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Featured Community Link!
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"John is one of our greatest songwriters, musicians and song leaders. And not just incidentally, he is dedicated to organizing and moving this world in a better direction." —Pete Seeger
I'm a literal kind of a guy. Consequently, I take the notion of the "Web" pretty much at face value: it is a "web." It only works because it is supported by many, interconnected elements. Sure, there are lots of folks zooming around cyberspace in their own little craft, lost for hours and years on end in front of their computer screens. That's the Internet at its worst, in my estimation. It was the opportunities to establish contact with other people, gather information, get involved...taking what you gather and getting up from the terminal and rolling up your sleeves that convinced me to get involved at all. (Any of you who have started referring to "scrolling up your sleeves" need a break from the Web...)
Remember, this is only "virtual" reality. This community listing is a way of, hopefully, enriching your own. I've include a number of sites for your fun and edification. Some are people doing important work, some are friends of mine, some are real-life diversions of mine, some are all of the above. Some will remain on this community page forever, most will change regularly. Adds will come in an any time. Each of these spots is a starting point, linking you to their own web of communities. Information, inspiration, input: that's what this can be about. Have fun and thanks for including us in your travels.
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Featured Community Link!
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Foundation for Popular Health Education This grassroots organization was founded in Chile 25 years ago to train community health workers in urban shantytowns and squatter's settlements and basically to defend life in the midst of the military dictatorship. A good summary is on their website at www.epes.cl (including, you will see, a poster for the MN concert). Over the past 25 years, EPES has grown from a small, emergency-response team to an institution with 16 staff people, two centers, educational materials that are used in many places around the world. Despite the changing reality in Chile, there is still a need for—and they are still passionately dedicated to—promoting quality and justice in healthcare for the poor.
Cheat Sheet to Find a Human: Tired of the endless maze of options when you call a company for help or information? Wanna talk to a real, live human? Don't want to wait endlessly hoping that you're not disconnected? A fellow named Paul English has assembled a www site with ways around voicemail prompts. Do yourself a favor...and do the poor human who finally answers the phone a favor...and save your frustration for those who really deserve it.
Musicians, Farmers, & Poets In the 1980's I did a series of field recordings of Nicaraguan musicians in post- revolutionary times. Larry's Beans, a fair-trade coffee concern headquartered in Raleigh, NC, has just released an album of music created by the Nicaraguan farmers who grow their coffee. Larry's offers organic, shade-grown coffee that not only tastes great but feels great...'cause the farmers are paid fairly and the growing techniques offer a sustainable future for both the land and those that work it. Changing the world one bean and one song at a time.
The Complete Bushisms: For those of you wondering is I made up any of the lyrics of "Hail to the Chief"...here's proof you shouldn't misunderestimate me.
Woody Guthrie Foundation and Archives: We're finally, thanks to the efforts of people like Nora Guthrie, Billy Bragg and Ani Difranco, getting an idea of the wealth of material Woody left us. And it's only the tip of the iceberg.
Better World Club: If you've ever wished you could have an automobile club that didn't so aggressively lobby against mass transit, bike paths and environmental concerns here's a choice for you. I found that it offered all the perks of my former service, covered my kids and cost less. And not just incidentally, it donates 1% of its annual profits to environmental cleanup projects. A place to find eco-friendly travel options and other interesting services.
BeauSoleil: My pals who are "the best Cajun band in the world" according to Garrison Keillor...and me, too.
Bob Franke: He wrote "The Great Storm Is Over" and lots of other great songs, too.
Calton Cases: Those bright red cases I haul around to all my shows were custom made for me by Al Williams and his folks up at Calton Cases, in Calgary, Alberta. They are *the best* travel cases for stringed instruments I've ever seen...and I've used 'em all. If you fly with a guitar, banjo, whatever you owe it to yourself and your instrument to get one of these.
Volunteer Families for Children: This is a North Carolina based group featured during the book-giveaway at a recent concert. They provide valuable services to families trying to get back on their feet.
Here's a great idea: a site where you can shop on line at a consortium of Independent bookstores (let your local favorite know so they can get involved!), get transferable gift certificates and more!
Utah Phillips: He's a barely-to-be-believed, contrary, wild-eyed, cantankerous old fart...and one of my true heroes. A genius of a wordsmith and one of the most passionate unionists and social thinkers of our time. And writes and sings some of the best songs you'll ever hear. He's got albums, writings, and a great radio show called "Loafer's Glory." Does your local community station carry it?
Hey Little Ant: My friends, Phil & Hannah Hoose, wrote this wonderful song that has become a staple of my concerts. There's a beautiful book out that tells the story.
Peace Tax Fund: The National Campaign for a Peace Tax Fund advocates for legislation enabling conscientious objectors to war to have their federal income taxes directed to a special fund which could be used for non-military purposes only.
The Man from God Knows Where: My pal, Tom Russell, has written and recorded one of the best albums I've ever heard. A family history, a personal adventure, a masterpiece of wide-ranging vision. The kind of album I'd love to make.
AFM Local 1000: The Musician's Union "UnLocal" created by and for acoustic, traveling musicians. Health care, pension, disability, and solidarity. It's exciting, affordable, and long overdue. I'm entering my second year as president and, with an energetic leadership crew, things are rockin' already. The page is set up to give info to current members and help to interested parties. Check us out!
Irene Young Photography: She's been my photographer for over ten years now, producing all my album cover photos and publicity shots. Not to mention the nicest family portrait we have. She's a dream to work with and her work is distinctive, daring and always beautiful.
This American Life: The coolest show on radio. Period. I never miss it.
Huss & Dalton Guitar: I've got two of these amazing guitars. The best I've ever owned. Check out this great small business in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley.
Duo Guardabaranco: Salvador & Katia Cardenal, two old friends from Nicaragua, make some of the most beautiful music I've ever heard. Their compilation album, "Antologia," is one of my desert island discs. It never leaves our home CD player.
Homespun Tapes: Learn to play everything from hammer dulcimer to Cajun fiddle to guitar like Richard Thompson. Can't find a teacher? These folks offer audio and video tapes that'll get you on your way. The best out there that I've seen.
Handgun Control, Inc.: 13 children are killed by handguns everyday. That's a Littleton, Colorado 365 days a year. When are we going to realize that handguns are a part of this recipe for disaster? The old song asks "Which Side Are You On?" I've made up my mind.
Literacy Volunteers of America: You're doing something right now that 40 million (!) adult Americans can't do adequately: read. LVA is a grassroots education organization that's doing some of the most revolutionary work ordinary people can do. Teaching one another to change their lives through literacy.
Community Organizing Home Page:
A place to get information, link up to other people involved in improving and developing their communities and prove that the WWW is more than just a place to kill time.
