Cyrus Blog
After about five years of doing community organizing work in Albuquerque New Mexico, I am officially taking a much needed break. Mostly I worked with the League of Pissed off Voters, which morphed into the League of Young Voters. In 2008 I helped to grow a new Organization called New Mexico Youth Organized. I learned a lot this year. Mostly I learned about myself.
My teachers along the way included my friends, family, colleagues and the occasional honest critic. With there support and strength I have built an extensive skill set, and more importantly I've built lasting relationships. This letter of thanks is to those amazing folks who have helped me along the way.
Thank you for showing me that this work is bigger than you and me.
Thank you for not sugar coating the bad times.
Thank you for showing me that it's ok to celebrate a victory.
Thank you for teaching me the power of humility.
Thank you for investing in my potential.
Thank you for caring about what happens to those without a voice.
Thank you for sharing your stories.
Thank you for giving me space when I needed it.
Thank you for helping me to reflect and learn from mistakes as well as successes.
Thank you for trusting my judgment even when you disagreed.
You did not teach me with abstract examples, but with living breathing examples. It's not easy to walk away from this work, but I told myself I would take a break when the time was right, and it's a promise I am keeping.
- Cyrus Gould
My teachers along the way included my friends, family, colleagues and the occasional honest critic. With there support and strength I have built an extensive skill set, and more importantly I've built lasting relationships. This letter of thanks is to those amazing folks who have helped me along the way.
Thank you for showing me that this work is bigger than you and me.
Thank you for not sugar coating the bad times.
Thank you for showing me that it's ok to celebrate a victory.
Thank you for teaching me the power of humility.
Thank you for investing in my potential.
Thank you for caring about what happens to those without a voice.
Thank you for sharing your stories.
Thank you for giving me space when I needed it.
Thank you for helping me to reflect and learn from mistakes as well as successes.
Thank you for trusting my judgment even when you disagreed.
You did not teach me with abstract examples, but with living breathing examples. It's not easy to walk away from this work, but I told myself I would take a break when the time was right, and it's a promise I am keeping.
- Cyrus Gould
Why mess with perfection?
The New Mexico State Legislature has approved funding to develop genetically-modified chile. Is there anything wrong with our chile now that it requires modification? Isn't it wonderful just as it
is, delicious and nutritious and flavorful?
Genetically-modified seeds automatically become the property of its creators.
Want to learn more?
Come on out to the NM SUB Ballroom on December 13th at 2:00pm participate in a discussion with Percy Schmeiser, the Canadian canola farmer who got sued by Monsanto when his very own crop was cross-contaminated by GMO pollen from his neighbors fields.
see Percy Schmeiser on Wiki
The New Mexico State Legislature has approved funding to develop genetically-modified chile. Is there anything wrong with our chile now that it requires modification? Isn't it wonderful just as it
is, delicious and nutritious and flavorful?
Genetically-modified seeds automatically become the property of its creators.
Want to learn more?
Come on out to the NM SUB Ballroom on December 13th at 2:00pm participate in a discussion with Percy Schmeiser, the Canadian canola farmer who got sued by Monsanto when his very own crop was cross-contaminated by GMO pollen from his neighbors fields.
see Percy Schmeiser on Wiki
DENVER - Check out the excitement. The NMYO videoblogger's eye view...
Last weekend New Mexico Youth Organized hosted a retreat to bring together active young "doers" from around the state to network with one another and brainstorm on how to make New Mexico a better state. On the bus ride to the super fancy "Sunrise Springs Resort" the participants took turns hooking up their I-Pods on the stereo blasting everything from reggae to hip-hop and alternative tunes. Before we arrived I already new it was an amazing group, music says a lot about people.
As we entered the resort facilities, checked into our rooms and gathered for the welcoming dinner ceremony, the twenty five bright young faces seemed eager to see what this whole NMYO retreat thing was all about. The truth is, in my role as an organizer of the retreat, I was just as curious to see what would happen as well. Our plan was to have participants "self organize" around the topic of "opportunity" in New Mexico. We had no expectations, only faith in the ideas, conversations and projects that might emerge.
After a round of introductions I was convinced that the right people were in the room. There were; event promoters, poets, video game designers, DJ's, alternative fuels experts, professional artists, bloggers, professional dancers, comedians, sound engineers, native issues experts, custom clothing makers, entrepreneurs, sustainable agriculture experts and a range of other community leaders.
We used the "open space" format, so instead of creating a detailed game plan for the weekend, we presented a completely blank schedule and asked participants to create an agenda themselves. At one point during a conversation about "the role of art in activism," a young Native organizer suggested organizing a "future-fair" event that would use art and music to help educate her community on issues relating to young women of color. Several others liked that thought and a subsequent breakout group focused exclusively on the future fair event.
It was amazing to see how quickly participants took responsibility and got moving on big tasks. Other break away sessions had titles like; green-jobs, creating a professional youth media center, local agriculture issues, NM as sustainable energy hub for the U.S, bringing NM up to speed, education and leadership development. Action plans and collaborations followed soon after. It's inspiring to see what young people are capable of when they are given the resources and space to self-organize.
Check some photos from the weekend.
As we entered the resort facilities, checked into our rooms and gathered for the welcoming dinner ceremony, the twenty five bright young faces seemed eager to see what this whole NMYO retreat thing was all about. The truth is, in my role as an organizer of the retreat, I was just as curious to see what would happen as well. Our plan was to have participants "self organize" around the topic of "opportunity" in New Mexico. We had no expectations, only faith in the ideas, conversations and projects that might emerge.
After a round of introductions I was convinced that the right people were in the room. There were; event promoters, poets, video game designers, DJ's, alternative fuels experts, professional artists, bloggers, professional dancers, comedians, sound engineers, native issues experts, custom clothing makers, entrepreneurs, sustainable agriculture experts and a range of other community leaders.
We used the "open space" format, so instead of creating a detailed game plan for the weekend, we presented a completely blank schedule and asked participants to create an agenda themselves. At one point during a conversation about "the role of art in activism," a young Native organizer suggested organizing a "future-fair" event that would use art and music to help educate her community on issues relating to young women of color. Several others liked that thought and a subsequent breakout group focused exclusively on the future fair event.
It was amazing to see how quickly participants took responsibility and got moving on big tasks. Other break away sessions had titles like; green-jobs, creating a professional youth media center, local agriculture issues, NM as sustainable energy hub for the U.S, bringing NM up to speed, education and leadership development. Action plans and collaborations followed soon after. It's inspiring to see what young people are capable of when they are given the resources and space to self-organize.
Check some photos from the weekend.
In each face to face human interaction there is an observable energy transmitted via body language and non-verbal cues. More and more I find myself getting "real" content by reading between the lines on peoples foreheads. Interpersonal communications experts confirm that body language is responsible for roughly 80% of what we communicate.
Will this new information help us pick our next President? Can the way a candidate speaks, change our attitudes more than What he/she actually speaks about? Some might argue that they make their political choices based solely on issues and facts rather than personality, or general demeanor. In a Nation focused on the "looks" of runway models, super heroes and celebrity glamour, it's hard to imagine anyone as completely immune to the powers of a candidate's public speaking skills and basic like-ability. So what does this mean for Barrack and John?
I have been reviewing video of each candidate -- sometimes without volume to access what they are saying sans words. McCain seems to hold a commanding presence during his speeches, with plenty of podium hitting. His brow furrows in an aggressive expression frequently, and he has a token micro-squint that he breaks out at tough moments. During verbal pauses, he blinks in rapid succession while simultaneously creating a "semi-forced" toothy grin. Face coding experts say blinking can equal lying. While answering questions he often wanders around the podium a bit. Perhaps this is an effort to literally get "closer" to the audience, showing that he is a straight talker.
As I reviewed video clips of Obama, I noticed a look of quiet self confidence (though some might see it as a look of quiet self righteousness). He lifts his chin just slightly, while giving a barely discernable half squint. Is he looking into the future? During loud applauses from raucous crowds, he lifts his hand, controlling the commotion with calm body-leadership. Obama does not move around the stage much, mostly staying grounded behind the podium. His brow can furrow during serous moments but more often it is neutral and relaxed, showing that there is hope.
Take a look at the candidates, no really. Turn the volume down low on the TV and just take a look at there body language. There body language speaks so loudly that you don't even need to hear the words. Read between the lines in their foreheads.
Will this new information help us pick our next President? Can the way a candidate speaks, change our attitudes more than What he/she actually speaks about? Some might argue that they make their political choices based solely on issues and facts rather than personality, or general demeanor. In a Nation focused on the "looks" of runway models, super heroes and celebrity glamour, it's hard to imagine anyone as completely immune to the powers of a candidate's public speaking skills and basic like-ability. So what does this mean for Barrack and John?
I have been reviewing video of each candidate -- sometimes without volume to access what they are saying sans words. McCain seems to hold a commanding presence during his speeches, with plenty of podium hitting. His brow furrows in an aggressive expression frequently, and he has a token micro-squint that he breaks out at tough moments. During verbal pauses, he blinks in rapid succession while simultaneously creating a "semi-forced" toothy grin. Face coding experts say blinking can equal lying. While answering questions he often wanders around the podium a bit. Perhaps this is an effort to literally get "closer" to the audience, showing that he is a straight talker.
As I reviewed video clips of Obama, I noticed a look of quiet self confidence (though some might see it as a look of quiet self righteousness). He lifts his chin just slightly, while giving a barely discernable half squint. Is he looking into the future? During loud applauses from raucous crowds, he lifts his hand, controlling the commotion with calm body-leadership. Obama does not move around the stage much, mostly staying grounded behind the podium. His brow can furrow during serous moments but more often it is neutral and relaxed, showing that there is hope.
Take a look at the candidates, no really. Turn the volume down low on the TV and just take a look at there body language. There body language speaks so loudly that you don't even need to hear the words. Read between the lines in their foreheads.
There's a new website in town, and it's really shaking things up. You may have heard about clearlynewmexico.com here and there, but here is the real deal on the site that has New Mexico talking.
Clearly New Mexico is about engaging in new conversations. It's about bringing up issues that mainstream media shies away from. It's about holding politicians accountable, and holding a space for the community to share their thoughts and opinions.
Clearly New Mexico means more than just a website. It's a place where the news is brought to you from friends and neighbors instead of mega-rich corporate sponsors. Clearly New Mexico is a news source with a conscience. A place you can rely on for current, local stories that dig deep into important issues. It's about sharing power through ideas and communication.
Clearly New Mexico is about working class values. It's about keeping our state, and our planet healthy. It's about investing in people and families. Clearly New Mexico means better public structures, like schools, parks and community centers. It means standing up for what's right, even when the going gets tough.
In a time when journalists often cater to advertisers, it's a breath of fresh air to see a grassroots news source that has an honest and straightforward approach Clearly New Mexico is here to stay, and it's re-writing the rules of the media game, one blog at a time.
Clearly New Mexico is about engaging in new conversations. It's about bringing up issues that mainstream media shies away from. It's about holding politicians accountable, and holding a space for the community to share their thoughts and opinions.
Clearly New Mexico means more than just a website. It's a place where the news is brought to you from friends and neighbors instead of mega-rich corporate sponsors. Clearly New Mexico is a news source with a conscience. A place you can rely on for current, local stories that dig deep into important issues. It's about sharing power through ideas and communication.
Clearly New Mexico is about working class values. It's about keeping our state, and our planet healthy. It's about investing in people and families. Clearly New Mexico means better public structures, like schools, parks and community centers. It means standing up for what's right, even when the going gets tough.
In a time when journalists often cater to advertisers, it's a breath of fresh air to see a grassroots news source that has an honest and straightforward approach Clearly New Mexico is here to stay, and it's re-writing the rules of the media game, one blog at a time.
With all the focus on "eco-celebs", it can be easy to forget the millions of low-income citizens who only wish they could afford the environmental peace of mind flaunted by their favorite movie stars. Hollywood has good intentions, but I'm pretty sure the film actor's guild will not be responsible for saving the planet.
Let's estimate, and say that roughly ten percent of Americans are moving forward into the new green economy, this means 90 percent are left behind in the grey pollution based economy. 10 percent is a good start, but if we want to avoid a climate crisis, we need to bring everyone on board.
Perhaps we can learn something from the cellular market. Read More »
Let's estimate, and say that roughly ten percent of Americans are moving forward into the new green economy, this means 90 percent are left behind in the grey pollution based economy. 10 percent is a good start, but if we want to avoid a climate crisis, we need to bring everyone on board.
Perhaps we can learn something from the cellular market. Read More »
When I mention the words "community service" what comes to mind? Criminals perhaps, in bright orange mesh vests picking up trash on the side of the freeway. Unfortunately many teenagers experience this kind of community service as their first major form of discipline. So basically we are teaching them that giving time to help the community is a punishment, reserved for outcasts and lawbreakers.
What is wrong with this picture? Read More »
What is wrong with this picture? Read More »
So what is the deal with the painfully obnoxious new bus advertisements here in Albuquerque? If you live here, chances are you have seen the double length city buses sporting casino, fast food and used car lot ads printed directly on them. You may have seen the city bus covered in a gigantic full vehicle "wrap" promoting diamond jewelry. At first glance I was slightly taken aback as I stood at the bus stop gawking at the jumbo bus covered in casino poker chips and roulette wheels. "Wow," I said to myself, "how in the world did that get approved?" Read More »
New Mexico pride shines through like a lone sun ray on a blossoming yucca. Coyotes sing ancient songs to dream catchers hanging in adobe window frames. Sheets drying in the wind dance with tumble weeds on the mesa. Ice cream truck melodies mingle with the rich aroma of green chile roasting over a charcoal grill. Children laughing to the beat of a lazy Sunday afternoon suck frozen otter pops with multi colored lips.
A dry summer breeze caresses the glistening chrome rims of a dropped impala in Espaņola, while a lizard's tail is snapped off by a kitten in Moriarty. Dusk brings the Jemez sky to life, as the tops of the juniper trees bid the sun farewell. Wood has been chopped, fires are starting. Dinners are cooking. Pots of deer stew, homemade tortillas, Cinnamon biscochitos y todo. Echoes of creation stories linger like embers burning into the early morning.
Polished sterling belt buckles studded with chunks of raw turquoise reflect Zia tattoos, tear drop tattoos and red chile ristras hanging on porches. Big trucks, big cowboy hats, plenty of space, too much for some people. You can see 100 miles away on a clear day. Chickens take over south valley back yards like weeds in the spring. Dogs play in the Rio Grande, shaking off the wetness of the brown river into the tall grasses beneath the cottonwoods. Grandma and granddaughter in church clothes take their time picking wild flowers along a narrow trail on the bosque. Life is slow and humble here, just the way we like it.
A dry summer breeze caresses the glistening chrome rims of a dropped impala in Espaņola, while a lizard's tail is snapped off by a kitten in Moriarty. Dusk brings the Jemez sky to life, as the tops of the juniper trees bid the sun farewell. Wood has been chopped, fires are starting. Dinners are cooking. Pots of deer stew, homemade tortillas, Cinnamon biscochitos y todo. Echoes of creation stories linger like embers burning into the early morning.
Polished sterling belt buckles studded with chunks of raw turquoise reflect Zia tattoos, tear drop tattoos and red chile ristras hanging on porches. Big trucks, big cowboy hats, plenty of space, too much for some people. You can see 100 miles away on a clear day. Chickens take over south valley back yards like weeds in the spring. Dogs play in the Rio Grande, shaking off the wetness of the brown river into the tall grasses beneath the cottonwoods. Grandma and granddaughter in church clothes take their time picking wild flowers along a narrow trail on the bosque. Life is slow and humble here, just the way we like it.
I'm sick and tired of retired weekend activists and white bearded anti-war extremists saying that young people are lazy and disconnected. "You should be out marching to protest the war," they say. "Back when I was your age, I used to march ten miles per day to protest the war in Vietnam, and I did it barefoot, uphill booth ways!"
Things are changing in this nation, and on this planet. It may seem to the untrained eye that kids "now-a-days" are just sitting on there hands watching movies and surfing the web. This is simply not the case. The truth of the matter is that technology and new communication methods have changed the way burgeoning activists, and new school social justice workers operate. Read More »
Things are changing in this nation, and on this planet. It may seem to the untrained eye that kids "now-a-days" are just sitting on there hands watching movies and surfing the web. This is simply not the case. The truth of the matter is that technology and new communication methods have changed the way burgeoning activists, and new school social justice workers operate. Read More »
When I first told my friends I was voting in the democratic caucus, they all laughed. But now they are asking me who they should vote for. For quite some time in the U.S, the term Young Voter was nothing more than an oxymoron. Voting used to be for old folks and teachers pets. My, how times have a-changed. Now more than ever new voters are taking the reigns, and getting the attention of candidates, who have done there darnedest to shape there messages to woo hipsters and Wu-Tang fans alike. Read More »
Posts By Month
PostsHighest Rated Posts
