SOAR NATION

This is our blog. Get to Give.

[soarnation-blog]

And for the first game of darts on the new SN dartboard - this is how you close the game.

[soarnation-blog]

VOTING HAS BEGUN!!!

Today until December 4th you have the chance to vote for MORE THAN ME to win ONE MILLION DOLLARS!!

Voting is simple: http://bit.ly/UX4ovN 

Follow the link and click VOTE!

Why Vote More Than Me? Young girls in Liberia are prostituting themselves to survive. Your vote will provide them an education and opportunities that we may take for granted. Please share amongst your network of friends, family, and associates to guarantee HELP for these girls!!! They Need US and it is as simple as clicking and sharing.

[soarnation-blog]

MORE THAN ME MONDAY

Great news Tumblr friends....More Than Me, one of the non-profits SOAR Nation works with, has been entered into the 2nd Annual Chase American Giving Awards.  This is a contest between 25 worthy organizations to win $1 MILLION!!!! We need your help to win this contest!!

Voting starts November 27th and lasts for one week.  The winner will be announced on December 8th on NBC.  There are a ton of ways to get involved and help make sure More Than Me wins.  Click the following link http://morethanmefdn.wufoo.com/forms/i-can-do-more/ and you sign up to help More Than Me win. 

Be sure to check out the most recent blog post on More Than Me's website http://www.morethanme.org/blog/big-news-more-than-me-selected-to-compete-for-1-million/ It talks about Abigail, her story, and how you can be part of Abigail's Tribe and make More Than Me the 2012 Chase Giving Winner!

[soarnation-blog]

And then there was this. Our thoughts go out to all people without power or heat tonight. For all our out of area folks - please send blankets and batteries - we're making daily drop offs. We will get them to people who need them. #sandy2012 + #noreastern =#reliefeffort

[soarnation-blog]

TICKET TUESDAY!

This is the most important ticket you can get for free this entire year!  It's ELECTION DAY!!  This election is going to be one of the closest to date and the results will determine the type of America we will become in the upcoming future.  Make sure you, your family and friends all get out to the voting booths today.  YOU STILL HAVE TIME...CAST THAT BALLOT TODAY!

[soarnation-blog]

SELFLESS SUNDAY!

In a recent article written in the Miami NewTimes, journalist Chris Sweeny, writes an expository news piece about two activists that went undercover to infiltrate an immigration detention center. The article depicts two activists’ experiences while being held at the centers. They were mistreated, unfairly accused of criminal acts, and not given fair trials. Citing stories from other immigrants’ experiences as well, the article raises awareness about the social injustices that are occurring daily within these immigration detention centers.

This Selfless Sunday, we are focusing on the nonprofit, IRATE & First Friends. This nonprofit organization provides non-legal assistance for immigrants and wants to raise awareness for the importance of immigration reform laws. IRATE focuses on bringing justice to the immigrants that have been mistreated. Focusing mainly on New Jersey, IRATE wants to provide immigrants with fair trials, treatment and conditions within the detention centers.

Check out the video above to learn more about IRATE & First Friends. I also included the link for the Miami NewTimes article. I recommend reading the full article because it provides an in-depth look at the immigration problem and firsthand accounts of living in an immigration detention centers.

Miami NewTimes: http://www.miaminewtimes.com/2012-10-25/news/two-activists-infiltrate-broward-transitional-center-where-illegal-immigrants-are-held/

[soarnation-blog]

After Hurricane Sandy blew through the eastern coast, people are beginning to try and rebuild. We at SOAR Nation hope everyone is safe after the devastation and our thoughts and prayers go out to you. If you are able to help in any way possible, please donate or do something to help another affected by this tragic storm.

Attached you can find different ways to donate and help those in need that I found posted on NBC Rock Center with Brian Williams. To view all the ways to donate: http://bitly.com/MLXrwK

AMERICAN RED CROSS

The Red Cross is providing shelter, clothes, supplies, food and blood, as needed, for the victims of Sandy. You can donate blood, but in terms of items, you'll be doing more for those in need by donating money instead of physical goods.

Text message: Text the word REDCROSS to 90999 to donate $10 to American Red Cross Disaster Relief. As in the case with other donations via mobile, the donation will show up on your wireless bill, or be deducted from your balance if you have a prepaid phone. You need to be 18 or older, or have parental permission, to donate this way. (If you change your mind, text the word STOP to 90999.)

Phone: 800-RED CROSS 1-800-733-2767; for Spanish speakers, 800-257-7575 http://www.redcross.org/charitable-donations

SALVATION ARMY

The Salvation Army is providing meals and shelter. "At this point, in-kind donations, such as used clothing and used furniture, are not being accepted for hurricane relief. However, these items are vital to supporting the day-to-day work of your local Salvation Army," the organization said Tuesday in a press release.

Text message: Text the word STORM to 80888 to make a $10 donation. To confirm the donation, respond with the word “Yes.” Phone:800-SAL-ARMY (800-725-2769)

https://donate.salvationarmyusa.org/disaster

NYC Salvation Army: http://www.use.salvationarmy.org/gnyd

NJ Salvation Army: http://www.use.salvationarmy.org/use/www_use_nj.nsf

NJ Volunteering: http://www.state.nj.us/governor/news/news/552012/approved/20121029b.html

[soarnation-blog]

FLASH SALE FRIDAY!

This Flash Sale Friday SOAR Nation is spotlighting the NY State of Mind t-shirt brand.  With four unique tees available from our webstore, NY State of Mind produces high quality designs with conscious statements on each tee.  An independent streetwear brand, NY State of Mind has been creating tees since 2008.  Designed with Brooklyn pride, NY State of Mind is this week’s Flash Sale Friday brand to check out.  Remember if you purchase one of these shirts through our website, 10% of the purchase will go to one of the non-profits we work with.  To browse our webstore and view the shirts available, visit http://bitly.com/MLXrwK

Song of the Day: Empire State of Mind by Jay-Z featuring Alicia Keys

[soarnation-blog]

WE CARE WEDNESDAYS!

Urban Art Beat is one of the six non profits SOAR Nation works alongside.  In the past, SOAR Nation has helped Urban Art Beat build a recording studio for a new high school, Broome Street Academy, which serves mostly foster care youth.  Music is an art that these students can use to express themselves and also gives them the opportunity to interact with others in the community.  

Unfortunately, many schools are struggling to keep music programs alive.  In an article posted this past September, two non-profits based in Los Angeles called Adopt the Arts and Little Kids Rock, began working together to help develop and revitalize music programs in the LA school districts.  Celebrities are often quoted thanking school music and art programs for exposing creative outlets to them.  Actor John Stamos attended an event hosted by Adopt the Arts and Little Kids Rock in LA and stated, “Music gave my life a purpose. If a guitar influences some kid to be as lucky as I have been, then that’s why we are here.”  The arts enable youth to develop their own creativity and become more culturally aware.  It is through the appreciation of visual arts, crafts, performing arts and creative writing that students are able to express their creativity and have an outlet for their imagination.

Here at SOAR Nation, we believe that the arts are an important part of an individual’s personal expression.  We support Urban Art Beat and their mission to provide youth a creative outlet.  To learn more about Urban Art Beat and ways to donate to their mission visit: http://www.soarnation.com/support/index/info/id/11/

To read the full news article http://www.atvn.org/news/2012/09/chhaya

[soarnation-blog]

T-Shirt Tuesday!

Throughout the upcoming weeks, we will feature various limited edition t-shirts designed by top local artists.  This week, SOAR Nation is featuring Blair Urban's original artwork and design.  The Fragile Mask V-Neck by ALMA Revolution is a limited edition t-shirt only available through the SOAR Nation web-store.  

Next up is the Judge The Inside t-shirt by Squared Clothing.  This woman's shirt is a reminder to judge by the content inside things, not just the outside.  

Paradise by Pretense is a new item in the SOAR Nation web-store.  The men's t-shirt is symbolic for us, representing our dreams and the life all of us live for.  

Lastly, Reckless by YRS is a men's shirt that shows the balance of reckless and relentless that exists in all of us.  It is this balance that makes us who we are and gives us the ability to do incredible things.  

All these shirts are available below.  Remember 10% of your purchase will go to one of the six non-profit organizations we work with!

Fragile Mask V-Neck - http://www.soarnation.com/clothing/fragile-mask-v-neck.html

Judge the Inside - http://www.soarnation.com/judge-the-inside.html

Paradise -http://www.soarnation.com/clothing/paradise.html

Reckless - http://www.soarnation.com/reckless.html

[soarnation-blog]

"This album has pretty much everything a band ought to deliver: catchy, melodic songs, gorgeously soaring vocals, killer musicianship and a centerpiece that’s a genuine classic." - New York Music Daily

MUSIC MONDAY! This Music Monday, SOAR Nation is spotlighting Jersey City band, Devi.  Comprised of front woman and lead guitarist, Debra Devi, along with drummer, Brian Hudzik and bassist, Dan Grennes, Devi comprises various styles of music to create a unique musical sound.  With Debra’s powerful vocals and the bands rock and roll sound, this band is one for music lovers to be on the lookout for.  

The band’s debut album, Get Free, is available for download at the SOAR Nation music web store.  With lyrically moving songs and even a few covers on the album, including Del Shannon’s, Runaway, and Neil Young’s, The Needle and the Damage Done, Devi proves themselves both as talented musicians and lyricists.  

To preview and purchase the album: http://www.soarnation.com/music/devi-get-free.html

Album Review: http://guitarinternational.com/2010/07/16/devi-get-free/

[soarnation-blog]

Another good artist joins the SOAR Nation Team!

[soarnation-blog]

Selfless Sunday

The Chronicle of Philanthropy featured an article earlier this month about the rise in donations towards health care non-profits in 2011.  According to the Association for Healthcare Philanthropy, donations rose more than 8% last year and raised roughly $8.9 billion in donations.  The president of the Association for Healthcare Philanthropy, William McGinly, is quoted saying that he is glad people are starting to donate again.  He says that people are becoming ‘more mindful of the needs of medical institutions in general’.   

At SOAR Nation, we also believe in the importance of healthcare and medical institutions.  We work with a non-profit called Costs of Care.  This non-profit aims to help doctors realize the impact their decisions in the emergency room have regarding the monetary costs patients endure.  Costs of Care provides both doctors and patients with vital information they need to help deflate high medical bills.  

To read the entire health care donation article, click the heading above or click here: http://philanthropy.com/article/Giving-to-Health-Care/134808/ 

To learn more about Costs of Care, how you can donate, and all the other non-profits we work, click here: http://www.soarnation.com/support/index/list/

[soarnation-blog]

T-SHIRT THURSDAY!

Looking for some clothes?  Here at SOAR Nation, we have a variety of different t-shirts and brands available for you to purchase.  The best thing about purchasing an item through our site is that 10% of every purchase goes to one of the six non-profits that we work with.  The pictures above are just a sample of the many shirts we have available.  We also have some great jewelry, watches and belts available.  Check out our store at www.soarnation.com

Alternative Apparel- Nova Tank http://www.soarnation.com/nova-tank.html

California Crown- Break Through Tee http://www.soarnation.com/break-through-tee.html

Faze- There Goes The Neighborhood http://www.soarnation.com/there-goes-the-neighborhood.html

Alma- Harbor Eden http://www.soarnation.com/harbor-eden.html

[soarnation-blog]

Good Conscious Music - Check out his album @ SOAR Nation

[soarnation-blog]

WE CARE WEDNESDAYS

Recently, I wrote about the need to put things in perspective.  Katie Meyler, founder of More Than Me, is a great example of a young woman, who put things in perspective and decided to make a positive change.  Meyler, along with several other leaders of non-profit organizations, were honored at the New Jersey Monthly Seeds of Hope luncheon this past September.  The event was a way for the community to give thanks to these great leaders who strive to make a difference in the world.

Growing up, Katie Meyler, thought she lived in a poor and struggling household.  It wasn’t until she was exposed to the poverty on a youth group trip to Central America that she realized she had the ability to help others in need.  She became dedicated to helping the children she met on her trip and was inspired to help young girls in Liberia receive the education they deserved.  Scared and unsure of how to start her non-profit, Meyler realized it wasn't about her anymore.  There were children counting on her and that is why she named her foundation More Than Me.  To date, roughly 100 girls have been able to go to school because of Meyler’s dedication.

Check out an article posted about the Seeds of Hope luncheon and be sure to take a look at Katie Meyler’s website where you can meet some of the amazing kids she helps.

Seeds Of Hope Article: http://bernardsville-bedminster.patch.com/articles/more-than-me-founder

More Than Me: http://www.morethanme.org/index.html

Song of The Day: Miracles by J Ross Parrelli

[soarnation-blog]

Our first book in the catalog ! The Language of the Blues by Debra Devi - thanks for a signed copy! #books #blues #jerseycity #readingiscool #welovebooks