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Watch how this young LGBTQ+ advocate is raising money for The Trevor Project

Watch Charli Williams proudly show off her sewing skills that she’s using to support a good cause–LGBTQ+ rights.

By Heather Newgen

For the last 50 years, Pride Month has been a global celebration to promote equality and LGBTQ+ rights, as well as to commemorate the 1969 Stonewall Riots, a rebellion against discriminatory police raids of gay bars in New York. Every June people take to the streets for Pride parades and other public festivities to celebrate social and self-acceptance, the freedom to love whomever and to raise awareness for issues the LGBTQ+ faces. But, this year all events have canceled or moved online due to coronavirus, so this 12-year-old girl from Oklahoma found a creative way to show her support.

Charli Williams started making scrunchies a few months ago as a way to make money to pay for her dance lessons, but quickly used her skillset to help others. She’s sewing rainbow themed masks and scrunchies and selling them for $5.00 each. She’s donating $2.00 from every sale The Trevor Project, an organization that provides crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to the LGBTQ+ community.

“Being a teenager is hard anyways and some kids don’t have a parent or adult they can talk to about their feelings. The Trevor Project can help with that. Mental health is important, Williams told The Voluntourist. [This] “is important to me because not enough people are supportive. Some people don’t like people who are LGBTQ+. For anyone who is anti-LGBTQ, Williams’ message is, “I live by the rule of ” if you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all”. People who don’t support other’s differences don’t realize that words really can hurt. Words can really change a person’s outlook on life. A single word can change a person’s life.”

The Trevor Project offers a judgement free space and life-saving resources for LGBTQ+, but relies on volunteers to join their team of trained crisis counselors, who are available via email, text or phone 24 hours a day. In addition, volunteers are always needed and welcomed to help with youth outreach and advocacy. For more information check out their website. If you’d like to help Charli raise money, you can donate fabric or buy one of her items. You can message her on Instagram @scrunchiesbycharli or email her.

June 18, 2020 admin

Being Black in Boise, Idaho-What I Experienced

Nicole Ellis is a (now) vegan food and travel writer who has visited 25 countries and six continents. Nicole is married, mostly travels solo and is looking to connect to other vegan foodies and travelers. In 2018, she wrote about her experiences as a Black woman in Boise, Idaho. This article first appeared on her popular blog Nicky’s Savory Travels, but has given permission to The Voluntourist to share.

By Nicole Ellis

I’ll be honest with you, when I decided to finally book my trip to Boise, Idaho…I didn’t know what the hell to expect and part of me was afraid to go. Yessss….I was afraid to go to I-D-A-H-O!!! I don’t think you’re going to ask me why because we know the “why” factor. Look at my complexion! Enough said!

Boise Nicole Ellis in Boise, Idaho

If it wasn’t for me looking to accomplish one of my travel goals by next year, which is to visit all 50 states, I just don’t think Idaho would have made the cut! Lol! For many years I had heard how Idaho was racist specifically in the North and there were Skinheads who made themselves known that they did not care for minorities through racial slurs and violence. So, in the back of my mind as I was planning my trip there, I kept asking myself this question almost every other day…” Nicky, why are you still going ??” I even asked my husband if he wanted to tag along and although I knew his response would be a simple “No”, I thought I would amuse myself anyway by asking him. *I could have saved my breath asking him though* Lol.

But, being the Leo lioness I am, naturally I like to take on a challenge and I rarely fear anything (except for spiders!)…ewww! Anyhoo, I knew if I wanted to pat myself on the back for visiting all 50 states, that I needed to suck it up and just visit. Plus, I was curious as I just knew there was more to Idaho than potatoes! I must share, I didn’t expect the outcome I received and I’m so glad I decided to visit Boise.

My solo adventure started shortly after I hopped off the plane. I had scheduled a meeting with the first and only Black female State Senator of Idaho, Cherie Buckner-Webb. In addition; I had a food tour scheduled shortly after. I am constantly asking myself why do I schedule things so closely at times knowing I may have an overlap? Smh… Nonetheless, the State Senator was running a bit behind as I arrived at the Idaho Black History Museum. I was greeted by the Senator’s son who was hospitable and knowledgeable as we discussed the setup of the museum. I took in the treasure of black history shared, cultural exhibits and special displays. The museum had a feel of a small Southern church from the 1950’s in the South. There were wooden floors and it was small yet I felt at peace while walking around taking in information about Blacks and African immigrants settling in Idaho.

IDAHO BLACK HISTORY MUSEUM

Boise Nicole Ellis and the director of the Black History Museum

Boise Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. exhibit

Boise Idaho artist Pablo Rodriguez displays huge painting of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Boise Nicole Ellis at the Idaho Black History Museum

INDULGE BOISE FOOD TOUR

First Stop – BACON Restaurant

After I left the Idaho Black History Museum, I scurried to meet up with a Black-owned food tour operator, Angela Taylor of Indulge Boise Tours. I was so excited to go on the food tour as I’m a foodie at heart. First stop was BACON restaurant and they served just what you’re thinking…BACON!!! Lol!! BACON features 5 different kinds of bacon, serves a mean bacon bloody mary, and can you say brunch is available all day as well? As soon as we arrived, they were waiting for us and we were greeted with a smile. I had “The MAC” dish which consisted of bacon, mushroom, tomato, and cheese baked into a small dish. The dish was melted well together especially with the gooey cheese. The next signature item that came my way was the infamous five types of bacon: BerryHill (Chile-Sugar), Spicy Hot (Big Chile Heat), Kurobuta (Black Berkshire Pig with thyme, rosemary, sage, and lavender)…one of MY FAVS!!!, Maple Rosemary, and Candied (Smoky Syrupy Sweetness). Last but not least, I washed down this comfort meal with their infamous BACON Bloody Mary. I’ve had a Bloody Mary before but never thought to put a piece of bacon in it. Interesting contrast flavor which intensified the drink. Chef and Owner, John BerryHill came out and greeted me with his presence. It was such a pleasure to meet him, his crew, and learn about his vision of BACON restaurant.

Boise Nicole Ellis with her swag bag from BACON

Boise The MAC dish with bacon, mushroom, tomato and cheese

Boise Bacon Bloody Mary

Second Stop – Wild Root Cafe & Market

Have you ever been to a restaurant before in which the food looked sooo pretty that you just didn’t want to touch it? Well, the food at Wild Root Cafe & Market was absolutely beautiful looking! What a trendy place this is with its bright and vibrant ambiance. This place is managed by an Italian chef, Michael Trebbi in which he and his wife use to live in Chicago. We got off to a great start just by having our place of origin in common. He and his wife, Anne-Marie were so accommodating and hospitable throughout the food tour. Wild Root Cafe & Market is known for unique and creative flavor-infused healthy, and colorful organic dishes with bold flavors! I wanted to layout my food-tasting menu for ya…here’s what I sampled!

Boise Smoked and candied local rainbow trout, green cecine (Tuscan chickpea flatbread) grapefruit, radishes, artichoke, soft cooked egg, pistachios and lemon vinaigrette

Boise Nicole Ellis with Chef Michael Trebbi

TROUT
Smoked & candied local rainbow trout, greens, cecina (Tuscan chickpea flatbread), grapefruit, radishes, artichoke, soft cooked egg, pistachios, lemon vinaigrette

FLANK
Open-faced marinated grilled flank, caramelized sweet onions, tomatoes, mustard-parmesan vinaigrette, arugula, strawberries, and ruby-red grapefruit

AVOCADO BANH MI
Sprouts, kimchi, cucumber, scallions, thai basil, vegan mint-chili mayo, baguette

MINT MERINGUE DESSERT
Green mints, meringue, caramel, shaved coconut, and pistachio nuts sprinkled on top

THIRD STOP: THE CHOCOLAT BAR

My next stop on the food tour was a quick stop at The Chocolat Bar. I had handmade toffee smothered in a rich dark chocolate and topped with roasted almonds. The toffee melted right in my mouth and this was my top favorite treat! Also, the silky white chocolate with refreshing lemon oil, lavender flowers and toasted organic almonds was absolutely delicious. Last but not least, if you’re looking for a unique taste, with a different contrast of taste that has a red chili kick…then the Red chili and pistachios smothered in a rich dark chocolate may satisfy your sweet tooth.

Boise

Boise Handmade toffee smothered in a rich dark chocolate and topped with roasted almonds

FOURTH STOP: OLIVIN OIL & VINEGAR TAPROOM

I’ve never been on a food tour that included an olive oil place but I’m not surprised that it would be included in one. So, when we stopped at Olivin Oil & Vinegar Taproom , I was delighted to learn about oils and vinegar that complimented one other. We cook so many foods using different types of olive oils…so why not? I sampled various infused olive oils with non-infused balsamic vinegars. The host of the store was lovely and did a great job explaining the balance of the right oils and vinegars going together for the best food palette experience. Here’s what I sampled that is in congruent with the pictures displayed below.

Blood Orange Olive Oil & Tangerine Balsamic Vinegar (A hint of sweetness which can be drizzled over salads, grilled salmon and more!!)

Basil Olive Oil & Strawberry Balsamic Vinegar (Definitely good on a salad with fresh strawberries, raisins, or any sweet dried fruit)

Tuscan Herb Olive Oil & Lemon Water Balsamic Vinegar (I believe this was my favorite just by the mere fact I love to add lemon and herbs to my poultry and fish)

Boise Nicole Ellis with her tour host at Olivine Olive & Vinegar Taproom

LAST STOP OF INDULGE FOOD TOUR: THE BASQUE MARKET

So, have you heard of The Basque Market? How about The Basque People? Neither did I until I visited Boise. Lol! Okay, so I really don’t want to assume that no one has ever heard of it but if you have heard of The Basque Community…I’m impressed! I say this because stereotypically, Basques are known as a somewhat secretive culture.

Idaho is home to one of the largest populations of Basques outside of Spain. The Basque population is estimated around 30,000 in southern Idaho and eastern Oregon. They have been in Idaho about as long as western settlers have inhabited the region-since the mid to late 1800s-first coming for mining, then as shepherds. The Basque People are friendly and helpful to strangers and outsiders, hard working and industrious, but content to keep to themselves.

“Indulge Boise Tours” took me on my last and final stop to The Basque Market. The inside of the market reminded me of a deli shop that served wine, cheese, meats, and other tasty vittles surrounded by a European style store with bricks built as the interior adorned with important culinary elements that compliment the store. I sampled their Gilda Pintxos, Croquetas with Piquillo Pepper (AMAZING!!!!) & Green Olive with Manchego cheese. Also, their lively Frozen White Wine Sangria was one of THEE best frozen sangrias I’ve ever had!!! They’re also known for making an amazing and colorful big BIG pan of paella to which they take to the streets on certain days of the week! I took a picture with one of the large paella pans used on a weekly basis. You can check out The Basque Market to learn more about the delicious foods they offer and special events to include the whole family.

SO, WHAT ELSE IS THERE TO DO IN BOISE, IDAHO…BESIDES EATING FOOD, YOU MIGHT ASK?

Well unfortunately; I couldn’t write every little thing I experienced in Boise but here’s a handful of highlights I’d like to share with you just in case you’re looking to visit and want to add some “extras” onto your list:

1. GETTING IN A SAVORY BREAKFAST FROM MERRITT’S ORIGINAL SCONES & GOLDY’S RESTAURANT (LAST FOODIE SPOTS MENTIONED! LOL!)

I had an opportunity to stop at both of these delicious foodie spots with a friend or two and when I tell you I encountered nothing but some delicious comfort food in the Pacific Northwest, that is exactly what I did! At Merritt’s Original Scones , a friend and I met up in a suburb outside of Boise and I can tell you what I wasn’t expecting was to taste a deep-fried yet light and fluffy scone filled with smoked bacon, diced up grilled onions and bell peppers with cheese sauce. I’m use to tasting sweet scones with powdered sugar sprinkled on them…lol! I also had a side of hashbrowns with grilled diced onion and bell peppers as well. The next day on my way out of Boise going back home, I ate at Goldy’s Restaurant. This place is pretty popular as well and is located downtown Boise. It appears to be popular not only to tourists by regular locals including business professionals. I set up some time to interview the first and only black female State Senator of Idaho, Cherie Buckner-Webb.

2. RENT A BIKE AND RIDE AROUND THE BOISE RIVER GREENBELT

So, I thought I would get in a little outdoor nature during my trip by renting a bike to take in the scenery while doing so. I decided to visit the Boise River Greenbelt which expands out 25 miles throughout the city of Boise and is known to be one of the most beloved parks here. It’s surrounded by a small walking bridge, bike paths, walking trails, tennis courts, a park, and plenty of trees. I rented a bike from SoBi (Social Bicycles) as there’s a rack of them available across from the public restroom at The Julia Davis Park. It’s the perfect way to get around the municipal park and see hidden gems within the city of Boise.

3. STOP BY AND SIT DOWN WITH ABRAHAM LINCOLN AT THE JULIA DAVIS PARK

There’s a gigantic statue of Abraham Lincoln situated near the Idaho Black History Museum at the Julia Davis Park. It’s a well known landmark and I thought it would be cute to get in a photo-op showing off my feet dangling off the ground. 🙂

Boise Nicole Ellis at Julia Davis Park

4. HIKE UP TABLE ROCK

Table rock is a rock surface with multiple caves and ledges that overlooks the treasure valley area of Boise. The peak is surrounded by crosses planted into the ground and you can drive up to a certain point of Table Rock before you will actually have to hike up to the top. The hike is about 10 minutes to the top from the parking lot (not the base of the mountain..lol). Although I’m offering this information, I myself only stopped to the point of where you can drive up towards Table Rock. I think I got enough exercise in from bike riding around the Boise River Greenbelt.

5. CHECK OUT THE IDAHO STATE CAPITOL BUILDING

The Idaho State Capitol Building is home of the government of the state of Idaho. It was built in 1905 and took seven years to complete construction (1912). It is situated downtown Boise and as you’re driving into the city, it adds to the beautiful landscape of the town.

So, there you have it! I traveled to Boise, Idaho while being black and what I experienced was far beyond what I could have ever imagined. I didn’t have any set expectations during my trip either. I didn’t encounter any racism…or I should at least say any overt racism. No one was staring at me like I was like a novelty or being disrespectful. People were rather pleasant and greeted me on the streets with smiles and warmth. This was my personal reality and I know this may not be the case for everyone.

It’s amazing how liberating a person can feel when they decide to travel somewhere they would least expect to visit. In my case, I feel like I can continuously conquer the world! This was my solo weekend trip and I was able to accomplish so much by seeing and doing some of the top items on my list.

June 16, 2020 admin

5 Black activists you should know and follow

Being Black in America is tough, but if there’s one thing this year has shown us it’s powerful Black activists pushing boundaries and shaping the future. Meet the change-makers.

By Meagan Sargent @identify_la

With the modern-day lynching of George Floyd, the senseless killing of Breonna Taylor, the tragic killing of Ahmaud Arbery and (sadly many many more) the increase of police brutality on the Black community is on the rise. Protecting our Black brothers and sisters are of the utmost importance.

As a Black woman in America this struggle is all too real. I have experienced racism and prejudices daily and let me tell you, the weight of this struggle is hard to bear. That’s why the Black community needs the help of its allies now more than ever.

Being an activist is more than a “title.” It’s putting YOUR life on the line. It’s using YOUR voice and platform to speak up for social injustice. It’s holding people accountable and presenting blatant FACTS, which is exactly what the following Black activists are doing. Being an activist starts with YOU and until systemic change is brought forth, we will continue the fight for justice.

Here are five incredible Black activists to know.

Patrisse Cullors-Brignac:

Patrisse Cullors-Brignac is the co-founder and organizer of the Black Lives Matter organization. Founded in 2013, after George Zimmerman was acquitted for killing Trayvon Martin, Black Lives Matter has been a force since its inception. To date, Cullors-Brignac has put forth many hours to organize, educate, and fight for change by combating racial injustice while eradicating white supremacy. The global movement is vital in creating a channel for change in all cities. For additional information: www.blacklivesmatter.com

Brittany Packnett Cunningham:

Cunningham lives and breathes social justice. She was involved in the Ferguson Commission and President Obama’s Task Force on the 21st Century Policing amongst many others. Currently she is one of the leading voices of Campaign Zero, an online platform and organization that utilizes research-based policy solutions to end police brutality in America. With the dehumanizing death of George Floyd, it comes without saying that police brutality is the common denominator. Campaign Zero is a great resource for providing tangible updates for individuals wanting to get involved. For additional information: https://www.joincampaignzero.org/

Rashad Robinson:

Robinson is the president of Color of Change. Robinson leads campaigns on civic engagement, voting rights, criminal justice, and corporate and media accountability. The campaigns are powerful to end unfair practices while creating movements that demand change. Following Robinson on social media is a great start as he is also a spokesperson for Voting While Black and Tell Black Stories podcast. For additional information: https://colorofchange.org/

Tamika D. Mallory:

Co-founder of Until Freedom, Mallory has over two decades of social justice and reform under her belt. Until Freedom has a proven track record of focusing on immigrant rights, violence prevention, building grassroots support, media advocacy, and police reform. Mallory is a seasoned community organizer and activist that has served as a co-chair for the 2017 Women’s March on Washington. A natural born leader, she was even listed on Fortune’s 2017 list of World’s Greatest Leaders. For additional information: https://www.untilfreedom.com/

Charlene Carruthers:

Carruthers is the founding national director of BYP100 (Black Youth Project 100). She has worked alongside hundreds of young Black activists to build a national base of activist member-led organizations for Black individuals age 18-35. BYP100 is dedicated to creating justice and freedom for all Black people. Carruthers is a community organizer and writer with over 15 years of experience in racial justice, feminist and youth leadership development movement work. She is empowering young leaders for a bright future, which is the true way for systemic racism to come to an end. For additional information: https://www.charlenecarruthers.com/

Additional Resources:

Myisha T. Hill:

Hill is a mental wellness and justice author, speaker, and coach. More importantly, she is the face behind Check Your Privilege and founder of Brown Sisters Speak. Hill is a great resource for asking the questions and delivering messages to empower you to “do better.” For additional information: https://myishat.com/

Shaun King:

King is one of the leaders behind one of the largest and most effective grassroots civil rights organizations in the country, Grassroots Law Project. The organization uses its legal expertise to transform policing and justices in America by organizing millions of people together to address the many egregious failures in the system. Providing facts and a clear plan of action is what makes GLP so successful. For additional information: www.grassrootslaw.org

Kimberlyn Foster:

Foster is the creator of For Harriet. The site is a multiplatform digital community for Black women that reaches over 2 million visitors a month. Her storytelling encourages listeners of all backgrounds to further educate themselves on the social and racially driven injustices in the world. I’d suggest taking a look at her YouTube channel as that is where many of her videos are uploaded. There isn’t a direct “flow” to her videos, as they are designated to start the conversation which I find empowering and unique. For additional information: https://www.youtube.com/user/ForHarrietdotcom/videos

Our system is corrupt and sadly the fight for equality is not new. It’s a constant battle that the Black community has fought for centuries. The main difference is now the Black community is relying on its allies to speak up for social injustice. Until we, as a people, unite and dismantle the system, change will not occur. Black Lives Matter is more than a hashtag. It’s a call for human decency. It’s a call to hold everyone accountable and use your voice to speak up for social injustices in the world.

Once #BlackLivesMatter is no longer trending, ask yourself will YOU still do the work? Will YOU continue to educate and hold individuals accountable? Because THIS is a long journey and WE are just getting started. WE simply can’t keep talking about change – BE about change!

About:

Meagan Sargent is founder and creator of lifestyle and entertainment site IdentifyLA. Founded in 2013 IdentifyLA strives to bridge the gap between underground and mainstream. In her free time, you can expect her to be gallivanting around the world with her passport in hand expanding her mind and discovering the world one country at a time.

June 11, 2020 admin

I am a Black woman living in America and I hate being called African American

I hate being called African American. Why? Is it the African? Or the American? Or maybe the whole statement? It’s both and all of it that does not say who I am or who I feel to be.

By Dale Seabrook

How am I African? Yes, my ancestors can be traced back to Africa but according to the Out of Africa Theory, every modern human came from there too. Without this theory, other than the melanin in my skin, I have nothing that makes me African. I don’t know any African languages, traditions or customs. Can’t recall any African foods or even finding nice Kente for my wedding this upcoming August. Everything my ancestors had was looted away and replaced with Eurocentric ideas as the new norm. So this is all I knew. I knew I had Afro hair, but straight hair was everywhere I looked. From my textbooks to the TV that was all I saw. My mother raised me with what she knew and a perm and press back then, was supposedly the best view. She use to tell me “were mixed with Irish so were going to act that way, ok?.” There are zero pictures of me with my beautiful fro as a child because that would have been removing my mask and allowing someone to have target practice with me. It took me 24 years to remove this mask and fully appreciate me.

Present day I am left with searching for all that was taken. Learning how to love, appreciate and take care of my hair because a perm and press just does damage. Trying to learn Twi, how to make Jollof and not putting emphasis on age. This is why I cannot completely identify as American. Yes, I was born in America. But America made sure I was born with a target on my back. This target was placed on me, not because me or my family had done anything wrong, but simply because of the color of our skin. In order to survive, I was raised to wear a mask that hides the target on me that systematic racism and oppression has caused. I had to be the silent Black girl so I’m not viewed as the angry Black woman or had to dress up when in pain and going to the doctor so I’m not looked at as an
exaggerating junkie. Had to buy something small from stores because walking out empty handed caused accusations of theft. Had to wake up early and drive far for a good education. I even had to learn when and where it was ok for me to use my education. Abused for “talking like a white girl” and for “knowing too much for my own good.” I grew up both as Dale and Dj, confused about my identity and where I belonged.

America does not love me. In fact there are still laws that remind me of this. Ones that prevent access to IEP’s, suppress votes for people of color and some laws that still in the year 2020 allow discrimination against my Afro hair. When it comes to African and American put together as a term, my offense becomes higher than if someone was to just call me African or American. Why must I take on this term?

Considering all of the above and the fact that this once again was a conflicting statement with where I belong. This term to me is the oppressor making fun of oppressed. Mocking what I once had and what I barely have now. My fiance is European-American because he was born in Europe and is now a citizen in the USA. Yet on the United States Census he can simply check the box that says White. My best friend’s mother is from Korea and now American and she can simply check the box Asian. So why is it I have to have this non simple taunt of a term that does not in no way tell who I am?

I am Black. My skin is rich with melanin and my hair is thick and curly and rises to the sky from which I came. I am Black, my daughters are multiracial, they are beautifully brown and they know they are mixed with Black and White. I am Black, so much of my history was stolen from me that in adulthood I started with a clean, empty, black slate that I am slowly adding some of what I know and a lot that I never knew. Black is who I am, what I identify with and what I wish to be called.

After 27 years of oppression, I am finally saying it loud that I am Black and I am proud.

Dale Seabrook is an El Camino College graduate and a senior at Cal State University Dominguez Hills in the ITEP program. Founder and CEO of Seabrooks Services: Education for the whole child, not just their academics. Effervescent Millennial mom of two special needs daughters who enjoys travel and food.

June 9, 2020 admin

Sexual assault survivor launches new app Restless Network to help other women

Sexual assault survivor Olivia DeRamus launches Restless Network –a new app to help other women.

By Heather Newgen

At the age of 19, Olivia DeRamus was sexually assaulted on her college campus. After filing a complaint with the American university, her attacker sued her for defamation, claiming millions of dollars in damages. Although an adjudicator ruled her in favor, the man took the case to court, which dragged on for years. During this time, DeRamus was legally forced not to talk about the situation and felt silenced. As a result, she came up with the idea to create a place for women’s voices to be heard and offer resources for sexual assault. She is speaking out about her story and exclusively talked to The Voluntourist.

The Voluntourist: What inspired you to start Restless Network?

Olivia DeRamus: Restless is intended to empower women through information and connection as well as provide a platform for women to tell their stories. For most of my adult life, the person who sexually assaulted me in college was suing me for defamation. During this time, I was extremely isolated and had trouble finding help. I had always been a big fan of traditional women’s publications but when I experienced these difficult life events, I realized that these publications didn’t necessarily provide the information I truly needed to find empowerment again. I also couldn’t help but think of how there are endless apps for dating, but no real safe space to reach out to other women online. No one wants to talk about their mental health in an Instagram comment that’s open for any troll to see! So I really envisioned the Restless Network as a new type of product that goes beyond the traditional publication model. Still providing actually helpful resources and articles, but also providing a space for the members of our community to use their voice and ask for advice in a way that feels safe and supported.

The Voluntourist: Did you feel there was a lack of resources for women?

Olivia DeRamus: Absolutely. And I also felt that the resources that are there, while well meaning and are often helpful, aren’t very engaging or inviting. When you’re going through something terrible like sexual assault, would you rather scroll through Google search or turn to a space that’s been created to make you feel comfortable and embraced? And there are also a lot of questions that I don’t think traditional publications are willing to discuss. Finding pleasure after trauma, or how to tell your parents what happened to you are some examples. And maybe a corporate, male led publishing company doesn’t recognize those issues, but we do. And I think that’s really important in creating a true resource for women.

The Voluntourist: You have so many amazing contributors to Restless how did you decide who to join the network? Were you a fan before you asked them to contribute?

Olivia DeRamus: I think I got really lucky with people reaching out to me! Before I started Restless, I was working in non profits and finishing my undergrad. I wasn’t really tapped into the zeitgeist and so I was just really excited to get as many voices involved as possible. I never wanted it to be just my perspective. Especially as for a while I didn’t have the ability to express myself at all. The women and non-binary folks who contributed at the beginning were allowing me an opportunity to say something by publishing their words, and that was really wonderful. Ultimately, if someone has a story to tell or an ability to help the Restless community, I’m excited to work with them! Our contributors are such a talented and caring group of people, and I feel really lucky to work with them.

The Voluntourist: What has the response been like since the Restless Network app launched?

Olivia DeRamus: The response has been overwhelmingly positive, which is just a dream come true. A lot of entrepreneurs will know that feeling of working for months on a project, all the while unsure if anyone will care! Happily, people do care and are actually already benefiting from it, which is our ultimate mission achieved. In just two weeks we reached over 1,100 active users, and it keeps growing day by day. Seeing members opening up across all our community feeds, from bad breakups to quarantine stress, and actually receiving really thoughtful advice and help from other women going through similar experiences, never stops being beautiful to me. Today someone even told me they’ve made friends after moving to London alone, just by using the app!

The Voluntourist: What would you like users to gain from joining Restless Network ?

Olivia DeRamus: My hope is that users are able to find a community that they feel safe and heard in. In an increasingly isolated world, with the female experience often being isolating in itself, I think it’s really important to have a way to stay connected to others no matter what 2020 and beyond throws at us. I also hope that if they have a problem, whether it has to do with mental health, sex & relationships, work and money, or #metoo related issues – that they’ll be able to turn to the app for a resource that can help them. In short, I want them to be empowered by their interactions with other members and the content we provide. Restless is what I wish I had access to when I was younger and looking for support, so I hope that it helps others going through similar experiences.

For more information visit www.restlessmagazine.net.

June 7, 2020 admin

12-year-old girl makes rainbow masks for Pride Month and donates proceeds to The Trevor Project

In honor of Pride Month, a young Oklahoma girl is making rainbow scrunchies and masks and will donate proceeds to The Trevor Project.

By Heather Newgen

COVID-19 may have killed the fun festivities for Pride Month, but it hasn’t killed the spirit. This year you won’t see extravagant floats or fabulous parades in the streets, but 12-year-old Charli Williams is still excited about the annual event.

“Pride Month to me is celebrating people’s differences and individuality. It’s showing support for our LGBTQ family and friends,” she told The Voluntourist.

And one way of showing her support is making rainbow colored scrunchies and masks that she’s selling for $5.00 each, plus shipping. For every item sold, she will donate $2.00 to The Trevor Project at the end of June.

Scrunchies and a mask Charli Williams made for Pride Month

The Rainbow Flag became the symbol of Pride in 1978 after artist and gay rights activist Gilbert Baker created the iconic representation of hope, and Williams wanted to pay homage to the colorful emblem.

“I’ve been making scrunchies for about five months. Once people started to order them, I tried to select fabric for holidays. I knew June was Pride Month and I wanted to make something that people would enjoy and could show support.”

She continued, “I have several friends, a family member and a dance teacher who is part of the LGBTQ community. Luckily, I don’t know anyone who hasn’t been treated nicely in the LGBTQ community. I do have some friends though who have gone through or are going through some rough spots dealing with depression and anxiety.”

When Williams isn’t making masks and watching the news to stay informed, she’s dancing; and said it’s her teachers, along with her family, who inspire her to help others.

“I really look up to Misty Copeland and Maria Tallchief. They really changed the standard of what a classic ballerina looks like. They worked very hard. I started making scrunchies to help pay for dance expenses like shoes and summer intensives. Making scrunchies for Pride seemed like a good way to help give back.”

Pride Month is a global celebration to promote equality and LGBTQ rights, as well as to commemorate the 1969 Stonewall Riots, a rebellion against discriminatory police raids of gay bars in New York City.

For anyone who is anti-LGBTQ, Williams’ message is, “I live by the rule of ” if you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all”. People who don’t support other’s differences don’t realize that words really can hurt. Words can really change a person’s outlook on life. A single word can change a person’s life.”

To purchase a scrunchie or mask visit @scrunchiesbycharli on Instagram or email scrunchiesbycharli@gmail.com.

June 1, 2020 admin

Watch how a team of hairstylists and makeup artists give back to Puerto Rico

With Puerto Rico still dealing with the aftermath of Hurricane Maria and damaging earthquakes, volunteers are stepping up to help the island in unconventional ways.

By: Heather Newgen

Puerto Rico has always been a popular vacation spot and destination for tourists, but for Lou Rod it’s something much more–it’s home.

“My family, including my grandparents and mother, were both impacted by the hurricane. It broke me,” Rod revealed.

Although he no longer lives in Puerto Rico, he comes back often to visit family and friends, and when he saw the amount of destruction and how many people were affected by the events, he decided to do something about it.

Rod who is the, Founder and CEO of MLR Artist Management, created the campaign Care 4 Puerto, which helps the locals in a few ways. One, he travels with his creative team of professional hairstylists, makeup artists and manicurists to the island to give residents makeovers. Two, he brings essential supplies like clothing, diapers and batteries to hand out to anyone in need and he also helps stimulate the economy by hiring locals for the days he’s in town doing a variety of projects.

“A lot of times when you think about giving service after such devastation, you think about rebuilding a home or getting water supplies or food supplies–those are the basic needs to survive. We’re not necessarily building houses here. We’re not in those types of industries or trades, but we were able to use a trade that we specialize in. We were able to create a project where we’re providing comfort, we’re providing luxury services that is the first that’s taken away from individuals because they’re trying to make ends meet,” Rod told The Voluntourist.

For the last three years, the talented group of artists have visited Puerto Rico on their own dime to volunteer, and will continue to do so on an annual basis.

Please watch the video to see Rod and his team in action as they give back and make a positive impact in Puerto Rico.

May 27, 2020 admin

Mary McCormack on the PBS National Memorial Day Concert

The show must go on! The 31st National Memorial Day Concert will take place this year, but will look very different. Mary McCormack, who has appeared on the show four times now, explains what some of the notable changes are.

By: Heather Newgen

For the last three decades, PBS has beautifully honored American military heroes on their award-winning National Memorial Day Concert, and the tradition continues. While the event, which is attended by hundreds of thousands of people, is typically held on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol Building, this year it will be aired as a virtual concert. Longtime hosts Gary Sinise and Joe Mantegna are returning, as well as Mary McCormack.

“This year they added a section honoring the people on the frontlines of the COVID crisis, so that’s pretty incredible. I think it’s going to be really moving. It’s always really moving, but I think this year it may be even more moving in a different way because it’s going on when all this is happening,” McCormack told The Voluntourist.

The former West Wing star added, “My dad was a Marine, long before I was born, but you grow up with a sense of gratitude and reverence for what the militaries does and their families. This year I get to do a tribute to the Gold Star families, which is such an honor because they are also giving so much. We forget about how much they’re giving to all of us. It’s a real honor to be a part of it. In this climate in America, where everything is right now angry and dangerous and partisan and heated, this is a non-partisan, as it should be. I think because of that it’s really healing. It’s nice to feel something that we can all get behind together.”

The 90-minute show will include performances by “Harriet” star Cynthia Erivo, Renée Fleming, three-time Grammy nominee Trace Adkins, 12 -time Grammy Award winner CeCe Winans, Hamilton star Christopher Jackson and the National Symphony Orchestra.

In addition, A-listers like George Clooney, Jennifer Garner, Gwyneth Paltrow, Julianne Moore, Mark Wahlberg and more will deliver pre-taped messages to the troops.

The National Memorial Day Concert will air on Sunday, May 24, at 8/7c on PBS.

May 24, 2020 admin

How Special Forces Officer Romulo Camargo, paralyzed in combat, gives back to other veterans

Romulo Camargo proves a paralyzing bullet can’t stop him from living life and giving back to others.

By: Heather Newgen

Romulo “Romy” Camargo always knew he’d serve his country and at 19 he joined the military where he spent most of his time in the Special Operations community with the 75th Ranger Regiment and 7th Special Forces Group. On his third deployment in Afghanistan, the Chief Warrant Officer volunteered to help deliver humanitarian aid to a local village after his mission was canceled. A mishap took place when the bucket loader they were using to repair roads flipped. ‘We had to destroy the bucket loader so it would be inoperable so the insurgents wouldn’t take the parts from it. Once we destroyed the bucket loader we were returning to base and that’s when we were ambushed,” Camargo told The Voluntourist.

The Green Beret was hit in the back of his neck. “Chief is down. Chief is down,” is all I remember hearing from that moment,” Camargo said. His medic rushed to him and performed an emergency tracheotomy in the middle of crossfire, while the other soldiers fought back against the insurgents. His team stabilized Camargo and he was medevaced to Germany, but nobody expected him to live.

12 years later, the highly decorated officer is not only alive, but giving back to wounded veterans. Camargo is paralyzed from the shoulders down, but that isn’t stopping him from living life and serving others.

He believes he’s been given a second chance at life and takes the opportunity to share his blessing with others. He started the non-profit Stay in Step, which is dedicated to helping people with spinal cord injuries. The facility is uniquely designed to focus on mental and physical well-being and to accommodate patients families.

His wife Gaby, whom he met in Venezuela when they were 12-years-old, has been by his side through it all, and the two have relied on their faith to cope with the sacrifices and life changes, which have helped make their family that much stronger.

Camargo’s story will be featured on the National Memorial Day Concert this Sunday on PBS, and The Voluntourist had the chance to talk with the couple.

Romulo Camargo Romulo and Gaby Camargo
Photo by Romy Camargo

The Voluntourist: You were first honored at the National Memorial Day Concert in 2015. What was that experience like for you?

Romulo Camargo: I couldn’t believe it. It was very humbling and it was an honor for us to be honored there in 2015. My medic was there, who did the emergency tracheotomy and my other teammate who rolled me over and called the medics was also there as well.

The Voluntourist: It must have been such a nice surprise to hear PBS is telling your story again this year.

Romulo Camargo: Yeah. So they’ll be retelling my story again. And when they told me it was an honor again. It was a blessing to be able to be honored in a concert, as big as the PBS National Memorial Day Concert is. I’m just glad to have my story out there and to be able to show the world what we can do, when to take adversity and change it into a good thing.

The Voluntourist: Is that what you want people to take away from your story?

The Voluntourist: Yes, ma’am. It’s how you take that adversity and change it into a good story of hope and strength and honoring commitment.

The Voluntourist: I understand you wanted to join the military after watching your brothers graduate from Airborne School. What was so significant about that event for you?

Romulo Camargo: I always looked up to my brothers. I thought it would be a perfect moment, that I decided to join the military as well, probably in their footsteps or whatnot.

The Voluntourist: How old were you when you joined?

Romulo Camargo: I was 19.

The Voluntourist: And you did three separate tours in Afghanistan?

Romulo Camargo: Yes, I was traveling extensively through Central and South America at first and then we went to Afghanistan in 2005, 2007, and 2008

The Voluntourist: 2008 is when the incident took place, correct?

Romulo Camargo: Yes, ma’am, we’re ambushed on September 16, 2008. I received a gunshot wound to the back of the head.

The Voluntourist: How old were you at that time?

Romulo Camargo: 33.

The Voluntourist: Can you take me back to the day of the ambush and explain what happened, to the best of your knowledge?

Romulo Camargo: So, we were conducting humanitarian mission down in Zabul province, Afghanistan and while we were conducting the mission, we were ambushed and while I was directing fires, I received the gunshot wound to the back of the head, right behind the ear and it hit my C3 vertebrae and I was paralyzed from the shoulders down, and then my medic came and did an emergency tracheotomy and got me breathing again. My team members came, packaged me up, put me on a medevac bird. [I went] from the battlefield to Kandahar, Kandahar to Bagram, Bagram to Germany, Germany to Walter Reed. All in three days.

The Voluntourist: And Gaby, take me back to the day that you were told about what happened.

Gaby Camargo: I received a phone call on September 16th, around 11:30 a.m. I wasn’t at home at that time and it was one of his teammates. He wasn’t deployed with Romulo. He was in Fort Bragg. So basically he was the one in charge. He was the one that Romulo told if something happened to me, you will be in charge with telling Gaby everything. So I received a phone call around 11:30 a.m, it was him and he was asking me if I was at home. I told him, “No, I’m not at home because I was buying some supplies for my birthday.” My birthday is on September 19th and that was September 16th. So as soon as I received the phone call, I had this weird feeling that I had at that moment. So I told him, “Is everything okay?” And he told me, “Yes, everything’s okay. I have a package for you from Romulo. So, I need to see you.” And I told him, “I’ll be back in 20 minutes.” And that’s how I did it. So when I got home, I would say 10 minutes later, someone was knocking on the door. And when I went to open the door, it was him and two other military people wearing the uniform, and of course, I was in shock. So after a few minutes, that I was crying and all of that, they told me what happened to Romulo. They told me he was running his team, they were ambushed and he was shot in the back of his head. And I was asking them, “How is he doing? Is he alive?” And they told me that they didn’t know. The only thing that they told me is they’re doing their best and we will keep you posted with everything. So they stayed with me, I would say, 30 minutes and then they left. After they left, 25 minutes later, I received another phone call and they told me, “He’s stable. We don’t know his condition, but at least he’s stable. And they are transferring him from a local hospital to a bigger hospital in Afghanistan.” And that was on September 16th. And then of course, like he just said, he arrived here in the States three days later, on my birthday, September 19th. So, he was my best gift.

The Voluntourist: Gaby, I understand that you felt like this situation was part of a bigger plan and that you could turn this around to help others. Romy did you feel the same?

Romulo Camargo: Well, once I was stable, I started talking to all the other wounded warriors, helping them out, and just taking them through what I went through and sitting down with them and talking about how the recovery process would be and give them some motivation, being there for them. Being an advocate for all the other wounded warriors that I came in contact with.

The Voluntourist: Is that how you came about starting your organization?

Romulo Camargo: Well, Gaby and I started talking about that because the system didn’t have anything in place in Tampa that provided long term free implementation that we provide. So Gaby and I went off in that venture with a couple of mentors. We created Stay In Steps brain and spinal cord injury recovery.

Gaby Camargo: Heather, let me compliment what Romulo just told you. Number one, he has been more than 18 months as an inpatient at the VA hospital here in Tampa. When we were there, it’s not that I want to talk about us, but we were very, very proactive. Always looking for new procedures, always looking for new resources available for him, and of course, family members. So that was Romy and I for 18 months. So after Romulo was discharged, of course my husband, he worked in the special operations community his whole life. So my husband, he wanted to do more in the system. Unfortunately, they weren’t prepared for that. We were looking for more options and in 2011, we’d be teaching in a STEM cells procedure. Romulo became the first active duty in the nation receiving a STEM cell transplant. When we come back from Europe because the procedure was done in Europe, in Lisbon, Portugal, when we came back, we were looking for an aggressive rehabilitation. So back then, he was doing rehab at the VA Tampa, but we needed something more. And that’s why we decided to look for new options, new rehab centers around the Tampa Bay area, we didn’t find any. And we found one in Orlando. So we decided, let’s go to Orlando twice a week so you can conduct therapy in Orlando and at the same time, you will be doing therapy here at the VA. So basically he was doing therapy five days a week, intense in Orlando two days and three days here in Tampa. But we did it for two and a half years, but I would say after the first six months I told Romulo, we have to be realistic. This is a lifetime for you, we need to do something here in Tampa. There’s a gap in the health care system in Tampa, let’s do something about it. Tampa, we have one of the biggest base in the country, which is Macdill, we’re still fighting a war, Afghanistan, Iran, more wounded warriors are coming back home and the system is not prepared for them. So we decided to do something about it and it took us a year and a half to raise the funds and open the center. Our motivation, basically was to see that the health care system wasn’t offering them everything that they needed. My husband is a warrior and he will be a soldier forever. So basically the system, it was limiting him, what options can I do, you know? So that’s why we decided to do something about it.

The Voluntourist: Can you both talk about how your faith has played a part in this situation?

Gaby Camargo: Heather, that’s everything. Let’s put it like that. If I go back to the first day they told me this is what happened to Romulo. Well, you can imagine, when they told me that I was crying, but after a few minutes I told them, “Look, I believe in the Lord and you will see my husband will be my best gift.” And he was. So faith, for Romy and I, is everything. That’s our motivation to get up every morning knowing that something good is going to happen. That every time that we have our moments, that we feel down, that we have been seeing the same thing, the same picture for 11 years. But then you get up the next morning, you remember the scripture and everything that we have been learning through the years and that’s our motivation to keep moving forward. I’m a lawyer in my country. I’m an attorney in Venezuela. Romulo is the military, but the reality is that your background, career doesn’t matter. When you live something like this, in reality like this one. Every day, that doesn’t matter. It’s all about faith and hope. That’s your gas. There’s no way that you can overcome any adversity in life if you don’t have God. That’s the way that I see it.

Romulo Camargo: I would say I wasn’t really a believer until I got shot that day. The Lord Jesus Christ brought me down to my knees. I started believing more and with Gaby we’ve put that in our lifestyle ever since I got shot. For me, it has has given me the strength to be able to have handled it for the last 12 years and being able to share with some of our clients that go to Stay in Step. So for me it’s really helpful.

The Voluntourist: Romy, what’s been the hardest part of all of this for you?

Romulo Camargo: The hardest part is just trying to see, just being there, trying to see movement and just keeping on, keep going hundred percent towards my rehab. Being able to be here for my family, my children. Just being here and trying to keep doing physical therapy three to four times a week and just keep going, keep going that constant.

The Voluntourist: A lot of people would have given up. To be told that you’re going to be paralyzed for the rest of your life and things are going to be a lot different from now on. A lot of people would have given up, but what makes you keep going?

Romulo Camargo: You make it a lifestyle. And being a C3, which is one of the highest level of cervical injury that we’ll be able to be out and about without a ventilator and whatnot. I just have to keep going and keep pushing myself just to stay healthy and to keep the lifestyle that I’ve been living for the last 12 years. I’ve got to be here for my family, I have to be a husband, a father, a brother, a teammate. So, that’s what keeps me going. And the Lord Jesus Christ keeps giving me that strength to keep going and doing what I’ve been doing for the last 12 years.

To see more of Camargo’s story, watch the 2020 National Memorial Day Concert Sunday, May 24 at 8/7c on PBS.

May 23, 2020 admin

Exclusive: Trace Adkins on honoring veterans and performing at the National Memorial Day Concert

Country star Trace Adkins will perform at the National Memorial Day Concert on PBS for his fifth time and reveals how this year will be different due to COVID-19, but equally as meaningful and celebratory in honoring veterans.

By Heather Newgen

Trace Adkins isn’t letting quarantine restrictions deter his support for the troops. The National Memorial Day Concert is one of PBS’ highest rated shows and will go on as scheduled, but with a few noticeable changes. The event draws hundreds of thousands of people to the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol Building, but this year the tributes and performances will be filmed separately in accordance with social distancing guidelines–something Adkins didn’t mind.

“For me, it was less of a challenge than it has been in the past because there was no live audience and if I screwed up I got to do it over again. In the past I walked out on stage to 200,000 people, so it’s like being in a pressure cooker. This time it was way easier,” he laughed.

But that doesn’t mean the three-time Grammy nominee didn’t miss the fans.

“It was very strange. I got on top of a building with the Capitol Dome in the background and we had a skeleton camera crew. They played the tracks and I sang. It was surreal. I looked down and there was literally nobody there. This is my fifth time performing at the Memorial Day Concert. Every year that I’ve performed you walk out and there’s the orchestra and thousands of people in front of you. It’s awesome and just an awe-inspiring setting. This time it was different, but still I think we approached it with the same reverence and the same tone. Hopefully this show will remind people what this holiday is about. It’s about the most important holiday because if it wasn’t for this one, we wouldn’t be able to celebrate all the other ones. That’s the goal we had going into this and hopefully this will help remind people they should take a moment and pay tribute to the people who have sacrificed so much for us,” he exclusively told The Voluntourist.

Adkins has always advocated for veterans and is happy to celebrate them every chance he gets.

“I was thrilled to be asked to be a part of this. I was really happy they were going forward with it and going to do the show. It’s always a privilege and the highlight of my year to be part of this show. This year, I think especially. It provides some perspective. We’re going through a strange time but there have been generations before us who have been asked to sacrifice way more than we’re being asked to sacrifice. The times have been tougher on a much bigger scale and I think we need to be reminded of that. This too shall pass.”

He added, “It’s always been a privilege to work with veteran organizations and it’s really been the most meaningful thing that I’ve done in my career. I don’t expect to stop doing it.”

A few weeks ago Trace Adkins dropped his new single “Better Off,” which has already garnered over two million streams. But, don’t expect to see him perform it on the National Memorial Day Concert.

“It wouldn’t be appropriate for me to go out there and do my new single. I did “Still A Soldier” and “Til the Sun Comes Up.” I think those songs hit the right notes and help people get the right frame of mind for this Memorial Day weekend.”

The National Memorial Day Concert will air on PBS Sunday, May 24 at 7 p.m. CT. The concert also will stream on Facebook, YouTube and pbs.org.

May 22, 2020 admin

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