 13 staff members, I want to give you our humble condolences for the attacks on your nation.

We pray that your families and friends are well and safe. We are all praying for the rebuilding of peace in your country. Some of our partners are also sending messages to their members praying for peace as well.

Please stay safe.

Thank you.

----- Forwarded Message from ABC4ALL ----
From: Yuel Bhatti (Pakistan), A Better Community for All
Subject: Light a Candle for Peace in India

Dear Friends in India,

The below news is for all mankind. We the people from Pakistan stronglycondemn such violence wherein the Innocent Humanity are being killed withoutany reason. Every religion taught us the lesson of Peace and Love for allmankind. Let's join in meditation and prayers for victims in Bomb Blasts in differentareas of Mumbai. Deeply heartily felt condolence to the grieving and we prayfor quick healing of the injured and victims. May God help the IndianGovernment to handle the situation and enforce law and order!

I have lit a candle...

Click here to see the candlehttp://www.gratefulness.org/candles/view.cfm?l=engamp;c=7232519

To light a candle: http://ABC4All.net/lightacandle.htm

May Peace be in India! May Peace Prevail on Earth!

Yuel Bhatti
"Peace Advocate"
Co-Founder Local ABC4All / PAKISTAN]]> Thu, 27 Nov 2008 11:11:00 EST http://www.tigblog.org/group/yfci/post/542599 43.0388889 -87.906388943.0388889-87.9063889 Latest Email http://www.tigblog.org/group/yfci/post/399169
We all have busy summers ahead. This is a great opportunity to get things done, and also enjoy being outside with great weather (hopefully!). There are several updates I would like to announce:

YFCI ALPHA! Magazine~ We need submissions for this year's issue of Alpha. Anu Maheshwari, Editor, hopes to have it published by August.. so please send articles. Here are some ideas, and guidelines for submission:

- Country Reports: All Ambassadors who want to be considered Ambassadors must write at least one article. Many choose to write reports about their own country's culture, educational system, food, human rights conflicts, youth activities, and other information. If you article is very well done, it could be featured as the Featured Country of this year's issue. Should be from 100-900 words, and double spaced.

- Poems: In the past, we have had many wonderful poems in our newsletter. We hope to have at least a couple poems for our next issue. Poems do not have to be professional, just something with meaning and expression. Poems should be 5-30 words.

- Art and Photography: You may submit paintings, photos of artwork, and photography. The only requirement is that the topic should be keeping in terms with YFCI magazine frame. For photos, please submit them pre-sized. There is no exact guideline for the number of pixels, but please have them medium-sized. We are looking for interesting clips which capture something unique about their respective countries, or highlight a specific issue. It could be anything from traditional dance, nature, people celebrating a festival, or issues like poverty, war, drugs, etc. All photos will also be used in the Omega File online photography gallery.

- YFCI Activities Reports: If you are a staff member, it would be cool if you could write a report outlining the year's past activities, accomplishments, and/or inspirations. Reports should be at least 50 words if about a specific project, and at least 150 words if about YFCI activities in general.

Send all articles and photos to Anu Maheshwari, at yfci_editor@yahoo.com

Bloggers for YFCI~ Are you a blogger who wants to spread the word about YFCI? You can become part of Bloggers for YFCI! Just put one of our logos/banners on your blog, or write an article about YFCI on your blog.. or both! Then, send an email to me, at zkomes@sbcglobal.net. Your blog's link will be posted on a special YFCI page. We also need someone to coordinate this project. So if you are interested, please contact me.

Website Help~ If you are an experienced website creator, and can make our organization a CSS template, it will greatly effect how our members help! Please contact me if you can help even a little with website templates, forum look, and image creating.

Videos Needed~ We also could use people to submit videos to continue to keep our YouTube page updated. If you can make short PSAs or videos about a world issue, it would be much appreciated.

When we stand together as one world, great things happen.

Thank you so much!

Zach Komes
]]> Mon, 30 Jun 2008 12:06:00 EDT http://www.tigblog.org/group/yfci/post/399169 43.0388889 -87.906388943.0388889-87.9063889 April is upon us! http://www.tigblog.org/group/yfci/post/356461


- The OMEGA File has now been launched. The website is a place for YFCI members to submit their photography, and have it seen across the globe. If that sounds interesting, go to T.O.F's website, by clicking here.

- We are soon going to have a "Bloggers for YFCI" project, which will help promote our organization through our members' blogs. If you are interested in helping create this project, please don't hesitate to contact me (zkomes[at]sbcglobal.net)

- Haris has decided to lead the Member Griefances Department, which will help our global moderators with rules, banning, etc. We still are getting the odds and ends together. If you have any suggestions, contact us.


May we ALL have a great April,


Zach Komes
Executive Director]]> Fri, 11 Apr 2008 01:04:00 EDT http://www.tigblog.org/group/yfci/post/356461 43.0388889 -87.906388943.0388889-87.9063889 January-March Wrap Up http://www.tigblog.org/group/yfci/post/352383
You might remember last month, February, we annouced our number of hits per month was down to 950 (the worst YFCI has ever seen, since we started to rapidly increase). I am happy to say, in the Month of March, that YOU have helped YFCI get back on track, with 1428 hits (504 up from February). Thank you so much, it is a big relief :-)

As for new projects, I am creating a new project called "The YFCI Peace Train", which will aim to actually get youth out in the community making a difference. Different from our "Volunteer Stories" project, this will actually give youth several steps for action. Teens will be able to commit themselves, and give their ideas of how they want to make a difference. My goal is to be able to send several packets with information (that will also be found online) to people who are interested, free with a small donation. ABC4ALL has also agreed to participate in this project. Stay tuned.. I hope to officially launch this in Late Apri/Early May.

In other YFCI news, there has been another user-made video submitted by Yubupa, a member from our affiliate ABC4ALL, which outlines several of YFCI's projects. Click here to see it on YouTube. You are invited to create your own video as well. Please send them to zkomes@sbcglobal.net, and we will post it on the YFCI Official YouTube Page, and on our website's YFCiTube page.

We have also created The YFCI Language Center, on the YFCI forums, where members can learn and teach the languages of the world. Currently (as of April 1st), you can learn Spanish, Greek, Dutch, and Arabic from native speakers.. FREE. Forget paying for that book or learning software; enjoy The YFCI Language Center!

Enjoy the new projects. If you are interested in helping YFCI out, click here for some talents we are looking for. As always, to make a donation, contact me.

Kindest Regards,

Zach Komes
Executive Director]]> Tue, 01 Apr 2008 09:04:00 EDT http://www.tigblog.org/group/yfci/post/352383 43.0388889 -87.906388943.0388889-87.9063889 Latest News from YFCI http://www.tigblog.org/group/yfci/post/333703 youthforchange@hotmail.com.

We have got somethings accomplished, though; so here they are:

- Project YAY, our partnership group for YOMI/ABC4ALL/YFCI, launched several chats in the last months. Click here to find summaries and transcripts. YAY has also launched an Advisory Committee, which will help enablize possibilities and collaboration. The UYCW volunteered to become part of it as well.

- The new humanitarian magazine directory is here, click here to visit. The mag directory features magazines that promote change. For our website directory, scroll down to next post.

- The Vegetarian Week event was a great success, with many YFCI members not eating meat for one whole week (I know I couldn't have done it!). Make sure to give those who participated a virtual round-of-applause, and check out their reports here.

Thanks for being part of our organization. We hope to bring you new ideas and updates in the near future. Stay tuned.

Zach Komes
Founder/Executive Director

P.S.: As always, if you'd like to make a donation, contact me for more information.]]> Mon, 11 Feb 2008 09:02:00 EST http://www.tigblog.org/group/yfci/post/333703 43.0388889 -87.906388943.0388889-87.9063889