Iraq Veterans and Homelessness

I wanted to point out the following article that appeared in today's Arizona Daily Star "Returning Veterans Ending Up on Streets". It is noted in this article that new veterans are seeking housing services months after their return from Iraq--much sooner than Vietnam veterans. Also highlighted in this article is a recent study in The New England Journal of Medicine that found that nearly 20% of Iraq veterans demonstrate signs of major depression and post-traumatic stress disorder, which increases their struggle to reintegrate into civilian life.


This is the link to the article http://www.azstarnet.com/news/196134.php. If you have time, I would suggest reading through the online comments thread as well as there is quite a debate heating up there. Putting politics aside (although political ideologies are surely a valid part of the discussion to an extent) I am curious what those of us who work with/for the homeless population think about this phenomenon. Further, what can we do, or what do we already do, as a facility that veterans may turn to for help? Where does Primavera fit into all of this? Where do we as homeless advocates fit in? Beyond liberal vs. conservative and pro-war vs. anti-war, what do we do about this complex issue?

Impeach Bush - Cheney

There has been a tremendous grass roots effort to impeach Bush and Cheney. This a great deal of buzz on the internet and you can sample some of it right here:

http://www.impeachbush.org/site/PageServer
http://www.impeachbush.tv/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Movement_to_impeach_George_W._Bush

There is even a little known, rarely used procedure for the individual citizen to start the impeachment process (Jefferson's Manual). Go here to see it:

http://impeachforpeace.org/ImpeachNow.html

Do you believe that Bush/Cheney should be impeached before they walk out of office? In giving your answer please give your reasons for being for or against.

Going Green at the Office

In keeping with the theme of our last all staff meeting, I decided to post some ways that we all can do our part to save energy and reduce our harmful impact on the environment. Are you ready to take on the challenge of "greening" your workspace? There are lots of simple and non-time consuming things that we can start doing right now (or continue doing for all you environmentally--conscious Primaverians)to save energy. These are some small steps that make a big difference:

1. reuse and recycle your resources: paper, paper clips, post-it notes, rubber bands, folders, manila envelopes, ink cartridges etc.


2. turn off non-essential computers, monitors, overhead lights, desk lights, printers and fax machines shutting off your computer will reduce its CO2 emissions by 83%!!!!


3. how we spend our meals and coffee breaks also affects the environment--avoid using disposable dishes and silverware. Also avoid single-serving creamers and sugars etc. Use reusable water bottles--stop buying bottled water (it's probably just tap water anyway)!! And of course, recycle cans, boxes and glass.

Other articles and resources for ways you can "go green" at the office:

http://www.netscape.com/viewstory/2007/04/11/7-easy-ways-to-run-an-environmentally-friendly-office/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thenewbusinessblog.com%2Fgeneral-business-news%2Fways-to-run-an-environmentally-friendly-office&frame=true

http://blog.known.com.au/2007/02/knowns-top-5-environmentaly-friendly.html

http://156.98.19.245/workplace/

http://www.consumer.gov.tt/news/becomingenvironmentallyfriendly.htm



Any additional ideas on how to create and maintain an environmentally friendly workspace? Please share your tips with your co-workers here!!

* Welcome *

Hi, and welcome to the first of many blogs here at our own Primavera Discussion Group website. The idea came together from Ron’s desire for a discussion group, Joy’s experience with the blogging culture and the advocacy team’s excitement about a new and open forum for all of those at Primavera Foundation. Blogging has exploded over the past few years as a popular form of expression and we thought it was about time that we tried it for ourselves.

In the spirit of the diversity of people at Primavera, we envision that this will be a place open to dialogue around local, national and global issues that are important to us. This will also provide space for sharing of our creativity. Poems, photos and other artistic expressions are welcomed and encouraged, as we hope this blog will engage both sides of our brains.

Each Primavera staff person will be invited through an email to join the blog as an author; this will allow you to blog whenever you choose. Volunteers and friends are also welcome to share, and those items can be directed to Joy and me for posting. You can also send your posts to Joy and me if you don’t want to sign up as an author or if you’d like to be anonymous…our lips are sealed, your identity will not be revealed!!

Commenting on the blog is super-easy! Just click on the word ‘comments’ right below this posting and you will be given a text box in which to write your comment, which you can either sign or leave anonymous. All we ask is that all postings be respectful and mindful of the variety of views and opinions of those who participate on this site. You should also keep in mind that this is open to the public, so individuals' personal information should not be posted without their approval. If you need help learning how to navigate and use the blog, just let us know. Joy and I are more than happy to help.

Thank you for coming to check out our new blog. It belongs to all the friends of Primavera and we hope that you will continue to be a part of this experience by reading, commenting, blogging or, better yet, all three!

~jill