What If Your Kid Was Gay?

What if your kid was gay? How would you feel? Many people think that being gay, lesbian, bisexual, etc.is wrong. When it’s really not, gay people have been treated like scum of the Earth for many years. People don’t understand that being gay isn’t a choice. It is something you are born with and you can’t change like gender or genes. Homosexuals deserve to be treated like everyone else in the world. Now, you can have your opinions but hating on someone for their sexual orientation, isn’t right.
There are many people who don’t believe they deserve rights like marriage. Everyone deserves the right to be with who they want without everyone judging and controlling their life. Homosexuals deserve the right to be parents. There are many organizations that try to get the word out. PFLAG (Parents, Family, Friends of Lesbians and Gays), helps family and friends of LGBT. They also get them through the hard times of being LGBT in society. They are the same as you; there is nothing different about them. They deserve every right you have, you are no better than them.
Teens who are dealing with their sexuality end up struggling with whether they should do what makes them happy or what their parents want them to do. This inner conflict will eventually will lead to the teen wanting to either accepting themselves or wanting to commit suicide. Not every kid has the mentality or positive attitude toward accepting every part of them others need a little support.  There is an organization who deals with teen suicide it is called The Trevor Project. The Trevor Project is a suicide hotline for LGBTQ youth who are struggling with their sexuality and feel like they have no other option than to kill themselves.
What do these organizations do?
PFLAG:

• Support for families, allies, friends & who are LGBTQ
• Educations for ourselves & others about the unique issues & challenges facing people who are LGBTQ
• Advocacy in our communities to change attitudes & create policies & laws that achieve full equality for people who are LGBTQ
• Legal arguments
• Demonstrate that current marriage laws discriminate against people who are gay or lesbian by relegating their relationship to inferior status & repudiating the legal argument that same-sex couples joining in marriage pose risks for the institution of marriage & threaten children.
• File beliefs amici on the dangerous practice of so-called “reparative therapy” of SOCE (sexual orientation change efforts)
• Help with equal rights
• Provide fair & accurate information about LGBTQ people, their loved ones, the unique challenges they face
• Support the work of local affiliates
• Works to ensure equal civil rights & protections for LGBTQ people & works to help make faith communities & work places more welcoming

Gay Marriage was officially legalized in North Carolina but it's hard for a homosexual married couple to have kids or adopt. Even if a lesbian couple who wanted kids but didn't want to adopt got a donor and fertilized one of the women, people believe they deserve the rights. People think that a family with a kid needs a mother and a father. A lesbian couple in Chapel Hill, Anna and Jennifer had a little boy and expecting a little girl. "For many same-sex couples, having children under North Carolina law has been nothing short of complicated, even after the state’s gay marriage ban was struck down in October. Most state adoption laws presume that parenting occurs between a father and mother — forcing Jennifer and Anna and other gay couples in the state to jump through legal hoops to get equal rights to their children." (The Daily Tar Heel). Since same-sex marriage was not legal till October, since Anna and Jennifer had their son only one parent was the legal parent. Once same-sex marriage was legal they can go through stepparent adoption. The couple has to be married for 6 months before they can go through this process. It's crazy that people's opinions can affect a couples life and family. Same-sex couple should be treated just like opposite-sex couple. http://www.dailytarheel.com/article/2015/02/married-gay-couples-face-maze-of-nc-adoption-laws

This assignment has changed me because now I understand how hard people work for gay rights. It's hard for same-sex couples to "fit in" in the world because there are so much they can't do like opposite-sex couples. I am bisexual and if I want to marry a girl, I know how hard it will be. I'm glad that same-sex marriage is legal now but adoption or even just having kids is going to be tough. For any homosexual that feels they don't have a say in the world can join these organizations and support everyone and get the word out about the rights everyone deserves. It's important that no one is not given the rights every human deserves. We are humans just like any heterosexual person and we deserve to be treated like one. If we all stand together, we can make a difference in the world!

• They have 24/7 counselors to help you deal with any negative thoughts you seem to be having lately.
• They have a number where you can text or call them if you feel like you cant make it through your day.
• It is based off of the short film Trevor that shows the struggle with sexual orientation related problems.
• They have many celebrity spokesmen like Ellen, Tyler Oakley, and Daniel Radcliff etc.
• They have special chat rooms that are very private.
• You can also meet other LGBTQ youth through their social media site called Trevorspace
• They have helped over millions of teens and adolescents that are dealing with their suicide issues.
• They provide crisis interventions for LGBTQ youth.
• They partner with major corporations like Wells Fargo, Johnson and Johnson, Yahoo etc.
• They have many events where you can go donate and meet celebrities.

Suicide effects everyone in a powerful way especially when the victim is a teen. Lately, a few reports have been coming up about a homosexual male committing suicide after some classmates recorded him having sexual relations with another male. Tyler Clementi was a student at Rutgers University. He committed suicide by jumping off of the George Washington Bridge. Clementi was one of five gay related suicide in the last three weeks. For more information about these events go to:http://abcnews.go.com/US/gay-teen-suicide-sparks-debate/story?id=11788128

"Don't Give Up...Don't Ever Give Up" The V Foundation

A problem that is trying to be cured in today's society is cancer. Cancer is a mean disease. It doesn’t discriminate; it can go to anyone. There are several types of deadly cancerous diseases. Some of the most known about cancers are breast cancer, lung cancer, prostate cancer, colon cancer and skin cancer. This disease intrigues me because I have known people to die form cancer and it’s not pretty. There really needs to be a cure for this heart breaking demon. The V Foundation, named after legendary NC State coach Jimmy Valvano, is a charity about cancer awareness and treatment.

• About 1.6 million new cancer cases have been expected to be diagnosed in 2012.
• After being diagnosed with cancer at the young age of 46, Jim dreamed of finding cures for cancer
• As a cancer patient, Jim recognized the need to invest in young physicians and scientists to help establish their careers—after all, someone had invested in him early in his career
• In 2001, eight years after his death, The V Foundation announced its Translational Research Grants, designed to accelerate laboratory findings with the goal of benefiting patients more quickly.
• The V Foundation has awarded more than $130 million to more than 120 facilities nationwide and proudly awards 100% of direct cash donations to cancer research and related programs
• The V Foundation has a strong presence in the scientific community, and it is guided the by elite, all-volunteer Scientific Advisory Committee, that recommends the research projects funded.
• As with any patient, Jim discovered first-hand how slowly science progresses from the lab to the patient’s bedside.
• Due to generous donors, The Foundation has an endowment that covers administrative expenses.
• The v foundation awards grants through a competitive award process.
• All money is give towards cancer research. ALL

Jimmyv.org/about-us

The V foundation has impacted people all over the world. Including here locally over at Northern Guilford where the coach of the boy’s basketball team was coached by Dean Smith who was great friends with Jimmy V before he died. Dean Smith passed away just 3 weeks ago and it has really impacted the basketball world. Almost just like the passing of Jimmy Valvano. So in honor of Smith’s death Bill Chambers talked with News and Record. The story can be found here: http://www.news-record.com/sports/college/smith-s-impact-was-felt-in-high-school-basketball/article_b1e89cda-afe4-11e4-bda8-8bfcdb3907a7.html

I have learned a lot from researching the V foundation. I have also learned the importance of cancer research. There is a lot of time and effort put in to the finding of cures. That's why I am writing about this. So everyone I know or who is reading this can help save lives. There are people locally who have cancer. Everyone needs and everyone can help in some way.

NFL Play60

NFL Play60

What is the NFL Play60?

The issue is child obesity in young children around not doing and eating the right things and becoming obese. Childhood obesity rates are at an all-time high. Today nearly one in three kids and teens in the United States are obese or overweight. So the NFL (National Football League) a charitable organization called the NFL Play60. The NFL PLAY 60 is the National Football League's campaign to encourage kids to be active for 60 minutes a day in order to help reverse the trend of childhood obesity. Many NFL players spend their own time and money to give kids all the exercise they need. So as a solution to this problem American Heart Association and the National Football League have teamed up to create the Play60 Challenge, a program that inspires kids to get the recommended 60 minutes of physical activity a day in school and at home. It also helps schools become places that encourage physically active lifestyles year-round. By leveraging the American Heart Association’s health expertise and the NFL’s commitment to physical fitness, you can help us can achieve our goal of getting kids physically active for 60 minutes every day.

NFL Play60 on a local level

There are many people and or organization in North Carolina that are involved with NFL Play60. For some examples, Northern Guilford Middle is involved very strongly about there growing kids getting the exercise they need. So the have joined in the Play60 Challenge. Even the Carolina Panthers have joined the Play60. Now stated from one of my recourses it stated,” Freedom Park in Charlotte, NC is home to the Carolina Panthers new Play 60 Kidzone complete with state-of-the-art play equipment. A 40 yard dash features an interactive digital timer that starts by sensor at the start and finish; kids’ official times light up on the score board. The obstacle course also features interactive elements including never been done before tackling dummies on springs, up and overs and a running half-pipe inspired by American Ninja Warriors!  Custom sounds by Cre8Play include Carolina Panther player Cam Newton and more giving kids positive messages”.

How NFL Play60 has changed me and how others could join

Learning more about the NFL Play60 has really changed my thought about the NFL. Before I thought I thought the NFL was all for the players, the fans, and didn’t make a difference in the world. They really do give back to the world through and actually show that they care for the kids future in it. Helping millions of kids stay active and stop the young children of this world now from obesity. They have even go many kids television networks working with them. Like for some examples Cartoon network and Nickelodeon which has in several occasions stopped their regularly scheduled program so that kids can go out for a day of play. If you want to help the cause its so easy it’s just at the click of a button. Help this cause can be fun and even show on your racimay for colleges to see which could help you in the long run.

Homelessness and the Winston-Salem Rescue Mission

The issue I would like to inform the world on is homelessness. I would like to inform the about this because I feel people think its only here in the USA but its everywhere in the world. It matters to me because I feel bad for people who have to sleep in a park or on the street because they are homeless. I also want to inform people of this issue because I feel not a lot of people know about this huge issue. It would mean a lot for me if people would just take 5 minutes out of their day to listen about homelessness and be aware that it’s everywhere. One of the main reasons I chose homelessness is to inform people that that’s someone son or daughter out there in the cold alone and homeless. The charity I picked is the Winston Salem Rescue Mission in Winston Salem North Carolina. I feel like they a good fit for my cause.

Facts about homelessness

• Homelessness is far more serious then what people think.
• San Diego California has the third largest homelessness population of any area in the United States.
• 5000 young people die every year because of assault illness or suicide while on the street.
• 40% of young homeless individuals identify themselves as a member of the LGBT community.
• Volunteers commit to feeding individuals 4-6 times a month.
• Winston Salem facility houses over 60 people who need shelter.
• 100 volunteer’s help the Winston Salem project.
• Volunteers for this organization need to be 10 or older.
• The Winston Salem rescue mission officially opened its doors on July 22 1967.
• In the year 2000 the mission received their certification from the association of gospel rescue mission.   
  The United Way of Greensboro helps kids here Eastern Guilford with food and shelter and all kids who need it.  They help by serving the community and reaching out to young people and adults. They help them with clothes and medical attention. They also are open 24/7 and speak any language. They train teens with job training of the real world. They also provide food housing and utilities for those who need it.
                 I have changed as a result of this assignment because it has changed me in a positive way.  It affects EGHS students because there are some homelessness projects here at eastern. It is important because homelessness is more serious then what people think. I feel like if we come together we can end homelessness. I feel like the assignment has opened my eyes and made me realize NC has one of the biggest homelessness populations in the United States. This program can benefit students at Eastern with community service hours for a senior project. It can also help the students with a service they need like food shelter or other good things.

Hunger is Preventable : Come Check Out UNICEF!

teen hunger!

C... consider a charity!.

    Teen hunger is a very big problem because thousands of kids go hungry everyday. I think every school should give free lunch and breakfast to every student. I found this charity "UNICEF's Nutrition Programs", UNICEF's supplies desperately needed vitamins and nutrients to the world's most severely malnourished children. Everyday, children die needlessly from preventable causes and they don't have to. UNICEF takes proven, low-cost methods that save children's lives and makes them available regardless of income, ethnicity or location.

  By making a tax-deductible monthly donation of $10, $20, $30 or any amount to the U.S fund for UNICEF today, you can provide children with:

• lifesaving vaccines and insectide-treated bed nets
• emergency relief following natural disasters
• educational opportunities and school-in-a-box kits
• and much more

H... highlights!.

   child survival and development

• evidence- based child survival, nutrition and environmental interventions.



About Multiple Sclerosis

What is MS? “Multiple sclerosis (MS) involves an immune-mediated process in which an abnormal response of the body’s immune system is directed against the central nervous system (CNS), which is made up of the brain, spinal cord and optic nerves. The exact antigen — or target that the immune cells are sensitized to attack — remains unknown, which is why MS is considered by many experts to be "immune-mediated" rather than "autoimmune.” According to http://www.nationalmssociety.org, scientists believe “the disease is triggered by an unidentified environmental factor in a person who is genetically predisposed to respond.” Little do people know that there are four stages of MS, and I happen to know that because my dad has MS, and he is in the 2^nd-3^rd stage. What many people including myself, have been wondering, if it is curable, unfortunately the answer is no, but there are medicines, that are available, that will try and slow down the progression of the disease. While MS is not contagious, or a death related disease it can paralyze people, but while scientist try to find a reasoning for its cause, what they have found is that it does have something to do with gender, genetics, age, geography and ethnic background. Like any organization, people want to stop this disease, but it takes time, knowledge, and one organization, that are super efficient, which my dad relies on http://www.nationalmssociety.org. My dad has had MS for 7 years continuing, and whenever something went wrong, he always called on this place for help. They always respond with a positive outcome. He trusts them so much because, this organization keeps track of MS nation-wide. It helps people, by providing medicines and information on how to deal with it, such as exercises, maintains health, etc. As scientists try to find a cure, here are some facts from the organization:

“Within the CNS, the immune system attacks myelin — the fatty substance that surrounds and insulates the nerve fibers — as well as the nerve fibers themselves.”

“The damaged myelin forms scar tissue (sclerosis), which gives the disease its name”

“When any part of the myelin sheath or nerve fiber is damaged or destroyed, nerve impulses traveling to and from the brain and spinal cord are distorted or interrupted, producing a wide variety of symptoms”

“The disease is thought to be triggered in a genetically susceptible individual by a combination of one or more environmental factors”

People with MS typically experience one of four disease courses, which can be mild, moderate or severe”       

     Donations and charities

     Research cost 838 million to find a cure

    Senior leadership team (provides guidance for the organization)

    Founder Sylvia Lawry found it in the U.S and international

    Fundraisers

    Raise awareness, with advocates and more

     Local events

    Anyone can volunteer

     Partnership opportunities

     Education programs

Greater Carolinas another organization that supports MS, both north and South Carolina, by holding events, taking donations and services and support to MS patience’s. There are some events coming up March 2015, for example: the “finish MS event”, the “walk MS event”, and the “challenge walk MS event”. The great Carolinas is one of many organizations throughout the world to help MS, and some of the things that happen at this organization are support groups. What the support groups do is it is a group of people that discuss dealing with MS, ways to raise awareness among other things. Almost similar to their services and support, and with this organization they want to make your life better, they want to help you deal with MS, and make your life comfortable for you with uneasy living so they do as much as they can financially, emotionally, physically and so much more, so if you have or know someone dealing with MS, in north Carolina, I recommend that you visit this organization. http://www.nationalmssociety.org/Chapters/NCT

In knowing about MS and my father having it, it helps me to understand his life and what he’s going through. And with him having it, it can be difficult at times so I help him, and it teaches me that there are people who don’t live as good as a life, the you may live or someone else may live, so its always nice to give back and lend a hand, and you don’t even Have to know them. I think if MS awareness were to come to EGHS that it would change some kid’s minds on how they look on life, and help them to realize that MS is hard, and it ruins people’s life. With http://www.nationalmssociety.org/Chapters/NCT kids can help, they can Make a donation, give support, and do some events. What I hope is this organization will give them a better understanding, to where EGHS will maybe do some of their own MS awareness.

Just Like Us - The Federation with Children of Special Needs

They laugh and play, joke and smile. They listen and learn, hear and feel just as you and I. A child with special needs is the same as a fully developed child in every way. They should be treated as such. They should be treated as equal people and students. Yes that could be a challenge seeing how there are some who may be mentally behind. However, no child should be left behind. Isn't that our motto? That motto should pertain to all students. Hiding them behind teachers and distancing them from others will only keep them hidden and behind in their further years. I believe every one deserves a fair shot. A child should not have to be under limitations, yet sadly the limit for children with special needs is cut short? Why is that?

If you are someone who has a strong belief in this as well, there are a numerous amount of decent charities that assist and aid in the benefit of special needs children such as the Federation with Children of Special Needs.

-Federation for Children with Special Needs
The federation lends a helping hand to parents and children with disabilities. It was developed in 1975. They provide families with the resources and the assistance they need to handle a child's disability and with problems they encounter. They also, accept donations and host many charitable events, to raise money for their services.

Key Points

•  Around 10% of the worlds population, or 650 million people, live with a disability. They are the worlds largest minority.
• 80% of a people with disabilities live in developing countries, according to the UN development Program (UNNDP)
• Compare studies on disability legislation shows that 45 countries have anti-discrimination.
• 90% of children with disabilities in developing countries do not attend school.
• 30% of streets youths are disabled.
• In most OECD countries, women report higher incidents of disability than men.
• Mortality for children with disabilities may be as high as 80%  in countries where under-five mortality as a whole has decreased below 20% says the United Kingdoms Department for International Development adding that in some cases it seems as if these children are being "weeded out"
• The global literacy rate for adults with disabilities is as low as 3% and 1%for women with disabilities according to a 1998, UNDP study.
• In countries with life expectancies over 70 years, individuals spend on average abut 8 years or 11.5% of their life span, living with disabilities.
• Students with disability in higher education remain under-represented, although their numbers are on the increase.

The overall treatment of even just a single child with a disability is degrading of humanity, of a person who is no different from the next child. Therefore, I highly encourage people to take a second look at these children. Take time to see beyond what the eyes are shown.