Calling all students, parents, educators, activists and conscious community members! Eugene Cooke, urban farmer and first papa of m.a.m.a. e a r t h, returns to California at the end of this month bringing a brand new lecture/virtual journey through Kenya, East Africa. Local food systems are developing worldwide and Eugene spent the first quarter of 2011 traveling and learning about farming and food in Kenya. He’ll share incredible images of the beautiful and lush region, the farmers, skills, technology and traditions he encountered. Here in the US, the local food movement continues to grow and many are lobbying for political support for local food systems. People from all walks of life are supporting urban agriculture projects that aim to empower and enrich the lives of city dwellers. This movement has grown through education and strong opposition to commercial agribusiness and genetically modified foods. Eugene will discuss the power of organizing coupled with the humility of service as he shares stories of growers working to feed the people close to them. Let’s deepen the scope of this new ecology of good food.
Come learn why people from all backgrounds, all levels of interest in gardening and from ages 8 to 80 keep coming back to Eugene’s beautiful and inspiring talks!
And for all girls ages 8 & up! Please join us on Saturday, November 5th at The Learning Garden, a beautiful space located at Venice Beach High School. The girls will learn about the importance of gardening and how it affects us all along with ways that they can make a difference in their own homes and communities. They’ll get their hands just a little dirty as they make something to spread some garden love in their own neighborhood.
If the girls you know are in the Girl Scouts, click here to register. If not, please rsvp to andrea@4mamaearth.org.
Click HERE for Eugene’s calendar of events in Huntington Beach, Irvine and Los Angeles. Pre-registration is strongly recommended.
Cha-cha Elsa Tesalonika
Let me introduce about myself. My name is Elsa Tesalonika Lalong but you can call me Cha-cha. I live in Jakarta, capital city of Indonesia. I’m sorry if my English is really bad.
ProyekBMI (Project Bruno Mars Indonesia) for Bruno is the first gathering of Indonesian Hooligans after more than a year of becoming the first Indonesian fan club of Bruno Mars. Indonesia Hooligans can still donate goods or money to me. The two biggest magazines in Indonesia, Majalah KawanKu and Majalah Gadis also reported this social event. Even a big pop singer in Indonesia who is also a Hooligan, Vidi Aldiano and the biggest concert promoter in Indonesia who also made Bruno’s first concert in Indonesia tweeted somethings about #ProyekBMI for Bruno.
ProyekBMI was really a success. INDONESIAN HOOLIGANS really hope Bruno wants come back to Indonesia and we know we can AMEND THE EARTH like Kailani taught us.
Cha-cha.
Our youngest winner!
Mahalo to all those that visited the m.a.m.a. e a r t h booth at Wet n’Wild Oahu last month as The Hernandez Sisters helped m.a.m.a. e a r t h to raise money to help an orphanage in Manila that founder, Jaime Kailani, visited in the spring of this year. With the help of her brother Bruno, money raised will help with some of the things the orphange needs. Check out the winner of the guitar! We are wondering what the value of that piece of music memorabilia might be valued at by the time this little guy gets to college!
For all of those that have not been able to attend Kababayan Fest this year, we’ve opened up the campaign to everyone. Click here for an opportunity to donate $10 to the cause and have a chance to receive another autographed Fender guitar from Bruno Mars. We can only give away the guitar if we reach our goal so show your love! Learn more>>
new m.a.m.a. Carmit Bachar
You may know Carmit Bachar as one of the original members of the multi-platinum, Grammy nominated, recording group The Pussycat Dolls!, who rose to international fame as an overnight pop sensation with chart-topping hit singles including “Don’t Cha,” “Buttons,” and “StickWitU.”
While making her mark in the arts, she has also been recognized as an ambassador for Operation Smile, a medical charity that provides cleft lip and palate repair surgeries to children worldwide. Inspired by her own experience of being born with the condition, she hopes to help raise awareness about the importance of building self-esteem and inspiring the imaginations of these children through the arts and activities.
Creative stimulation can build imagination, which results in freedom and full expression. “I truly believe that each of us must give back and create community to overcome the stigma and challenges associated with many different causes,” says Carmit. “Being born with cleft lip and palate has given me a direct purpose. As I have been so fortunate, I am filled with the desire to share and give back. I have been able to live my dreams of performing all over the world, so it’s only natural that I want to reach children through my passion for creative arts. It builds self-esteem and acceptance for ones uniqueness as well. The arts have truly changed my life, and now my mission is to inspire children to smile with me!” How can I be a part of this, you ask? Get involved and buy a m.a.m.a. e a r t h wish bracelet to help fund the missions that change lives. Let’s explore the endless possibilities of spreading compassion and love! Let’s go!
Carmit Bachar is one of the most visible dancers in the industry today having toured with acts like No Doubt, Janet Jackson, Black Eyed Peas and Beyonce. Born and raised in Los Angeles, Carmit is of Israeli, Dutch, Indonesian, and Chinese descent and comes from a family of entertainers. Carmit’s creativity and passion for dance, music, performing and true artistry led her to another venture in 2001 that she co-founded called “The Zodiac Show,” which began as an underground live performance event. Carmit has hosted, performed in and co-produced this refreshingly unique event for six years at some of Hollywood’s biggest venues, gaining the respect and admiration of many celebrities and creatives in the entertainment industry. She is truly an amazing woman and hot m.a.m.a., no doubt!
m.a.m.a. e a r t h thanks Carmit for supporting m.a.m.a. e a r t h’s mission from the beginning. She has graced the m.a.m.a. e a r t h stage several times, once with a duet of Bob Marley’s “Turn Your Lights Down Low” with Bruno Mars.
We also congratulate her on the rite of passage into motherhood with her beautiful baby daughter on the way!
Show your love and help the world! Purchase a wish bracelet now>>
VOTE for m.a.m.a. e a r t h’s idea on GOOD!
Voting starts August 24th at midnight and ends September 9th. The project with the most votes wins $2,500 to fund their idea.
GOOD is an integrated media platform for people who want to live well and do good. They are a company and community for the people, businesses, and NGOs moving the world forward. GOOD’s mission is to provide content, experiences, and utilities to serve this community.
GOOD currently produces a website, videos, live events, and a print magazine. Launched in September 2006, the company has garnered praise for its unique editorial perspective and fresh visual aesthetic and is quickly positioning itself as a significant new voice in our culture.
In 2010, GOOD started GOOD Projects — a new kind of agency focused on helping businesses and organizations do well by doing good. GOOD Projects works with clients to engage communities and bring great ideas to life.
They’re looking for the initiatives that are moving LA forward. The top-voted project will receive a $2,500 jump-start.
m.a.m.a. e a r t h has submitted its project of an ongoing series of empowerment workshops for girls, ages 18-21, that teach & inspire. Topics like self-esteem, health, art & food justice provide tools to stay grounded and stable in the face of adversity.
VOTE for m.a.m.a. e a r t h now!
Thanks to all those that voted! m.a.m.a. e a r t h’s idea rated #6 out of 46 ideas!!!
m.a.m.a. e a r t h’s intention has always been to make it EASY for folks to make a change for the better no matter their age, background or financial situation. Starting today until September 16th, m.a.m.a. e a r t h is raising money on IndieGoGo.com to help us with our missions in the Philippines (global) and Los Angeles (local).
A portion of funds raised will go towards our final donation to the orphanage in Manila that Bruno Mars’ family visited in the Spring – along with funds we raise at the m.a.m.a. e a r t h booth at each Kababayan Fest this year. The other portion of funds raised will go towards booking speakers, art supplies, handout materials and healthy lunches for an ongoing workshop series with the young women (ages 18-21) of The Women’s Care Cottage, Girls Inc, Strengthening Families, and L.E.A.D.
Donate $5 to support m.a.m.a. e a r t h’s mission and receive a 4mamaearth.org bracelet. Donate $10 and you’ll get the 4mamaearth.org bracelet and be entered to win an electric Fender guitar autographed by Grammy award winning Bruno Mars!
The winner will be chosen at random at the end of our campaign – but only if we reach our goal! Please spread the word and don’t miss out on an incredible opportunity to help your sisters and brothers of the world and win this authentic piece of music memorabilia!
Dr. Cornel West with Urban Farmer Eugene Cooke
TV personality Tavis Smiley and Princeton professor Cornel West have been on a road trip called the Poverty Tour to highlight the plight of the poor people of all races, colors, and creeds so they will not be forgotten, ignored, or rendered invisible. Poverty Tour bus trips, which included stops in D.C. and Chicago have been aimed at bringing attention to the plight of America’s poor people, according to Smiley and West.
This week, our first papa of m.a.m.a. e a r t h, Urban Farmer Eugene Cooke welcomed Tavis Smiley and Dr. Cornel West on their visit to Truly Living Well Center for Natural Urban Agriculture as a stop during their Poverty Tour. Smiley and West were guided on a walking tour from the historic Ebenezer Baptist Church to the Wheat Street Garden farm site. Along the walk, TLW President Rashid Nuri talked with them about the value of sustainable local food systems. “We currently have 15 paid interns.”, said Nuri stressing the fact that urban agriculture creates jobs as well as access to fresh, natural food. Dr. Cornel West had many questions for Eugene Cooke, Operations Manager with TLW. Eugene discussed the volunteer training program, sustainable land use methods and the on-site farmers markets that help to connect the customers to the growers.
Truly Living Well Center For Natural Urban Agriculture is a four-acre prototype farm/campus that has been developed on the site where the Wheat Street Gardens apartments used to stand. This housing complex was removed as are many project housing complexes nation-wide leaving only concrete foundations and empty parking lots that attract loitering and trash. Rashid Nuri negotiated an agreement for Truly Living Well to present an innovative way to utilize the land for food production. Eugene Cooke helped to envision a design for the space that includes a greenhouse, orchards, berry and grape trellis systems, 54 raised beds, seasonal cut flower growing zone and a market space. “When people visit this center, they have the opportunity to learn many aspects of urban agriculture from greenhouse germination to composting, all on one site.”, says Cooke.
Dr. Cornel West meets Eugene's wife Jo'Vonna and his youngest son, Kahen.
As Smiley and West met with crew and family, they saw firsthand the positive impact this Center for Natural Urban Agriculture has had on the lives of those in this community in just over 8 months. Dr. West asked about any partnership with Will Allen at Growing Power in an effort to encourage collaboration. Rashid Nuri answered, “We talk often. Will Allen is doing great work and we look forward to strengthening our relationship.” Eugene’s meeting with these intelligent and intriguing men on their nationwide tour was an amazing opportunity and provided a working example of a grassroots solution that increases access to healthy food, skills and resources. This is important work and we congratulate Eugene on all he has accomplished to date!
m.a.m.a. e a r t h has been having so much fun at this year’s Kababayan Fests! The 600lbs team (the company that makes the whole thing happen) are such an amazing group of people and we are so pleased to have the opportunity to join in the biggest Filipino festival in the West. m.a.m.a. e a r t h’s visit to the orphanage in the Philippines was truly a life-changing experience that really inspired us to continue our mission of giving back and making a change for the better both locally and globally. If you are lucky enough to be in Oahu on August 20th, come visit our booth at Wet n’Wild as we raise money to help the orphanage in Manila with some of the things they need. m.a.m.a. e a r t h will raffle a Fender guitar autographed by Bruno Mars along with a round-trip ticket to the Philippines from Philippine Airlines. Proceeds will help to build another cottage for the children.
Please spread the word about our mission and show your support! If you are not in Hawaii – don’t worry – m.a.m.a. e a r t h is working on a way for the rest of you to help the cause and have a chance to win a piece of music memorabilia from Bruno Mars.
For the rest of August, a portion of proceeds from all m.a.m.a. e a r t h wish bracelets will also go to towards this cause so get one for you and someone you love! Click HERE to purchase tickets to Kababayan Fest 2011 – only $20! Click HERE to view Terms & Conditions of the Raffle.
Did you know that women and children make up 76% of people living in poverty? One of our favorite organizations, Volunteers of America, serves more than 2000 girls and women annually helping them confront the negative societal messages about their potential and provide a wide range of services to support them as they become successful, independent, responsible and empowered. This past Saturday, the residents of the Women’s Care Cottage opened their home to some of the ladies from m.a.m.a. e a r t h for “A 6 Senses Workshop”. There were young women (and staff) from Girls Inc.® (which provides research-based programs focusing on economic and media literacy, leadership development, nutrition and sexual health, date rape prevention, math, science and technology, and career options), Strengthening Families (a program that provides a wide array of support services including nutrition, housing referrals and placement, food assistance, domestic violence education and counseling, mental health and disability services, job skills development and instruction on child development) and the Women’s Care Cottage (an 18 to 24 month program providing the opportunity for 18 to 21 year-old young women, who have been on probation or had a court related foster care case, to develop the ability to live independently with pride and dignity).
We explored the 6 senses with an art project making “Gratitude Boxes” filled with things we are grateful for, our intentions, wishes and dreams. We practiced easy-going yoga poses and mindful breathing to learn how to relax and connect with our own inner guidance and intuition. We treated our taste buds to a healthy lunch of yummy salads, breads and Kailani’s delicious homemade salad dressing. We ended the afternoon crafting our own blends of scented oils with hand-picked healing crystals inside each bottle to remind the girls to be inspired, happy and to feel beautiful.
m.a.m.a. e a r t h applauds the incredible dedication of all involved in each of these programs and the young women utilizing these programs to better themselves, their lives and their futures. We are SO grateful for the opportunity to offer up the things that have inspired us and are working on ways to continue m.a.m.a. e a r t h programs that empower these young women on their paths!
Bruno Mars is back at home in Los Angeles to take a little break from touring the world. Bruno and his band have been supporting his sister’s community organization m.a.m.a. e a r t h since it’s inception, playing every m.a.m.a. e a r t h event before his record-breaking success in the music industry. Fame hasn’t changed that fact. Bruno is lending a hand in m.a.m.a. e a r t h’s efforts to raise money for an orphanage in Manila, Philippines that the family visited in the Spring by autographing 4 Fender guitars that are being raffled at the Kababayan Fests on the West Coast.
Here’s a flashback from one of Bruno’s performances back in 2009 at a m.a.m.a. e a r t h event raising money for Volunteers of America which helps the 70,000 women, children, families, veterans and elderly homeless people in Los Angeles County, California.
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