ALRIGHT GANG!

I had a meeting today with the rest of the organizing crew for the fundraiser I'm doing for child soldiers. Officially, the event is called... "I GOT SOUL BUT I'M NOT A SOLDIER". Amazing, right? Okay, here's the part where I need help.

Does anyone know of any organizations based out of Vancouver or the surrounding areas that deals with or works with child soldiers, children living in war torn conflict zones, children in general.... I'm looking for any sort of community group that works with issues surrounding war OR children. Example! A friend of mine gave me a contact for a group that works with Mobilization Against War and Occupation.

So you know what's really exciting? Being a grown-up. Well, I guess some of you will argue otherwise... but for me, this is HUGE!

 I turn 20 in May so it's nice to feel like I'm doing something important. Case in point: on Wednesday, I have a meeting with the youth development workers of Richmond to start some concrete planning for this Youth Week show... the benefit show for child soldiers that I keep talking about? Yep, that's the one. Also, earlier that day, I have a job interview with a local community center. The job up for grabs is the position of NightShift Coordinator. NightShift is a youth program that happens on weekends, late-night. Usually, there are local shows and activities going... well, that might be me! And I'm stoked because the two guys interviewing me, I've both known for years. One of them is the guy who posted the job listing and he was worried I wouldn't apply, I've been told. So I'm going to take that as a good sign that he wants me for the job.

Not much to say today 'cept I got word that my request for an event has been APPROVED! All that means is that they've booked off a day during Youth Week 2007 for me to put on a benefit concert for child soldiers... which is FANTASTIC! I've already started putting together details and so far, people are really keen to pitch in and help out. Which is nice because a local show in general is hard to plan... but now, a local show for YOUTH WEEK 2007! That's exciting.

So last weekend, I went out with some friends to check out Blood Diamond. All I gotta say is that is one well-made film. And I know the main focus of the film is on conflict diamonds, but they also raised some extremely heartbreaking issues about child soldiers.

 I work in a daycare. I interact with 50 - 60 kids on a weekly basis. I'm taking Family Studies classes at UBC. I'm hoping that one day, I'll be able to raise my own little family. But just to see the scenes that they showed in that movie... is devastating.