PRSA lunch-in

On Oct. 28th I experienced a great opportunity to attend the PRSA lunch-in at the Sheraton hotel in Richmond, VA. The special guests for the lunch-in meeting were Tim Marburth and Kimberly Allen. Both speakers had much to say about the Virginia governor election. Although both support different candidates, Marburth for Bob McDonnell and Allen for Creigh Deeds, they encouraged everyone to go out and vote on November 3rd. Before the two ended their speeches, what I found most interesting were the social media tools they mentioned. Allen mentioned a social media tool called Google docks. Allen also added that the social media tool of radio helped Obama during the 2008 presidential election. Allen said it was wise tactic for radio waves to push the get out and vote efforts during drive times of commuting.

Health care @ VSU

On Thursday Oct. 22 the NOW! group held a forum in the basement of Byrd Residence Hall. The purpose of the forum was to bring awareness of Healthcare Reform to students of Virginia State University. VOP representative, Cathy Woodson, and SGA President, Cassandra Campbell, spoke to interested VSU students who wanted to gain more insight about the needed attention that this Healthcare reform needs. During the course of the forum, group members from NOW! conducted surveys as well as having the students participate in the phone banking.

Social and the Radio

The Men of New Water Organization, Inc. had a social on the VSU campus in the Trojan Corner of Foster Hall on Oct. 20th at 7p.m. There was a great turn out and I had a chance to perform a musical piece in memory of my mother Nicole Barber entitled Blind. In addition to the soical I had the pleasure of performing on the VSU radio station 91.3 WVST. I had alot of fun today and hope that it only continues. For more information on New Water events visit our website at www.newwater97.spruz.com

New Water Peace Walk

The Men of New Water Organization, Inc hosted a peace walk on the Virginia State University campus on October 19th at 5pm. The peace walk started at Virginia Hall and ended at the VSU fountain with the release of black and silver balloons into the air after a prayer of peace. The peace walk was the first event to begin Water Week. For more information about The Men of New Water Organization, Inc. click link below:
http://www.newwater97.spruz.com/

VOP Racial Profiling Campaign Update

Racial profiling and other biased policing practices are issues of concern to people of color around the Commonwealth. African-American, Latino, South Asian and other groups are concerned about this issue every time they drive a car, and even more so when their children begin to drive. Racial profiling is the result of patterns, often unconscious, that are in the minds of law enforcement officers before they even begin their careers, and that current training is not enough to get rid of. To learn more about racial profiling click the link below: http://www.virginia-organizing.org/campaign/racial_profiling_update.php

Over 500 Groups Demand End To Local Immigration Checks

Since taking office, the Obama Administration has been doing a carefully choreographed dance with both sides of the immigration debate in an attempt to place itself in a "sweet spot" where it believes it will be able to appease all concerned parties when the thorny issue of immigration reform finally moves up the legislative agenda. http://migramatters.blogspot.com/2009/09/over-500-groups-demand-end-to-local.html

Rural Virginians talk health care to Congress

Rural Virginians cleared the air about their position on health-care reform at the “Rural Issues in Health Care Reform” congressional briefing hosted this week by Reps. Tom Perriello (D-Va.) and Peter DeFazio (D-Ore.). Majority Whip James Clyburn (D-S.C.) and Rep. Steve Kagen (D-Wis.) also spoke at the briefing. http://augustafreepress.com/2009/10/02/rural-virginians-talk-health-care-to-congress/

Virginia Lags in Restoration of Felons' Civic Rights

Convicted felons in Virginia who want their rights back must petition the governor in what can be a lengthy process. Once they are out of prison and off probation, there's a waiting period of three years for nonviolent offenders and five years for violent offenders and drug dealers.Although the governor has the power to restore most civil rights, felons still are prohibited from owning a gun. Once someone has his other rights restored by the governor, he can ask a circuit court judge for permission to have a gun. Restoring the rights of felons is left to the sole discretion of the governor, and the number of such actions has varied widely from administration to administration. Click link below to learn more about this story: http://www.roanoke.com/news/roanoke/wb/218048

2009 Virginia Votes

The 2009 VirginiaVoting information gives Virginians all the needed information for deadlines, election information,voters’ rights and responsibilities, regaining voting rights after a felony conviction and your local voter registration offices. In addition, the guide is filled with issues that affect you and fellow Virginians. We’re all in this together so check out more about Virginia Votes 2009 handbook! http://www.virginia-organizing.org/voterg.pdf

1 Million awarded to VSU

Virginia State University has been awarded a $1 million National Science Foundation (NSF) grant to study the effectiveness of interventions on the mathematics performance of minority middle and high school students. The goal is to increase participation of minorities within the science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields. The three-year initiative, to be led by Dr. Oliver Hill, chair of the department of psychology, will promote partnerships between VSU and local school districts, while developing pedagogical modules to develop students’ capabilities to perform successfully in the targeted STEM areas. To learn more about this grant and its components click link below: http://www.vsu.edu/pages/2662.asp?item=12666

Career Fair at VSU

There is a career fair going on the Virginia State University campus today from 10am to 3:30pm in the Daniel's Gym. I think it's great that students have the chance to speak with companies that are offering full time positions and internships. Sadly I wish there were more positions or companies present in the field of Mass Communications. Every company and business deals with communications and public relations yet many of the companies I encountered today deal with retail or education. Most of these companies hire outside sources to take care of there marketing and advertising instead of doing it "in house". Man I really hope I can break into my field because I am seriously not trying to settle for less. Well here's to the future

Facts about the Men of New Water Inc.

Where was the Men of New Water Organization, Incorporated founded?

The Men of New Water Organization, Incorporated was founded on the Virginia State University campus by twenty-three founders in 1997.


How diverse are the members of the Men of New Water Organization, Incorporated?

The Men of New Water Organization, Incorporated has members from the states of New York, New Jersey, District of Columbia, Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, South Carolina, Alaska and the country of Thailand.

What are some of the signature events of the Men of New Water Organization, Incorporated?

Signature events for the Men of New Water Organization, Incorporated are Dance Fever, The All-White, Poetry Night and the Miss New Water Pageant.

What are the official colors of the Men of New Water Organization, Incorporated?

The official colors of the Men of New Water Organization, Incorporated are black and silver.

What is the motto for the Men of New Water Organization, Incorporated?

The motto for the Men of New Water Organization, Incorporated is “Until the Well Runs Dry”

Programs for the Men of New Water Inc.

Freshmen Meetings: The Men of New Water Organization, Incorporated each semester holds one freshmen meeting per month. The purpose of freshmen meetings are to introduce the Men of New Water Organization, Incorporated to incoming freshmen men and to establish a support system for incoming freshmen to adapt to the college environment.

Male meeting workshops: The Men of New Water Organization, Incorporated once a month holds an all male meeting workshop. Each workshop addresses different topics for self motivation and self-improvement. Some of our workshop topics include time management, conflict resolution, team cooperation and stress management.


Food Drive: Twice a year the Men of New Water Organization, Incorporated holds a food drive called “Feed the Famished” usually during the thanksgiving holiday. Two families from the Petersburg community are identified and given canned goods, turkey, a dessert and juices. The rest of the food gathered from the food drive is donated to soup kitchens and the Salvation Army.

School Supplies Drive: The Men of New Water Organization, Incorporated cares about our youth. At the beginning of each school year, a school supplies drive is conducted to help local elementary students afford books, writing utensils and other scholastic items needed to assist them with their education.

Domestic violence: The Men of New Water Organization, Incorporated is firmly against all acts of violence especially domestic. For this reason, each semester our organization holds a forum on domestic violence and prevention.

New Water Highway Clean-ups: The Men of New Water Organization, Incorporated is rooted in the community. One of our most productive and featured community services is our highway clean-ups. Grove Street located in historic Old Towne Petersburg is cared for and maintained by the Men of New Water Organization, Incorporated.

Lobbying and Politics

The lobbyist enters the dark, smoke-filled room with pockets full of cash. The fat politician waits with a greedy grin, ready to vote for a sweet deal for the power behind the lobbyist. We’ve all seen this in the cartoons in the newspaper. Sometimes that picture is not so far from the truth. But lobbying is not quite that simple. We all know our political system directly affects our economic system. But how does lobbying fit in? The answer depends on your understanding of economics. There are many functions of lobbying such as free market and conflict theory. For more information on lobbying and our poliitical system click link below:
http://www.virginia-organizing.org/articles/lobbying.php

Payday Lending Fact Sheet

The payday lender must give you at least two pay periods to repay your loan.
If you are paid weekly or more often, the payday lender must give you at least 14 days to repay your loan. If you are paid every two weeks, your minimum loan term is 28 days. If you are paid twice a month, your minimum loan term is 31 days. If you are paid monthly or use your monthly benefit payments to get your loan, your minimum loan term is 62 days.
A payday lender cannot make a loan to you if you already have an unpaid loan from any payday lender. For more information on your rights when borrowing money visit
http://www.virginia-organizing.org/magazine/fall08_what.php

VOP in Southwest Virginia

Knocking on thousands of doors in one summer can really help change some power dynamics in the state of Virginia. Southwest Virginia VOP members are already seeing this new dynamic in action as they meet, and schedule meetings with, local elected officials this fall. Legislators have been much quicker to return calls to schedule the meetings and have been very interested in what thousands of people VOP talked to in their districts are saying are the major community issues. VOP members and allies have already had meetings with Senator Phillip Puckett in Russell County and Delegate Anne Crockett-Stark in Wytheville to talk about the summer project, local issues, and our statewide campaigns on health care and car title lending. For more information about VOP’s organizing in Southwest Virginia contact Brian Johns at bjohns@virginia-organizing.org or (276) 619-1920
http://www.virginia-organizing.org/magazine/fall08_southern.php

Men of New Water Inc.

The Men of New Water Organization, Incorporated is an all male organization which brings forth a big brother form of guidance to all undergraduate and graduate students at Virginia State University. I am proud to announce that the Men of New Water Organization, Inc. can now be found online. I encourage everyone to come and learn more about this fantastic organization. http://www.newwater97.spruz.com

Just the Facts

The Virginia Organizing Project, VOP, is a statewide multi-issue citizens' organization committed to challenging injustice by empowering people in local communities to address issues that affect the quality of their lives.

What type of issues does the Virginia Organizing Project campaign for?

The Virginia Organizing Project campaigns on issues of child care, economic security, education, environment, health care, immigrants and worker rights, leadership development, youth, racism, sexual orientation discrimination and voter registration and mobilization.

How long has the Virginia Organizing Project been an existence?

Since 1995, VOP has intentionally involved people who have never participated in working for change alongside those with many years of experience. VOP is intentionally diverse in its leadership development, and attempts to cultivate democratic skills amongst people who, regardless of differences in race, gender, class, sexual orientation, age, occupation, religion, geographic location or ability, believe in the importance of working through local, grassroots communities to ensure a better quality of life for all Virginia's residents.

What is the Virginia Organizing Projects’ motto?

“Real People, Dealing with Real Problems, Working for Real Solutions”

What other type of projects does the Virginia Organizing Project conduct?

The Virginia Organizing Project has entered into a Joint Plan of Work with a wide variety of organizations in the following areas: Environment, Human Rights, Transportation and Community Support.

How does one learn more about the Virginia Organizing Project?
The Virginia Organizing Project website is www.virginia-organizing.org. The Virginia Organizing Project also has a blog site at www.virginiaorganizing.blogspot.com.

Health Care Reform Awareness at VSU

The Virginia Organizing Project along with Virginia State University Mass Communication students will host a health care reform awareness campaign on the VSU campus during the month of October. The health care reform campaign will begin with a health care forum on October 14, 2009 in the basement of Byrd Hall at eight p.m.
The purpose of this health care reform campaign is to create awareness among Virginia State University students, faculty and staff about health care reform and to increase support of the public health insurance plan. The public health insurance plan is the only way to control costs, ensure quality and force private insurance companies to finally put our health before their profits. The week will conclude with a health care reform walk, phone banking and conducting surveys around the VSU campus testing students’ knowledge on health care.

Extending School Days?

This week President Obama proposed that American school children need to extend their time in class or spending less time during summer vacations. For this generation of students to remain competitive with their international peers as adults, they need to start spending more time in school. I am not oppose to the idea of extending school days or cutting summer vacation time for students. My issue is whether the American people (tax payers) can afford to fund it. Health care, the banking industry, auto industry etc are all coming out of the pockets of tax payers. It's a great and noble idea to help further our children's education but I don't think the money is there. If a cost efficient way is proposed to do this than I am for it but if not Obama we have to take one matter at a time. To learn more about Obama's proposal for extending school days click the link below: http://www.ask.com/bar?q=extending+school+days&page=1&qsrc=178&ab=0&title=Obama+Proposes+Longer+School+Days+%7C+Edu+in+Review+Blog&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.eduinreview.com%2Fblog%2F2009%2F03%2Fobama-proposes-longer-school-days-extended-school-year%2F