Category Archives: Personal Empowerment

BACKGROUND

Triggerise is registered in Kenya under the Kenya Companies Act with a Certificate of Registration Number PVT/2016/025180 dated September 16th, 2016 as a subsidiary of Triggerise BV.

Triggerise Kenya Limited has its main office in Nairobi but carries out its operations in various counties in the Republic of Kenya.

Consulting services are being sought by Triggerise Kenya Limited from a recognized consultant to undertake mapping of Technical Vocational and Education (TVET) institutions and health facilities in the counties of Nairobi, Mombasa and Kisumu within sub-counties Triggerise implements programs in.

1. SCOPE OF WORK (SOW)

This SOW is being developed to support the implementation of a youth empowerment program focused on improving sexual and reproductive health outcomes and social-economic well being of the youth within informal settlements in Nairobi, Mombasa and Kisumu

The main aim of the assignment is to ensure that Triggerise Kenya Limited does a market landscape mapping of all NITA accredited TVET institutions and master craftsmen and health facilities(Public, faith-based and private clinics and pharmacies) within specific sub-counties within the areas of program implementation. The mapping will include assessment of the services and products available at the facilities in line with the project deliverables, capacity of the institution based on client flow or student capacity, updated premise license and accreditation (NITA for TVET, NHIF for health facilities) confirmed interest in participating in the program and facility contact person details. We expect accurate geography mapping with GPS coordinates for all facilities and individual mastercraftsmen and defined by county, sub-county and civic ward. The following are the expected outputs of this consultancy:

Mapped NITA accredited TVET institutions offering project courses.

Mapped NITA accredited mastercraftsmen offering project courses

Mapped health facilities , both public, faith based and private(including franchise network members) offering project SRH services

Mapped private pharmacies offering project SRH services

Mapping of public facilities should cover all public hospitals, dispensaries and sub-county hospitals. The private and public clinics mapping should be split into three categories;

a) Category 1- Franchised clinics which include Tunza Clinics, Amua Clinics, MSK clinics, FHOK clinics & any other (most of these are branded from outside with the franchise colours)

b) Category 2- Individually owned clinics- Any other Private Clinic located in the areas of interest which meets criteria 3 above.

c) Category 3- Public and faith based facilities in the areas of interest

The mapping exercise will require picking GPS coordinates for all health facilities and pharmacies as above

Drawing their position/locations on a map with a colour ramp showing the different categories

Location of services

2. TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS

The qualified firm should exhibit the following:

Demonstration of experience and expertise of similar assignment with similar organizations by availing a personal/company profile.

Provide an activity plan of actions to achieve the objectives of the assignment, specifying budgeted hours, timelines and sequence for its consultancy procedure and level of staff to be assigned;

Incorporating a brief CV's of the proposed professional staff of the core management team for the engagement and the authorized representative submitting the proposal. CVs should demonstrate relevant experience in mapping works

List of current and past clients where the bidder carried mapping exercise along with the name of the organization, contact person, designation, and a contact number,

Registration Certificate if a company

Other relevant Certificates

3. EVALUATION CRITERIA

Proposals will be evaluated in two parts.

The technical proposal weighted at 70%

Financial proposal weighted at 30%

Proposals should make clear about the relevant skills, experience and capacity of the participant, in respect of this particular SOW. It must contain the details of the proposed approach to be adopted in order to deliver the service in accordance with the SOW. Proposals should clearly indicate whether or not bid participants have the capacity to meet the requirements of the SOW

Functionality evaluation criteria

1. Experience, Skills and Ability of consultant

This will include

Past experience in similar work of this nature.

Team member experience (accompanied by brief CV's).

Bidders track record.

The ability of the bidder to fulfil the requirements

Score: 40

2. Technical Approach and Execution Plan

Proposals must contain the details of the proposed approach to be adopted in order to deliver the service in accordance with the TOR. The proposal should contain a work plan, showing tasks and timelines. Did the bidder submit clear proposed timelines for this engagement?

Score: 30

3. Financial Capacity

Proposals should clearly indicate whether or not bid participants have

the financial capacity to meet the requirements of the TOR based on

the previous value of similar work done.

Score: 30

Terms of performance for the services

The consultant will be required to provide a report to the management of Triggerise on the work accomplished. This will be in the form of the management report and will specifically include the following:

The final presentation of maps for all the above outputs

GPS coordinates for all health facilities mapped

Originally posted here:

MAPPING OF TVET (TECHNICAL AND VOCATIONAL EDUCATION AND TRAINING) INSTITUTIONS AND HEALTH FACILITIES - ReliefWeb

Once a year, as part of its programme of activities, Circostrada tends to organise a professional field trip outside Europe, so as to foster international collaborations between European and non-European key players in the circus and street arts fields. As such, in recent years, the network members have been able to connect with professionals from Japan, Korea, Ethiopia, and Mexico[1].

Indeed, back in 2018, Circostrada and Fekat Circus jointly organised a dedicated seven-day programme for the networks members in Ethiopia. Fifteen delegates came to Addis Ababa to take part in the second edition of the African Circus Arts Festival, an initiative that gathered many circus professionals from all over the African continent. A rich and intense week of meetings and artistic shows in Addis Ababa allowed Circostrada and Ashara[2] members alike as well as several artistic companies invited to the festival to get to know each other better, engage first-hand with current contemporary challenges in both Europe and Africa, and create a space for fair cooperation. As a concrete result, a bountiful series of exciting projects between Ethiopia and many European countries France, Spain, UK, Sweden, Finland, Netherlands to name a few stemmed out from this trip: artistic collaborations, capacity development activities, peer-to-peer exchanges, and more. Very recently, back in March 2020 during the last edition of the RICAs and in the frame of an activity co-organised by the RICAs[3], MASA[4] and Circostrada several African organisations decided to launch the creation of an African federation for the development of circus arts and Fekat Circus was the first Ethiopian member to join such organisation.

Following this professional journey to Ethiopia, the network decided to produce a short field report with the intent to inform all its members of the meetings and discussions held during this one-week trip and more largely to create a tool capable of starting conversations and engaging in future collaborations. The publication that came out and which is available free of charge in both English and French was however never intended as an academic research paper presenting a broad, exhaustive or conclusive panorama of the history of Ethiopian circus. The report among other pieces of information and knowledge humbly provides a glimpse into the history of circus arts in Ethiopia and its most recent development, while especially focusing on the role and actions of Fekat Circus, one of the most dynamic key players in the field and a member of the network.

Two years later, two circus professionals and agents based in Australia and operating in Ethiopia Jasmine Straga and Sosina Wogayehu felt and claimed this publication was not reflecting the richness and diversity of Ethiopian circus arts, pointing out some sensible issues that were not understood or acknowledged in the report, but also promoting their own stories and experiences since these were not portrayed in this publication. Thus, two open letters were simultaneously shared on their personal Facebook profiles, as well as on the Circademics Facebook group, a space dedicated to anyone interested in the nexus of circus arts and academic inquiry; subsequently their open letters were also published on the CircusTalk website. Sadly enough, the coordinator of Circostrada Network never received those letters directly and was only informed by CircusTalk about their existence. One cannot help but wonder about the ethical bases for such behavior and also about the strategic time in which these open letters were published. As a matter of fact, a mere week later, a project aiming at developing two venues dedicated to circus arts in Ethiopia was shared online by the very same people who wrote these open letters.

These two texts contain many serious and unfounded accusations against Circostrada that the network clearly refutes; moreover, these allegations represent an offense to the network ethics and values. It must also be stated that it was never the intention of the network to silence voices or rewrite histories. Since then, Circostrada has carefully proceeded to a review of these claims and the network will take into consideration some of the sensitive issues that were brought up and will also address certain inaccuracies and omissions by updating the current publication. It goes without saying that this work will be done in close collaboration with Fekat Circus, the co-organiser of this activity back in 2018.

Out of sheer clarity, it should be noted, however, that the article that concentrated the most negative and aggressive critiques was written by a young and talented woman Sarah Bushra who is a multidisciplinary artist from Ethiopia, as well as a creative worker; back in 2018 she was also the creative communication officer of Fekat Circus. Circostrada will not silence her voice or her name, for that matter as suggested in these open letters, but will have editorial notes added to her text to avoid any further misleading arguments.

Beyond the content of the publication itself or the reactions it spurred, one might argue that it is often a troubling sign when the safe space for the plurality of voices and the diversity of opinions feels no longer safe; or when stories are pitted one against the other, as if presenting one would inevitably invalidate the other, however valuable this other story may be. In line with the values it embodies, Circostrada and its members consistently strive to ensure openness and diversity and to provide a fertile ground for discussion, exchange of experiences and mutual growth. Very much aware that living up to these values is an on-going collective process as individuals, organisations, and sectors as a whole the network stays open to constructive criticism and true open dialogue. Most importantly, the core mission of Circostrada is and will always be to further the development, empowerment and recognition of circus arts and street arts at European and international levels.

[1] Due the current pandemic, this last field trip was transformed into a full digital experience.

[2] Ethiopian network of contemporary circuses created in April 2017 by 6 Ethiopian circuses: Circus Arbaminch, Circus Bahar Dar, Circus Debre Berhan, Circus Dire Dawa, Circus Hawassa, and Fekat Circus.

[3] Rencontres Interculturelles du Cirque dAbidjan.

[4] March des Arts du Spectacle dAbidjan.

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Related content: Two Open Letters about the State of Ethiopian Circus

Since 2003, Circostrada Network works to develop and structure the fields of Circus and Street Arts in Europe and beyond. With more than 100 members from over 30 countries, it contributes to build a sustainable future for these sectors by empowering cultural players through the production of resources and actions of observation and research, professional exchanges, advocacy, capacity-building and information.

Read the original post:

Statement from Circostrada in Response to the Open Letters of Jasmine Straga and Sosina Wogayehu - CircusTalk

In September 2014, sisters Mahlaqa Shaukat and Noor Shaukat returned to Pakistan from the UK to conceive a fitness movement, led by women, for women. Their movement materialized in the form of Aimfit, a leading platform that, presently, provides fitness classes to females belonging to the well-off segments of Lahore and Islamabads population.

But that is only what it started off as. Over the past six year, Aimfit has gained serious momentum, and now its founders have secured $1 million in seed investment. Where did the money come from? The oversubscribed round was led by Indus Valley Capital, a Pakistan-focused fund started by LinkedIns former VP of Growth, Aatif Awan.

With an increasing base and a million dollars to play with, Aimfit has become the first VC backed fitness startup out of Pakistan. But the beginnings of Aimfit were not as grand as its current position, and the sisters think Aimfit has what it takes to be bigger than a regular startup. Their vision sees Aimfit not as a startup, but as a prospective nationwide fitness movement that could possibly be a lucrative business at the same time.

The need for Aimfit

For anyone with the bare basic cognitive skills, regardless of gender, it is obvious that Pakistan has a problem giving any kind of attention to women when it comes to social activities like fitness.If youre returning from a more developed country, where gyms, yoga studios, pilates, and jogging lanes are everywhere and not a luxury, the contrast will be even more stark for you.

There are certainly no dedicated spaces for women to achieve their fitness goals. That is, of course, an opportunity with the trends towards fitness favourable globally. It wasnt, therefore, unlikely for two Oxford University-graduated women with a passion for fitness to do something about it and cash-in on the opportunity.

For countries like Pakistan, thinking about physical fitness is expensive, and thus usually an upper class endeavour. The seedy gyms that do exist in the underbelly with iron cast dumbbells and tin cans filled with concrete as weights are not usually places welcoming to women. But even in the upper classes, the opportunities for women are limited.

Aimfits presence is currently in Lahore and Islamabad only. They have three fitness studios in Lahore, two in DHA and the other in Garden Town both posh neighbourhoods, and one fitness studio located in Bahria Town in Islamabad. The platform boasts over 5,000 active members across these four locations in two cities. And this entire time they have been bootstrapping meaning they have only used existing resources and made no outside investment since 2014.

With $1 million in seed investments, Aimfit was set to expand and become bigger than ever. But as with so many stories these days, just as things were looking towards infinity and beyond for the fitness organization, the pandemic came, meaning suddenly all four of their locations were closed and classes cancelled.

The sisters responded, like every other business, to the online model, providing fitness classes online, to keep the revenues coming in. And like every other business, Aimfit too believes that online is the way to go, with the Covid-19 pandemic providing the impetus to expedite the plans.

Mahlaqa, the co-founder and CEO of the fitness startup says that Aimfit was offering online training sessions pre-Covid as well, and with the $1 million in seed investment, plans are to double down on the online model, along with increasing the physical studio footprint.

Aimfit founders and sister, Noor and Mahlaqa Shaukat

This is particularly important because Aimfit is not without competition. While Pakistan ranks 149 out of 150 countries for recreational physical activity by participation in 2018 measured by the Global Wellness Institute, the market for fitness institutions is picking up pace, and Aimfit is not the only organization looking to cash in.

As co-founder and COO of Aimfit, Noor Shaukat, admits, the last five years have seen a boom in the fitness industry in Pakistan. This is also why the online model is important. We are proud of the role AimFit has played in enabling this ecosystem of independent fitness studios. While there isnt a direct online competitor focusing on a scaled, online fitness solution for women, there are multiple individuals and brands in the market, says Noor.

We are excited to see this growth since the biggest challenge is to encourage more people to take up a healthier lifestyle. The more players there are in the market, the more our target market is educated on the need for our product. On this level, Aimfit is well supported by Indus Valley Capital as well, which agrees with Aimfits methods and goals.

At Indus Valley Capital, our mission is to help founders build the most transformational companies in Pakistan. We believe that AimFit will transform the country in an incredible way by bringing fitness to millions of women in their homes, says Aatif Awan. Being able to achieve fitness goals as part of a community is truly empowering and has a spill over effect into improving other aspects of life, including family, work and mental health. Were thrilled to partner with AimFit in revolutionizing female fitness in Pakistan.

Changing targets

For any consumer-facing business, growth and scale cannot be achieved unless the product or service is targeting the mass market, which in this case can potentially be 101 million females, or 49% of the total population of Pakistan, according to the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) data of the latest census.

Compared to that, 5,000 members is not a large number. It is, in fact, a tiny number. But Aimfit has not really planned to reach out to the mass market, until recently. Since its existence, Aimfit has been targeting women from the wealthy upper-middle and elite classes of Lahore and Islamabad (as evident by the locations of their studios). These women can afford to pay Rs8,000-16,000 per month based on what one is looking for from the wide assortment range in the fitness menu, and has always remained oversubscribed, as they claim. This means that the demand shot through the roof but they did not have enough capacity to serve that demand. Hence the plans for expansion.

A user can get an unlimited pass, which is a little bit of a more expensive box. If youre going for 10 classes or eight, it will be cheaper. If you get a membership, you come as many times as you want in the month, but you have to book classes in advance online. Others can come and pay per class. We do not think that we are super expensive or catering to the elite only. We have different prices to cater to a wide market, Mahlaqa Shaukat told Profit in an interview.

Rs8,000-16,000 is a little expensive in a country where the average monthly household income is only slightly above Rs40,000. This price and income equation is perhaps what drives Aimfits focus towards an online-to-offline (O2O) model, where a low-income consumer can subscribe to Aimfits service online for as low as Rs1,000 or even Rs800 per month, with offline services available to those who can afford the Aimfit experience at the physical studios.

Were trying to position ourselves to think of our studios as experience centres. The idea is to have anchor studios across major cities, eventually even in tier two cities, where people have these experience centres to come and get a taste of the brand, says Mahlaqa. For that, you really have to establish the tone and the personality of your brands for these centres. But then we have to reach the mass market through some home workout solution, which is possible only online and also which obviously has a much higher distribution.

It is perhaps the community experience more than fitness that Aimfits customers pay for, indulging with people who share the same ideology, women empowerment and fitness in that. From the get-go, Mahlaqa explains that women in Pakistan have always felt that Aimfit was like a space that was exclusively catering to them. Aimfit provided them a unique fitness experience, making it their happy place. And it is perhaps because of this community experience that Aimfit caters exclusively to females, providing them with a niche that has remained unserved for a long time.

Concepts like community experience may sound like so much mumbo jumbo on the surface, but they have a real world impact on businesses and people. In a recent study by Business Insider, reporter Irene Jiang went inside an urban sweat lodge a prison-style workout taught by former convicts, and full-body cryotherapy. Her takeaway? Im not sold on the idea of sweating or freezing my way to a better body but it quickly became clear that what they really had to offer its customers was a sense of community. They also focused on self-improvement and reaching personal fitness goals rather than exercising to attain a certain body type, read her report.

In another example that shows how fostering community has increasingly become a selling point for fitness studios and gyms, and how consumers are aligning their fitness venues of choice with their personal identities more than ever before, consumers of US-based fitness companies SoulCycle and Equinox decided to sever ties with the company when they learned of the owner of both companies, Stephen Ross ties to President Donald Trump and the fundraiser he had announced for the president. The values of the community simply did not align with that decision.

Aimfit follows the same community model as SoulCycle. So if any decision of the company is against the ideology of the community that the company caters to, it risks losing all these consumers that form this community. That is also why Aimfit has never turned towards catering to the male segment of the population and does not plan to do it in the future either.

We actually started off with classes for men as well. Even though the focus was on bringing this service to women. However, our community grew and bonded very quickly, and started defining what our values are for us, Mahlaqa tells us. And now we actually hear all these women referring to AimFit as their happy place. So we have really evolved to become that and strive to be that for as many women as possible.And we really embrace that personality trait.

But with the seed money and their new goals to expand fresh, does Aimfit have a plan to scale to the mass market and still make money? Aimfits packages have already been discussed above and the management of the company did not disclose revenue or profit numbers.

Based on the information disclosed to Profit, for 5000 members paying between Rs8,000-16,000 per month would yield Rs40-80 million in monthly revenue, and Rs480-960 million in annual revenue. The management further disclosed that from the four studios, the EBITDA margin is 40%.

Talking about the healthy margins, Mahlaqa said that is what has actually driven the organic growth of the company so far. What makes these margins possible? You have to deliver a certain quality in the studios when you have to create an experience. But because our fitness themes do not require gym machinery, we have very lean equipment so our studio CAPEX (capital expenditure) is low. This (margin) number is we are really proud of. Our studios make money. Now we have an opportunity online for us.

How is it going to work online?

To reiterate, Aimfit is not a gym. The founders like to call it a fitness facility, providing a broad range of fitness programmes, which incur research and development expenses to create those programmes scientifically to improve fitness, all done by a team dedicated for that purpose.

From dance to yoga to pilates and really anything that is suitable for women, we develop programmes accordingly. We develop choreographies, in-house programmes, just like the curriculum at schools. We call this our fitness curriculum that how our instructors are going to do this, feedback, monitoring and quality control, she says. We also have a fitness academy because fitness is not that widespread that you can just go out and hire people. There is a lack of depth in fitness training all around. We feel that is essential for our clients. We from the very start, we train our instructors and that is what differentiates us actually. Now our fitness academy trains even people from the outside.

Now because online is largely a different segment where the startup will be serving lower economic classes with low incomes, the model is going to look completely different. The programmes that are being or will be developed according to fitness goals of individuals will be scientifically crafted and then be made available to masses online on the Aimfit application for a low monthly subscription of, say Rs1,000. The model is similar to that of popular fitness training application Freeletics that has custom programmes for users with varying fitness goals. Various fitness programmes are available on the app for a little over Rs1,000 per month, charged on a quarterly basis. The application is online only and because there are no fixed costs associated with physical studios, the overall cost of customer acquisition is low and hence the low price.

Aimfit would perhaps be following the same model, with custom programmes designed for a different segment with different fitness goals. And because the expenditures would be incurred once on creating these programmes, they could be made available on a low rate to low-income demographics in Pakistan.

We are looking at a market size of $5.5 billion. It is largely because we would be targeting a larger wallet share that includes healthy meals, outfits etc. But that comes later. Right now the business case in front of us is going online, says Mahlaqa.

For the purpose of growing further, Aimfit has raised $1 million in a seed round led by Silicon Valley-based Pakistan-focused Indus Valley Capital.

With the funding round, the management identified opening up new anchor studios, programme development and growing programme development team as focus areas for future expenditures.

There are three things that the money will be deployed towards. One is the product build for the online workouts. We want to obviously have a really good product out. The second is, you know, we have, like I was saying, we have a really strong programme team that serves the studios that is going to serve the online workouts. And its like all about the content that we are putting out there, the sisters tell us.

So theres going to be expenditure on growing the programme team. Thats what we really feel like is our IP. We actually do research and development on which workouts are burning how many calories and all of that. The third is establishing two anchor studios.

The company provided an estimated timeline of one year for utilization of these funds, with eventual plans of going for a larger round in a years time.

Excerpt from:

After six years of bootstrapping, Aimfit is ready to grow online with $1 million in recent funding - Profit by Pakistan Today

STOCKTON, Calif., Sept. 15, 2020 /PRNewswire/ --WelbeHealth, operator of four PACE programs across California, is offering a free webinar to address coronavirus safety and manage risk for our elderly. COVID-19: What Seniors and Caregivers Need to Know, will be presented on September 22, 2020 from 2:00pm to 3:00pm. To register call 800-851-0966 or email info@welbehealth.com and include your name and email address. Space is limited.

Dr. Colin Robinson, MD, MPH, Medical Director for WelbeHealth will be the presenter of this valuable information. Dr. Robinson will address the latest guidance on coronavirus safety and how to manage risk while staying active and engaged, as well as answer any questions about the virus, symptoms, safety, and more. The webinar will also include a Q&A session to answer questions you may have about the virus and ways to keep safe.

During this global pandemic, seniors have received information from various news, government and community sources on how to stay safe. While most were helpful, some information conflicted with others creating questions for many seniors. Masks or no masks? Three feet of space or six? Stay away from all groups or just those greater than 10?

WelbeHealth wants to ensure that seniors are informed and prepared. The webinar will educate seniors and caregivers with symptoms to watch out for as well as inform on how to reduce risk of exposure to coronavirus.

Older adults and people with underlying medical conditions are at particularly high risk during the COVID-19 pandemic, underscoring the need for aggressive action to protect PACE participants. According to the National PACE Association, the average PACE participant in the U.S. is 77 years old with 8 medical conditions, many of which are chronic conditions such as diabetes, dementia, and coronary artery disease.

WelbeHealth operates PACE (Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly), a comprehensive medical and social care model with a decades-long track record of improved quality of life, life expectancy and personal empowerment for frail seniors. Most PACE participants are able to live safely and independently in their own homes and communities rather than receive care in a nursing home. WelbeHealth operates PACE programs in San Joaquin and Stanislaus Counties Stockton PACE; Pasadena Pacific PACE; Long Beach LA Coast PACE; and soon to open in Fresno Sequoia PACE.

For further information email info@welbehealth.com

Read the original here:

COVID-19: What Seniors and Caregivers Need to Know - thepress.net

KC Ortiz's new EP unfolds like a series of daily affirmations, aimed at both her own personal empowerment and her community's.

Having grown up singing at church in Alabama, the now Chicago-based rapper's religious undertones come naturally only this year, Ortiz found herself listening to audiobooks that seeped into the songwriting for The Campground, out today. "I've always felt close to God, but I never really studied before, the Bible that is," she says, explaining that she wants to "create power" through her latest music.

The EP title sees Ortiz looking back on her childhood, channeling the same enthusiasm she had as a kid and honoring the location of her mother's home. "When I was a kid, I just sang about what made me happy and I'm trying to bring that back into my art," she says, having used the time writing this EP to let her guard down and learn "to embrace those imperfections."

The Campground then feels like a perfect evolution from 2017's Church Tapes (See: "Shut Up"), when Ortiz paid tribute to her grandma and pulled inspiration from the cassette tapes her church sold for only a few dollars.

"If it's on my mind, bitch/ Let me get my pen out," Ortiz raps on The Campground opener, "Skinhouse," queueing up an eight-track effort that lets her mind run free amidst references to biblical figures like Moses and Jesus. On "Runnin'," the rapper reflects on a life of constantly pushing forward: "Bitch I'm tired/ From runnin', runnin', runnin'," she declares, while ultimately celebrating that she's alive. "Spencer," which samples David Bowie's "Let's Dance," doubles down on her positive outlook ("Believe I'm gon' slay"), while "Sparrows" is a hilarious take down of all the birds in Ortiz's life.

On "Point Em Out," Ortiz then distills all these complex thoughts into one simple, effective demand: "Where them haters at/ Point em out, point em out," she raps. "Probably right beside you/ And they plottin' on the spot."

Below, KC Ortiz talks to PAPER about The Campground EP and what she views is the role of an artist in 2020, as a Black transgender woman.

How do you think this EP is a reflection of where you are, right now, as an artist?

I think it shows me letting my guard down just a little. I overthink and overanalyze everything. Even after I finished this EP, I debated recording more tracks, removing tracks, changing the order, the name, the artwork. When I listened to songs on this project as well as previous ones I've done, I'm like, "Ugh, I wish I said that part differently." I really pick my work apart because I always want everything to be so perfect. Still, for me, this project is about learning to embrace those imperfections.

Do you see this project as a development of your previous work?

As an artist, I always want to experience growth. One of my biggest fears is to get stuck. I always try to come from a different and new point of view to create something that I haven't created before. I've been trying to be more authentic and more vulnerable to not follow the waves, but make my own. I've always had people in my ear trying to influence me, telling me who I should sound like or what's working for other rappers. This time around, I'm learning to trust my own gut.

"I've been trying to be more authentic and more vulnerable to not follow the waves, but make my own."

What's the story behind your EP title, The Campground?

The Campground is an area I grew up in. It was my mom's house, close to my grandma's house. Growing up, I always heard people talk about the area, "The Campground," and as a kid, I thought it was all tents or something, so when we moved there, I pretty much figured out it was just a nickname. I've been trying to take the stress out of my music by trying to write from that excitement I had as a kid, making up songs about everything. Sometimes I get so in my head about what the audience will like. When I was a kid, I just sang about what made me happy and I'm trying to bring that back into my art.

When did you create this project and how did that time period impact the music?

This project is a collection of my work from over the past year. I've always felt close to God, but I never really studied before, the Bible that is. I've been listening to audiobooks to learn more and I can see it coming through in my music. A lot of times I am writing stuff that I've read and not even realizing it. I want to get people out of their feelings and into their power. I feel that music is the beat we the people march to. Music is so powerful and I want to create power.

What do you think is the role of an artist in 2020?

I feel an artist is the voice of the unheard. It's crazy to think with all that's going on in the world, everyone's still rapping about how much jewelry they have. True art stands the test of time. I listen to James Brown, Selena, The Doors, Queen, Biggie artists who are long gone, but their art carries on through the times. These songs on the charts may bop now, but I want to create art with longevity that will live on ages after I am gone.

"I want to get people out of their feelings and into their power."

What is it like being Chicago-based and how have local events impacted the way you approach music-making?

It has made me more aware. I can't just talk reckless saying any ole thing. I've said a lot of stuff in my music before that I don't honestly believe, but it sounded hot. I cannot allow myself to do that anymore. That's also in real life. This isolation has really been a time for serious reflecting. I've had to check a lot of my toxic traits and look in the mirror. I don't want to take an old attitude into a new level. We must come out of this tragic moment armed with everything it has taught us. Pain teaches us and if you don't learn from it, you went though it for nothing.

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More here:

KC Ortiz Lets Her Guard Down on 'The Campground' - Papermag

SEATTLE, Washington India is home to more than 1.3 billion people, making India the second-most populous country next to China. Some of the major causes of urban poverty in India are the scarcity of job opportunities and a lack of practical skills. These factors have contributed to many young adults under the age of 25 becoming unemployed. Often the skills and resources that unemployed youths in India lack are computer training, personal skills and a mastery of the English language, the most commonly used language in the Indian business world. While Indias government has created the Skills India program that provides training to young adults, organizations like TechnoServe and STeP have heavily impacted the fight against youth unemployment.

Skill India is the Indian governments answer to the countrys high youth unemployment rate. Established in 2015 and run by the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, the program aims to empower 400 million youths for success in the workplace by 2022. The national scheme is comprised of different elements, including short-term training, where unemployed youths are educated in personal skills, e-skills and enterprise business. Moreover, the program recognizes prior learning so that students can take courses that fill in the missing gaps in knowledge, and offers placement guidelines to ensure candidates are assigned in a suitable field placement.

The program had a shaky start due to complex bureaucracy and has ultimately fallen behind its goal of employing 400 million people by 2022, with only 25 million young people trained so far. However, despite its challenges, the government program offers hope to unemployed youth with reliable courses and resourceful guidance.

The Smile Foundation is a non-governmental organization that operates welfare programs in India focused on the education for poor children, healthcare for families, skills training and livelihood for youth and community engagement through women empowerment, according to their platform.

In response to Indias youth unemployment rate and youth undertraining, the Smile Foundation created the Smile Twin e-Learning Program. Underprivileged city youths are enrolled in the program and trained in business-relevant skills, including English communication, computer proficiency, business management and personal skills. In the last decade, more than 25,000 young adults were taught these essential skills, and more than 15,000 trainees were placed with well-known companies by the STeP program.

Technoserve is a global organization that operates in 29 countries and focuses on improving business, farming and industries. Its Youth Employment Program (YEP) focuses on eliminating obstacles for young adults from impoverished communities by providing them opportunities among the private and public sectors in Indias capital, Mumbai. Often it is not technical skills these youths are missing, but softer skills like the mastery of the English language or the lack of networking connections. TechnoServes YEP trainers are often youths from Mumbai training their peers, which YEP states build confidence, creates stronger relationships and a more fun environment. In its first phase, YEP was able to find 1000 youths jobs in 2015 and has since expanded to 5000 students in 2019.

Unemployment among Indias youth population, mostly from impoverished communities, remains a challenge today. COVID-19 has shaken the Indian job market like much of the world, sending the unemployment rate as high as 24%. Yet, while unemployed youths in India remains high, the COVID-19 pandemic has led organizations to shift their efforts toward helping those in need. For example, the Indian government has transformed a number of its training centers into quarantine units. However, youths with healthcare training are being referred to the Ministry of Health and Welfare to help with the pandemic response.

Return to a pre-pandemic life will be slow. Still, when India is ready again to invest heavily in its large reserve of youths, there is a real promise for economic gain with a possible 2% future growth in the countrys economy.

Joseph MariaPhoto: Flickr

Original post:

Organizations Helping Unemployed Youths in India - BORGEN - Borgen Project

Image via the Rebel Girls Facebook Page

You already know the book Goodnight Stories for Rebel Girls and probably own a copy or two. Youve heard the incredible success story from Kickstarter to New York Times Bestseller, to becoming a cultural milestone in the modern pursuit for gender quality for the next generation of girls. But the list of accolades and highlights definitely do not end there. In fact, the book was just the beginning of what is now known as the Rebel Girls company, which has sold 5+ million books, translated into 49 languages in 85 countries, and has 8+ million downloads of its Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls podcast.

The company is headed up by the fearless and inspiring Jes Wolfe, a CEO you need to know as Rebel Girls continues its ever-expanding global reach. Under Jes leadership, who previously served as COO at Hoodline before selling to NextDoor, the company plans to expand their storytelling via television and digital, as well as bring a merchandise line to the world that is free from forced stereotypes. She is building a coalition of women who self-identify as Rebel Girls leading the future of childrens edutainment and audio content.

Rebel Girls has already reached 10 million girls through their books and podcast making it the preeminent girl-driven edutainment company with the mission to inspire and instill confidence in 50 million girls over the next 5 years. Their next release will be their upcoming book 100 Immigrant Women Who Changed the World (releasing October 13, 2020) which highlights the stories of immigrant women from all over the world and all walks of life everyone from Rihanna, Lupita Nyongo and Gloria Estefan to Yuan Yuan Tan, Anna Wintour and Carmen Miranda.

We were lucky enough to speak with the top Rebel Girl herself, Jes Wolfe, about everything from her own career journey, to her vision for the company, the importance of inclusivity and diversity in the artists they work with, and why empowering the next generation of girls is a personal passion for her.

How did you first become involved with Rebel Girls and what drew you to the company?

I met Rebel Girls co-founder Elena Favilli through a mutual connection in January of 2019. As our friend put it, you two would really get along! And we did on a group trip to Tahoe that year, Elena and I spent our days skiing and talking about the company shed built through the success of the Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls book series. I was instantly hooked on the Rebel Girls mission and felt that it stood for key things I believed in: equality, but also the idea that girls should be encouraged to chase their dreams, to be bold, to be daring. I saw such tremendous potential in the company beyond books. I envisioned a media company and a technology company that could provide girls with inspiration in a variety of forms. Im a big believer in the concept of a double bottom line for companies, combining strong business with strong social impact. Rebel Girls was ripe with opportunities to nail both, and I was excited to be a part of building it.

The company has a mission to reach 50 million girls over the next 5 years. What are some of the big projects or campaigns we will see from Rebel Girls in line with this mission?

We aim to fulfill our mission strategy by developing products that fall under our 3 pillars: telling powerful stories, designing physical products that revolutionize girlhood, and fostering and developing a global community of self-identified Rebel Girls. Storytelling is at the core of Rebel Girls its what we built the company on, and were working to greatly enhance how we tell stories and how many stories we tell. Think more stories, more formats, and more mediums. Were gearing up to publish three new Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls books, whose subjects fall under specific themes. This October 13, our readers will see Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls: 100 Immigrant Women Who Changed the World hit the shelves. Like in the books department, our audio content is on track to expand dramatically, moving from 11 episodes a year to an episode every week. Season 4 drops September 15, featuring the stories of immigrant women from our newest book. We also have some more secretive projects in the works, like a TV show, a live musical, a digital app, and brand new physical products. We are reimagining both the bedtime experience and reimagining playtime. Our audience can expect to learn more in the coming months!

From a community perspective, our aim is for 50 million girls to not only be inspired and confident, we want them to self-identify as rebel girls and to feel like that they are in good company! This October, we are hosting our first annual Rebel Girls United Rally to celebrate International Day of the Girl. We have an amazing lineup of girls and women that we have featured in our books who are singing, dancing, cooking, drawing, skateboarding, etc. You can expect events and celebrations like this from Rebel Girls for every International Womens Day and International Day of the Girl.

You have had a hugely successful career as an investor in a number of businesses. Can you tell us about the importance of investing and funding specifically women-lead companies and ideas?

Im an entrepreneur at heart and by practice. Ive spent time on both sides of the table raising capital and investing capital. I know first hand how important it is to work with investors who wholeheartedly believe in everything youre doing. I also know how impactful the right investors can be to your companys success. Im passionate about putting my money and advice to support entrepreneurs who are excited about their work and driven to build something meaningful. The world of investing is gender skewed to say the least in 2019, research indicated that only 2.7% of the total capital invested in venture backed businesses went to female-founded companies, and only 12.4% went to female co-founded companies. I see investing as an opportunity to empower and support women, tackling the disparity. So many women-led companies have plans to impart change upon society, but they struggle to find the funding they need to execute. Two of my portfolio companies that are creating impact include myTamarin and Curie. Founded by Zarja Cibej, myTamarin connects mothers (and fathers) to childcare that supports the various stages of a childs development, easing the process for working parents. Curie, founded by Sarah Moret (and named after Rebel Girl Marie Curie!) creates products that are clean, safe and effective, designed for women who move (a lot like me!). I would encourage you to check them both out!

After the phenomenal success of the Goodnight Stories for Rebel Girls book, the company has become a recognizable name worldwide and is now expanding to merchandize, digital content and audio. As CEO what do you hope to see Rebel Girls doing in 10 years time in terms of influence?

In a perfect world, Rebel Girls at its current mission wouldnt be relevant in 10 years time. If representation in childrens media gets to a place of equality and accessibility, then weve done our job. Right now were trying to fill a gap, and mind you, its a wide gap to fill. In childrens literature alone, 33% of books showcase female characters, and only 19% showcase female characters who hold a job or career ambitions. Rebel Girls has already made a difference, and were building confidence in young girls with every book sold and podcast episode created. As a society, we have the potential to raise girls who dont think theyre less smart than boys, girls who know how smart and capable they are. The world is changing at a rapid pace, and I foresee our mission evolving before 10 years time. But no matter what were doing we will be pushing the envelope in new ways, and well work under the umbrella of being a positive, guiding force in raising children.

What can readers look forward to in the new book called 100 Immigrant Women Who Changed The World in October, and why are immigrant womens stories important to learn about?

Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls: 100 Immigrant Women Who Changed the World is our best book to date! Its filled with amazing stories about women youve heard of, and women youll be hearing of for the first time (but certainly not the last). Readers will learn about magicians, dentists, neuroscientists, bowlers, sculptors, entrepreneurs, film directors, yogis, referees, and more, all of whom left their countries of birth to find opportunity elsewhere. The book is filled with vibrant portraits that capture every subjects magic. And Im proud to say the talents behind the book are just as representative as the book subjects we worked with 70 female and non-binary artists from 29 different countries. Were telling immigrant stories for a number of reasons.

Firstly, this is a badass group of women who have achieved incredible feats, in the face of adapting to a new country. In many cases, that meant learning a new language, fitting into a new culture, leaving friends and family. Also, we believe its imperative to celebrate immigrant women as a means to tackle xenophobia and raise kids who are more accepting, more curious, and more empathetic to the plight of people around them. Lastly, this is a nod to history, and what makes this country (and others) so special the United States is a vibrant and multicultural place to live because of immigration.

What do you think it is about the Rebel Girls brand and message that is striking the right note with millions of people worldwide?

The Rebel Girls brand is so compelling to so many people because we bring diversity to the forefront of the content we create. Theres such a wide range of women in the stories we tell from careers to countries. I mean, where else do you find stories about female pirates, spies, architects, and filmmakers in the same place? And the artwork is so diverse, each page looks and feels different from the last. Parents are taking notice of the content their kids consume, and how factually it represents the world around us. Plus the stories we tell are honest, they dont skim over difficult topics, they can act as conversation starters between parents and kids. We also are intentional about towing the line between entertainment and education. Our books are fun to read and our readers are left feeling satisfied because they learned something. Rebel Girls is full of positivity, its uplifting, inspiring, and making measurable changes in society dont we all need a little more of that right now?

You are dedicated to building a coalition of women who will disrupt and dismantle harmful stereotypes in the world and in our culture. Why is this mission important to you?

Building a coalition of women who support one another is at the heart of our brands forward looking appeal. On a personal level, I can pinpoint moments throughout my childhood that were full of harmful stereotypes most women can. When I was a kid I was a competitive swimmer. My grandmother would ask me what boys thought about my big muscles and shouldnt I stop swimming?. Ive heard versions of girls cant do that, girls are lessor, and girls are weak my whole life. Weve made progress from when I was a kid, but were still far from living in a gender equal world. Ultimately, the goal is to become a happier, healthier version of society, but we cant do that if inequality is so pervasive. The coalition were building brings us one step closer toward that goal, and were starting with the youngest generation, putting a stake in the assurance they dont grow up the way we did.

Can you tell us about the impact of having more women non-binary and trans folks be seen in media and entertainment, from your experience working with Rebel Girls?

My hope is for society to embrace all people for who they are and the contributions they make, regardless of gender identification. Part of making that dream a reality means inclusivity in representation. Rebel Girls tells the stories of incredible people in the LGBTQIA+, and supports the work of writers and illustrators in the community. Weve told the stories of people like Billie Jean King, Frida Kahlo and Josephine Baker. And telling these stories does have a perceivable impact. After Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls published, we heard from a number of parents whose children were able to see themselves in Coy Mathis, a young transgender girl featured in the book. Were only just beginning to scratch the surface of this impact and intend to greatly expand on the stories were telling about people in the LGBTQIA+ community.

We normally ask interviewees What makes you a powerful woman? but wed like to ask you, what makes you a Rebel Girl?

What an amazing question! We define being a Rebel Girl as being inspired, confident, and empowered to pursue ones dreams. Ive self-identified as a Rebel Girl since I was a kid. Ive had big dreams, and big goals (that have evolved over the years). Ive been lucky enough to have had the confidence to pursue those dreams. That confidence is my secret weapon, it lets me chart my own course and harness agency. That same sense of empowerment through confidence is what I wish for every girl.

Read more from the original source:

Rebel Girls CEO On The Importance Of Storytelling, Investing in Women, And Empowering The Next Generation - GirlTalkHQ

GREYBOY Finding Blackness in a White World By Cole Brown

What is Blackness to a token, to a dark-skinned boy or girl being raised in the predominantly white world that is America? For Cole Brown, the 24-year-old author of Greyboy a debut essay collection that reflects his futile quest to pin down questions that wont sit still growing up as the rare Black child in a world of white privilege is at once an unavoidable affliction and a golden ticket.

The son of a Fortune 100 executive and grandson of Ethiopias first female senator, Brown grew up vacationing on Marthas Vineyard. He belonged to the Philadelphia Cricket Club, took model rocketry courses at summer camp and went to storied private schools. He has access, opportunity and wealth. As an undergraduate finance major at Georgetown, Brown aspired to one day work at Goldman Sachs.

Greyboy begins here, a couple of years into college, when Brown starts to reflect upon the significant moments of prejudice hes already encountered from a young age. His existence is filled with confusion. A fellow token tells Brown: I was either too white for the Blacks or too Black for the whites. From the backhanded sting of Not Really Black to the default ostracization of the Black table at his middle school cafeteria, the penetrating buildup of outside judgment turned into his own rite of passage.

Brown spells out the subtle and aggravating liberal racism that confronts Black Americans. Its more invisible odor than scalable wall. As someone born into an opulence his grandparents were denied and his ancestors could never imagine, Brown meanders through myriad personal topics and feelings parenthood, love, masculinity, depression, friendship, community that are often seen differently by Black people and white ones. There are gripping anecdotes and keen observations, sometimes from his perspective and sometimes from those of others he interviews.

In between this introspection, though, Brown squirms into provocative missteps that beleaguer his contribution to an important conversation. A book like this should open minds, but it stumbles whenever Brown keeps his closed. Greyboy drags when singular experiences are pluralized from how Black parents raise their children to the horizon-broadening benefits of an interracial relationship, which Brown initially approaches with trepidation, fear and pity. Two white girlfriends in only a few years of dating life? People have had their Black cards revoked for less, he writes. I couldnt do it.

Brown is poetic and passionate, but another of the books flaws is the self-seriousness that infects its prose. Every other sentence doesnt need to stand on tiptoes to reach for elegance. Sometimes he grabs it, other times he arrests his own message in the attempt. (Today, years from fatherhood, the long limbs of anxiety stretch out to me, faintly brushing my bristles.)

To the author, Blackness is a guiding principle: coveted, acquired, at once learned and inherited. He yearns for the pride that accompanies cultural acceptance, that can direct his lifelong journey through the many forms of systemic oppression that menace even those Black people who are embedded in luxury and security. For many people, the desire to embrace Blackness is motivated by empowerment. But how can empowerment be measured by those who dont need it in an economic sense?

Tokenisms infinite complexity forces its victims to be wary of the ease with which race permeates all of our daily conversations, transactions and presentations. Browns valuable perspective highlights the many grievances felt by those who are successful and Black in America, but ultimately, in Greyboy, no true epiphanies ever materialize. Thats understandable. In a life of privilege, its hard to tell whether youre liberated or suffocating. By the end, Brown makes it clear that he too is gasping for air.

Read the original here:

What It Means to Be the Token Black Kid in a Rich, White World - The New York Times

Bill Hand|Sun Journal

After many delays, Realize U 252 has announced it will open its doors in October.

The name U 252 reflects, first, the belief that drug and alcohol addicts can achieve long-term healing and self-realization. The 252 reflects the telephone area code region over which it aims to reach out.

The residential home its exact location is currently kept secret is set up to house a dozen men who are in early recovery from their addictions, but who arent ready yet for independent living,according to interim program director Garret Biss.

Biss has been involved with the organization serving both as president and on the board since its origin.

About three years ago we all sat down with a vision to bring something to Craven County, he said. We were planning to open last fall.

While a house was found and prepared, however, the organization wound up spending the year fundraising and building community support.

The COVID-19 pandemic slowed down its development this year, but Biss said he feels safe in stating the home will open sometime in October, and that the organization is accepting applications for both residents and for the employees who will care for them. While he is serving as program director himself, Biss intends to step down as soon as a permanent director is hired.

Well have a house manager living onsite and a program director (on staff), he said, while a case manager will be contracted to assist with the residents.

Residents will live at the property, working with the manager and coach while receiving the help they need from community resources such as counseling, vocational training and personal development organizations. They will also be expected to take part in one of the 12-step addiction programs offered in the area.

There will be no counseling in the residence, he said, But there will be self-help groups and personal life skills training onsite.

I envision a world where all people, especially those in recovery, are inspired to believe in themselves, to look within for wisdom, empowerment and compassion; a world where all people achieve their highest potential and fulfill their dreams by connecting with and serving others, he said.

While residents will mostly come in as a follow-up to shorter, 28- to 90-day detox programs, he said that RU 252 will also be available to any families in crisis or need to help them find the resources they need to help their loved ones.

At first, Biss said, six residents will be selected, until the pandemic situation changes to allow more than 50 percent capacity. Then another six will be brought in.

Residents will sign a contract that outlines the conditions for remaining at the home.

The group is also in talks with the District Attorneys office.

Weve started some conversation with the courts, he said. Our hope is that it can be used as a diversion program or transitional program for people to use as they come out of incarceration, or as a diversion from incarceration.

Applications and information on job positions can be found at the organizations website at http://www.RealizeU252.org, by contacting Biss by email at director@RealizeU252.org

Read more from the original source:

Realize U 252 set to open long term addiction recovery home - New Bern Sun Journal

WORCESTER The Salisbury Singers will be welcoming all who are interested in singing to their Monday night meetings this fall.

Usually the acclaimed choral group rehearses Monday nights at a local church in preparation for an upcoming concert. But with the coronavirus pandemic and no live in-person performances likely until next year, the fall meetings are going to be online with a different format, said Bradford T. Dumont, music director of the Salisbury Singers.

The choral group has a long-term goal of bringing in new members, and the fall program beginning Sept. 21 will be a good time to explore that, he said. "We want to welcome anyone who wants to take part."

The fall Mondays will be a "Season of Singing," with each week featuring a variety of content, including guest speakers, conversations, musical events, sight-reading and more alongside regular warm-ups and open sings. Each session will run for 75 minutes every Monday night, from 7:30 to 8:45 p.m.

Guest speakers will include Anthony Trecek-King, director of Choral Activities and associate professor at The Hartt School in Hartford, Connecticut, and Jace Saplan, director of Choral Activities and assistant professor of music at the University of Hawaii at Mnoa and director of the N Wai Chamber Choir. Alternating weeks will be focused on progressive sight singing and vocal technique.

Dumont was named the new music director of the Salisbury Singers this past spring, succeeding Michelle Graveline, who stepped down as artistic director after 22 successful seasons at the conclusion of 2019-20 and is now artistic director emerita.

What was supposed to have been Gravlines farewell concert, a performance of Mendelssohns Elijah in Mechanics Hall on May 3, had to be canceled, but there are hopes of honoring Graveline with a performance in the spring.

Dumont, who was associate conductor of the Salisbury Singers last season, leads the Salisbury Singers into their 47th season this fall in unprecedented fashion.

"It's an interesting way to start off as music director of the Salisbury Singers," he said. "I'm glad we get to do this and I'm looking forward to music making when we can."

There about 80 members of the Salisbury Singers at present. A survey indicated that while some members are ready and willing to rehearse/perform in-person this fall, a large number are not and so the decision was made to put together the online program.

"Whatever we do we want to involve all the Salisbury Singers," Dumont said.

Meanwhile, "Our goal this fall is to support anyone who feels they want to sing. We want everyone to feel that they can join." Furthermore, people don't need to feel that they have to be at every Monday session, Dumont said. Singers can attend throughout the season based on availability and personal interest. Newcomers can attend the online sessions for free, although a drop-in fee of $10 is suggested.

Looking ahead, Dumont said he would like to resume in-person rehearsals in February, and return to performing in March or April. Besides a concert honoring Graveline, Dumont is looking at a concert "that kind of reflects what quarantine and isolation feels like."

The "Season of Singing" schedule is as follows. For more information, visit http://www.salisburysingers.org.

Sept. 21. Welcome, Discussion, Group Sing: Group-led singing via Zoom as well as some social time to connect with singers across the organization. "This will be a great time to ask questions about the semester and get back in the swing of Salisbury Singers. New members are encouraged and we hope that returning singers will invite a friend!"

Sept. 28. Healthy Singing Techniques with Margaret M. Tartaglia: A refresher course to promote healthy vocal technique led by Tartaglia, an acclaimed singer as well as a Certified Singing Voice Specialist and McClosky Institute of Voice Master Teacher.

Oct. 5. Empowering Songs Trish Jonason and Bradford T. Dumont: Salisbury Singers member Jonason and Dumont will talk about their work with music in spaces of healing and empowerment including Jonason's work as a hospital music therapist and Dumont's work leading song communities in psychiatric rehabilitation and incarceration. This session will show by example the unique power that music has to offer comfort and change in life.

Oct. 19. Progressive Sight Singing and Vocal Technique #1

Oct. 26. The Choral Music of Hawaii. Jace Saplan joins the Salisbury Singers for an evening discussing the intersection of Hawaiian musical culture and choral music. The N Wai Chamber Choir is a professional vocal ensemble based in Hawaii dedicated to the preservation and propagation of Hawaiian choral music.

Nov. 2. Progressive Sight Singing and Vocal Technique #2

Nov. 9. Exploring Elijah Michelle Graveline and Jim Demler: Graveline and guest artist Jim Demler discuss and explore Mendelssohn's Elijah, which was to be Graveline's final performance as artistic director of the Salisbury Singers. Demler was to have taken on the role of Elijah in the performance.

Nov. 16. Progressive Sight Singing and Vocal Technique #3

Nov. 23. Equity and the Choral Art Dr. Anthony Trecek-King: Trecek-King leads a session on choral equity and inclusion for a combined group of ensembles from across Massachusetts and New Hampshire.

Nov. 30. Progressive Sight Singing and Vocal Technique #4

Dec. 7. Holiday Sing and Salisbury Singers Talent Show

See more here:

Salisbury Singers launch weekly rehearsals online with music, education and guest speakers - The Gardner News