Will you come and visit my website and leave a message in the guest book? I’d love to hear from you and get your thoughts on my approach to celebrating diversity. CLICK THE LINK, LOVELY PEOPLE: http://www.nbiassociates.co.uk/Guest-Book.html
Tag Archives: EQUALITY
ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT EQUAL LOVE IN THE UK
BLOG ARCHIVE FOR EQUAL LOVE STORY IN THE UK
All the news, the couples’ videos and exclusive statements. http://neverblendin.wordpress.com/category/equal-love-articles/ Written by one of the Equal Lovers, David E Watters (Biography below)
PRESS CONTACT INFORMATION
TELEPHONE: 07800813189
SKYPE: never.blend.in
David Watters, a graduate of Napier University, Edinburgh, Trinity College of Music, London and the Institute of Education, University of London, has worked internationally within education and Educational Management for more than 20 years.
He has taught extensively within many socially and culturally diverse settings; most recently as a Head of Performing Arts within Further Education.
He is a personal and professional development associate with The Pacific Institute(www.pacificinstitute.co.uk), personal coach, freelance writer and founding member of NBI Associates.
He is a writer on social equality issues, is a key player in the Equal Love Campaign UK and author of the forthcoming book, NEVER BLEND IN which features key voices from the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender community and which aims to inspire and encourage those who may lack self-esteem or who question their validity.
David is currently promoting a youtube campaign“Give ‘em Hope”and is asking individuals, couples and groups to make and share videos telling about the benefits of living with personal authenticity.
He has shared a platform with Stuart Milk and Peter Tatchell and is a supporter of 17-24-30, The Trevor Project, Schools Out, The Terrence Higgins Trust, The Albert Kennedy Trust and The Harvey Milk Foundation.
His background in arts and education, combined with a solid understanding of Cognitive Behavioural Strategies, and his passion for Equality Advocacy drive every aspect of his work as a personal development facilitator, motivational speaker and writer.
CONTACT INFORMATION
TELEPHONE: 07800813189
DIVERSITY SPECIALISTS IN THE UK
WHAT WE DO
Equality and Diversity Training &
Transformational Culture Change
HOW WE DO IT
Engaging, Enjoyable and Interactive Workshops
Keynote Speakers
WHO ARE OUR CLIENTS?
Academic – Primary, Secondary, FE, HE and Performing Arts Providers
Corporate Clients
Small Business Owners
Introduction
NBI Associates are an inclusion-focussed specialist training company with a reputation for providing organisations with the tools to achieve meaningful and lasting cultural change.
We cater for Corporate and Academic clients and tailor our provision to ensure that your unique requirements are fulfilled. We build strong and effective relationships with each client company and provide consultative support to identify opportunities, interventions, and initiatives for improvement. Through principled and practical leadership, we collaboratively decide upon and develop common goals and guide clients and their staff towards the shared-ownership and realisation of an agreed vision which will ultimately and organically nurture and drive key business outcomes.
Delivering Transformational Culture Change
Our role is to ease the journey towards successful new ways of working by considering the wider impact of change initiatives upon the organization and all key stakeholders.
We collaboratively plan and carefully build the proper foundations, ensuring that change is implemented smoothly and with lasting benefits.
We support organisations in identifying and recruiting influential change leaders, building and communicating a shared vision, and advise on how to effectively remove obstacles to securing that vision.
Throughout the change process, we specialise in creating quick wins, and build upon this momentum to make the desired changes a more lasting part of organizational culture.
We are able to quickly assess and act upon the needs of each client, in line with current professional and educational practice, and deliver cost and time effective strategies and solutions which meet specific measurable targets.
We are dedicated to providing a safe, trusting and nurturing relationship-based environment where participants are encouraged to share knowledge, insight and vision and to interdependently set team objectives.
The beneficial impact of NBI is far reaching and profound in that, when individual self-concept is improved and collective habits, attitudes, beliefs and expectations are understood, organizational potential is enhanced on every level.
Let us assist you in building an inclusive, creative, dynamic and profitable community.
TRANSFORMATIONAL CULTURAL CHANGE IN DETAIL
Equality and Diversity Training
THE HOPE PROGRAM
Delivering Diversity – Enhancing Equality
An accessible, interactive and inclusive program which is suitable for both staff and students within any educational environment.
The HOPE Program offers opportunities for staff and students to explore and celebrate their own uniqueness and is invaluable in that it can create a forum for the development of real and measurable cultural enhancement in terms of recruitment, retention, achievement and progression.
This program uses, as a starting point, the Equality Act 2010, and ensures that all members of your community gain knowledge and understanding of the importance of creating a safe and respectful space for everyone within your community.
The aims of this program are to:
Encourage a sense of community amongst the student body
Cover key concepts in a fast-paced, fun and interactive way
Ensure a standardised delivery of diversity education.
Offer strategies for embedding E & D into lesson planning
There is great potential for flexible delivery through interactive arts activities and, although suitable for all age groups, the program will be tailored to suit specific learners.
Engaging, Enjoyable and Interactive Workshops
Personal and professional development workshops utilizing Cognitive Behavioural and Performing Arts strategies.
These programs are an engaging, enjoyable, interactive and effective means to personal, professional AND organizational GROWTH and TRANSFORMATION.
Participants explore the origin of BELIEFS, challenge their accuracy, redefine those which create limiting THOUGHTS and learn strategies to make CHOICES to say and do only those things which bring themselves and others closer to emotional, intellectual, spiritual and professional fulfilment.
Use the links here to find information relevant to your needs:
BUSINESSES
SCHOOLS AND COLLEGES
PERFORMING ARTS PROVIDERS
INDIVIDUALS
Keynote Speakers on topics including:
UNDERSTANDING EQUALITY LEGISLATION
EMBEDDING EQUALITY & DIVERSITY IN EDUCATION
IMPROVING RETENTION
DEVELOPING INTERDEPENDENCE
GIVING AND RECEIVING FEEDBACK
CRACKING CONFIDENCE
More information here – MOTIVATIONAL SPEAKING
NEWS
OTHER INITIATIVES
ARENT WE ALL SINNERS? GIVE ‘EM HOPE CAMPAIGN
SOME SIN MORE THAN OTHERS…
You are not a sinner – your life is as valuable and as god-given as any life. God doesn’t make mistakes and just because heterosexuals “appear” to be in the majority, that doesn’t make them God’s appointed representatives on earth and the only model of humanity.
We are not here to judge or be judged by any characteristic that labels us as in a minority and I’m sure that, like me, you do many more “Christian” things to better the lives of others than the so-called Christians who knock on my door to tell me that theirs is the way to the truth and the light.
I was busy organising an AIDS charity event last time they came knocking and had spent much of the previous day supporting a suicidal teenager, for example.
It didn’t matter to them that my street is full of the entire catalogue of religious beliefs and non-believers, they were on a mission to convert and convince us all that our lives were wrong. I’m all for “Love thy neighbour” but let’s love him as he is.
Using the term sin to describe my life, based on one characteristic, is limiting and dangerous. Worse of all, taking that word and believing it to be true, is when most damage is done to our self-esteem.
So, you, me, and all the others who have been labelled this way, by a follower of a book written many years ago and misinterpreted by millions of illiterates, should stop and think about what humanity should be about and forget the dogma-based bigotry that has been designed to control and suppress for far too long.
Taking the mangled “word of God” and using it as a tool to oppress and control; THAT is the deadliest sin of all.
Silent T?
The T in LGBT was NEVER silent – do I even have to mention Stonewall? Come on people!!! If we are united, we will not fail. #giveemhope
INVITATION TO “GIVE ‘EM HOPE”: Hi there. I’m hoping that you’ll share your inspiring and positive energy with the world through my Give ‘em Hope Campaign. The Give ‘em Hope Campaign is an inspirational online video initiative to inspire and uplift those who feel marginalised or isolated. We exist to bring hope to those who need it most.
The campaign was founded by David E Watters in early 2011 and has grown, with the support of numerous international cheerleaders and proactive participants. Stage Two of the campaign has included written stories of HOPE from those who have freed themselves from limiting labels and who can now celebrate their individuality.
Write your story or make and send your video to: DavidWatters@nbiassociates.co.uk
The purpose of this campaign is to encourage the benefits of living authentically. My view is that we should not be limited by labels that are imposed by others, if these labels are negative and wrong; especially when it comes to stereotyping and when the result may be lowered self-esteem and a possible impact upon an individuals ability to fulfil their personal potential.
Make us a video or write about this or something along these lines. Your story or your video can have such an impact and would be a welcomed addition to this campaign. Respect to you for all that you do. David E Watters
Here is a link to the fb group for more info: https://www.facebook.com/groups/GiveEmHope/
DON’T TOLERATE; CELEBRATE
Why just tolerate, when you have the opportunity to CELEBRATE?! Learn about others and embrace the differences. https://www.facebook.com/groups/GiveEmHope/
INVITATION TO “GIVE ‘EM HOPE”: Hi there. I’m hoping that you’ll share your inspiring and positive energy with the world through my Give ‘em Hope Campaign. The Give ‘em Hope Campaign is an inspirational online video initiative to inspire and uplift those who feel marginalised or isolated. We exist to bring hope to those who need it most.
The campaign was founded by David E Watters in early 2011 and has grown, with the support of numerous international cheerleaders and proactive participants. Stage Two of the campaign has included written stories of HOPE from those who have freed themselves from limiting labels and who can now celebrate their individuality.
Write your story or make and send your video to: DavidWatters@nbiassociates.co.uk
The purpose of this campaign is to encourage the benefits of living authentically. My view is that we should not be limited by labels that are imposed by others, if these labels are negative and wrong; especially when it comes to stereotyping and when the result may be lowered self-esteem and a possible impact upon an individuals ability to fulfil their personal potential.
Make us a video or write about this or something along these lines. Your story or your video can have such an impact and would be a welcomed addition to this campaign. Respect to you for all that you do. David E Watters
Here is a link to the fb group for more info: https://www.facebook.com/groups/GiveEmHope/
DIVERSITY CALENDAR – JAN TO AUG 2012
PLAN YOUR GIVE ‘EM HOPE FESTIVAL FOR ONE OF THE DAYS IN OUR DIVERSITY CALENDAR – JAN TO AUG 2012
CHOOSE THE ONE THAT BEST SUITS YOUR EVENT
GIVE ‘EM HOPE INTERNATIONAL ARTS FESTIVAL
http://www.facebook.com/kodishphotos#!/events/301865706493289/
Email me, David E Watters to get involved: DavidWatters@nbiassociates.co.uk
January 2012
January 1 – New Year’s Day January 1 – Gantan-sai (New Years) [Shinto] January 7 – Orthodox Christmas Day [Russia] January 14 – Makar Sankrant [Hindu] January 14 – Religious Freedom Day [U.S.] January 17 – Martin Luther King Jr. Day January 22 – 14– Seollal Holiday [South Korea] January 23 – Chinese New Year January 24 – Spring Festival Golden Week [China] January 27 – International Commemoration Day in Memory of Victims of Holocaust January 28 – Vasant Panchami [Hindu] January 30 – Greek Education Day
February 2012
African American Heritage Month February 6 – Constitution Day [Mexico] February 6 – Lantern Festival [China] February 8 – Nirvana Day [Buddhist] February 9 – Milad un Nabi (Birthday of Prophet Muhammad) [Muslim] February 15 – Nirvana day (alternative date) [Buddhist] February 20 – World Day of Social Justice February 20 – Mahashivaratri [Hindu] February 21 – International Mother Language Day February 21 – Mardi Gras February 23 – Zhonghe Festival [China] February 21 – President’s Day [U.S.] February 22 – Ash Wednesday [Christian]
March 2012
National Women’s History Month Irish-American History Month March 3 – Hina Matsuri (Doll Festival) [Japan] March 8 – International Women’s Day March 8 – Purim [Jewish] March 8 – Holi [Hindu] March 14 – Commonwealth Day [Canada] March 17 – St. Patrick’s Day March 20 – 21 – Naw-Ruz (Iranian New Year) [Bahá'i] March 21 – International Day for Elimination of Racial Discrimination March 23 – Padwa/Ugadi [Hindu] March 25 – International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery
April 2012
Celebrate Diversity Month April 1– Ramanavami & Swaminarayan Jayanti [Hindu] April 1 – Palm Sunday April 2 – World Autism Awareness Day April 4 – International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action April 4 – Qing Ming Jie [China] April 6 – 14 Passover [Jewish] April 6 -Theravada New Year [Buddhist] April6 - Hanuman Jayanti [Hindu] April 6 – Good Friday/Holy Friday [Western Christian & Eastern Orthodox] April 7 – World Health Day April 8 – Easter April 14 – Varsakhi [Hindu] April 21 – May 2– Ridvan Festival [Bahá'i] April 22 – International Earth Day April 23 – World Book and Copyright Day April 23 – St. George’s Day [Canada] April 24 –April 26 Yom HaAtzmaut (Independence Day) [India] April 29 – Shōwa Day [Japan]
May 2012
Asian Pacific American Heritage Month Jewish American Heritage Month May 1-2 – Spring and Labor Day [Russia] May 3 – World Press Freedom Day May 5 – National Day of Prayer May 5 – Cinco de Mayo [Mexico] May 5 – Wesak or Buddha Day [Buddhist] May 9 – Victory Day [Russia] May 15 – International Day of Families May 21 – World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue & Development May 22 – Harvey Milk Day [U.S.] May 23 – Declaration of the Báb [Bahá'i] May 23 – Victoria Day [Canada] May 27 – Shavuot (Feast of Weeks) [Jewish] May 29 – Ascension of the Bahá’u'lláh [Bahá'i] May 28 – Memorial Day [U.S.]
June 2012
Gay and Lesbian Pride Month Caribbean-American Heritage Month June 4 – International Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression June 5 – World Environment Day June 12 – Russia Day [Russia] June 17 – Isra and Mi’raj [Muslim June 20 - World Refugees Day June 23 - United Nations Public Service Day June 23 – Dragon Boat Festival [China]
July 2012 American Heritage Month July 1 – Canada Day [Canada] July 3 – Asala-Dharma Day [Buddhist] July 4 – Independence Day [U.S.] July 9 – Martyrdom of Bab [Baba 'i] July 11 – World Population Day July 11 – Imamat Day [Muslim] July 13 – 15 – Festival of Souls [Japan] July 16 – Umi no hi [Japan] July 24 – Pioneer Day [Christian, Mormon] July 24 – Tanabata [Japan] July 16 – Wassana [Buddhist] July 20 – Ramadan [Muslim] July 28 – Tisha B’Av [Jewish]
August 2012
August 2 – Raksha Bandham [Hindu] August 6 – Hiroshima Day [Japan] August 9 – International Day of the World’s Indigenous People August 10 – Janmashtami [Hindu] August 12 – International Youth Day August 14 – Laylat al Qadr [Muslim] August 15 – Assumption [Christian] August 15 – Liberation Day [Korea] August 19 – Eid-al-Fitr [Muslim] August 20 – Asman [Baha 'i] August 23 – International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and Its Abolition August 26 – Women’s Equality Day [U.S.]
GIVE ‘EM HOPE INTERNATIONAL ARTS FESTIVAL 2012
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
GIVE ‘EM HOPE INTERNATIONAL ARTS FESTIVAL 2012
24 JAN 2012
NBI Associates, in association with the Give ‘em Hope Campaign, announce the GIVE ‘EM HOPE INTERNATIONAL ARTS FESTIVAL 2012.
Individuals and groups worldwide are invited, with the full support of NBI Associates, to hold Pro-Equality Music and Arts events in their local area throughout 2012.
These simultaneous celebrations of diversity should be aimed at a broad audience and may include a variety of art forms and musical styles.
The theme for 2012 is, “Tackling the “isms” Creatively” and participants are encouraged to offer music or artistic work which comments upon sexism, racism, disablism, ageism, homophobia and transphobia or any other area not listed here where people may experience prejudice, bullying or limiting labeling.
The aim of this initiative is to raise awareness of local and or national charitable organisations, to communicate a message of social equality and a commitment to community cohesion.
Director of NBI Associates and Give ‘em Hope Campaign Founder and Coordinator, David Equality Watters offers the following suggestions to those who may be interested in organising an event, “Your Give ‘em Hope Arts Festival can be large or small; anything from a single gig, art show or poetry reading to something bigger.
You can gather some friends in a single room or find a charitable venue who can lend you their space. Perhaps ask your school, college or workplace to stage an event. It’s all about supporting your choice of charities and promoting a sense of community cohesion. You may consider showing a selection of Give ‘em Hope videos or reading some of our stories…that’s an event in itself…..use our resources! There are no limits and no huge demands – this event is YOUR event. MAKE IT WHATEVER YOU WANT IT TO BE!”
All events will be promoted vigorously by NBI Associates and their media partners.
Contact David E Watters (Coordinator of the Give ‘em Hope Campaign) at DavidWatters@nbiassociates.co.uk to express an interest in organising an event in your area.
Information –
NBI Associates: www.nbiassociates.co.uk
Give ‘em Hope Campaign: http://www.nbiassociates.co.uk/Give–em-Hope-Campaign.html
Contact –
E: DavidWatters@nbiassociates.co.uk
Skype: give.em.hope
ENDS
TO THE EDITOR
Your support for the Give ‘em Hope International Arts Festival is vital and we hope that you can work in partnership with us to ensure the success of this unique initiative.
Please find below:
- a biography of David E Watters
- an overview of NBI Associates
- an outline of the Give ‘em Hope Campaign
DAVID E WATTERS – BIOGRAPHY
David Watters, a graduate of Napier University, Edinburgh, Trinity College of Music, London and the Institute of Education, University of London, has worked internationally within education and Educational Management for more than 20 years. He has taught drama and music within socially and culturally diverse settings; most recently as a Head of Performing Arts within Further Education.
He is a personal and professional development associate with The Pacific Institute (www.pacificinstitute.co.uk), personal coach, freelance writer and founding member of NBI Associates.
He is a writer on social inequality issues, is a key player in the Equal Love Campaign UK and author of the forthcoming book, NEVER BLEND IN which features key voices from the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender community and which aims to inspire and encourage those who may lack self-esteem or who question their validity. David is currently promoting an inspirational online video campaign “Give ‘em Hope” and is asking individuals, couples and groups to make and share videos telling about the benefits of living with personal authenticity. He has shared a platform with Stuart Milk and Peter Tatchell and is a supporter of 17-24-30, The Trevor Project, Schools Out, The Terrence Higgins Trust, The Albert Kennedy Trust and The Harvey Milk Foundation.
His background in arts and education, combined with a solid understanding of Cognitive Behavioural Strategies, and his passion for Equality Advocacy drive every aspect of his work as a personal development facilitator and a writer.
NBI ASSOCIATES
NBI Associates are personal and cultural development specialists who devise and deliver tailor-made training and transformational team building programs.
Our programs are suitable for practically every type of organisation, however large or small.
We provide individuals and organizations with the tools to achieve meaningful and lasting change.
We pride ourselves on our innovative and creative approach to resolving conflict and negotiating change through the development of individual and team identity.
The NBI Programs are an engaging, enjoyable, interactive and effective means to personal, professional AND organizational GROWTH and TRANSFORMATION.
Participants explore the origin of BELIEFS, challenge their accuracy, redefine those which create limiting THOUGHTS and learn strategies to make CHOICES to say and do only those things which bring themselves and others closer to emotional, intellectual and spiritual fulfillment.
We are able to quickly assess and act upon the needs of each client, in line with current professional and educational practice, and deliver cost and time effective strategies and solutions which meet their specific measurable targets.
We are dedicated to providing a safe, trusting and nurturing relationship-based environment where participants are encouraged to develop personal authenticity, share knowledge, insight and vision and interdependently set team objectives towards the creation of common goals.
The beneficial impact of NBI is far reaching and profound in that, when individual self-concept is improved and collective habits, attitudes, beliefs and expectations are understood, organizational potential is enhanced on every level.
We specialise in Post-16 Education and can deliver workshops and speakers for staff or student training and development events.
Let us assist you in building a cohesive community.
OUTLINE OF THE GIVE ‘EM HOPE CAMPAIGN
Director of NBI Associates, motivational speaker and writer, David E. Watters, has recently launched a youtube video campaign to inspire, encourage and uplift those who may feel disenfranchised or who may lack self-belief.
THE “Give ‘em Hope” Video Campaign IS AN INITIATIVE TO INSPIRE ALL YOUTH AND ADULTS WHO MAY DOUBT THEIR VALIDITY because ALL people, regardless of cultural heritage, physical or psychological ability, age, sexuality or gender identity, may feel self-doubt at various stages in their lives.
Watters is seeking individuals, couples and groups to share their stories, in whichever way they choose, in a bid to provide support and encouragement to anyone who may question their place in the world.
These stories of living authentically, with dignity and unlimited by labels will become a powerful toolkit to help others understand how self-perception determines the path that they choose and that life need not be a self-fulfilling prophecy when they improve self-concept, drive out fear and embrace new challenges as opportunities to learn and to grow.
IF YOU LIVE UNLIMITED BY LABELS…THEN TELL US HOW IT’S DONE
Whether you are L.G. B or T…or ANY other letter of the alphabet, make and send your video to: DavidWatters@nbiassociates.co.uk
MAKE A VIDEO AND MAKE A DIFFERENCE
SHARE YOUR STORY AND HAVE IT SHOWN ON:
- THE NBI ASSOCIATES YOUTUBE PAGE: NBIassociates
- NBI WORDPRESS: http://neverblendin.wordpress.com/
- THE NBI ASSOCIATES WEBSITE: www.nbiassociates.co.uk
- CAMPAIGN PAGE: http://www.nbiassociates.co.uk/Give–em-Hope-Campaign.html
TRANSLATIONS OF THIS PRESS RELEASE CAN BE FOUND HERE:
http://neverblendin.wordpress.com/category/give-em-hope-campaign-nbi-associates/
JOIN THE “Give ‘em Hope” GROUP ON FACEBOOK:
http://www.facebook.com/groups/226577107352368
PRESS RELEASE & FESTIVAL LOGO images designed by Sherri Higgs ©
THANK YOU FOR YOUR VIDEOS AND STORIES OF HOPE IN 2011
WITH RESPECT AND GRATITUDE, David E Watters
To all who have created a personal video for the Give ‘em Hope Campaign this year, we are eternally grateful and can’t begin to say just how much of an impact your contribution has had.
We receive messages of thanks all the time and you really have given hope and encouragement to those who have needed it most.
The videos, written stories and the daily posts in the facebook group show our members and the world that there is so much kindness and generosity of spirit in this world.
WHAT NEXT?
More videos, where individuals, couples and groups talk about their experiences are still very much needed. All stories have the power to resonate with others and can be life-changing – perhaps even life-saving.
Tell us how you have learned to live unlimited by labels – have you coped with and survived an illness, dealt with sexism, racism, disablism, ageism, homophobia or transphobia or any other area not listed here where people may experience prejudice, bullying or limiting labelling?
OUR NEXT BIG INITIATIVE
THE GIVE ‘EM HOPE INTERNATIONAL ARTS FESTIVAL 2012
TACKLING THE “ISMS” CREATIVELY
FACEBOOK EVENTS PAGE: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=301865706493289
NBI Associates, in association with the Give ‘em Hope Campaign, invite individuals and groups worldwide to devise, plan, coordinate, market and promote a Pro-Equality Music and Arts FESTIVAL (Performance date: April 2012) which involves a range of performers and artists from their local area.
These simultaneous Festivals are aimed at a broad audience and should include a variety of musical styles and types of performance.
The theme is, Tackling the “isms” Creatively” so all participants should be encouraged to offer music and artistic work which comments upon sexism, racism, disablism, ageism, homophobia and transphobia or any other area not listed here where people may experience prejudice, bullying or limiting labelling.
The aim of this event is to raise awareness of local and or national charity organisations and to communicate a message of social equality and a commitment to community cohesion.
Contact David E Watters (Coordinator of the Give ‘em Hope Campaign) at DavidWatters@nbiassociates.co.uk to express an interest in organising an event in your area.
FACEBOOK EVENTS PAGE: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=301865706493289
SOME IDEAS FOR YOUR EVENT – Your Give ‘em Hope Arts Festival can be big or small. Anything from a single gig, art show, poetry reading to something bigger. You can gather some friends in a single room or find a charitable venue who can lend you their space. Perhaps ask your school, college or workplace to stage an event. It’s all about supporting your choice of local and national charities and promoting community cohesion.
There are no limits and no huge demands – this event is YOUR event.
MAKE IT WHATEVER YOU WANT IT TO BE!
You may consider showing a selection of Give ‘em Hope videos or reading some of our stories…that’s an event in itself…..use our resources!
TOGETHER, WE CAN DO THIS. LET’S GET EQUALITY AND TACKLE THE ISMS CREATIVELY IN 2012
Respect, David
HELP TO PROMOTE THE CAMPAIGN BY SENDING OUT OUR PRESS RELEASE TO YOUR LOCAL MEDIA PRESS RELEASE – GIVE ‘EM HOPE CAMPAIGN
Director of NBI Associates, motivational speaker and writer, David E. Watters, has recently launched a youtube video campaign to inspire, encourage and uplift those who may feel disenfranchised or who may lack self-belief.
THE “Give ‘em Hope” Video Campaign IS AN INITIATIVE TO INSPIRE ALL YOUTH AND ADULTS WHO MAY DOUBT THEIR VALIDITY because ALL people, regardless of cultural heritage, physical or psychological ability, age, sexuality or gender identity, may feel self-doubt at various stages in their lives.
Watters is seeking individuals, couples and groups to share their stories, in whichever way they choose, in a bid to provide support and encouragement to anyone who may question their place in the world. These stories of living authentically, with dignity and unlimited by labels will become a powerful toolkit to help others understand how self-perception determines the path that they choose and that life need not be a self fulfilling prophecy when they improve self-concept, drive out fear and embrace new challenges as opportunities to learn and to grow.
IF YOU LIVE UNLIMITED BY LABELS… …THEN TELL US HOW IT’S DONE
Whether you are L.G. B or T…or ANY other letter of the alphabet, make and send your video to: DavidWatters@nbiassociates.co.uk
MAKE A VIDEO AND MAKE A DIFFERENCE SHARE YOUR STORY AND HAVE IT SHOWN ON:
THE NBI ASSOCIATES YOUTUBE PAGE: http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL2D507F373FE6BC7D&feature=view_all
NBIassociates NBI WORDPRESS: http://neverblendin.wordpress.com/
THE NBI ASSOCIATES WEBSITE: www.nbiassociates.co.uk
TRANSLATIONS OF THIS PRESS RELEASE CAN BE FOUND HERE: http://neverblendin.wordpress.com/category/give-em-hope-campaign-nbi-associates/
JOIN THE “Give ‘em Hope” GROUP ON FACEBOOK: http://www.facebook.com/groups/226577107352368
Frank Kameny: A Unique and Inspirational Man
Gay is good. “If I am remembered for anything I hope it will be that,” Frank Kameny said of the phrase he coined, in a 2009AP interview. The gay rights pioneer died yesterday at age 86; the Washington Postnotes that Oct. 11 is, fittingly, National Coming Out Day. Kameny, who had a PhD from Harvard, was dismissed from his job as a government astronomer in 1957, reportedly after federal investigators told him they had information he was gay. But he didn’t go quietly.
Kameny sued and lost in lower courts, but pressed on with a lengthy brief in 1961 that is now regarded as the first civil rights claim based on sexual orientation to be brought to the US Supreme Court. Four years later he was part of the first group to stage a gay rights protest in front of the White House; many of the signs and buttons used there, in front of the Pentagon, and in other locations are now kept at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History. He received a formal apology for being fired solely based on his sexual orientation in 2009. Says the director of the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, “While so many have been impatient about the pace of progress, there was Frank, insisting we recognize that, in the last two years, he was regularly invited as a guest of honor by the very government that fired him simply for being gay.”
Taken From: http://networkedblogs.com/ortOw
by David K. Johnson
Frank Kameny, who died Tuesday at the age of 86, fought longer and harder for gay and lesbian civil rights than anyone else in U.S. history. Although he came toberevered and honored, his struggle came at great personal cost.
Kameny was one of thousands of federal employees to lose his job in the 1950s for being gay. But he was the first to stand up and fight his dismissal. The few timid gay organizations at the time offered little support. His attorney abandoned his case. Forced to write his own brief to the Supreme Court, he articulated the revolutionary idea that he was being treated as a second-class citizen.
He argued that anti-gay discrimination was “no less illegal and no less odious than discrimination based upon religious or racial grounds.” This was not an issue of morality or national security, he argued, but of human rights. It would take the court another 40 years to see things his way.
Kameny fought so tenaciously for so long because the federal government had taken from him not just a job, or even a career, but a life-long passion.
As a boy growing up in Queens, N.Y., Kameny dreamed of becoming an astronomer. After his mother gave him a telescope, he formed an astronomy club in high school. He welcomed America’s entrance into World War II because it meant nightly blackouts with enhanced stargazing possibilities. Although his parents wondered whether astronomy was a good career for a Jewish kid, Kameney won a scholarship to Harvard and soon had a Ph.D. in astronomy.
At the dawning of the space race with the Soviet Union, the federal government was anxious to enlist his services — until it discovered he was gay. Blacklisted from any jobs in the small and government-dependent field of astronomy, Kameny was continually unemployed or underemployed. He neglected his health and his appearance. He devoted nearly all his energy to the cause.
The organization he founded in 1961 was unlike any previous gay rights group. Not secretive about its aims, the Mattachine Society of Washington issued press releases to the president, the cabinet and members of Congress about its desire to “secure for homosexuals the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.” Using his own name — at a time when most gays and lesbians used pseudonyms — he counseled others facing interrogations and prosecutions, testified before Congress, and led pickets in front of the White House.
Best known for his slogan “Gay Is Good” — coined after watching Stokely Carmichael chant “Black is Beautiful” on television — Kameny saw the importance of language. When arguing with psychiatrists over theories of mental disorder, Kameney proclaimed, “There is no homosexual problem, there is a heterosexual problem.” He called his comrades “homosexual citizens,” emphasizing that sexuality and American citizenship were not incompatible.
His tenacity and single-mindedness were not always appreciated. He lost elections even within his own organization. He failed at grassroots mobilization. But he eventually got results. The American Psychiatric Association, the Federal Civil Service, the U.S. Military and the District of Columbia all changed their policies concerning gay men and lesbians because of initiatives he led. Now his personal papers are in the Library of Congress; he was on a first-name basis with President Obama, and a street in Washington, D.C. bares his name.
As Kameny repeatedly said, “If society and I differ on something, I’m willing to give the matter a second look. If we still differ, then I am right and society is wrong; and society can go its way so long as it does not get in my way. But if it does, there’s going to be a fight. And I’m not going to be the one who backs down. That has been an underlying premise of the conduct of my life.”
We have all benefited from that struggle, from that determination, from that courage.
About the author:
Equality Florida member David K. Johnson is an Associate professor of history, University of South Florida in Tampa; author ‘The Lavender Scare’
NEVER BLEND IN
A PRO-EQUALITY BLOG, written by Diversity Specialist, writer and motivational speaker David E Watters (NBI ASSOCIATES).
Articles on Equality & Diversity, Personal & Professional Development, Education & Management; his book, NEVER BLEND IN (http://www.nbiassociates.co.uk/Never-Blend-In.html), and the Give 'em Hope Campaign http://www.nbiassociates.co.uk/Give--em-Hope-Campaign.html)
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