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Last Updated: 5/10/2008

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City: Washington
State: Washington DC
Country: US
Signup Date: 2/27/2007

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Wednesday, January 14, 2009 
It had been almost a month since I submitted for media credentials for the Presidential Inauguration. I was very relaxed about going or not. But when the email came yesterday confirming my credentials, I new found excitement filled me. And like an enthused Beyonce fan, I was standing in line a bit after 8:00am at the Washington Convention Center waiting to get my credentials.

So Creative Cause's media efforts have been stepped out with access to cover the Swearing In of the Inauguration. As a nonprofit in this bleak economic time, I have renewed hope. I look forward to embarking the week ahead. I am still uncertain how everything will unfold, but with my trusty Presidential Inauguration Committee Media Guide, warm winter gear and equipment, I will forge my way to capture history. So stayed tuned...
9:00 PM 
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Tuesday, January 06, 2009 

Current mood:  peaceful
Category: Life



It's that time of year again....with year New Year, we attempt to make New Year's resolutions and stick with them. Do you find yourself mentioning the same check list item each year? Maybe it's time to be a get a little creative in 2009! At Creative Cause we promote creativity for good in the community; however it's just as in important in improving our personal wellness too.

So this year join us at this year's NBC 4 Health and Fitness Expo at the Washington Convention Center (Halls B and C) from Saturday and Sunday, January 10-11, 2009. At the Expo you have a chance to get free health screenings, win prizes and learn something new. Because that's what creativity is all about -- doing something new and different each day for the good of your life and your community.

Remember to stop by our booth to let out your creative expression. Also learn why creativity matters for your brain health and body. Win raffle prizes and get your Creative Cause gear. Lastly we want to hear how are you using your creativity for a new YOU in the new Year! Send us your comments. As creators for the cause, our greatest cause is living our true (authentic) lives. Share your creative ideas with the community today!

And I will start by sharing I have used my creativity to expand my mind by taking yoga...I have been on retreats and enjoyed it so much that I became a yoga teacher focusing on brain education for youth and adults. It has challenged me in keeping an open and peaceful mind and has helped my along my creative journey.

Learn more at http://www.creativecause.org!

5:35 AM 
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Tuesday, June 24, 2008 

Current mood:  artistic
Category: Friends

Join us for the Creativity Matters 2008 Summer Speaker Series with New York Times Best Selling Author Dan Pink 

In April 2008 New York Times best-selling author Dan Pink gave an energy-packed presentation at the 21st Arts and Public Policy Lecture by the Americans For the Arts in the Kennedy Center, this year's lecture was like no other. With great visuals, he made the economic case for the arts in a way that was refreshing and stimulating. Even American soul singer John Legend was present that evening to encourage Congress to support the arts.

Valuing both sides of the brain was the name of the game. In preparing for the next changing economy based on ideas, creativity and intellect, developing a new brain must be an imperative! As a suppressed artist breaking the chains of my left brain to emerge with full frontal creativity, I felt in company of like minds – Whole New Minds, that is –which happens to be the name of his first book.

Now Dan has a new book, The Adventures of Johnny Bunko. And like a true creative, the book is the first American business book done in the Japanese comic format known as manga.

As part of the Creative Cause's Creativity Matters 2008 Summer Speaker Series, join friends and 'causecreators' on July 9th at the TeqCorner Building to network and hear from Dan on his latest book. Register and get your very own signed copy of Johnny Bunko (for the first 40 paid attendees). Light refreshments will be included.

For more info and to register, please visit http://danpink.eventbrite.com/

A bit about Dan: Daniel H. Pink is the New York Times bestselling author of A WHOLE NEW MIND and FREE AGENT NATION. He lectures to corporations, associations, and universities around the world on economic transformation and the changing world of work. In 2007, he won a Japan Society Media Fellowship that took him to Tokyo to study the manga industry.
 
Dan will be talking and sharing lessons that most of us were never taught as we made our way through the workforce. He shares career advice that so many of us are lacking and causes us to be stuck in a job or career that so many of us dislike. You will also have a chance to engage in a Q&A with Dan.
 
Subscribe to Creative Cause at www.creativecause.org.
2:30 PM 
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Friday, March 21, 2008 

Category: News and Politics

nextwave_ad.jpg Ad picture by causecreator

Students and young professionals gather to address poverty in DC and answer the call of Dr. King’s legacy

Commemorating the 40th Anniversary of Dr. King’s Assassination in our Nation’s Capitol 

WASHINGTON, DC—On April 4-6th, Creative Cause will be hosting the inaugural Next Wave Action Summit to commemorate the 40th Anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s Assassination in partnership with George Washington University Multicultural Student Services Center and Howard University School of Business Center for Professional Development. 

"The Summit is a call to action for our generation to lead and support the change to improve our communities; otherwise we will be left behind," stated Tambra Stevenson, chair of the Next Wave Leadership Committee and founder of Creative Cause. 

Next Wave is a grassroots campaign developed by Creative Cause to inform, engage and empower young professionals and students to become social entrepreneurs and public service leaders in their communities. Continuing the legacy of Dr. King, the goal is to build the next wave of change agents. 

"When Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans, to me Katrina’s message sent shockwaves as far as our nation’s capitol of how will we prepare, promote and prevent a social and economic epidemic from engulfing our communities – by investing in our communities most prized treasure – our youth and young professionals," said Stevenson. 

Kicking off the Summit, a forum on social entrepreneurship to address poverty in DC will begin on April 4th at Howard Business School Auditorium at 6:00PM. On Saturday starting at 10am professional/personal development workshops will be held and a political leadership forum will be at 6:30pm in the GWU Marvin Center auditorium the Summit concludes with a special message from Pastor Smith at Shiloh Baptist Church. 

Our partners include the ASHOKA Foundation, William James Foundation, Upgrade America, Urban Social Enterprise along with a list of individual supporters found on our website. To register and learn more about the Summit please visit www.bethenextwave.com.

Limited scholarships are available to waive the Summit fee for attendees who write a poem or essay of what "Next Wave" means to them and submit via email to change@bethenextwave.com. 

Creative Cause is a Washington, DC-based social enterprise dedicated to using creativity to raise awareness and action on social causes and encourage the next generation of leaders to harness their creativity to address social issues in their community. We accomplish this by hosting educational, outreach and community service events throughout the year. 

 

11:21 PM 
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Friday, March 21, 2008 

next-wave-postcard.jpg Postcard picture by causecreator

From Selma to Washington, DC: King’s Call to Reduce Poverty, Promote Human Rights Lives On  

DC Summit set for April 4-6th provides resources and networking to build skills to lead change 

WASHINGTON, DC— Today marks the anniversary of the historical Selma to Montgomery march led by Martin Luther King, Jr. and is the catalyst to civil rights movement in this country, which gave way to the passage Voting Rights Act of 1965 in our nation’s capitol by President Lyndon Johnson. 

"With today as the start of Spring, Selma should remind us to ’spring into action’ and be the next wave of change in our communities. We are suffering economically, socially, culturally and spiritually," said Tambra Stevenson, chair of the Next Wave Leadership Committee and founder of Creative Cause. 

On March 21, 1965 over 3,200 marchers joined Dr. King in Montgomery, Alabama to demand their voting rights. They walked 12 miles everyday for 5 days through chilling weather and rain on Route 80. By the time they reached the capitol on March 25, they were 25,000 marchers strong.  With great hope, the marchers brought attention to the violations of their rights by marching to Montgomery. Upon their arrival, Dr. King delivered his "How Long, Not Long" speech along side the state capital building. 

Like the marchers, the Next Wave Leadership Committee hopes you will be the next wave of change at the inaugural Next Wave Action Summit from April 4-6, 2008.

Hosted by Creative Cause the Summit commemorates the 40th Anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s Assassination in partnership with George Washington University Multicultural Student Services Center and Howard University School of Business Center for Professional Development.  

"We need compassionate leaders who address their own healing from in order to become true champions for human rights in America through social entrepreneurship and political leadership," stated Stevenson. 

In 1965, President Lyndon B. Johnson acknowledged, "What happened in Selma is part of a far larger movement which reaches into every section and state of America. It is the effort of American Negroes to secure for themselves the full blessings of American life. Their cause must be our cause, too." This is an excerpt from Harry E. Johnson, Sr.’s email from the MLK Foundation. 

To register and learn more about the Summit please visit www.bethenextwave.com. Limited scholarships are available to waive the Summit fee for attendees who write a poem or essay of what "Next Wave" means to them and submit via email to change@bethenextwave.com. 

Creative Cause is a Washington, DC-based social enterprise dedicated to using creativity to raise awareness and action on social causes and encourage the next generation of leaders to harness their creativity to address social issues in their community. We accomplish this by hosting educational, outreach and community service events throughout the year.

11:16 PM 
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Friday, March 21, 2008 

Sol

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

THE ESSENCE OF SOL
…during Women’s History Month

KIM and Friends will recognize and celebrate men who empower women. These dynamic people are the true essence of connected souls walking in the direction of sun ("sol") which lights their path. We want you to be ready to catch some sol

Come and enjoy games and meet kindred spirits…and special guests. And bring your closest friend to share great time. Win raffle prizes and get gifts.

Reach the depths of your SOL….and you may come to know the true you. Begin that path of your sol’s journey. Along that way you will encounter your sol-mate who will accompany you to achieve your purpose. When you do you then can rest your wary sol.

SAVE! Register NOW at http://www.sol.eventbrite.com.

We will be supporting East River Family Strengthening Collaborative helping to build  better families and relationships in Washington, DC.

If you have poetry capturing theme of soulmates, empowered women, or divine love, let us know by email at hello at kimsene dot com. Proceeds benefit HIV/AIDS prevention programs in Washington, DC.

This event is in partnership with Creative Cause and the DC Young Women’s Leadership Committee.

Get KIMsense in your life! Visit www.kimsense.com.

 

11:14 PM 
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Wednesday, February 13, 2008 

KISS Flyer


THE POWER OF SELF LOVE
…during Black History Month

KIM and Friends believe in order to truly share love to the others, we must love ourselves. In capturing the nostalgia of the Black is Beautiful movement, we want you to be ready to be KISS'd!

Come and enjoy love games and meet kindred spirits…and special guests. And bring your closest friend to share great time.

KISS for the skin your in. KISS for being you, reaching your purpose…and for keeping it still in the spirit.

 

 

SAVE! Register NOW at http://www.kiss.eventbrite.com.

If you have poetry capturing theme of black love, self-love or divine love, let us know by email at hello at kimsene dot com. Proceeds benefit HIV/AIDS prevention programs in Washington, DC.

This event is in partnership with Creative Cause and the DC Young Women's Leadership Committee.

 

 

Be ready to be KISS'd?

 

KISS
5:51 AM 
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Wednesday, August 08, 2007 

So if a picture is worth a thousand words, what do these images convey? Imagine if you were a tourist in Germany and couldn't read the ad? What do these images stand alone convey to you?

"I'm waiting for my last day in school, the children in africa still for their first one."


Is it inspiring? Uplifting? Do they make you want to make a difference?

As a trained social marketing/health communication professional who is mindful of cultural sensitivity in campaign development, I am concerned of the social responsibility of the ad campaign.

This summer I along with communication colleagues from UNICEF, WHO, UNDP and other agencies spent time gaining continuing education in developing global health/social campaigns atNew York University in partnership with the World Health Organizationby addressing health, educational, environmental and social issues through integrated marketing communication approaches.

And I am not sure if this ad campaign will render the desired results that UNICEF and its donors want.

Well, I could be wrong. However, I ask: who is the audience? what is the objective? was pre-testing involved? how did it resonate to potential donors?

I perceive the goal of the campaign is to encourage German residents to support the educational programs of UNICEF. Smiling children with mud on their face...does it capture the tone and appeal that was MOST affective and LEAST socially responsible and culturally insensitive?


"In africa, many kids would be glad to worry about school."


By public perception (even a niche market), the campaign can be deemed as 'dead on arrival, in a minute or in an hour.' And some people's eyes (who could have been potential donors), the campaign...is 'dead on arrival.'

Marketers who don't do the due diligence of the SWOT analysis, force field analysis, gauging the level of cultural competence, polling of public perception, and understanding of behavior change communication may find themselves in a position of pulling ads and explaining their creative, which is not a professional badge of honor to have.

To say that time constraints and dealing limited resources forces you to develop a campaign in a crunch time at disregard to doing your homework is just professionally irresponsible.

Social marketing campaigns can not be created in a vacuum.

Maybe this campaign will be effective in parts of Germany when niche marketing to Caucasian affluent, educated, and influential audience?

So may say it's easier said than done with limited time and funding that has to be spend before the fiscal year. I caution that even if the campaign has a quick deadline, it doesn't matter if the campaign is 'dead on arrival.'


"In africa, kids don't come to school late, but not at all!"


However from a socially responsible perspective (when factoring in issues of self-esteem, dignity and respect to the people who are intended benefactors of the campaign), the campaign resonates the infamous 'blackface' that visually stings the hearts some in communities of African descent. So though overt irrelevance to the history of race, culture and class may not have been on the forefront of the creative team; it should have been in order to deploy a wide spread campaign.

But let's have you be the judge! Read one blogger's take on the campaign below.

Cheers

Tambra Stevenson
Creative Cause
'Cause Creativity Matters [sm]
tambra@creativecause.org


"Some teachers suck. no teachers sucks even more."

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From one blogger:

Dear All,

This link was forwarded to our media-watch organisation by disturbed readers:

http://www.unicef.de/4500.html

This is an actual ad-campaign by UNICEF Germany!

This campaign is "blackfacing" white children with mud to pose as "uneducated africans".

The headline translates "This Ad-campaign developped pro bono by the agency Jung von Matt/Alster shows four german kids who appeal for solidarity with their contemporaries in Afrika."

Besides claiming that every single person in "Africa" isn't educated, and doing so in an extremely patronising way, it is also disturbing that this organisation thinks blackfacing kids with mud (!) equals "relating to african children". Also, the kids' statements ignore the existance of millions of african academics and regular people and one again reduces a whole continent to a village of muddy uneducated uncivilized people who need to be educated (probably by any random westerner). This a really sad regression.

Bottom lines of this campaign are:

Black = mud = African = uneducated.

White = educated.

We feel this campaign might do just as much harm as it does any good. You don't collect money for helping people by humiliating and trivilaizing them first.

Unfortunatley, if it was clear to the average German that this is wrong, UNICEF and the advertising agency wouldn't come out with such a campaign.

Please write your opinion and help make clear and explain why it is wrong to use "blackface with mud", and write to UNICEF at publicrelations@unicef.de as well as the advertising agency at info@jvm.de with a copy to Black German media-watch-orgaiztion info@derbraunemob.de what you feel about this campaign and why. Please include a line that you're going to publish your mail and the response.

by the way, the slogan of the advertising agency who came up with this, reads
"we communicate on eye-level".

Sincerely,

Noah Sow

NOTE: The pictures uploaded here are not in the same order in which they appear on the UNICEF site.

Source: http://blackwomenineurope.blogspot.com/2007/07/this-is-actual-ad-campaign-by-unicef.html
9:11 PM 
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Wednesday, April 25, 2007 

 

With the emerging use and popularity of social media, today's social entrepreneurs can find cost-effective and creative ways to be efficient in meeting its blended social and economic values. Social media and online communities present the opportunity to gain a competitive edge. This Thursday, April 26th at Oxfam Headquarters in Washington, DC, Creative Cause is sponsoring a "Professional Development Series for Social Entrepreneurs" who are building communities for change.

Co-hosted by Net Impact DC Professional Chapter and Care 2, this insightful panel of speakers represent four sustainable organizations that have figured out how to channel individuals into real action more efficiently.


This panel In Cool Town Studio's case it's working potential buyers into co-designing beta communities or businesses on the front end to besustainable and more user-centric; with Global Giving it's connecting individuals directly with overseas development projects, with Networkfor Good it's connecting individuals with nonprofits and each other using peer to peer fundraising, and Care2.com is connectingindividuals with other individuals and nonprofits based on their interests in social and environmental issues and causes.

This event is ideal for students and professionals in social enterprise, social marketing, health communication, nonprofit, corporate social responsibility and sustainable development who want to get a better handle on online media for social impact. And best of all meet and greet like minded blended value professionals at the top of the hour networking reception starting at 6pm. To RSVP and get more information, please visit www.acreativecause.eventbrite.com.

In support of social responsible organizations, we use DC Central Kitchen/Fresh Start Catering for our catering needs. Learn more about DC Central Kitchen at http://www.dccentralkitchen.org.

Learn more at www.creativecause.org.

10:28 PM 
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Friday, March 30, 2007 
..> ..>

Where arts meet action....at Plant Hope in the City

Bring youth or volunteer for "Plant Hope in the City"
Volunteer NOW for National and Global Youth Service Day/Earth Day

Sponsored by Freddie Mac Foundation, Capitol One, Youth Service America and Serve DC

Hosts: Creative Cause, Inc. and Yayah's Inc.
Date: Saturday, April 21, 2007
Time: 8:00am - 3:00pm
Location: McKinley Technology HS and Crispus Attucks Park
Street: 151 Street NE, Washington, DC 20002

For more information, contact Tambra at 202.236.0371
or email: info@planthope.org

Register online at www.postcardsfromkatrina.com

About the Day...
Postcards from Katrina (a project of Creative Cause) and Yayah's, Inc. asks you to plant hope on National and Global Youth Service Day on Saturday, April 21 at McKinley Tech HS Library in DC. Our partners to date include Youth Service America, Service DC, Freddie Mac Foundation, Capitol One, Alpha Phi Omega Service Fraternity and we hope you can help too.

Can you take the plant hope challenge?

Be volunteer or team leader for Plant Hope Day - April 21!

Why Plant Hope?
A mental health crisis exists in America. We need funding for children's mental health services and youth programs to provide ways for students to channel their emotions and feel like they make a difference. Knowing life pressures can be heavy on families and students, we need more hope. Hope comes in different forms. We engage youth in arts to bring awareness of public health and social issues. From reading an article 14 year old girl in the Gulf who attempted suicide after believing she didn't have a future, I knew a campaign to plant hope in our communities must happen. We have a mental health crisis in America giving way to violence and hopelessness.

"Where is hope, there is a future."
- Tambra Stevenson, creator of Postcards from Katrina

Objective
To promote art and service to promote good mental health and prevent youth violence.

So on Saturday, April 21, 2007 at McKinley Tech High School and Crispus Attucks Park from 8AM - 3PM in Washington, DC, we want you to take the plant hope challenge through arts/team building project and community park project with other committed volunteer groups like Alpha Phi Omega.

Goal
Give youth voice...make history...The individual and team postcards created that day will contribute to the goal of 2010 postcards by the year 2010--in commemoration of the 5th Anniversary of Hurricane Katrina to showcase hope 'by America, for America' in our nation's capitol similar to the AIDS quilt.

Students create ways to plant hope...·With many Gulf residents remaining in other parts of America, the initiative presents a healthy challenge to our nation's capitol on how we all can plant hope in our communities across America. Youth will gather to 'plant hope in the city' through arts and beautifying their community park.

Use plants as models for hope in weathering storm and holding on to hope and learn about sustainability for the city (Green DC) to build character and eco-friendly youth


Special Guests

Greet the Plant Hope Youth Ambassador is a Mississippi native, 22-year old Howard graduate Joe Smith who serves on the Next Generation Leadership Board of the Boys and Girls Club and has dedicated himself to service and youth ministry and is a talented singer.

and public officials and media to name a few...

YOUR TIME MATTERS!
We need YOU to make this event a success... Show that young professionals care about the community.

Step 1. Choose how you can plant hope!

* RECRUIT YOUR FRIENDS! - Tell your friends to volunteer to prepare, promote and plant for the BIG PLANT HOPE day!

* SHOW OFF YOUR DESIGN/TECH SKILLS! Can you design a cool PLANT HOPE shirt! Can you create a short documentary for PLANT HOPE day? Then contact us at info@planthope.org.

* EMPOWER YOUTH! - Work with youth on arts projects, get their feedback on planting hope and clean up the park.

* DONATE YOUR TIME! - Your time is just as precious as your funds. We prefer to have your time. So if you can help with any of the items above, we would greatly appreciate it.

* DONATE YOUR WRITING/TECH SKILLS! - What about write an article, op-ed, or blog entry about planting hope in the DC community and to the Gulf region? Interview the Plant Hope youth ambassador and creator of Postcards from Katrina.

* DROP OFF ART MATERIALS FOR YOUTH!...journals, pens, art supplies, paper, etc.

* DONATE PRINTING! Do you have access to printing large foam signs, banners, materials, etc

* CHIP IN on the COST at donate at www.postcardsfromkatrina.com look for the Plant Hope Chip In button.

Step 2. Register ASAP at www.postcardsfromkatrina.com. Space is limited.

The volunteer form is also available at

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.asp?u=955863342247


Step 3. Contact Tambra on what volunteer activities that you can do before the event e.g. design, write, and get donations.

Step 4. Set your alarm, get your juice and breakfast snacks and get involved in the Plant Hope team projects and win prizes on April 21 b/w for Plant Hope day on National Youth Service Day at McKinley Tech's Library. Your particiatipation will make this event a success!

Get recognized!
Volunteers for Plant Hope will be invited for a special recognition event held later this summer.

Get rewarded!
Prizes will be awarded for best 'Plant Hope' team project.

Earn volunteer points!
Postcards from Katrina is certified to track volunteers hours for the President's National Volunteer Service Award.

More about the day...
For National and Global Youth Service Day and Earth Day, Postcards from Katrina presents "Plant Hope in the City" pilot initiative on Saturday, April 21, 2007, over 50 youth will take the "Plant Hope" challenge and create a youth violence prevention/mental health promotion campaign materials using arts with young professionals to increase healthy alternatives in the community by "planting hope in the city." Also for Earth Day youth will learn about having a green DC and what plants teach us about having hope.

Refreshments and limited onsite registration begins at 8AM. Program kicks off at 9AM at McKinley Technology High School library, 151 T Street, NE, Washington, DC near Rhode Island Ave and North Capitol. Free parking is available.

The park project starts at 1pm at Crispus Attucks Park where we will walk to promote sustainability. Wear comfortable closes you don't mind getting messy.

Refreshments and lunch will be served. Stay for the cookout at the park.

The Plant Hope pilot initiative presents a healthy challenge to our nation's capitol on how we all--young professionals, community members, parents, educators, and students-- can plant hope in our community.

Youth will participate in team building activities to address community issues through the arts and learn through their plant hope projects the traits of a community change agent through service and building their character.

Step 5. Can't plant hope that day? Contact us if you want to help plan future events and give input...share the volunteer opportunity with friends.

Step 6. We need volunteers in June...email tambra@postcardsfromkatrina.com to volunteer time, materials, and services.

SAVE THE DATE
June 23-24, 2007
Youth Arts Workshop and Lecture
International Children's Art Festival
National Mall, Washington, DC

June 23, 2007
Summer Fest
Mental Health Association of Montgomery County
Blair High School (MD)

Tambra Stevenson, MS
creator. postcards from katrina
sharing stories of hope and help
tambra@postcardsfromkatrina.com
www.postcardsfromkatrina.com
washington, dc usa

1:50 AM 
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