Art and Its Social Power

My son's final post to his Peace Corps blog includes a number of reflections on the work there and his hopes and dreams for the future.

One paragraph caught my attention - his reflections on the social power of art.

Here it is:

I have art sitting in my parents place waiting to be framed that will always remind me of my time there. And have a huge new appreciation for art since Swaziland as country very much lacks creativity in art and thought. And I have created my own style called Dotillism (kind of like Pointillism). Art is such an important aspect of life and when it goes away it is the kind of thing that lowers life's experience. The Power of Art is one of the most underrated world powers. Hollywood has cornered the market on it and maybe someday some how it will really figure out how to help make big change through it's work instead of just entertaining the world. But the world outside the US almost needs the entertainment more then we do. In Swaziland, the lack of art is something that needs to be addressed on top of many of the issues that appear in the newspapers. Because creativity helps solve problems and creative thought is something to be encouraged. There are lots of individuals working daily to figure out how to make their lives better, Swaziland is a young country and small with both of those type of insecurities but technology like Facebook, internet and cell phone are transforming the people there. In the 2 years I was there pretty much every Swazi joined Facebook, got a much better cell phone many now have Blackberrys (or the Chinese knock off versions) and they communicate through status updates & messages more than talk, phone or email. Since it is the best & cheapest way to communicate there. I hope the best for the country as it struggles to find its voice in the big world and for them to find democracy.

You can check out the final post HERE!

We Can Finish the Funding for My Son's PC Project - ONLY $500 MORE NEEDED!!

Dear Friends,

Last chance!

We can do it tonight/tomorrow.

Finish my son's project funding so that he can begin the good work.

You can go to the web site from here: https://www.peacecorps.gov/index.cfm?shell=donate.contribute.projDetail&projdesc=645-088 OR (www.peacecorps.gov and click on "Donate to Volunteer Projects"--the second one in the light blue. Then go down the page to "Swaziland" read about the Project.) As you can see by the amount needed, 45% has to come from the local area--the town council there is contributing $4800. 

Josh needs to raise $5741.96 in all and as of today he has $500 to go. It looks like he has $2550 to go, however, there is a match of $2000 when the last $550 is funded. He cannot start the project until the full amount is funded. So, it is close and he would like to start by the end of September.    11 x $50 will = the $550.

Giving through the Peace Corp web site makes it a tax deductible donation for you. (You will receive a letter from them.) We cannot tell who has or hasn't donated (Josh can when it's finished), so should you have already donated, thank you so very much and please excuse this last solicitation for this project.

Needless to say, he is really excited. There is more that he can do to the building, but once the donations are made (the $5741.96 on this site) he can get started. (He had to do an extensive "Proposal" to the Peace Corps with amounts needed and what for.) The Peace Corps will then deposit it in an account for Josh to use. 

If he raises more than the $5742, it goes to the general fund of Peace Corps Volunteer Projects. So, should you see that the $550 has been donated and $2000 still needed, before donating, email (dmec21@aol.com) or call her 734.751.2121 at that point. We can directly deposit it to his project (and it won't go to the "general fund" of PC but will then help him do some of the finishing touches that aren't included in the above amount.)

Josh works along side of other non-profit organizations there too, like: Doctors Without Borders, AMICAALL, Red Cross. Josh says everyday he thanks God for giving him this opportunity, that it has enriched his life so very much and now others too.

Love to all of you,

Tom

My Son's Peace Corps Swaziland Project Is Validated!

And your help is needed!

To complete a Community Center for preschool children, for health-care workers and their supplies and community events. Doors, windows and water are needed. Since dollars go along way in Swaziland, your gift will make a big difference.

Monies have already been given, but work begins on the project ONLY WHEN ALL of the funds are secured. Please consider a gift to help this project get up and running. It's vital to the wellbeing of the community in which my son lives and works. He's carefully chosen the work and developed the plans. Everyone's excited to see it get underway.

Remember, this is a TAX DEDUCTIBLE donation when made through the Peace Corps Website.

You can visit the Project's Website at: https://www.peacecorps.gov/index.cfm?shell=donate.contribute.projDetail&projdesc=645-088

In the following letter from the Peace Corps, be sure to note the possibility of an employer's matching grant.

Thanks in advance for your kindness on this matter.

Tom Eggebeen

Los Angeles, CA

My email: castaway5555@gmail.com

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Dear Friends of Josh,

We are excited to tell you about Josh Eggebeen’s Peace Corps Partnership Program project.  Since its inception in 1964, the Peace Corps Partnership Program has helped thousands of Peace Corps Volunteers implement community-initiated projects worldwide.  Now Josh is taking on a new Community Social Center project in Swaziland that needs your support.

This project, developed to address a pressing community need, will be implemented by both Josh and local partners.  This project will benefit the people of the community for many years to come. 

In order to begin implementation, Josh must raise $5,741.96 from friends, family and other interested donors.  Josh and the people of the community are asking for your assistance to turn this project into a reality.

The easiest way to donate is to use this link, 645-088. Although, the web site is the quickest way to make a donation, you may also make a check payable to Peace Corps Partnership Program and send it to:

Paul D. Coverdell Peace Corps Headquarters

Peace Corps Partnership Program, OPSI 

1111 20^th Street NW

Washington DC 20526

Be sure to indicate the project number, 645-088, on the check so it will be applied to the correct project. 

Also, if you’re looking for ways to make your donation go even farther, check with your employer to see if they have a matching gifts program; many companies match donations dollar for dollar. Furthermore, consider forwarding this email to anyone else who may be interested in supporting Josh.  Remember that gifts supporting this project are tax-deductible!

Please feel free to contact our office directly at 202.692.1682 or 1.800.424.8580 x2170 with any questions you might have. Your support will go a long way to aid Josh’s efforts in Swaziland.

Best,

Melissa Becchi

Keep in touch with the Peace Corps Partnership Program by signing up for our e-newsletter, Building Bridges. www.peacecorps.gov/buildingbridges

Melissa Becchi, RPCV Namibia

Program Support Assistant-Peace Corps Partnership Program

Peace Corps

1111 20th St. NW, Washington DC 20526

Voice: 202-692-1682

Fax: 202-692-2171

Email: mbecchi@peacecorps.gov

Peace Corps 50^th Anniversary 2011

Be part of the legacy and join us as we honor our past and look to the future

www.peacecorps.gov/50