The scholarship supports students interested in pursuing public service careers with an academic scholarship, travel-based learning, and connections to a network of leaders

CHICAGO – Today, the Obama Foundation opened applications for the 2024-2026 Voyager Scholarship, The Obama-Chesky Scholarship for Public Service. Funded by a $100 million personal contribution from Airbnb Co-founder and CEO Brian Chesky to the Obama Foundation, the Voyager Scholarship provides college students with last-dollar financial aid to help alleviate the burden of college debt, meaningful travel experiences to expand their connections to new communities, and a network of mentors and leaders to support them throughout their careers.

As the Voyager Scholarship enters its third year, the Obama Foundation and Chesky remain committed to supporting young leaders who can bridge divides and help solve our biggest challenges together. The Voyager scholarship supports students as they refine their values-based leadership approach, gain access to new experiences that broaden their horizons, and nurture their sense of curiosity as they deepen their commitment to pursuing public service careers. As part of the program, Voyager Scholarship recipients receive a $10,000 stipend and free housing through Airbnb to pursue a summer work-travel experience, or “Summer Voyage,” between their junior and senior years of college. Students design their own Summer Voyage to gain exposure to new communities and experience in a chosen field. Last summer, the inaugural cohort of Voyager Scholarship recipients collectively traveled to 23 U.S. states and territories and 63 countries around the world in 2023. Students engaged in internships, volunteer experiences, and research opportunities to deepen their understanding of the issues they are most passionate about. Here are some inspiring stories from our soon-to-be graduating, inaugural cohort of Voyager Scholarship recipients:

• Gretchen North (2022-2024 Voyager) – Supporting Education in Kenya and Panama: Gretchen North, a Conservation Biology and Environmental Education student at the University of Minnesota, used her Summer Voyage to lead an environmental education workshop series in Kenya and Panama, covering topics such as rainforest conservation, grassland ecology, and permaculture. As part of the experience, Gretchen partnered with 2018-2019 Obama Scholar Juan Carlos Monterrey Gómez, the Executive Director of Panama’s Geoversity. The hands-on experiences during her months abroad have profoundly influenced her journey as a young public service leader, providing insights that will shape her future career decisions and foster a deep sense of love and community that she intends to carry throughout her life.
• Kennedi Roberts (2022-2024 Voyager) – Implementing Programming to Support Youth Mental Health: Kennedi Roberts, a student at Howard University majoring in Psychology, had a transformative Summer Voyage working with an organization in Los Angeles, California, that supports youth who have had encounters with the criminal justice system. There, she supported summer programming and helped facilitate a wilderness expedition that provided adventure therapy for young people in Boulder, Utah. This experience has fueled Kennedi’s desire to pursue a PhD in Clinical Psychology after graduation this May.
• Yasmin Nayrouz (2022-2024 Voyager) – Leveraging Communications for Change in Italy, the United Kingdom, Washington, DC: Yasmin Nayrouz, a Syracuse University student majoring in English and Public Relations, traveled across Italy, the United Kingdom, and Washington, D.C. for her Summer Voyage. In Italy, she interned with an immigration law firm, learning about the rights of refugees and how the E.U. has been responding to high levels of migration. In London, she worked to empower immigrants through cooking classes, and participating in U.K. government events on migration. And in Washington, D.C., Yasmin honed her communications skills to support migrant communities. This experience solidified her commitment to combating xenophobia and promoting inclusivity in her future public service career.

To learn more about the previous recipients of the Obama-Chesky Voyager Scholarship for Public Service and to see highlights from the program, visit voyager-scholarship.obama.org. The application deadline for the Voyager Scholarship for Public Service is Thursday, March 27, 2024, at 11:59 PM United States Central Time (UTC-6). The Obama Foundation will award the scholarship to 100 students from colleges and universities across the United States and its territories. Voyager Scholarship for Public Service recipients receive:

• Up to $50,000 in financial aid: Students will receive up to $25,000 per year in “last dollar” financial aid for their junior and senior years of college. This financial aid should help alleviate the burden of college debt so that students can afford to pursue a career in public service.
• Summer Voyage: Students will receive a $10,000 stipend and free housing through Airbnb to pursue a summer work-travel experience between their junior and senior year of college. The students will design their own Summer Voyage to gain exposure to new communities and experience in a chosen field.
• 10-year travel stipend: After graduation, Airbnb will provide the students with a $2,000 Airbnb travel credit every year for 10 years, totaling $20,000. This will allow students to continue to broaden their horizons and forge new connections throughout their public service careers.
• Monthly Virtual Sessions: Students must participate in monthly virtual programming sessions, including speaker series and mentorship roundtables, Summer Voyage design workshops, and Summer Voyage coaching sessions, to ensure they have the most meaningful experience possible.
• Fall Summit: During their Junior Year, Voyagers may have the option to attend an in-person convening where they will engage in community building activities with fellow Voyagers, build their leadership skills, and learn from experienced leaders in public service.
• Network of leaders: Throughout the program, students will be invited to an ongoing speaker series, giving them access to a network of leaders. This network of leaders will expose them to new areas of service and innovations happening in their fields. After graduation, they will join the Obama Foundation’s global community, providing them with Foundation resources and programming.

For more information about the Voyager Scholarship, including the application process and answers to frequently asked questions, visit voyager-scholarship.obama.org. For more updates from the Obama Foundation, follow us on Facebook, Threads, and Instagram.

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Contact
Gloria Nlewedim
press@obama.org

New York, NY; Jan. 24, 2024 –  Macmillan Learning, a privately-held, family-owned educational publishing and services company, announced today it will mark its 15th year hosting the EconEd Summit with new awards recognizing innovation within the Economics community. Macmillan Learning will honor a remarkable Economics student and instructor with the new EconEd award, which comes with a $2,500 prize and an all-expenses-paid trip to the conference, scheduled to take place on September 27-28 in Chicago.

“As Economics plays an integral role in nearly every aspect of our lives, its significance sometimes goes unnoticed. With these awards, we aim to shine a spotlight on the students and instructors who not only illuminate this crucial subject but also ignite curiosity among students,” said Scott Guile, Executive Marketing Manager, at Macmillan Learning.

The EconEd Student Award will honor an undergraduate Economics student who demonstrates exceptional academic achievements and makes noteworthy contributions to their community through their Economics acumen. Impactful community involvement could involve mentoring/tutoring, contributing to research initiatives, supporting students’ economic literacy, writing about economic issues, or other activities.

The EconEd Instructor Award will celebrate innovation in the teaching of Principles of Economics. Whether through cutting-edge technology, interactive projects, gamification, community involvement, tailored learning experiences, or inventive assessment techniques, this award celebrates those who are redefining economics education.

The awards are open to students and instructors in U.S. colleges. Students should have a declared major or minor in Economics. Applications for both awards are open until April 1, with winners announced mid-May.

EconEd is a platform for professional development, knowledge sharing, and community building among Economics instructors. Over the years, the conference has featured distinguished figures within the Economics community, including Paul Krugman, Justin Wolfers, Betsey Stevenson, Tyler Cowen, Alex Tabarrok, Eric Chiang, and many more, fostering a legacy of rich academic discourse and thought leadership. These Macmillan Learning authors represent a range of diverse economic perspectives and insights and collectively have more than 150 years experience at leading colleges around the world.

This year’s EconEd Summit will focus on the intersection of government policies and Economics, with sessions examining topics like the discrepancy between consumer attitudes and economic data. Peer consultants, Macmillan Learning, and Macmillan Learning CEO Susan Winslow will present during the summit. More information about the conference is available here.

About Macmillan Learning
Macmillan Learning is a privately-held, family-owned company that inspires what’s possible for every learner. We envision a world in which every learner succeeds. Through our content, tools and services, we aim to make that a reality. To learn more, please visit macmillanlearning.com or join our Macmillan Community.

Media Contact
Marisa Bluestone
Macmillan Learning
202-699-1495
marisa.bluestone@macmillan.com

The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi—the nation’s oldest and most selective all-discipline collegiate honor society—is currently accepting applications for its 2024 awards program including Scholar, Artist and Distinguished Service Awards, Pioneer Awards, Study Abroad Grants, Literacy Grants, Fellowships and Love of Learning Awards. These awards provide funding for undergraduate and graduate study, continuing education, professional development, studies abroad and local, national and international literacy initiatives.

Since 1932, Phi Kappa Phi’s awards program has recognized members and students on its chapter campuses for outstanding academic achievement. Currently, $1.3 million is awarded annually through programs that last year recognized 485 individuals.

Programs currently accepting applications include:

• Scholar and Artist: A life membership and a $1,000 donation to a nonprofit cause will be awarded to individuals who demonstrate the ideals of the Society through their lifelong activities, achievements and scholarship. The deadline to apply is Feb. 1.
• Distinguished Service: A life membership and a $1,000 donation to a nonprofit cause will be awarded to an individual who has provided sustained, non-compensated volunteer service to others beyond the realm of academia. The deadline to apply is Feb. 1.
Study Abroad Grants: 125 grants of $1,000 each will be awarded to both members and non-members studying abroad. The deadline to apply is March 15.
• Literacy Grants: Grants of up to $2,500 are available to Phi Kappa Phi chapters and individual members seeking funding for literacy initiatives. The deadline to apply is April 1.
• Pioneer Awards: 50 $1,000 awards are available to undergraduate members for developing the research, engagement, and leadership skills necessary to become a successful scholar. The Deadline to apply is June 1.
• Fellowships: 62 Fellowships are available each year – two at $35,000, six at $20,000 and fifty-four of $8,500 each to members entering the first year of graduate or professional study. The deadline to apply varies by each Phi Kappa Phi chapter. Contact your local chapter for deadline information.
• Love of Learning Awards: 200 awards at $500 each, are available to help fund post-baccalaureate studies and professional development for active members. The deadline to apply is June 30.

“I am deeply humbled to have been selected as a recipient of the 2023 Pioneer Award. Winning this award means a lot to me; not only does it recognize my past and present achievements, but it also fuels the trajectory of my future career and endeavors,” said Isac Kaba, Pioneer Award recipient.

For more information including eligibility requirements and application instructions for each program, please visit www.phikappaphi.org/awards.

About Phi Kappa Phi

Founded in 1897, Phi Kappa Phi is the nation’s oldest and most selective collegiate honor society for all academic disciplines. Phi Kappa Phi inducts approximately 25,000 students, faculty, professional staff and alumni annually. The Society has chapters on more than 325 select colleges and universities in the United States, its territories and the Philippines. Membership is by invitation only to the top 10 percent of seniors and graduate students and 7.5 percent of juniors. Faculty, professional staff and alumni who have achieved scholarly distinction also qualify. The Society’s mission is “To recognize and promote academic excellence in all fields of higher education and to engage the community of scholars in service to others.” For more information, visit www.phikappaphi.org.

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Media Contact
Alyssa Papa
Director of Communications
apapa@phikappaphi.org
(225) 923-7777

A Letter to College Students: Ten Ways to Side with Humanity

By Lonnie Ali and Daniel Lubetzky

Over the past two months, people of all races, ethnicities, and religions have experienced enormous pain and suffering. Acts of terror, war, and ensuing hatred have deepened the cracks that were already threatening to divide our communities.

You, our nation’s young people, have been implicated in this. The campuses on which you live, learn, and strive to become the people you want to be, have turned into battlegrounds. Some of you are angry. Some are scared for your lives. Others feel confused and alone.

This is not your fault. It is not one group’s fault. Extremist ideologies sow division wherever they go.

Most of you are not radical. We see you. Most of you are compassionate. We hear you. The overwhelming majority of you want to supplant the forces that divide, destroy, and diminish with ones that unite, build, and bring light to the world. You want to replace polarization with problem-solving to benefit all people.

As a passionate Muslim and a passionate Jew, we have come together to humbly share a path forward for how to transcend the construct of “us vs. them” and side with humanity instead.

1. It helps, not hurts, your cause to empathize with the pain of the other side.

While it is normal to experience deeply the pain of our own people, we can do this while also acknowledging the suffering on the other side. Especially when you and your people are hurting, empathizing with “the other side” can feel like a betrayal of your people and their pain. But any time we recognize others’ distress, we reaffirm to one another our shared humanity, which increases the likelihood of building bridges for our own people. If instead, we choose not to acknowledge that mutual hurt, we perpetuate dehumanization on all sides.

2. You cannot advance social justice if you tolerate hate in any form.

We strengthen social justice when we take the moral high ground and condemn all forms of violent absolutism. We undermine our causes when we side with radical extremists whose only real cause is hate. By acting with hate ourselves, we unwittingly advance extremist agendas and fuel increased opposition to our cause.

3. To effectively solve problems, you must understand the other side’s thinking.

Problem-solving requires the ability to think and listen critically. To devise constructive solutions, we need to consider counter-ideas, question our own assumptions, and be open to changing our minds. Listening critically doesn’t mean abandoning your beliefs. Even if we emerge feeling more convinced of our own stance, we will be more effective in advancing our position if we understand the thought process of those who see issues differently.

4. Absolutist solutions condemn everyone to endless suffering.

Absolutist solutions that deny the humanity or rights of the other side will never fulfill the aspirations of our own people. For peace to prevail, both sides must be willing to search for consensus and ask themselves what concessions they are willing to make so that both sides can live with security, freedom, and dignity. When instead, we take an “all or nothing” position, we condemn all people on both sides to never-ending conflict.

5. Alliances are necessary for conflict to end.

Civil society will never move forward until people of different races, ethnicities, and religions build alliances across perceived divides. If we are serious about forging a future in which people live in harmony, we must reach out to those from outside our group and team up behind the shared objectives of freedom and peace. If you don’t see an existing group in which alliances are possible, form a new one in which partnerships across division enable you to solve problems concretely and constructively.

6. To get the full story, pop your social media bubble.

Division and conflict are fueled by siloed media consumption. When each side exclusively sees its own narrative, this creates two opposite realities that make solution-building impossible. Furthermore, solely consuming one perspective fosters extremism by affirming absolute righteousness without leaving room to understand the other side. To counter this, start following social media accounts that share different points of view. You don’t have to stop consuming your own news, but you should mix up your feed to get the full picture – even if it’s painful.

7. To stay grounded and well, avoid social media when you can.

Social media algorithms amplify extremism and promote overly simplistic explanations to complex issues. To stop fueling this hatred and division, dramatically limit your time on social media altogether. Fill the newly available time with building authentic relationships and connecting with people and activities that keep you grounded. This will support your mental health, happiness, and overall wellbeing, setting you up to more effectively solve problems.

8. Make curiosity, compassion, and courage part of your daily routine.

Your problem-solving toolkit is curiosity, even for ideas you feel inclined to disagree with; compassion, even for people who you find it hard to forgive; and the courage to transcend divides and work together. Just as you may work out or practice self-care and other routines, make it a daily habit to strengthen your muscles for “The Three Cs.” Start to reexamine and concertedly address how you show up in the world, particularly in moments of tension and conflict.

9. When engaging in DEI initiatives, learn the lessons deeply.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) efforts can promote inclusivity and understanding so long as we engage with them deeply. If we superficially learn to stop hating one group instead of addressing the root causes of all hate toward all people, there is no guarantee we won’t replace one form of bigotry with another. DEI programs should educate all of us on the dangers of extremist ideology wherever it exists, including within our own groups. By fostering intellectual pluralism, they should help us to fight all forms of racism and discrimination.

10. Muster the courage to transform moderation into BUILDING.

The overwhelming majority of people don’t cause problems, but we aren’t the ones getting them solved either. This is a problem, because a world in which good people stand on the sidelines is a world in which evil overpowers. To build a future in which all people can live together in dignity, we must join as Builders to overcome the forces that divide, destroy, and diminish. In their place, we must unite, build, and bring light to the world.

To all those seeking to build toward a future in which all people can live together in dignity, we stand with you as Builders. If you are looking for access to tools, resources, and opportunities to create solutions on campus, please visit www.startswith.us/campusbuilders.

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The holiday season is often portrayed as a festive time full of family, friends, and joy. But for some teens and young adults, visiting family, celebrating holidays together, and navigating gatherings can be a source of emotional stress. If you have those feelings, you’re not alone. In recent years, the American Psychiatric Association has found that younger adults were more likely than older adults to say their stress levels increased during the holiday season, and their parents experienced similar emotions.

“When traveling home or leaving school for the holidays, it’s common to experience a mix of emotions ranging from joy and excitement to stress and anxiety,” said Dr. Kurt Michael, adolescent suicidologist and Senior Clinical Director at The Jed Foundation (JED). “Knowing that can help you prepare for challenging situations and take care of yourself.”

Whether you’re heading home from college for the first time or visiting family you haven’t seen in a while, JED, a leading national nonprofit that protects emotional health and prevents suicide for teens and young adults, is sharing easy-to-use tips on how to take care of yourself during the holidays.

Make a Plan

If you feel stressed before the holidays, make a plan to take care of yourself ahead of time. It could include being kind to yourself, planning for downtime, taking a break from social media, moving your body, getting outside, or listening to a relaxing playlist.

Connect With Loved Ones

Although the holiday season brings many families together, some struggle with unresolved tensions, difficult family relationships, or distressing conversations that repeatedly occur at family gatherings. Setting boundaries and making a plan to navigate these conversations and communicate honestly with family members, including sharing how you may be struggling, can help reduce or manage tension and increase connection.

Recognize and Manage Triggers

Holidays can also be an extra challenge for those trying to stick with their recovery goals for eating disorders or supporting their sobriety. Dealing with grief or loss of a loved one can be especially tough this time of year, making coping practices and self-care really important.

Be Kind to Yourself

It can be hard to prioritize self-care when you’re with family or in the hustle and bustle of the holidays, but take the time you need to rest and recharge. Prioritize sleep, moving your body, nourishing yourself, and setting boundaries. 

Ask for Help

Reach out to people you trust if you need support navigating the holiday season. Look to friends, family members, or mental health professionals for help navigating challenges such as religious bullying, loneliness, and depression.

To learn more about how you can invest in your emotional well-being, visit JED’s Mental Health Resource Center and resource hub for taking care of yourself, lowering stress, and finding joy during the holidays.

This is intended only as a resource and not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health-care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

If you or someone you know is experiencing emotional distress or a mental health, suicide, or substance-use crisis, reach out 24/7 to the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (formerly known as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline) by dialing or texting 988 or using chat services at suicidepreventionlifeline.org to connect to a trained crisis counselor. 

For more information on The Jed Foundation or its Mental Health Resource Center, please visit jedfoundation.org.

Media Contact
Justin Barbo
Director of Public Relations
The Jed Foundation
Justin@jedfoundation.org
914-844-4611

William “Bill” Bowerman, professor of wildlife ecology and toxicology at the University of Maryland, College Park, has been selected by The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi—the nation’s oldest and most selective collegiate honor society for all academic disciplines—as the inaugural recipient of the Phi Kappa Phi Mary Todd Sabbatical Award.

The $50,000 Sabbatical Award, named for former Society Executive Director, Dr. Mary Todd, honors one faculty member to support a sabbatical year or similar reassignments of duties. Bowerman will use the funds from the award to conduct research on the effect of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) and its transmission to domestic poultry flocks.

Bowerman intends on conducting research both locally and nationally, in hopes of creating new collaborations across five continents and bringing together some of the largest and longest data sets on populations of sea eagles. “I had a big dream for my sabbatical, this award will make it a reality,” said Bowerman.

The selection process for a Sabbatical Award is based on applicant letter addressing the significance of the proposed research or other scholarly project and the relevance of the proposed activity in contributing to Phi Kappa Phi’s mission of recognizing and promoting academic excellence in all fields of higher education and engaging the community of scholars in service to others.

“It is with great pleasure that we recognize Bill with Phi Kappa Phi’s inaugural Sabbatical Award. This new Phi Kappa Phi award was designed to recognize our faculty scholars and dedicated volunteers who demonstrate the Love of Learning throughout their career. We look forward to witnessing the continued impact of William’s extraordinary research and service activities well into the future,” said Society Executive Director and CEO Dr. Bradley R. Newcomer.

The Sabbatical Award is one of the newest additions to the Society’s robust portfolio of award and grant programs, which gives $1.3 million each year to outstanding students and members through graduate and dissertation fellowships, funding for post-baccalaureate development, and grants for local, national and international literacy initiatives. Phi Kappa Phi is proud to offer an award exclusively for undergraduates and this program is a welcome addition to the Society’s portfolio.

To learn more about the Society’s award programs, visit www.phikappaphi.org/awards. The application process for the 2024 Sabbatical Award will open in August 2024.

About Phi Kappa Phi
Founded in 1897, Phi Kappa Phi is the nation’s oldest and most selective collegiate honor society for all academic disciplines. Phi Kappa Phi inducts approximately 25,000 students, faculty, professional staff and alumni annually. The Society has chapters on more than 325 select colleges and universities in the United States, its territories and the Philippines. Membership is by invitation only to the top 10 percent of seniors and graduate students and 7.5 percent of juniors. Faculty, professional staff and alumni who have achieved scholarly distinction also qualify. The Society’s mission is “To recognize and promote academic excellence in all fields of higher education and engage the community of scholars in service to others.” For more information, visit www.PhiKappaPhi.org.

Media Contact
Alyssa Papa
Director of Communications
apapa@phikappaphi.org
(225) 923-7777

Holiday break is nearly upon us. This year, college students aren’t the only ones traveling home in large numbers. According to a recent survey, almost half of Americans are planning some kind of holiday travel, including older adults and others who may have stayed at home due to health concerns for the past few years.[1]

With more people gathering with loved ones and passing through high-contact spaces – like train stations and airports – it also means your exposure to respiratory illnesses will be greater in the coming weeks. This year, we’ve already experienced a major late summer spike in COVID-19 activity nationwide.[2] National flu activity is also steadily increasing, with a 50% rise in cases during the past week.[3]

Getting your flu shot and the updated COVID-19 vaccine is the best way to keep you and your loved ones safe this holiday season. However, many young people have not received these recommended vaccinations. In October, less than 10% of individuals who received their flu shot at Walgreens were Gen Z. The rates are even lower for COVID-19 vaccines.

“While students are excited to head home for the holidays, it’s important to remember that respiratory illnesses are in circulation. These viruses can be particularly dangerous for family members who are older or have pre-existing health conditions,” says Michael Pedro, PharmD, Walgreens Pharmacist. “As you pack up your things to go home, avoid bringing flu and COVID-19 with you. I encourage everyone to get their recommended vaccines as soon as possible before you travel or gather, to allow time for immunity to fully develop and increase your protection. I also recommend COVID-19 and flu testing, because knowing for sure can help keep your family healthy this holiday season. Pharmacists are highly trained healthcare providers and are here to answer any questions you may have about vaccines, testing or other steps you can take to reduce the spread of respiratory illnesses.”

4 reasons to get vaccinated this holiday season.

If you haven’t gotten the flu or COVID-19 vaccine, it’s not too late. Here are four reasons to put vaccination on your to-do list before you travel or gather with family and friends for the holidays.

1. You’re protecting your at-risk loved ones. Getting vaccinated reduces the chances that you’ll spread respiratory illnesses to people who are at high risk of developing severe complications as they return to traveling and seeing their loved ones this year.

2. You’re expanding your protection during peak respiratory illness season. While respiratory illness season is unpredictable, cases tend to peak during and after the holiday season, which is why the CDC recommends getting vaccinated around this time of year. No one wants to get sick during finals or right at the start of a new semester. Getting the flu and COVID-19 vaccines now will provide you with the best protection against potential surges when everyone heads back to school.

3. It’s easy when you come to Walgreens. With locations within 5 miles of approximately 78% of all Americans, including many near college campuses, Walgreens makes it simple for students to get all the vaccines they need ahead of the holidays. You can easily schedule an appointment online or using the Walgreens app, and you can book multiple immunizations during the same visit. Walgreens offers flexible openings, including nights, weekends and walk-ins when available.

4. It may be at no cost to you. COVID-19 vaccines are often covered by your insurance or government assistance programs, such as the CDC’s Bridge Access Program. The flu shot is covered by most insurance plans with a $0 copay, although provider networks may vary.

Walgreens: Your partner in health

Walgreens is your one-stop resource for all your vaccination, testing and treatment needs as you head home for the holidays. Stay prepared by stocking up on at-home tests and medicine cabinet essentials when you come in for your vaccination appointment or via 24-hour same-day delivery. If you begin experiencing sniffles or other respiratory symptoms over the holidays, call or visit a local Walgreens. Your pharmacist can discuss in-store or virtual care treatment options and advise you on the best next steps to get back on your feet and keep those around you safe.

To schedule your vaccination appointment today or learn more, visit Walgreens.com/ScheduleVaccine.

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[1] Deloitte. 2023 Deloitte Holiday Travel Survey. https://www2.deloitte.com/us/en/insights/industry/retail-distribution/holiday-travel-survey.html

[2] Walgreens. 2023 Walgreens COVID-19 Index. https://www.walgreens.com/healthcare-solutions/covid-19-index

[3] Walgreens. 2023 Walgreens Flu Index. https://news.walgreens.com/press-center/flu-index/

Int’l Spiritual Teacher and GRAMMY Rocker Empower Inner Support with

New Spoken Word Music Album

Available Now On All Music Listening Platforms

 “… an extraordinary piece of spoken word poetry. The objective is clear: it is necessary to keep connected to your own paths no matter how distracting other possibilities are.” –RIVAL ONLINE

“Gleaming waves of delicious harmonic surfaces travel above as Zaheer’s soothing, hypnotic voice imbues the spoken-word lyrics with beckoning warmth…” –CelebMix 

“… ‘unusual,’ nurturing album…” – Ella Cobb –DAILY CAMERA

“…  an incredible and almost unprecedented collaboration between healer and teacher…” –GALORE

“Discover inner peace and mental clarity…” –OmTimes

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

(Boulder, CO, November 20, 2023) – For college students, heading home for Thanksgiving and winter break may not feel so merry, especially with the increasing rise in anxiety and depression from world events. After thousands of client hours helping many Gen Zers navigate their lives during Covid, Diana Zaheer, a spiritual teacher with over 30 years of experience, joined forces with musician and producer, Lincoln Parish, best known for his work as the lead guitarist of the alternative rock band Cage the Elephant, to create Over the Counter Meditations (The Orchard, Nov 2, 2023) a spoken word LP with a metaphysical purpose for positive transformation and reliable support during pivotal moments in people’s mental health journeys.

“I want people to have a variety of support tools as they navigate difficult moments in their daily lives,” says Zaheer, a Boulder resident who grew up in a family of healers in the San Francisco Bay Area, spending 15 years in an inner work school, and gaining wisdom from master teachers across the globe while living overseas in Asia and the Middle East for 12 years. “Feelings of hopelessness, sleep problems and lack of energy really can be helped when we have inner support. The spoken word album is a response to that need. Lincoln designed soundscapes and music – across many different genres – that move my short concentrated teachings in ways we did not even imagine.”

“I created musical emotion through a cinematic landscape,” says Parish, now a thriving music producer at his Nashville Talk Box Rodeo studio. “And it was exciting to allow Diana’s unusually soothing and compelling voice to stay in the forefront.” Parish originally co-founded Cage the Elephant with lead singer Matt Shultz and his brother, rhythm guitarist Brad Shultz, in 2006. Since moving on from the band he has worked with a variety of artists, including Lilly Hiatt, Rivers And Rust, Alicia Blue, and more. “This project broke the confines of writing typical pop songs, and it was therapeutic for me.”

Generation Z, also known as the most anxious generation, will benefit from the positive and creative approach Over the Counter Meditations brings to access support, as music is known to activate the limbic system triggering emotion in listeners.

In addition to the album, Diana has created many inner support tools including music videos (there will be 10 music videos for this album), relaxing meditations and her website’s private and free virtual healing rooms, which can also be accessed as playlists on her YouTube channel. She will soon be publishing a book about healing.

Please take a few minutes to enjoy this gift of Diana’s BREATHING MEDITATION and come back to yourself.

As well:

• Here is the link for people to listen to Over The Counter Meditations on all music platforms.
• You can also check out the single, “Your Side of the Street.”
• Watch the music videos on Diana’s YouTube channel.
• Visit her website.
• Media is welcome to listen on the private link.

If you’d like to chat with Diana and Lincoln, please contact laurie@lauriegraff.com. There is availability for interviews, reviews, roundups, broadcast, podcast, radio etc.

ABOUT DIANA ZAHEER

(Photo by Pop Portraits, Miss Emma Cole)

ABOUT LINCOLN PARISH 

(Photo by Tammie Valer Official)

Law school competition judges include DC Council Chairman Phil Mendelson, Councilmember Christina Henderson, Councilmember Brooke Pinto, and Councilmember Zachary Parker

November 15th, 2023 Washington, D.C. – Registration opens today for the inaugural Richard K. Gilbert Policy Advocacy Competition, a law school competition designed to encourage law students to pursue careers in legislative advocacy. The competition, hosted by DC Justice Lab, is an opportunity for students to build their legal skills in the policy realm, including legal analysis and reasoning, legal research, and written and oral communication. Judges have been selected for their expertise in policy advocacy and include DC Council Chairman Phil Mendelson, Councilmember Christina Henderson, Councilmember Brooke Pinto, and Councilmember Zachary Parker.

“I am pleased to join the DC Justice Lab by supporting this important opportunity for students to flex their advocacy muscles,” said Chairman Mendelson. “This competition will ensure we have more policy-focused advocates working with District lawmakers in the fight for justice, and a diverse and inclusive system.”

In its inaugural year, the competition will be open to students from any law school. Eight teams representing eight law schools will respond to the competition problem with proposed legislation and a fact sheet explaining their proposal. Mock legislative hearings will test teams’ oral advocacy on behalf of their bills. Teams will be scored by judges on their written work and oral advocacy, advancing through rounds tournament-style. The competition will conclude with an awards presentation and reception where the winning team will receive a $5,000 prize.

“We are excited to offer an experiential learning opportunity focused on lawmaking and legislative drafting. Students learn a lot from reading case law in their classes, but it’s crucial to recognize the power of change beyond the courtroom.” said Patrice Sulton, founder and executive director of DC Justice Lab. “This is an opportunity to teach aspiring candidates, Hill staffers, and movement lawyers how to craft solutions to our most pressing community challenges.”

The event honors Richard K. Gilbert, a champion of legal justice who believed that lawyers must not only help individual clients, but also help society at large by changing laws for the better. Rich was an adjunct professor at American University’s Washington College of Law, a forceful advocate for criminal justice reform, and a mentor to DC Justice Lab’s founding executive director. The Gilbert Policy Advocacy Competition honors Rich’s passion and his mentorship of younger lawyers to become change agents.

To register for the Richard K. Gilbert Policy Advocacy Competition visit https://dcjusticelab.org/policy-advocacy-competition

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ABOUT DC JUSTICE LAB
DC Justice Lab is a team of law and policy experts researching, organizing, and advocating for large-scale changes to the District of Columbia’s criminal legal system. We develop smarter safety solutions that are evidence-driven, community-rooted, and racially just. We aim to fully transform the District’s approach to public safety and make it a national leader in justice reform.

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