Time will tell but this sure seems like a refreshing shift at Focus on the Family. Jim Daly, who has risen from a hellish past, replaces Dr. James Dobson at the helm of the conservative Christian organization based in Colorado Springs and vows to be a different kind of leader. Instead of being dogmatic “it’s more about having a conversation with people.” He admires Barack Obama, wants to focus … Continue reading New Focus on the Family
The plight of homeless children was the focus of two articles in the 5/18 edition of USA Today. One is about 11 year old Zach Bonner who is walking from Atlanta, Georgia to Washington, D.C. to raise money and awareness for homeless youngsters. He hopes to meet with President Obama when he arrives in July. http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2009-05-17-wagon-boy_N.htm?csp=34 The other is by CBS anchor, Katie Couric, who … Continue reading Homeless Children
Who would you show up for? Who are the people in your life that you would be present for rain or shine? Who would you jump on a plane to see? My friend, Genevieve, and I were driving back from Beaver Creek after an overnight celebrating Nancy’s birthday with the ladies. We were talking about how your dearest friends were those you could count on … Continue reading Showing Up
Thanks so much to my friend, Kerry Sanders, who recognized a good story when he saw one and featured BeadforLife on NBC’s Today Show. Thanks also to Maryann Zoellner, Jim Bell, DeeDee Thomas and Meredith Vieira for their support. Phones are ringing off the hook in Boulder today as more women join the bead circle and get involved in the fight against global poverty in Africa. The women in … Continue reading BeadforLife on NBC’s Today Show
I wrote a blog on Christmas Day 2008 (after seeing the movie “Slumdog Millionaire”) about how conflicted I was while in Delhi, India over what to do when children begged for handouts. Apparently I’m not the only person who has struggled with how to respond. Check out Sunday’s New York Times column, The Ethicist, by Randy Cohen. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/05/03/magazine/03wwln-ethicist-t.html For more information on Vicky Collins visit http://teletrendstv.com Continue reading India Ethics
Many thanks to PBS producer Patti Parson, Associate Producer Rebecca Jacobson and the folks at The Newshour with Jim Lehrer for the wonderful story they did on BeadforLife (http://beadforlife.org) on Thursday’s program. Every time the NGO gets national exposure of this kind the phones ring off the hook and more and more people join the fight against global poverty. Together we are making a difference and … Continue reading BeadforLife on The Newshour
Hi Julia, Allied Jewish Federation has been reminding me of my $50 pledge which I have yet to pay. After doing a lot of soul searching I have decided not to honor the pledge. During the recent Israeli/Palestinian crisis I felt Allied Jewish Federation was very strident. What Hamas is doing is deplorable and as a Jew I grieve for Israel’s pain. I know the country has endured a … Continue reading Note to Allied Jewish Federation
I had my first photos ever in a gallery. A call for entries went out for a juried exhibit at Flash Gallery in Denver (http://workingwithartists.org) and two of my photos were selected. The subject of the exhibit was “Home is Where the Heart Is” and photographers were encouraged to submit their visions of what home means. Proceeds from the exhibit will go to help the Denver Rescue … Continue reading Amazing Grace
The principal of the Challenge School, Edie Alvarez, sent an email to the student body and their families on January 2nd. There had been a fire at the school overnight. Authorities were investigating. Two sheds on the ground were destroyed. It could have been worse. The PTCO sent an email shortly after, elaborating on the loss. All the sets, props and costumes from the theatre department were destroyed in … Continue reading Disaster Relief
As a journalist I find covering natural disasters to be amazing and inspiring. So many stories are revealed amidst the staggering force of earthquakes, floods, tornados, hurricanes and wildfires. Even more awesome to witness is the force of the human spirit during such calamities. Natural disasters always bring out the best in people and communities. Despite devastation and personal tragedies, people rush to the aid … Continue reading Art’s Heart
Vicky Collins Online 