Hillview Middle School is Amazing!

After weeks of preparation, Hillview Middle School's CJSF (Californai Junior Scholarship Federation) students put together an amazing educational program for younger students. Their teacher, Mary Taylor, explains, "The seventh and eighth grade students planned lessons, wrote skits, choreographed dances and prepared crafts. This project was designed to help educate elementary students about hunger, poverty, lack of education and deforestation". The young children did chores such as gathering and hauling water, went to 'school' without their shoes on, and performed a skit on deforestation. These children learned valuable lessons about what it is like to be a child in a developing nation. One of the final sessions asked the students to imagine their perfect world, and they created a mural of poems and drawings depicting this world. On November 20th, the students had a Night of Performing Arts where they put on part of Heifer's Llama Drama and raised over 3000 dollars for Heifer!

We are so proud of these students and so thankful to Mary Taylor (a recent participant in the Heifer Study Tour for Educators to Honduras) for all her hard work. Congratulations!

Podcast: Give A Goat by Jan West Schrock!

Jan West Schrock's new children's book Give a Goat is reviewed on Just One More Book. This is a wonderful book that teaches children the power of sharing and caring. Listen and enjoy!
http://www.justonemorebook.com/2008/12/10/hands-on-holiday-helping-give-a-goat/

Counting Our Blessings

Given the state of the U.S economy, it is sometimes difficult to remember how lucky most of us are in this country. While many know a family member, friend or co-worker who has been affected by recent housing and market crisis, we must remember to look to those who are living on less than $2/day. During this tough holiday season, hold your loved ones close. Remember those in developing nations, and in our own, who need our gifts not only of money, but also of time and energy. Together, we can make a difference in people's lives.

Finally, to our amazing volunteers and donors, thank-you. Thank-you for all that you've done for the SW regional office, and by extension for our project partners, throughout the year. We are ever in your debt. We wish you a happy and safe holiday season!

Riverside Alternative Christmas Fair

One of the best holiday traditions in Riverside is the Alternative Christmas Fair:

12 noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 7, at the First Christian Church, 4055 Jurupa Ave., Riverside.

This annual gift fest offers hand-crafted wooden ornaments and jewelry, soft alpaca sweaters, carved nativity sets, breads and baked goods, sweatshirts and honor cards from Heifer International, Christmas music, fair trade coffee and bean soup. Participants include 10,000 Villages, Heifer International, and many others. Come make your holiday shopping something that helps others!

More information is available at (951) 686-0646

Growing Home

Sometimes, it comes as a surprise to people to learn that we have projects in the United States. Our U.S. projects run the gamut from small goat farm projects in the Appalachians, to urban gardening in large cities, such as Chicago. Growing Home is one of the projects we have supported and helped to become a success in the Chicago area. From their website: "Growing Home provides job training for homeless and low-income individuals in Chicago through a social enterprise business based on organic agriculture. Our program provides experiential learning opportunities and employment in the horticulture field as well as a unique job readiness curriculum that helps reintroduces participants back into the workforce." Just think about that for a moment: Growing Home helps train homeless people and those who have been released from prison, who might otherwise be without hope, to learn job skills, to learn a trade, all by growing food under the L-train! This is amazing!

To me, this has always been one of the most inspirational projects I've encountered during my first year with Heifer. I invite you to learn more at www.growinghomeinc.org

Introducing New Educational Resources for Elementary Students!

From Pre-K to Gr.6 - there are books, videos, and games for every student!

Page McBrier, New York Times Best-Selling author of Beatrice’s Goat, drew from her personal experiences with Heifer project partners to write new books for these education kits; each book is set in a different Heifer project country. The new titles now available for purchase are The Chicken and the Worm and Winter in Songming.
The Chicken and Worm is a story of friendship, innovation and humor. Warm, colorful illustrations and straight-forward, often humorous dialog introduce young readers to the idea that even the smallest creatures can work together to care for the Earth.In Winter in Songming, a boy takes his first step into manhood while his village takes a step toward self-sufficiency. This book is a delightful portrait of a community’s pulling together to build a better future.

The books can be ordered by calling (800) 422-0474.

The new resources will help teachers learn more and speak more authoritatively about hunger and extreme poverty, which afflicts more than a billion people around the world. For more information about Heifer Global Education, visit www.heifereducation.org.

Luncheon for Heifer International

Our sincere thanks goes out to Kim and Keith Allen-Niesen for hosting Heifer International's Steve Denne and Tererai Trent, as well as other community members on Thursday, Oct.16th. Those folks who joined us for lunch were treated to wonderful food, lots of laughter, and an unforgettable talk by Tererai Trent. Thank-you Kim and Keith for opening your home for this special event.

Heifer International's Sukkot Dinner

A heartfelt thank-you goes out to Fred and Judy Gluckman for hosting Heifer International's Steve Denne (our new Chief Operating Officer) and Tererai Trent of Heifer Zimbabwe and Heifer USA on Thursday, October 16th. Fred and Judy opened their hearts and their home to Heifer supporters for a celebration of Sukkot, a Jewish harvest festival, and to help people learn more about how we can end hunger and poverty, while caring for the earth. We are so lucky to have such generous support from our donors and volunteers! Thank-you Judy and Fred!

An Evening With Heifer International

On Wednesday, October 15th, Lori Daniel and Valerie Loew hosted an "Evening with Heifer International." At this event, local members of the community were invited to partake of delicious food and to enjoy fellowship with other Heifer supporters. Guests were also able to meet Steve Denne (our new Chief Operating Officer) and Tererai Trent, the Deputy Director of Evaluation and Planning (and a former beneficiary of Heifer Zimbabwe). Tererai could speak, first hand, about the incredible impact Heifer International can have on a local community. To her, Heifer imparts not only self-reliance, but also dignity and hope. We are incredibly thankful to Lori, Valerie, Steve and Tererai for their efforts in making this evening such a delight.


You can see a slideshow from the evening here: http://www.russroca.com/heifer/

Beatrice Biira Interview

Beatrice Biira participated in a live interview and call-in show with Jean Faraco of "Here on Earth" of Wisconsin Public Radio on Sept.18, 2008. According to Ray White, Public Information Director, the radio program referenced Heifer International and the “Beatrice Theorum,” or how small inputs can lead to big results, in the words of Dr. Jeffrey Sachs.

Beatrice was first interviewed by Jean Faraco after the publication of Beatrice’s Goat came out five years ago. Beatrice is now pursuing a master's degree at the Clinton School for Public Service in Arkansas.

Listen to the program online at:
http://www.wpr.org/hereonearth/archive_080918k.cfm

Please note: Real Player must be installed on your computer to hear the audio.

Volunteer Orientation

Join us on Saturday, Sep.27th at 10 am for a one hour volunteer orientation. Check out the Seal Beach office; meet other volunteers; learn how you can help us spread the word about ending hunger and poverty.

Location: 330 Main Street, Suite 203A. Seal Beach, CA.

Please RSVP by the 26th if you can attend. We'd love to see you here!

Blessing of the Animals

Come out and support Heifer International at the Blessing of the Animals event in Belmont Shores. Bring your furry (or slithery) friend and get a blessing from one of 7 interfaith ministers!

Date: Saturday, October 4th
Time: 11 am - 2 pm (blessings take place at 12 noon)
Where: Marine Stadium - Long Beach, CA

For more information check out www.hautedogs.org

See you there!

Chores for Change

Are you or your children looking for a way to get involved with Heifer International? One simple way to help out is to take on a "Chores for Change" project. Offer window washing, painting, yard work, etc. to family members or neighbors and ask that they make a donation to Heifer International in return for your help. This is especially helpful for the elderly, and a great way for high-school aged youth to get involved in community service. Post a sign-up sheet in your church building or school notice board (just check with your parents first). This is not only a great way to raise funds for Heifer, but it's also a way to make friends and foster a sense of achievement. Let's get scrubbing, raking, polishing, scouring and dusting for Heifer!

Abbot Kinney Festival

Heifer International will have an information and education booth at the upcoming Abbot Kinney Festival on Sunday, September 28th, 2008. This popular annual festival will be a great opportunity for us to reach new members of the public. Come out and help us promote Heifer, then stay and enjoy the festival! Please contact our office if you can help at this event.

Autumn Arrival

It's that time of year again when, at least in other parts of the country, the leaves turn shades of burnt amber and brushed gold. Thoughts begin to shift towards the start of school and the pending holidays. Perhaps you'll begin to think about ways that you can support Heifer this coming holiday season. You can volunteer at one of our upcoming events, including many Alternative Christmas/Holiday Gift Markets. You can speak to your local school, church, or group about giving Heifer gifts in place of merchandise during the holidays. You can give these gifts to your own family. Whether it's the gift of time or the gift of an animal, there are many ways to help.

Now is the time, despite the tendency to speed up, when you really want to slow down. Notice the shift in the quality of the light and the crispness in the morning air. Enjoy your local farmer's market and taste the fruits of the harvest. Bake a homemade pie and watch your family and friends delight in the taste....and enjoy the time you have together.

Sunset Junction Fair!

What: Sunset Junction Fair - Heifer International will have a booth at this fun, family fair this year!
When: August 23rd and 24th, 2008
Where: Silverlake, CA

Contact our office if you would like to volunteer!

The Orange County Fair was a roaring success again this year! The fair had over 1 million visitors, many of whom stopped by the Beyond Our Borders exhibit in the Millennium Barn. We had over 220 volunteer shifts spread over 21 days, and our wonderful volunteers rose to the occasion! We handed out buttons, bookmarks and brochures to many interested visitors who explored our exhibit featuring Ecuador, Uganda and Thailand. Next year? We're planning for it already!

Murtaza Rizvi - Beyond Our Borders Intern

Murtaza Rizvi helped recruit, train and manage over 200 volunteers for the Beyond Our Borders exhibit at the 2008 Orange County Fair. We were incredibly lucky to have this talented, charismatic and thoughtful young man in our office this summer. Murtaza is currently a nursing student at Cypress college and hopes to transfer to a UC next year. We will miss him, but we wish him all the best!

Juneteenth Festival!

Come and out and celebrate Juneteenth in Santa Monica!

When: Saturday, June 21st from 11 am - 5 pm

Where: The Virginia Avenue Park in Santa Monica (21st St. and Virginia Ave)

What: Celebrate the announcement ending slavery in the U.S., as well as African American education and achievement.

Heifer International will have a booth at this event (on the basketball courts).

There will be great food, music and entertainment for all ages!

Introducing Tucson's Area Volunteer Coordinator!

We are so pleased to introduce Carleen Denovchek as our Tucson Area Volunteer Coordinator. Carleen has been an active and passionate volunteer in both the San Diego and Tucson areas (living on her boat in S.D when she can!), and she is excited to take on the role of AVC in Tucson. She has big plans for the area, so please contact her if you would like to get involved!

She can be reached at csdjhd@comcast.net

LGBT Pride Festival

Heifer International will have an information booth and live animals at this year's Christopher Street West LGBT Pride festival. We hope to see you there on June 7th and 8th at the festival pavillion, located between Santa Monica Blvd. and Robertson Blvd!

For more information check out www.lapride.org

Las Vegas Area Volunteer Coordinator

Introducting Chris Sibert! Chris is our new Area Volunteer Coordinator for the Las Vegas Area. He has a rich and diverse background, including time spent as a Naval officer, which has helped him hit the ground running in Las Vegas. Chris is excited to be a part of our Heifer team, and we are very pleased to have him on board.

You can contact Chris at heiferlasvegas@gmail.com

Join us in celebrating the earth,one dinner at a time.

Organic Valley Family of Farms,Heifer International,

Jane Kaczmarek, actor,

and Evan Kleiman, host of KCRW's Good Food, invite you to take part in our
2008 Earth Dinner fundraiser for Heifer International

Wednesday, April 16, 2008

6:30 pm - Cocktails and Exhibition Viewing

7:30 pm - Dinner
Fowler Museum at UCLA*

Join us for an evening of food and fun with a menu of local, seasonal, and organic ingredients presented by Chef T. Nicolas Peter of The Little Door Restaurant.

Bring humor, stories and your imagination.Together, we will spark a deeper ersation about our connection to the earth, our food, and each other.
Also enjoy a special viewing of two exhibitions, courtesy of the Fowler Museum:

Intersections: World Arts, Local Lives,
Mami Wata: Arts for Water Spirits in Africa and its Diasporas
$125 per personTickets going fast! RSVP today.Online at www.heifer.org/earthdinner

Or call Judith Velasco at 501-907-2936.

Pasadena's AVC: Frances Hale

We are delighted to introduce Frances Hale, our new Pasadena Area Volunteer Coordinator. You can contact Frances at franceshale@yahoo.com - she'd love to include you in Pasadena area volunteer events!

Frances has shared her story of how she got involved with Heifer:

“I first heard about Heifer International when Susan Sarandon spoke about it on The Oprah Winfrey show a few years ago. I was fascinated by the potential effect one small donation of as little as $20 could have on a community. As an actress I spend a lot of time focusing on myself, taking acting & makeup classes, staying in shape, networking, and keeping up with fashion trends. Under this self-directed microscope I realized I wasn't happy with what I saw, and at the end of the day felt unfulfilled.

This confused me, so I spoke to friends, read books and queried my father and other wise people in my life. I came to the following conclusion; life isn't about getting for yourself, it is about giving of yourself. That is what leads to fulfillment for me and that's why I made the call and signed up to give of myself through Heifer.” - Frances.

Saturday, March 8th - SAN DIEGO - Speaker Training

Date: Saturday, March 8th

Time: 9 am - 12:30 pm

City: San Diego

Location: Rancho Bernardo Presbyterian Church - 17010 Pomerado Road

This orientation is suitable for both new and experienced volunteers who want to learn more about becoming a part of our Speakers Bureau. You don't need to be an experienced public speaker to talk about Heifer. All you need is a commitment to end world hunger and foster peace. We'll teach you the rest!
If you'd like to attend this event, please RSVP to sw@heifer.org or call our office toll-free at 877-663-1683. Pass on the gift of information and let your friends and family know about this event! We hope to see you there!

Please RSVP to the SW Office by March 1st, if you would like to attend.

Southern California Celebration Dinner

Our Southern California Celebration Dinner is fast approaching. On Saturday, Feb.23rd at 6 pm at the La Verne Church of the Brethren, we will be honoring this year's outstanding volunteers and top fundraisers. We look forward to a wonderful evening of food, fellowship and laughter!

Summer Intern Position

The Southwest Regional Office has a paid Summer Intern Position for the Beyond Our Borders Event at the OC Fair in Costa Mesa. This internship would run from May to August (flexible start and end dates) and the intern would work between 30-40 hours/week.

The main role of the intern is to assist in the volunteer coordination, volunteer training, educational activities, educational evaluation, and events marketing, planning and scheduling, for the Beyond Our Borders educational display.

Education and Experience:
Has completed at least two years of undergraduate studies in social work, education, international studies or a similar field. Has experience coordinating groups of volunteers.
Has experience presenting information to small groups.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Interest in and commitment to Heifer’s mission of working with communities to end hunger and poverty and care for the earth.Interest in supporting educators and volunteers to communicate about the root causes of hunger and Heifer’s work to address hunger and poverty. Strong interpersonal and teamwork skills. Confident presenting information to small groups. Environmental Education experience or Museum Program experience desirable

What is Beyond Our Borders?
Beyond Our Borders is a traveling exhibit used for educational and fundraising efforts. The exhibit features replica dwellings and village life in Uganda, Thailand and Ecuador. With photographs, artifacts, instructive paneling and activities, each dwelling highlights how a particular animal helps alleviate hunger and poverty and how Heifer communities are working together to address critical issues.

TO APPLY: Send Cover Letter and Resume by March 1st, 2008:

Attention: Youmna El-Sabaa
HR Project SpecialistHeifer International World Headquarters
1 World Avenue, Little Rock, AR/USA 72202

Upcoming Speaker Training + Orientation!

Mark your calendars folks! We are holding a Speaker Training and Orientation session next month and we'd love to have you take part in this event.

Date: Saturday, February 9th.

Time: 9 am - 1 pm (refreshments will be served)

Place: First United Methodist Church of Pasadena

Address: 500 East Colorado Boulevard,

Pasadena, CA.

This orientation is suitable for both new and experienced volunteers who want to learn more about becoming a part of our Speakers Bureau. You don't need to be an experienced public speaker to talk about Heifer. All you need is a commitment to end world hunger and foster peace. We'll teach you the rest!

If you'd like to attend this event, please RSVP to sw@heifer.org or call our office toll-free at 877-663-1683. Pass on the gift of information and let your friends and family know about this event! We hope to see you there!