Kelly N. Patterson: Human Catalyst

Are you AWAKE?!!!

2012-01-06T08:33:00.000-08:00

You might have noticed bumper stickers, around the country, on the electric car in front of you, reading: “Are you Awake?!” and then, in small print, a website address-- Awakening360.com. When you visit Awakening360.com, you find a whole bustling, voracious hybrid community of everything from eco-activists, yoga teachers, artists and musicians, farmers, social entrepreneurs, and doctors, to tarot readers and gurus. And you wonder what in the world do all these people have in common?! They are all part of a new “glocal” holistic hub which is powerfully connecting conscious—you know, awake--people around the globe.

It all started, just over a year ago, (previously known as “Awakening the Bay”) created as an online social network, holistic lifestyle guide, local marketplace, and community hub for “conscious people” throughout the Bay Area. But quickly, people from other parts of the country, even other parts of the world, joined in—regardless of geography or ideology-- because this unifying, spry network has been effectively connecting and nurturing inspiring events, activities and gatherings from all disciplines which seek make the world a better, safer, happier place.

Intentionally empowering local, professional holistic practitioners and eco and socially responsible businesses, as well as inspiring all who visit the site to live, work and love in a more holistic way, Awakening360.com stands out in the self-help and holistic world for two main reasons: (1) Their mission is not just to “change the world”, but to have a damn good time while doing it, and (2) they have an equally active offline community.

Awakening360.com is like a holistic Eventbrite, Meetup and Living Social, all rolled up in one organic nori roll—with a side of wasabi. And Awakening360.com is not just a bunch of Northern California hippies, there are scientists, medical professionals, engineers, and CEOs in this thriving community—it is like all the TEDTalks lecturers and Bioneers hanging out with local massage therapists, Northern California almond farmers, and some of your favorite DJs. Since its inception in early 2011, membership (which is free!) has gone up 500%!

Soon, Awakening360.com will be offering iPhone apps which can help locals and visitors alike find holistic practitioners, services and green products wherever they are, just by the touch of a phone screen. Awakening360.com’s big vision is to mainstream holistic living, working, and being by promoting and empowering local holistic practitioners, as well as educating all who visit the site on all the holistic options for individuals and families, in all aspects of their lives, and most importantly, in a fun way. Are you an Awake?

Awakening 360: 101

2011-12-26T18:32:00.000-08:00

Awakening the Bay has now fully transformed into Awakening360 (we warned you!)--so what does that mean to YOU?! It means now you can not only find like-minded people, conscious community, holistic practitioners, mind-body-spirit events and workshops in (or near) YOUR town (not just the Bay Area!), but you can connect to the larger global Awakening Community!

So, we encourage holistic practioners and agents of change across the country to start posting their events, classes, workshops, as well as share your visual and audio arts, eco-wares, arts and crafts, and most importantly, knowledge and skills on Awakening 360 starting now—just in time to promote all your juicy activities for the new year!

We have a bouquet of new features which include:

A new user profile—go check out yours now! We are no longer using the “friends” format, but “followers”, so that your friends and clients can “follow” your blog, your events, etc.

A new homepage page which is totally personalized, based on your location. *And in the event that you travel, you can change the location to your desired destination! And at the bottom of the page, it will show you what YOUR friends are up to.

Holistic Search! Yes, now you can search for specific events and workshops, holistic services, articles, professional members in your neighborhood, and whatnot—no matter where you go! (Phone apps coming soon!)

A new events platform! You can now sign up and buy tickets to all posted holistic events, workshops, retreats, etc. through our website, using paypal! (Think of a “holistic” eventbrite!) And our site will automatically show you all events within a 50 mile radius of your location.

For Professional Members: Check out our new directory, also localized!

A whole new community page: You can follow friends, favorite teachers/healers, events, workshops, or if you prefer, follow the feed for the entire Awakening 360 community.

Coming Soon: The MarketPlace (formerly known as Karma Deals)—here we will start featuring products and services from our Awakening 360 community professionals, artists, and holistic practitioners!

Before the Occupy Movement, there was Awakening the Bay

2011-11-27T12:39:00.000-08:00

Before the whole Occupy Movement manifested in the Bay Area, there was already a dedicated group of local professional holistic practitioners working to mainstream holistic living, loving/parenting, working, buying/consuming, and just being, as well as trying to promote local green and socially-responsible businesses, throughout the Bay Area, in a conscious effort to address the present (and future) socio-economic and environmental issues—meet Awakening the Bay.

Awakening the Bay is an online local social network serving as a lifestyle guide, holistic marketplace, and community for “conscious people”, throughout the Bay Area (and beyond!), in order to nurture their holistic programs, workshops, events, businesses, and activities to become more economically, socially, and spiritually sustainable, as well as to inspire all who visit the site to live, work and love in a more holistic way.

In the past year, since its inception in early 2011, Awakening the Bay membership (which is free!) has gone up 500%! It become the holistic “eventbrite” promoting and listing dozens of good-for-the-mind-body-spirit and nature events, classes, workshops, festivals, lectures, etc. throughout the Bay Area, while at the same time, creating an active, off-line community.

In addition to becoming a holistic events hub and offering informative articles on all aspects of holistic living, Awakening the Bay also features Karma Deals—which are like Living Social deals, only Karma Deals are eco-friendly, socially-responsible products and services from LOCAL vendors and practitioners (thus strengthening our local economy!)

Soon, Awakening the Bay will be offering iPhone apps which can help locals and visitors alike find holistic practitioners, services and green products throughout the Bay Area, by the touch of a phone screen. Awakening Bay’s big vision is to mainstream holistic living, working, and being by promoting and empowering local holistic practitioners, as well as educating all who visit the site on all the holistic options for individuals and families, in all aspects of their lives.

Are you an Awakener?

Kelly's answer to "What do you do?"

2011-08-29T08:46:00.000-07:00

I have to admit whenever someone asks me, “What do you do?”-- I cringe because I do not have a simple answer, or a common noun to give them. My answer requires a power point presentation and usually a glossary. And it is always an American asking me this question, I might add—because the rest of the world finds this to be one of the rudest questions you could possibly ask a stranger….the East Africans even have a joke about it: “How do Americans greet one another?” Answer: “What do you do?”

This joke makes Africans laugh so hard they snort, because it is the “cultural” equivalent of asking, “Do you like anal sex with a kudu?” Anyway, to address what I am doing NOW, as opposed to my early 20’s, early 30’s, and even my most recent work in Costa Rica (Bien de Mujer and Wise Heart Books)…as always, it is a mixed bag of projects (some paid and some not)—but all with the common theme, my MISSION: to change the world and have a GREAT time doing it!

So, when I am not writing articles about “Alternative Recreation” for both the SF and DC Examiner—which covers non-mainstream edu-taining events/parties/activities; fundraisers for valuable causes (hopefully increasing awareness of certain issues); and mind-body-spirit recreation—I am working as the Awakening the Bay Community Manager—which means a lot of writing; attending holistic events/workshops/etc.; introducing/connecting people to Awakening the Bay—which is subversive-- in that it seeks to economically empower, connect and educate holistic practitioners and social entrepreneurial businesses/projects, but ultimately to convert everyone to better model of capitalism and more holistic living, working and just being.

And this is not to mention, the several dozen other projects, on multiple continents, that I have my hands in... hoping that they will succeed because their contribution to the world is so valuable. So, now ask yourself…what do you do?

And better yet, “If you could have any job in the world, what would it be?” If you are not doing your "dream job", then perhaps, this is exactly what you need to be looking at right now. (Just a suggestion, my inner-hippie made me say that!)

Playing with your “spirdar” (Scientific Experiment #9867)

2011-08-23T07:11:00.000-07:00

I am suggesting that just for one day, as an experiment, to follow your “spirdar” and see what happens. I am confident someone more clever than I has thought of a better term for this phenomenon, but for the purposes of this exercise, I am going to call it your “spirdar.” Yes, think Gaydar (the phenomenon of detecting the sexuality of another) --only this is some kind of internal system for detecting the presence, direction, or frequency of another spirit. This exercise requires that you be fully present and aware of others around you, even on the bus or waiting in line, and see to whom your attention draws.

And for the sake of pseudo-scientific experimentation, you are supposed to initiate conversation with the person who has drawn your attention. Because in my experience, and I highly suspect yours as well, you will be pleasantly surprised to find either a “bizarre”, inexplicable connection with that person, or that you have something they need (or vice versa, they have something you need.) And yes, I am going to give you a lot of examples of my own experimentation playing with my “spirdar” the other day, but the point is to see if this phenomenon holds true for everyone (and I suspect it does.)

Some days we are more “aware” than others, and this past Sunday, I was feeling fully aware, so I thought I would test out my “spirdar”, as a “true” scientist. My experiment started before I even got on the bus to ecstatic dance (Sweet’s/Mass Transit), when a homeless woman asked me for some money for she and her family.

My universal policy on begging: I will give away food (if I have some on me) but never money. I told her, “No, sorry, I do not have any money, only exact change for the bus. “ Then, I combed my purse for any food items and all I had was a bag of blow-pops, which I was going to share with my ecstatic dance friends—I mean, who does not like blow-pops?!!! She started to walk away.

“Did you say you have kids? Because all I got is some lollipops—not the healthiest choice, but who doesn’t like blow-pops?”

She gleamed, “Well, actually, I can use them because I am diabetic and when my blood sugar gets low…” So we started talking about diabetes and about how the food bank rarely gives out sweets for diabetics, and while we are talking about food banks, they also pass out food that needs to be cooked, and if you are homeless, well, you have nothing to cook with!

That’s funny, I KNOW someone who works at the Food Bank. Note to self: Make sure to tell Sasha that the Food Bank needs to be aware that giving out food items that need to be cooked to homeless people is not only not helping them, but frustrating for them—the food banks have to pass out ready-to-eat food stuffs and make sure they have emergency sweets in stock for diabetics.

I get to ecstatic dance at Sweet’s and the ballroom is packed, I mean PACKED, with well, ecstatic dancing people. I find that, using my spirdar, grazing over the moving crowd, I can easily pick out my friends because they kind of “glowed”…oh, there is Joceyln, Catherine, Gail, etc. While I am dancing, (well, really, I am doing Qi Gong to music), my attention keeps getting drawn to this one particular woman and I am thinking: She is probably another FaceBook friend that I have had many conversations with, but never met in person—what is her name?

It just so happens this woman and I run into one another in the bathroom. I ask her, “Have we met? Are we FaceBook friends?” No, we have never met and no, she is not a FaceBook friend, however, without a word from me, she starts to tell me she just finished her public health nursing degree and wants to work in Africa, Mali, to be specific. Ahhh…there it is! (I shouldn’t have to explain this connection!)

At circle time, I discover I am holding hands with Lisa, with whom I (forgot but) met at the last FEM Talks. Ahh.. there it is. Then on my way back home, an old woman asks me for directions to the Art and Soul Festival, I send her on her way and as she goes, she says, “You should go!” But I did not follow my spirdar, instead I went home to wrestle with my computer for hours (in the end, I won the wrestling match but it was not pretty)…I should have listened to her, no doubt I would have had a much better time at the Art and Soul Festival.

I could give you a dozen other examples, but by now, I hope you get my point, and this will inspire you to “test” out your spirdar and see where it takes you! And remember, to quote Kurt Vonnegut, “peculiar travel suggestions are dancing lessons from God.” And from the Desiderata: “Listen to others, even the dull and the ignorant; they too have their story” because there may just be a message there for you.

This is kinda on the DL…Awakening the Bay is going GLOBAL, get on board

2011-07-26T05:22:00.000-07:00

This note is for all holistic practitioners, professionals, students, businesses, communities, organizations, groups, etc.—basically anyone working in the field of holistic living, in all its many flavors.

As you may already know, we launched Awakening the Bay, which is an online community-based, holistic network and open-source directory, earlier this year. The BIG IDEA was to educate, enable and connect “conscious people” in order to nurture their holistic programs, workshops, events, businesses, and activities to become economically, socially, and spiritually sustainable, as well as to inspire all who visit our site to live, work and love in a more holistic way.

But then our peeps, down south, in Santa Cruz, asked, “Can we be considered part of the Bay Area?” And our friends in Oregon whined: “Heeey, what about us?!” And apparently there is some bizarre Bay Area cosmic connection to Costa Rica and Bali, and even India, as well. And our neighbors to the north became vocal (“Ever heard of Vancouver?!!!”) Then of course, England and France…well, it just did not stop. The message was clear: “What about us over HERE?” The bottom line is everyone is connected.

So yes, ATB is going global (soon we will be changing the name to reflect this) but we are already listing holistic practitioners, professionals, students, businesses, communities, organizations, groups, etc. in cities around the globe; it is no longer a “travel and tours” thing. If you were to visit our Events and Workshopssection right now, you would find festivals in Oregon as well as events as far as the Orkney Islands (hint: Scotland.)

So NOW is the time to invite EVERYONE from Down Under to Norway to Mongolia as far south as South Africa to add their events/workshops/activities/classes/retreats etc. to our Eventsand Workshops Calendar (FOR FREE—just FREE dollars!) as well as list in our Holistic Directory (this costs $100 for a yearly listing in the Directory.)

You can start promoting your IMPORTANT work NOW, for FREE—just create a profile page on our site (login—and you can do this via FaceBook) and make sure to put all your contact info, including websites, blogs, and other social media connections. Then start adding activities directly to the site at http://www.awakeningthebay.com/addactivity and you can also mention these events on our FaceBook page (this should be super easy to find on FB—“Awakening theBay”.)

Also make use of the FREE community board for messages of any kind—sharing wisdom; need a ride; need someone to teach Watsu in Bali; whatever!

If you wish to be included in our Directory, contact our man Charlie Stebbins at charlie@awakeningthebay.com.

Anyway, this is an opportunity to market yourself, your important work, to your ideal audience, as well as others. In a month’s time, according to the Google Analytics Gods, we have jumped 3,456% in visits to both our site and our FaceBook page (I do not even know how this figure is possible, but I trust the Google Analytics Gods.)

Join us – you grow; we grow; and ultimately THEY grow and then we all grow. (That's a lot of growing!)

Live your bliss,

Kelly N Patterson

ATB Community Manager

kelly@awakeningthebay.com

Attention travel writers, travel writer-wanna-be’s, and travel whores—Meet HearPlanet!

2011-07-06T02:51:00.000-07:00

Question: Who are you going to trust more, Lonely Planet’s opinion of a particular hostel in Budapest, or your good friend, Al’s opinion?

Welcome to 2011, when travelers no longer need to lug around a 5-pound, outdated travel guide made of tree organs, just to decide where they are going to eat, sleep or visit next. Meet HearPlanet: your geo-audio directory of the WORLD.

Think Yelp meets National Geographic meets Pandora—all on your phone, on your GPS system, in your ears…think of how much room in your luggage you will save (not to mention the exorbitant cost of overweight luggage on your flights!) You are free to travel and tour, at your own pace, in your own language, solo or with friends, whatever frosts your pumpkins….no longer part of the tourist caravan, and with insights about local hotspots, restaurants, hotels, parks, etc. from locals, friends and professional tour guides and agencies alike (whatever you prefer!) And of course, you are welcome and encouraged to add your own perspective on places as well!

Imagine the planet as one mammoth museum, and HearPlanet is your audio guide to everything! And the best part?! Well, a la wikipedia-style, this geo-directory, from your favorite watering hole to famous landmarks to entire cities, is written by people just like you (or if you prefer an “expert” opinion, there are expert travel and tour channels such as America YouthHostels Channel and other big names in the travel industry.)

Of course the best way to really grasp this whole concept is to check it out for yourself. HearPlanet is ALWAYS seeking more content and for travel writers, history buffs, writer-wanna-be’s, and travel whores, this is the perfect opportunity to share your knowledge and experience with the world (as well as add to your writing resume!)

Essentially, in tech-speak, HearPlanet’s platform aggregates and organizes location-based information on points of interest, including landmarks, restaurants, hotels, and recreation spots, and delivers it to people, on-the-go via their mobile devices, and this is your opportunity to be part of the audio travel guide revolution. It is not just your “story” but literally, your “voice!”

To sample current HearPlanet material, to contribute, and all just click here. Know that submittingcontent is user-friendly (if I can figure it out, and I am blonde-- you sure as hell can!) and recording your own voice is all part of the submission process and can be done from your laptop, and then broadcast to the world!

Questions? Feel free to contact me at kelly@hearplanet.com, because I am the new HearPlanet “Ambassador-at-Large”

The Get Goofy Movement (a brain-fart by Kelly N Patterson)

2011-06-26T09:29:00.000-07:00

For those people that know me, they know I get immense pleasure on being goofy in public; my mantra: “I will never see these people again!” (NOTE: Not exactly true, but neither are most things labeled as “organic”.)

And through my very un-official, un-scientific experiments, in several countries: ranging from the Middle East and Sub-Saharan Africa to NE Asia (yes, even China); throughout Central America and the Caribbean, as well as all over the States, I have discovered that 95% of the time (yes, there is always THAT guy, or gal, who has no sense of humor and is REALLY that miserable) my goofy antics, not only give me a instant dose of joy, energy, and general warm-fuzzy feelings, but I also watch my “prey” literally transform right in front of me—and usually, even start spreading their own goofiness.

Simple example: Walking down the street, I pass a visibly stressed-out Mom with her unhappy child—so, I cross my eyes at the kid (with a goofy smile) and the kid instantly starts laughing. Mother says, “What is so funny?”

The child responds, “She just did this (and crosses her eyes and makes a goofy smile.)” Well, the mother laughs at her daughter. In this second, already 3 people are feeling better—myself, the child, and the mother…and who knows how this may have changed the entire tone of their day.

Laughing deeply is living deeply (stolen from Milan Kundera.) And laughter, next to math, is an international language. Therefore, I am hoping to start a Goofy Pandemic--changing the world, one chuckle, giggle, snort at a time.

Therefore, the mission of the Get Goofy Movement is to spread general goofiness, giggles, smiles, and laughter-- to EVERYONE we meet; everyone we pass by on the streets (just cross your eyes or pick your nose! It is that simple! (NOTE: In some cultures, nose picking is socially acceptable/normal, so this will not work) but everyone we sit next to on the metro; while sitting in traffic; and especially, when we are waiting in a long, long line or any other uncomfortable situation.

Besides being good for the heart, body, mind, and soul (do your homework, there has been several dozens of scientific studies to confirm this!), Humor has the ability to disarm people instantly, ignite conversations, and well, it is just fun.

In addition, as soon as we can laugh at something, we no longer fear it--and though we may not be able to achieve world peace and solve all of the world's issues in an instant (or even a few lifetimes)--we do have the power to make someone laugh, which is instant joy and therapy for all involved, and like Herpes, highly contagious (in a good way!)

So start today. Make someone laugh (or smile) and see how you feel afterwards, and then notice how they react, because people are taking things way too seriously for our own personal well-being, not to mention the well-being of the planet.

Just imagine if everyone, everywhere you went, were practicing Goofiness on a regular basis?!!! This would make running errands an adventure! This would make your morning commute to work more pleasant (perhaps, reducing Road Rage!) This would transform normally unpleasant experiences such as traffic, waiting in a long line at the Department of Motor Vehicles, sitting in a doctor’s office, poor customer service, or a car breakdown on the side of the road, during rush hour traffic, bearable! And if everyone got goofy, then on those days, when you are having a “rough” day, you could count on someone, a complete stranger, to make you chuckle.

Therefore, I have started a FaceBook Fanpage. I am hoping people will share ideas, plans, post photos and whatnot, inspiring others to GET GOOFY. And let’s just see what happens…I mean, historically, we have tried everything, right? Bloody revolutions, civil disobedience (thanks Gandhi and MLK, Jr!!!!), letter campaigns (a la Amnesty International), media propaganda (umm, the US is the MASTER of this!), graffiti (thanks Banksy!), martyrdom (ouch!), to mass prayer and whatnot…but have we ever tried by LAUGHTER?!!!!! I mean, why else would we have the ability to laugh if it did not serve some evolutionary or biological function?!!!

Anyway, start now. Start today. Visit the FaceBook page and share your experiences, share your brilliant goofy ideas…and most important of all, get goofy at home.

(Sorry, my inner-Hippie made me do this!!

Kelly N Patterson

Kelly's got a new hat; the new Community Manager for Awakening the Bay, holistic network

2011-05-24T06:17:00.000-07:00

Recently, I have been invited to serve Awakening the Bay as “Community Manager.” I am super excited about this new role because I am a huge fan of Awakening the Bay because it is a community-based, holistic network which seeks to not only promote the talents, skills and knowledge of Bay Area holistic practitioners, multi-discipline therapists, artists, musicians, yogi’s, and the like, but also promote all the amazing local (and even international) events, workshops, classes, lectures, and so on, while at the same time, educating the public in general! Happy Birthday!

And since Awakening the Bay is community-generated content, you are encouraged to promote your event/workshop/play/drum circle/puja/YOURSELF/whatever FREELY (and know we have a professional editor to “clean up” your piece, if you are not a natural writer!)

In addition to providing listings of enlightened Bay Area events and such, you are encouraged to submit informative articles as well! This is an excellent opportunity to educate others about Watsu; Tantra; why breath-work is so important; the value of raw food; the difference between Hatha and Iyengar yoga; etc., we especially need “How To” pieces—how to set up urban permaculture; how to build a yurt; healthy recipes; whatever as long as it is in alignment with holistic living, loving and work. The perk to this, for you, is FREE exposure for yourself or business, as well as adding credibility to your good work.

And once you have been published on Awakening the Bay, you can post the link to your event or article on your Twitter, FaceBook page, blog, website, etc. This is electronic “cross-pollination”! And for those writer-wanna-be’s out there (I know there are many!), this is an excellent venue to showcase your work, meaning your articles on Awakening the Bay can bolster your writing resume.

And know that Awakening the Bay is not limited to the Bay Area (eventually, we will have Awakening LaLa Land –aka, LA, Awakening the Big Apple, aka, NYC, etc.) but this is just the first model! And since we have Travel and Tours section, you can promote your retreats/classes and workshops all over the world—in Bali, in Hawaii, in Costa Rica, etc.

So if I tagged you in this note, know that I KNOW you are perfect for this site and you can write! So I hope to see both your events/workshops/parties/etc. and hopefully, an article or two from you in the near future!

So, if you have not already, please check out the website and give us a “like” on our new FaceBook page. I am confident this holistic network is a huge asset to our community, as well as a tool for positive change in the world!

The “Ideal Wednesday Exercise”—a profound self-discovery tool

2011-05-20T05:06:00.001-07:00

by Kelly N Patterson (by the way, this piece was just picked up by Awakening the Bay, holistic network!)

The Ideal Wednesday Exercise works on several levels. Firstly, it works as a visualization technique, which some people (from professional athletes and business leaders to hippies) believe is the first, critical step to actualization of any goal. From a psychological perspective, this exercise SHOWS you what and who you value in your life-- what you want in your daily life, on a regular basis. This exercise stimulates the imagination as well as serves as a blue-print and thus, direction in your relationships, family, friends, work, and spiritual life (whatever that means to you.)

You will need a pen and paper (or your computer) and what you need to do is IMAGINE (without any restrictions on time, money, current relationship status, work, current health issues, etc.) your Ideal Wednesday (middle of your work week, assuming your work week is a Monday to Friday thing.) This is not a “weekend fantasy” trip on a sailboat, with Playboy models massing your feet and feeding you grapes, off the coast of Tahiti—this is your ideal ORDINARY Wednesday.

And you want to be as detailed as possible! Start at the beginning of your day…how do you wake up? Is it the sound of waves crashing on the shore? A child (even if you do not have one right now) poking you in the face? A dog licking your face? Morning nookie from your partner? The sound of a howler monkey?

What does your bed look like? Were you sleeping in the nude, or in satin pajamas? What is the first thing you do when you get up? Wake up sex? Yoga? Bowel movement in your luxurious bath room (describe bathroom in great detail) or perhaps, you brush your teeth, with Dr. Bronner’s, in a creek outside your bamboo house? What do you eat for breakfast? Organic granola bought from your friends, or Lucky Charms? Or is your partner making you eggs, bacon, toast, and all?

Who is sharing breakfast with you? And even if you do not currently have a partner, you need to imagine your ideal partner—his/her qualities: physical, emotional, intellectual, and spiritual. For example, my partner always happens to look like Benecio del Toro (he just does it for me, no apologies) but physical attributes are not really important to me. It my ideal partner’s personality, intelligence, lust for life, passion for his work, sense of humor, etc. that I highlight in my Ideal Wednesday.

Go through your whole Wednesday. From reading the paper (which paper?) or listening to NPR on your way to work. How do you get to work? Public transport? In your Prius? By boat? By camel? Stay at home? Describe every room, in great detail—is there a library? Entertainment center? Pets? Gardens? Pool? Bar? Zen rock garden? Whatever you want!

Go through your whole day…from work, to after work-- taking the kids to soccer and karate, or going to a poetry reading at a local café to going to the gym-- whatever works for you, but describing everything along the way in as much detail as possible. Then finally end your day, as you began, going back to bed.

Keep this exercise and look at it from time to time, because this exercise shows you what and who you value most in your life (on a daily basis) and can help you make decisions in life/work/relationships that will lead to the manifestation of this vision. For every decision, you can ask yourself, “Does this bring me closer to my Ideal Wednesday?”

And if you follow this line of questioning, saying “YES!” to decisions that bring you closer to your Ideal Wednesday, I know you will be surprised, possibly shocked, to look back one day-- maybe in a year, maybe in three-- and see just how much of your Ideal Wednesday you are actually living!

Just try it. Not only is this a fun, insightful exercise for yourself, but you can ask your current (or future) partner to try it as well, and compare--to see if you share a similar vision. It reveals more about yourself (and your partner) than a dozen coffee dates.

How do you teach modern sciences to people who have never even seen a light bulb?

2011-05-13T13:26:00.000-07:00

Kaye and Miriam just did not know what to do with my hair!

By Kelly N Patterson


Dinner by candle light (or kerosene lanterns) is not romantic when you have no electricity!

This question was posed to me almost, and I say almost, two decades ago, when I originally arrived to Tanzania. Me: very young (as a matter of fact, my supervisors forbid me from telling anyone, especially my students and local leaders, my true age, for fear I would lose any credibility and all respect in a culture that honors its elders)—it was bad enough that I was a chalk-asian, American WOMAN. I realize now (chuckle to self) I was also very naïve, with a full bout of Save-The-World Syndrome (no worries, I am mostly cured now, with a few occasional relapses.)


"This is your laboratory, Miss Patterson"

The brilliant idea was to raise science and math testing scores/education levels throughout very, very rural Tanzania and bring it up to par with science and math levels in the urban areas like Dar es Salaam, Arusha, etc. However, where do you start to teach people who have never experienced (much less SEEN) electricity; have no indoor plumbing; and have no idea what a computer is?!


I used to bathe in the river until I discovered the cows were crossing upstream.

Commonly called “applied sciences”, I refer to it as teaching “science in metaphor”-- using well, mostly agricultural terms and natural processes; most of my classes took place in the middle of corn fields. So my first “job” was to train local Tanzanian science teachers how to teach applied sciences out “in the bush.” However, following a month of science-teacher training sessions, then, later, during the six-month monitoring and evaluation part of our program, my beloved teachers, now friends, started dying on me.


One of the 22 weddings I went to while living in Tanzania--being the only mzungu for 500km has its benefits!

Back then, early 1990’s, they were calling it “African Swine Fever” and it seemed to be sweeping through villages: not only killing my teachers, but killing doctors, nurses, local leaders, police, basically, the educated and wealthy, as well as the poor and uneducated. I mean, there are a million creative ways to die in Africa, but this was literally wiping out everybody: not just the poor, the rural, but also in the cities and among the educated, wealthy, and generally healthy populations.


Bamboo juice is some kind of narcotic which acts like an anesthesia; first time I tried it, I had to be carried home because I could not feel my legs!

I was one of the first nut-balls to say out loud, in public, “Hey, this looks like the same disease our gay boys are dying of in the States.” (Surprisingly, they let me live.) Yes, it did turn out to be an HIV and AIDS epidemic I was witnessing first hand, up close, and it took Africa a long time to accept that this was actually HIV (and not African Swine Fever, or some European master-plot to wipe out the races—even though I am sure there are still parties who believe this!) because at the time, HIV was considered the disease (and a “punishment”) of gay European/American males, drug users, and prostitutes. How wrong we all were….


In Zanzibar, when I complimented the women on their henna tattoos, they insisted giving me one--and this was well before the hippies and Madonna got the idea!

Recently, I digitalized some old photos of my year long stay in Tanzania—I wish I could have captured some of my unforgettable moments there: the mudslide hitting our bus; making an ass of myself in front of Jane Goodall; having Cape Buffalo charge and total our vehicle (well, actually, the vehicle belonged to the British government); my whole “Rwanda refugees” experience; my first experience with Witch Doctors (note: I am a believer!); malaria (not once, but twice!); my National Geographic visit to Zanzibar; and all the wonderful people I met and worked with, especially those that have passed away.

I know Tanzania, and the Mhehe people, in particular, influenced me, probably, second only to my parents. To this day, I regard Tanzanians as among the friendliest, most peaceful, most generous people in the world, and they have a wicked sense of humor—for example, just know that the word for “foreigner” (mzungu) actually means, “One who walks in circles.”


Bus break-down #678

The Tanzanians taught me how to live simply, joyfully with little; how to make a wedding party last 3 days; how mourning should really look (like angry/sad wailing for days); how to find humor in absolutely everything life throws at you; how to be patient (how to wait 7 hours for a bus gracefully); how to share anything and everything you have; how to take care of others (even if they are strangers); and to steal from a Swahili proverb: “Greet every stranger because one day you will be a stranger.”

Asante sana.

What's up with Bien de Mujer? Checking in with Kelly's work in Costa Rica

2011-05-12T06:48:00.000-07:00

Last Saturday, Bien de Mujer staff and 17 women from Granos Solidarios traveled all the way to Casa del Sol in Guanacaste (a 4-hour drive) to learn how to cook with solar panels. The women sang the whole drive there!

Casa del Sol is an eco-tourism project of Sol Verde—a cooperative formed with the support of Sol de Vida and the Central American Solar Energy Project—which represents 15 local community groups, presents the annual “Fiesta del Sol” event, and operates a small solar restaurant with “delicious home cooking.” Sol Verde is headquartered in the Casa del Sol, which houses a permanent demonstration facility for solar applications with emphasis on solar cookers.

Operating in the Santa Cruz and Nicoya counties of the Guanacaste region, Fundación Sol de Vida takes a holistic approach to expanding the use of renewable energy. The proj¬ect not only promotes the use of solar power for cooking, but also seeks to build women’s capacity for other development activities through the process of constructing and using solar cookers. Therefore, our group of women was warmly welcomed by the Casa del Sol head of staff, Fatima, and several other local volunteers.

In addition to learning about solar cooking, our group participated in guided tour of their resource center. They learned about different mod¬els of solar cookers, about solar water pumps, were shown solar heaters and solar dryers, as well as photovoltaic panels for lighting—all the different ways solar energy can be used to make their lives easier and cheaper! They were guided through organic gardens; given priceless healthy growing, eating and cooking tips, and eventually, prepared their own meal, using a solar panel!

Casa de Sol even donated one solar panel cooking structure to Granos Solidarios, to be used at our women and children’s center in La Caprio. It was a beautiful day, on many levels, and we are grateful to the everyone at Sol de Vida and Casa del Sol who made this an informative, fun and unforgettable experience!

For more information about this project please visit here! And for more photos of our day at Casa del Sol, visit our FaceBook page!

Cup of Hope by Kelly N Patterson

2011-05-05T08:08:00.000-07:00

I wrote a short film, “Cup of Hope”, with the intention of “mainstreaming” HIV. I would like to share this 8-minute film with you, with hope, it may be used as a tool for public education and debate.

Film title: “Cup of Hope”

Written by: Kelly N. Patterson

Originally a one-act play, “Cup of Hope”, I re-wrote as a short-film screenplay. Rockland Productions produced and performed my one-act play, “Cup of Hope”, at several theatre festivals in Los Angeles of summer 2006. We made a production of the film in Atlanta, in May of 2007, for less than $10K—thanks to the generosity of Inman Perk Café and Coffeehouse (Atlanta location), volunteer professional actors (some personal friends of mine!) and crew, and a private donation from the producer, Philip Cope.

“Cup of Hope” is 8 minutes.

Log-line: White, “Gap” American, HIV+ woman decides to disclose her HIV status to a potential lover in a coffee shop. Best case and worst case scenario’s with surprise ending!

Intention: Back in the 80’s, the “usual AIDS suspects” were gay males, heroin junkies, sex workers, and hemophiliacs. Today, when you say “AIDS”—people assume black, poor, uneducated, “third-worldly”, “Africa”…but the truth is that is EVERYWHERE, EVERYBODY. I think the world needs to see white/Caucasian “Gap”/”Old Navy” educated people living with HIV/AIDS. This is my attempt to mainstream HIV.

The reality is that no HIV prevention campaign is going to work until the stigma and discrimination of HIV is eradicated. Not until people can disclose their HIV safely, confidently, to loved ones, neighbors and employers, and get the concern, care and practical support they need, will people openly get tested, adhere to their treatments, and openly protect themselves and others from HIV transmission. Again, I hope this film will be used as a tool for public education and debate.

The medical marijuana movement is on a roll!

2011-04-13T08:29:00.000-07:00

Kelly N Patterson

Grab your rolling papers, because marijuana may be coming to a clinic near you, sooner than you think! To catch you up, starting with some of last year’s breakthrough successes in the enlightened marijuana movement: New Jersey and Arizona joined 13 other sensible states in passing laws to legalize medical marijuana; 5 medical marijuana dispensaries will be opening in the nation’s Capitol this year (Yahoo! I would much prefer MY mayor smoking pot than crack!); 3 marijuana-friendly governors were recently elected in Hawaii, Connecticut and Vermont; new local initiatives in Wisconsin and Massachusetts have put medical marijuana on the legislative table; after much court-room drama, California improved their archaic decriminalization laws for minor marijuana possession; and even the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs acknowledged marijuana's therapeutic value in their latest policy. But wait, there’s more!

2011 is only 4 months old, and already this year, every member of Seattle legislative delegation to Olympia—all ten representatives and all five senators from the 34th, 36th, 37th, 43rd, and 46th Districts—has gone on the record to say that they support taxing, regulating, and legalizing marijuana. On March 3, Rhode Island State Representatives Edith Ajello, Christopher Blazejewski, Peter Martin, Larry Valencia, and Donna Walsh introduced HB 5591, a bill that would tax and regulate the sale and distribution of marijuana within Rhode Island. And this year, both Delaware and Illinois will have medical marijuana laws on voters’ tables.

To add to our 2011 buzz, See Change Strategy, an independent research firm, released (the first-ever) financial analysis of the legal medical cannabis industry in the U.S. on March 23. This report, based on interviews with more than 300 industry leaders, projected the total legal medical cannabis market at $1.7 billion in 2011. Stop! Let that sink in: $1.7 BILLION just in 2011 alone.

Needless to say, this eye-brow raising report made mainstream news: from the Wall Street Journal to The Huffington Post, and was even mentioned in the monologues of mega-popular late night hosts, Conan O’Brien and Jay Leno. Yes, money talks! Our economy, not to mention our health care system, could really use some of that money.

So in addition to mainstream America watching the marijuana debate on both CBSNews and ABCNews, the National Cannabis Industry Association, the first national organization dedicated to advancing the interests of cannabis-related businesses, held a pow-wow at the National Press Club, Capitol Hill, on March 30, with the See Change Strategy people and Congressman Jared Polis (D-CO) to discuss the federal legislative needs of the industry—critical, especially, for the hundreds of small businesses and thousands of employees in the industry.

All of this recent activity both on Capitol Hill and on American television sets confirms the 2010 Gallup poll that 46% of U.S. adults support making marijuana legal (an all-time record level of support!) And just so you know, statistically, support for legalizing medical marijuana has been increasing by 1.5% to 2% annually, especially among Generation Y, so we should be looking at majority support, nationwide, in as soon as 2013 easy!

I had a Pulitzer-prize winning, tear-inducing, heart-clutching, march to the Capitol conclusion to this piece but then, well…I got high.

Earn money and support children's educational programs as a Wise Friend!

2011-03-19T06:26:00.000-07:00

Wise Heart Books is actively seeking “Wise Friends” to independently sell our value-based books: Earn money, while at the same time, supporting the Women’s Wellbeing and Development Foundation children’s educational programs. NOTE: In the vein of Hair Club for Men, I don’t just work for Wise Heart Books, I am a member! (I am already a Wise Friend, myself.)

A little background:

Wise Heart Books is a socially conscious company designed by educators, parents, and artists to create books and educational materials that nurture the whole child: body, mind and spirit. Each book contains an important message for children, such as building a strong and healthy body or cultivating positive thoughts and habits, or developing love for oneself and the world around them.

Wise Friends are our special Wise Heart Books representatives, introducing our value-based books and our holistic mind-body-spirit philosophy to family, friends, colleagues, neighbors, and their local communities, while earning money at the same time. This is a grassroots, stress-free, fun way to earn some extra income for you and your family, selling life-enhancing books and educational materials.

Wise Friends can easily earn commissions from 20-40% of retail value-- all while working at home, when it is most convenient for you and your family. Wise Heart Books can be sold online; at local community events; at local religious institutions and schools; at a local farmer’s market; via local businesses; or even at a neighborhood party—we are calling them “Wise Reading Parties.”

Wise Heart Books provides Wise Friends with practical, effective online and traditional marketing resources, tools, and support to assist you every step of the way. And yes, it is free to become a Wise Friend—there is no start-up investment cost. In theory, you could sign up today—announce it on your FaceBook today; sell some books today; and start making some commissions today!

For all the details, please visit our site http://wiseheartbooks.com/ and click on “Join Wise Friends and earn!” Then read through the Wise Friends 101 and you will get how it works and will also see all the ways you can market these books online and/or old skool, at your convenience.

If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact us at info@wiseheartbooks.com And even if you are not interested in becoming a Wise Friend, but decide to buy one of our books, know that my code is 1201! And of course, please pass this onto anyone you think might be interested!

Thanks, I am hoping this is a win-win-win situation for everyone—you, the nonprofit I serve-- Bien de Mujer/ the Women’s Wellbeing and Development Foundation, and all the children who benefit from our programs.

Thank you for all your time and consideration,

Kelly N Patterson

Preparing for the launch of Wise Heart Books’ Wise Friend Program

2011-03-04T10:25:00.000-08:00

Over the past few weeks, I have been working with the good folks at Wise Heart Books to engineer, compose and implement what we are calling our “Wise Friends” program. We are simultaneously about to launch a series of value-driven children’s books (first in English, Español el próximo mes que viene! ) known as Wise Heart Books, as an income-generation tool for women, and simultaneously, to generate funds for our women and children’s community and education center in La Carpio, the slums of San Jose, Costa Rica. (For more information about our work in La Carpio, visit here.)

The idea is that women “join” or sign-up as a “Wise Friend” (it is free!); Wise Friends are our special Wise Heart Books representatives, introducing our value-based books and our holistic mind-body-spirit philosophy to family, friends, colleagues, neighbors, and their local communities, while earning money at the same time. This is a grassroots, stress-free, fun way to earn some extra income for a woman and her family, selling life-enhancing books and educational materials.

Wise Friends can easily earn commissions from 20-40% of retail value-- all while working at home, when it is most convenient for them and their family. Wise Heart Books can be sold online; at local community events; at local religious institutions and schools; at a local farmer’s market; via local businesses; or even at a neighborhood party—we are calling them “Wise Reading Parties.”

Thus, I have spent the last few weeks putting together a comprehensive but simple, user-friendly training manual which covers everything from making a business plan 101 to hosting a “Wise Reading Party” to online marketing 101 to help women get their businesses up and started. And of course, these tools can be used for any business.

All sales of Wise Heart Books go directly to the Wise Friend who facilitates the sale, and to support children’s holistic educational projects around the globe by The Women’s Wellbeing and Development Foundation.

If you would like to learn more, or become a Wise Friend, please visit: http://wiseheartbooks.com/friends.html

So what do you write?

2011-02-22T14:19:00.000-08:00

Everyone asks me this question. My answer?

“I write about whatever interests me; whatever makes me giggle or cheer; whatever disgusts me or befuddles me. I write about topics I am passionate about, and every once and a while, I try to draw attention to an issue that I think needs some more public contemplation.”

Here’s the story: I am former Reuters Health and Sciences Reporter (Sub-Saharan Africa division.) Yeah, ever heard of AIDS in Africa?!! Well, then, you already know my work; but please do not hold this against me—ask anyone at Reuters, I went AWOL.

I was also one of the original (read: paid, regular) writers for Sodahead.com, but as it turns out, I was too “liberal” and “cerebral” for the audience they ended up attracting. Sodahead.com readers and users preferred to read about Brittney Spear’s latest nail polish for dogs, or question clichés like “Does size really matter?”, rather than appreciate the irony of Obama nominating a former pesticide lobbyist, Islam Siddiqui, to be Chief Agriculture Negotiator, or read my praise for Sherman’s Travel taking on the Gay Love Boat advert campaign.

To demonstrate the breadth of my writing style and tone, not to mention topics, I have put together a little Kelly montage:

Damn you environmentalists! Now I have to re-plan my funeral!

http://www.sodahead.com/united-states/damn-you-environmentalists-now-i-have-to-re-plan-my-funeral/blog-216761/

AIDS in Africa: How Gender Issues Are the Lubricant for the Pandemic

http://seanamo.tigblog.org/post/285235?setlangcookie=true

Men, are you a perpetrator of bad sex?

http://www.sodahead.com/living/men-are-you-a-perpetrator-of-bad-sex/blog-184160/

Tanzania: This Bus Departs at Nine O’Clock

http://www.tangodiva.com/index.php?page=features&j=1&cat=2&story_id=395

Pass the peace pipe! November is National Native American Heritage Month

http://www.sodahead.com/united-states/pass-the-peace-pipe-november-is-national-native-american-heritage-month/blog-195873/?page=2

Running away to Egypt (at Age 9)

http://www.writerscafe.org/writing/Kellykarma/211462/

A Tale of Two Beaches: Playa Pelada and Playa Guiones

http://nightstylecr.com/magazine_detailed.php?id=10&table=news

Interpreter, please!

http://www.intravelmag.com/inept/298-interpreter-please-learning-zulu-in-south-africa

What to do when you only have 365 days left (a monthly planner)

http://www.writerscafe.org/writing/Kellykarma/211180/

For a whole collection of personal narratives and even some bad poetry:
http://www.writerscafe.org/Kellykarma

And here is another interesting fact: I have been the Alternative Recreation Reporter for the San Francisco Examiner for 2 years now. Therefore, I already have a huge following of hippies, Burners, Eco-heads, Rainbow Family members, Indigo Children, artists, Tantra teachers, yogis, and other various sub-cultures:

http://www.examiner.com/x-2454-SF-Alternative-Recreation-Examiner

Anyway, on to my vital stats:

Current Work: Part-time Communications and Development Coordinator of Women’s Wellbeing and Development Foundation, Costa Rica (http://www.wwd-f.org/index.html) and Marketing Coordinator for Wise Heart Books (http://wiseheartbooks.com/ )

Current Blogs and Social Media Networks:

http://www.examiner.com/x-2454-SF-Alternative-Recreation-Examiner

http://thenonprofitguru.wordpress.com/

http://biendemujer.wordpress.com/

FACE BOOK: Kelly N Patterson

http://www.linkedin.com/in/kellynpatterson

Women's Wellbeing and Development Foundation/Bien de Mujer’s Annual Children’s Christmas Party

2011-01-14T15:22:00.000-08:00

We could not have asked for better weather conditions on Tuesday, DEC 19—sunny and warm, our first blessing of the day—perfect for our Annual Children’s Christmas Party at the Centro de Recreo UNA, located in Barrio Santa Luiza, near Heredia. As early as 7 AM, volunteers (our second blessing!) began to trickle into our house and load up 4 vehicles, including two trucks donated by Himalaya Aryuveda Distributors, worth of donated gifts, food, decorations (thank you, Haley Cooney!), and about 8 volunteers. Again, so many blessings!

Over 160 children, and their mothers, arrived on 3 festive buses from La Carpio (the slums of San Jose, Costa Rica) just shy of 9 AM. Several group games, a mini-moon bounce, and a huge inflatable slide, with a side of cookie and juice snacks, were ready for the onslaught of excited (this is a gross understatement!) kids. The children were divided into two groups—half went to participate in outdoor group games and the playground first, while the other half went to the pool!

Gratefully, several other volunteers joined us later in the morning, including Craig and Agnes Lamb, and our “official” party-photographer, Ellen Lazare. While the kids were playing and mothers cooking lunch, we set up the “sala” for the afternoon Christmas Music Show (a beautiful performance by students of the University of Costa Rica orchestra); for Santa’s visit; and of course-- the distribution of gifts! While the children were swimming in the pools, flopping around on large inflatable things, or playing fooz-ball and ping pong in the recreation room, the mothers prepared and served a lunch picnic of arroz con pollo and juice.

After lunch, everyone gathered in the sala for a sing-a-long Christmas music concert and the much-anticipated visit from Santa, with two of his helpers. During the concert, ice cream and cake were served. A special little birthday cake was made for Fabiola who just happened to turn 15 yesterday! Then the madness began… as Santa handed out over 170 gifts to each child! Each present was individually wrapped and addressed to each child. CHAOS!

The party ended about 3 pm—each child armed with a gift, a little snack bag of candy and fruit, and a HUGE smile on his or her face. Just so you know, the children were truly grateful—endless “Gracias” and lots of hugs, even tears both from kids and mothers in gratitude. It was truly a special day, not just for the kids and their mothers, but for us as well. This is what love looks like.

A heart-felt thank you to everyone (and there are many!) who contributed in some way to this very memorable event.

Kelly N Patterson

Can't buy this at Wal-Mart! Wise Heart early children's books, the Smart Values Series

2010-12-07T04:39:00.000-08:00

I cannot recall any of the holiday gifts I received when I was 2, 3, 4, or even 5 years old; however, I do vividly recall the books that were read to me over and over (and then later, the books I learned to read with), and I even remember their message. For example, “Green Eggs and Ham”, by Dr. Seuss, is one of my life mantra’s: Try everything at least once (even cliff-diving in Hawaii, or moving to Africa when you are 18 years old!) Or , what about a book as simple as “Goodnight Moon”? And who can forget “The Giving Tree” by Shel Silverstein, or Maurice Sendak’s “Where the Wild Things Are”?

I know you are all being flooded with holiday gift discounts, sales and such, but this year you have the opportunity to give a brand new, conscientious series of early children’s books, called Wise Heart Books. People cannot buy these books at Borders, Target or Wal-Mart, so no worries about a gift faux-pas!

The Wise Heart Books’ “Smart Values Series” is a collection of five delightful stories that help children understand the positive and transformative nature of good values. Each story describes how certain values – such as generosity, cleanliness, and honesty – can change us for the better and just for the holidays: you can get all five books for only $24.99. Or you can buy them separately for only $6.99 each (but this does not include shipping and handling—which makes me question, what exactly do they mean by handling?!!!).

To take a peek for yourself of these artistic new books before they hit Borders, please visit: http://www.wiseheartbooks.com/

On top of your gift to your favorite niece or your colleague that just had a baby boy, the proceeds to go to the Women’s Well-Being and Development Foundation (http://www.wwd-f.org/index.html) youth educational programs in La Carpio, the slums of San Jose, Costa Rica. We are currently in the process of developing 3 slum houses into an eco-friendly community play, learn and community center.

And only until Christmas, are we offering this deal:

5 books for only $24.99 (this is 20% off the regular price!!!)

$6.99 a book

(does not include shipping and handling)

Free shipping for orders over $50

To order or for more information: http://www.wiseheartbooks.com/

Need help with the La Carpio Children’s Annual Xmas Party!

2010-11-22T08:34:00.000-08:00

On DEC 17, we, at the Women’s Well-Being and Development Foundation (http://www.wwd-f.org/index.html ), are holding our annual Children’s Christmas party for the children we work with in La Carpio, San Jose, Costa Rica.

The children look forward to this event all year round, as well as their parents. And this year, we are expecting a total of 200 children and parents! We still need resources to purchase food, decorations, rent buses, and of course, gifts for the kiddies.

There are many, many ways you can help:

Of course, money donations are always valuable: http://www.wwd-f.org/help.html#online
Donations of gifts, worth no more than 5,000 colones (or $10 USD) each please (so the kids feel they all get “equal” value gifts) and this year, we are trying to individualize gifts, so each child feels individually acknowledged.
Donations of pastries, chocolates and sweets for the kids.
Party decorations (even if we can just borrow some Xmas decorations!)
Music: A sound system with DJ (but live music is preferred!)
Face Painters, clowns, magicians, balloon artists, children’s entertainment, games
Photographer and Videographer
Set Up and Clean Up for the party

If you have any questions, concerns, or brilliant ideas as to how to make this the BEST Christmas EVER for these kids, please contact me directly at kellyofthepattersons@yahoo.com

Pura vida,

Kelly of the Pattersons

Kelly’s new role with WWD-F (También en mal Español!)

2010-11-17T10:00:00.000-08:00

I would love to do a survey of tourists and Costa Ricans (who live outside of San Jose), and ask them if they have ever heard of “La Carpio”? I suspect most of them, both visitors and Ticos alike, will answer “no.” “La Carpio” is basically the “slums” of San Jose and like most slums, unless you live there or have family there, no one ever visits, much less wants to accidentally end up there while trying to find the San Pedro Mall. The Women’s Well-Being and Development Foundation (WWD-F) is one of the few local women-designed and operated; non-profit, community-based organizations specifically addressing the well-being, internal and external development, and quality education and empowerment of women and children living in La Carpio. (Just my cup of coffee!)

Previously, I was just a fan and supporter of the quality work of WWD-F; now, I am a volunteer member of this extraordinary, international team of powerful, inspired, and resourceful women. WWD-F might be new to you, but I have done some pro bono consulting with them in the past, as well as actively promoted last year’s big children’s Christmas party.

This is Keilyn, she wants to be a singer or doctor, when she grows up.

This is the 3rd building that WWD-F is hoping to be able to purchase for their women and children's alternative community education center and play ground

Every Tuesday, we all go out to La Carpio to play with the kids, do some workshops and then eat!

A typical street in La Carpio, San Jose, Costa Rica


They do not have playgrounds in La Carpio, so this is where kids play

For the time being, I am taking on various roles with WWD-F which range from promoting this year’s Annual Children’s Christmas Party (more details to come shortly!); working on their new website (http://www.wwd-f.org/index.html) as well as assisting in the design of an integrated social media communications and marketing plan; and marketing their new series of children’s books, called Wise Heart Books, which focus on teaching values to children in a fun, memorable way—again, more about this soon!

Current projects of the Women’s Well-Being and Development Foundation (WWD-F):

Experiential, uplifting children’s education program called Ilori Educational Program, which includes “playshops”, fieldtrips, and events/activities outside of La Carpio.
Educational Center Canto Al Sol: a preschool located in Lomas de Tepeyac, San Jose-- with programs such as yoga, swimming, music and the arts, in addition to early childhood development education.
Wise Heart children’s books—which will partially fund all current WWD-F projects
Women’s Support Group called Granos Solidarios, which is currently working on putting together a small group business, in addition to training and support in conflict resolution; parenting skills; nutrition; self-esteem development; community organization; and holistic health care.
The Sattva Vita Complementary Health Care Center, located in Guadalupe, San Jose, which is staffed by certified Aryuvedic practitioners and other professional alternative and holistic health providers.

WWD-F just purchased two buildings in La Carpio (and intend to purchase a third building) and are actively in the process of transforming this series of buildings, in the middle of the slums, into an eco-friendly, safe, welcoming, and most importantly, fun women and children’s community education center with everything from an organic garden and playground to classrooms, library and computer lab and more! For information about WWD-F: http://www.wwd-f.org/index.html

Ahora, en mal Español…

Me encantaría hacer una encuesta de los turistas y los costarricenses (que viven fuera de San José), y pedirles que si alguna vez han oído hablar de "La Carpio"? Sospecho que la mayoría de ellos, tanto los visitantes como los ticos por igual, se responde "no". "La Carpio" es básicamente el "barrios bajos" de San José y como la mayoría de barrios pobres, a menos que viva allí o tiene familia allí, nadie visita nunca mucho menos quiere acabar accidentalmente allí tratando de encontrar el Mall San Pedro. La mujer Bienestar y Fundación para el Desarrollo (WWD-F) es uno de los pocos locales de mujeres, diseñados y operados, sin fines de lucro, organizaciones de base comunitaria que aborden específicamente el bienestar, el desarrollo interno y externo, y la calidad de la educación y el empoderamiento de las mujeres y los niños que viven en La Carpio. (Sólo mi taza de café!)

Anteriormente, yo era un admirador y partidario de la calidad del trabajo de WWD-F, y ahora, soy un miembro voluntario de este extraordinario equipo, internacional de mujeres poderosas, inspirado, y con recursos. WWD-F puede ser nuevo para usted, pero he hecho algunas consultorías pro bono con ellos en el pasado, así como el año pasado promovió activamente la fiesta de Navidad de los niños grandes.

Por el momento, estoy asumiendo diversos roles con WWD-F, que van desde la promoción anual de este año la fiesta de Navidad para la Infancia (más detalles a venir en breve!), Trabajando en su nuevo sitio web (http://www.wwd-f. org / index.html), así como ayudar en el diseño de una red de comunicaciones integrado de medios sociales y plan de marketing, y comercialización de su nueva serie de libros para niños, llamado Sabio Libros del Corazón, que se centran en la enseñanza de valores a los niños de una manera divertida y memorable de nuevo, más sobre esto pronto!

Los proyectos actuales de la Mujer, Bienestar y Fundación para el Desarrollo (WWD-F):

• Experiencial, edificante programa de educación de los hijos llamados Ilori Programa de Educación, que incluye "playshops", excursiones, eventos y actividades de las afueras de La Carpio.
• Centro Educativo Canto al Sol: una escuela preescolar ubicada en Lomas de Tepeyac, San José - con programas como el yoga, la natación, la música y las artes, además de la educación temprana de desarrollo infantil.
• libros sabios hijos del Corazón-que en parte se financiará todos los proyectos actuales

• Grupo de Apoyo de Mujeres denominado Granos Solidarios, que actualmente está trabajando en armar un negocio pequeño grupo, además de la formación y apoyo en la resolución de conflictos, habilidades de crianza, nutrición, desarrollo de la autoestima, organización comunitaria y la atención de salud integral.
• El Sattva Vita Complementaria Centro de Salud, ubicado en Guadalupe, San José, que es atendida por profesionales certificados Aryuvedic y otros tipos de profesionales y otros proveedores de salud integral.

WWD-F acaba de adquirir dos edificios en La Carpio (y la intención de comprar un tercer edificio) y se activa en el proceso de transformación de esta serie de edificios, en medio de los barrios bajos, en un eco-amigable, seguro y acogedor, y lo más importante, las mujeres y el centro de diversión de los niños educación de la comunidad con todo, desde un jardín orgánico y un parque infantil a las aulas, biblioteca y laboratorio de computación y mucho más! Para obtener información acerca WWD-F: http://www.wwd-f.org/index.html

My first clinic visit at Operation Safe Drinking Water (I told you someone was going to get hurt on that dangerous, submerged dock in Bahia Grande!)

2010-10-29T14:41:00.000-07:00

by Kelly N Patterson

Don’t worry-- I am not going to post every clinic visit here at the Operation Safe Drinking Water Base Camp (only the interesting ones!) However, because this was my first clinic visit since I arrived; and an excellent example of the unique challenges of health care out here; and recently, I predicted an ER visit from the exact location of today’s injury (remember the slimy submerged dock photo at Bahia Grande primary school?), I am posting about it. I am also hoping you get a better idea as to what challenges we face out here, as healthcare workers, in the remote islands off the coast of east Panama.

Ermelinda happens to be the wife of one of our local MacGyver’s around here named Benerito; he has been working with Operation Safe Drinking Water for over 2 years now as a general handyman/laborer. Benerito and Ermelinda have 3 kids and go to an evangelical Christian church EVERY night. Their children attend the very same primary school in Bahia Grande that I visited a few days ago with Maribel (Operation Safe Drinking Water has installed 2 rain catchment water tanks at this school—I have a whole photo album up on Face Book) as part of evaluating and monitoring the water tanks, and as part of my local community needs assessment.

Anyway, Little Benerito, aged 4, apparently slipped on that filthy, submerged (and no doubt germ/scum infested) dock (which is full of trash) and cut the very bottom of his heel-- and of course, it is infected; and of course, he has no shoes. Shoes are a luxury here (that is why Centro Infantil Cristiano was delivering shoes to children in villages outside of Changuinola; visit http://operationsafedrinkingwater.org/blog/volunteering-in-bocas-del-toro for the blog about this trip!) And of course, both he and his mother WALKED to my house.

And of course, the parents could not tell me when this happened exactly, nor if it involved metal, glass, wood, or what exactly cut him (if it was a rusty metal, we will know very soon and there will be a trip to the hospital for a tetanus shot and then some!)

So how do you clean and dress a deep, infected heel cut (a) for an active 4 year old; (b) a kid with no shoes, who basically lives on a swampy island; (c) people with no medicines at the house; (d) people you know are not using clean water to clean their bodies or home—people who use a river or the ocean to bathe; (e) people with no bathroom, so they go out in the bushes (stepping in other people’s poo); (f) people who do not know “Wash your hands” is the universal law of health—you see where this is going right?

It is not as simple as clean, dry, antibiotic cream, and bandage—how do you keep the bandage dry in these conditions? Even if they wanted to BUY shoes, there is not a shoe store on this island! How do you prevent the further spread of this infection to the boy and his family?!!!

Well, while Little Benerito was bravely soaking his heel in warm soapy water (the only time he shyly teared was when I applied a liquid antiseptic to the wound area—I knew it must be burning), I went through the treatment with both parents several times, which included—“before you clean his wound, wash your hands; after you clean his wound, wash your hands.”

Stressing that they had to soak his foot; clean it (I showed them how); dry it; apply antibiotic cream; and bandage it twice a day—an elaborate ritual that I sincerely hope they will follow. I tried to explain staph infection to them, showing them it would move up his leg to his heart (I think they got it.) I am pretty sure it is not staph infection, but I wanted the parents to know that I was serious about the treatment ritual—if they do not use clean hands and clean cloths, etc. then there really will be staph infection among them all.

“Make sure the cloth you use to clean his wound is CLEAN, with boiling hot water, and then clean the cloth again when you are done. “

I ended up giving Little Benerito one of my rainbow socks as a cover to the bandage (he loved it!) I told the parents to make him wear the sock over his bandage, take it off every night and clean it in boiling water, and let it dry while he sleeps—he will have to wear the same sock the next day.

And since my first clinic patient happened to be related to Benerito-- who is truly a hard-worker, always helpful and patiently teaching me Spanish daily (murcielago= bat), I ended up making my fave African dish (my curry tuna, spinach pasta dish) for Ermelinda and Little Benerito because they spent their lunch hour at the clinic.

During lunch, when not asking a million questions about Guaymi/Guomi customs and rituals, I amused them with photos of Africa. Benerito loved the photos of the animals (some animals he could not identify—they had never seen a gazelles, baboons, or ostriches); and Ermelinda was very interested in the local women’s market (something I have not yet seen here.)

I have chalk, so I let Little Benerito draw on my porch while I continued to learn about the local culture, or lack there of—according to Ermelinda, there is no traditional Guaymi/Guomi clothes or costume; and no traditional wedding ceremony (I showed her photos of a Zulu wedding to illustrate this); and there is no traditional “dance” (like the Honduran Garifuna “Punta”); etc. Interesting.

Every day I learn about 40 new things—from Spanish words to how to outsmart the bats to how to plant cilantro without the crabs eating it all.

Operation Safe Drinking Water partners with local community-based organization, Centro Infantil Cristiano

2010-10-29T14:27:00.000-07:00

Photo 1

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By Kelly N Patterson

Outskirts of Changuinola, October 21, 2010—

In order to most effectively address and sustain the basic needs and primary health care of the local Guomi, or Guaymi, (indigenous) people of the Bocas del Toro region, it is critical that all sectors work together to meet community needs. Therefore, the Operation Safe Drinking Water (OSDW) team met up with a multi-purpose, Changuinola-based community organization named Centro Infantil Cristiano, last Thursday in Almirante.

Local Panamanian community organizer, Melva Marriot de Brid, is the ambitious and charismatic founder and president of two different community-based organizations: Centro Infantil Cristiano, which seeks to address mother and children’s health and welfare, and Centro de Ayuda y Rehabilitacion de Viviendas, which seeks to address drug and alcohol addiction throughout the Almirante region. Melva met the OSDW team in downtown Almirante, along with her two colleagues: former local preacher, Edgardo, and Rupert Harris, who is trying to set up youth sports development programs, in his spare time, throughout the area—mainly football, volleyball, and baseball.

Melva and her enthusiastic team (all wearing red shirts in the photos) took OSDW to three different Guomi (or Guyami) communities just outside of downtown Changuinola: San San Puente, Puente Negro, and Tibiti. She took OSDW to these communities to demonstrate the need for community rain-water catchment systems and basic primary health care education, as well as to deliver donated shoes to school children, some clothes, and snacks. NOTE: Even though public schools are free in Panama, families are still responsible for purchasing a school uniform, shoes, books, school supplies, and provide their own transportation to school—which is mainly walking through grassy (snake-filled) fields, across swamps and sometimes, crossing an un-bridged river.

Melva explained to OSDW that aside from distributing donated items to these communities-- which have an 80% unemployment rate; lack of public infrastructure (such as sidewalks, sanitation systems, electricity, poor public services, etc. ); low levels of education; poor housing conditions; and an average family size of 6 children-- Centro Infantil Cristiano has successfully launched several sewing income generation projects with local women’s groups; built 3 community “comedors” (or kitchens) where she has taught mothers how to prepare and cook nutritious foods for their families; and through Centro de Ayuda y Rehabilitacion de Viviendas, they have personally escorted extreme drug addicts, a 9-hour bus ride, to professional drug rehabilitation facilities in Panama City (Melva’s dream is to create a drug and alcohol rehab community home in Almirante.) In addition, Melva has authored a cook book, featuring typical Bocas region cuisine, entitled “Cocina Tipica de Bocas del Toro” (published in Spanish only, 2008), with all proceeds going to support her organizations.

Basically, Centro Infantil Cristiano has asked OSDW to partner in the creation of 6 new community comedors (kitchens) in the Changuinola outskirts--complete with nutritional education, cooking lessons and basic water/sanitation prevention and education— by installing 6 new community rain catchment water systems. Therefore, OSDW and Centro Infantil Cristiano will be working together to create 6 new community comedors throughout the region, complete with nutrition and sanitation awareness and education, as well as 6 community water tanks to provide clean, safe drinking, cooking and cleaning water.

To learn more about this joint community project, to donate, or participate, please contact OSDW at opsafewater@gmail.com or visit http://operationsafedrinkingwater.org.

Photos:

Photo 1: Maribel Bass of OSDW handing out shoes to children in Puente Negro.

Photo 2: Joe Bass (OSDW) discussing partnering with Centro Infantil Cristiano in creating 6 community “comedors” (kitchens.)

Photo 3: (from left to right) Melva Marriot de Brid (CIC), Joe Bass (OSDW), Rupert Harris (CIC), Edgardo (CIC), and Maribel Bass (OSDW) holding boxes of donated school shoes.

Photo 4: An example of the current community water well at San San Puente—notice the rust and there is no cover—which means animals, debris, dirt, rubbish, and even small children can fall into the well. An open well can also serve as a breeding ground for mosquitoes and all kinds of amoebas—which lead to diarrhea, worms, and other water-born diseases.

Photo 5: Here is a photo of the local women and children gathering in San San Puente to pick up donations.

Photo 6: A typical house in all three communities—note: this house is home to a single mother with 10 kids.

Kelly is moving to Panama! Operation Safe Drinking Water

2010-10-11T10:35:00.000-07:00

Kelly N Patterson is moving to the island of San Crisotbal, part of the Bocas del Toro region of Panama in mid-October, 2010. Kelly will be working as Development and Communications Director for Operation Safe Drinking Water (http://operationsafedrinkingwater.org/blog/) which is a small, nonprofit community-based primary health care and rural development organization which serves indigenous Panamanian communities on over 30 islands.

More details to follow shortly!

Kelly's new role with CRROB

2010-06-07T07:49:00.000-07:00

At the end of June 2010, Kelly N Patterson is moving back to Costa Rica to work as Social Media Network Guru/Co-Marketing Coordinator for Costa Rica Rainforest Outward Bound (known in Costa Rica as, Fundacion Costa Rica Escuela de Aventura y Conservacion.) She will be based in Tres Rios, just outside of San Jose.

This is a dream job for Kelly because (a) she has always been a fan of Outward Bound; (b) the job is all about using her communications and writing skills to promote a reputable organization that inspires and empowers people in a FUN, challenging way (involving everything from white water rafting to surfing to zip-wire flying, etc.); (c) this job takes her back to Costa Rica (pura vida!); (d) she will be close to a lot of friends; and (e) she will have unlimited access to Chilero and the world’s best coffee!

And know that Costa Rica Rainforest Outward Bound is not just for “kids”, many faith-based groups, civil society groups, and companies set up customized team and leadership building courses with us!

For more about Costa Rica Rainforest Outward Bound please visit the site,
http://www.costaricaoutwardbound.org/ and make sure to check out the blog: http://crrobs.blogspot.com/

Pura vida!

Ask me about pro bono nonprofit communications and marketing!

2010-05-24T06:28:00.000-07:00

In order to expand our professional portfolio and create more connections with peer nonprofit organizations, 501(c)ommunications is currently doing some pro bono, project-based communications and marketing work with selected candidates. For example, we are currently working with Answer, a program created by the Rutgers University Center of Applied Psychology, on a social media marketing campaign.

About 501(c)ommunications:

Basically, 501(c)ommunications is a small, intimate, shared, professional and affordable, and multi-skilled communications and marketing team solely for non-profits-- created, produced and staffed by nonprofit professionals (meaning: we are experienced and sensitive to the needs and challenges of the nonprofit industry.)

Essentially, 501(c)ommunications caters to new, small and/or under-sourced NGOs who need professional multi-media PR, marketing, communications, and IT work done in order to maintain and/or develop their services and products, but cannot afford to hire full-time staff, or a team. We do everything from branding to project management.

Therefore, if you have a specific communications or marketing project that needs to be done yesterday, I suggest you contact me to see if your organization and your project qualify as a pro bono candidate.

For more information, contact me at Kelly@501communications.org

2010-04-21T06:38:00.000-07:00

Well, I put out the energy I find work that was (a) meaningful to me, (b) fully utilized my 15 years of domestic and international NGO working experience, (c) allowed me to use my multi-media communications skills, especially writing, as a tool for education and positive change, and (d) allowed me to work, from anywhere in the world, on a variety of critical issues. And thus, 501(c)ommunications appeared.

Therefore, today, I officially joined 501(c)ommunications, based in DC, which serves various 501c3-status organizations across the country. Basically, 501(c)ommunications (http://www.501communications.org/) is a small, intimate, shared, professional and affordable communications and marketing team solely for non-profits-- created, produced and staffed by nonprofit professionals (meaning: we are experienced and sensitive to the needs and challenges of the nonprofit industry.)

Essentially, 501 (c)ommunications caters to new, small and under-sourced NGOs who need professional multi-media PR, marketing and communications work done in order to maintain and/or develop their services and products, but cannot afford to hire full-time staff, or a team. This is an economically savvy alternative, with various compensation options, to meeting an organization’s immediate, short and long-term PR, marketing and communications needs, when the budget does not allow in-house staff or team.

From branding to web design, content and maintenance; from e-CRM to online marketing and advertising; from e-newsletters to print publications; from old skool press releases to fact sheets--501(c)ommunications, among the 5 of us, will do it all. This also includes planning, consulting, and project management.

My new role is as sales advocate and consultant. If you have any questions about how we can work with your organization, please contact me at my new email address: Kelly@501communications.org

Pura vida,
Kelly N Patterson

2010-01-29T17:17:00.000-08:00

Kelly N. Patterson
Global Multi-Media Communications Specialist / Writer/Editor
15 years serving international nonprofits, development agencies, academic institutions, the arts, and social entrepreneurial enterprises

Titles include: E-Content Manager and Editor; Social Media Specialist; Journalist; Public Information Writer/Editor; Development Executive; Grant Writer; Script Writer; Curriculum Developer; PR/Marketing Writer; Media Liaison; Speech Writer; Press Coordinator; Fundraising Guru; and Copy Writer/Editor

Former Health and Sciences Reporter for Reuters (SADC Region); previous clients include World Bank, Habitat for Humanity International, ICW, DFID, VSO, Medicins Sans Frontiers, DED, Seoul National University, EBS (Educational Broadcasting Systems, Korea), University of South Carolina; School of Public Health, Art Basel, Save the Children, BBC, Paramedics for Children, The Well Project, Camino Seguro, CouchSurfing International, Bajan Dream Project

Multi-media vehicles include international and local press; web development: management, editing, and writing; engineering online social media campaigns with integrated marketing, communications and PR; direct-mail campaigns; grant writing; public awareness campaigns; educational television/film design, scripting and development; press releases; e-newsletters; eCRM; journalism; educational texts; brochures; fact sheets; presentations and exhibitions; press kits and PR materials; ghost-writing/speech writing; proposal writing; report writing; copy writing/editing; research

Diverse range of multi-media communications, marketing and PR skills; easily adaptable to any audience from 5 year old Guatemalan orphans to Kofi Annan and the corporate sector; chief motivation to use writing and communications skills/experience as a tool for public education and positive change

Phone: 510/684 6497 E-mail: kellyofthepattersons@yahoo.com

FACE BOOK: Kelly N Patterson
http://www.linkedin.com/in/kellynpatterson

Current and very, very recent multi-media communications work

2010-01-29T17:04:00.000-08:00

Kelly N. Patterson's current blogs:
http://www.examiner.com/x-2454-SF-Alternative-Recreation-Examiner
http://thenonprofitguru.wordpress.com/

For all you could possibly know about me:
FACE BOOK: Kelly N Patterson
http://www.linkedin.com/in/kellynpatterson
www.myspace.com/kellykarma
Twitter, Digg, Tribe, CouchSurfing, Trazzler, etc: KellyKarma

Recent Independent Contracts (within the past year):

• Former contributing writer for Voice of Nosara (local Nosara, Costa Rica newspaper--http://www.voiceofnosara.com/index.html) and Nightstyle (national Costa Rica entertainment magazine); also many other local publications: The Mountain Howler, http://www.mountainhowler.com/ and http://www.the-osa-peninsula.com/
• http://www.sodahead.com/user/profile/1565645/kellykarma/
• http://nosaracoconuttelegraph.wordpress.com/ (creator, blogging and social media network marketing)
• http://www.2camels.com/travel-writers/writer-104.php (blogger)
• http://icccr.wordpress.com/ (web copy and social media marketing)
• http://www.puravidaministries.org/index.html (web copy and social media marketing)
• Fundraising Guru for www.couchsurfing.com
• www.herohoops.com (social media marketing)
• www.socialmediaclub.org (blogger and consultant)
• www.taylordenim.org (social media marketing)
• http://www.trendhunter.com/kellynpatterson (blogger)
• http://www.rollickguides.com (blogger)
• www.bajandream.org (blogger)
• www.covertlyobvious.com/ (blogger)

Kelly N Patterson's current work update: Intentional Conscious Communities of Costa Rica (ICCCR)

2009-07-30T16:11:00.001-07:00

Intentional Conscious Communities of Costa Rica (ICCCR)
Growing sustainable communities in Costa Rica seeds to village

What exactly does “growing sustainable communities in Costa Rica seeds to village” mean?

The ICCCR serves to the conscious creation, development, maintenance, support, education, and empowerment of socially, economically and environmentally sustainable communities throughout Costa Rica.

We, at the ICCCR, seek to identify, assess, unify, educate, and support these communities and their social entrepreneurial businesses, through an informational, open-source web portal. The ultimate objective of the ICCCR is to empower Costa Rican conscious communities in so that these organizations can be economically sustainable; eco-sustainable; socially sustainable; stimulate their local economies; educate and involve their local communities; and protect Costa Rica’s natural resources.

What is the ICCCR’s definition of an “intentional conscious community?”

Any shared work and housing group, community or program that seeks to do a combination or elements of mind-body-spirit-earth work that is eco-sustainable, socially responsible and empowers the local community (Ticos!)

And how exactly does the ICCCR plan to “serve in the conscious creation, development, maintenance, support, education, and empowerment of socially, economically and environmentally sustainable communities throughout Costa Rica?”

Current and future services include the following:

• Bi-lingual, open-source, SEO-charged, online directory of communities and social entrepreneurial businesses operating in Costa Rica
• ICCCR verification of community and business profiles, products and services
• ICCCR pre-qualified eco-sustainable properties for sale
• Matching conscious investors with conscious sellers and communities
• Advocates for buyers and investors; working in partnership with trusted local real estate agents and local government
• Consultation and support in all aspects of purchasing, developing, and maintaining a eco-sustainable property and/or business
• ICCCR online organic market and health store (to be marketed both domestically and internationally)
• Carbon-credit brokering
• Micro-loans
• ICCCR workshops, products and services—from workshops, tools and publications on building bamboo structures to constructing water catchments; from marketing 101 to writing business plans or grants; from bio-diesel fuel to community-building and communication skills
• Updated information on environmental technology; rural development; local laws; grant and seed money opportunities; market trends; and then some
• Matching stewards, volunteers, interns, work-trade, and investors with communities
• ICCCR Volunteer orientation/training services to improve both the volunteer and host experience
• ICCCR educational and community-building events (providing venues for community members to meet in person, network and share skills and knowledge)
• Scholarships for locals
• ICCCR preferred local providers and good business referrals
• Community open-source events calendar
• General classifieds
• Online auctions and contests

Again, www.icccr.info is a work in progress (poco a poco.) Currently, all acting ICCCR team leaders, known as The Elders, are volunteering their time, energy, and skills. We are grateful for all your patience as we work on developing all the functions of the site and recruiting key team members. Soon, each service will be fully defined on the site.

If you have any interest in becoming involved in our work or any other queries, please do not hesitate to contact Kelly N Patterson, The Messenger, at kellypatterson@icccr.info

About the Organizational Structure of ICCCR

Starting with the team, the ICCCR team refers to itself as “The Elders.”

The Elders agreed ICCCR needs the following key positions filled in order to fully manifest ICCCR’s mission and vision:

• Web administrator (current acting: Jason Thomas)
• Web developer/graphic designer (project based—actively seeking!)
• PR/communications/marketing/fundraising (Kelly N Patterson, known as The Messenger)
• Director of Operations (Jason Thomas)
• Bookkeeper
• Carbon credit broker
• ICCCR verification team coordinator (Amelia Borntrager)
• Eco-property guru (Gary Schmeiding, known as The Seed Planter)
• Community liaison
• Educational director (Alana Bliss)
• Financial director
• Monetary administrator (alternative currency/credit) (Roy Lent)
• Outreach/events coordinator (Alana Bliss and Amelia Borntrager)
• Volunteer coordinator
• Product and services manager/Business director
• ICCCR community tours coordinator

For more background on the current acting Elders, please visit our About Us page for photos, mini-bio’s and personal commitment statements. If you would like to learn more about the other key roles with ICCCR, please contact Kelly N Patterson, The Messenger, at kellypatterson@icccr.info

****************************************************************

More about the ICCCR Organizational Structure

The Elders agreed that ICCCR apply for LLC status in Costa Rica (in the care of Gary Schmieding.) It was agreed a separate non-profit organization, a US-based 501 c/3, to be named Intentional Conscious Communities International (ICCI), be created (in care of Kelly N Patterson.) However, Kelly N Patterson is to investigate and query immediate non-profit fiscal agent/partnerships. The ultimate objective is to create ICCI.

The ICCCR will act as a service provider for the ICCI. The ICCI will procure funds to support micro-loans via ICCCR and future ICC networks in other countries and regions; seed monies for new ICCs; gifts-in-kind; scholarships; educational tools and resources, etc.

In order to file for a 501 c/3, ICCI will need a board of directors (not on ICCI payroll) of (at least) the following positions: President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer. If you are interested in being part of the ICCI board, please contact Kelly N Patterson, The Messenger, at kellypatterson@icccr.info

State of Affairs: Current Contracts

2008-12-29T11:35:00.000-08:00

My blog: http://thenonprofitguru.wordpress.com/

Current Independent Contracts:

· http://www.covertlyobvious.com (blogger)
· www.bajandream.org (blogger)
· www.herohoops.com (social media marketing)
· www.socialmediaclub.org (blogger and consultant)
· www.taylordenim.org (social media marketing)
· http://www.trendhunter.com/kellynpatterson (blogger)
· http://www.rollickguides.com (blogger)
· www.tazzler.com (blogger)

Rollick Guide Articles include:

Hoop Dancing - The Hottest New Dance Craze (and No, It Has Nothing to Do with Basketball!)
Ecstatic Dance: Where Meditation Meets Dance
Introducing Paint Dance: Da Vinci Meets Disco
Poi 101 (and No, Not the Hawaiian Dish!)
Ever Heard of Punta? A Rare Latin Dance
All About Spinach-- Unique Ways to Prepare (Even for People Who Hate Spinach!)
Make Your Own Pizza Party!
10 Spices to Use Instead of Table Salt
The New Dinner Party Craze: Tapas
AcroYoga: Where Acrobatics Meets Yoga
FreeCycle: How to Totally Furnish Your Home for Free!
Watsu: Under Water Shiatsu
Super Seaweed: Ways to Prepare and Eat Seaweed

Responsible for all web copy on the following websites:

· www.thewellproject.org
· http://www.artbaselmiamibeach.com/ca/cc/ss/ (2005)
· http://www.davidbeahmstudio.com/gallery/
· http://www.zanempilo.org.za/

Current/Recent Social Media Marketing Clients:

· www.herohoops.com / www.myspace.com/hooliehooprosie
· http://www.taylordenim.com/

Blog Action Day: Poverty (October 15, 2008)

2008-10-14T08:26:00.000-07:00

If you happen to be a regular blogger, I am confident you have already heard through the virtual grapevine that October 15th is Blog Action Day. Bloggers everywhere will unite (from sports blogs and tech blogs, to entertainment and cooking blogs) and publish posts on October 15th that discuss poverty in some way.

The BIG IDEA is that by all bloggers posting on the same day, we as the social media, can change the conversation that day, to raise awareness, start a global discussion about global and local poverty issues, and hopefully, inspire people to action.

What Can I Do?

Well, the easiest thing you can do if you have a blog is to write something about poverty that is relative to your unique audience. If you have a personal blog, you can document about poverty issues in your own life and how you dealt with them, or someone else close to you. If you have a celebrity blog, you can blog about celebrity charity work (think Wyclef Jean!)

If you don’t happen to have a blog, you can just look for a good blog about poverty that speaks to you, and share it with your family, friends and colleagues. Spreading the word is critical to raising awareness and continuing the global discussion on poverty issues.

My 2 pesos: My definition of poverty: having to choose between medicine and food. What is your definition?

Kelly N. Patterson Traditional CV

2008-01-02T07:07:00.000-08:00

EDUCATION
Paul VI High School Fairfax, Virginia
Honors Program
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Illinois
Bachelor of the Liberal Arts and Sciences

The Well Project – Atlanta, Georgia October 2006 – November 07
e-Content Manager and Editor (English and Spanish sites)
· Manages and edits www.thewellproject.org , using EMC Documentum Web Publisher and EMC Documentum E-Rooms
· Composes “The Well Update” monthly e-newsletters and alerts
· Composed and implemented all editorial and e-management policies and processes
· TRUST-e management and renewal
· Google Analytics and Net Tracker management for Search Engine Optimization
· Serves as Public Information writer for the “Ask the Expert” section of www.thewellproject.org when applicable
· Recruited new writers and manages all contributing writers and medical review editorial staff, as well as Armedia (http://armedia.com/default.htm) tech support; final web content edits
· General PR and media communications content and delivery
· Manages Donor and Membership database
· Set up and maintains collaborative links with POZ magazine (online) on the development and implementation of a Local Resources Directory

Independent: Scripted and produced short film, “Cup of Hope”, about HIV stigma, in May 2007: Atlanta, Georgia. Release date in January 2008.

World Bank/Caribbean Regional Network January 2007
Consultancy

“To develop a work plan of activities for the Greater Involvement of People Living with HIV/AIDS (GIPA) and provide clear strategies to strengthen initiatives for GIPA.”

This work plan is a direct product of preparatory research and data collection organized by CRN+ and collected by International HIV/AIDS Consultant, Kelly N. Patterson, via HIV+ peer focus groups, community meetings, needs assessment exercises, as well as interviews with key AIDS Service Organization (ASO) and NGO staff and HIV+ peer leaders. http://www.crnplus.org/

Scope of Work (Partner ASO/NGO in):

· Antigua
· Dominica
· Grenada
· Suriname

Art Basel – Miami Beach October 05- December 2005
Press Coordinator
· Composed and edited all press materials, brochures, fact sheets, and print PR tools for the December 2005 Art Basel Show
· Managed Press Office during convention Art Basel http://www.artbaselmiamibeach.com/ca/cc/ss/

Camino Seguro – Guatemala City, Guatemala June 05 – November 05
ESL Coordinator and Instructor
· Design and implement ESL curriculum for non-profit primary school
· Recruit, train and manage ESL instructors www.safepassage.org
· Design, recruit teachers, and manage life skills curriculum program for Guatemalan orphans and vulnerable children ages pre-school to teen

University of South Carolina: HIV and Algae Studies (School of Public Health) August 04 – December 06
Development Consultant
· Part-time medical research and development consultant for university HIV and algae studies; setting up and managing 14 global pilot studies including PR, communications and fundraising work

International Community of Women Living with HIV/AIDS – London, UK July 2004
Press Coordinator
· Composed and edited all press materials, brochures, fact sheets, and print PR tools for the 14th International AIDS Conference in Bangkok, Thailand
· Managed all interviews and press conferences with members of ICW
· Attended, documented and wrote the press release on a private Civil Society meeting with 12 civil society leaders and Kofi Annan
· Managed Press Office during International AIDS Conference
· http://www.icw.org/

The Gere Foundation – Miami, Florida July 2004
Speech Writer
Scripted speech for Richard Gere, Founder and Director of the Gere Foundation, for his speech at the 14th International AIDS Conference, Bangkok, Thailand
http://www.gerefoundation.org/

Master Research – London, UK October 03 – October 06
Research Paper Writer
Compose research papers from the fields of literature to psychology to sciences: The Principles of Perception; Bribery: the Psychological and Sociological Impacts on the “Giver” and the “Receiver”; Anti-Semitism in Shakespeare’s “Merchant of Venice”; “Rent” by Jonathan Larson: A Critique; Annotated Bibliography on William Golding’s “Lord of the Flies”; George Herbert’s Poetry: An Analysis

International Language School - Trinidad, Honduras January 03 – August 03
ESL School Director and Instructor
Created, directed and instructed at ESL language training school (children to adult pupils)

The European Union Global Village Exhibit at the UN World Summit on Sustainable Development (Johannesburg, South Africa, 2002)
(The EU selected Kelly to “man” their “Global Village” exhibition booth at the UN World Summit on Sustainable Development in Johannesburg, 2002, on behalf of all EU Sub-Saharan African-based international development projects.)

Zanempilo – Capetown, Western Cape, South Africa May 02 – Oct 02
Fundraising and PR Manager
· Designed and implemented organizational plan, fundraising strategy, public relations campaign, and further developed collaboration among the health sector, business sector, religious sector, local community leaders, and welfare sector
· Composed letters of approach, queries, grant proposals, speeches, presentations, press releases, media articles on behalf of primary healthcare NGO which serves 1 million people in disadvantaged communities in the Capetown Metro-pole
· Organized fundraising events: Disabled Children’s Christmas Party (Christmas in the Animal Kingdom)
· Responsible for all communications directly with donors, peer organizations, press and local government; website development: www.zanempilo.org.za
· For more information and PR samples: http://www.comminit.com/pdskdv102002/sld-6368.html; http://www.msh.org/news_room/stories/tb_southafrica.html;

Felixton College – Kwa Zulu Natal, South Africa June 01 – December 01
High School English Teacher
Taught high school English (grades 8 to 11); including extra-curricular courses: drama, yoga, song writing, and debate team

Reuters – Sub-Saharan Africa Division (Johannesburg) June 00 – January 03
Health and Sciences Reporter
Editor Martha Kerr

http://www.reuters.com/home

Voluntary Services Overseas (VSO) – South Africa and UK October 00 – May 02
Newsletter Editor
Edited 25-page, quarterly newsletter for +300 VSO development workers and staff in South Africa

Pick’n Pay Employee Health Newsletter – South Africa August 00 – May 02
Newsletter Editor
Edited 10-page, quarterly Employee Health newsletter for over 12,000 Pick’n Pay employees throughout South Africa

Vusimpilo - Kwa Zulu Natal, Republic of South Africa
Development Executive May 00 - May 02
· Directed and raised funds for community-based, nonprofit organization that serves to promote and coordinate integrated primary health care, health education (especially HIV/AIDS/TB/STI community outreach), and rural development among people of the district of Hlabisa (population of 250,000 over 3500 square miles)
· Managed and trained 30 volunteer home-based caregivers, a PLWA Support Group, and key project staff
· Designed and implemented organizational plan, fundraising strategy, public relations campaign, and further developed collaboration among the health sector, business sector, religious sector, local community leaders, and welfare sector
· Designed and implemented home-based care program, orphan monitoring and assistance program, volunteer incentive plan, and all evaluation and monitoring systems
· Recognized local CBO's promoting development and health promotion to the Hlabisa district; rendered assistance to these organizations via CBO development training: workshops, networking, shared resources, setting up a grants library and resource center, creating income generating projects, etc.
· Created an Income-Generating Project Business Catalogue; assisted 25 rural preschools; assisted 22 community gardens and 5 agricultural projects (cotton and poultry)
· For more information and PR samples about Vusimpilo please visit:
http://www.geog.psu.edu/courses/geog100/NYTimes/112801witness.html; http://www.aids.org.za/dowmloadmedia/AFSA%20AR%202002.pdf; http://www.thefundingsite.co.za/NPOs/detail.asp?ID=161 http://www.kznaidslink.kabissa.org/events.html
http://www.kznaidslink.kabissa.org/social.html
· Collaborations (“Community Liaison”) with documentary filmmaker, Deborah Shipley of “True Visions”, BBC and No Lie Productions, both in South Africa and Honduras
BBC http://www.hbo.com/docs/programs/orphansofnkandla/synopsis.html
No Lie Productions http://www.nolieproductions.com/credits.html

Providian Financial - San Francisco, California
Corporate Communications Writer June 99 - September 99
Composed action complaint correspondence to State Attorney Generals, Better Business Bureau, and Office of the Comptroller of Currency on behalf of Directors of Consumer Relations, Media Relations, and Corporate Communications

CONTECH Legal Services - Reston, Virginia
Legal Exhibits Editor June 99
One month editing contract on the case: British Petroleum versus the State of Puerto Rico

Polaris Inc. - Mexico City, Mexico
Executive ESL Instructor October 99 - January 00
ESL instruction to business executives at Pepsi Co., Swiss Bank, Zapata (Ford) bases in Mexico City

Seoul National University - Seoul, Korea
Exam Script Writer January 99 - April 99
Scripted “Listening Comprehension” section of six independent university English board exams

Educational Broadcasting Systems (EBS) - Seoul, Korea
Script Writer August 98 - April 99
Member of a four-person writing team to script weekly television debate show, Conversational English: Pros and Cons

Mok-Dong 20/20 Academy - Seoul, Korea
ESL Instructor August 98 - January 99
ESL instruction to elementary, middle, and high school students in English articulation, comprehension, grammar, and composition

E-5 Language School - Seoul, Korea
ESL Instructor August 98 - April 99
Prepared university and adult pupils for TOEFL examination and job interviews

ReefKeeper International - Miami, Florida
Development Consultant July 97 - March 98
· Researched and developed contacts with suspect donors, foundations, corporate giving programs, and fundraising options for nonprofit environmental agency; 2 out of 7 proposals accepted; http://www.reefguardian.org
· Composed letters of approach, queries, and grant proposals on behalf of Director Alexander Stone

Sisters of the Presentation - San Francisco, California
Editor/Writer September 97 - November 97
· Directed and produced “All Soul’s Day” direct mail campaign with a circulation of 2,000; 75% return related in nearly $16,000 in donations; http://www.presentationsisterssf.org
· Directed the production of bi-annual periodical, Light, (circulation 7,000) responsibilities included: editing, writing articles, conducting interviews, managing writing staff, and collaborating with layout designer
· Composed donor acknowledgment letters and written material on behalf of President Sister Rosina Conrotto

The Center for Positive Connections - Miami, Florida
Development Consultant October 96 - May 97
· Co-developed needs assessment for young nonprofit, AIDS service organization via client-report questionnaires, peer focus groups, and interviews with key project staff
· Defined eight objectives for organization’s 1997 fiscal year; engineered fundraising work plan for 1997-1998
· Researched suspect donors and composed seven grant proposals worth $5,000 to $50,000; total fundraising effort related to $75,000 (excluding gifts-in-kind); http://www.positiveconnections.org
· Drafted organization Fact Sheet, letters of approach, queries, proposals, and other developmental documents on behalf of Executive Director Sheri Kaplan

Midland Habitat for Humanity - Midland, Texas
Interim Executive Director February 96 - August 96
· Secured annual $100,000 grants from Abell-Hanger Foundation for 1997 - 1999
· Engineered and established the volunteer/client enrollment and recruitment procedures
· Planned and managed fundraising events (i.e., The Menudo-Chili Cook-Off which raised $25,000)
· Public Speaker on behalf of organization
· Directed production of The Midland Habitat for Humanity Quarterly News; direct-mail periodical (circulation 4,000)
· General office management; liaison to the Board of Directors

Habitat for Humanity International - Americus, Georgia
Public Information Writer/Editor December 93 - January 95
· Composed individual response letters to donors/clients/public for the P.I. Department
· Composed biographical profiles of Habitat’s International Partners for press releases and Habitat publications
· Co-edited Affiliate Tools Manual; a twelve volume publication for developing Habitat for Humanity affiliates throughout the United States

Pommerini Secondary School - Iringa, Tanzania
Science and ESL Instructor October 92 - October 93
· Directed Pommerini Secondary School Science Department and supervised all educational laboratory operations
· Conducted laboratory experiments in the fields of physics, biology, chemistry, and agricultural sciences for secondary school students
· Instructed secondary school pupils, ages 15 to 20 years, in English articulation, comprehension, grammar, and composition
· Developed and implemented book exchange with Lutheran schools in Kenya, Malawi, and Mozambique

Why Kelly N. Patterson?

2007-08-25T11:29:00.000-07:00

Kelly is confident her work speaks for itself with professional veracity, integrity, consistent quality, creativity, and inspiration.

Kelly is unique in her ability to quickly adapt; learn new skills; motivate and manage herself; train, inspire and empower others; network and mobilize entire communities; promote, develop, implement, and manage sustainable projects and programs; as well as communicate effectively in any environment. Her multi-media communications and training skills can be used to engage any audience: from 5 year-old Guatemalan orphans to Kofi Annan, government officials to the corporate and private sectors, and especially, the general public via the media.

Known as a creative, resourceful maverick, Kelly works best in resource-poor, under-developed regions of the world with limited to no public infrastructure. The key to Kelly’s personal and professional success is training (capacity-building and skills share), inspiring and mobilizing all sectors to communicate and collaborate on community issues in a time, resource and cost-efficient manner.

Know that when Kelly N. Patterson agrees to work with you or your organization, it is a deliberate decision that reveals she fully endorses your mission and vision and will use all her resources to reach your goals.

BONUS: Sense of humor-- free of charge!

Creative Freelance Writer

2007-08-24T21:22:00.000-07:00

Creative Writer: Kelly N. Patterson

Kelly N. Patterson enjoys writing so much she has published miscellaneous essays, travel narratives, poems, humorous pieces, how-to guides, and even a one-act play, recently turned into a short film.

Kelly's Page at the Writer's Cafe
http://www.writerscafe.org/writers/Kellykarma/

Kelly's Blog: The Opposite of Litost
http://kellyofthepattersons.blogspot.com/

Kelly's Haiku
http://www.thefurnacereview.com/summer05/summer05poetrypatterson.htm

“What to Do When You only have 365 Days to Live”
http://www.lifeforchange.com/life/story.do?id=445

Rockland Productions produced and performed Kelly’s one-act play, “Cup of Hope”, at several theatre festivals in Los Angeles of summer 2006; re-wrote as a screenplay and filmed in Atlanta May 2007

Coming soon to www.cupofhopefilm.com

Honey Magazine: "AIDS in Africa"

http://www.honeymag.com/smartsection.item.44/aids-in-africa.html

Change.org: "AIDS in Africa: How Gender Issues Are the Lubricant for the Pandemic"

http://www.change.org/changes/list_messages/141

Sean's Blog: "AIDS in Africa: How Gender Issues Are the Lubricant for the Pandemic"

http://seanamo.tigblog.org/post/285235?setlangcookie=true

“This Bus Departs at Nine O’ Clock” and “Running Away to Egypt (At Age 9)”
http://www.writershaunt.com/writers.html
http://www.writershaunt.com/kellypatterson.html

“I Fought the Airport Law and the Airport Law Won (Twice)”
http://theplainjane.com/content/view/107/2/

“The Best Little Zombie Musical You May Never See”
http://theplainjane.com/content/view/94/30/

“This Bus Departs at Nine O’ Clock” featured in two different anthologies
Attach Get on the Bus Flyer
http://www.vagabonding.net/book/

“This Bus Departs at Nine O’ Clock”
http://www.aboutnaxosmusiclibrary.com/Stories.html
http://www.tangodiva.com/index.php?page=features&j=1&cat=2&story_id=395#story
http://www.pology.com/article/05512.html
http://www.bootsnall.com/travelstories/africa/feb00mudbus.shtml

“Ayurveda: An Indian Approach to the Prevention of Stress Healing”
http://www.planetwavesparenting.net/2005/articles/33.htm
Also add “Ayurveda” attachment (from different publication)

“What All Free Women Need to Know”
http://www.kznaidslink.kabissa.org/knowledge.html

Story Competition Finalist: “Interpreter, Please?”
The Natal Witness; Kwa Zulu Natal, South Africa

VSO South Africa Newsletter - September 2000 - December 2000
Voluntary Service Overseas http://www.vso.org.uk/
Add attachment of “Travel Tips in KZN”
10 Fun/Dangerous Things To Do in Kwa Zulu Natal (September 2000)
Community Meetings 101 (September 2000)
Home-made Lubricant (October 2000)
Home-made Health Care and Personal Hygiene (December 2000)
Safari 101: Do’s and Don’ts (December 2000)
Zulu Home-Brew: How to Make Zulu Lager (December 2000)
Which Dosha Are You? (December 2000)

Custom Communications.Com - June 23, 2000 and July 3, 2000
Become a Professional Volunteer and Travel the World for Free! (2296.doc)
What Was That? A Guide to Tanzanian Etiquette (6134.doc)
An African’s Advice on What to Bring to Africa (Guess What? The Guidebooks are Clueless!)
(6136.doc)
How to Really Experience Africa: Stuff Even the Ex-Pats Won’t Tell You (6132.doc)
Safari 101: Do’s and Don’ts (6135.doc)

Haiku Corner : “Halley’s Haiku”
Add attachment San Francisco Bay Guardian - September 29, 1999

Teacher and Trainer

2007-08-24T21:20:00.000-07:00

Teacher and Trainer: Kelly N. Patterson

Kelly Patterson has over 7 years experience teaching and training. Some of her audiences include the following:

Primary school students
Secondary School Students
University Pupils
AIDS Service Organization key project staff
Business Executives
School Principals
Teachers
Women’s Groups
Public Health Professionals
Community Health Workers and Home-Based Caregivers
Civil Society Groups
Government Officials
International Development Workers
Community-Based Organization members
Traditional Healers (Sangoma, Obeah, Shaman)
Small co-op and income generation groups
Small businesses
Nonprofit organization key project staff
HIV/AIDS prevention, education trainers
Youth Groups
Church Groups

in Tanzania, Korea, Mexico, South Africa, Namibia, Honduras, Guatemala, at least five countries in the Caribbean, and in the United States.

AIDS Survival Project and The Well Project <www.thewellproject.org> Internet 101 Training Class for HIV+ Women (USA)
Objective: To train 8 HIV+ women in basic internet skills using www.thewellproject.org as the

Consultancy position funded by World Bank/PANCAP and supervised by Caribbean Regional Network of PLWHA < http://www.crnplus.org/>
Which involved training People Living with HIV/AIDS, HIV Counselors, Medical Professionals, and AIDS service organizations in Antigua, Grenada, Dominica, Trinidad, and Suriname

Speaker on the Idealist.org Washington DC International Job Fair Panel (USA)
Served as Independent International Development Specialist Panelist during the Idealist.org Job Fair in Washington DC

Gender Issues in Rural Development Workshop (South Africa)
Upon request, Kelly conducted a Gender Issues in Rural Development workshop (Jerry Springer-style) in Johannesburg, South Africa to an audience of 300 international development workers from Volunteer Service Overseas (VSO), Peace Corps, German Development Agency (DED), Department for International Development (UK), and UN Volunteers.

Vusimpilo Presentation to VSO-RAISA (Namibia)
<>
While serving as Development Director of Vusimpilo, Volunteer Service Overseas in partnership with Regional AIDS Initiative of Southern Africa (RAISA) invited Kelly Patterson and colleague Ray Khumalo to do a presentation on the issues facing Vusimpilo and the population it serves.

Hlabisa District Community Care and Support Advisory Board Workshop (South Africa)
Dr. Anname Vanneste (Africa Center Medical Researcher), Dr. Mel Scrace (Chief Medical Officer of Hlabisa Hospital), and Kelly Patterson (Director of Vusimpilo) initiated, designed, produced, and conducted a district wide comprehensive, interactive workshop to incorporate all the sectors of the Hlabisa District community, with the objective to seek practical solutions to HIV/AIDS/TB/Malaria health management challenges and needs, identify each sector’s role in public health care, as well as to form a Community Advisory Board to evaluate and monitor sector roles and responsibilities.

Grant Writing Basics 101 Workshop (various countries in Central America, North America, and East and Southern Africa)
Kelly has held this grant writing workshop to a variety of audiences:

· Hlabisa, South Africa, Provincial School Principals
· Various women’s coop and income-generation groups
· Zanempilo Key Project Staff
· Individuals—ranging from people trying to start up a nonprofit organization to doctors
· small community-based organizations
· small businesses
· board members of several different nonprofit agencies

Basic HIV/AIDS Prevention and Education Lectures
With photo slide show, Kelly has been repeatedly invited to visit schools, churches, businesses, women’s group meetings, government forums, and civil society organizations to speak on the topic of the global AIDS epidemic and HIV/AIDS awareness, education and prevention.

Camino Seguro – Guatemala City, Guatemala <www.safepassage.org>
Teacher Coordinator and Instructor
Designed and implement bi-lingual curriculum for non-profit primary school which serves as a transitional school for Guatemalan orphans and street children
Designed and implement life-skills curriculum
Recruit, train and manage ESL instructors

International Language School - Trinidad, Honduras
ESL School Director and Instructor
Created, directed and instructed at ESL language training school (children to adult pupils)

Felixton College – Kwa Zulu Natal, South Africa < http://felixtoncollege.co.za/ >
High School English Teacher
Taught high school English (grades 8 to 11); including extra-curricular courses: drama, yoga, song writing, and debate team
Coached and chaperoned the Debate Team in a national debate event
Designed and facilitated student workshops
Designed and managed school-wide activity in honor of World AIDS Day
Please attach Felixton College photos and HIV Game

Polaris Inc. - Mexico City, Mexico
Executive ESL Instructor
· ESL instruction to business executives at Pepsi Co., Swiss Bank, Zapata (Ford) bases in Mexico City

Mok-Dong 20/20 Academy - Seoul, Korea
ESL Instructor
· ESL instruction to elementary, middle, and high school students in English articulation, comprehension, grammar, and composition

E-5 Language School - Seoul, Korea
ESL Instructor
· Prepared university and adult pupils for TOEFL examination and job interviews

Pommerini Secondary School - Iringa, Tanzania
Science and ESL Instructor; Teacher Trainer
· Directed and trained all of Pommerini Secondary School Science Department staff
· Supervised and conducted laboratory operations in the fields of physics, biology, chemistry, and agricultural sciences for secondary school students and teachers
· Instructed secondary school pupils, ages 15 to 20 years, in English articulation, comprehension, grammar, and composition
· Developed and implemented book exchange with Lutheran schools in Kenya, Malawi, and Mozambique
· Raised funds for science/lab educational tools and equipment
· Procured and managed materials and volunteer human resources to build a new girls’ dormitory
· Coached girls’ volleyball team

Comprehensive, Integrated HIV/AIDS/STD/TB Management Consultant

2007-08-24T21:16:00.000-07:00

Comprehensive, Integrated HIV/AIDS/STD/TB Management Consultant: Kelly N. Patterson

Kelly has a diverse, decade-long professional history in setting up, directing and developing non profit, integrated community-based healthcare systems in resource-poor regions, with special focus on all aspects of HIV/AIDS management:

Awareness/public outreach

HIV/AIDS/STI/Primary Health Education: from primary school to medical professionals, to government officials

Multi-sectoral, multi-media, multi-sensory prevention strategies

Treatment: ARVT (based on availability) to traditional, alternative and homeopathic therapies; including DOTs program (Directly Observed Treatment) in partnership with Medicins San Frontiers (MSF), Department of Health Kwa Zulu Natal, Africa Center, and the South Africa Medical Research Council (MRC)

Kelly has worked with MSF in TB DOTS programs in Cape Town, Kwa Zulu Natal and Tela, Honduras.

http://www.msf.org/
http://www.kznhealth.gov.za/vision.htm http://www.wellcome.ac.uk/doc%5Fwtd003229.html
http://www.mrc.ac.za/

Engineering, implementing and supervising volunteer, community Home-Based Care systems; The Kwa Zulu Natal Department of Health adopted my “Home Health” materials (originally created for the Vusimpilo Home-Based Caregivers) as a tool for public health nurses and provincial community health workers

Implementing VCT and PMTCT referral systems in partnership with Medicins San Frontiers (MSF), Department of Health Kwa Zulu Natal, Africa Center, and the South Africa Medical Research Council (MRC)

Kelly has managed PMTCT programs with Africa Center and MRC –Medical Research Council (South Africa) training of counselors and supervising logistics of breast milk distribution in rural Kwa Zulu Natal and Cape Town. VCT counselor recruitment, training and evaluating all over South Africa

Psycho-social support for PLWHA and those affected (from support groups to peer counseling, to social events)

Mental Health services for PLWHA and their loved ones link to www.positiveconnections.org
Income-generation for PLWHA and their loved ones

Stigma Reduction campaigns

Preventative intervention measures in the case of OVC (orphans and vulnerable children) such as implementing OVC Community Committees and systems to monitor, evaluate and assist OVC in rural Kwa Zulu Natal

http://www.heard.org.za/research/ResearchReports/2005/OVC%20Reports/MapZululand.pdf

Advocacy

Setting up Youth HIV Prevention Programs

Co-wrote Kwa Zulu Natal “Enhancing Care Initiative” proposal to the Global Fund for AIDS, TB and Malaria

http://www.theglobalfund.org/programs/countrysite.aspx?countryid=SAF&lang=en

Special Focus on Gender Issues in Relation to HIV

Kelly’s direct role in international gender awareness and advocacy includes: training SADC VSO (Volunteer Service Overseas) development workers and UNAIDS/UN Volunteers in gender issues awareness and introducing educational tools to integrate into all their development projects/programs; organizing and monitoring MAP (Men as Partners) support groups in peri-urban areas surrounding Cape Town (South Africa); working with rural Zulu pregnant women in gender issues training and awareness and designing/monitoring program implementation; freelance (pro bono) consulting for AWID, Women for Women International, ICW (Africa), EngenderHealth, and sports development for girls in Guatemala City (Guatemala), Kwa Zulu Natal (South Africa), Trinidad (Honduras), Seoul (Korea), and Pommerini (Tanzania.)

Additional Articles:

Honey Magazine: "AIDS in Africa"

http://www.honeymag.com/smartsection.item.44/aids-in-africa.html

Change.org: "AIDS in Africa: How Gender Issues Are the Lubricant for the Pandemic"

http://www.change.org/changes/list_messages/141

Sean's Blog: "AIDS in Africa: How Gender Issues Are the Lubricant for the Pandemic"

http://seanamo.tigblog.org/post/285235?setlangcookie=true

Research Experience

2007-08-24T21:14:00.000-07:00

Researcher: Kelly N. Patterson

Kelly N. Patterson has worked on research teams as well as been consulted to do independent research.

As recently as January 2007, Kelly accepted a consultancy position funded by World Bank/PANCAP and supervised by Caribbean Regional Network of PLWHA < http://www.crnplus.org/>

Consultancy Objective:
“To develop a work plan of activities for the Greater Involvement of People Living with HIV/AIDS (GIPA) and provide clear strategies to strengthen initiatives for GIPA.”

This work plan is a direct product of preparatory research and data collection organized by CRN+ and collected by International HIV/AIDS Consultant, Kelly N. Patterson, via HIV+ peer focus groups, community meetings, needs assessment exercises, as well as interviews with key AIDS Service Organization (ASO) and NGO staff and HIV+ peer leaders.

Scope of Work (Partner ASO/NGO in):

Antigua
Dominica
Grenada
Suriname

University of South Carolina: HIV and Algae Studies (School of Public Health)
Supervisor: Dr. Jane Teas
http://www.sph.sc.edu/

Research Consultant: Part-time medical research and development consultant for university HIV and algae studies; setting up and managing 14 global pilot studies including PR, communications and fundraising work

Could Dietary Algae protect against HIV Progression?
http://www.planetwavesparenting.net/2005/articles/34.htm

Master Research – London, UK
Research Paper Writer:

Composed research papers from the fields of literature to psychology to sciences: The Principles of Perception; Bribery: the Psychological and Sociological Impacts on the “Giver” and the “Receiver”; Anti-Semitism in Shakespeare’s “Merchant of Venice”; “Rent” by Jonathan Larson: A Critique; Annotated Bibliography on William Golding’s “Lord of the Flies”; George Herbert’s Poetry: An Analysis

“A Study into the Situation and Special Needs of Child-Headed Households”
National Team of Collaborative Researchers
Commissioned by the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund

Media and Communications Specialist

2007-08-24T21:05:00.000-07:00

Media and Communications Specialist: Kelly N. Patterson

Kelly N. Patterson has 10+ years professional writing and editing experience, with 8 years of international, multi-media PR, marketing, and communications experience serving mostly international and domestic non-profit organizations, academic institutions and the arts.

Current Position:

The Well Project – Atlanta, Georgia
e-Content Manager and Editor
Manages and edits www.thewellproject.org (English and Spanish sites)

Initiated and manages an Editorial Advisory Board of HIV+ women to construct the 2007 website editorial calendar
Uses EMC Documentum Web Publisher and EMC Documentum E-Rooms applications
Producer and author of The Well Update, a monthly e-newsletter from The Well Project. http://www.thewellproject.org/en_US/Tools/Newsletters/ENewsletterArchive.jsp;jsessionid=GgSRNdywK3DzfQL9XNnbhYXy5hxmqnnNJ2B3nvKt1VVTGp21JRWK!-512318635
Designed and implemented all editorial and e-management policies and processes
TRUST-e and Honcode management and renewal
Google Analytics and Net Tracker management for Search Engine Optimization
Serves as Public Information writer for the “Ask the Expert” section of www.thewellproject.org
Recruited new writers and manages all contributing writers and medical review editorial staff, as well as Armedia (http://armedia.com/default.htm) tech support; final web content edits
General PR and media communications content and delivery
Manages Donor and Membership database
Set up and maintains collaborative links with POZ magazine (online) on the development and implementation of a Local Resources Directory, as well as implements several reciprocal links with other reputable HIV/AIDS and health care multi-media venues

Writing Positions and Contracts

Providian Financial - San Francisco, California
Corporate Communications Writer
· Composed action complaint correspondence to State Attorney Generals, Better Business Bureau, and Office of the Comptroller of Currency on behalf of Directors of Consumer Relations, Media Relations, and Corporate Communications

Seoul National University - Seoul, Korea <http://www.snu.ac.kr/engsnu/>
Exam Script Writer
· Scripted “Listening Comprehension” section of six independent university English board exams

Educational Broadcasting Systems (EBS) - Seoul, Korea <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Educational_Broadcasting_System>
Script Writer
· Member of a four-person writing team to script weekly television debate show, Conversational English: Pros and Cons

ReefKeeper International - Miami, Florida
Development Consultant
· Composed letters of approach, queries, and grant proposals on behalf of Director Alexander Stone

The Center for Positive Connections - Miami, Florida <http://www.positiveconnections.org/index.html>
Development Consultant
· Drafted organization Fact Sheet, letters of approach, queries, proposals, and other developmental documents on behalf of Executive Director Sheri Kaplan

Habitat for Humanity International - Americus, Georgia <http://www.habitat.org/>
Public Information Writer/Editor
· Composed and then later (upon promotion), edited individual response letters to donors/clients/public for the Public Information Department
· Composed biographical profiles of Habitat’s International Partners for press releases and Habitat publications

Editing Contracts

Voluntary Services Overseas (VSO) – South Africa and UK <http://www.vso.org.uk/>
Newsletter Editor
Edited 25-page, quarterly newsletter for +300 VSO development workers and staff in South Africa

Pick’n Pay Employee Health Newsletter – South Africa
Newsletter Editor
Edited 10-page, quarterly Employee Health newsletter for over 12,000 Pick’n Pay employees throughout South Africa

CONTECH Legal Services - Reston, Virginia
Legal Exhibits Editor
· One month editing contract on the case: British Petroleum versus the State of Puerto Rico

Sisters of the Presentation - San Francisco, California <http://www.presentationsisterssf.org/>
Editor
· Directed the production of bi-annual periodical, Light, (circulation 7,000) responsibilities included: editing, writing articles, conducting interviews, managing writing staff, and collaborating with layout designer
· Composed donor acknowledgment letters and written material on behalf of President Sister Rosina Conrotto

Habitat for Humanity International - Americus, Georgia
Public Information Editor
Co-edited Affiliate Tools Manual; a 12 volume publication for developing Habitat for Humanity affiliates throughout the United States

Media/Press Contracts

Kelly has served as Media Liaison, or Press Officer for the following agencies:

The Well Project www.thewellproject.org
Art Basel Miami Beach 2005 <http://www.artbaselmiamibeach.com/ca/cc/ss/>
The International Community of Women Living with HIV <http://www.icw.org/>
The European Union Global Village Exhibit at the UN World Summit on Sustainable Development (Johannesburg, South Africa, 2002)
(The EU selected Kelly to “man” their “Global Village” exhibition booth at the UN World Summit on Sustainable Development in Johannesburg, 2002, on behalf of all EU Sub-Saharan African-based international development projects.)

Health and Sciences Reporter for Reuters (Sub-Saharan Africa Division) <http://www.reuters.com/home>
Editor Martha Kerr

Speech Writer <http://www.gerefoundation.org/>
Scripted speech for Richard Gere, on behalf of the Gere Foundation, at the 14the International AIDS Conference in Bangkok, Thailand 2004

Film:

"Cup of Hope" written by Kelly N. Patterson, short film produced in Atlanta May 2007: about HIV Stigma and Discrimination.

Collaborations (“Community Liaison”) with documentary filmmaker, Deborah Shipley of “True Visions”, BBC and No Lie Productions, both in South Africa and Honduras

BBC http://www.hbo.com/docs/programs/orphansofnkandla/synopsis.html
No Lie Productions http://www.nolieproductions.com/credits.html

Press Releases

PR/Marketing/Media:
Kelly brought the attention of the global HIV/AIDS pandemic, specifically in South Africa, to several reputable international and domestic media outlets:

Note all of these have pdf attachments for each publication

The Washington Post
The New York Times
The Mail and Guardian
Swedish Press
The Montreal Gazette
The Sunday Independent
Natal Witness

Non Profit (or Non Governmental) Organization Executive and Development Management Experience

2007-08-24T20:57:00.000-07:00

Non Profit (or Non Governmental) Organization Executive and Development Management: Kelly N. Patterson

Kelly’s extensive non profit/non governmental organization management experience includes the following responsibilities; she has worked on every level of the non profit infrastructure:

· Directing
· All aspects of communications/PR/marketing provide internal link to media/communications page
· All aspects of fundraising
· Designing and implementing public awareness campaigns
· Finance management
· Staff development
· Report/proposal/press release composition provide internal link to media/communications page
· Acting media/donor/community liaison provide internal link to media/communications page
· Presentations/exhibitions provide internal link to media/communications page
· Training, skills development and capacity building in and out of staff structures provide internal link to teacher/trainer page
· Recruitment
· Networking and creating collaborations with peer organizations
· Website development and content management provide internal link to copy writer page
· Meeting/educational session facilitation
· Public information distribution provide internal link to media/communications page
· Resource management
· Policy construction and implementation; by-laws creation and 501 c3 applications
· Establishment of multi-sectoral referral systems
· Designing and implementing evaluation and monitoring systems
· Initiation, development and supervision of a rape crisis center and job training center
· Engineering, promoting, implementing, and sustaining community-based, primary health care systems with special focus on HIV/AIDS/TB/STD/Malaria comprehensive management provide internal link to HIV/AIDS management page

Kelly excels in working directly with communities, in resource-poor regions, to develop their small community-based organizations into more structured, resource and cost-efficient, productive, sustainable entities.

Zanempilo – Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa http://www.zanempilo.org.za/
Fundraising and PR Manager

Designed and implemented organizational plan, fundraising strategy, public relations campaign, and further developed collaboration among the health sector, business sector, religious sector, local community leaders, and welfare sector
Composed letters of approach, queries, grant proposals, speeches, presentations, press releases, media articles on behalf of primary healthcare NGO which serves 1 million people in disadvantaged communities in the Cape Town Metro-pole
Organized fundraising events: Disabled Children’s Christmas Party (Christmas in the Animal Kingdom)
Responsible for all communications directly with donors, peer organizations, press and local government; website development and content management of www.zanempilo.org.za
Served as Community Liaison with Medicins San Frontiers’ TB Directly Observed Treatments (DOTS) http://www.msf.org/
http://www.msh.org/news_room/stories/tb_southafrica.html

Vusimpilo - Kwa Zulu Natal, South Africa

(map at http://www.heard.org.za/research/ResearchReports/2005/OVC%20Reports/MapUmkhanyakude.pdf)

Development Executive

· Directed and raised funds for community-based, nonprofit organization that serves to promote and coordinate integrated primary health care, health education (especially HIV/AIDS/TB/STI community outreach), and rural development among people of the district of Hlabisa (population of 250,000 over 3500 square miles)

“We Have Here But Five Loaves and Two Fishes: Fundraising Tips”
http://216.239.51.104/search?q=cache:FlC-8dPT8EMJ:www.icw.org/files/22213%2520English%252033%2520web.pdf+by+kelly+n.+patterson&hl=en&gl=us&ct=clnk&cd=43

· Managed and trained 30 volunteer home-based caregivers, over 30 Community Health Workers, 3 PLWHA Support Groups, and key project staff caregivers database, participants HBC, edjournal, zulu agreement, homehealth
· Designed and implemented organizational plan, fundraising strategy, public relations campaign, and further developed collaboration among the health sector, business sector, religious sector, local community leaders, and welfare sector please put in World AIDS Day flyer, invitation workshop, workshop minutes, participants workshop
· Designed and implemented home-based care program, orphan monitoring and assistance program, volunteer incentive plan, and all evaluation and monitoring systems please add orphan registration, Zulu orphan, incentive, logframe, monitor plan template
· Recognized local CBO's promoting development and health promotion to the Hlabisa district; rendered assistance to these organizations via CBO development training: workshops, networking, shared resources, setting up a grants library and resource center, creating income generating projects, etc. please add micro projects application, sawubonaCBO,
· Created an Income-Generating Project Business Catalogue; assisted 25 rural preschools; assisted 22 community gardens and 5 agricultural projects (cotton and poultry) please add fakamandla, income ideas, micro project application

Complete list of Vusimpilo projects:

HIV Programs and Integrated Primary Health Care:

· Trained 30 volunteer Home-Based Caregivers

· Trained 8 volunteer Youth HIV Educators and 3 Youth HIV Educator Supervisors (Friends of the Youth)
·5 PWLHA Educators
·Monthly PWA Support Groups
·AIDS-related orphan registering, monitoring and assistance (in partnership with Department of Welfare, Children in Need Forum, etc.) http://www.heard.org.za/research/ResearchReports/2005/OVC%20Reports/MapZululand.pdf
·HIV/AIDS awareness and prevention community meetings and events
·Referral network with health sector and HIV/AIDS service NGO’s and organisations (MRC, Africa Centre, Ethembeni Care Centre, etc.)
·Eye Clinic
·Rape Crisis Center
·TB Directly Observed Treatments (DOTS) with assistance of Medicins San Frontiers http://www.msf.org/
·Home-based cholera care and treatment

Development Projects:
All income-generation groups/enterprises/women’s co-ops had to complete and submit a micro-enterprise application, participate in an interview with the board of directors and stakeholders, meet strict criteria, as well as pass a site visit before Vusimipilo agreed to assist in their project development.

·over 20 community nutritional gardens
·25 creches/day care centers
·Fencing project
·Water and sanitation projects
·Youth development (sports, drama groups, choirs, etc.)
·Agricultural projects (cotton, poultry, etc.)
·Income-generating projects (ranging from candle-making to sewing to beaded jewelry, etc.)
·Fakamandla Job Centre
·Valinhlupheko Club Crafts Centre

Technical Services:

·Community Resource Centre and Grants Library
·Fundraising Skills Training
·Income Generation Project and skills Training
·Business Skills Training (marketing, etc.)
·Referrals of all kinds (from bursaries to victims of domestic abuse)
·Office management and technical assistance (e.g., Engela’s Disability Day)
·Research
·Organizational counsel and capacity-building for seed community-based organizations
· Teach basic communications and computer skills

· For more information and PR samples about Vusimpilo please visit:
http://www.kznaidslink.kabissa.org/social.html
http://www.kznaidslink.kabissa.org/orgs-and-community.html
http://www.geog.psu.edu/courses/geog100/NYTimes/112501ruralAIDS.html
http://www.cartesia.org/geodoc/icc2005/pdf/oral/TEMA29/Session%202/SUSAN%20ERSKINE.pdf
http://www.vso.org.uk/images/conferences_1st_tcm8-640.pdf
http://www.aids.org.za/Aids%20AR%202004.pdf
http://www.nu.ac.za/heard/research/ResearchReports/2005/OVC%20Reports/OVCprojectsummary1.pdf

Sisters of the Presentation - San Francisco, California <http://www.presentationsisterssf.org>
Editor
· Directed and produced “All Soul’s Day” direct mail campaign with a circulation of 2,000; 75% return related in nearly $16,000 in donations

The Center for Positive Connections - Miami, Florida <http://www.positiveconnections.org>
Development Consultant

· Basically, assisted founder and director, Sheri Kaplan, to set up infrastructure and policies to start-up this non profit AIDS service organization
· Co-developed needs assessment for organization via client-report questionnaires, peer focus groups, authored the by-laws, and recruited and conducted interviews with key project staff please attach B8 organization by laws, original TCPC pol proc
· Defined eight objectives for organization’s 1997 fiscal year; engineered fundraising work plan for 1997-1998
· Researched suspect donors and composed seven grant proposals worth $5,000 to $50,000; total fundraising effort related to $75,000 (excluding gifts-in-kind); procured funding for the organization’s center in Miami via a grant from Health Foundation of South Florida

Midland Habitat for Humanity - Midland, Texas
Interim Executive Director
· Secured annual $100,000 grant from Abell-Hanger Foundation for 1997 - 1999
· Engineered and established the volunteer/client enrollment and recruitment procedures
· Planned and managed fundraising events (i.e., The Menudo-Chili Cook-Off which raised $25,000)
· Public Speaker on behalf of organization
· Directed production and edited of The Midland Habitat for Humanity Quarterly News; direct-mail periodical (circulation 4,000)
· General office management; liaison to the Board of Directors

Mission Statement and Professional Summary

2007-08-24T20:49:00.000-07:00

Mission Statement:

Kelly N. Patterson's chief motivation is to use her writing, communications, organizational development, and teaching skills and experience as a tool for public education and positive change.

Kelly’s work philosophy has been “stolen” from Sufi Poet, Kahlil Gibran:
“Work is love made tangible.”

Kelly’s titles have included the following:

Executive Director
Development Director
International Development Consultant
HIV/AIDS/TB/STI Management Consultant
Communications and Public Relations Director
E-Content Manager and Editor
Public Information Writer and Editor
Journalist
Curriculum Developer
Teacher Trainer
Technical Writer and Editor
Media Liaison
Corporate Communications Writer
Copywriter
Speech Writer
Grant Writer
Researcher
Creative Writer
Script Writer
Playwright
Teacher

Some of her past and current clients include the following:

Intentional Conscious Communities of Costa Rica www.icccr.info
Couchsurfing.com www.couchsurfing.com
The Well Project www.thewellproject.org
World Bank/Caribbean Regional Network+ http://www.crnplus.org/
Camino Seguro www.safepassage.org
Art Basel http://www.artbaselmiamibeach.com/ca/cc/ss/
University of South Carolina, School of Public Health http://www.sph.sc.edu/
International Community of Women Living with HIV/AIDS http://www.icw.org/
The Gere Foundation http://www.gerefoundation.org/
Zanempilo Trust http://www.zanempilo.org.za/
Medicins Sans Frontiers http://www.msf.org/
Reuters http://www.reuters.com/home
Department of Health Kwa Zulu Natal http://www.kznhealth.gov.za/vision.htm
Voluntary Service Overseas http://www.vso.org.uk/
BBC http://www.hbo.com/docs/programs/orphansofnkandla/synopsis.html
No Lie Productions http://www.nolieproductions.com/credits.html
EBS TV and EBS English (Educational Broadcasting System) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Educational_Broadcasting_System
Seoul National University http://www.snu.ac.kr/engsnu/
The Center for Positive Connections http://www.positiveconnections.org/index.html
Sisters of the Presentation http://www.presentationsisterssf.org/
Habitat for Humanity International http://www.habitat.org/

This web portfolio has been designed to document, categorize, clearly define, and exhibit the variety and extent of Kelly N. Patterson’s skills and work experience.

Please peruse the web portfolio for in-depth job descriptions, accomplishments, work samples, professional contacts, and further professional information about Kelly N. Patterson.