Thoughts, reads, happenings in my 'hood

[amyfeld]

Little boxes on the hillside, little boxes made of ticky tacky

Micro-community of tiny homes flourishes on rehabilitated vacant lot

A group of tiny home owners have converted a formerly vacant lot into a small but vibrant place to demonstrate the possibilities of living happily with less.

[amyfeld]

Kroger unveils newly designed shopping cart for families with special needs children

Caroline's Carts are specially designed for those with special needs.

Seemingly simple changes lead to a more inclusive, tolerant environment. From an economic standpoint of supply and demand, it makes more sense to be inclusive on demand side when supplying goods and services to the general population. That way, everybody wins.

[amyfeld]

Urban Planning Influence in Houston

http://www.freepresshouston.com/event/sunday-streets-htx-2/

[amyfeld]

Another reason my Mayor rocks

Mayor Annsie Parker not only commits her political efforts to community outreach, but her day to day meetings. She personally promoted and attended ReelAbilities 2014, and is looking forward to the upcoming Film Festival. Despite becoming especially popular once I no longer called Houston my home, Annise Parker was a household name which exemplified a female community leader with progressive politics. After I lived close to Detroit and had the privilege of seeing a phoenix rise from the ashes, I am so much more appreciative and aware of the urgency of a solid city-Mayor relationship. I am grateful for her forward thinking and reception to the needs of organizations. By getting the conversation started and setting goals, it is my hope that all of the moving pieces are working together harmoniously. And now she is recognized for it, go girl!

http://www.lgbtqnation.com/2014/09/houston-mayor-annise-parker-on-short-list-for-worlds-best-mayor-award/

[amyfeld]

[staff]

Happy National Voter Registration Day, Tumblr.

The number one way of celebrating it? Registering to vote.

Every year, millions of eligible Americans neglect to register, which means that millions of important voices are utterly silent on Election Day. Don’t be one of them. There’s basically a 100% chance that something you care about is on the ballot, something you don’t want to be quiet about.

So be one of the loud ones. Register already. It’s an easy form that you already know all the answers to. No excuses.

[amyfeld]

http://magazine.good.is/articles/building-blocks-of-citizenship-50-ways-to-be-a-more-engaged-active-citizen-this-year

[amyfeld]

Happy 20th anniversary to KIPP!

The History of KIPP

KIPP began in 1994 with a powerful idea: to create a classroom that helped children develop the knowledge, skills, character, and habits necessary to succeed in college and build a better tomorrow for their communities. Founders Mike Feinberg and Dave Levin began by redefining what was possible for a classroom of public school students in Houston. The following year, they opened two KIPP middle schools, one in Houston and one in New York City. By 1999, these original KIPP charter schools were among the highest-performing schools in their respective communities.

In 2000, Mike and Dave formed a partnership with Doris and Donald Fisher, co-founders of Gap Inc., to train leaders to replicate the success of the original KIPP middle schools. As KIPP opened new schools in more cities, expanding from middle schools to elementary and high schools, our network began helping transform futures for thousands of children and families in underserved communities. Today, the KIPP network serves 58,000 students in 162 schools in 20 states (plus D.C.) across the country

Charter schools can employ lengthier school days and longer school years than union work rules typically allow. They can pay teachers based on skills and performance rather than seniority. And charter school principals can fire and replace staff who are underperforming.

Interested to see if they'll meet their goal, spread the news and learn more!

The Knowledge is Power Program currently includes 109 schools across the country and expects to expand to 200 schools that serve 55,000 students by 2015.

http://www.kipp.org/about-kipp/history#sthash.vG0NOJrg.dpuf

Kudos for KIPP. (2007, Mar 26). Wall Street Journal

[amyfeld]

Knowledge. Is. Power. Program.

During my senior year of high school, I had the opportunity to tour a KIPP Houston classroom and sit in on a lesson. I was not previously familiar with the program, and I am really impressed by its national growth. Compared to international approaches-- which include longer school years and/or days-- I think the KIPP foundation has successfully created a sustainable model. It educates the students, shapes their character, and doesn't cost a penny extra.

[amyfeld]

Inclusive Language Campaign aims to show students that words matter

Already miss being on campus, so here's another reason ...

[amyfeld]

They came, they saw, they passed

IN PARTS of the world where designer eyewear products are popular, it is sometimes easy to forget the problems that people with poor vision and limited means face in...

It's all in the numbers..

[amyfeld]

Optimism reigns following Mexico’s oil and gas reform

Optimism regarding Mexico’s oil and gas future continues to grow as new rules and operating procedures are rolling out subsequent to last year’s constitutional amendment and the more recent passage of secondary laws by the legislature.

[micdotcom]

Flow chart perfectly sums up America’s foreign policy

Follow micdotcom

[amyfeld]

Explore members of the House and Senate and analyze every vote in Congress since 1991.

[amyfeld]

"Work hard. Be nice"

Knowledge. Is. Power. Program - http://www.kipp.org/

[amyfeld]

[amyfeld]

Sending prayers to Kiev

http://www.nytimes.com/2014/02/19/world/europe/ukraine.html?hp&_r=0