And we're back.

After a long... ok a very long delay, we're back.

And we're back for a specific reason. A couple of nights ago I was lucky enough to attend the 2011 PFLAG "Straight for Equality" Gala, which is an event honoring straight allies for supporting GLBT people. Not with sweeping political movement, but through "tiny everyday changes - like not omitting the fact that your best friend is gay when you’re telling grandma about him - (to) raise awareness and challenge assumptions and stereotypes."

And it was an amazing event.

We were there with Authentic Community Member Rosie Perez, who was receiving the "Straight for Equality in Entertainment Award" and she gave an amazing, rousing, hilarious, and... well... profanity-laced speech.

But that's not the reason why we're back with the posting. Because, as much as I love Rosie Perez (and boy do I love Rosie Perez), I was totally floored and humbled and inspired by another honoree that night. That honoree was a young man named Hudson Taylor. A champion college wrestler-turned-coach, Hudson received the "Straight for Equality in Sports Award," and recently founded the non-profit Athlete Ally, a "sports resource encouraging all individuals involved in sports to respect every member of their communities, regardless of perceived or actual sexual-orientation or gender identity or expression, and to lead others in doing the same. Athlete Ally provides social advocacy campaigns, on-campus trainings, and practical tools, including resources to locate and learn about allied athletes, coaches, teams, athletic clubs and sports-based advocacy projects around the country."

Hudson Taylor, champion, #winning

Hudson (who's totally straight an engaged by the way, though that should be obvious given the award's called "Straight for Equality") wrestled as a varsity athlete in an environment where some really nasty slurs are tossed around without a second thought. He took a look around, said "Well that's stupid" and slapped the Human Rights Campaign's "=" sticker on his headgear. And he accepted the ridicule and resentment that went along with it.

Because it was the right thing to do.

He's awesome, and you should go check out his organization.

http://www.athleteally.com/

A letter from Bolivia

We got a letter from Fernando in Bolivia today.

He was nice enough to draw a house and a tree with the letter. He even colored inside the lines. What else would you expect from a kid who looks so dapper?

He's in a suit!

Anyway, here's the original letter, written in Spanish.

Spanish

And here's the translation in English.

English

It's such a formal letter; he signs off with "I send greetings." Would you expect anything less from a kid who wears a suit? I'm not saying he wears that suit all the time... but I'm not saying he doesn't either.

Our match program is complete, but you can still sponsor as well! Visit Save the Children to do it!

Artwork!

After a long hiatus, we're back with some new artwork!

First off, here is a really freaking cool paper airplane we were sent... but I've lost the letter that came with it, so I don't know which kid sent it!!! Still, whoever did it, was super talented. Of course, all our kids are super talented... so let's give credit to all of them.

Awesome paper airplane

Also, here are three pretty flowers from Likhon in Bangladesh.

Flowers

And an epic action scene from Fernando in Bolivia. Fernando's scene has fire and bikes and a dude with a cape. I think we've got a young Michael Bay on our hands here!

Action!!!

Our match program is complete, but you can still sponsor as well! Visit Save the Children to do it!

"UGLY BETTY" Auction for Mali

After a long hiatus we're back, and what an exciting event to return with!

Authentic Community Member America Ferrera is still raising the money to build a school in Mali and her friends at ABC, UGLY BETTY, and Axelle Fine Arts Gallery are helping out. On Monday, April 12th, they're hosting an auction of the great paintings from the UGLY BETTY episode "The Passion of the Betty" with all proceeds going toward the Mali school!

There will be paintings and food and drinks and video; everything you need to have a great night for a great cause. It will be a fantastic event and we hope you can join us!

Click on the image below to purchase tickets:

Or, if you can't attend, visit the Cause Page to donate directly!

Greenifesto

As part of our ongoing commitment to mindfulness of both our impact on the world, and our inherent interdependence, Authentic is engaging in a open-ended process to mitigate our impact on the environment as a company and as individuals. We are clear that through careful attention to our consumption, we can dramatically reduce our fossil fuel-based energy use, we can create significantly less waste, and we can work to abate our emissions and consumption. We'll be doing this in a number of different ways, including:

• Flying 20% less miles in 2010. Flying generates much more greenhouse gases than driving; by consolidating smaller trips, flying direct, and using trains when possible, we will be able to cut our carbon emissions dramatically.
• Using 50% less paper in 2010. We're reading our scripts electronically and being much more careful about what we print.
• Using only environmentally safe cleaning chemicals for the office.
• Making public transportation available to our employees through the New York City TransitCheck program, and encouraging our team to use taxis only as a rare exception.
• Cutting general waste by 25%. We've dramatically reduced our use of disposable goods and we're committed to vigilance in recycling.
• Offsetting our carbon emissions via the purchase of trees through projects like the New York Restoration Project and/or carbon offsets via organizations like TerraPass.

We're also taking a look at our personal consumption, and exploring solar energy, composting, and recycling in our every day lives.

We encourage our clients, business partners, and friends to join us in our journey toward sustainability and well-being for the entire planet.

America in Mali

Here are some pictures from America's trip to Mali. Visit America's Facebook Page to get all the details for each picture. It sounds like she had an amazing time!

Photo Credits: Save the Children

I know I told you guys to visit her Facebook page for the photo details, but I have to comment on this one. Here's a picture of America with all of the gifts the Chief of Ifola gave her as she was leaving. Two lives goats, 1/2 a sack of grain, and a gorgeous handmade robe. Here's my comment... HOW COOL IS THAT!??!!

America with her gifts

We're still trying to raise $44k for the school; we've got about $10k so far. Please visit the Cause Page and help donate if you can!

Holiday Party Artwork

This year's Authentic Community Holiday Party was a roaring success -- thanks to everyone who attended, and especially Authentic Community Member Ron for hosting the party at his beautiful restaurant / bar B. East.

That night, we drew so much artwork for the kids that we ran out of paper. I can't post them all, but here are some highlights.

A penguin with a guitar. Really, how can I kid not love this?

A beautiful boat on a tranquil sea.

A snowman... smiling at the sun...

I totally drew this awesome frog.

A worm in the Big Apple!

Thanks to all those who drew pictures! I'm sure the kids will LOVE them!

Our sponsorship program for these kids has finished, but you can help us with our new program: Building a school in Mali.