Because I love building community and connecting, here are a few things I would love you all to know about:
Trash for Peace: Reduce, Reuse, and Rethink the way you look at trash.
I volunteer with an awesome nonprofit that creates functional art from trash. We look for ways to reduce consumption. We reuse plastic bottles and other “trash” to create recycle bins, green houses, and more. We encourage people to rethink the concept of trash/waste through creativity and innovation. Google us, “like” us on facebook, or shoot us an email – we love partnering with other organizations! We also post our manuals on our website for free, so please download them and use them in your classroom, organization, or business!
Oregon’s Health CO-OP (or any of the other Health CO-OPs nationwide)
I have a background in public health, and I’ve always felt like health insurance was a bit of a dirty word. Well finally there is an alternative (sadly, only in some states) starting January 1st! Oregon’s Health CO-OP is a nonprofit that listens to what Oregonians want in a health insurance plan, and we have made a plan to reflect that! Brilliant, right? It focuses on innovation, building community and trust, thus helping everyone to move forward and become healthier together.
Important changes to your health insurance plan through the Affordable Care Act!
For women from the United States, starting January 1st, your health insurance plan is required to cover: well-woman visits; counseling and testing for sexually transmitted diseases; ALL FDA approved contraceptive or sterilization methods/procedures; breastfeeding support, supplies, and counseling (this includes breast pumps); and screening and counseling for interpersonal and domestic violence. This is mandatory on ALL health insurance plans FREE OF CHARGE. No co-pay. No co-insurance. FREE – if you have health insurance, so make sure you have some type of plan! If you live in Oregon, check out CoverOregon and see if you’re eligible for governmental assistance on your monthly premiums (I’m sure other states have similar health insurance marketplaces) – or for free insurance through Medicaid.
Dr. Vandana Shiva
Google her if you don’t know who she is. Her background is fascinating and her work, inspirational! She runs a seed saving nonprofit for organic women farmers in India called Navdanya. She also helped Bhutan create the Gross National Happiness Assessment. Who cares about GDP if no one is happy?
Tanzania Travel Plans?
Any interest in visiting Kilimanjaro, Serengeti, Ngorogoro Crater, Zanzibar, + more? Let me know! I know the most amazing tour guide in the country. He can make your trip as low or as high budget as you want, and I promise he’ll point out camouflaged animals you otherwise wouldn't spot or help you get to the top of the mountain. I would put my life in his hands, no question. I used to live in Tanzania and have traveled around with many guides. He has true magic.
And just because I am a rule follower, here’s something important I’ve learned that I would like to share with all the other rule followers out there…
Just because you follow the rules, doesn’t mean you can’t color outside the lines. There is no RULE that says you have to stay within the lines. Often times, doing something differently leads to a new perspective. Sometimes, it leads to the creation of a masterpiece.
Hope to connect with you soon!
All my best,
Corey McAuliffe
[email protected]
Portland, Oregon, USA