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Make Music New York

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 08:42:15 GMT

Make Music New York is a free music festival that takes place in New York city on the 21st of June every year. On this date, the city is packed with free concerts that any and all can attend. Concerts start at 10 a.m. and run until 10 p.m. throughout this day. The concerts feature a wide variety of music – hip hop, folk, jazz and rock and they take place on streets, in parks, gardens, plazas and even cemeteries. Absolutely anyone can perform at these concerts and anyone can attend also. The performers do not perform on the typical stages – rather they are at street level.

The festival is based on France’s Fête de la Musique, a French national musical holiday that began in 1982. Since then, the event has gone global and similar festivities take place in more than 360 cities around the world, in countries such as Germany, Italy, Egypt, Syria, Morocco, Australia, Vietnam, Congo, Cameroon, Fiji, Colombia, Chile, Nepal and Japan.

It would be great if it came to Ireland and we also got to join in the global solstice celebration.

If you’re musically talented, are in a band or like to sing, it may be time to think about taking up an Irish version of this festival. If you would like to learn more about the American version first, check out makemusicny.org or email aaron@makemusicny.org to get you started!

Make Music New York
Web: http:// makemusicny.org
Email: aaron@makemusicny.org
Make Music New York is a unique festival of free concerts in public spaces throughout the five boroughs of New York City, all on June 21st, the first day of summer.

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Work experience with SpunOut

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 09:47:00 GMT

Image by Rob Ellis' on Flickr

Keen to do work experience somewhere fun, youthful and innovative?

Like the freedom of working bare-foot and/or in a bean bag?

Want to do more than make tea and photocopy?

Got a positive and can-do attitude?

Fancy spending your breaks wandering about Temple Bar?

Yes, you say? Excellent, we reply!

To get the ball rolling, email info@spunout.ie with the following info:

Your name

Your age

Your interests (personal stuff & stuff that relates to SpunOut's work)

When you want to do your work study

And... answer this random Q: When are you happiest?

Thanks for your interest! We'll try our best to get back to you ASAP.

While you're waiting...

Submit an article, image, video or audio

11 reasons to follow us on Twitter

Find out about SpunOut Superhero Grants

Your message for the Minister

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 11:01:48 GMT

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Occupy ALL streets

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 08:16:50 GMT

"Consider Venice. Almost entirely car-free. The city is calm but vibrant. You can hear yourself think. The Italians call it 'the most serene place.'"

The maker of this interesting vid says: "Cities in the modern era have been overrun by cars and trucks. Streets have been stolen from human uses by invasive street users. Not only is this method unlikely to be sustained into the future, it also robs society of some of its most important public spaces. Carfree cities are a delightful solution to many different problems at once..."

Occupy All Streets: The Role of Carfree Cities in a More Sustainable World from J.H. Crawford on Vimeo.

More info on cycling activism in Ireland

Critical Mass Dublin or Join the Dublin Cycling Campaign!

Critical Mass Galway

Critical Mass Belfast

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Be in a BBC3 documentary about being young, Irish and in a recession

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 11:41:51 GMT

BBC3 has asked SpunOut to get involved in making a documentary! It's about how young people in Ireland (ages 18-35) have been affected by the economic crisis. They are looking to tell the story through experiences of young people in Ireland, rather than through interviews with economics experts...

Topics they are interested in exploring are emigration, unemployment, mental health, debt, community activism and civic engagement...

Want to take part? Register your interest NOW.

And remember, if you want to have your story or views published ASAP, write an article to be published on SpunOut.ie. We welcome a wide variety of topics, opinions, rants and raves.

minty fresh faces

Acting for a cause

Wed, 18 Jan 2012 08:42:01 GMT

Are you keen to learn about and try out some filming, acting, editing, or animating?

Are you between 16-19 years old and living with a chronic illness or have you spent long periods of time in hospital? Maybe someone close to you has? (examples include: asthma, diabetes, epilepsy, cancer, cardiovascular disease, autoimmune disease, cystic fibrosis)

Would you like an opportunity to have your story heard?

If you answer yes to ANY of the above, we would love to hear from you!

“Two Suitcases” is a film project being produced by Helium in association with Spunout.ie and a bunch of lovely teenagers! The aim is to raise awareness about what its like to be young, Irish and living with a chronic illness.

All activities take place in Dublin
It's FREE!
Travel and food expenses paid

Details

Stage 1: Filming Ben's story, 13th – 17th February (10am-3pm daily)

Learn, have fun and act! Ben Murnane was diagnosed with Fanconi anaemia, a rare genetic disorder, when he was 9 years old and underwent a bone marrow transplant when he was 16. We are going to make a short film with Ben about his experiences. We will need volunteers to take on filming, acting, editing, animating and art department roles. If you have no experience in this area, no problem! We will have film professionals on hand who will guide you through the process. Workshops include:

the basics of scriptwriting
drawing up storyboards
filming with iPhones
editing with iMovie
creating quick but effective animations

If you can’t attend for the full 5 days, that’s okay, just let us know when you sign up what days you’re free to help out.

Stage 2: Experience sharing afternoon, 18th February (2-5pm)

Chat with other teens! Your experiences are important and we're keen to hear more about your experience with chronic illness. Your ideas will inform this project and your voices will help us to create change. Perhaps some of you will be inspired to tell your story on a bigger canvas and so you might want to take part in …

Stage 3: Make your own film! (Easter break)

Turn your story into a short film! Hey, you already know the basics of scriptwriting from the February workshop and if filming is not your thing, you could always write a short story instead which we’ll post on Spunout.ie.

Get involved!

Interested in all or some of this and want to find out more? Email the super-friendly Emma! communications@helium.ie

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Young Carer of the Year Award

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 07:24:07 GMT

Carers are people who look after the physical and mental wellbeing of another person living in their home. They may be looking after a parent, a sibling or a relative who is physically or mentally ill. Caring is a tough job, as the carer gets few breaks and often has to be available to care in the evenings and at night.

Carers may get a carers allowance from the government, but they aren’t paid well and often do not get the credit they deserve. They also may suffer with physical and mental ailments from the stress of being a carer.

The Carers Association feels that we need to big up carers and that they deserve to shine in the spotlight too.

So, The Carers Association are now asking you to nominate carers for their Carer of the Year Award 2012. If you know a worthy neighbour, friend or relative who works as a carer, then click here to nominate them online. You can also FREEFONE 1800 24 07 24 to request a nomination form.

There are two categories:

Carer of the Year Award: This is an award for all carers over the age of 18.

Young Carter of the Year Award: This is an award for all carers under the age of 18.

As well as the overall winners, local and regional carers of the year will also be selected. The two main winners will receive a Commemorative Award and a sponsored gift. All carers will receive a Commerative Certificate.

The closing date is 30th March 2012.

The Carers Association
Web: www.carersireland.com
Email: info@carersireland.com
Phone: 057 9322920
The Carers Association is Ireland's national voluntary organisation for and of family carers in the home. The Association was established in 1987 to lobby and advocate on behalf of carers.

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10 ways you can change this world for the better

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 06:10:29 GMT

In the busy and over populated world we live in, it can sometimes seem like one person cannot make a difference. However, history has shown this to be untrue. From Rosa Park’s defiant stance of not moving out of her seat on the bus, to Ghandi’s consistent belief in non violent activism, one person can make a difference.

Here are a few ideas:

1. Educate yourself and others around you. Read about whatever subject you are passionate about. Then, share the knowledge you have picked up. Don’t just read online though. Check out newspapers and books (Amazon or other online retailers will usually suggest other books in the same genre/category when you buy from them), as well as blogs on your interests. Get totally involved and read both sides of the issue. Be informed and thorough in your research. If you really dig something, you could even educate yourself so well that you can give a talk on it, thus spreading the word even farther. The good thing about this one is you don’t need to live anywhere special or have a lot of money to get it done. If you are broke for example, you can just borrow books from the library. If time is an issue for you, you can take it at your own pace. Basically, all you need is enthusiasm.

2. Volunteer. There are TONS of organisations out there that are looking for volunteers. You could do anything from staffing a helpline to clearing out cages in an animal rescue pound. Volunteer Ireland has lots of opportunities from all sorts of charities. You could also write directly to the charities that you would like to work for. This does not require skills in writing, speaking or even fluency in English. It also does not require cash, aside from the cost of transport perhaps. Even then, many charities will pay transport costs.

3. Write Letters. Writing letters/emails can make a difference by drawing attention to a forgotten or neglected issue. You can write to local politicians, newspaper editors and business figures. If you can get the issue brought to the forefront of peoples’ minds, there is a chance for real progress to be made. Letting the media know is particularly important. It does not require much, aside from the cost of a stamp. As Jim Morrison famously said; “Whoever controls the media, controls the mind”. So try and get out there and let the media know.

4. Speak out at public meetings/at hearings. This may seem pretty radical, but if you have a chance to speak at hearings/meetings, then speak up! You'll actually stand out from the crowd simply because of your age, and because it is highly unlikely you are having your say due to vested interests. Therefore, you are more likely to come across as genuine and thus be listened to. It does not require money, but does usually require time, transport and a dash of courage.

5. Chuck it out. Give away old/unused/unworn stuff. There is bound to be lots of stuff clogging up your closet, shelves and under-bed space. It sounds simple, but by donating your old stuff, charities can raise a good bit of cash. You can also give your stuff away at sites like Jumbletown and Free cycle Ireland. If you have no access to transport, people can come to your home (make sure you are not alone when people come to get the goods) and collect your unwanted goods, so even transport is not needed for this. It also does not require any dosh, writing skills or even speaking ability. All you need is a computer (you can use a free one in your local library) to put up an ad.

6. Fundraise. Anything you dream of can be an opportunity to raise some much needed cash. Ideas for fundraising include car washing, supermarket bag packing, cake sales, garage sales, talent shows, concerts and raffles. This does require some extroversion, as you will need to advertise and talk to people at the fundraising event. It also will take a bit of time to set up. It does not require much money or writing skills though.

7. Start a blog. You’ve heard it once if you’ve heard it a million times, but you really can make a splash and get your thoughts heard by starting a blog. You can write about anything and everything on your blog. Furthermore, if you are shy you can write under an anonymous addy. Popular free blog programmes include: blogger and word press. Good writing skills are useful for this. Where you live and how much money you have does not matter.

8. If you have cash to spare, give it! Kiva.org is an excellent website where you can donate as much or as little as you like in the form of a loan. These loans are used to get individual projects off the ground. For example, people who want money to set up their own small business and make a sustainable living. Global giving is another site with a similar mission. You can contribute as much or as little as you like to projects here also.

9. Use your mouse and click on a daily basis to sites like freerice.com, The Hunger Site and The Animal Rescue Site. These sites work on the basis that every click you make will take you a page full of advertisements and so companies see this as a good way to get their products out there. Clicking costs you NOTHING, but every click raises money or food and makes a real difference.

10. If you are really brave and determined, why not set up your own committee, organisation or body to get things done. It may take a momentous effort to get all the paperwork done and get the org going, but it would make a difference for sure. This one requires 'em all: time, money, energy and writing/speaking skills. Big inputs, but most likely big rewards.

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The story of 'We the Citizens'

Mon, 16 Jan 2012 07:59:47 GMT

‘We the Citizens’ is an independent initiative that aims to empower Irish citizens and to inspire them to get involved in Ireland’s politics. The initiative feels that ordinary people can bring just as much to the table as the suited and booted politicians can.

‘We the Citizens’ held a large variety of events around the country in 2011 and communicated with hundreds of people. As a result, the initiative has collected a large amount of information from Irish citizens. The long term aim of ‘We the Citizens’ is to ensure that all citizens of Ireland have an active part in the running of the country and to make sure that the views of all citizens are heard.

If you’d like to learn more, check out the video below. It tells the story of ‘We the Citizens’, how it formed and what it has done so far.

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Further information

www.wethecitizens.ie

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Giving blood is giving life

Fri, 13 Jan 2012 07:51:37 GMT

What is blood donation?

Blood donation involves donating a small amount of your blood to a Blood Transfusion Service. In Ireland, the organisation that handles all blood donations is known as the Irish Blood Transfusion Service (IBTS).

If you are aged between 18-65 and are generally healthy, you may be eligible to donate blood. When you donate blood, it is screened for viruses and toxins. If your blood is considered safe, it is then transported to hospital blood banks.

Why donate?

You could literally save a life. Blood transfusions are life saving procedures.

Your blood type may be in demand. It’s harder for hospitals to source rare blood types. O positive and A positive are the most common blood types in Ireland and AB negative is the least common.

It’s FREE. It doesn’t cost anything to donate blood.

It’s a way of paying it forward. Some people who have benefited from blood donation like to give back to others.

It’s rewarding. Many people feel personally satisfied after donating blood.

Free juice and biscuits! Enough said.

Who can donate?

You can donate blood if:

You weigh more than 50 kilograms (7 stone 12 lbs).

You are in good health and not sick at the time of donation.

You are aged over 18.

Your iron levels are good. The staff at the clinic will test your iron and will defer you if your iron is not high enough.

Click here to take the IBTS blood donation eligibility quiz to see if you can donate today. http://www.giveblood.ie/Become_a_Donor/Give_Blood/Can_I_Give_Blood

Who can’t donate?

People who have lived or travelled in the UK for a year or more between 1980–1996. This is due to the risk of VCJD, AKA ‘Mad Cow’ disease.

Former or current IV drug users.

People under the age of 18.

People with low iron levels/anaemia.

People who have been ill with colds or flu’s recently.

Women who are pregnant or who have been pregnant over the past twelve months.

Click here for more information on donation criteria. http://www.giveblood.ie/Become_a_Donor/Give_Blood/FAQs/

What happens at the Blood Donation Clinic?

When you arrive at the clinic, you will be asked to register with the IBTS. This involves giving the IBTS your name, address, date of birth and phone number.

A doctor or nurse will ask you about your general health, any medicines you are taking and about your sexual and travel history. You will also be asked if you have ever had blood transfusions done.

You will then fill in a Health and Lifestyle questionnaire. It is important to note that ALL information given to the IBTS is considered confidential.

The doctor or nurse will perform a quick test of your blood to check your iron level. If your iron level is too low, you will not be allowed to donate blood. You may be asked to contact your doctor for further testing and treatment of anaemia.

You will need to give consent for your blood to be tested for HIV, AIDS and other infections.

You will then be brought to one of the donation beds.

A nurse will insert a needle attached to a blood bag into your arm. The blood will then flow out of the needle into the bag. The bag is kept out of sight, so that you don’t feel ill looking at the blood.

A nurse or doctor will keep an eye on you throughout the donation. You should let them know if you feel pain or are unwell in any way.

The bag will take 8-15 minutes to fill up.

One the bag is filled; a nurse will remove the needle and put a dressing on your arm.

You will be asked to put pressure on the arm for 2-3 minutes.

You will need to rest for a while before going to the canteen. At the canteen you will get a drink and light refreshments.

The IBTS recommends that you remain in the clinic for at least 15 minutes after your donation.

If you feel faint or unwell once you leave the clinic, you should sit or lie down and place your head between your knees. You should rest for 30 minutes. If you still do not feel well after this, call the National Blood Centre on 01 432800 or the Munster Regional Transfusion Service on 021 4807400. These lines are manned by qualified doctors 24 hours a day.

Tips for donors

Eat something at least three hours before you donate.

Make sure to consume plenty of non alcoholic fluid before donating.

If you are afraid of needles or worried about the process, let the staff know so that they can help ease your anxiety.

Avoid heavy exercise the day of your donation.

More info

giveblood.ie
Clinics around the country