The Latest news about what is effecting Society in North America, These PR articles, bring the newest technologies, initiatives and helpful tools to those who need them.
“Dr. Harris’s unwavering commitment to STEM education has transformed countless lives and opened doors for students from all walks of life,” said Jeremy Anderson, CEO of the National Math and Science Initiative. “His dedication and vision have not only inspired future scientists, engineers, and innovators but have also set a high standard for leadership and service. This award is a well-deserved recognition of his lifetime of impactful work.”
The Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award, presented by the office of the President of the United States, celebrates individuals who exemplify exceptional commitment to building a stronger nation through community service. Dr. Harris received this honor for his relentless efforts in advancing STEM education and investing in communities across the nation.
“I am deeply honored to receive the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award,” said Dr. Bernard A. Harris Jr. “This recognition is not just a personal milestone, but a testament to the collective efforts of all those dedicated to advancing STEM education and empowering our youth. Together, we are fostering a future where every student, regardless of background, has the opportunity to pursue a STEM education and achieve their full potential.”
Other notable recipients of the award include former astronaut and STEM advocate Leland Melvin, retired NASA Administrator Major General Charles F. Bolden Jr., and astronaut and health advocate Dr. Yvonne Cagle.
About the National Math and Science Initiative
(NMSI) The National Math and Science Initiative is dedicated to improving student outcomes in math and science, particularly in underserved communities. By providing educators with high-quality professional development and support, NMSI ensures that all students have access to the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in a rapidly changing world. For more information, visit http://www.nms.org.
For media inquiries, please contact: Nichole Austion Email: [email protected] Phone: (770) 356-0044
The U.N. said, “Digital transformation is one of the six key transitions with ‘catalytic and multiplier effects across the SDGs’ and a significant determinant for achieving the goals. Technologies like mobile devices, digital platforms, and emerging innovations such as artificial intelligence play a crucial role in advancing the SDGs. Data generated from every digital interaction is fundamental to digital transformation, enabling evidence-based decision-making. It is estimated that digital technologies and data contribute to at least 70% of the 169 SDG targets, bringing about a profound impact across their economic, social, and environmental dimensions.”
Working in more than 130 countries around the globe, Salesian missionaries provide a range of educational programs, including those that ensure youth are able to access the technology they need for connectiveness and to enhance their readiness for the workforce. Salesian missionaries offer more than 5,500 primary and secondary schools and more than 1,000 vocational, technical, professional and agricultural schools around the globe.
“Education is a primary focus for Salesian missionaries and with that there is a focus on how technology plays a role in and out of the classroom,” said Father Michel Conway, director of Salesian Missions. “For many poor students in struggling schools, access to technology isn’t a given. We aim to make sure that students have all of the tools and services needed to keep up with the global pace of technology.”
In honor and celebration of International Youth Day 2024, Salesian Missions is proud to highlight Salesian initiatives and programs that focus on technology.
ARGENTINA Students at Salesian elementary schools, high schools, and technical and vocational training centers in Argentina have new computer equipment thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions. More than 2,800 students will be positively impacted by this donation. The project started in 2023 and finished in July 2024.
With the funding, Salesians were able to purchase laptops, desktop computers, monitors, accessories and printers. Each institution obtained the equipment needed to ensure that students are able to learn and will be empowered in their digital education.
A Salesian noted, “Digital education is important for our students to be able to learn and compete in the job market. Learning these skills early will help to grow their digital abilities later in their education. Our technical and vocational students must have access to today’s technology so they are prepared when they enter the workforce. It’s skills they must have and Salesian educational institutions need the equipment to effectively teach.”
BOLIVIA Students attending the Madre Cándida Center, located in Santa Cruz, Bolivia, have new computer equipment thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions. The funding provided 14 new computers to improve the computer laboratory which had obsolete and outdated equipment.
With the donation, students are now more comfortable in class and are working with equipment that helps prepare them for the job market and their careers. There are 125 students who access technical training offered by the center. They take courses in cutting and dress making, comprehensive beauty skills, executive secretarial work, machine embroidery and computer systems. Twenty students in the computer systems course will benefit most from the donation.
A Salesian said, “Our students come from low-income families from the municipalities of Yapacaní in the Ichilo province. They do not have sufficient financial resources to enter the university or emigrate to the city to be able to pursue a degree at the undergraduate level, which is why they choose to study a technical degree near their communities. We are hoping with these new computers we also will be able to increase enrollment into the computer systems course.”
MYANMAR Students in a Salesian school in Myanmar* have laptop computers thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions. Donor funding was utilized to purchase 25 laptops to help the students with their education and for them to learn basic computer skills. The school set up internet and the electrical wiring for a new computer room for the 300 students as well as hired skilled staff to teach the course.
Father Khun Myat Victor, provincial economer in Myanmar, said, “We have just set up the computer room and the first group of young people have begun their lessons on basic computer skills.”
Myanmar has suffered political violence and instability since the military coup took over power in February 2021. There has been ongoing violence and chaos, and schools have been shut because of this and the COVID-19 pandemic. Salesians are opening their schools to enable youth to get back to their education, which they have been without for two years. Classes focus on English, computers and math.
NIGERIA The Salesian Center in Ibadan, Nigeria, has a new computer lab thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions. The project known as “Provision of Vocational Skills for Young Girls & Boys for the Improvement of Livelihoods” has provided 31 desktop computers, six laptops, software, computer tables and chairs, among other items.
Salesians established the center in 2002 to offer poor youth educational and social services. Today, the center has the Institute of Philosophy with 200 students, a youth center that is visited by 500 youth each day, an oratory where 100 youth visit each day and a child protection home with 40 children. Salesians also offer an outreach program where street children who cannot be accommodated in the child protection home are able to visit for support and assistance. More than 1,000 youth have sought help through the outreach program.
Prior to the donor funding for the project, the center only had four computers available for all of these youth in addition to teachers, staff and Salesians. The new computer lab will accommodate more youth and allow them to learn digital skills for employment.
*Any goods, services or funds provided by Salesian Missions to programs located in this country were administered in compliance with applicable laws and regulations, including sanctions administered by the U.S. Department of Treasury’s Office of Foreign Asset Control.
About Salesian Missions USA Salesian Missions is headquartered in New Rochelle, NY, and is part of the Don Bosco Network—a worldwide federation of Salesian NGOs. The mission of the U.S.-based nonprofit Catholic organization is to raise funds for international programs that serve youth and families in poor communities around the globe. The Salesian missionaries are made up of priests, brothers and sisters, as well as laypeople—all dedicated to caring for poor children throughout the world in more than 130 countries and helping young people become self-sufficient by learning a trade that will help them gain employment. To date, more than 3 million youth have received services funded by Salesian Missions. These services and programs are provided to children regardless of race or religion. For more information, go to SalesianMissions.org.
Caroline Weber is a Professor of French and Comparative Literature at Barnard College and Columbia University. Her most recent book, Proust’s Duchess (2018), won the French Heritage Society Book Prize and was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize in Biography. She has been a Guggenheim Fellow, a Cullman Fellow at the New York Public Library, and a writer-in-residence at Edith Wharton’s estate and library in the Berkshires. Her work on Pius IX is drawn from her forthcoming group biography of nineteenth-century royals who lost their thrones.
H.R.H. Prince Dimitri of Yugoslavia, U.S. Delegate of the American Delegation of Savoy Orders and member of the Board of Directors of the Savoy Foundation, will host the event. Prince Dimitri comments: “On this very special occasion, the American Foundation of Savoy Orders will be offered very unique insights into the tumultuous history of the Risorgimento and the Papal States, which covered much of what is now Italy. There was no separation of church and state until a rebellion by Italian nationalists forced Pope Pius IX into exile, which led to the creation of modern Italy.”
ABOUT THE SAVOY HISTORY SERIES In keeping with the noble traditions of honor and service that distinguish the centuries-old Dynastic Orders of the Royal House of Savoy and the significant role that the Savoy dynasty played in European history, particularly its role in the unification of the nation of Italy, the American Foundation of Savoy Orders supports cultural activities and educational programs. The Savoy Foundation sponsors the Savoy History Series, an annual lecture given by distinguished scholars and masters in their respective fields and sometimes by members of the Italian Royal Family on a topic related to the House of Savoy, and the history of Italy, Italian literature, history, art, music, science and impact on other countries. Marco Grassi is Chairman Emeritus of the Savoy History Series.
For more information about the Savoy History Series, please click here.
ABOUT THE ROYAL HOUSE OF SAVOY The Dynastic Orders of the Royal House of Savoy are among the oldest orders of Knighthood and Merit in the world. The Savoy Orders are headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland and have 35 Delegations worldwide that support the Orders’ ongoing charitable works. Their origins and their principles, traditions and humanitarian goals date back a thousand years. H.R.H Prince Emmanuel Philibert of Savoy, Duke of Savoy, Prince of Piedmont and of Venice is Head of the House of Savoy and Grand Master of the Savoy Orders.
In 1946, when the Kingdom of Italy came to an end, the House of Savoy was the Europe’s oldest reigning dynasty. The heads of the House of Savoy had ruled, first as counts, then as dukes and finally as kings, for almost a thousand years. Descended in the direct male line from a tenth-century vassal of the Holy Roman Emperor, the Savoys ruled Savoy, where they established their capital at Chambery. Their dominion was eventually extended to include Piedmont, Aosta and other territories in what are now Italy, France and Switzerland. By the eighteenth century, the Savoys were kings of Sardinia, and it was under the aegis of the House of Savoy that the Italian states were united by 1871 as the Kingdom of Italy.
The Royal Family’s heritage can be seen in castles and palaces, and in the beauty of the northwestern Italian city of Turin, the Savoys’ magnificent capital in the heart of Piedmont in the 16th into the 19th centuries. The dynastic chivalric traditions of the Royal House of Savoy continue. The Order of the Annunciation and the Order of Saints Maurice and Lazarus, two of the world’s oldest knightly institutions, are still alive today, epitomizing the dynasty’s medieval spirit while supporting very modern charitable works in Italy, Switzerland, France, Japan, the Americas and elsewhere. Chivalry lives. Today, the House of Savoy remains one of the oldest royal dynasties.
ABOUT THE AMERICAN FOUNDATION AND DELEGATION OF SAVOY ORDERS Headquartered in New York City, the American Delegation of Savoy Orders, which includes the United States of America, is among the 35 delegations of the Savoy Orders located throughout Europe, the Americas and Japan.
The American Foundation of Savoy Orders, Incorporated, a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) charitable organization, supports local, national, and international charities focusing on medical, educational, and humanitarian fields, including philanthropy for U.S. veterans, hospitals and relief agencies for children, the poor, sick and elderly. In 2005, the Foundation became a Non-Governmental Organization in Roster Consultative Statues with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations. In 2019, the Savoy Foundation launched a new charitable initiative – Chivalry for Children’s Causes™ – a multi-year program assisting institutions and charitable organizations that provide aid to children and families in need, building stable, healthy families, whether enrichment spaces or basic meals for improved health and stable living conditions in poor economic environments. The program is made possible thanks to generous support from the members and friends of the American Delegation of Savoy Orders.
Giveaway Designed to Help Teachers Defray Classroom Costs
WOBURN, Mass., Aug. 10, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Arch Painting, a leading commercial and residential painting company, serving customers in 49 states, today announced the call for nominations for its annual $10k Teachers Giveaway, a tradition to help teachers cover unanticipated classroom costs that aren’t included in school budgets. Arch makes these donations annually, splitting the cash among a number of nominated teachers, across school systems nationwide.
“We understand that school budgets are limited and that teachers, in addition to having to focus on doing the tireless work of educating the nation’s children, also often have to go out of pocket personally to cover costs for certain supplies,” said Arch Painting CEO, Richard Kilgannon. “Our goal is to ensure that the kids in the classrooms can benefit from the extras teachers want to provide, without putting added pressure on the teachers to have to pay for things themselves. It’s a small gesture to show our commitment to the importance of public/private partnerships benefiting the youth of America.”
Arch began the Giveaway in 2023. This year, the company will make awards of $500-apiece to 20 deserving teachers to use in their classrooms.
Colleagues and friends may nominate teachers. Or, teachers may nominate themselves. To participate, simply fill out the nomination form on the Arch website at https://archpainting.com/teachers/. Deadline for nominations is 6 pm on September 3rd. Awards will be announced on September 4th.
“We are excited to make this an annual tradition. Our Teacher Appreciation Giveaway is our way of expressing gratitude and supporting those who tirelessly strive to create the best learning environments for their students,” concluded Kilgannon.
“While there are people who still believe women aren’t fit for leadership, there are significantly more who do. Had this poll been conducted 30 years ago, I think the results would have been very different. We need to acknowledge that times are changing and people’s perceptions are changing in a positive way,” says Julia Toothacre, ResumeTemplates.com’s Chief Career Strategist.
Similarly, while 53 percent of Americans have no preference for being managed by men or women, 28 percent prefer men, while 16 percent prefer women. Men are viewed as more serious, experienced, and confident.
When asked to what extent they agree or disagree with statements about women in leadership roles, 62 percent of Americans agree that women are not taken seriously as leaders, and 56 percent believe women are not respected as leaders. Additionally, 47 percent think women are more likely to be influenced by emotions than logic, and 47 percent consider women too emotional.
Half of Americans say sexism in the workplace is a problem. Fifty-five percent view it as a major or moderate problem. Additionally, 68 percent think women face discrimination in leadership roles more often or much more frequently than men. Nineteen percent believe the discrimination is about the same for both genders.
ABOUT RESUMETEMPLATES.COM ResumeTemplates.com offers a comprehensive selection of free, industry-specific resume templates, tailored to meet the needs of various job seekers. The website also provides extensive resources to help facilitate the job application process, including expert advice, resume examples, and tips and tricks for creating impactful resumes. For more information, please visit: https://www.resumetemplates.com/.
Media Contact ResumeTemplates, ResumeTemplates, (800) 719-7459, [email protected], ResumeTemplates.com
Women We Admire is pleased to announce The Top 50 Women Leaders of Baltimore for 2024
NEW YORK, Aug. 8, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Women We Admire is pleased to announce The Top 50 Women Leaders of Baltimore for 2024. As the most populous city in the state of Maryland, Baltimore’s diverse economy is led by talented, skilled leaders in a variety of forward-thinking, innovative sectors. Major industries in Charm City include finance, education, healthcare, science, business services IT, manufacturing, and construction. Government positions are also a primary employer in Baltimore.
Among this year’s honorees, we honor business leader Martine Balthazar, a Senior Human Resources Business Partner at Molson Coors Beverage Company. Balthazar leads an organization of 90 employees who support improving payroll and workforce administration processes for 30,000 employees across the United States and Mexico.
A leader in one of Baltimore’s largest employers, the Johns Hopkins University System, Jennifer Adams is the Director of International Teaching and Global Leadership and an Associate Professor at Johns Hopkins, America’s first research university. With an eye toward the future, Adams’ research investigates how climate change shapes children’s learning in diverse contexts.
Finally, we recognize the career of Louritha Green, the Branch Chief for the Office of International Affairs of US Customs and Border Protection, a part of the Department of Homeland Security. A certified trade advisor, international commercial arbitrator, and border security expert, Green has 25 years of experience with Asia-Pacific and European cultures, law, and policy and 20 years of expertise in trade and security law.
Please join us in celebrating the accomplishments of The Top 50 Women Leaders of Baltimore for 2024.
Charisse Hughes (Kellanova), Louritha Green (US Customs and Border Protection), Jennifer Adams (The Johns Hopkins University), Divya Srikumaran (Johns Hopkins Medicine), Megan Bailey (Labcorp), Melissa Helicke (Johns Hopkins Medicine), Lenora Henry (American Red Cross), Rebecca Altman (University of Maryland Medical System), Nancy Haines (Allegis Group), Delphine Kocher (Constellium), Tabata Gomez (McCormick & Co.), Whitney Boles (Constellation), Trishana Bowden (George Mason University), Dr. Renique Kersh (University of Maryland Baltimore County), Jana Gold (Alvarez & Marsal), Phyllis Keys (Morgan State University), Angela Celestin (CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield), Nicole Petroski (Mercy Medical Center Baltimore MD), Mary Crystal (FWD Insurance), Terri Bracciale (Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices PenFed Realty), Jessica Silwick (ABET), Erin McCarthy (Brookfield Properties), Amber Scurti (CoreLife Healthcare), Maryann Jones (Garrison Forest School), Joni Rutter (National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS), and many others.
Women We Admire provides news and information on today’s women leaders in business, entertainment, sports, motherhood, medicine, law, and many other fields. We cover a broad range of topics and areas of interest aimed at recognizing the achievements of exceptional women while inspiring others to aim high and continue their journey towards reaching their full potential. Women We Admire and its affiliates circulate its content to over 32,000 individuals and businesses.
“I am excited to bring RISE Flag Football to Chicago because it provides kids with the opportunity to play a sport they love in a supportive and inclusive environment,” said McGreevy. “Through this league, I hope to instill values of hard work and teamwork in our players, skills that they can carry with them throughout their lives.”
More than just a sports league, this initiative aims to provide a nurturing environment for young athletes to not only grasp the fundamentals of flag football but also cultivate crucial traits such as leadership, teamwork, and sportsmanship.
“We are thrilled to announce the launch of the Flag Football League in Chicago. This league is not just about the game; it’s about shaping well-rounded individuals who can excel both on and off the field,” said Owner and CEO TJ Lane.
RISE Flag Football League will provide a safe and supportive environment for young athletes to discover their potential in Chicago, but is also vital to the local community. Not only will RISE provide an avenue for young individuals to engage in physical activity and promote healthier lifestyles, these leagues bring families together and foster the growth of well-rounded individuals posed to become future leaders within their community.
The league saw an exceptional year of growth and impact in 2023, marking significant milestones that underscore its commitment to youth development. The organization has seen remarkable expansion, including engaging over 25,000 enthusiastic youth and providing them a platform to learn, grow and excel both on and off the field, securing a monumental partnership with global sports brand Under Armour, and signing 75 agreements with owners in local markets across 20 states.
For more information on registration, league details, and how to get involved, click HERE.
Media Contact
Julie Green, RISE Flag Football Powered by Under Armour, 1 9199068592, [email protected], RISE Flag Football Powered by Under Armour
“I have always been an advocate of providing our residents with access to safe, stable, quality affordable housing. We know that quality housing for all is directly linked to healthy, thriving, and connected communities,” said Mayor Andre Dickens. “My administration has a plan to build or preserve 20,000 affordable housing units by 2030 and collaborations and partnerships that create housing like this help us get closer toward that goal.”
The 646 Echo Street project is generously funded by the James M. Cox Foundation, the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation, WFF Impact Fund, and Invest Atlanta. Development partners Kronberg Urbanists + Architects and oaksATL bring their expertise to this transformative initiative. With almost a decade of experience in equitable neighborhood revitalization, WFF is focused on the urgent demand to increase housing for renters, aspiring homeowners, and provide property tax assistance for legacy residents.
Through its signature program Home on the Westside, the organization prioritizes residents with key “live, work, learn” connections to the historic neighborhoods it serves (English Avenue, Vine City, Ashview Heights, Atlanta University Center and Just Us). This helps to ensure that as Atlanta’s Westside re-populates, legacy residents will be able to take part in its future prosperity. To fully realize this vision, WFF has launched its Our Next Chapter campaign with the ambitious goal to raise $55 million through Atlanta’s philanthropic community. The organization is currently halfway to its goal thanks to the generous support of the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation, Chick-fil-A, Inc., The Coca-Cola Foundation, The Home Depot, Inc. and many others.
“Today marks a pivotal moment for the historic Westside. This project is a testament to our enduring commitment to preserving and revitalizing our legacy neighborhoods by providing high-quality, affordable housing options for our residents,” said John Ahmann, President & CEO of Westside Future Fund. “We are deeply grateful to our partners and funders for their unwavering support in making this vision a reality. Together, we are not just building homes, but we are building community, where every resident can thrive and contribute to the area’s vibrant future.”
Located near the Westside Beltline Connector Trail and Echo Street West, this development not only enhances accessibility to recreational and commercial amenities but also reinforces the city’s broader efforts to foster inclusive growth and community development.
WFF is currently developing an additional 104 high-quality, affordable housing units, in both new construction and substantial rehab projects, throughout its service footprint.
All media who would like to attend the groundbreaking ceremony at 646 Echo Street are asked to RSVP with Candace Wheeler at [email protected].
Project Details
Total Units: 24
ADA Units: 2
Affordable Units Breakdown:
20% of units at 30% Area Median Income (AMI)
30% of units at 60% AMI
50% of units at 80% AMI
Building Characteristics: Two three-story buildings, one with brick face
Projected Completion Date: September 2025
About Westside Future Fund Westside Future Fund (WFF) is a community-based organization focused on holistic and equitable neighborhood revitalization on the historic Westside. Uniquely anchored in and inspired by its service footprint of English Avenue, Vine City, Ashview Heights, Atlanta University Center, and Just Us, it serves those with live, work, learn connections by restoring quality of life and delivering access to affordable housing. Through its signature program Home on the Westside, WFF develops permanently affordable high-quality single-family residences and multifamily housing and empowers homeownership through financing assistance and property tax assistance for legacy residents. Learn more about how you can partner with WFF for Our Next Chapter. Follow us on Facebook (@westsidefuturefund), Instagram (@westsidefuturefund), and Twitter (@WFFAtlanta), or visit westsidefuturefund.org.
Travelers Want Their Travel Dollars to Positively Impact Local Communities
The increasing frequency of climate-related events, such as wildfires and rising sea levels, coupled with a growing awareness of social justice issues, has prompted travelers to seek ways to give back to the communities they visit. According to Kind Traveler’s 2022 Impact Tourism Report, 97 percent of travelers desire their travel dollars to positively impact the communities they visit, and 75 percent believe traveling sustainably enhances their vacation experience. Despite this, half of travelers feel uncertain about how to start, leading to a big gap between intent and action.
“The Every Stay Gives Back program is a natural progression in our commitment to stewardship and sustainability, aiming to enhance the positive impact of travel on our community,” said Visit Oceanside CEO Leslee Gaul. “Research shows that visitors want to support the communities they visit, and this program offers an easy and effortless way to do so while enjoying an unforgettable stay along the beautiful Oceanside coast.”
Local Charity Beneficiaries
Kind Traveler’s Every Stay Gives Back program in Oceanside benefits WILDCOAST and the Berry Good Food Foundation, both essential for the well-being of Oceanside. WILDCOAST is an international team that conserves coastal and marine ecosystems and addresses climate change through natural solutions. A portion of funds raised is earmarked for Oceanside’s Coastal Dunes Restoration Project, which will restore coastal dune habitat using green engineering to help the coastline hang on to sandy resources. The Berry Good Food Foundation’s initiatives include promoting sustainable agriculture, increasing access to healthy food, and supporting local farmers and producers. Together, these organizations work to protect Oceanside’s natural beauty and promote sustainable practices, ensuring a vibrant future for the community and its environment.
Participating Lodging Partners:
Marbella, Beachfront Only Vacation Rentals, and Stay Coastal Vacations are the pioneering lodging partners joining Kind Traveler’s Every Stay Gives Back program with Visit Oceanside, which is dedicated to advancing responsible tourism in Oceanside. This partnership marks a revolutionary step for Kind Traveler as it is the first time they have collaborated with vacation rental management groups, expanding their impact beyond traditional hotels. Marbella offers a luxurious and eco-friendly stay, Beachfront Only provides upscale oceanfront properties with eco-friendly features, and Stay Coastal Vacations offers stylish accommodations focusing on sustainable practices. Based on average annual occupancy rates for Oceanside vacation rental properties, Oceanside’s Kind Traveler program could generate over $17,000 yearly to support local causes. Both Kind Traveler and Visit Oceanside seek to add new lodging partners to the program to unite responsible travel efforts across the City and scale the positive impact potential.
Building Measurable Positive Impact Metrics
The program empowers travel dollars to fund the local charity beneficiaries with every guest stay, aligning with the UN Global Goals for Sustainable Development. Kind Traveler verifies and tracks monthly donations to local charities, providing transparent and real-time reporting to communicate their initiatives effectively to guests and stakeholders.
For example, with Marbella and Stay Coastal Vacations, one dollar per night is donated to WILDCOAST. For every $10 donated, WILDCOAST can restore coastal habitat for one native wildlife creature, advancing ocean and dune conservation efforts in Oceanside. Native wildlife coastal species that play a critical part in Oceanside’s local ecosystem include pelicans, cormorants, egrets, herons, shore crabs, and more.
With Beachfront Only Vacation Rentals, two dollars per stay is donated to the Berry Good Food Foundation. For every $10 donated, the foundation can provide a student with fresh ingredients to participate in a garden-to-table cooking class, promoting healthy food systems and sustainable agriculture in the community.
In the first two months after a soft launch, these initiatives have already directed $2,424 in donations to Berry Good Food Foundation and WILDCOAST. In the soft launch,130 students participated in its garden-to-table cooking class, enhancing Oceanside’s efforts to promote sustainable food systems. With WILDCOAST, the donations restored coastal habitats for 109 native wildlife creatures.
Oceanside: A Commitment to Responsible Tourism
The launch of Love O’side and Kind Traveler’s Every Stay Gives Back program aligns with Visit Oceanside’s Sustainable Tourism Master Plan (STMP), promoting responsible tourism growth to benefit the economy, environment, and local community.
“Travelers require a continual fuel of inspiration to motivate responsible travel choices. Kind Traveler is delighted to provide visitors with an exciting new way to empower their next vacation in Oceanside and help create a powerful legacy of purposeful change,” said Jessica Blotter, Co-Founder & CEO of Kind Traveler.
For downloadable images, please see our media gallery here
ABOUT KIND TRAVELER Kind Traveler is an internationally acclaimed, responsible travel platform that empowers travelers to create positive change in local communities by supporting environmental and social initiatives through their stay with participating lodging and charity partners. Kind Traveler advances its mission through a diverse portfolio of over 350 hotel, destination, and charity partners in 25 countries. As a pioneering women-and-veteran-owned public benefit corporation in responsible tourism since 2016, Kind Traveler has fostered a culture of giving back in the hospitality industry, helping to build measurable sustainability metrics for destinations. In a groundbreaking move for 2023, Kind Traveler launched its Every Stay Gives Back community impact program, ensuring every guest stay funds local charities with participating lodging partners, no matter where the booking originates. Remarkably, 100% of the funds go directly to the participating charities, amplifying the positive impact on local communities. A Blue Startups portfolio company, Kind Traveler’s innovative approach has been cited in 600+ news articles and has earned global awards from prestigious organizations, including Fast Company, Travel + Leisure, Newsweek, Lufthansa Innovation Hub, and UNWTO. Discover how to make a meaningful difference on your next vacation by visiting KindTraveler.com.
ABOUT VISIT OCEANSIDE
Visit Oceanside Conference and Visitors Bureau is the trusted travel authority for Oceanside, California. As Oceanside’s official tourism marketing organization, Visit Oceanside promotes travel to the city for both leisure and group visitors. The organization influences about one-third of the $589 million that is generated by visitor spending in Oceanside each year, which supports nearly 3,900 jobs. Visit Oceanside also operates one of the state’s official California Welcome Centers. With just one stop, visitors can find local, regional and state maps, purchase discount tickets to major Southern California attractions, make hotel reservations or shop for the perfect California keepsake. The Visit Oceanside CVB and California Welcome Center- Oceanside are conveniently located just off Interstate 5 at 928 North Coast Highway. For more information, please call (800) 350-7873 or visit www.visitoceanside.org
ABOUT OCEANSIDE
Perfectly situated between metropolitan San Diego and Los Angeles, Oceanside is Southern California’s most authentic beach town. Visitors enjoy a quintessential California coastal escape, including wide sandy beaches, a quaint New England-style harbor, a historic wooden pier, and charming bungalow neighborhoods. O’side (as locals affectionately call it) is a destination of discovery where visitors can explore everything from California history at the “King of Missions” to surf culture at the California Surf Museum and awe-inspiring sea life through exciting ocean adventures. This playful and fun destination thrives on taking recreation to the next level and boasts world-class surfing, skateboarding, bike riding, boating and even skydiving. A flourishing food and craft beer scene reflects Oceanside’s creative and entrepreneurial spirit, as do exciting arts and culture programs highlighting the city’s history, diversity and friendly, laid-back attitude. Classically charming, eclectic, and always genuine, Oceanside is an ideal place to stay and a true O’riginal. www.visitoceanside.org
The Association of Related Churches (ARC) has announced the 2024 Gather Conference, a free one-day event on October 15, 2024, in 12 cities across the U.S., designed to inspire, connect, and empower thousands of pastors and church leaders.
BIRMINGHAM, Ala., Aug. 7, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — The Association of Related Churches (ARC) is excited to announce the 2024 Gather Conference, set to take place on October 15, 2024, in 12 cities across the United States. This highly anticipated event will bring thousands of pastors and church leaders together for a day of inspiration, connection, and empowerment.
Gather 2024 is a free one-day event designed to foster community and strengthen relationships among church leaders. Attendees will hear from their city’s most influential leaders and have the opportunity to network and build lasting connections. Since its inception over 20 years ago, the Association of Related Churches has emphasized the importance of relationships in ministry. The Gather Conference continues this tradition by encouraging leaders not to do ministry alone.
The event will be hosted in various cities across the country, including Chicago, IL, at Calvary Church pastored by Marty and Becky Sloan; Columbus, OH, at Rock City Church pastored by Chad and Katie Fisher (ARC Lead Team); Houston, TX, at Grace Church Houston pastored by Garrett and Andrea Booth; Milford, DE, at United Church pastored by Kenneth and Sherry Wagner; Minneapolis, MN, at Substance Church pastored by Peter and Carolyn Haas (ARC Lead Team); Nashville, TN, at Life Church pastored by John and Leslie Siebeling (ARC Lead Team); New York, NY, at Life Church pastored by Wayne and Classy Francis; Orlando, FL, at Action Church pastored by Justin and Gabby Dailey; Portage, MI, at New Life Church pastored by Dan and Kelsey Smith; Riverside, CA, at Sandals Church pastored by Matt and Tammy Brown; Spokane Valley, WA, at Sun City Church pastored by Danny and Jamie Schulz; and Wilmington, NC, at Lifepoint Church pastored by Jeff Kapusta.
In 2023, over 5,700 people attended Gather events across the United States and Canada. This year, Canada will once again host Gather, with dates to be announced soon.
“Gather is a great opportunity for church leaders to unite with one another in their city and grow relationships between themselves and their churches. We believe you can accomplish more for the Kingdom together than you can alone,” says Dino Rizzo, President of the Association of Related Churches.
About the Association of Related Churches (ARC):
The Association of Related Churches (ARC) is a collaborative network that unites independent congregations from various denominations, networks, and backgrounds. Its mission is to provide essential support and resources to church planters and pastors, enabling them to effectively share the teachings of Jesus Christ. The ARC focuses on empowering and equipping church leaders to foster the widespread dissemination of Christ’s life-changing message.
Founded in 2000, the ARC has grown into a global entity, facilitating the establishment of over 1,100 new churches worldwide. The network’s success is built on its commitment to relationships and community, reflecting its foundational belief that ministry is most effective when done together.
For more information about the Association of Related Churches’ 2024 Gather Conference, visit the ARC’s website at http://www.arcchurches.com.
Media Contact
Association of Related Churches, Association of Related Churches, 205.981.4566, [email protected], arcchurches.com
