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Diversity
by Rebecca Kimbel
One
of the things I love most about California is its diversity.
Our landscapes are as diverse as our thinking. Our art is as
diverse as the nations who make up our population. Our religions
are as diverse as our heritages and our thinking is as progressive
as it is diverse.
The
most obvious way to see our diversity is by driving through
the state. California has great diversity in it’s scenery
with grandiose redwood forests in the north and smoke tree decorated
deserts in the south. The entire length of the state is kissed
by the unforgettable beauty of the Pacific Ocean. The height
and breadth of the mountains in Yosemite and the feeing of being
on top of the world on the Pacific coast trail will be memories
that will always enrich ones life. Go skiing at Mount Shasta
and then continue on to the coast and enjoy the wonder of seeing
ever green trees grow in one of the few places on earth where
they grow out into the sea.
California offers diversity within its cultures and its people.
Diversity has always provided a never ending source of creativity
in the arts. Dance, music, paintings, photography, sculpture,
theater and more, all thrive and continue to astound us with
remarkable creativity which is ever enriched by our depth of
diversity.
Opposites not only attract, they add dimension to out thinking,
our experience and our future. They invite us into a world of
different nationalities, different cultures, and different ways
of seeing things. They provide the natural expansion of learning
from many points of view, which enriches our understanding and
ultimately finds all of us more similar than different.
We may paint intellectual pictures of our cultural beliefs in
varying hues. The array of colors and the light they are shown
in, as well as the artful presentation of each subject changes
the way we see it, feel about it and deal with it in the future.
Understanding different aspects of diversity and learning to
see life from different perspectives increases our understanding
of humanity and the world around us.
Contrast accentuates the appearance of any scene, circumstance
or philosophy. Varying points of view stimulate advancement
of thinking from science to the humanities. Diversity stimulates
improvement of the things needed and enjoyed by all mankind.
I love this state and I love the people in it. I never travel
without feeling grateful upon my return, that I live in the
rich and inviting diversity of California.
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Weak Economy,
Strong People
by Rebecca
Kimbel
This
country didn’t become great without courage. This country
didn’t become powerful without strengthening its weaknesses.
This country didn’t become a symbol of freedom without
facing its fears.
We can all learn to live better on less, increase our quality
time with each other and bring safety and harmony into our homes
and communities. Here are the steps that lead to success;
Teach
our children the power of integrity and the pit falls of blind
trust. Help them understand that Piety and Integrity don’t
always travel together.
Set up a neighborhood watch program. Invite the entire neighborhood.
Set up safety houses, educational programs and groups for the
protection of children.
Burglar proofs your homes. Burglars go where is convenient.
Have a good relationship with your police force. Volunteers
working with police are a great idea.
Involve
your children in adult directed sports, creative and educational
activities.
Activities
help neighbors bond to protect of their families and their communities.
They create respect and caring that improve the over all quality
of lives.
Caring is an investment of time and energy. Now more than ever,
our country needs people who have the heart and the time to
enrich our lives with intangible qualities that come from the
integrity of genuinely looking out for and caring about one
another.
Our county is not a place for the faint at heart, but the American
people have never had a reputation for being faint at heart.
We have a history of BEING THE CHANGE we want in our future,
and knowing it works.
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Challenge Day
by Rebecca Kimbel
On
March 16-17-18th, Fortuna High School students will astound
us again with their outstanding participation in Challenge Day.
The event will be held at Rohnert Park in the Fireman’s
Pavilion.
Challenge
Day is an opportunity to change lives, to change the future
by healing discord of the past, to lift youth of today to become
leaders our nation tomorrow. Adult volunteer’s works hand
in hand with the team to help organize Challenge Day through
the progressive activities in which teens and adults will be
asked to step over a line on the gym floor if they have ever
been wronged by racism, religious intolerance or sexism. Adults
and teens will continue to cross the line during each exercise
as questions asked include the loss of a parent, having been
touched by suicide, drugs or alcohol. Open reality creates an
inner identification and understanding of personal pain that
relates through imaginary barriers. Teens later apologize to
each other for excess teasing, rude remarks and other wrongful
behavior. The programs commitment to stopping teen violence
is extremely effective and is now used across the nation.
Challenge Day is a non profit organization whose mission is
to provide youth and communities with programs that demonstrate
the possibility of love and connection through a celebration
of diversity, truth and full expression. The programs are created
to build connection and empathy in our vision that every child
lives in a world where they can feel safe, loved and celebrated.
Challenge Day has ignited a movement of compassion and positive
change, known as “Be the Change”. Movement
This remarkable three day program is intellectually stimulating
for all who experience it and emotionally uplifting for all
who have seen the profound changes it leaves in the hearts of
all who had the good fortune of being there. Challenge Day is
renowned for the life changing effects it has on helping our
youth. They can grow beyond giving or receiving violence, abuse
and negativity in their relationships. Challenge Day helps them
realize that they are all more similar than they are different
in their emotional feelings and needs. Both students and volunteers
who have experiences Challenge Day now have plenty of inspirational
things to say about the experience.
You can learn more about Challenge Day by logging on to www.challengeday.org
Donations of time or money are greatly appreciated. Accept a
personal challenge, back our youth, they are the future. You
can participate by contacting Samona Keet of the Humboldt County
office of Education. This wonderful woman is the remarkable
leader of our local Challenge Day events. She can be reached
at 499-5922. Her e mail address is sgrip@humboldt.k12.ca.us
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Rebecca Kimbel an Area Gov. Toastmasters International
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