Category Archives: Society

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.

Society: Social Services

New Wildfire Smoke Study Finds That Improving Health of California’s Forests Benefits Human Health

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A century of fire suppression has increased the density of trees in forests and, alongside climate change, created conditions for increasingly frequent catastrophic wildfires that burn out of control and produce more smoke. It has been shown that restoring forests can reduce wildfire risk, and that smoke impacts may be one of the largest health costs of wildfires

in recent years. This report explores how forest management, including the use of beneficial fire, is linked to reducing overall smoke burden on populations and resulting impacts on human health and health organizations. Making this explicit link will require significant cross-disciplinary and cross-governmental coordination, collaboration, and research. The report finds that many health organizations see the value in engaging with forest management, but they need more information on the potential benefits to people’s health and the health sector.

“We have an opportunity we shouldn’t squander to lay the foundation for greater collaboration between the health sector and governmental air and land managers,” says the study’s Steering Committee Chair Jennifer Montgomery, Retired Placer County Supervisor and Former Director of the California Governor’s Forest Management Task Force. “Steps taken now on wildfire smoke impacts will pay future dividends in our responses to, and preparation for, other natural disasters. Our shared focus should explicitly include vulnerable populations including Tribal communities, agricultural workers, pregnant people and many others.”

To understand how health sector organizations are experiencing impacts from smoke, the report authors interviewed 60 individuals representing California’s health sector, spanning public health (state, local, and Tribal government and non-governmental organizations), health systems (hospitals, clinics, and more), and health insurance companies. The interviews uncovered health sector organizations’ experiences with wildfire smoke, finding that there are real costs of wildfire smoke, often burdening rural, resource-constrained, or otherwise vulnerable communities.

“The message was clear,” says Phil Saksa, Blue Forest’s Chief Scientist. “Wildfire smoke is a growing concern for the California health sector, and they see value in engaging on the issue of forest health, but they often don’t know how or where to begin. Confronted with the staggering health impacts of short- and long-term exposure to wildfire smoke – and the fact that smoke can travel hundreds to thousands of miles into both rural and urban communities – now is the time to bring together California’s forest management community with the health sector for a healthier future for all Californians. With this report, we believe Blue Forest and CCST can help start the conversation of how to do that.”

The authors also investigated the literature to look for the very data and evidence the health sector is seeking on the potential health benefits of forest management. The report examines frameworks for estimating health impacts of wildfire smoke and for evaluating the smoke tradeoffs of healthy vs. degraded forests — including the use of beneficial fire.

“Prioritizing policies that promote forest health is not only a critical step in preventing catastrophic wildfires, but also for building healthier communities across California and the nation by reducing adverse health outcomes from smoke,” says Amber Mace, CCST CEO. “With good, intentional fire, forests are expected to produce less smoke overall, produce less smoke that gets into communities, and allow for communities to better protect their health. So in total, you could have far fewer health impacts than fires burning on the worst days, in the worst uncontrolled way, with little to no forewarning.”

Greater collaboration between forest managers and the health sector in the pursuit of resilient forests has the potential to drive progress in improving ecological and human health outcomes.

“We launched the Innovative Finance for National Forests program to support solutions-oriented projects like these,” said Nathalie Woolworth, Conservation Finance Program Manager at the US Forest Service. “Addressing wildfire risk across the West requires collaboration on many levels, and with sectors that have not traditionally been engaged. CCST and Blue Forest’s work lays a foundation for outreach to and collaboration with a key future voice in forest restoration – the health sector.”

The report, “The Human Health Benefits of Improving Forest Health in California: Investigating the Links Between Forest Management, Wildfire Smoke, and the Health Sector,” was supported with funding from the Innovative Finance for National Forests (IFNF) program, which is co-managed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service, and U.S. Endowment for Forestry and Communities. Additional funding was applied from CCST’s Disaster Resilience Initiative, which is supported by the State of California, and from the J.M Kaplan Fund and Alumbra Innovations Foundation. The six-member Steering Committee who guided the study is chaired by Jennifer Montgomery (Retired, Former Director of the Governor’s Forest Management Task Force). The lead authors are Teresa Feo (CCST), Kim Seipp (Blue Forest), and Signe Stroming (Blue Forest).

Learn more and download the study here.

ABOUT CCST

The California Council on Science and Technology is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization established via the California State Legislature in 1988. CCST responds to the Governor, the Legislature, and other State entities who request independent assessment of public policy issues affecting the State of California relating to science and technology. CCST engages leading experts in science and technology to advise state policymakers—ensuring that California policy is strengthened and informed by scientific knowledge, research, and innovation.

ABOUT BLUE FOREST

Blue Forest is an innovative climate finance non-profit that addresses pressing environmental challenges by developing ecological investment opportunities. As part of that work, Blue Forest works on research and development to demonstrate the environmental, economic, social, and cultural outcomes of ecosystem restoration interventions, motivates new and traditional sources of funding to implement restoration projects, and finances long-term commitments to increase the pace and scale of restoration. In partnership with the US Forest Service and the World Resources Institute, a particular area of focus is forest restoration in the western U.S. to address the catastrophic wildfire challenge.

Media Contact

Keleigh Friedrich, California Council on Science and Technology, 1 916-402-4031, [email protected], ccst.us

Jessica Alvarez, Blue Forest, 1 510-379-0560, [email protected], https://www.blueforest.org/

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SOURCE California Council on Science and Technology



Society: Disabled Issues / Disabilities

i9 Sports Owners Host 2nd Annual Harlem Wizards vs Team Frederick Charity Event

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The energy at a Wizards game is electric. The laughter is infectious. The dunks are rim-rattling, high-flying and awe-inspiring. The hoop artistry, ball-handling, tricks and teamwork are mesmerizing.

What really takes it to another level is the hometown participation from the kids on court experiences, to the teachers, principals and other community leaders who take on the Wizards as the “hometown heroes”. Besides cheering for their teachers, the kids are involved all night long. They will all have a chance to get on the court!

Pre-game, any child or teen with a Wizards jersey can warm-up with the Wizards! Throughout the game audience members will be asked to volunteer in different contests and acts. And the end of night final moments includes an invitation to all students to come onto the court for a dance celebration with the Wizards.

The experience at a Wizards game is the community, the schools coming together for a night of good, pure fun and excitement and it’s a fundraiser.

The event will feature a variety of fun interactive extras to complement the Wizards’ dazzling demonstration of hoops artistry: Pregame “Wiz Kids” warm-up, contests, comedy, awesome slam dunks, audience participation, merchandise giveaways, and more. The game will conclude with the Wizards’ signature dance celebration that will have the parents on their feet and the kids moving to the beat.

“We are thrilled to host the Wizards again,” says Eric and Nieshia Stephens of i9 Sports “Last year’s game was a huge success, and we look forward to more Wizards’ magic!”

Founded in 1962, the Wizards have played over 15,000 games throughout the US that have raised over $25 million for schools and charitable causes. The Wizards have also played in over 25 foreign countries on six continents.

Tickets are priced as follows:

Student Admission $15
General Admission $20
Reserved $35
Courtside Plus $50

Courtside Plus ticket holders receive first row seating and meet privately with some of the Wizard players before the game for a meet-and-greet.

To purchase tickets, and for more information, visit https://pretix.eu/harlemwizards/frederickmd11-11-23-06-00pm/. Tickets go on sale 9/2/23 at 8am.

The home team players will be thrilled to play in front of family, friends, and fans, and spectators will delight in seeing their beloved teachers, principals, and community leaders run the court. Come out and cheer – you will not want to miss this fantastic experience that will benefit our most precious resource: The kids!

About the Harlem Wizards: Howie Davis was a larger-than-life entrepreneur, impresario, promoter, and visionary whose passion for sports, entertainment, and philanthropy culminated with his creation of the Harlem Wizards in 1962.

The idea for the Wizards started in 1959, when legendary basketball showman Goose Tatum approached Howie to organize a tour for Goose’s “Harlem Stars.” The Stars had a short but successful run that opened Howie’s eyes to the enormous potential of “show” basketball. Three years later, Howie launched the Wizards.

Under Howie’s leadership, the Wizards grew into a choice basketball destination for some of America’s best basketball talent. As the team’s reputation spread, professional athletes from across the sports spectrum took notice and joined the Wizards’ roadshow:

  • Connie Hawkins, one of the top 50 NBA players of all time
  • Nate “Tiny” Archibald, a member of the NBA Hall of Fame
  • Elvin Hayes, one of the top 50 NBA players of all time
  • Hawthorne Wingo, a New York Knicks fan favorite
  • Mario Elie, a three-time NBA champion
  • Nancy Lieberman, a WNBA star and Hall of Fame member

NFL Hall of Famer Lawrence Taylor, World Series MVP Donn Clendennon, and Harlem Globetrotter superstar Marques Haynes also played for the Wizards.

Tojo Henderson a Wizards great holds the world record for career span in professional basketball. He started in 1965 and retired 50 years later in 2015. He still serves in a promotional capacity with the Wizards.

Howie was a champion of racial equality, and viewed the Wizards as a vehicle to provide economic opportunity to African Americans. He even was the first to break the color barrier with a football team playing in North Carolina.

Today’s Wizards roster features an all-star lineup of master basketball showmen, including:

  • Eric “Broadway” Jones and Dwayne “Swoop” Simpson, former Globetrotter showmen
  • “King Arthur” Lewis, an Academic All-American at Bowie State University
  • Arnold “A-Train” Bernard, a highly acclaimed trickster and 7-year Globetrotter veteran who was featured in a Nike commercial
  • James “The Roadrunner” Tyndal, a diminutive speedster who is fast enough to dribble through NY City traffic!
  • Devon “Livewire” Curry, FIBA’S former #1 ranked USA 3-on-3 player
  • Lamarvin “Showtime” Jackson, a world-class dunker
  • Jordan “Ice” Southerland, finished 2nd on TNT Dunk King-One of top dunkers in the worls
  • Leon “Space Jam” Sewell and Brandon “The Werm” Lacue, featured on TNT’s “The Dunk King” reality competition series. Werm has won four Sprite slam dunk contests.
  • Rashaan “The Rocket” Barner, one of the greatest dunkers in Wizards’ history, who is now a very funny show-starter and stopper!

The Wizards field four travelling squads which collectively will play over 500 games throughout the US and abroad during the 2017-18 season.

Since Howie Davis founded the Wizards 56 years ago, the team has undergone tremendous change. Howie’s son Todd and grandson Rick now run the operation, fundraising revenue has grown exponentially, and the team has expanded into new geographic markets.

Through all the changes, the team’s commitment to Howie’s original mission has remained constant: to deliver world-class family-friendly entertainment while raising money for great causes.

Media Contact

Eric Stephens, I9 Sports Association, 301-502-5254, [email protected], https://www.i9sports.com/franchises/frederick-and-carroll-counties-md/437

SOURCE I9 Sports Association

Society: Christianity

Reproductive Factors Associated with Higher Risk of Lung Cancer in Women

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Over a median follow-up period of 12.0 years, the cohort study recorded 1,182 lung cancer cases in women.
According to the researchers, several reproductive factors showed a significant association with a higher risk of incident lung cancer among women. These factors included early menarche (age ≤ 11 years), early menopause (age ≤ 46 years or age of 47-49 years), a shorter reproductive span (age less than or equal to 32 years or age of 33-35 years), and early age at first birth (≤ 20 years or age of 21-25 years).

Stratified analysis revealed that some reproductive factors, especially early menopause, shortened reproductive span, and early age at first birth, displayed a substantially stronger association with elevated lung cancer risk, particularly non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), in populations with high genetic susceptibility and detrimental behaviors.

“These findings are of paramount importance in our understanding of the potential risk factors for lung cancer among women,” said the lead researcher, Dr. Y. Zhang from Xiangya Hospital, Central South University. “Early menarche, early menopause, and a shortened reproductive life span are associated with higher risks of incident lung cancer, especially NSCLC, in subpopulations with specific genetic risk and lifestyle choices.”

This pioneering research emphasizes the importance of screening multiple reproductive factors in identifying potential lung cancer risk among female populations. By understanding these associations, healthcare professionals can develop targeted preventive strategies and interventions to combat lung cancer effectively, Dr. Zhang reported.

About the IASLC:

The International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer (IASLC) is the only global organization dedicated solely to the study of lung cancer and other thoracic malignancies. Founded in 1974, the association’s membership includes more than 8,000 lung cancer specialists across all disciplines in over 100 countries, forming a global network working together to conquer lung and thoracic cancers worldwide. The association also publishes the Journal of Thoracic Oncology, the primary educational and informational publication for topics relevant to the prevention, detection, diagnosis, and treatment of all thoracic malignancies. Visit http://www.iaslc.org for more information.

About the WCLC:

The WCLC is the world’s largest meeting dedicated to lung cancer and other thoracic malignancies, attracting more than 7,000 researchers, physicians, and specialists from more than 100 countries. The goal is to increase awareness, collaboration, and understanding of lung cancer, and to help participants implement the latest developments across the globe. The conference will cover a wide range of disciplines and unveil several research studies and clinical trial results. For more information, visit https://wclc2023.iaslc.org.

Media Contact
Chris Martin, IASLC, 6306702745, [email protected], https://wclc2023.iaslc.org.

SOURCE IASLC

Society: Social Services

Alliance of Channel Women Names Big Impact Winner for Q2 2023

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ACW encourages women to go on record supporting the ACW Advocacy Pledge by signing its pledge page. In addition, the association encourages visitors to nominate women who are “living the pledge.”

Hunt, the Big Impact Winner for Q2 2023, was nominated by Molly Codd, Channel Manager at Innovative Business Solutions.

“[Holly] has been an amazing support system and leader for me and many other women around us,” said Codd. “Whenever I have a complex issue or need sound advice, I can call or email Holly; she is always there to help find a solution. She is truly a shining star and a fantastic example of ACW and what it stands for! Holly has been my mentor since I came over to Innovative, which is a little over a year! She has taken me under her wing and provided sound advice, helping me get involved with ACW, where I’ve started a local chapter. She has helped me gain confidence in myself and being a woman in this very male-dominated industry. Which I believe we are changing!”

“She continues to support women from all areas. She is part of the ACW community and serves on the Communications Committee. She organizes and plans events and inspires others to join. She is a mentor to many other women in our industry. She has a podcast and continues to be a shining bright star for women in the channel and out.”

Read the full nomination here.

Congratulations to ACW’s other Living the Pledge Q2 nominees, including:

  •     Melinda Ann O’Neill, Director of Strategic Accounts at Tanium
  •     Hannah Shahriyari, Director of Sales at GeoLinks
  •     Sharon Andrus, Retired Channel Director at Telstra
  •     Andrea Sittig-Rolf, Chief Executive Officer at Blitz Masters
  •     Marcia Dempster, Senior Director of Channel Sales at Keeper Security

For information about the ACW Pledge, visit:https://allianceofchannelwomen.org/engage/acw-pledge

About the Alliance of Channel Women

Founded in 2010, the Alliance of Channel Women is a not-for-profit organization of women in the indirect sales channel of the telecom and IT industry. The Alliance of Channel Women brings us together to empower and advance women’s careers and leadership roles in the technology channel through education, community, advocacy and opportunities for personal growth. To learn more and to become a member, please visit http://www.allianceofchannelwomen.org.

Media Contact

Khali Henderson, Alliance of Channel Women, 480.848.6726, [email protected], www.allianceofchannelwomen.org

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SOURCE Alliance of Channel Women



Society: Disabled Issues / Disabilities

National Museum of the Surface Navy Selects Lockheed Martin’s Stephanie C. Hill to Receive the 2023 Vice Admiral Samuel L. Gravely, Jr., Leadership Award

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NMSN chose Ms. Hill to receive this prestigious honor in recognition of her significant contributions to the mission success of the U.S. Navy through her distinguished career in the defense industry. Throughout her 36 years with global aerospace and defense technology company Lockheed Martin, Ms. Hill has directly supported many vital U.S. naval weapons systems programs. She has also demonstrated a noteworthy commitment to uplifting others as a mentor and tireless advocate for science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education and other philanthropic programs that empower people from all backgrounds to succeed personally and professionally.

“VADM Gravely had an extraordinary career of selfless service to our country,” said Ms. Hill. “He has served as an inspiration for generations of sailors and civilians alike, including me. Thank you to the leadership of the NMSN for this incredible honor, and for keeping VADM Gravely’s remarkable legacy alive.”

The award will be presented to Ms. Hill during the NMSN’s Annual Freedom of the Seas Gala on Oct. 21 at the museum aboard the decommissioned USS IOWA (BB-61), which is moored in the Port of Los Angeles.

“Stephanie Hill’s commitment to supporting our nation’s sailors, as well as her career and personal achievements, have been broadly recognized nationwide,” said NMSN Board Chairman RADM Mike Shatynski, USN (Ret.). “She represents the profound and lasting impact VADM Gravely had within our great U.S. Navy and on our wonderful nation. We can’t think of a more worthy recipient.”

“Stephanie Hill is the living embodiment of VADM Gravely’s legacy,” NMSN Board Member and Chair of the Awards Committee Tanya Acker added. “We are excited to honor her and thrilled to have her as part of our museum family.”

During her tenure with Lockheed Martin, Ms. Hill has held positions of increasing responsibility, including senior vice president of Enterprise Business Transformation; deputy executive vice president of RMS; senior vice president of Corporate Strategy and Business Development; vice president and general manager of Cyber, Ships and Advanced Technologies; vice president and general manager of the Information Systems and Global Solutions Civil business; vice president of Corporate Internal Audit; and vice president and general manager of the Mission Systems and Sensors business.

Ms. Hill currently leads Rotary and Mission Systems (RMS), one of Lockheed Martin’s business areas that generates more than $16 billion in revenue and employs over 35,000 people globally. RMS enables key customer missions ranging from the seafloor to space and supports the six service branches of the United States Armed Forces and the Missile Defense Agency, as well as intelligence, civil, commercial and international military customers.

Born in Baltimore, Maryland, Ms. Hill graduated with high honors from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, with a bachelor of science degree in computer science and economics. She received an honorary doctorate from the university in 2017 and serves on its board of visitors.

Ms. Hill is a member of the board of directors of business intelligence company S&P Global, and Project Lead the Way – a national nonprofit that promotes PreK-12 STEM education.

The annual Freedom of the Seas Awards event is held in honor of the Battle of Leyte Gulf, considered to be the largest naval battle of World War II. Attendance at the award event, which is by invitation only, includes top leaders from the education, veteran, community, industry, government, and military sectors. For information on sponsorship opportunities, contact Kyle Aube, Director of Development at [email protected].

NMSN operates as a 501(c)(3) educational foundation promoting freedom of the seas and the important role America’s Surface Navy has played in that endeavor. The primary focus of the museum is on community, education, military, and veterans. For more information, visit https://surfacenavymuseum.org, or follow them on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.

About the Freedom of the Seas Awards

The Freedom of the Seas Awards is the premiere annual event of the National Museum of the Surface Navy at the Battleship IOWA. The event is held in honor of the anniversary of the Battle of Leyte Gulf, the largest naval battle in the history of the world, which occurred during World War II. The Awards honors those that embody the core principles of the American Surface Navy’s mission to protect and defend our oceans for the benefit of the free world.

About the National Museum of the Surface Navy

Scheduled to open in 2025 aboard the historic Battleship USS Iowa Museum, the National Museum of the Surface Navy is the museum for America’s Surface Navy. The museum’s mission is to raise America’s awareness of the importance of the United States Surface Naval Forces’ role in international relations, free trade, humanitarian assistance, and technological innovation, not just in the past but today and into the future.

Located in the Port of Los Angeles in San Pedro, Calif., Battleship USS Iowa Museum is one of the top five museums and attractions in Los Angeles, bringing the ship’s history to life through in-person and virtual tours and educational programs for youth. In addition to providing a natural platform for veterans and patriotic civilians to come together as a community, Battleship USS Iowa Museum provides a wide array of impactful programs and resources that support the critical needs of our military and veterans.

Media Contact

Ken Hagihara, Pacific Battleship Center, 1 9497684423 101, [email protected], https://surfacenavymuseum.org/

SOURCE National Museum of the Surface Navy



Society: Social Services

Kind Traveler Supercharges Responsible Tourism with Launch of Every Stay Gives Back Program

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After a remarkable six-month pilot where $73,000 was mobilized for local charities with just 15 boutique hotels, Kind Traveler takes its mission a step further with the launch of Every Stay Gives Back.

LOS ANGELES, Sept. 12, 2023 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Kind Traveler, an internationally awarded responsible travel platform empowering travelers to positively impact local communities through a collection of 350+ hotel, charity, and destination partners, supercharges the travel industry with the launch of its highly anticipated Every Stay Gives Back (ESGB) community impact program. Launching today following a successful six-month global pilot, where $73,000 in donations for seven local charities were mobilized by just 15 boutique hotels, ESGB marks a significant leap forward in responsible tourism.

Since the pilot program, the ESGB collection has doubled to represent 32 hotels and 17 charities in 19 global destinations. The program empowers travel dollars to fund local charities critical to the communities travelers visit with every guest stay — whether the booking occurs directly with the hotel or on a third-party platform with participating hotel and destination partners. In advancing responsible tourism principles, 100 percent of the proceeds raised are donated directly to the participating local charities advancing the UN Global Goals for Sustainable Development. “Coming out of a summer travel season marked by devastating wildfires, record-breaking heat across large parts of the globe, and ongoing social justice movements, travelers are more aware than ever of the need for travel that goes beyond doing no harm and gives back to support local communities and the environment,” said Jessica Blotter, CEO and Co-Founder of Kind Traveler, who also serves as Board Member for the Center for Responsible Travel (CREST). “Through the launch of Every Stay Gives Back, Kind Traveler has created a powerful program that makes it easy for every guest stay with participating hotel and destination partners to plant native trees in Hawaii, support wildlife rehabilitation efforts on Catalina Island, fund local schools in Belize, Dominican Republic, and Costa Rica, and much more.”
Every Stay Gives Back Program: Celebrating Positive Impact Metrics

According to  Kind Traveler’s 2022 Impact Tourism Report , 97 percent of travelers want their travel dollars to positively impact the communities they visit and 75 percent agree traveling sustainably enhances their vacation experience. Despite this, half of travelers say they don’t know how to start.

As a pioneer in responsible tourism since 2016, Kind Traveler has empowered travelers to positively impact the communities they visit when they book through its Give + Get platform. Now, with the launch of Every Stay Gives Back, Kind Traveler takes its commitment to responsible travel one step further by mobilizing charitable funding and easy-to-share positive impact metrics with every guest stay. Hotels, tourism boards, and travelers can easily communicate and celebrate positive impact metrics through a live community impact report that displays as a digital dashboard displaying the funds raised and the details of the positive impact created.

For example, in the Hawaiian Islands, 1,400 carbon-sequestering breadfruit trees were planted with Hawaii Farm Trails; 7,000+ servings of Sonoma County-grown fruits and vegetables were provided to families facing food injustice while solving food waste with Farm to Pantry in Sonoma County, California; 6,200 meals were provided to individuals facing food insecurity with The LGBTQ Community Center of the Desert in Greater Palm Springs; 775 hours of enrichment programs were provided to students in an after-school program with Dylan Jude Harrell Community Center in Coastal Oregon & Washington; 5,500+ square feet of wetlands were created by Blue River Watershed Group providing habitats for wildlife and wildfire protection in Silverthorne, Colorado; 153 families received food for three days with Their Future Today working in Sri Lanka; and 250 students received school supplies for an after-school program with Abriendo Mentes in Guanacaste Province, Costa Rica.

Participating Destinations and Lodging Partners: Transformative Travel Awaits
The Every Stay Gives Back program boasts a collection of exceptional destinations, boutique gems, glamping experiences, and luxury resorts from around the world for travelers to choose from, all committed to promoting responsible tourism principles through the ESGB program. In California, lodging and destination partners are encouraged with special incentives to participate through the Visit California x Kind Traveler Kind Destination program launched earlier this year. Current participating partners include:
*denotes the hotel/charity was a member of the pilot program

VISIT CALIFORNIA | Catalina Island Tourism Authority: The Avalon Hotel, Zane Grey Pueblo Hotel, Catalina Island Conservancy, Marine Mammal Care Center | Encinitas: Twelve Senses Retreat, The Changing Tides Foundation | Santa Barbara County: Cuyama Buckhorn Sonoma County Tourism: Art House Hotel, Dawn Ranch, Hotel E, Mine + Farm, The Gables Wine Country Inn*, The Stavrand Russian River Valley*, Wildhaven Sonoma*, Charlie’s Acres Farm Sanctuary, Farm to Pantry*, Pepperwood | Visit Greater Palm Springs: The Good House*, The LGBTQ Community Center of the Desert* | Visit Oceanside: Stay Coastal Vacations | Visit San Luis Obispo: Environmental Center of San Luis Obispo

COLORADO | Telluride: Lumiere with Inspirato*, The Telluride Foundation* | Silverthorne: The Pad Silverthorne*, Blue River Watershed Group*
HAWAII | The Equus*, Hawaii Farm Trails*
OREGON | North Shore: Ashore Hotel*, Bowline Hotel*, Dylan Jude Harrell Community Center* | Oregon Coast Visitors Association
WASHINGTON | Adrift Hotel + Spa*, Inn at Discovery Coast*, Boardwalk Cottages*, Shelburne Hotel*, Dylan Jude Harrell Community Center*
INTERNATIONAL | Belize: GaEa Riverlodge, Matachica Resort & Spa, Sunbreeze Suites, Cornerstone Foundation, Holy Cross Educational Foundation | Costa Rica: Casa Chameleon at Las Catalinas*, Abriendo Mentes* | Dominican Republic: Sublime Samana, Dominican Joe Foundation | Tulum: Zamas Hotel, Na’atik Language and Cultural Institute | Italy: Castello di Vicarello | South Africa: Farmhouse58 | Sri Lanka: Kalukanda House*, Their Future Today*

Empowering The Industry: Building Positive Impact Metrics Just Became Easier
For destinations and hotels, ESGB represents a formalized, third-party validated giving program where a portion of every guest stay is donated to a local charity the hotel designates, regardless if the booking is directly with the hotel or originates on a third-party booking platform. What sets Every Stay Gives Back apart is its dedication to transparency and accountability. As third-party validation, Kind Traveler verifies and tracks monthly donations to local charities, where a digital ESGB dashboard makes it easy for lodging and destination partners to communicate their initiatives to guests and stakeholders effectively. Wood plaques representing the ESGB membership seal and QR codes are provided to lodging partners to easily communicate the positive impact metrics garnered and ways to get involved with every guest stay. A ‘How to Travel Kindly’ section shares additional opportunities for travelers to get involved with volunteering and stewardship activities with charity beneficiaries.

“The travel industry has a unique opportunity to mobilize travel dollars in a way that fights the climate crisis, reduces economic inequality, strengthens community leadership, conserves the environment, and preserves the heritage of destinations. Kind Traveler’s new Every Stay Gives Back community impact program provides a valuable pathway for destinations and lodging partners to fund local charities, measure and report positive impact metrics, and promote the adoption of more responsible travel practices.” – Wesley Espinosa, Interim Executive Director of Center for Responsible Travel (CREST).

With the launch of Every Stay Gives Back, Kind Traveler reinforces its position as a trailblazer in responsible tourism. By seamlessly integrating giving into the travel experience, Kind Traveler empowers travelers and hospitality partners to leave a legacy of positive change in the places they visit.

To learn more about Kind Traveler’s new Every Stay Gives Back community impact program and explore the positive impact you can make on your next vacation, visit: kindtraveler.com/content/every-stay-gives-back-directory

ABOUT KIND TRAVELER
Kind Traveler is an internationally awarded, responsible travel platform empowering travelers to positively impact local communities with a portfolio of 350+ hotel, destination and charity partners in 25 countries to advance the U.N. Global Goals. As a women-and-veteran-owned pioneer in sustainable & regenerative tourism since 2016, Kind Traveler was the first to empower travelers to positively impact the communities they visit by giving back to local charities through its signature Give + Get hotel booking platform. With the 2023 launch of its Every Stay Gives Back community impact program, Kind Traveler takes its mission further by ensuring every guest stay funds local charities with participating hotel and destination partners – regardless of where the booking originates. 100% of the funds raised are donated to participating charities. As a Blue Startups portfolio company, Kind Traveler has been recognized with global awards from Fast Company (World Changing Ideas Award), Travel + Leisure (Global Vision Award), Newsweek (Future of Travel Award), Lufthansa Innovation Hub and UNWTO. Explore the positive impact you can make on your next vacation on  KindTraveler.com and join our community on  Instagram,  Facebook, and  LinkedIn.

For downloadable images, please see our media gallery here, or reach out to Andy@The KeownCo.com for additional images.

Media Contact

Jessica Blotter, Kind Traveler, 1 6195192437, [email protected], https://www.kindtraveler.com/

Andy Keown, The Keown Co., [email protected]

Facebook, LinkedIn

SOURCE Kind Traveler



Society: Christianity

New Exhibition Seeks to Forge a Better Understanding of Religious Traditions and Communities through Sacred Sites

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The exhibit opens September 7, 2023 and runs through April 7, 2024.

“By showcasing some of the world’s sacred places, we hope to foster curiosity and understanding of religious traditions so that people may better understand one another and communicate in thoughtful and respectful ways,” said Jennifer Pace Robinson, president and CEO, The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis. “We are honored to share these important stories from real people about the places that are sacred and special to them and their everyday lives.”

To develop Sacred Places and its virtual dome, the Exhibit Team of The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis traveled the world, building relationships with communities of faith in different countries to understand the significance of young peoples’ religious and spiritual beliefs and practices. The stories of these individuals are at the heart of the exhibition. The team collected interviews, voice recordings, photography, and 360-degree video to create a one-of-a-kind, immersive exhibition that will allow visitors to experience the sights and sounds of these and many other sacred sites across the U.S. and world, including Indianapolis sites.

Sacred Places builds upon the success of other Children’s Museum of Indianapolis exhibitions that have focused on religion or have included religion as an important theme. In 2015, the museum collaborated with National Geographic to create Sacred Journeys, a temporary exhibit funded by Lilly Endowment that explored religious and spiritual pilgrimages. Religious themes also have been addressed in the museum’s permanent exhibit, The Power of Children: Making a Difference, as well as its rotating global cultures exhibit, Take Me There.

Sacred Places is made possible by a grant from Lilly Endowment through its national Religion and Cultural Institutions Initiatives. The aim of the initiative is to improve the public understanding of religion and thus foster greater knowledge of and respect for diverse religious traditions.

“The Endowment has awarded grants to more than 40 cultural institutions across the country to undertake projects that help their visitors gain understanding about and appreciation for the beliefs and practices of diverse religious traditions,” said Christopher L. Coble, Lilly Endowment’s vice president for religion. “The Children’s Museum is a leader among these efforts. We’re pleased that this new exhibition will help children and families learn about important religious sites and those who find them sacred.”

Reflection Encouraged

As visitors explore Sacred Places, they are invited to consider the nature of sacred places and reflect on sacred places in their own lives.

  •     What makes a place sacred?
  •     Do you have a sacred place?
  •     Why do people go to sacred places?
  •     What do people do or experience in sacred places?
  •     Why is your sacred place important to you?
  •     How can we learn from sacred places?

Museum actor-interpreters will portray photojournalists using captivating imagery and objects to facilitate inquiry and conversation that connect families to the sacred places in the exhibit. Daily programs will offer additional opportunities for families to gain a deeper understanding of how people use these sites and forge personal and tangible connections.

Real Stories of Faith in Sacred Places

At the center of Sacred Places are the stories of young people who are virtual guides to six of the more than two dozen sacred sites featured in the exhibition.

Bangkok, Thailand (Buddhism)- Samanera Natthapol Duangjampa (Kaew), a Buddhist monk-in-training, will help visitors as they explore Wat Arun, one of the most remarkable temples in Thailand. He details his daily routine, which includes morning and evening chants in the prayer space and collection of food offerings throughout the community.
“The Buddha teaching is something incredible,” said Samanera Natthapol Duangjampa (Kaew). “It’s something natural, nothing complicated. He taught us to be a nice person, observe the precepts and always think about other people positively, and don’t harm others. That’s all. His teaching is so simple.”

Madaba, Jordan (Christianity) – Jude Anton Twal’s story about her sacred place – The Beheading of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church – will help visitors understand more about this Christian site in the heart of biblical holy lands. Jude takes pride in reading verses from the Bible and sharing lessons for the day. “When I come to church, it’s the only place where I feel I can actually unburden myself,” said Jude. “I can talk to God silently and He listens even though I’m not talking out loud. I’m talking in my mind, but there’s actually someone in the receiving end that I can feel comfortable enough to share my problems with and that’s why it feels calming to me.”

Lalitpur, Nepal (Hinduism) – Shivesh Sharma, a member of the community who performs daily offerings known as puja at the Keshav Narayan Temple, will help families learn about Patan Durbar Square, a bustling area filled with a beautiful palace and 55 major Hindu temples. Each temple is dedicated to a deity. “Nitya means “daily,” puja means “ritual,” so it’s like “daily ritual.” It’s like a morning ritual, we always have to perform morning rituals to every deity – like every goddesses’ temples,” said Shivesh.

Djenné, Mali (Islam) – Aïssata Djittéye will help visitors explore the Great Mosque in Djenné and learn about one of the most famous buildings on the continent of Africa, and the largest mud and brick structure on Earth. Aïssata organizes the girls in her neighborhood to help re-plaster the structure during a festive community event that takes place each year. They start at dawn and carry water from a nearby river to the mosque. That water keeps the mud soft enough to spread on the walls. “It is a great pleasure even in the simple fact of being a team leader is a great responsibility with all that comes with it,” said Aïssata.

Willemstad, Curacao (Judaism) – Visitors will discover that Mikvé Israel-Emanuel Synagogue in Willemstad, Curaçao is the oldest continuous synagogue in the Americas. In this part of the experience, families will meet Nathan Levy Maduro, who sometimes leads Shabbat prayer services. Visitors also learn about the importance of community in the Jewish faith. “It is important that we continue doing this because we are the oldest living synagogue in the Western Hemisphere that has continuous services,” said Nathan. “So, when I’m doing it, I’m essentially keeping that tradition going.”

Rapa Nui, Chile (Rapa Nui indigenous spirituality) – Merahi Atam, will help families understand more about the iconic moai of this Pacific island community (also known as Easter Island) and reflect on the importance of ancestors in the spiritual traditions and daily life of Rapa Nui. Merahi honors the Moai, the ancestors embodied by the ancient stone statues. “We have to take care of nature, we have to take care of our culture, we have to take care of the people next to us, we have to take care of our families and ourselves so that it will last over time,” said Merahi.

The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis is proud to partner with Riley Children’s Health, Old National Bank, Ice Miller LLP and The Heritage Group.

About Lilly Endowment Inc.
Lilly Endowment Inc. is a private foundation created in 1937 by J. K. Lilly Sr. and his sons, Eli and J. K. Jr., through gifts of stock in their pharmaceutical business, Eli Lilly and Company. While those gifts remain the financial bedrock of the Endowment, it is a separate entity from the company, with a distinct governing board, staff, and location. In keeping with the founders’ wishes, the Endowment supports the causes of community development, education, and religion, and maintains a special commitment to its hometown, Indianapolis, and home state, Indiana. Although the Endowment maintains a special commitment to its founders’ hometown, Indianapolis, and home state, Indiana, it also funds programs throughout the United States, especially in the field of religion. A principal aim of the Endowment’s religion grantmaking is to deepen the lives of Christians in the United States, primarily by supporting efforts that enhance the vitality of congregations and strengthen pastoral and lay leadership. Another aim is to improve public understanding of diverse religious traditions by supporting fair and accurate portrayals of the role religion plays in the United States and across the globe.

About The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis
The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis is a nonprofit institution committed to creating extraordinary learning experiences across the arts, sciences, and humanities that have the power to transform the lives of children and families. For more information about The Children’s Museum, visit childrensmuseum.org, follow us on Instagram @childrensmuseum, TikTok@childrensmuseum, YouTube.com/IndyTCM, and Facebook.com/childrensmuseum.

Media Contact

Kimberly Harms Robinson, The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, 3178095203, [email protected], www.childrensmuseum.org

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SOURCE The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis



Society: Social Services

transcosmos makes Declaration of DECO Movement, a new National Movement for New and Prosperous Lifestyles toward Decarbonization

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Staying true to our fundamental management philosophy that client satisfaction is the true value of our company, we, transcosmos, will co-create a well-being society with all. In addressing climate change, transcosmos will continue to disclose climate-related financial information aligned with the recommendations of the TCFD, while driving forward initiatives that help solve climate-related challenges through our business. Together with all, transcosmos will drive progress on the SDGs/ESG.

  • Visit here for more information on the DECO Movement, a National Movement for New and Prosperous Lifestyles toward Decarbonization: https://ondankataisaku.env.go.jp/cn_lifestyle/en/
  • DECO Movement is a newly coined word, combining Decarbonization, which means to reduce CO2 emissions, and Eco, being eco-friendly.
  • Declaration of DECO Movement is a statement to carry out one of the 1) and 2) above or both actions.

transcosmos Sustainability Initiatives
In 2021, transcosmos established the transcosmos SDGs Committee chaired by the Representative Director & Chairman, and put in place a framework specifically designed to execute its initiatives towards meeting social challenges and expectations with a focus on ESG criteria. In addition, with the purpose of creating a sustainable society and boosting the well-being of society as a whole, transcosmos has set out its fundamental sustainability policy.
Under the fundamental sustainability policy, transcosmos is driving its SDGs initiatives in line with its roadmap. To date, transcosmos has declared its support for the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) and its recommendations to address climate change, and has disclosed climate-related financial information aligned with the recommendations of the TCFD. To become a Sustainable Transformation (SX) Partner for all, transcosmos is taking actions to address a range of social challenges related to human rights, corruption, and local communities while enhancing its own corporate governance.
For example, some transcosmos centers are equipped with WOSH, a water reuse hand wash stand that does not need a water supply, and recycling 98% of used water. In addition, to reduce the environmental impact, the company is promoting the use of reusable drink bottles, reusable chopsticks, and reusable shopping bags.

transcosmos will continue to drive initiatives to address social challenges through its superior business activities while maximizing the well-being of society to create a sustainable society.

  • transcosmos is a trademark or registered trademark of transcosmos inc. in Japan and other countries.
  • Other company names and product or service names used here are trademarks or registered trademarks of respective companies.

About transcosmos inc.
transcosmos launched its operations in 1966. Since then, we have combined superior “people” with up-to-date “technology” to enhance the competitive strength of our clients by providing them with superior and valuable services. transcosmos currently offers services that support clients’ business processes focusing on both sales expansion and cost optimization through our 172 bases across 28 countries/regions with a focus on Asia, while continuously pursuing Operational Excellence. Furthermore, following the expansion of e-commerce market on the global scale, transcosmos provides a comprehensive One-Stop Global E-Commerce Services to deliver our clients’ excellent products and services to consumers in 46 countries/regions around the globe. transcosmos aims to be the “Global Digital Transformation Partner” of our clients, supporting the clients’ transformation by leveraging digital technology, responding to the ever-changing business environment. Visit us here https://www.trans-cosmos.co.jp/english/

Media Contact

transcosmos inc., transcosmos inc., +81-3-6709-2251, [email protected], https://www.trans-cosmos.co.jp/english/

SOURCE transcosmos inc.