Nia - Purpose

Doctors Without Borders (Medecins Sans Frontieres) go where they are needed and after a 9.0 earthquake & tsunami you can bet these folks are on mission. If you would like to make a donation to support the organization visit http://www.doctorswithoutborders.org

Reporters Without Frontiers support reporters attempting to do their jobs, as a watcher of press freedom or the lack of it and fights censorship throughout the world - http://www.rsf.org

Ujamaa - Cooperative Education

Each one teach one and there is no shortage of educational goodies to be found. For inspiration, encouragement and all things on a higher plane of existence you should check out Sounds
True. Tammy Simon records uplifting speakers and thinkers and records CD & tapes on the positive realm. http://www.soundstrue.com

For another type of mind expansion that doesn't cost any money you can visit Radio 4 All - Unfiltered talks, humor and special reports. The files are in MP3 format that you can listen to on line or download free to your computer. http://www.radio4all.net

And for those of us that goofed around in language class only to move to a multi-lingual city I share with you a find of global importance.

NewsTrans is a free news translation web site. You pick the news source you want to read and they will translate it into the language of your choice. I was able to view the Arabic version of Al
Jeezeera into English. It is not perfect but is a start and we all have to start somewhere.
http://www.humanitas-international.org/homepage-news.htm or
http://www.newstran.com

Ujima - Collective Work and Responsibility

Nothing like a story or a folk tale to make a point clear.
http://www.folktales.net/ujima.html

Sometimes it does take one person to join thousands. Lisa Mitten has created a site that has information and links about Native American people, culture, nations and anything else you want to know about indigenous people. http://www.nativeculture.com/lisamitten/indians.html

Star Spider Dancing has left the planet but left a bunch of goodies http://www.ewebtribe.com/NACulture

Kujichagulia - Self Determination

Kujichagulia - Self Determination

Where can you look for support when you feel like the only one?
Well, in terms of a feeling, a calling or a notion that you ought to
be doing something else for a living you can't go astray by visiting
Barbara Sher's Forums. Very supportive folks hang out here.
http://www.barbarasher.com

Honorable mention, Barbara Winter has tips to support her book "How To Make A Living Without A Job" http://www.barbarawinter.com

Sometimes dreams take money. If you do not happen to have enough loot then self-determination is a harder road to hoe. Not impossible, but why knock yourself out?

David Bach is the author of the "Finish Rich" books. No real estate, special products or money making schemes. Just a real life, real people plan to work your way out of debt and into
prosperity - http://www.finishrich.com

Also from the fine folks that brought you "Your Money or Your
Life, the supportive website that redefines consumption and
prosperity. http://www.newroadmap.org/default.asp or
http://www.simpleliving.net/ymoyl

Nguzo Sabo: The Seven Principles of Kwanzaa

One of the things I like about Kwanzaa is that it seems to be
difficult to wrap it into an advertising campaign. A few have tried
but it just does not lend itself to selling chain saws and burgers.

The reason for that can be attributed to the Nguzo Sabo: The
Seven Principles of Kwanzaa. So this is a stooptafied version with
links to some of the websites that I feel reflect the principle.

Nguzo Sabo: The Seven Principles of Kwanzaa

Umoja - Unity

Many people seem to have a certain amount of disrespect for the
United Nations. Most American have little or no understanding of
the purpose or the many significant functions the UN handles and
promotes as part of the mission.

Do you know what the Millennium Declaration is? Take the time
to visit the site and become better informed on what the UN does
and what it accomplishes. http://www.un.org

Spirit In The Dark - A Celebration Called Kwanzaa

Kwanzaa was created in the mid-1960's to celebrate family, community and African-American culture. Since human culture spans the globe, you need at least ten days to get a running start
on it. So between December 26 and January 1st is the time set aside for the celebration.

Kwanzaa speaks to principles needed to create and hold a community together. To remind ourselves about values and individual and collective commitments.

For more information about Kwanzaa visit:

http://www.officialkwanzaawebsite.org
http://www.geocities.com/ninure/kwaanza.html

Sky Pilot - Lyrics For A Troubled Time

I mangle song lyrics like crazy - so when I get a chance to find out what I should have been singing for years it makes my heart go giddy-up. This seems appropriate although written for another war. What goes around come back to bite:

Sky Pilot by The Animals

He blesses the boys, as they stand in line
The smell of gun grease and their bayonets they shine
He's there to help them all that he can
To make them feel wanted he's a good holy man

Sky Pilot
Sky Pilot
How high can you fly?
You'll never, never, never, reach the sky

He smiles at the young soldiers, tells them it's all right
He knows of their fear in the forthcoming fight
Soon there'll be blood and many will die
Mothers and fathers back home they will cry

Sky Pilot
Sky Pilot
How high can you fly?
You'll never, never, never, reach the sky

He mumbles a prayer and it ends with a smile
The order is given, they move down the line
But he'll stay behind, and he'll meditate
But it won't stop the bleeding, or ease the hate

As the young men move out into the battle zone
He feels good, with God you're never alone
He feels so tired as he lays on his bed
Hopes the men will find courage in the words that he said

Sky Pilot
Sky Pilot
How high can you fly?
You'll never, never, never, reach the sky

In the morning they return with tears in their eyes
The stench of death lifts up to the skies
A young soldier so ill, looks at the Sky Pilot
Remembers the words 'Thou shalt not kill'.

Sky Pilot
Sky Pilot
How high can you fly?
You'll never, never, never, reach the sky