
Let's Do More Together
Meet the people infusing their communities with love and support when it’s needed most
01.16.21
True
If the past year has taught us nothing else, it's that sending love out into the world through selfless acts of kindness can have a positive ripple effect on people and communities. People all over the United States seemed to have gotten the message — 71% of those surveyed by the World Giving Index helped a stranger in need in 2020. A nonprofit survey found 90% helped others by running errands, calling, texting and sending care packages. Many people needed a boost last year in one way or another and obliging good neighbors heeded the call over and over again — and continue to make a positive impact through their actions in this new year.
Upworthy and P&G Good Everyday wanted to help keep kindness going strong, so they partnered up to create the Lead with Love Fund. The fund awards do-gooders in communities around the country with grants to help them continue on with their unique missions. Hundreds of nominations came pouring in and five winners were selected based on three criteria: the impact of action, uniqueness, and "Upworthy-ness" of their story.
Here's a look at the five winners:
Edith Ornelas, co-creator of Mariposas Collective in Memphis, Tenn.
Edith Ornelas has a deep-rooted connection to the asylum-seeking immigrant families she brings food and supplies to families in Memphis, Tenn. She was born in Jalisco, Mexico, and immigrated to the United States when she was 7 years old with her parents and sister. Edith grew up in Chicago, then moved to Memphis in 2016, where she quickly realized how few community programs existed for immigrants. Two years later, she helped create Mariposas Collective, which initially aimed to help families who had just been released from detention centers and were seeking asylum. The collective started out small but has since grown to approximately 400 volunteers.
<p>
In 2020, Mariposas shifted gears somewhat to help immigrants in the community who have lost their job or income stream due to the pandemic. The volunteers bring food and other essential supplies to families' homes, but Edith often lingers beyond the initial drop off, providing a sympathetic ear for families dealing with high levels of stress. Her patience and genuine concern inspires other Latinx people to come into the Mariposas circle and become community leaders, which in turn is making Memphis a more welcoming place for immigrants.
</p><p>
<strong>Tom Dittl, a first-grade teacher in Wisconsin</strong></p><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-rebelmouse-image">
<img type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNTUzMzI5Ny9vcmlnaW4ucG5nIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYzNTMxMDU4MH0.6vIYClSTWC5slsZNaSd72jt2c54VN9xCKCQEsNPKjjc/img.png?width=286&coordinates=0%2C0%2C0%2C0&height=381" id="cdf24" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="9de87c04606a9667dfeea201fac3a16a" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" data-width="286" data-height="381">
</p><p>Like most teachers in 2020, Tom Dittl had to find fun, creative ways to navigate the challenges of teaching his students virtually. And he took it to the next level. Recently, Dittl made a music video of Jack Johnson's song "Upside Down" while dressed up as The Man in the Yellow Hat — a character from Curious George children's stories — to cheer up his students who've been cooped up at home. But the song also had a deeper purpose: He hoped it would inspire them to be kind to one another and spread that kindness around their communities.<br></p><p>
In the video, he tells his students that you can always be kind, even when you're going through something tough. In response, many of them made "kindness rocks" and put them all over their neighborhoods as reminders for others to be kind.
</p><p>
Teachers have had one of the toughest jobs last year (not to mention every year). When a teacher like Mr. Dittl makes such a noticeable impact on his students, despite the obstacles and distractions of 2020, it's unequivocally a win.
</p><p>
<strong>Nikki and Jonathan Romain, creators of the Art Inc. Center in Peoria, Ill.</strong></p><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-rebelmouse-image">
<img type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNTUzMzI5OC9vcmlnaW4ucG5nIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY3MzM1NDM3M30.nT5owLlOTiGZAw7cGt3NEJbgn86aZVWB2FZwDffz-EA/img.png?width=336&coordinates=0%2C0%2C0%2C0&height=270" id="264c8" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="76dabc58784ed75d9500a605634efea4" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" data-width="336" data-height="270">
</p><p>Arts education is so often overlooked, even though it can be a pathway to creative thinking, personal growth and a successful future. It's typically the first thing to go in lower-income public school curriculums, which leaves inner-city youth without an artistic outlet, or at least one that's professionally guided. So Nikki and Jonathan Romain decided to open up another artistic avenue for the inner-city youth of Peoria, Ill., in the form of an art center called <u><a href="https://www.artincpeoria.org/about" target="_blank">Art Inc.</a></u><br></p><p>
The Center provides space and tools for the entire community to have an experiential arts education. Nikki and Jonathan also offer support and structure for young people to try their hand at various forms of artistic expression and pursue higher education goals. Nikki is the Executive Director and handles most of the business of the nonprofit, whereas Jonathan, using his professional artist expertise, runs development of the art and culture programs. He also serves as a counselor for youth who may be struggling to find their way. Together, they've made Art Inc. a haven for all community members and a place where art is always valued.
</p><p>
<strong>Kari Harbath, 'involuntary expert in grief' in Utah</strong></p><div id="cdd67" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="69268fcd99582b6116b71bf5b45dbcd8"><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-version="4" style=" background:#FFF; border:0;
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CJEYPoYhsLR/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif;
font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;
word-wrap:break-word;" target="_top"></a></p>
</div></blockquote></div><p>Kari Harbath is no stranger to hardship and suffering. In April 2019, due to pregnancy complications, she gave birth to a daughter who is deaf, blind and has <u><a href="https://rarediseases.org/rare-diseases/charge-syndrome/" target="_blank">CHARGE syndrome</a></u>, a rare disorder that affects multiple organ systems in the body. If that weren't challenging enough, the following September, Kari lost her mother, and then this past June, she lost her husband of 13 years.<br></p><p>
Yet somehow, after a year of unimaginable loss, Kari has managed to carry on with life and the care of her daughter, Sloan. In fact, she's taken what she's learned through her experience with grief and uses it to support others dealing with similar hardships. She's willing to return to that uncomfortable place over and over again just so she can help someone else climb out of it. Kari is <u><a href="https://www.instagram.com/sloan_strength_/" target="_blank">available as a resource for anyone who's struggling</a></u> or caring for someone who has disabilities and may feel lost.
</p><p>
<strong>Chavonne Hodges, Founder of Grillzandgranola in New York</strong></p><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-rebelmouse-image">
<img type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNTUzMzMwMS9vcmlnaW4ucG5nIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY2NjM4ODM2Mn0.taU1KBmingcwNtQGbx_sDvoqKDqBrj1wQkZUfN4RLZ8/img.png?width=316&coordinates=0%2C0%2C0%2C0&height=236" id="35ad2" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="dc123f1e7b44b1d2a3e99c38a02152fa" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" data-width="316" data-height="236">
</p><p>When Chavonne was 26, she was going through a divorce and struggling with a panic disorder. She knew she needed to do something to help herself feel better, so she started working out at a gym. While there, she noticed a serious lack of racial and body diversity, so she decided to create her own gym and exercise program that caters to both. The gym is called <u><a href="https://www.grillzandgranola.com/" target="_blank">Grillzandgranola</a></u>, and aside from physical health, it's dedicated to mental wellbeing and community collaboration.<br></p><p>
Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, Grillzandgranola has moved classes online and created a space for group therapy called FEEL Better. These free therapy sessions are led by a diverse group of mental health professionals and are designed to help Black, Indigenous and people of color cope with grief, isolation, and negative emotions during these challenging times.
</p><p>
<strong>Love Wins<br>
</strong>Kind, selfless acts have the power to change lives. It doesn't matter how big or small your act of kindness is, if it's thoughtful and genuine, you're doing it right. Not sure where to start? By joining <u><a href="https://www.pggoodeveryday.com/" target="_blank">P&G Good Everyday</a></u>, you can lead with love through your actions. Each time you answer surveys, take quizzes and scan receipts, you can feel good knowing that P&G will automatically donate to your favorite cause like ending period poverty, saving wildlife, or providing natural disaster relief.
</p><p>
<strong>Join us and #LeadWithLove.</strong> We know that even the smallest acts of good can make a world of difference.
</p>
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President Biden signed four historic executive actions promoting racial equity into law
01.27.21
President Biden/Twitter, Yamiche Alcindor/Twitter
In a year when the U.S. saw the largest protest movement in history in support of Black lives, when people of color have experienced disproportionate outcomes from the coronavirus pandemic, and when Black voters showed up in droves to flip two Senate seats in Georgia, Joe Biden entered the White House with a mandate to address the issue of racial equity in a meaningful way.
Not that it took any of those things to make racial issues in America real. White supremacy has undergirded laws, policies, and practices throughout our nation's history, and the ongoing impacts of that history are seen and felt widely by various racial and ethnic groups in America in various ways.
Today, President Biden spoke to these issues in straightforward language before signing four executive actions that aim to:
- promote fair housing policies to redress historical racial discrimination in federal housing and lending
- address criminal justice, starting by ending federal contracts with for-profit prisons
- strengthen nation-to-nation relationships with Native American tribes and Alaskan natives
- combat xenophobia against Asian-Americans and Pacific Islanders, which has skyrocketed during the pandemic
<p>"In my campaign for president, I made it very clear that the moment had arrived as a nation, as we face deep racial inequities in America and systemic racism that has plagued our nation for far, far too long. I said that over the course of the past year that the blinders had been taken off the nation, the American people. What many Americans didn't see or had simply refused to see couldn't be ignored any longer."</p><p>Biden spoke of how George Floyd's killing opened the eyes of the nation and the world and marked "a turning point in this country's attitude toward racial justice." He spoke of the impact of the pandemic on Black and Latino communities and the economic inequalities that plague the nation. He spoke of the white supremacists who invaded our Capitol. </p><p>"We have never fully lived up to the founding principles of this nation, to state the obvious, that all people are created equal and have the right to be treated equally throughout their lives," he said. "And it's time to act now, not only because it's the right thing to do, but because if we do, we'll all be better off for it."</p>
<div id="d9f1b" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="aa25d68f380c93a194eee4a7f7b403ba"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet twitter-custom-tweet" data-twitter-tweet-id="1354146308890759168" data-partner="rebelmouse"><div style="margin:1em 0">President Biden is making the case that equity and rooting out systemic racism helps all Americans. It is a telling… https://t.co/wjEGbdM8hT</div> — Yamiche Alcindor (@Yamiche Alcindor)<a href="https://twitter.com/Yamiche/statuses/1354146308890759168">1611688613.0</a></blockquote></div>
<p>"For too long we've allowed a narrow, cramped view of the promise of this nation to fester," he went on. "You know, we've bought the view that America is a zero-sum game in many cases. If you succeed, I fail. If you get ahead, I fall behind. If you get the job I lose mine. Maybe worst of all, if I hold you down, I lift myself up. We've lost sight of what President Kennedy told us what he said, 'A rising tide lifts all boats.' When we lift each other up, we're all lifted up. And the corollary is true as well. When anyone is held down, we're all held back."</p>
<div id="75975" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="cc3348a4df11ed86c085ee4a39887eea"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet twitter-custom-tweet" data-twitter-tweet-id="1354143693301706753" data-partner="rebelmouse"><div style="margin:1em 0">This afternoon, I’ll be taking action to advance racial equity for Americans who have been underserved and left beh… https://t.co/BaUNGChIlS</div> — President Biden (@President Biden)<a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS/statuses/1354143693301706753">1611687989.0</a></blockquote></div>
<p>President Biden gave some details about what the four executive actions signed today will mean, including giving Native tribes and nations access to the federal stockpile and FEMA, as well as taking a step toward stopping corporations from profiting off of incarceration that is "less humane and less safe, as the studies show." </p><p>He also elucidated on further actions he wants to take, or see taken in the case of legislation in Congress, during his administration, starting with undoing some of Trump's last actions as president:</p><p>"In the weeks ahead, I'll be reaffirming the federal government's commitment to diversity equity and inclusion and accessibility, building on the work we started and the Obama-Biden administration. That's why I'm rescinding the previous administration's harmful man on diversity and sensitivity training. And abolish the offensive counterfactual 1776 commission. Unity and healing must begin with understanding and truth. Not ignorance and lies."</p><p>And including making it easier for all Americans to vote:</p><p>"Here's another thing we need to do—we need to restore and expand the Voting Rights Act, named after our dear friend, John Lewis. And continue to fight back against laws many states are engaged in to suppress the right to vote, while expanding access to the ballot box for all eligible voters.:</p><p>Biden concluded with by repeating the call for racial equity to be incorporated throughout every part of the government:</p><p>"Here's the deal, and I'll close with this," he said. "I ran for president because I believe we're in a battle for the soul of this nation. And the simple truth is our soul will be troubled as long as systemic racism is allowed to persist. It's not going to be overnight. We can't eliminate everything. But it's corrosive, it's destructive, and it's costly. It costs every American, not just who felt the sting of racial injustice. We are not just a nation morally deprived because of systemic racism. We're also less prosperous, we're less successful, less secure. So we must change, and I know it's gonna take time. But I know we can do it. And I firmly believe the nation is ready to change. But government has to change as well. We need to make equity and justice part of what we do every day. Today, tomorrow, and every day.</p><p>I'm gonna sign these executive actions to continue to work to make real the promise of America for every American. Again, I'm not promising we can end it tomorrow. But I promise you we're gonna continue to make progress to eliminate systemic racism in every branch of the White House, and the federal government is going to be part of that effort." </p><p>People in racial justice advocacy spaces seemed to receive President Biden's address and executive actions with cautious optimism. NAACP president Derrick Johnson <a href="https://www.msnbc.com/andrea-mitchell-reports/watch/naacp-president-johnson-biden-s-executive-orders-today-on-racial-equity-a-great-initial-start-100042309636" target="_blank">told MSNBC</a>, "This is a great initial start," and "The fact he's embedding this inside of Domestic Policy Council shows the urgency and the gravity of what's taking place."</p><p>Some pointed out that unless and until there are actual changes coming from the legislative branch, the actions taken by Biden today are tenuous, since they can be changed at the stroke of a pen with a new administration. However, these executive actions and the promises made by Biden do seem to indicate that he is serious about making racial justice a key policy driver during his tenure in the White House.</p><p>It's definitely a start, and considering we're only seven days in, a promising sign that more meaningful action is on the way.</p>
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Let's Do More Together
Meet the people infusing their communities with love and support when it’s needed most
01.16.21
True
If the past year has taught us nothing else, it's that sending love out into the world through selfless acts of kindness can have a positive ripple effect on people and communities. People all over the United States seemed to have gotten the message — 71% of those surveyed by the World Giving Index helped a stranger in need in 2020. A nonprofit survey found 90% helped others by running errands, calling, texting and sending care packages. Many people needed a boost last year in one way or another and obliging good neighbors heeded the call over and over again — and continue to make a positive impact through their actions in this new year.
Upworthy and P&G Good Everyday wanted to help keep kindness going strong, so they partnered up to create the Lead with Love Fund. The fund awards do-gooders in communities around the country with grants to help them continue on with their unique missions. Hundreds of nominations came pouring in and five winners were selected based on three criteria: the impact of action, uniqueness, and "Upworthy-ness" of their story.
Here's a look at the five winners:
Edith Ornelas, co-creator of Mariposas Collective in Memphis, Tenn.
Edith Ornelas has a deep-rooted connection to the asylum-seeking immigrant families she brings food and supplies to families in Memphis, Tenn. She was born in Jalisco, Mexico, and immigrated to the United States when she was 7 years old with her parents and sister. Edith grew up in Chicago, then moved to Memphis in 2016, where she quickly realized how few community programs existed for immigrants. Two years later, she helped create Mariposas Collective, which initially aimed to help families who had just been released from detention centers and were seeking asylum. The collective started out small but has since grown to approximately 400 volunteers.
<p>
In 2020, Mariposas shifted gears somewhat to help immigrants in the community who have lost their job or income stream due to the pandemic. The volunteers bring food and other essential supplies to families' homes, but Edith often lingers beyond the initial drop off, providing a sympathetic ear for families dealing with high levels of stress. Her patience and genuine concern inspires other Latinx people to come into the Mariposas circle and become community leaders, which in turn is making Memphis a more welcoming place for immigrants.
</p><p>
<strong>Tom Dittl, a first-grade teacher in Wisconsin</strong></p><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-rebelmouse-image">
<img type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNTUzMzI5Ny9vcmlnaW4ucG5nIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYzNTMxMDU4MH0.6vIYClSTWC5slsZNaSd72jt2c54VN9xCKCQEsNPKjjc/img.png?width=286&coordinates=0%2C0%2C0%2C0&height=381" id="cdf24" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="9de87c04606a9667dfeea201fac3a16a" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" data-width="286" data-height="381">
</p><p>Like most teachers in 2020, Tom Dittl had to find fun, creative ways to navigate the challenges of teaching his students virtually. And he took it to the next level. Recently, Dittl made a music video of Jack Johnson's song "Upside Down" while dressed up as The Man in the Yellow Hat — a character from Curious George children's stories — to cheer up his students who've been cooped up at home. But the song also had a deeper purpose: He hoped it would inspire them to be kind to one another and spread that kindness around their communities.<br></p><p>
In the video, he tells his students that you can always be kind, even when you're going through something tough. In response, many of them made "kindness rocks" and put them all over their neighborhoods as reminders for others to be kind.
</p><p>
Teachers have had one of the toughest jobs last year (not to mention every year). When a teacher like Mr. Dittl makes such a noticeable impact on his students, despite the obstacles and distractions of 2020, it's unequivocally a win.
</p><p>
<strong>Nikki and Jonathan Romain, creators of the Art Inc. Center in Peoria, Ill.</strong></p><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-rebelmouse-image">
<img type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNTUzMzI5OC9vcmlnaW4ucG5nIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY3MzM1NDM3M30.nT5owLlOTiGZAw7cGt3NEJbgn86aZVWB2FZwDffz-EA/img.png?width=336&coordinates=0%2C0%2C0%2C0&height=270" id="264c8" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="76dabc58784ed75d9500a605634efea4" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" data-width="336" data-height="270">
</p><p>Arts education is so often overlooked, even though it can be a pathway to creative thinking, personal growth and a successful future. It's typically the first thing to go in lower-income public school curriculums, which leaves inner-city youth without an artistic outlet, or at least one that's professionally guided. So Nikki and Jonathan Romain decided to open up another artistic avenue for the inner-city youth of Peoria, Ill., in the form of an art center called <u><a href="https://www.artincpeoria.org/about" target="_blank">Art Inc.</a></u><br></p><p>
The Center provides space and tools for the entire community to have an experiential arts education. Nikki and Jonathan also offer support and structure for young people to try their hand at various forms of artistic expression and pursue higher education goals. Nikki is the Executive Director and handles most of the business of the nonprofit, whereas Jonathan, using his professional artist expertise, runs development of the art and culture programs. He also serves as a counselor for youth who may be struggling to find their way. Together, they've made Art Inc. a haven for all community members and a place where art is always valued.
</p><p>
<strong>Kari Harbath, 'involuntary expert in grief' in Utah</strong></p><div id="cdd67" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="69268fcd99582b6116b71bf5b45dbcd8"><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-version="4" style=" background:#FFF; border:0;
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CJEYPoYhsLR/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif;
font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;
word-wrap:break-word;" target="_top"></a></p>
</div></blockquote></div><p>Kari Harbath is no stranger to hardship and suffering. In April 2019, due to pregnancy complications, she gave birth to a daughter who is deaf, blind and has <u><a href="https://rarediseases.org/rare-diseases/charge-syndrome/" target="_blank">CHARGE syndrome</a></u>, a rare disorder that affects multiple organ systems in the body. If that weren't challenging enough, the following September, Kari lost her mother, and then this past June, she lost her husband of 13 years.<br></p><p>
Yet somehow, after a year of unimaginable loss, Kari has managed to carry on with life and the care of her daughter, Sloan. In fact, she's taken what she's learned through her experience with grief and uses it to support others dealing with similar hardships. She's willing to return to that uncomfortable place over and over again just so she can help someone else climb out of it. Kari is <u><a href="https://www.instagram.com/sloan_strength_/" target="_blank">available as a resource for anyone who's struggling</a></u> or caring for someone who has disabilities and may feel lost.
</p><p>
<strong>Chavonne Hodges, Founder of Grillzandgranola in New York</strong></p><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-rebelmouse-image">
<img type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNTUzMzMwMS9vcmlnaW4ucG5nIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY2NjM4ODM2Mn0.taU1KBmingcwNtQGbx_sDvoqKDqBrj1wQkZUfN4RLZ8/img.png?width=316&coordinates=0%2C0%2C0%2C0&height=236" id="35ad2" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="dc123f1e7b44b1d2a3e99c38a02152fa" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" data-width="316" data-height="236">
</p><p>When Chavonne was 26, she was going through a divorce and struggling with a panic disorder. She knew she needed to do something to help herself feel better, so she started working out at a gym. While there, she noticed a serious lack of racial and body diversity, so she decided to create her own gym and exercise program that caters to both. The gym is called <u><a href="https://www.grillzandgranola.com/" target="_blank">Grillzandgranola</a></u>, and aside from physical health, it's dedicated to mental wellbeing and community collaboration.<br></p><p>
Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, Grillzandgranola has moved classes online and created a space for group therapy called FEEL Better. These free therapy sessions are led by a diverse group of mental health professionals and are designed to help Black, Indigenous and people of color cope with grief, isolation, and negative emotions during these challenging times.
</p><p>
<strong>Love Wins<br>
</strong>Kind, selfless acts have the power to change lives. It doesn't matter how big or small your act of kindness is, if it's thoughtful and genuine, you're doing it right. Not sure where to start? By joining <u><a href="https://www.pggoodeveryday.com/" target="_blank">P&G Good Everyday</a></u>, you can lead with love through your actions. Each time you answer surveys, take quizzes and scan receipts, you can feel good knowing that P&G will automatically donate to your favorite cause like ending period poverty, saving wildlife, or providing natural disaster relief.
</p><p>
<strong>Join us and #LeadWithLove.</strong> We know that even the smallest acts of good can make a world of difference.
</p>
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20 years ago, a doctor published a study. It was completely made up, and it made us all sicker.
The entire study was fabricated.
12.05.14
True
Gates Foundation
Once upon a time, a scientist named Dr. Andrew Wakefield published in the medical journal The Lancet that he had discovered a link between autism and vaccines.
After years of controversy and making parents mistrust vaccines, along with collecting $674,000 from lawyers who would benefit from suing vaccine makers, it was discovered he had made the whole thing up. The Lancet publicly apologized and reported that further investigation led to the discovery that he had fabricated everything.
<p>In the intervening years, millions have been spent on studying this further to see if there was anything that could connect autism and vaccines. This is what they found.<img type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8xOTQ4NzIzOC9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYxNzY2MDEzMn0.EnkMvPddtDRQyP_IgmJGHCAREarS2rBUYaW0tH0OM8I/img.jpg?width=980" id="945b4" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="1c7b78066fde76ee81da8c1ad0550c7c" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image"></p><p>If you think science is a real thing, you could share this. I'll owe you one.</p>
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via TikTok
Menstrual taboos are as old as time and found across cultures. They've been used to separate women from men physically — menstrual huts are still a thing — and socially, by creating the perception that a natural bodily function is a sign of weakness.
Even in today's world women are deemed unfit for positions of power because some men actually believe they won't be able to handle stressful situations while mensurating.
"Menstruation is an opening for attack: a mark of shame, a sign of weakness, an argument to keep women out of positions of power,' Colin Schultz writes in Popular Science.
<p>The big problem with menstrual taboos is the way that males are educated on the subject leaves them with a patchwork of ideas that don't necessarily add up to the whole picture. First, there's the information they get from growing up with women in the house. </p><p>Then, there are the cryptic descriptions of menstruation seen in advertising and the cold, scientific way the topic is taught in sex education.</p><div class="rm-embed embed-media"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="giphy-embed" frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://giphy.com/embed/l0IumjB1iWA1UMsE0" width="480"></iframe><p><a href="https://giphy.com/gifs/filmeditor-movie-mean-girls-l0IumjB1iWA1UMsE0"></a></p></div><p>"Boys' early learning about menstruation is haphazard," a 2011 study published in the <a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/0192513x10371609" target="_blank">Journal of Family Issues</a> reads. "The mysterious nature of what happens to girls contributes to a gap in boys' knowledge about female bodies and to some negative views about girls."<br></p><p>Unfortunately, the gaps in the average man's understanding of a complex female health issue can put women in a difficult position. Whether it's denying them positions of power or a failure to understand their discomfort. </p><p>That's why it's so important for men to become better educated about menstruation.</p><p>A group of women on TikTok are helping the men in their lives better understand the subject by showing them how tampons work on the inside of their bodies by dousing them in water. They call it the Boyfriend Challenge. Some of the guys' reactions are clearly over-the-top, but it's also obvious that many of them have no idea how tampons function. </p><p>A video by the Demery family has gone viral attracting nearly eight million views. It's fun to watch, but it also shows men how tampons function and what women go through during their monthly cycle.</p><p><br></p><div class="rm-embed embed-media"><blockquote cite="https://www.tiktok.com/@thedemeryfamily22/video/6915531931568327941" class="tiktok-embed" data-video-id="6915531931568327941" style="max-width: 605px;min-width: 325px;"> <section> <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@thedemeryfamily22" target="_blank" title="@thedemeryfamily22">@thedemeryfamily22</a> His reaction is priceless😂 <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/cutecouple" target="_blank" title="cutecouple">#cutecouple</a> <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/pregnant" target="_blank" title="pregnant">#pregnant</a> <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/prego" target="_blank" title="prego">#prego</a> <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/viral" target="_blank" title="viral">#viral</a> <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/inlove" target="_blank" title="inlove">#InLove</a> <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/couplegoals" target="_blank" title="couplegoals">#couplegoals</a> <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/trend" target="_blank" title="trend">#trend</a> <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/tampon" target="_blank" title="tampon">#tampon</a><br> <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/music/original-sound-6915531947947068165" target="_blank" title="♬ original sound - Kolby&Jas❤️">♬ original sound - Kolby&Jas❤️</a> </section> </blockquote> <script async="" src="https://www.tiktok.com/embed.js"></script></div><p><br></p><p>Rachel's man just uttered the phrase "vagina parachute."</p><p><br></p><div class="rm-embed embed-media"><blockquote cite="https://www.tiktok.com/@mrshillery829/video/6914404541567864070" class="tiktok-embed" data-video-id="6914404541567864070" style="max-width: 605px;min-width: 325px;"> <section> <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@mrshillery829" target="_blank" title="@mrshillery829">@mrshillery829</a> Of course I had to make my husband do this! I will forever call tampons “vagina parachutes"! LMAO!! <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/tamponchallenge" target="_blank" title="tamponchallenge">#tamponchallenge</a> <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/husbandpranks" target="_blank" title="husbandpranks">#husbandpranks</a> <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/funny" target="_blank" title="funny">#funny</a> <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/fyp" target="_blank" title="fyp">#fyp</a><br> <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/music/original-sound-6914404557674023685" target="_blank" title="♬ original sound - Rachel Hillery">♬ original sound - Rachel Hillery</a> </section> </blockquote> <script async="" src="https://www.tiktok.com/embed.js"></script></div><p><br>Paulina's man was completely flummoxed by the inner workings of a tampon. "You've been carrying this like, inside of you?" he asks. "The whole day?"</p><p><br></p><div class="rm-embed embed-media"><blockquote cite="https://www.tiktok.com/@paulinat/video/6916317761887079685" class="tiktok-embed" data-video-id="6916317761887079685" style="max-width: 605px;min-width: 325px;"> <section> <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@paulinat" target="_blank" title="@paulinat">@paulinat</a> showing him how a tampôn works😭 @fabioguerrrraa <br> <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/music/original-sound-6916317758841948933" target="_blank" title="♬ original sound - Pau Torres :)">♬ original sound - Pau Torres :)</a> </section> </blockquote> <script async="" src="https://www.tiktok.com/embed.js"></script></div><p><br>This guy thinks it's "like a butterfly."</p><p><br></p><div class="rm-embed embed-media"><blockquote cite="https://www.tiktok.com/@iyanna.and.shacorey/video/6920810045588507909" class="tiktok-embed" data-video-id="6920810045588507909" style="max-width: 605px;min-width: 325px;"> <section> <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@iyanna.and.shacorey" target="_blank" title="@iyanna.and.shacorey">@iyanna.and.shacorey</a> His reaction 😂 <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/fyp" target="_blank" title="fyp">#fyp</a> <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/funny" target="_blank" title="funny">#funny</a> <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/viral" target="_blank" title="viral">#viral</a> <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/couples" target="_blank" title="couples">#couples</a> <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/foryou" target="_blank" title="foryou">#foryou</a> <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/followme" target="_blank" title="followme">#followme</a> <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/youtube" target="_blank" title="youtube">#youtube</a> <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/tampon" target="_blank" title="tampon">#tampon</a> <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/tamponchallenge" target="_blank" title="tamponchallenge">#tamponchallenge</a> @iyannaaa.rose <br> <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/music/original-sound-6920810076462648069" target="_blank" title="♬ original sound - I & Shac 💙💙">♬ original sound - I & Shac 💙💙</a> </section> </blockquote> <script async="" src="https://www.tiktok.com/embed.js"></script></div><p><br></p><p>Amani's boyfriend was so astounded by the revelation he let out a massive expletive then apologized for the agony she must go through. </p><p><br></p><div class="rm-embed embed-media"><blockquote cite="https://www.tiktok.com/@amanialzubi/video/6909223277223251206" class="tiktok-embed" data-video-id="6909223277223251206" style="max-width: 605px;min-width: 325px;"> <section> <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@amanialzubi" target="_blank" title="@amanialzubi">@amanialzubi</a> showing my boyfriend how a tampon works 🤣😳❤️ ( @originalisrael ) <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/comedy" target="_blank" title="comedy">#comedy</a> <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/couple" target="_blank" title="couple">#couple</a> <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/couplegoals" target="_blank" title="couplegoals">#couplegoals</a> <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/foryou" target="_blank" title="foryou">#foryou</a> <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/trend" target="_blank" title="trend">#trend</a> <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/tiktok" target="_blank" title="tiktok">#tiktok</a><br> <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/music/original-sound-6909223260605418246" target="_blank" title="♬ original sound - amani & israel">♬ original sound - amani & israel</a> </section> </blockquote> <script async="" src="https://www.tiktok.com/embed.js"></script></div><p><br></p><p>Ryley just blew her BFF's mind.</p><p><br></p><div class="rm-embed embed-media"><blockquote cite="https://www.tiktok.com/@ryleymick/video/6916300056547183877" class="tiktok-embed" data-video-id="6916300056547183877" style="max-width: 605px;min-width: 325px;"> <section> <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@ryleymick" target="_blank" title="@ryleymick">@ryleymick</a> i just got don't going through a breakdown so i asked veedz if he could cheer me up by reacting to how a tampon works luv u @nolan.veeder <br> <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/music/Stuck-In-The-Middle-6832618984580335617" target="_blank" title="♬ Stuck In The Middle - Tai Verdes">♬ Stuck In The Middle - Tai Verdes</a> </section> </blockquote> <script async="" src="https://www.tiktok.com/embed.js"></script></div><p><br></p><p>This guy was amazed by the absorbancy.</p><p><br></p><div class="rm-embed embed-media"><blockquote cite="https://www.tiktok.com/@thekelleyfamily/video/6920057308009598214" class="tiktok-embed" data-video-id="6920057308009598214" style="max-width: 605px;min-width: 325px;"> <section> <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@thekelleyfamily" target="_blank" title="@thekelleyfamily">@thekelleyfamily</a> lmaoooo why 😂😭 <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/tamponchallenge" target="_blank" title="tamponchallenge">#tamponchallenge</a> <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/trend" target="_blank" title="trend">#trend</a> <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/hilariouscomedy" target="_blank" title="hilariouscomedy">#hilariouscomedy</a> <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/couple" target="_blank" title="couple">#couple</a> <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/married" target="_blank" title="married">#married</a> <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/foryoupage" target="_blank" title="foryoupage">#foryoupage</a> <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/fyp" target="_blank" title="fyp">#fyp</a> <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/xyzbca" target="_blank" title="xyzbca">#xyzbca</a><br> <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/music/Quirky-6770511259797293058" target="_blank" title="♬ Quirky - Oleg Kirilkov">♬ Quirky - Oleg Kirilkov</a> </section> </blockquote> <script async="" src="https://www.tiktok.com/embed.js"></script></div><div><p><br></p><p>Let's hope this challenge gave some men out there a better understanding of what women go through every month and a little more sympathy for the women in their lives. </p><p>Hopefully it also makes them feel a little more comfortable around period products and inspires them to pick up the correct box of tampons next time they're at the grocery store. </p></div>
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