http://kirstenjordan.tigblog.org/ What's on the minds of young leaders from around the globe? en-us http://kirstenjordan.tigblog.org/post/504197 Alluvia Winery. Located just outside of Stellenbosch this boutique winery makes some fabulous wine. It is a much smaller winery than those surrounding it, yet there is some truly unique about the place. It also has a great story. When there last time I learned that the owner of the vineyard had decided to venture into the winery business as a way to leave a lasting legacy for his children. He also believed that Johannesburg, with its high crime rates, was the best place to raise a family.

On a recent trip to South Africa this fall, I had the opportunity to visit the winery again. Was stocking up on some great South African wines from various vineyards (hope Canada customs is not reading this!) and remembered that I liked this particular vineyard a lot! Upon arrival into the tasting room (got to love the tasting part!) my father and I discovered that they had added another wine to the Alluvia collection. The story behind why this particular wine was developed is remarkable.

After moving his family to the area, the owner discovered that just down the road from where his vineyard was located is a place called Kylemore. This particular area is one of the Stellenbosch region's poorest areas. Even in beauty lies poverty. When this was discovered the owner felt that it was necessary to do something. Hence the "Give Me a Chance Trust Fund" wine was created. At the moment the proceeds of this wine are going to help a certain amount of youth in Kylemore. From what my father and I gathered from the individual telling the story, it is not just money that is given to these youth, but also time. Already because of this fund there has been some of the youth entering university.

Anyways, just thought I would share as I thought it was a nice little twist to the story of wine-buying in the Cape Region!]]> Wed, 15 Oct 2008 14:37:00 EDT http://kirstenjordan.tigblog.org/post/504197 43.6666667 -79.416666743.6666667-79.4166667 http://kirstenjordan.tigblog.org/post/491701
I think one of the main reasons that I achieved what I did yesterday has a lot to do with the people that are in my running life. Some may think that running is a pretty solitary sport and maybe for some that is the case, but one of the main joys of running for me have been the people that I have met along the way. All of the people I have run with have helped me become the runner that I am.

I can't believe that I have run a marathon- is a really surreal experience. Crossing that finish line has made me realize that I can achieve the things I set my mind too. Impossible really is nothing.]]> Mon, 29 Sep 2008 11:09:00 EDT http://kirstenjordan.tigblog.org/post/491701 43.6666667 -79.416666743.6666667-79.4166667 http://kirstenjordan.tigblog.org/post/480961 Thu, 18 Sep 2008 17:11:00 EDT http://kirstenjordan.tigblog.org/post/480961 43.6666667 -79.416666743.6666667-79.4166667 http://kirstenjordan.tigblog.org/post/474551
The run was a really good one for me physically and mentally. If I could run a race like that I would be extremely happy. I also was really proud of myself for finishing this distance. It made me realize that I should have confidence in myself and that I can accomplish anything I set my mind to. I think when I cross the finish line at the Scotiabank Waterfront Marathon at the end of this month it will mark a new chapter in my life.]]> Tue, 09 Sep 2008 03:09:00 EDT http://kirstenjordan.tigblog.org/post/474551 43.6666667 -79.416666743.6666667-79.4166667 http://kirstenjordan.tigblog.org/post/454633 Wed, 13 Aug 2008 10:08:00 EDT http://kirstenjordan.tigblog.org/post/454633 43.6666667 -79.416666743.6666667-79.4166667 http://kirstenjordan.tigblog.org/post/410489
If you ever find yourself in Austin, Texas definitely check out Zilker Park for its great running trails. Beautiful routes, great water fountains, and even a couple of showers to wet your head if you are too hot! Fantastic! Did my 10km tempo run there (although not too sure if it was really tempo...)

Even a statue of Stevie Ray Vaughn to check out along the way...]]> Fri, 04 Jul 2008 11:07:00 EDT http://kirstenjordan.tigblog.org/post/410489 43.6666667 -79.416666743.6666667-79.4166667 http://kirstenjordan.tigblog.org/post/399989 conversion calculator.]]> Tue, 01 Jul 2008 07:07:00 EDT http://kirstenjordan.tigblog.org/post/399989 43.6666667 -79.416666743.6666667-79.4166667 http://kirstenjordan.tigblog.org/post/397893

Apparently by the time this marathon training is over I will have run from Toronto to Quebec City which according to Google Maps is 796 kilometers. Kind of nuts.]]> Fri, 27 Jun 2008 10:06:00 EDT http://kirstenjordan.tigblog.org/post/397893 43.6666667 -79.416666743.6666667-79.4166667 http://kirstenjordan.tigblog.org/post/392093
I never gave much thought to feet before I ran- just liked them to squeeze into pretty shoes. Now, have a lot of respect for my feet and what they are going through. They are now tired feet.]]> Wed, 18 Jun 2008 09:06:00 EDT http://kirstenjordan.tigblog.org/post/392093 43.6666667 -79.416666743.6666667-79.4166667 http://kirstenjordan.tigblog.org/post/389713 Sunday morning run through one of Toronto's trail systems. Felt a bit fast at first, but got into the pace more midway through. It is also nice to get on the trails as it is cooler and better for the joints.

Then when the run was over grabbed a bite to eat at Cfood which is awesome- great place to grab a brunch that lets you have the best of both worlds- you get to choose three items on their menu!]]> Sun, 15 Jun 2008 01:06:00 EDT http://kirstenjordan.tigblog.org/post/389713 43.6666667 -79.416666743.6666667-79.4166667 http://kirstenjordan.tigblog.org/post/388101
Is actually kind of a good learning experience being towards the back of the pack! I spend so much of my time being concerned with being the best and in running I'm not the best runner- I just attempt to do my best which I have come to realize is also a great achievement. So, each time I'm on a run I really do admire those people that make running look so easy (you know those types that just fly by you looking like they could do this all day long and hardly breaking a sweat), but I'm also proud of me as I know that I am running the best that I can for my ability.]]> Thu, 12 Jun 2008 01:06:00 EDT http://kirstenjordan.tigblog.org/post/388101 43.6666667 -79.416666743.6666667-79.4166667 http://kirstenjordan.tigblog.org/post/386833 Tue, 10 Jun 2008 09:06:00 EDT http://kirstenjordan.tigblog.org/post/386833 43.6666667 -79.416666743.6666667-79.4166667 http://kirstenjordan.tigblog.org/post/385891 Mon, 09 Jun 2008 03:06:00 EDT http://kirstenjordan.tigblog.org/post/385891 43.6666667 -79.416666743.6666667-79.4166667 http://kirstenjordan.tigblog.org/post/385765 Sun, 08 Jun 2008 11:06:00 EDT http://kirstenjordan.tigblog.org/post/385765 43.6666667 -79.416666743.6666667-79.4166667 http://kirstenjordan.tigblog.org/post/383653
It got me thinking though and this has been something that has been on my mind in recent years. When you are younger your friends are everything- I remember how my best friend and I used to do everything together. Now, I'm lucky if I see my closest friends once every two weeks. Life has just sort of happened and the life priorities have changed. Like my friend said I think that my closest friends would always be there for me when a crisis occurred, but in daily life they aren't there as much for me and to be fair I'm not there as much for them.

Just some thoughts- is funny how life changes though sometime.]]> Thu, 05 Jun 2008 10:44:00 EDT http://kirstenjordan.tigblog.org/post/383653 43.6666667 -79.416666743.6666667-79.4166667 http://kirstenjordan.tigblog.org/post/366529
1. We just launched this month's Featured Issue which is Freedom of Expression, so be sure to check it out! Just click here

2. On December 10, 2008, the world will commemorate the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. What does this declaration mean to you? Check out the Discussion Thread!

3. I also just discovered Pedram N's Photo Gallery and there are some pretty neat images there, so is definitely worth checking out! Go to http://gallery.takingitglobal.org/Pedram

I'd love to hear some of your suggestions as to what I should check out this week on TIG!]]> Mon, 05 May 2008 16:48:00 EDT http://kirstenjordan.tigblog.org/post/366529 43.6666667 -79.416666743.6666667-79.4166667 http://kirstenjordan.tigblog.org/post/361997 Fri, 25 Apr 2008 21:55:00 EDT http://kirstenjordan.tigblog.org/post/361997 43.6666667 -79.416666743.6666667-79.4166667 http://kirstenjordan.tigblog.org/post/354743
1. "AIDS in Focus" Photography Contest is a way for you to share your photographs. Learn more about the contest by going to http://www.tigurl.org/contest!

2. The other thing that we are doing is collecting artwork! Follow this link to see some of the great pieces that have already been submitted!
Click here!


]]> Mon, 07 Apr 2008 16:29:00 EDT http://kirstenjordan.tigblog.org/post/354743 43.6666667 -79.416666743.6666667-79.4166667 http://kirstenjordan.tigblog.org/post/354659
1. If you have any specific questions about the Congress please write to info@wyc2008.qc.ca as this is where your questions should be directed to! Although I would love to be able to help all of you out I just don't have the time to answer and I also want to make sure that you DO get responses to your questions! (The reason some of you may be writing to me is that I have been helping to send out the newsletters and giving Congress up-dates!)

2. Many of you have written wanting to know how to get a visa to Canada and other things like this. I am not an expert on this, but I think a great place to get some information on traveling to canada is through the Canadian Citizenship and Immigration Web site which can be found here http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/ . Hopefully you will find answers to some of your questions here!

3. I know that some of you have been asking where your letters of invitations are. We have sent out all the invitations to the short-listed candidates at this point. However, there may still be a chance for you to receive a letter of invitation, so please check back! We received so many applications that it was difficult for us to narrow them down- even if you can't physically attend the conference, though you will have the chance to follow the Congress through its virtual activities!

Anyways, that's it for now! I will be organizing another Live Chat soon so I hope that this time we can get more delegates to participate!]]> Mon, 07 Apr 2008 12:47:00 EDT http://kirstenjordan.tigblog.org/post/354659 43.6666667 -79.416666743.6666667-79.4166667 http://kirstenjordan.tigblog.org/post/352703
]]> Wed, 02 Apr 2008 19:10:00 EDT http://kirstenjordan.tigblog.org/post/352703 43.6666667 -79.416666743.6666667-79.4166667 http://kirstenjordan.tigblog.org/post/349779
This month, on April 4th, the live chat will focus on General Congress Information and Questions. This is your opportunity to meet the organizers, learn more about recent Congress news, and ask your questions!

All you need to join is some headphones! For more details please take a look at Live Chat FAQs that are here! Please stay tuned for more details but save the date April 4th at 10 am EST!

Panelists include:

-Kirsten Jordan (TakingITGlobal)
-Nick Yeo (TakingITGlobal

More panelists to be confirmed! To learn more go to http://events.takingitglobal.org/18057]]> Thu, 27 Mar 2008 12:34:00 EDT http://kirstenjordan.tigblog.org/post/349779 43.6666667 -79.416666743.6666667-79.4166667 http://kirstenjordan.tigblog.org/post/343083
Become a fan! here's the link!
http://www.facebook.com/pages/4th-World-Youth-Congress/11226713551]]> Tue, 11 Mar 2008 12:50:00 EDT http://kirstenjordan.tigblog.org/post/343083 43.6666667 -79.416666743.6666667-79.4166667 http://kirstenjordan.tigblog.org/post/334449
A little bit about me- I work at TakingITGlobal as the Partnerships Coordinator and am also one of the co-chairs for the YouthForce Media and Communications Committee. Anyways, I will write more in a bit but just thought I'd introduce myself and the launch of the 2008 Youth Site for the Conference!]]> Wed, 13 Feb 2008 17:39:00 EST http://kirstenjordan.tigblog.org/post/334449 43.6666667 -79.416666743.6666667-79.4166667 http://kirstenjordan.tigblog.org/post/333993
At the moment we are working on incorporating some interactive features on the World Youth Congress Web site. This will allow participants to discuss and interact with other participants! We're also beginning to organize a Live Chat (will most likely take place in March). So, stay tuned! At the moment we have only been able to implement a couple of ideas in the English section of the site--I need some technology wizards to help me out with the other languages!

For the past couple of weeks I have been helping out with the evaluations of the Canadian applicants to the World Youth Congress. There were so many wonderful applicants from all over the country and I really enjoyed reading about all of the applications. The first round of invites will be going out shortly to the individuals who were selected by the evaluators. However, even if you don't hear from us soon keep checking back here as there may be other opportunities for participation!

I also wanted to let you know as well that the next World Youth Congress in 2010 will take place in Istanbul, Turkey. This is particularly exciting for me as I lived in Istanbul for many years and have such great memories of the city and country!]]> Tue, 12 Feb 2008 14:37:00 EST http://kirstenjordan.tigblog.org/post/333993 43.6666667 -79.416666743.6666667-79.4166667 http://kirstenjordan.tigblog.org/post/331143 Monday, February 4th at 7pm – Part 1
Monday, February 11th at 7pm – Part 2
Monday, February 18th at 7pm – Part 3

Location:
TVO Ontario

Event URL:
http://www.diamondroad.tv
]]> Tue, 05 Feb 2008 16:39:00 EST http://kirstenjordan.tigblog.org/post/331143 43.6666667 -79.416666743.6666667-79.4166667