From:	Rotary International
Date sent	12/22/2011 01:12:00 pm
Subject:	New Generations News | Make your club the best it can be
Having trouble viewing this email? View online NEW GENERATIONS  INTERACT - ROTARACT - RYLA Rotary International December 2011 Inside this issue How to build successful Rotaract and Interact clubs Next month is Rotary Awareness Month Gifts that matter Six quick tips from our Rotaract Twitter chats Enter The Rotarian’s 2012 photo contest Keeping Rotary relevant Upcoming events How to build successful Rotaract and Interact clubs Participants in 23 countries joined the “New Generations: A Closer Look” webinar this month to hear advice from three Rotarians and a Rotaractor on how to make Rotaract and Interact clubs the best they can be. Here are a few of the tips and observations they shared: “The main advantage of the community-based Rotaract club is that it covers the full age range from 18 to 30, leaving plenty of time for Rotaractors to develop sufficiently so they might eventually become members of Rotary.” – Martin H.F. Bridge, Rotary Club of South Holland, Lincolnshire, England; chair, RI Rotaract and Interact Committee; past governor, District 1280 "When I managed a Rotaract club, I learned to motivate people, to lead a team, to build relationships with other professionals like Rotarians, to manage a budget, and to develop personal skills like public speaking and leadership." – Alberto Cecchini, Rotary Club of Golfo d’Anzio-Anzio e Nettuno, Italy; past governor, District 2080 "The real difference came when our Rotaract club and our sponsor Rotary club became true collaborators in service, working together to create projects." – Joanna Kwong, Rotaract Club of Berkeley, California, USA; former Interactor "Interactors and Rotaractors are invited to be speakers at our Rotary district conference, and it really helps spread the message when they get to be the ones talking about why they are passionate about their service." – Tommie Buscemi, Rotary Club of Kingwood, Texas, USA; New Generations Service committee chair, District 5890 If you missed the December webinar, you can watch the recording to learn more. Next month is Rotary Awareness Month How much do people in your community know about Rotary International and The Rotary Foundation? Here are three ways to spread the word during Rotary Awareness Month in January: Visit www.rotary.org to learn more about Rotary’s history and the many programs and opportunities specifically designed for youth and young adults. Promote Rotaract service activities or an upcoming RYLA event in your community. Feature the activities that Interactors in your area performed during November’s World Interact Week in your next district newsletter. Building awareness of Rotary strengthens the organization’s future and the future of its youth and young adult programs. Informed program participants can inspire and attract new club members or RYLA attendees. With support from the community and local Rotary clubs, there’s no limit to what Rotary’s New Generations can accomplish! Gifts that matter Celebrate the season with a contribution to The Rotary Foundation to honor a special person in your life or to commemorate the life of someone who made a difference in your community. Why not let your gift build a bridge of hope for those less fortunate around the world? Your generosity can provide food for a hungry child, bring clean water to an entire village, fund medicine for the sick, and support thousands of other good works in our global community. You can make your gift more personal by directing it to an area of focus. Six quick tips from our Rotaract Twitter chats More than 150 Rotaractors, Interactors, and Rotarians participated in a series of three Twitter chats during December. Here are some words of advice in 140 characters or less: "Many universities already have community service clubs. So, to distinguish Rotaract, I would promote the International aspect." – @JeremyRedding “We’ve found it’s important to have our yearly plan set before recruitment to keep people interested and involved.” – @anget09 “Allow every member to get involved in something within the club.” – @JamesLovatt “To attract those hard-to-find people . . . we make sure we promote the fun & social aspects of joining our club.” – @docorotaract “Assessment after a project has been completed is key to improve organization and effectiveness” –@dannypotter27 “Delegating tasks will engage members. Tasks that are relevant to the skills and knowledge the member has are even better!” – @sushwang Follow @Rotaract on Twitter to find out about upcoming chats. You can also read the transcripts of past chats aboutmotivating volunteers, recruiting new members, and planning successful service projects. Enter The Rotarian’s 2012 photo contest If you have a great shot from a fundraiser, international project, the RI Convention, or a local club event, enter it in The Rotarian’s 2012 photo contest. You may enter up to three photos that illustrate the spirit of Rotary. The best photos will appear in the magazine’s June issue. Earlier this year, Interactor Justin Schwartz received an honorable mention for his entry. View some of this year’s entries and find out more about the 2012 contest. Keeping Rotary relevant How can Rotary stay relevant to younger members? Hear Rotarians’ answers to this and other questions in Rotary Minute, a series of short videos, now available on iTunes through a free podcast subscription. Find out more. Upcoming events Rotasia 2012 Kathmandu, Nepal 25-29 January This meeting is hosted by Rotaractors from District 3292 (Nepal). Rotaractors from across South Asia are invited to attend. 2012 Rotaract European Meeting (REM) Torino, Italy 26-29 January This meeting is hosted by Rotaractors from District 2030 (Italy). Rotaractors from across Europe are invited to attend. Rotaract District 2450 Midyear Conference Dubai, UAE  16-18 February All Rotaractors from District 2450 in the Middle East are invited to attend this meeting. Ninth Asia Pacific Regional Rotaract Conference (APRRC) Bangkok, Thailand 30 April-3 May Rotaractors from across South Asia are invited to attend this event, which immediately precedes the Rotaract Preconvention Meeting. 2012 Rotaract Preconvention Meeting Bangkok, Thailand 3-5 May Rotaractors and Rotarians will have the opportunity to exchange ideas, hear informative speakers, and connect with the global network of friendship, engagement, and action that is Rotaract. European Rotaract Convention (EUCO) 2012 Moscow 23-27 May This annual meeting is hosted this year by Rotaractors in District 2220 (Russia). RYLA Conference in North America sponsored by District 7620 Washington, D.C. 11-15 July This leadership conference will bring together 18- to 30-year-olds, including Rotaractors and former Rotary Youth Exchange students, Rotary Foundation Ambassadorial Scholars, and Rotary Peace Fellows. Contact Rotary International Staff Interact: interact@rotary.org Rotaract: rotaract@rotary.org RYLA: ryla@rotary.org Youth Activities Resources Like Interact Follow Rotaract Youth Exchange Alumni - join us Watch Interact Quick Links Sign up for the Rotary Youth Exchange e-newsletter RI New Generations Web page Interact Handbook Interact Brochure  Rotaract Handbook Rotaract Brochure RYLA Handbook RYLA Brochure

14th December 2011: News | Disaster Response | Others
	Habitat helps over 81,000 low-income families in 2011 Habitat for Humanity has surpassed its 2010 record by helping 81,399 families into safe, decent and affordable homes during the fiscal year ended 30th June 2011. Habitat served 74,960 families in the previous fiscal year. Habitat also helped more than 6,000 families establish legal rights to a house or land and provided more than 157,000 individuals with technical assistance including legal help, training in financial literacy, and construction-related advice and training. Get a snapshot of Habitat’s work around the world in the latest annual report (3 MB). The Asia-Pacific region was responsible for more than one quarter of the 81,399 figure; in the past financial year alone, Habitat assisted 22,600 families to build, rehabilitate or repair their houses in the region.
	News Home for Christmas The Seo family, HFH Korea’s 2,000th family (center), at the dedication ceremony. In the Asia-Pacific region and around the world, Habitat for Humanity is proud to celebrate with families who deserve a decent place to live. Korea: Habitat for Humanity Korea celebrated the 2,000th house the organization has built in a dedication ceremony earlier this month. The Seo family, who will be living in the 2,000th house, are based in Yangpyong, Gyeonggi province, about an hour’s ride east of Seoul. After his small business folded in 2009, Myeongkwan Seo, 34, could not afford to rent anymore and lived with a friend while his wife and two young children stayed with a relative. The Seo family can look to a new life together in a decent house. Habitat started in South Korea nearly two decades ago and dedicated its 1,000th house in Paju, Gyeonggi in 2008. New Zealand: Habitat for Humanity New Zealand yesterday dedicated what is believed to be the first Habitat house to be built inside a prison. The four-bedroom house was lifted by sections over the fence of the prison last month and transported to Hastings city. Habitat volunteers worked with the Hungahunga family in painting, cladding, lining, fencing and landscaping. The family of five will be moving their furniture into their new home before the weekend. Sharne Hungahunga said: “The house looks wonderful. We just can’t wait to move in and spend our first Christmas in our new home.” One of the prison inmates who helped to build the house concluded that “this experience has been awesome”. The Hungahungas’ house is the eleventh built by the Habitat for Humanity Central North Island affiliate. US$2.3 million EU grant for Fiji The European Union has agreed to provide Habitat for Humanity Fiji with US$2.3 million in funding over a three-year period. The funds will allow HFH Fiji to focus more of its assistance on Indo-Fijian families, as well as lower income families in western Viti Levu, and on Vanua Levu. The project will cover new homes, renovations, hurricane proofing existing structures, improvements to community evacuation centers and community water projects. [ Back to top ] Disaster Response Funding boost for Japan earthquake response Momoko Kimura (right) having tea with friends at a temporary shelter in Onagawa. Habitat for Humanity Japan has received approval of a grant from Japan Platform to rehabilitate up to 100 houses in earthquake-affected Ofunato city in Iwate prefecture. The 54-million-yen (US$672,000) funding will also provide housing-related consultations for up to 2,000 households in the same area. Japan Platform is an international emergency humanitarian aid organization made up of a consortium of 32 Japanese NGOs, the business community, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan. To date, Habitat has repaired 54 houses for survivors of the March 2011 earthquake and tsunami which hit the northeastern coast of the country. In November, Habitat volunteers distributed 278 mattress sets with bedding to survivors living in 144 temporary shelters. The distribution took place in Onagawa, Miyagi prefecture, one of the worst-affected areas. Momoko Kimura, 83, watched Habitat volunteers at work and said: “I am very grateful to all the volunteers who helped me get my life back. I am so moved by these young students who are spending their precious time to get the temporary shelters ready for us.” Flood response in the Asia-Pacific region Habitat for Humanity continues to help flood-affected families in several Asia-Pacific countries even as the media spotlight dims. In each country, Habitat’s main response starts with distributing various types of kits. These may be shelter kits, which typically include tools and household items to repair homes, or clean-up kits to clean homes of mud and other waste carried by floodwaters. Clean-up kits contain items like chlorine powder and other disinfectants, along with brushes, brooms, gloves and buckets. Hygiene or care kits including soap and mosquito repellent may also be distributed. Efforts underway include: Cambodia: Over yesterday and today, Habitat for Humanity Cambodia distributed the first batch of shelter repair kits and personal hygiene kits to 490 flood-affected families in Pouk and Angkor Chum districts in Siem Reap province. About 1,000 families are expected to be helped in Siem Reap and Kandal provinces. Philippines: JP Morgan partnered with Habitat for Humanity Philippines to distribute 400 shelter repair kits to families in Baseco, a former dockyard in Metro Manila, who were affected by Typhoon Nesat (local name: Pedring). The kits contained materials such as flexiboards, galvanized iron sheets and nails. Constantino Nacua, a 49-year-old construction worker, was among families who received help. He said: “When the typhoon struck us, the hard life we have doubled. Our roof was blown away. Even our walls fell to the ground. We tried our best to make do with repairs through plastics. But it was really hard.” Watch a video of the distribution on HFH Philippines’ Facebook page. Thailand: Habitat for Humanity Thailand signed up 160 volunteers for its flood response through its Facebook page in November. Separately, another 3,000 people have volunteered to help in response to an advertisement on Coca-Cola Thailand’s iCoke website. The beverage company had committed to help Habitat as well as the Thai Red Cross in their flood response efforts. New partnerships with Naresuan University in Phitsanulok and the military in Lopburi provinces will boost HFH Thailand’s resources in volunteer labor, transportation and construction equipment. In Lopburi, Habitat will hold a test build to construct a house later this month. Vietnam: Habitat is working with its partners in Dong Thap province in the south to help an initial 121 flood-affected families. HFH Vietnam will be distributing clean-up kits and shelter repair kits. [ Back to top ] Others Habitat highlights financial education program at Citi-FT summit The eighth annual Citi-FT Financial Education Summit, supported by Habitat for Humanity International, was held in Jakarta, Indonesia in early December. This international conference attracted over 250 delegates with topics such as the role of financial education in reducing poverty; how mass media can leverage the reach of financial education programs; and ways in which financial education interventions can be adapted for Islamic banking. Citi is a key supporter of Habitat’s financial education work globally. Since 2000, the Citi Foundation has supported Habitat with more than US$30 million in funding and grants, including a recentUS$1 million grant for microsavings in disaster-prone areas in the Asia-Pacific region, announced earlier this year. At the summit, Jennifer Oomen, housing finance manager for financial education at Habitat’s Asia-Pacific area office, spoke on the role of financial education in accessing housing in disaster-prone areas. Learn more. Separately, Citi Foundation and Habitat for Humanity co-authored a blog post “The Critical Shift Toward Asset Building”. The writers recognize an enormous opportunity in providing products that help low-income households build assets to improve their living conditions and join the financial mainstream. Read on. “Shelter is a neglected human right” On 10th December, when the world marked International Human Rights Day, Habitat for Humanity highlighted how the right to decent shelter could be taken for granted. “Not only does addressing the human right to shelter help realize other human rights, but it also progressively supports greater national wealth and a more robust economy – something not so easily overlooked in these uncertain economic times,” wrote Rick Hathaway, Asia-Pacific vice-president for Habitat for Humanity, in a special statement. More details. Habitat Swatch and more in the Philippines Matteo Guidicelli with the Habitat Swatch. Habitat for Humanity Philippines is the happy recipient amid a season of giving. Swiss-headquartered watchmaker Swatch Philippines recently launched a limited edition watch in aid of HFH Philippines. The Habitat Watch, in gold and silver to mark Christmas, was unveiled at a Manila mall by HFH Philippines’ ambassadors Matteo Guidicelli, Chris Tiu, and Derek Ramsay. Funds raised from the sale of the watch will benefit HFH Philippines’ Youth Build to be held in May 2012. Find out more. Actor and model Derek Ramsay also held a birthday build recently in Navotas city for his fans and friends. Check out photos and video clips and other news on HFH Philippines’ Facebook page. Separately, Toronto-based furniture company Gus* is raising funds for HFH Philippines by seeking trade-in of old furniture. HFH Australia’s Nine Dragons Build in Vietnam Australian volunteers with Habitat home partner families ahead of the build. About 70 volunteers from Australia built six houses together with Habitat for Humanity families during the week-long Nine Dragons Build in Long An province, southern Vietnam. Volunteer Susan Blain posted on Habitat for Humanity Australia’s Facebook page for the build. “It was the most amazing week. Feeling very emotional back in Ho Chi Minh City. So pleased to have been able to participate in this wonderful project. Have met the most amazing people. Would recommend participation in a build to everyone.” Check out photos on Facebook. Read a blog by a volunteer staff member from HFH Vietnam on the build and more. Australia’s Hands and Hearts Cambodia build After a recent recce in Cambodia, Habitat for Humanity Australia’s ambassador Angela Catterns is ready for a revisit in March 2012. The event is HFH Australia’s Hands and Hearts Cambodia build. HFH Australia organized a successful Hand In Hand Build in Nepal in March 2011 for 100 women supporters. Angela, a broadcaster and journalist, talked to Australian newspaper The Age. “You don’t need to be a skilled builder, just a willing worker. But you have to help raise the funds to pay for the house to be built – A$5,000 (US$5,070),” she said.Read more. Habitat World launches multimedia-rich online version The home page of the new online version of Habitat World. Gunde Vendulu from Khammam, India, was one of the first ever Habitat for Humanity families in the Asia-Pacific region. He is also featured in the December issue of Habitat World. The flagship magazine of Habitat for Humanity International has unveiled an all-new digital version with interactive content, photo slideshows and videos. The current issue of Habitat World looks back at family and volunteer stories from around the world over the past 35 years. Another family story from the Philippines and a volunteer story from Japan are included in the edition. Habitat World will offer three online-only issues and three print issues a year. Visit magazine.habitat.org A blessing in return The annual tradition of the Rockefeller Center donating a milled Christmas tree to build a Habitat for Humanity home in the U.S. is celebrated in a new picture book. The 48-page book was written by David Rubel in collaboration with Habitat and illustrated by Jim LaMarche. The Carpenter’s Gift is about the story of a young boy in Depression-era New York who wishes for a decent home for his family and shares a lesson about the importance of helping our neighbors. More details. Check out avideo about the families who received Habitat houses built with the Rockefeller tree. Habitat supporters are encouraged to upload their seasonal and holiday photos to Habitat’s site. Twenty-five people who took the images selected by Habitat will receive a limited edition of The Carpenter’s Gift printed with paper milled from the 2010 Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree. Find out more. American volunteer writes book after Nepal build Habitat for Humanity volunteers often blog and even write for the media during and after their builds. For Kay Donaldson of Indiana state in the U.S., a book was born after her January 2011 trip to Nepal. “I’ve always wanted to write a book; I just never knew what to write about,” she told local newspaper, The News-Sentinel. Jetlag kept her awake during her first night in Kathmandu; it was then that she decided she would write about her experience in Nepal. Donaldson, 52, who works in a healthcare services group, published the book herself under the title of Borrowed Time: On the Road to Nepal. Habitat’s warm wishes for Christmas Home has a special meaning in HFH Indonesia’s Christmas card. Habitat for Humanity’s programs in the Asia-Pacific region are sending Christmas cards or encouraging their supporters to experience the joy of giving. See some of the cards designed by Cambodia, India, Indonesia, Japan and Singapore. HFH Indonesia’s card quoted English novelist Charles Dickens: “Home is a name, a word, it is a strong one; stronger than magician ever spoke, or spirit ever answered to, in the strongest conjuration.” HFH Singapore is also providing a Christmas “virtual” gift catalogue. Click here. The Asia-Pacific Update team will be taking a holiday hiatus until mid-January 2012. We wish you a blessed Christmas and a wonderful new year. Subscribe or un-subscribe. [ Back to top ] Habitat for Humanity is not responsible for the content of external websites. Published by Habitat for Humanity’s Asia-Pacific office, Bangkok, Thailand.

Dearest all,

1) Habitat Singapore is seeking to recruit a dynamic and self-motivated individual for the following position

Programme Executive

This is an entry-level position. Coupled with Habitat for Humanity's status as a charity, applicants should have the right expectations with regard to remuneration and benefits.

The Program Executive is responsible to provide administrative and operation assistance to Habitat programs, sending volunteer-teams to other countries and home-cleaning for the elderly poor.

Applicant should therefore enjoy working for altruistic purposes. He or she must also be willing to communicate and affirm Habitat's Christian identity and principles.

Skills required:

• Able to oversee projects and programmes.
• Computer-literate. (Proficient in Microsoft Outlook, Excel, Word, Powerpoint and Access)
• Work well within a team setting and multi-cultural environment.
• Meticulous and accurate.
• Diligent and possess initiative to follow up on assigned task

If you are interested to join us and be part of our exciting and meaningful ministry, please email us your complete CV (with a recent photo and your salary expectations) to info@habitat.org.sg. Closing date is 15 August 2011.

We will only notify short-listed candidates.

---

2) A youth team is looking for 2 adults volunteer-partners who are willing to help families build homes in Medan, Indonesia.

From the first nail to the last, you will get dirty, work hard and discover you have what it takes to build a better world. Whether you lay bricks, dig holes or paint walls, you will develop new skills, make new friends and experience what it means to give of yourself. If you are looking for an adventure of a different kind, do consider joining our Global Village build.

The trip details are as follows:

• Date: 23-30 November 2011 (date is fixed)
• Cost per person:
  • Donation: S$600
  • In-country cost: Approximately S$450
  • Airfare: to be arranged together with the team

The above approximate in-country cost covers accommodation, accident and illness insurance, ground transport, most meals and water. The donation goes to Habitat Global Mission Fund. Volunteers are encouraged to fundraise for that component. The team will also need to arrange their own flights and fly in together as a team.

Volunteer criteria:

• 21 year old and above
• Physical and mental fitness
• Flexible and adaptable, willing to work together as a team
• Preferably male as the whole team is made up of guys

The trip is self funded. If you are interested and fit the above criteria, please reply to Keeran Vickneson at keeran.vickneson.2009@vjc.sg by 15 August 2011. He is the leader of this Global Village team.

In your reply, please provide the following details:

• Full name:
• Age:
• Gender:
• Nationality:
• Occupation:
• Contact No.:
• Email address:
• What makes you want to join Habitat Global Village trip?:

Those who sign up to go will need to make deposit of SGD $200, which is non-refundable, but is part of the SGD $600 building fund donation. They are also required to attend a compulsory briefing (date to be confirmed).

Only selected applicants will be notified by the team leader.

Thank you and blessings

Habitat for Humanity Singapore
56 Lorong 23 Geylang
#05-00 Century Technology Building
Singapore 388381

Tel: (65) 6744 7326
Fax: (65) 6844 5383
Website: http://www.habitat.org.sg

Two Weeks

Hi Habitat Friends!
Christmas is round the corner, have you decided what gifts to buy for your colleagues, friends, and your loved ones yet? We have specially compiled a Christmas Gift Catalogue for you this season. Now you can give gifts that would impact the lives of numerous people all over this region! With Habitat for Humanity Singapore ‘Gift that gives’, you can buy bricks, construction material, plant trees and even build a toilet to help those who are in need! Choose a gift from our catalogue now and make a difference today! Through your giving many lives will be touched and positively transformed this Christmas.

To browse Christmas Gift Catalogue, click on the picture below.

If you’re unable to view image, please go to http://habitat.org.sg/images/Thanksgiving2010/Gift%20Catalogue_small.pdf



We wish you a MERRY & BLESSED CHRISTMAS!

Warmest regards,

Habitat for Humanity
Singapore

56 Lorong 23 Geylang
#05-00 Century Technology Building
Singapore 388381

Tel: (65) 6744 7326
Fax: (65) 6844 5383
Email: info@habitat.org.sg
Website: http://www.habitat.org.sg

Looking for Esplanade Youths volunteers to bring the joy of the Marina Bay SINGAPORE Countdown 2010/11 celebrations to those less privileged‏

The Marina Bay SINGAPORE Countdown 2010/11 is an annual event presented by Esplanade and the Urban Redevelopment Authority to mark the year's end and celebrate the beginning of a new year. This contemplative event unites individuals from all walks of life through a collective expression of wishes for the year ahead.

Throughout December, a total of 20,000 wishing spheres, all marked with hand-written wishes of the community, will be released into the waters of Marina Bay - the Bay of Hope and Light. Each wishing sphere represents a hope, a belief that the New Year will bring new possibilities and a brighter tomorrow.

As part of our community engagement efforts, we will be bringing the wishing spheres down to various elderly and children homes and centres so that their beneficiaries can pen down their wishes, hopes and dreams. We are looking for Esplanade Youths (that's you!) to help us when we make our visits.

Below are the dates, times and names of the organisations that we'll be visiting. Depending on your availability, you may sign up for either one or more (or all!) sessions.

Just remember to let us know which sessions you are volunteering for.

9 Dec 2010 (Thu)
Session A: 9.30am - 12.30pm, Whispering Hearts Student Care Centre
Session B: 1.15pm - 5pm, Pertapis Centre for Women and Girls & Hougang Care Centre

10 Dec 2010 (Fri)
Session C: 9.15am - 11.30am, Bedok Radiance Seniors Activity Centre
Session D: 1.15pm - 5pm, CARElderly Seniors Activity Centre & Singapore Baptist Convention - Baptist Golden Age Home

13 Dec 2010 (Mon)
Session E: 10.30am - 1pm, The Ang Mo Kio Family Service Centres (Elderly)
Session F: 12.45pm - 4.30pm, The Ang Mo Kio Family Service Centres (Children) & Jamiyah Home for the Elderly (Darul Takrim)

14 Dec 2010 (Tue)
Session G: 1.15pm - 3.30pm, Pertapis Children's Home
Session H: 1.15pm - 5pm, Rochore Kongsi for the Aged & Care Community Services Society (Eunos CareHut)

15 Dec 2010 (Wed)
Session I: 10.15am - 12.30pm, Jia Ying Community Services – Joy Link
Session J: 1.15pm - 3.30pm, Pertapis Senior Citizen Fellowship Home

If you are interested to take part in this meaningful event, please e-mail ksianeng@esplanade.com with the following details:
- Full name
- Contact number
- Which session(s) you would like to volunteer for (you are more than welcome to sign up for more than one session)

Transport will be provided for this event, both pick-up and drop-off points will be at the Esplanade Mall taxi stand.
Registration deadline: Tue 7 Dec 2010, 6pm

Red Cross Home for the Disabled

The Family Dinner

THE FAMILY DINNER
Making a different choice for dinner is one of the most powerful things we can do to reduce global warming. Did you know that the average American diet contributes an extra 1.5 tons of greenhouse gases per year compared to a more vegetable-based diet? Eating less meat can make a huge difference.

But dinnertime can make a difference in the health of our planet in so many other ways. The simple act of sharing dinner brings families together, and can help kids grow up to be healthier, better adjusted, and more engaged with their world. Research has proven that everything we worry about as parents -— from drugs and alcohol, to promiscuity, obesity, academic achievement and just good old nutrition —- can all be improved by the simple act of eating and talking together around the table.

My new book, "The Family Dinner: Great Ways to Connect with Your Kids One Meal at a Time," released this week by Grand Central Publishing, is a fun, practical, and of course green guide to the most important hour in any parent’s day. With over 75 kid-approved, fantastic recipes by Kirstin Uhrenholdt, tips on teaching green values, conversation starters, games, and more, the book will help you get everyone away from electronic screens and back to the dinner table.

To learn more about the book, please visit thefamilydinnerbook.com

World Habitat Day - Oct. 4