Raise Foundation is a registered Australian charity which provides mentoring programs for young people in high schools and in the community. Our mentoring programs provide a community of support around young people. Mentoring from a positive role model during the critical teenage years provides a nurturing pathway for young people to feel supported.
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Aunties and Uncles
Mentor
Who are the mentors?
Aunties and uncles are volunteers over 18 years of age who may be married or single, with or without children of their own. They have a caring, non-judgmental attitude, a genuine liking for children and the time and willingness to develop a long term relationship with their niece/nephew which encourages them in a positive way.
Who are the children we help?
Our ‘nieces and nephews’ are children referred to us by social workers, community or government agencies or by their parents. They often live in sole parent families with no extended family network.
How does it work?
Once a volunteer auntie/uncle is screened and accepted into the program, the Coordinator reviews the children on our waiting list to identify the best possible match taking into account your residential location, your interests and lifestyle.
The Aunties and Uncles mentoring program is about long term, systemic change and opportunity for our next generation. An Aunties and Uncles mentorship can play a huge role in providing children with the opportunities and experiences to help them to overcome disadvantage, build resilience and confidence and grow into healthy and happy community members.
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Kids Nationwide Take a Stand for Migrant Families
In response to President Trump’s immigration policy that has separated thousands of children from their parents as families make their way to the U.S. to seek asylum, kids nationwide are taking a stand by hosting lemonade stands to raise awareness and money for the migrant children.
By: Heather Newgen | Twitter: @hnvoluntourist
As the Trump administration continues to take children away from their parents as they enter the U.S. and prepares to deport undocumented immigrants without due process, Charlotte Latta, 8, of Kenmore, WA has a message to share.
“Kids are like eggs and parents are the birds and kids need their parents to survive,” she told The Voluntourist.
She added, “When I saw pictures of the kids in detention I felt sad and angry. The government is supposed to help kids, not hurt them. I’m having a lemonade stand because I want to help the kids…Kids are the future and the future is kids!”
Latta, like many others, are outraged by the inhumane methods of Trump’s crack down on immigration and are doing something about it.
The Lawyer Moms Foundation (LMF), a 501(c)(3) entity that conducts charitable and educational activities for issues affecting historically and currently marginalized children and families in the United States, announced its second annual Kids Take a Stand event. On July 27 and 28, kids and families nationwide will host lemonade stands to drive awareness about the continued separation of thousands of migrant families and raise funds to support migrant families separated at the border.
All proceeds from the lemonade stands will benefit Kids in Need of Defense (KIND) — whose staff and pro bono attorney partners at law firms, corporations, and law schools nationwide represent unaccompanied immigrant and refugee children in their deportation proceedings to ensure that no child stands in court alone — and Rio Grande Valley Rapid Response, a humanitarian effort to coordinate relief for the families and children who find themselves without food, shelter, or basic hygienic supplies.
“Kids and families alike have been horrified by the treatment of migrants in U.S. custody,” said Jasmine Blackmeir, Board of Directors, Lawyer Moms Foundation. “Since April 2018, thousands of children have been separated from their parents at the U.S. border — often in detention centers with abhorrent conditions, in violation of the standards outlined in the Flores Settlement — as a result of the Department of Justice’s “zero tolerance” policy. We want to give everyone, from young children to grandparents and everyone in between, the chance to make a difference.”
Last year, the inaugural Kids Take a Stand event raised over $40,000 through in-person and online donations nationwide. The proceeds were donated to Project Corazon.
“The nearly 20,000 moms who support the Lawyer Moms Foundation — and more importantly, American families — will not give up until every separated migrant child is reunited with their family,” said Jasmine Blackmeir, Board of Directors, Lawyer Moms Foundation. “We hope that Kids Take a Stand not only raises money for two organizations doing incredible work in support of migrant families but that it gives parents a way to discuss the family separation issue and ways to take action with their children, in an age-appropriate way.”
To find a lemonade stand near you click here.
To learn how to host your own lemonade stand click here.
About Lawyer Moms Foundation
Lawyer Moms Foundation (LMF) is a 501(c)(3) organization focused on conducting charitable and educational activities for issues affecting historically and currently marginalized children and families in the United States. LMF outreach and fundraising activities focus specifically on the intersection of U.S. law and disadvantaged families, such as immigration, clean water, and mass incarceration. LMF seeks to educate individuals and groups on these issues and how to address them through preserving and defending the necessary structural underpinnings of representative democracy in the U.S.—e.g., through increasing the number of registered voters, explaining the process and results of constituent advocacy, and exposing individuals and families to more people with stories and experiences different from their own.
How Visiting India Inspired Mischa Barton to Advocate for Women’s Education
“The Hills: New Beginnings” star Mischa Barton exclusively talks to The Voluntourist about how she deals with bullying and her work with Save the Children.
Mischa Barton was launched into superstardom at a young age when she took on the memorable role of Marissa Cooper on the hit teen drama “The O.C.” While she was hailed as one of the greatest child actors of the 90s, the glaring spotlight made fame challenging for rising star. She was constantly bashed in the media and was bullied at school.
Now the 33-year-old is taking a stand against haters. At the Don’t Hide It Flaunt It Awards–an event that celebrates, accepts and tolerates a person’s differences, Barton shared her story in hopes of encouraging others dealing with similar issues.
“The advice is to remember that everybody always puts the best version of them on the internet and it’s not real. So many people accomplish so much in this world who who have bullied their whole lives. Sometimes that bullying and getting picked on leads to success and that popular kid doesn’t always turn out to have the life you think they’re going to,” she exclusively told The Voluntourist.
“I’ve been bullied on and off my whole life, even as a kid for just wearing glasses and was pushed over in the schoolyard and stuff. It happens through all times in your life. Then you became famous and you kind of win, then you’re bullied again. You have to remember that life is a rollercoaster and you can accomplish whatever you want if you stay strong,” she added.
The reality star credits her family for helping her through the tough moments.
“My parents raised me to be strong and smart and to try to have a good perspective on things. It’s never easy growing up in the public eye or going through your more formative years with everybody having a spotlight on you. I’m intensely grateful for this next generation that they are more aware of the negative aspects of bullying people and being bullied. There’s a great conservation going on now that you can teach children that’s just not cool,” she said.
She continued, “They talk about it in school and it’s just so open. We always had to hide the fact that you were bullied. You had to pretend that it wasn’t happening. Now I think you can talk about it and that’s great. Have that conservation. You’re not that snitch going to your parents or teacher anymore.”
When it comes to social media, Barton has a few rules she lives by.
“I largely don’t pay attention to a lot of things that I know will be super negative. I pick and choose when I want to look. I pick and choose when I want to be on social media, when I feel like it’s appropriate. I don’t do it right bed. I don’t do it when I wake up except for when I want to get it out of the way. I pick and choose when it’s appropriate for me so it’s not injuring me in the bigger picture or seeping into my day or my every day life. If I take three days off Instagram then that’s fine by me. I do things in my own time and place now, which I think is much happier.”
In 2013 Barton traveled to India to shoot a film titled “Bhopal: A Prayer for Rain” which is based on true events of an industrial disaster that killed 10,000 people. That trip inspired Barton to advocate for others.
“Save the Children has been my main charity over the years. It started a long time ago, but it really ramped up when I went to go do this film in India and I got really into women’s education. That was what propelled my love for them. I’ve done a lot of different things for them, but I would say the main things besides anti-bullying, which I care deeply about, is that I focus a lot on women’s education and children,” Mischa Barton revealed.
“I just think India is a magical place and it really changed my life in my 20s. I became so intensely grateful for everything that I have and have had. I just found a nice calm sense of spirituality when I was there. That took my existence to the next level, which sounds corny, but it’s true. It left me feeling like I deeply cared and helping young girls and women makes me happy.”
Visit http://www.donthideitflauntit.com/ for more information on Don’t Hide It Flaunt it.
NYC Travel and Safety Tips -The Voluntourist Travel Guide
NYC is one of the greatest places in the world and one of the most traveled to cities. I lived in Soho for a year and fell in love with the city and New Yorkers. They’re honest, direct, cool and will always help you out if needed. I eventually moved back to LA for work, but still visit as much as I can. The Big Apple attracts over 60 million tourists each year, and while it’s exciting to experience the grandness of NYC, it’s also important to take a few precautions. So here’s a few tips I learned during my time there that will help make your trip smooth and hassle free.
Photo by: Jenny Karakaya
SUBWAYS
Download subway maps and maps of the city to your phone so you don’t need data or cell service to use them.
While waiting for the subway or train, don’t stand too close to the platform. For one, people will need to get out before you can board so you need to make room for them. Two, people have fallen on the tracks before, so don’t be that person.
There are free apps like Transit you can download that will guide your every move. It will tell you which subways to take to get to your location. Screenshot the directions so if you lose service you still know where you’re going. There are a few different apps, so research the one that’s best for you.
If a station is marked with a poll topped with a green ball outside, you can buy a MetroCard inside; if a station is marked with a role topped with a red ball, you need to already have a MetroCard to enter.
If you get a seat on the subway, great. If an elderly, pregnant or disabled person is on the subway, please give your seat up to them.
Do not lean on the poles inside the subways. When you do that, it makes it harder for other people to hold onto the pole.
There will be performers inside the subway station playing music or trying to entertain you in some way. It’s your choice if you want to tip or not. Same goes with people performing on the train.
CABS
Tip at least 15 to 20 percent.
If you’re having a hard time hailing a cab, which can be super challenging when it rains or if it’s rush hour, try to make your way to a to hotel that has people calling cabs for guests/visitors of the establishment. Or call an Uber/Lyft.
Be as specific as you can with telling the cab driver where you want to go. Always try to have the cross street.
Most drivers don’t like to engage in conservation, so don’t take it personal.
Always exit the cab curbside—safety first.
Never take a ride with someone who approaches you in person. This happens a lot at NYC airports. A driver will be standing inside the airport as people exit baggage claim asking if they need a ride. They’ll take you to a black car usually and oftentimes there’s a meter. However, you will be grossly overcharged. This is a popular scam in the city so beware.
STREET SMART
There are several places you can store your luggage or bags while you wander the city starting around $10/day (this is great if you can’t check into your accommodations right away, or if you shop a little too much and don’t have time to drop bags off). To compare prices and locations click here.
Keep your purse over your shoulder and in front of your body, and your wallet in your front pocket to avoid opportunistic pickpockets.
Bars are open until 4am, and many diners are open 24/7.
Bathrooms are hard to find, so download an app that can point you to the nearest public facility.
Photo by: Jenny Karakaya
If you ever feel unsafe and are alone, you can pop into a bar or restaurant if it’s late, or look for doormen in residential buildings. They can help you out.
Download the “Noonlight” app if you do happen to be walking alone late at night. You keep your finger on the button until you feel safe, and as soon as you release your finger, you have to enter a code or police will automatically be sent to your location.
Keep location tracking and “find my phone” services on at all times.
Pickpockets are everywhere in New York. Beware of scams such as the overly friendly dog walkers who distract you while someone walks off with your purse. Subways are another place to be careful of so hold on to your bags and don’t let them out of your sight.
Fake goods are another popular scam. You’ll find street vendors in places like Fifth Avenue and Grand Central Station. They’ll tell you they’re selling genuine Tiffany items that may seem like the real thing, but aren’t. If it looks too good to be true, you can assume you’re probably better off buying it in a store rather than from someone on the street.
CENTRAL PARK
Seems obvious, but dont go at night, especially if you dont know you’re way around. Go in a group if possible.
Watch out for the bikers and don’t walk in their way.
Please don’t take the horse carriage rides in the park. The horses are abused and everyone but the tourists know it. They are forced to stand in the streets for hours in extreme weather conditions, fight their way through traffic and have no access to shade or water. Their stable conditions are also terrible. So please, don’t contribute to the problem. If people didn’t take the carriage rides, this service wouldn’t be offered. Walk around the park or take a guided tour.
A New York City Library Card Gets You Free Access to Dozens of NYC Attractions
If you’re a New Yorker and don’t have New York City Library card, now is the time to get one. Besides having a access to unlimited books, cardholders can use the Culture Pass, which gives free admission to museums, public gardens and more.
Your New York City Library card offers endless adventures around the city at no cost. The Guggenheim, the Whitney and The Metropolitan Museum of Art are just some of the amazing institutions that have teamed with NYC libraries to create a program that gives more access to the city’s cultural sites.
Here’s how it works.
Log on to the Culture Pass website and sign up your library card number and pin to make reservations. It’s that easy. And some of the participating places even allow cardholders to bring guests!
But make sure to read the fine print. There are restrictions. According to the Culture Pass FAQs, you can only reserve one pass per cultural institution per year and you can only have two active reservations per library card. However, there’s so many places to explore in the city, so it’s not likely you’ll run out of fun free things to do.
Current institutions you gain free entry with your New York City Library are:
Brooklyn Botanic Garden
Brooklyn Children’s Museum
Brooklyn Historical Society
Brooklyn Museum
Children’s Museum of Manhattan
Children’s Museum of the Arts
Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum
The Drawing Center
The Frick Collection
Historic Richmond Town
International Center of Photography
Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum
Jacques Marchais Museum of Tibetan Art
The Jewish Museum
Louis Armstrong House
The Metropolitan Museum of Art
The Morgan Library & Museum
Museum of Modern Art, MoMA PS1
Museum of Chinese in America
Museum of Jewish Heritage – A Living Memorial to the Holocaust
Museum of the City of New York
New York Transit Museum
Noguchi Museum
Queens Historical Society
Queens Museum
Rubin Museum of Art
SculptureCenter
Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian
Society of Illustrators
Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum
Sugar Hill Children’s Museum
Wave Hill
Whitney Museum of American Art
Keep in mind that passes for a given date may sell out, reservations can be made up to two months in advance and upon arrival, guests will have to show a printout or mobile version of their pass.
If you’d like to apply for a New York City Library card, you can do so here.
How to see New Orleans in 72 Hours – Voluntourist Video
Heading to New Orleans? The Voluntourist shows you how to see the city in just three days.
By: Heather Newgen | Twitter: @hnvoluntourist
Packed with endless adventure and attractions, New Orleans is always a good time. It’s one of America’s most charming cities with a unique energy you won’t find anywhere else. Known worldwide for its delicious cuisine, jazz music and effortless cool vibe, New Orleans is draws millions of visitors each year.
While NOLA’s most famous area is Bourbon Street in the French Quarter, there’s so much more to experience. The city has beautiful parks, great museums, fun festivals, informative tours, and of course great bars and restaurants.
Since there’s so much to see and do, we’ve narrowed down a list of places to go so check out the video.
And here’s a few other options to consider as well.
Located in the Bywater, one of our favorite neighborhoods, Studio B showcases the work of local artists Brandon Odums (aka BMike). His famous large-scale murals and paintings, which highlight black culture in the city and is a must see.
Behind the iron gate of a rustic building on Peters Street is one of the most respected and intimate music venues. The renowned Preservation Hall Jazz Band plays here often and people wait in line for hours to see a little local magic. But don’t let the crowd deter you. It’s worth the wait.
3. Follow a Second Line
If you’re lucky enough to see a second line while you’re in New Orleans, jump in, follow along and dance your way through the city. They happen often on Sunday afternoons it’s one of the most liveliest parades to see.
Also in the Bywater, tucked away near the Mississippi River is this enchanting spot where you can get your jam on and test out your musical skills. You can play instruments in the whimsical interactive part play ground, part mini forest, part music venue or catch a show with local artists.
5. City Park
There’s so many great parks to see in New Orleans, but definitely add this one to your list. There are several things to see including the sculpture garden, New Orleans Museum of Art, botanical garden, and wandering the Couturie Forest that’s complete with a carousel kids love to ride.
Volunteering in New Orleans with Camp Restore
Looking for a responsible volunteering project in New Orleans? Camp Restore offers several programs for skilled and unskilled workers.
By Heather Newgen
In 2005 Hurricane Katrina swept through the Gulf Coast as a Category 3 storm, causing severe destruction along its path from New Orleans to Mississippi to Alabama, however, NOLA was hit the hardest after the levees failed due to poor engineering. As a result, over 1800 people died and the majority of the city flooded, causing an estimated $108 billion dollars worth of damage.
In the months following the catastrophe, support poured in worldwide and Camp Restore was an organization that was created in response to Hurricane Katrina. Years later is still working to rebuild the city with the help of volunteers.
“What began as hurricane relief has grown into efforts to address large-scale systemic challenges, such as restoring the wetlands that protect against hurricanes, supporting local schools and youth programs and helping new, innovative community nonprofits get off the ground. We achieve this through partnerships with more than 150 fellow nonprofits and churches,” their website states.
Camp Restore partners with over 80 local nonprofits, so there are plenty of volunteer projects that skilled and unskilled volunteers can do like working in a community garden, recycling Mardi Grad beads, rebuilding a home (if you have experience) and so many other projects.
Although Hurricane Katrina swept through the Gulf Coast in 15 years ago, pockets of New Orleans still needs assistance. Volunteers are always welcomed. There are several ways to give back and Camp Restore is an organization that takes groups of volunteers or individuals who are traveling alone and want to make a small difference.
Affordable volunteer housing is offered and and available to those who prefer to stay on site at Camp Restore.
Check out the video to see what it’s like to volunteer in New Orleans and how you can give back.
Why You Shouldn’t Miss the Mardi Paws Parade in Louisiana
Mardi Gras may be over, but the festivities aren’t. There’s one more parade you can catch and this one isn’t to miss. The Krewe of Mardi Paws is a tradition that celebrates our four-legged besties in the coolest way. Plus proceeds from the event benefit both canines and kids through the Ian Somerhalder Foundation.
By: Heather Newgen | Twitter: @hnvoluntourist
Taking place on March 10th, the 25th annual “Mardi Paws” Parade is a totally different sort of event designed especially for dogs. This year’s theme is “SuperPaws,” and celebrates everything about comic book culture. Matthew Davis, who is currently starring in The CW series “Legacies,” a supernatural drama that’s the third show in “The Vampire Diaries” universe, will serve as the Monarch for Mardi Paws .
The Mardi Paws Parade will also have a king and queen. King Otis was rescued about four years ago just outside of New Orleans. When he was just a puppy found with his snout glued, wired and roped shut with electrical cord; a cloth tied tightly around his neck; and broken bones in his front leg. The rescuing officers suspected he was being weakened to be a bait dog in a dog-fighting ring and that he somehow managed to escape. Today he’s safely living with a loving family and two dog siblings in Covington, Louisiana. He loves his blanket and taking rides in the car.
Queen Allison was put up for adoption when her former owner went into hospice care. She got a totally new leash on life when her current dad saw her on online adoption site, got in his truck with his other rescue dog – a fellow Cavalier King Charles spaniel named Theodore – and drove all the way to Kansas to claim her so she didn’t have to endure a flight. These days 9-year-old Allison is very happy at her new home, and Theodore is her very best friend.
And of course you can’t have a parade without a grand marshal, so 10-year-old Audrey Nethery, an internet and social media sensation will take on the role.
Shortly after she was born, Audrey was diagnosed with an incredibly rare bone-marrow disorder called “Diamond-Blackfan Anemia”; she just released a cookbook to raise awareness about the condition. Despite multiple blood transfusions and heavy medication, Audrey is known for her high energy, as exhibited in a now-famous viral video in which she shows off her Zumba skills. She’ll bring that enthusiasm to the parade route and will likely bow-wow the crowd. Audrey has her own dog, Leo, plus a few cats.
“Lost” and “Vampire Diaries” star Ian Somerhalder is a big supporter of Mardi Paws and although he won’t be there this year, he has a special connection to the event. Proceeds from the parade help animals and children through the Ian Somerhalder Foundation (ISF). The “V-Wars” actor is an ardent animal lover and grew up in neighboring Covington, Louisiana where he purchased 100 acres of land to give back to the community.
About 70 of those acres will be set aside to preserve the bayou; the remaining 30 will support pet projects that serve the needs of animals, youth and the community at large. He’s worked like a dog to create his namesake foundation, which empowers, educates and collaborates with people and organizations that have a pawsitive impact on the planet and all its creatures. Scott’s Wish, which provides aid for patients with leukemia and life-threatening illnesses, is the other beneficiary of Mardi Paws events.
Mardi Paws always takes place on the Sunday after Mardi Gras on the lakefront in Mandeville, Louisiana, just across Lake Pontchartrain from New Orleans. It’s generally agreed that Mardi Paws, which rolls at 2 p.m., is pawsitively the happiest, yappiest event of the entire Carnival season.
It’s $25.00 to register your dog for the parade, all four-legged friends must wear costumes and the event is free to the public. Sign up your pooch here.
Fun New Orleans Tours to Take Around the City
It’s easy to travel around New Orleans and fall in love with its vibrant, lively and friendly spirit. The locals are unique characters, there’s lots and lots of great food and you can walk down the street at any given time and hear the most beautiful jazz and blues music. There’s nothing in the world that you can remotely compare this city to and that’s just one of the many charming things about NOLA. And of course it’s rich in history, religion, has fun traditions and a distinct culture that includes Spanish, French and African influences.
By: Heather Newgen | Twitter: @hnvoluntourist
Millions of tourists flock to the Big Easy every year to experience the craziness of Bourbon St. and hang out in the French Quarter, but if you really want to see the true magical essence of the city, take a tour. They’re interesting, informative, fun and you’ll have a new perspective of NOLA.
There are three New Orleans tours I highly recommend.
1. The Cemetery and Voodoo Tour with Historic New Orleans Tours
You’ll explore St. Louis Cemetery No. 1, which was established in 1789 and is NOLA’s most famous cemetery for a few reasons. It’s the final resting place of Voodoo priestess Maria Laveau, the movie Easy Rider shot its scandalous acid freak out scene there and Nick Cage bought a white pyramid-shaped tomb for himself and his family to be buried in.
Up until recently you could go to the cemetery for free on your own and stroll through the rows of above the ground tombs anytime, however, due to vandalism, you now need a licensed tour guide to be granted entrance. In addition, you can take photos, but no video.
Tours with Historic New Orleans Tours are $25 for adults, $18 for students and seniors and $7 for kids 7-12. 6 and under is free. Tours last two hours and take place rain or shine. And it’s not as creepy as you think!
2. The Haunted Tour with Historic New Orleans Tours
Ok so this one is actually a bit creepy, but it’s intriguing. As you walk around the French Quarter after dark, you’ll learn about the buildings that are haunted and the stories about ghosts who have been seen roaming about.
You’ll visit several locations and spend a few minutes at each one while your guide gives a chilling and accurate account of what happened at every place. After you hear the enthralling tales, you’ll realize why people say New Orleans is one of the most haunted cities in the U.S. If you like history and being a little scared while being entertained, this is the tour for you.
Tours with Historic New Orleans Tours are $25 for adults, $18 for students and seniors and $7 for kids 7-12. 6 and under is free. Tours last two hours and take place rain or shine.
3. Swamp Tour with Pearl Eco River Tours
Venture into the Honey Island Swamp where you’ll see alligators, pigs, snakes and learn about the beauty of the wilderness. Even if you usually don’t love being so close to nature, you’ll love this tour. Not only will you walk away with some knowledge of Louisiana’s natural environment, but you’ll have a better appreciation for the swamps. This is one not to miss! Prices vary depending on tours and transportation needs.
To see my experience taking New Orleans tours and for other fun things to do in NOLA click here.
And to volunteer in New Orleans, check out my vlog with Camp Restore, which I highly recommend.