Our goal is for Bloomington/Normal to revisit and revitalize the efforts started so many years ago by folks like Barb Adkins, Mike Matejka, Marc and Darlene Miller, Rev. McSwain, and Charles and Willie Halbert. It’s interesting to note that our community didn’t experience litigation or smear tactics when an Islamic Center was built here in Bloomington. I would like to think the efforts of our local NIOT movement made a difference.
Blog
June 17, 2014 - 5:48pm
Galvanized Souls, an award-winning alternate rock band based in Southern California, uses their melodic harmonies to reach out to young people with a powerful message of hope. Known as a “band that takes a stand”, Galvanized Souls advocates for issues that affect many teenagers today. Their newest music video for their original song, “Carry On,” addresses bullying and the healing power of positivity and community.
“Carry On” was written as an anthem meant to inspire young people to be brave and to take a stand against bullying. The music video for “Carry On” features the story of Colin, a young boy who struggled with bullying in school and felt he had no friends. In February, Colin’s mother created a Facebook page to help celebrate Colin’s 11th birthday.
June 16, 2014 - 4:02pm
Join us this weekend for the National Leadership Gathering in Billings, Montana to engage with active community leaders about making our towns and schools safe and inclusive. Featuring film screenings, workshops, events, and panel discussions, the National Leadership Gathering is a great opportunity to learn positive community action and bring it back to your town!
At our last National Leadership Gathering in 2006, youth leaders came together to share their efforts to make their schools more accepting. Their work and spirit of collaboration embody what it means to be an upstander. Find their discussion in this short video.
June 12, 2014 - 5:20pm
Galvanized Souls is a rock band whose core members are comprised of four young Southern California musicians, whose music is influenced by decades of rock music. While a relatively new band, they have played many shows at high profile venues, fairs, fundraisers and music festivals throughout Southern California.
Having endured bullying themselves, the band members bring awareness and advocate against bullying. They were inspired to write their upcoming original song, “Carry On,” when they heard about an 11-year-old boy named Colin who faced bullying in an extraordinary way. Colin is even featured in the music video.
June 11, 2014 - 9:15am
Our condolences go out to the police department and the families of Metro Officers Igor Soldo and Alyn Beck and bystander Joseph Wilcox in Las Vegas, who were murdered by anti-government white supremacists on Sunday, June 8 at a shoot out in a pizza parlor and Wal-Mart store.
These killings beg the question: What can we do as communities to respond and prevent violent eruptions of anti - government extremism and bigotry?