Every Monday Matters - You Matter!

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Today is Your day.

Today you get to pick how you want to make a difference.

You know the drill. Think of something—and go do it.

Pretty simple.

There is only one catch--the people at Every Monday Matters want to hear about it. Let them know what you did and what resulted. They will be selecting one of 'your' ideas to be one of the “Mondays” in their next book. So be creative, have fun, and make sure to let us 'all' know what you did to make today matter.

Go to EveryMondayMatters.com to learn more about the “Your Day” Contest.

Every time you took care of yourself, did something for someone else, protected the environment, gave from your heart, volunteered your time, and donated your possessions, your action had a ripple effect on your friends, neighbors, co-workers, community, city, country, and the world.
We are confident that you had an amazingly gratifying year and that you know in your heart that you really did make a difference. Every smile, every thank you, and every gesture of appreciation confirmed this for you.

Yet the work has just begun.

It’s a big world out there.

Now you understand just how much YOU MATTER.

"Live every day as if what you do matters – because it does. Every choice you make; every action you take – matters. Your choices matter to you and create the life you live. You always make a difference. Let that difference move the world forward. You matter." ~Susan M. Heathfield

Monday used to be the least favorite day of the week, but that is changing. EMM is based on the idea that every Monday people can make a difference in their life and the lives of those around them. No matter how big or small the actions, they matter. And not only do people have the power to make change, they have a social responsibility to do so. Not out of guilt, but out of an appreciation for every living thing in the world. Together, each person can make a difference in the world and raise the collective consciousness, thereby creating a legacy worth participating in…one Monday at a time.

For more information about the EMM movement visit: http://www.everymondaymatters.com/

Every Monday Matters - Donate Clothes

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FACTS

20 billion pounds of clothing and textiles are thrown away every year—an average of 68 pounds per person.

1.5 billion pairs of unworn or barely worn shoes are lying in closets.

Over 36.2 million of the U.S. population lives in poverty.

On average, 3 million men, women, and children are homeless at some point each year.

50% of all homeless women and children are fleeing domestic violence, usually with only the clothes on their backs.

Clothing donations to qualified charitable organizations are tax deductible.

TAKE ACTION TODAY

Contact a local shelter or organization that receives clothing donations and ask about any specific clothing needs.

Look through your closet for clothing, coats, shoes, suits, blankets, pillows, purses, briefcases, umbrellas, and scarves that are in good condition and that you haven’t used in a year or more.

Organize a clothing drive at work, school, place of worship, or in your neighborhood.

Wash or dry-clean items. Don’t donate items that are stained or torn.

Fold and pack clothing in boxes, attach appropriate labels, and then deliver them.

Consider giving directly to a homeless person.

YOU MATTER

Donating clothes is one of the easiest ways to affect someone’s life in a very tangible and significant way. You can help someone stay warm, wear shoes without holes, dress properly for a job interview, or don a new outfit for school. Do you really need all those clothes filling up your closet?…Millions of other people do.

Goodwill Locator

How to Organize a Clothing Drive

Monday used to be the least favorite day of the week, but that is changing. EMM is based on the idea that every Monday people can make a difference in their life and the lives of those around them. No matter how big or small the actions, they matter. And not only do people have the power to make change, they have a social responsibility to do so. Not out of guilt, but out of an appreciation for every living thing in the world. Together, each person can make a difference in the world and raise the collective consciousness, thereby creating a legacy worth participating in…one Monday at a time.

For more information about the EMM movement visit: http://www.everymondaymatters.com/

Every Monday Matters - Respect the Disabled!

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FACTS

1 in 6 people aged 5 and older, 54 million people, have a non-institutionalizing disability.

25 million disabled are of an employable age.

78% want to be employed, but only 33% have a job.

Disabilities are more often acquired from accidents, illnesses, or late-emerging effects of genetics than by congenital disorders.

Not all severe disabilities can be seen with the human eye.

Over 15% of the cars parked in a handicapped parking space are parked illegally.

TAKE ACTION TODAY

Show respect to the disabled today.

Don’t park in a handicapped parking space or use handicapped plates or placards illegally. Designated parking for the handicapped is a necessity for them, not an opportunity for you to save yourself a few steps.

Don’t use handicapped bathroom stalls unless you’re handicapped. A handicapped person’s need to use the restroom may be just as urgent as yours, and it often takes them longer to prepare to use the facilities.

Drive cautiously and courteously. When you see a handicapped license plate, slow down and show consideration rather than tailgating or honking.

Help people who need assistance by opening a door, rolling a wheelchair up or down an incline, carrying shopping bags, or offering an arm in challenging weather conditions or on uneven walkways.

YOU MATTER

The majority of people with disabilities want to be totally integrated into all aspects of society. With more awareness, respect, and helpfulness, you can make someone’s life a little bit easier. People don’t plan on getting disabilities, but it happens every day. One day, that disabled person may even be you.

Monday used to be the least favorite day of the week, but that is changing. EMM is based on the idea that every Monday people can make a difference in their life and the lives of those around them. No matter how big or small the actions, they matter. And not only do people have the power to make change, they have a social responsibility to do so. Not out of guilt, but out of an appreciation for every living thing in the world. Together, each person can make a difference in the world and raise the collective consciousness, thereby creating a legacy worth participating in…one Monday at a time.

For more information about the EMM movement visit: http://www.everymondaymatters.com/

Every Monday Matters: Support a Global Cause

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  FACTS 

In the world:

Every 3.5 seconds someone dies of hunger.

Every 11 seconds someone dies of AIDS.

Every 15 seconds a child dies from a waterborne illness.

33 million people are living with HIV.

1 billion have no access to clean water.

2.6 billion live without basic sanitation.

5 million live in refugee camps.

1.08 billion live on $1 or less per day.

Over 2 million children die each year from diseases that inexpensive vaccines could have prevented.

9.2 million children worldwide die before they reach their 5th birthday. That’s as if every child under 5 living in the United Kingdom, France, and Germany died in a single year.

The world produces enough food to feed everyone.

Every year more than 16 million people—the equivalent of one hundred 747 jets crashing every day of the year—die from:

Hunger 9,125,000

HIV/AIDS 2,900,000

Pneumonia 2,000,000

Diarrhea 2,200,000

Malaria 1,000,000

Poverty is the common denominator

TAKE ACTION TODAY

Pick a global organization that interests you. The needs are many and obvious.

YOU MATTER

The numbers are unbelievable, but they reflect a truth we cannot ignore. This is OUR world. You, your friends, your family, your co-workers ALL matter when it comes to changing the statistics. Each one of you can make a huge difference. Every day we put off helping our world, we lose tens of thousands of people … many of whom died while you were reading this page.

Global Causes Website:  http://www.globalissues.org/
  Including these: 
Racism
Energy Security
Global Financial Crisis
Global Warming
Environmental Issues
Health Issues

 
Today, over 22,000 children died around the world.  This daily tragedy, from poverty and other preventable causes, rarely makes headline news.  The suffering children break my heart the most.

Poverty Around The World
Poverty Facts and Stats
Causes of Poverty

Monday used to be the least favorite day of the week, but that is changing. EMM is based on the idea that every Monday people can make a difference in their life and the lives of those around them. No matter how big or small the actions, they matter. And not only do people have the power to make change, they have a social responsibility to do so. Not out of guilt, but out of an appreciation for every living thing in the world. Together, each person can make a difference in the world and raise the collective consciousness, thereby creating a legacy worth participating in…one Monday at a time.
For more information about the EMM movement visit: http://www.everymondaymatters.com/

Every Monday Matters - Show Your Smile

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"Everyone smiles in the same language." ~Author Unknown

FACTS

A smile is a universal expression of happiness and recognized as such by all cultures.

A smiling person is judged to be more pleasant, attractive, sincere, sociable, and competent. Smiling is contagious.

Happy people generally don’t get sick as often as people who are unhappy.

Smiling or even seeing somebody smile releases endorphins that work in the brain to give an overall feeling of well-being.

People are born with the ability to smile. Even babies born blind smile.

Adults laugh approximately 15 times per day, while children laugh about 400 times a day.

It takes only 17 muscles to smile, compared to 43 muscles to frown.

Women smile more than men.

"A smile is an inexpensive way to change your looks." ~Charles Gordy

TAKE ACTION TODAY
Smile at EVERYONE you see today.

Keep track of how many times you smile and laugh today.

If you are having trouble smiling, here are a few suggestions to help:

Make faces at yourself in the mirror.

Shake your body like it’s laughing from inside.

Jump on the bed.

Hug someone you love.

Visit a pet store.

At the end of your day of smiling, notice how you feel and whether people acted differently around you.

"Today, give a stranger one of your smiles. It might be the only sunshine he sees all day." ~Quoted in P.S. I Love You, compiled by H. Jackson Brown, Jr.

YOU MATTER
Happiness leads to smiling, and smiling leads to happiness. Happiness is your natural immunity, having a profound, positive effect on your health and well-being. If you are happy, smile. If you aren’t happy, smile anyway. It will help you get there.

"The world always looks brighter from behind a smile." ~Author Unknown

Monday used to be the least favorite day of the week, but that is changing. EMM is based on the idea that every Monday people can make a difference in their life and the lives of those around them. No matter how big or small the actions, they matter. And not only do people have the power to make change, they have a social responsibility to do so. Not out of guilt, but out of an appreciation for every living thing in the world. Together, each person can make a difference in the world and raise the collective consciousness, thereby creating a legacy worth participating in…one Monday at a time.
For more information about the EMM movement visit: http://www.everymondaymatters.com/

"Always remember to be happy because you never know who's falling in love with your smile." ~Author Unknown

Every Monday Matters - Thank a Firefighter!

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FACTS

There are over 1,149,000 firefighters.

72% of firefighters are volunteers with 70% or more of fire departments 100% by volunteers.

More than 118 firefighters die in the line of duty each year.

1.6 million or more fires are reported annually.

Fire kills more Americans than all natural disasters combined, with over 4,000 deaths annually.

The U.S. has one of the highest rates of death due to fire in the industrialized world.

TAKE ACTION TODAY
When you see firefighters in uniform, walk up and thank them for keeping you and your community safe.

Get out of the way: pull your car to the right when you hear a siren or see a fire truck with its lights on.

Organize your friends, co-workers, neighborhood, or child’s class to create and deliver thank-you cards to your local fire station.

Become a Jr. Fire Marshall (for kids).

Develop a fire escape plan for your home.

Donate to firefighter benefits and causes.

Minimize your risk of fires — install smoke detectors, keep a fire extinguisher in your kitchen, don’t overload power plugs, clear brush from around your house, and don’t flick your cigarette butts.

YOU MATTER
Every day firefighters put their lives on the line to save people and property. Many of these firefighters are volunteers, so let’s “pay” them by showing our appreciation, thanking them for the valuable service they provide, and letting them know that we are very aware of the significant positive impact they have on our communities. Firefighters, whether paid or not, make an incredible difference in our lives—so let’s make a difference in theirs.

Get Out Safely: A factsheet on fire escape planning
Firefighter Cancer Support Network
Smoke Detectors: Reviews
U.S. Fire Administration for Kids


These people are true heroes!  Especially for both myself and my sons... from personal experiences! :-)
I have always lived in rural areas where our firefighters are always Volunteers & have had several calls over the years for both small fires on the farms I've lived on. I've also had volunteer rescuers save my youngest son's life Twice! The first time when I went into pre-mature labor 10 weeks early! The second time when my son was 3 years old and accidentally fell in our back yard. A freak accident in which my son's tooth went threw his face. He may have bleed to death if it weren't for the volunteer squad. I had never seen so much blood before and we lived almost an hour from the hospital! I still know and Value all those volunteers back home!!
:-) ~ Coreen
What is the Every Monday Matters program?

Monday used to be the least favorite day of the week, but that is changing. EMM is based on the idea that every Monday people can make a difference in their life and the lives of those around them. No matter how big or small the actions, they matter. And not only do people have the power to make change, they have a social responsibility to do so. Not out of guilt, but out of an appreciation for every living thing in the world. Together, each person can make a difference in the world and raise the collective consciousness, thereby creating a legacy worth participating in…one Monday at a time.
For more information about the EMM movement visit: http://www.everymondaymatters.com/
 

Every Monday Matters ~ Eat Healthy

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FACTS

Annual costs for chronic diseases in the U.S. is big money:

          $117 billion for obesity

          $73.4 billion for high
          blood pressure

          $448 billion for heart
          disease and strokes

          $50 billion for weight-loss aids, diet foods, supplements,
          and weight-loss medications—and obesity is still increasing

79% likelihood exists that an overweight child will become an overweight adult.

75% of adults don’t eat the recommended daily 5 or more servings of fruits and vegetables.

Snack consumption by children has increased 300% from 20 years ago.

400,000 people die annually from poor eating habits and laziness.

French fries are the most eaten vegetable in the U.S.

TAKE ACTION TODAY

If you suffer from or have a family history of any of the afore mentioned chronic conditions or diseases, consult your family physician for dietary counseling.

Although every individual is unique in his or her dietary needs, here are some ideas to help all of us:

Eat more dark green vegetables, legumes, fruits, whole grains, low-fat milk products, and lean meats.

Eat fewer foods with refined grains and sugars; reduce your intake of fatty foods with empty calories; and eat smaller portions.

          Eat slowly so that you will feel full before you’ve overeaten.

          Don’t reward yourself or children with food.

          Limit snacking.

          Develop a routine and eat at similar times each day.

          Drink plenty of water.

          Eat to live; don’t live to eat.

YOU MATTER

You deserve to be in good health. For most, diabetes, hypertension, and other obesity-related chronic diseases are preventable by simply eating healthy and exercising. You will feel better than ever both mentally and physically—the only way to really live. If you don’t want to do it for yourself or your wallet, do it for those who love you. Just start…one day at a time.

Healthy Recipes and Meal Ideas

Interactive Meal Planner

Beef, It's What's for Dinner

Eat Slowly to Stay Slim

Got Milk.com

What is the Every Monday Matter's Program?

Monday used to be the least favorite day of the week, but that is changing. EMM is based on the idea that every Monday people can make a difference in their life and the lives of those around them. No matter how big or small the actions, they matter. And not only do people have the power to make change, they have a social responsibility to do so. Not out of guilt, but out of an appreciation for every living thing in the world. Together, each person can make a difference in the world and raise the collective consciousness, thereby creating a legacy worth participating in…one Monday at a time.

For more information about the EMM movement visit: http://www.everymondaymatters.com/

 

Every Monday Matters ~ Thank a Teacher!!!

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"A teacher affects eternity; he can never tell where his influence stops." ~Henry Adams


DID YOU KNOW?
- There are 3.3 million teachers in the U.S.—2.6 million teach K-12.

- Almost 50% of K-12 teachers leave the profession by their fifth year.

- A $15 billion per year investment--or a 30% raise for all K-12 teachers is necessary to make teacher compensation competitive with other professions requiring similar levels of education.

- In 37 states, K-12 teacher salaries do not keep pace with inflation.

- $7 billion a year is the cost of teacher turnover.

- One of the most important factors in determining a child's performance is the quality of his or her teachers.

"The task of the excellent teacher is to stimulate "apparently ordinary" people to unusual effort. The tough problem is not in identifying winners: it is in making winners out of ordinary people." ~K. Patricia Cross

TAKE ACTION TODAY
+ Identify a teacher you want to thank—your child’s teacher, a friend or neighbor who teaches, a teacher at a local school, or a teacher of your own.

+ Show this teacher your appreciation by: Writing/emailing a thank-you note; Bringing a gift like homemade cookies, handpicked flowers, or something you know they will like.

+ Organize a class Appreciation Jar. Give every student a piece of paper and have them list all the reasons why their teacher is special to them. Stuff the papers in the jar and let the teacher open one per day.

+ Volunteer in the classroom or at a local school and help with special projects.

"The dream begins with a teacher who believes in you, who tugs and pushes and leads you to the next plateau, sometimes poking you with a sharp stick called "truth." ~Dan Rather

YOU MATTER
Youth are the future of our world, and teachers spend more waking hours with them than their parents do. Showing appreciation to teachers lets them know they are valued and respected—you don’t have to be a student or even a parent of a student to show your appreciation. Remember, teachers help shape everyone’s world…including yours.

"If a doctor, lawyer, or dentist had 40 people in his office at one time, all of whom had different needs, and some of whom didn't want to be there and were causing trouble, and the doctor, lawyer, or dentist, without assistance, had to treat them all with professional excellence for nine months, then he might have some conception of the classroom teacher's job." ~Donald D. Quinn

What is the Every Monday Matters program?

Monday used to be the least favorite day of the week, but that is changing. EMM is based on the idea that Every Monday people can make a difference in their life and the lives of those around them. No matter how big or small the actions, they matter. And not only do people have the power to make change, they have a social responsibility to do so. Not out of guilt, but out of an appreciation for every living thing in the world. Together, each person can make a difference in the world and raise the collective consciousness, thereby creating a legacy worth participating in…one Monday at a time.

For more information about the EMM movement visit: http://www.everymondaymatters.com/
 

Every Monday Matters ~ Party With a Purpose for the Holidays!

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FACTS - Every week in the U.S. there are:
5,890,775 birthdays

41,154 weddings

82,788 births

- Birthdays are the #1 reason people celebrate.

- There are millions of other gift-giving/receiving occasions every year, such as holidays, bat and bar mitzvahs, graduations, funerals, and retirements.

- Every year, nearly 140 million people purchase and/or receive a gift card with an average value of $59.

- $832 is the average amount spent annually on holiday gifts.

TAKE ACTION TODAY
+ Select a charity, cause, or purpose you wish to support.

+ Decide which holiday or occasion for which you would like your friends and family to make a donation instead of giving you a gift.

+ Send a free email invitation (http://www.evite.com/) with the information.

+ Provide your friends and family with the proper charity information to make their giving easier— website, phone number, address, etc.

+ If there is not a specific reason for having a party, make one up. Most agencies have a "wish list" posted on their website. Select an agency and ask your party guests to bring an item from that agency's wish list to donate. Contact the Service-Learning office for a list of agencies and their wish lists. You may also search online at: http://www.volunteersolutions.org/


YOU MATTER
If everyone gives up their birthday gifts this year, $3 billion dollars or more can be donated to worthy causes or needy people. Friends and family donating money in your name can be much more rewarding than getting material gifts. Giving is a lot more gratifying than receiving, no matter the occasion.

What is the Every Monday Matters program?

Monday used to be the least favorite day of the week, but that is changing. EMM is based on the idea that Every Monday people can make a difference in their life and the lives of those around them. No matter how big or small the actions, they matter. And not only do people have the power to make change, they have a social responsibility to do so. Not out of guilt, but out of an appreciation for every living thing in the world. Together, each person can make a difference in the world and raise the collective consciousness, thereby creating a legacy worth participating in…one Monday at a time.

For more information about the EMM movement visit: http://www.everymondaymatters.com/

Have a Safe, Happy Merry Christmas!
Love & Blessings to All,
Coreen
 

Every Monday Matters ~ Donate Your Organs



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FACTS
Over 120,072 people are waiting for organs to be donated.

77 people receive organ transplants every day.

As many as 50 people’s lives can be saved or improved from each organ and tissue donor.

There is no age limit on who can donate.

Most family members are not aware of on another’s willingness to be a donor, even if it is indicated on their driver’s license.

TAKE ACTION TODAY
Declare on your driver’s license your wish to donate tissue and organs.

Carry a donor card in your wallet.

Sign up on your state’s donor registry today.

Inform your family, loved ones, and physician of your decision.


YOU MATTER
Eighteen people die every day waiting for a transplant. Because more people need transplants than there are organs available, register your organs on the donor registry. In addition to indicating your wishes on your driver’s license, make your family members aware of your decision. Saving a life by donating a heart, lung, or kidney or allowing someone to see again through your cornea may be the most significant gift you ever give…and you may not even be aware you are giving it.


What is the Every Monday Matters program?

Monday used to be the least favorite day of the week, but that is changing. EMM is based on the idea that Every Monday people can make a difference in their life and the lives of those around them. No matter how big or small the actions, they matter. And not only do people have the power to make change, they have a social responsibility to do so. Not out of guilt, but out of an appreciation for every living thing in the world. Together, each person can make a difference in the world and raise the collective consciousness, thereby creating a legacy worth participating in…one Monday at a time.

For more information about the EMM movement visit: http://www.everymondaymatters.com/

 

Every Monday Matters ~ Create, Support, Appreciate Art

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Every Monday Matters



"The artist's world is limitless. It can be found anywhere, far from where he lives or a few feet away. It is always on his doorstep." ~Paul Strand

FACTS

93% of people believe that the arts are vital to a well-rounded education.

Regardless, only 29% of schools have been able to maintain time and funding for arts programs.

Children spend more time at their locker than in art classes.

People learn to be more tolerant and open when creating or appreciating art.

Art promotes individuality, bolsters self-confidence, and improves overall academic performance.

Art is a reflection of people and cultures since the beginning of time.

Students who take 4 years of arts and music in high school score over 98 points higher on their SATs than students who took only a half year or less.

TAKE ACTION TODAY
Create an original piece of art today. If you don’t know how or where to start, visit your local craft store and ask for help.

Sign up for an art class with a friend.

Visit a local museum, art gallery, or sculpture garden.

Find resources for teachers.

Volunteer to support an art activity at a local school or senior citizen program.

Communicate with your school-district administrators or national legislators by either writing a letter of appreciation for current funding or requesting funding for the arts. Find and contact your federal, state, and local officials.

YOU MATTER
Sit down with friends and family and take some time to be a kid again. With minimal supplies, you can create a unique piece of art and give it to someone as a gift. If creating art is not your thing, then support the people who do love it by visiting a museum, donating art supplies, buying art from a local artist, or writing a letter to the people who control the school budgets. Just as there are many ways you can express art, there are also many ways you can support and appreciate it.

LINKS:
Museums USA.org
Keep Arts In Schools.org
Congress.org
New Grant Program Funds Helps Schools Fund Arts

"When my daughter was about seven years old, she asked me one day what I did at work. I told her I worked at the college - that my job was to teach people how to draw. She stared at me, incredulous, and said, "You mean they forget?" ~Howard Ikemoto

What is the Every Monday Matters program?

Monday used to be the least favorite day of the week, but that is changing. EMM is based on the idea that Every Monday people can make a difference in their life and the lives of those around them. No matter how big or small the actions, they matter. And not only do people have the power to make change, they have a social responsibility to do so. Not out of guilt, but out of an appreciation for every living thing in the world. Together, each person can make a difference in the world and raise the collective consciousness, thereby creating a legacy worth participating in…one Monday at a time.

For more information about the EMM movement visit: http://www.everymondaymatters.com/

 

Every Monday Matters - Save Lives! Donate Blood!

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By erintard

Save Lives! Donate Blood!

FACTS

- Every 2 seconds someone needs blood.

- 38,000 pints of blood are used each day in the U.S.

- Nearly 500 hospitals cancelled elective surgery due to blood inventory shortages.

- Demand for blood is rising much faster than donations. In fact, donations are declining.

- 1 pint of blood can save up to 3 lives—maybe even the life of someone you know.

- 60% of the population is eligible to donate, but only 3.2% do on a yearly basis.

- The #1 reason donors say they give is because they “want to help others.”

- Anyone who is in good health, is at least 17 years old, and weighs at least 110 pounds may donate blood every 56 days. View a full list of eligibility requirements online at:  http://www.redcrossblood.org/donating-blood/eligibility-requirements


TAKE ACTION TODAY/THIS WEEK!

+ Find a blood donor location near you and schedule an appointment today.

+ Donate blood. The blood donation process takes approximately 30 minutes.

+ When you donate, you’ll receive a donor card stating your blood type. Keep the card in your wallet.

+ Put yourself on a regular donating schedule of once every 56 days.

+ If you have type O-negative blood, the universal donor type, your blood is especially needed because it can be used in emergencies.


YOU MATTER

There is no substitute for human blood. Human blood is precious and can’t be manufactured outside of the body. If you gave blood 4 times a year for the next 10 years, you would save 120 lives. Think of how many lives you could save if you gave blood for the rest of your life! Saving just one life should be convincing enough.


What is the Every Monday Matters program?

Monday used to be the least favorite day of the week, but that is changing. EMM is based on the idea that Every Monday people can make a difference in their life and the lives of those around them. No matter how big or small the actions, they matter. And not only do people have the power to make change, they have a social responsibility to do so. Not out of guilt, but out of an appreciation for every living thing in the world. Together, each person can make a difference in the world and raise the collective consciousness, thereby creating a legacy worth participating in…one Monday at a time.

For more information about the EMM movement visit: http://www.everymondaymatters.com/
 

Every Monday Matters - Write a Letter to a U.S. Military Hero this holiday season!

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 "In war, there are no unwounded soldiers." ~José Narosky

EveryMondayMatter.com

 "Freedom is never free." ~Author Unknown

FACTS

There are over 2.9 million active, reserve, and civilian men and women in the U.S. military.

Hundreds of thousands of American troops are deployed indefinitely in remote parts of the world, including the Middle East, Afghanistan, Africa, the Korean Peninsula and on ships throughout international waters.

U.S. service members are deployed for long periods away from home. They love receiving good wishes and words of appreciation and support, even from total strangers.

Letters are the most requested item by U.S. military men and women.

TAKE ACTION TODAY

Select a soldier you know or one who is related to someone you know.

If you don’t know a soldier, ask a friend, fellow student, co-worker, pastor, or military chaplain to help you make a connection. Make sure they provide proper mailing instructions.

Grab some paper, an envelope, and a pen.

Write a letter from your heart that expresses your gratitude, shows your support, and provides encouragement. Share a little bit about yourself as well as ask questions about the person you’re writing. Avoid such topics as death, killing, and politics.

• Send a free postcard to soldier.
• Send an email to soldier.
• Send mail to an anonymous soldier.
• Donate a book to a soldier. 

Include your e-mail or mailing address in case the recipient wants to write back. You could even include a self-addressed envelope.

Send the letter.

"This nation will remain the land of the free only so long as it is the home of the brave." ~Elmer Davis

YOU MATTER

Our military protects our nation’s freedom, and, regardless of your political affiliation and whether or not you believe in war, these brave men and women need to know that we appreciate their sacrifices and service. With a simple card or letter, you can brighten the day of a soldier who is overseas ensuring your freedom. Your letter might be the only thing that makes that soldier smile that day.   Remember them especially during the Holidays while you are here 'safe' with family and friends.

"We often take for granted the very things that most deserve our gratitude." ~Cynthia Ozick

LINKS:
Lets Say Thanks.com
USAFNS.com
A Million Thanks.org
Books for Soldiers.com

"Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it." ~William Arthur Ward 

 
What is the Every Monday Matters program?

Monday used to be the least favorite day of the week, but that is changing. EMM is based on the idea that every Monday people can make a difference in their life and the lives of those around them. No matter how big or small the actions, they matter. And not only do people have the power to make change, they have a social responsibility to do so. Not out of guilt, but out of an appreciation for every living thing in the world. Together, each person can make a difference in the world and raise the collective consciousness, thereby creating a legacy worth participating in…one Monday at a time.

For more information about the EMM movement visit: http://www.everymondaymatters.com/
 

Every Monday Matters - What Matters Most?

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Every Monday Matters

FACTS

The average person spends:
100 hours a year commuting to work, compared to 80 hours of vacation time.

91 hours a week at work for dual-career couples with kids under 18.

1.8 hours a day doing household activities.

2.6 hours a day watching TV.

8.6 hours a day sleeping.

Time is a non-renewable resource. Once it’s used up, you can’t get it back.


TAKE ACTION TODAY

Stop and think … then make a list of What Matters Most to you.

Take the What Matters Most Urgency Analysis.

Create a list of how you currently spend your time each week.

Organize your list of weekly activities and identify activities that are required and those that are optional or waste time.

Take steps to rearrange your schedule or reduce the optional activities so you can spend time doing What Matters Most.

Don’t waste time.

YOU MATTER

What really matters most to you? Your relationships with family, friends, and children? Helping others? Passions? Faith? Security? Health? At the end of each year, don’t you want to look back and see that you made a difference? That you matter? Today is the start of a new year. Start it off by making a difference in you, your life, and the lives of those you love. This is your opportunity. Time spent on What Matters Most is never wasted time.

“We believe that what matters most is not narrow appeals masquerading as values, but the shared values that show the true face of America; not narrow values that divide us, but the shared values that unite us: family, faith, hard work, opportunity and responsibility for all, so that every child, every adult, every parent, every worker in America has an equal shot at living up to their God-given potential. That is the American dream and the American value.” ~ Senator John Kerry

What is the Every Monday Matters program?

Monday used to be the least favorite day of the week, but that is changing. EMM is based on the idea that every Monday people can make a difference in their life and the lives of those around them. No matter how big or small the actions, they matter. And not only do people have the power to make change, they have a social responsibility to do so. Not out of guilt, but out of an appreciation for every living thing in the world. Together, each person can make a difference in the world and raise the collective consciousness, thereby creating a legacy worth participating in…one Monday at a time.
For more information about the EMM movement visit: http://www.everymondaymatters.com/
 

Every Monday Matters - Have AMBER Alerts Sent to You

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The AMBER Alert™ Program is a voluntary partnership between law-enforcement agencies, broadcasters, transportation agencies, and the wireless industry, to activate an urgent bulletin in the most serious child-abduction cases. The goal of an AMBER Alert is to instantly galvanize the entire community to assist in the search for and the safe recovery of the child.

FACTS

AMBER stands for “America’s Missing: Broadcast Emergency Response” and was created as a legacy to 9-year-old Amber Hagerman, kidnapped while riding her bicycle in Arlington, Texas, and then brutally murdered.

76% of abducted children who are murdered are dead within 3 hours of the abduction, 88.5% are dead within 24 hours, and 99% are dead within 7 days.

443 children have been reunited with their families because of AMBER Alerts.

Nearly 100% of cell phones are eligible to receive Wireless AMBER Alerts as text messages.

100% of computers can have the AMBER Alert ticker downloaded onto them.

AMBER Alerts are active in all 50 states.

TAKE ACTION TODAY

Pay attention to AMBER Alert signs on the freeway or on TV.

Sign-up to receive AMBER Alert text messaging on your cell phone.

Download the AMBER Alert Ticker onto your computer.

If you see or receive an AMBER Alert, don’t take it lightly. The perpetrator might be closer than you think.

YOU MATTER

Protecting children from abduction and locating those who have been abducted is the twofold purpose of AMBER Alerts. They increase the number of people who can help locate an abducted child or deter predators, and they have caused perpetrators to release the abducted child after hearing or seeing the AMBER Alert. Remember, those first three hours are everything to that child and his or her family. Your eyes and action could mean the difference between a life lost and a life saved.

National Center for Missing and Exploited Children  
Missing Children USA Government Resources
A Family Survival Guide for when your child is missing

"I remember standing in the middle of the chaos thinking, I wish I had a book to tell me what to do." -- Colleen Nick

What is the Every Monday Matters program?
Monday used to be the least favorite day of the week, but that is changing. EMM is based on the idea that every Monday people can make a difference in their life and the lives of those around them. No matter how big or small the actions, they matter. And not only do people have the power to make change, they have a social responsibility to do so. Not out of guilt, but out of an appreciation for every living thing in the world. Together, each person can make a difference in the world and raise the collective consciousness, thereby creating a legacy worth participating in…one Monday at a time.
For more information about the EMM movement visit: http://www.everymondaymatters.com/
 

Every Monday Matters - Don't Be a Litter Bug!

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This week's EMM: Eliminate Litter From Your Life!

FACTS
- 250 million tons of trash is generated each year in the U.S.

- 4.6 pounds of waste is created every day by the average person.

- Common litter includes cigarette butts, plastic bags, paper, candy wrappers, fast-food packaging, bottle caps, 6-pack can holders, glass bottles, and plastic straws.

- Men and women are equally likely to litter.

- People under age 15 are least likely to litter; people under the age of 25 are most likely to litter when in a group; and, people over the age of 25 are most likely to litter when alone.

- In one single day, nearly 7 million pounds of litter were removed from beaches, lakes, and streams.

- Animals from nearly 443 species are entangled in or ingest marine debris annually. The majority of these die from starvation, exhaustion, or infection.


People litter because:

- there is a presence of other litter.

- it’s the easiest way to get rid of unwanted things.

- littering is acceptable by people who pay taxes to have someone else pick it up.

- dumping is a social activity we learned from our parents and passed on unconsciously to our children.

TAKE ACTION TODAY

+ Don't be a litter bug!!! And encourage others not to litter! (On campus, there are garbage cans in and around every building. So do your part to keep our campus beautiful!!!)

+ Spend one hour today picking up litter. Or decide that every time you see a piece of litter today, you’ll pick it up and throw it away.

+ If you see someone littering, politely ask them to pick it up. Or pick it up yourself and maybe the person who dropped it will see you and get the hint.

+ Organize a team of neighbors, friends, co-workers, or group members to pick up litter in a specific neighborhood (or on campus) for an hour. Make it more fun by turning the cleanup effort into a contest. (The Service-Learning Office can provide gloves and bags!)

+ Enjoy making a difference, getting exercise, getting to know people better, and having cleaner surroundings.


YOU MATTER

If every person picked up just one piece of litter today, there would be over 300 million fewer pieces of litter. If every person picked up 10 pieces of litter, there would be 3 billion fewer pieces damaging our environment. If you and your friends spend just one hour today picking up litter in your own neighborhood, you will not only pick up thousands of pieces of trash, you will also make a tremendous impact on your community!

What is the Every Monday Matters program?

Monday used to be the least favorite day of the week, but that is changing. EMM is based on the idea that every Monday people can make a difference in their life and the lives of those around them. No matter how big or small the actions, they matter. And not only do people have the power to make change, they have a social responsibility to do so. Not out of guilt, but out of an appreciation for every living thing in the world. Together, each person can make a difference in the world and raise the collective consciousness, thereby creating a legacy worth participating in…one Monday at a time.

For more information about the EMM movement visit: www.everymondaymatters.com

Every Monday Matters - Help Animals

October is Adopt-A-Shelter Dog Month!

This week's EMM: Adopt a shelter animal or volunteer at an animal shelter!

FACTS

- There are 4,000 to 6,000 animal shelters in the U.S.

- Nearly 8 million dogs and cats enter U.S. shelters each year.

- Approximately 3 to 4 million dogs and cats are euthanized each year because there are not enough homes.

- 1 out of 4 dogs in shelters are purebreds. Adoption fees are usually much less than the cost of purchasing a dog from a pet store or breeder.

- Only 16% of owned dogs and 15% of owned cats were adopted from an animal shelter.

- Many shelters vaccinate, de-worm, and spay or neuter for free.

TAKE ACTION TODAY

+ Go to a shelter near you to see if there is an animal with which you “connect.” If not, search online at (http://www.petfinder.com/) or the SPCA for a pet available for adoption.

+ Speak with an adoption counselor at the shelter about whether your choice of a particular type or breed will be best for you.

+ Only select a pet if you have a realistic understanding of the time, effort, and money required to provide a healthy, loving environment for your pet.

+ If you decide that adopting a pet isn’t feasible, you can always choose to volunteer at an animal shelter.


YOU MATTER

Animals are unconcerned about age, looks, or physical ability; they accept you just as you are. If you’re thinking about getting a pet, seriously consider adopting. Not only will you be saving your new pet’s life, but you’ll also be rewarded with years of companionship, entertainment, unconditional love, and increased opportunities to meet others. If you're not able to adopt a pet, then volunteer to help connect pets with their future pet parents!

What is the Every Monday Matters program?

Monday used to be the least favorite day of the week, but that is changing. EMM is based on the idea that every Monday people can make a difference in their life and the lives of those around them. No matter how big or small the actions, they matter. And not only do people have the power to make change, they have a social responsibility to do so. Not out of guilt, but out of an appreciation for every living thing in the world. Together, each person can make a difference in the world and raise the collective consciousness, thereby creating a legacy worth participating in…one Monday at a time.

For more information about the EMM movement visit: http://www.everymondaymatters.com/

Every Monday Matters - Help the Hungry

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This week's Every Monday Matters: Help the Hungry
FACTS

- 36.2 million Americans have limited access to enough food due to a lack of money and other resources. 12.4 million of those are children.

- The 2nd largest expense for families is food.

- 30% of families are forced to choose between buying food and paying for medical care or medicine.

- Many soup kitchens serve up to 1,000 meals a week. They need volunteers year-round, not just during holidays.

- 1 in 4 people in a soup kitchen line is a child.

- 96 billion pounds of food are wasted each year in the U.S.


TAKE ACTION TODAY

+ Locate organizations near you that support the hungry. Find out what they need and help provide it.

+ Donate your time and volunteer at a food pantry/distribution center, a local soup kitchen, or a homeless shelter.

+ Go through your pantry and gather up canned and dried foods to donate.

+ Create or support a local canned food drive.

+ Purchase and hand out fast-food gift cards to homeless people. Buy extra cards to have on hand for spontaneous giving. (Don't give out cash.)

YOU MATTER

Most people don’t have to decide between buying food, paying rent, and purchasing medicine or medical care. But, the sad truth is, millions do. Whether you personally donate your time, money, canned foods, or hand out restaurant gift cards, you can be part of the solution. And, as you strive to end hunger, you will gain a new appreciation for the food you have on your table at home.

What is the Every Monday Matters program?

Monday used to be the least favorite day of the week, but that is changing. EMM is based on the idea that every Monday people can make a difference in their life and the lives of those around them. No matter how big or small the actions, they matter. And not only do people have the power to make change, they have a social responsibility to do so. Not out of guilt, but out of an appreciation for every living thing in the world. Together, each person can make a difference in the world and raise the collective consciousness, thereby creating a legacy worth participating in…one Monday at a time.

For more information about the EMM movement visit: http://www.everymondaymatters.com/

Turn Off Your TV and Turn On Your Life!

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This week's Every Monday Matters message is:
Turn Off Your TV and Turn On Your Life!

FACTS about Television in our society:

- 99% of all homes in the U.S. have at least one TV—50% have three or more.

- 68% of all 8- to 18-year olds have a TV in their bedroom and 49% have a video game player there as well.

- A person watches TV an average of 40 days per year.

- Children spend nearly 2,000 hours a year in front of a TV, playing on the computer, and playing video games, compared to 900 hours in school.

- 200,000 violent acts, including 16,000 murders, will be seen on TV by a child before their 18th birthday.

- Roughly 70% of all shows include some sexual content, with an average of five sexual scenes per hour.

- 57% of parents admit to having some degree of difficulty in getting their teens involved in meaningful conversations; and, 74% of parents are not sure their teens are even listening when they talk.

TAKE ACTION TODAY

+ Turn off your TV today. Tape the “No TV” sign to all TV screens so that you don’t turn it on out of habit.

+ Designate certain TV-free times throughout the week to reduce viewing hours.

+ Remove TVs from bedrooms, the kitchen, etc.

+ Make a list of activities to do besides watching TV―activities like reading, biking, swimming, walking, gardening, or socializing with friends. Then start doing them.

+ Avoid using TV as a reward―this only increases its power.

+ Be more selective about programming―

choose history (http://www.history.com/),

travel (http://www.travelchannel.com/),

cooking (http://www.foodnetwork.com/),

home repair/design (http://tlc.howstuffworks.com/home),

and other educational themes (http://www.pbs.org/).

YOU MATTER

70% of people say that no matter how hard they try, they never seem to have enough time to do everything they need to do. Are you part of that 70%? If you gave up TV for just one day a week, you could exercise the recommended weekly amount necessary for healthy living, read over 20 books a year, or spend more time with your loved ones. Instead of watching reruns of Friends, go make some!!!

What is the Every Monday Matters program?

Monday used to be the least favorite day of the week, but that is changing. EMM is based on the idea that every Monday people can make a difference in their life and the lives of those around them. No matter how big or small the actions, they matter. And not only do people have the power to make change, they have a social responsibility to do so. Not out of guilt, but out of an appreciation for every living thing in the world. Together, each person can make a difference in the world and raise the collective consciousness, thereby creating a legacy worth participating in…one Monday at a time.

For more information about the EMM movement visit: www.everymondaymatters.com

I personally don't watch much television.  I'd rather be outside when it's nice or on my laptop reading great blog post and talking to all of you. :-) 

My son watches a lot of history and cooking channels during school breaks.  He is usually too busy with homework during the school year.  Soon our favorite Sci-Fi show will return for a new season.  Then our Friday night ritual of Pizza and Sci-Fi starts up again.  I look forward to TV when it includes Family time. 

How do you feel about 'television' and it's 'power' over our lives?

Have a wonderul week, Everyone..... 'Turning On Your Life'!!
Blessings & Hugs to you All!
Coreen