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Domestic Programs
In the U.S., domestic programs of the SHARE
Institute are carried out through the efforts of interns enrolled in
the Leadership Program. This program has graduated over 250 college students. Participants learn about the world of
non-profit organizations and key development issues while becoming more
involved in the local and global issues. Some funding for this program
has been provided by Soroptimist International of Sacramento. Past
funding for the program has been provided by the Perinatal Foundation
and The Women Foundation. Donations from the general public supply the
bulk of the funding for the SHARE Institutes programs.
One of SHARE's two most fundamental domestic programs includes our long-standing Leadership Program for College Students, which has been an outstanding success, graduating well over 250 students during SHARE's existence. The Leadership Program has been a critical component to The SHARE Institute's success, as well as a crucial stepping stone for college students to move into careers as non-profit volunteers and workers. The second program is the Cultural Awareness Project, a program that sends SHARE interns to local elementary and middle schools to raise understanding of cultures from around the world. This program has been wildly successful and SHARE continues to be funded and invited back by the school districts that host the program. The SHARE Institute also hosts International Speaking Events throughout the year.
A Brief Synopsis of The SHARE Institute's Domestic Programs:
2007
Mothering Mothers
The SHARE Institute was pleased to provide a mini-grant to mothering mothers, which will, in conjunction with Mercy San Juan Hospital, provide cooking supplies and special cookbooks to low-income pregnant women in the area
Cultural Awareness Programs for School Children
In 2007, the SHARE Institute was awarded a mini-grant by the Sacramento Region Community Foundation to continue the cultural awareness program. Through the program, interns traveled to different elementary schools promoting cultural diversity by providing interactive ways of sharing different cultures all around the world. This grant has allowed the program to expand to the Bridges After School Program in the Arden Arcade area.
The main objective of the project was to instill cultural understanding among elementary school children. The presentations were filled with cultural artifacts from across the glob, information, activities, and enthusiasm. The SHARE interns spent most of their time addressing cultural differences and similarities in dress, values, history, and climate.
Contribution to WEAVE
The SHARE interns collected and donated numerous stuffed animals and toys to WEAVE, a local non-profit organization that assists abused women. The donation went to children living in homes disturbed by domestic violence.
Donation to Single Mothers
The SHARE Institute presented food bags that included a turkey, vegetables, and stuffing to three different families for Thanksgiving. The food was donated to deserving family’s right in time for the holiday feast.
SHARE Interns Scholarships
The SHARE Institute provided some of the SHARE interns with scholarships for college expenses, including tuition and textbooks.
Book Scholarships
The SHARE Institute provided multiple book scholarships to aid students in the cost of textbooks.
American River College Scholarships
The SHARE Institute provided a scholarship to American River College for a deserving student to attend college.
YWCA
The SHARE Institute provided a mini-grant to the YWCA of Greater Baton Rouge, which is dedicated to eliminating sexism and empowering women, for hands on training in Adobe for producing quarterly newsletters. This is an important capacity building project for the YWCA branch.
Leadership Program for College Students
In 2007, the leadership program for college students continued with its sixth year. The young leaders of this program spent a semester learning fund-raising, communication, and community development skills. They aided in both domestic and international projects.
2006
Empowering Single Moms Who Attend College
The SHARE Institute continued to fund a program titled, Empowering Single Moms Attending College. Through the donation of mini-grants, SHARE has the opportunity to aid single mothers with the cost of college. In addition, SHARE funds an academic scholarship at American River College for students studying anthropology.
Mustard Seed School
The SHARE interns made Easter baskets for the children of the Mustard Seed School, a local non-profit organization that provides educational programs to homeless children. The children received toys, tooth brushes, granola bars, and art supplies in their baskets.
Working Poor Clothing Drive for Men and Women
The SHARE Institute collected and donated several bags of clothing to men and women who are trying to work their way out of poverty and homelessness. These men and women earn minimum wages and are extremely grateful for the clothing and general assistance.
Cultural Awareness Programs for School Children
In 2006, the SHARE Institute was awarded a grant by GABY, the Grants Advisory Board for Youth to hold a cultural awareness project for elementary school children in the San Juan Unified School District. That same year, another grant was given to SHARE to expand the program to schools in Rancho Cordova and Elk Grove School Districts.
Through the expansion of this program, we were able to bring cultural awareness to an even wider range of students.
As part of this program, interns of SHARE visited classes and spoke about different countries throughout the world. The interns dressed up in native clothing and taught the children interactively about different cultures. After the lesson was completed, the children would engage in an activity of beading bracelets using the color symbolism the children learned about in the presentation.
San Juan Summer Program
In 2006, the SHARE Institute received a grant from the San Juan Unified School District for a cultural awareness program on Mexico. SHARE interns visited San Juan elementary summer Discovery Clubs throughout the duration of the summer. The presentations focused on the ancient civilizations and modern day Mexican culture.
The children learned about Mexico in their classes and SHARE was able to enhance their knowledge about this country. After each presentation, children were able to participate in a beaded bracelet activity.
Sacramento State University Conference
In 2006, the SHARE Institute held a conference at Sacramento State University entitled, “War, Women, and Violence; Perspectives on Recent Events in the Middle East.” The conference held a variety of lectures on different Middle Eastern countries including Lebanon, Israel, Iraq, and Afghanistan.
American River College Sociology professor Nidal Hijazi began the conference with a lecture on the Isreali-Lebanese conflict. He talked of recent Hezbollah attacks in Lebanon and the impact it has had on the country.
Medical anthropologist and American River College professor Soheir Stolba spoke on the crisis women face in post-war Iraq. Dr. Stolba had recently spent time in Iraq facilitating programs to train doctors.
An American Afghani journalist, Fariba Nawa, spoke of her personal experiences with women and violence in Afghanistan under the Taliban rule. During this time of oppression, women were scared into obedience, forced to wear burkas, denied an education, and secluded to their homes.
The conference concluded with a lecture from Ms. Ghada Masri on the various topics that were discussed throughout the conference. With participation from the audience, questions were answered and discussion was extensive giving everyone a better perspective on the recent events of the Middle East.
Leadership Program for College Students
In 2006, the leadership program for college students continued with its fifth year. Ten young leaders of this program spent a semester learning fund-raising, communication, and community development skills. Interns continue to be vital part of the SHARE Institute.
2005
Cultural Awareness Programs for School Children
In 2005, the SHARE Institute continued the cultural awareness program hosted in part with the Bridges After School Program and the Discovery Club. The schools visited included Kingswood Elementary School, Del Paso Manner, and Marvin Manner Elementary. SHARE interns traveled to these schools to educate children about different cultures, art, and music from around the world. After each presentation, children answered questions and made jewelry that resembled other pieces they had seen throughout the day.
Children’s Art Program
A SHARE Institute intern, volunteer, and local artist instructed children in an art program in Fair Oaks. Every other Sunday, she led an arts and crafts program for local children.
Fundraisers for Darfur, Sudan
The SHARE interns held events at American River College to raise awareness about the tragedy in Darfur, Sudan. Funds were raised for women impacted by the situation and living in Darfur.
Fundraisers for Tsunami Relief
The SHARE interns organized fundraisers and collected emergency supplies to aid the victims of the tsunami. With the help of the Sacramento Buddhist Temple, donations from SHARE were able to reach the different affected regions.
Samosa Fundraiser for Deworming Children in Nigeria
The SHARE interns and volunteers made and sold over 500 samosas as a fundraiser for a deworming project in Nigeria. This project will be implemented through CHEDRES and will improve the health of 200 children.
L.A. Breast Cancer Fundraiser
The SHARE Institute contributed to a campaign led by UCLA to fund preventative efforts against breast cancer.
UC Davis Adolescent Cancer Fundraiser
The SHARE Institute along with interns raised money for the UC Davis Medical Center to fund a program that purchases crafts and other entertainment items for adolescents enduring cancer treatments.
Provision of Art Supplies
The SHARE Institute funded an American River College student to purchase art supplies.
HIV/AIDS Fundraiser
The SHARE Institute sponsored a dancer in UCLA’s 4th Annual Dance Marathon.
Leadership Program for College Students
In 2005, the leadership program for college students continued its fourth year with both new and returning volunteers. The young leaders spent a semester learning fund-raising, communication, and community development skills. Interns continue to be vital part of the SHARE Institute.
2004
Empowering Single Moms Who Attend College
The SHARE Institute donated computers to single mothers attending college. In addition, SHARE continued to fund an academic scholarship at American River College for students studying anthropology.
Holiday Food Baskets for Needy Families
The SHARE Institute put together individual food baskets for needy families in the Sacramento area. The basket included a turkey, canned vegetables, stuffing, and all the necessities for a Thanksgiving meal. These baskets are distributed annually.
Working Poor Clothing Drive for Men
The SHARE Institute has collected and donated several bags of clothing to men who are trying to work their way out of street poverty and homelessness. These men are extremely grateful for the clothing they receive, especially during the winter months.
Sack Lunch Feeding Program
The SHARE Institute worked with a local business based in Sacramento to give aid to the working poor by providing a sack lunch incentive for their hard work. The lunches were filled with nutritious food items including sandwiches, fruit, and an energy bar.
Salvadoran Enterprises for Women
Several boxes of clothing and hygiene products were collected and given to Salvadoran Enterprises for Women (SEW), an organization that seeks to economically empower poor women in El Salvador. The president of SEW, Ms. Lorena Cuellar, visited the SHARE Institute to take back the clothing to El Salvador to be distributed to poor rural women. The project is one example of how the SHARE interns work involves both local and global projects.
Holiday Gift Bags for Children at Mustard Seed School
For the winter holiday season, a SHARE intern assembled gift bags for children attending the Mustard Seed School, a non-profit organization serving homeless children. The bags were filled with juice boxes, toys, books, gloves, and other items these children might enjoy during the holidays.
Easter Gift Baskets for Children at Mustard Seed School
Later that year, a SHARE intern assembled Easter baskets for children attending the Mustard Seed School. The children and volunteers were overjoyed to receive the colorful baskets filled with toys, juice boxes, school supplies, and other treats.
Combating Domestic Violence
The SHARE Institute with the help of a SHARE intern created a domestic violence program that targets college students. The program offered informational support to victims.
Clothing Drive
The SHARE interns once again collected many bags of donated clothing to be distributed to WEAVE, the SHARE Institute’s domestic violence program, and to the Safe Children’s Center for abused street children in Aden, Yemen.
Tutoring Incentive Bags for Grant School District Students
A SHARE intern made colorful bags filled with goodies to be used as incentives for students in the Grant School District receiving tutoring. The Mutual Assistance Network of Del Paso Heights provides volunteer tutoring for these students in various subjects. The bags were filled with treats, writing supplies, stickers, and other fun items for the students.
Helping Street Children in Yemen
Interns of the SHARE Institute adopted the Safe Children Center, a center for abused street children in Yemen, as a project to support for a semester. Food was prepared for the International Speakers Series event and a walk was planned to raise funds for this project.
India Awareness Day: Fighting Trafficking in Women and Children
The SHARE Institute and the American River College Chapter of Amnesty International held an India Awareness Day. The day was dedicated to educating and increasing awareness about trafficking in women and children in India. The funds raised during the event were used to combat this type of slavery.
Leadership Program for College Students
In 2004, the leadership program for college students continued with its third year running. The interns of this program spent a semester learning fund-raising, communication, and community development skills. Domestic and international projects were completed with the help of the interns of SHARE. The leadership program continues to be vital part of the SHARE Institute.
That same year, SHARE offered a new intern program through UC Davis. Students of the school could receive college credit for interning with the SHARE Institute. The internship was tailored to the student’s course of study and offered many opportunities to build leadership skills.
2003
Computer Donation for All Hallows School
SHARE interns donated a computer to the All Hallows School of Sacramento. The computer was used by students who were interested in learning graphic design and the internet.
Collecting Winter Supplies for Homeless and At Risk Teens
The SHARE Institute made care packages and collected winter clothing for homeless Sacramento teens. Items collected for the care packages included packaged snack sized food items, backpacks, phone cards, toiletries, and clean socks. Bigger items collected included sleeping bags, umbrellas, jackets, gloves, hats, and other warm winter clothing.
Art Supplies for Homeless and At Risk Teens
The SHARE Institute collected art supplies for the Wind Youth Center, a school and counseling center that serves homeless and at risk teens, and the Mustard Seed School, a school for homeless children. The art supplies collected included construction paper, scissors, markers, pencils, and glue.
Leadership Program for College Students
In 2003, the SHARE Institute continued its leadership program for college students. Every semester, the interns of the program spend a semester learning fund-raising, communication, and community development skills. Interns continue to be vital part of the SHARE Institute.
2002
Fundraising for Afghani Women and Children
The SHARE interns along with American River College students raised money for the well-being and education of Afghani women and children at the American River College campus. Food, jewelry, and other goods were sold, but a raffle was also held to raise funds. Students also educated other students about the conditions of women and children during war.
Adopt-a-Classroom
The SHARE Institute along with a California elementary school teacher helped to establish student led fundraising to benefit Afghani children. Popsicles were sold at the school’s March-a-thon, an event where students walk laps around a track to raise money for school projects, as a fundraiser. The idea of “Adopt-a-Classroom” was also formed that would allow students from the school to communicate with other students in Afghanistan via e-mail.
Leadership Program for College Students
In 2002, the leadership program continued with new and returning interns. The young leaders spent a semester learning fund-raising, communication, and community development skills. The leadership program continues to be vital part of the SHARE Institute.
2001
Book Scholarships
The SHARE Institute awarded two scholarships to college students who demonstrated commitment to the Institute’s principles and showed financial need. The scholarships aided in paying for college textbooks for students.
Leadership Program for College Students
In 2001, three college students spent a semester at the SHARE Institute learning fund-raising, communication, and community development skills. The leadership program has grown over the years and interns continue to be vital part of the SHARE.
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