Green Think Tank for Disability Community

Support Green Fun Raiser Sat. March 17 - Help BNICEH

2012-03-02T17:15:00.128-06:00

Green “Fun” Raiser - Benefit for BNICEH
at Chicago French Market

Actress/Model Ramissa
promotes Green Fun Raiser and
organic skincare and haircare

Sat. March 17, 2012 11am-3 pm

Dr. Frank Yurasek
http://www.acuwerks.com/
"Make Your Own Medicine"

Chicago French Market

131 N. Clinton Chicago – Ogilvie Train Station-

Alternate entrance for paratransit: 118 N. Canal

FREE admission/ Donation: $ 15-20

(paid members of IMPRUVE may request discount)

BNICEH Fundraiser for Women’s Conference and Trip to Washington DC with NPPMA (National Paratransit People’s Movement Assembly)

Dr. Maat, CEO-president, BNICEH Welcomes you to the Chicago French Market - Music, lectures, technology demo, raw food samples, PowerPoints, live demos, treatment for balding, Food as Medicine, De-stressing with food or massage

Flowers by Les Fleurs (Chicago French Market)

Massage Systems Inc – table and chair massages at extra cost, proceeds benefit BNICEH (“be nicer”)

• Lectures on raw food prep, nutrition, de-stressing, food and moods

• Technology lecture/demo/CDAA

• Lecture, organic hair care and skincare by Chatto to prevent or stop balding, heal razor bumps, skin problems

• Acuhand therapy, Tui Nai, Medical Qigong

• Handcrafted pillows, quilting demo

List of Speakers/demos:

Dr. Ayo Maat- green educator,

Carol Jones or Poly Gaza, co-owners of RAW (Raising Awareness Worldwide)

Dr. Frank Yurasek, L.Ac, NMD, Nat’l College Acupuncture Clinic, Medical Qigong, Acuhand therapy, TCM, Pain Clinic Stroger Hospital Video of interview of Dr. Yuurasek and Dr. Maat at "From the Heartland" - discsion of green medicine vs. white medicine (drugs), and red medicine (surgery)
http://youtu.be/XPOpF8lyCZo

Dr. Maisha Hamilton, former forensic psychologist;

Chatto Wright of Chatto, award-winning esthetician, organic skincare and haircare products – demo of healing of balding in clients-how to prevent or reverse

http://www.chatto.com/

Massage Systems Inc.

"I Feel Good!"

"Let's Cut Some Stress"

(No Disrobing)

http://www.massagesystemsinc.com/massage_systems_inc_007.htm

Pete Preston, founder Massage Systems Inc.

Table massage available if you schedule in advance

Sponsor Info: Call Dr. Maat 773-416-7366

email: greenthinktank@comcast.net bniceh@yahoo.com

Pierre Clark and Sy Bounds, Chicago Digital Access Alliance

Pierre Clark, CEO-cofounder

Pot of Gold Sponsors: Chatto (Organic Salon), Chicago Digital Access Alliance, Chicago French Market, Ibeji Resource Center, pH for Balance, Les Fleurs

http://www.frenchmarketchicago.com/events/

Sy Bounds, the Blog Professor
from Chicago Digital Access Alliance
with actor Max Gail (who played character
Det. Stan "Wojo" Wojciehowicz from
Barney Miller TV Series 1975-1982)

http://www.phforbalance.com/

Help BNICEH/IMPRUVE Meet or Get Closer to Our Goal
Restricted Trip Fund to Date - $ 1,800
Goal - $ 10,000

Thanks.

RSVP to: 773-916-MAAT or 773-416-7366
bniceh@yahoo.com
greenthinktank@comcast.net

http://www.massagesystemsinc.com/massage_systems_inc_007.htm

50% of All Chair and Table Massage

Costs Benefit BNICEH

Massage Systems Inc.

"I Feel Good!"
"Let's Cut Some Stress"

(No Disrobing)

Indicate Table massage or chair massage

Call 630-215-6000

Thanks for your support

IMPRUVE Paratransit PMA - 12 Action Ideas

2012-01-26T12:20:00.001-06:00

Paratransit Peoples Movement Assembly – We went national in 2010!
OCCUPY Public Servants With Our Issues

Action Ideas –Jan. 26-May 15, 2012

"Never underestimate the power of one person." Eleanor Roosevelt

These action ideas are for paratransit riders, drivers and transit advocates for mass transit and paratransit. We have a plan to improve the current paratransit system and a solution to end or prevent Transit Eugenics; we plan to launch the plan step-by-step between now and 2016—it is a national plan that can be replicated city by city, state by state. Those who choose to ride the carriers of their current service boards may continue. We will set an alternative that is rider-owned, Green, and controlled by us—PWDs (persons who are disabled)!

Twelve Action Ideas for Paratransit People’s Movement Assembly

1. Attend benefits for IMPRUVE Paratransit People’s Movement Assembly (NPPMA). Donate cash. Donate items to the Silent Auction. Next benefit is: March 17, 2012

2. Write to your U.S. Senators, U.S. Representative, and Senator Rockefeller, chairman of Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee for a hearing on paratransit for Transit Equity nationally under ADA guidelines, Green Paratransit run by PWDs to provide Green jobs for PWDs to lift us out of poverty and have sustainable income. Contact impruve2@yahoo.com for letter samples.

3. Promote the National Paratransit People’s Movement Assembly (NPPMA)on your website and newsgroup

4. Organize 20-100 paratransit riders and their advocates in your region

5. Submit names of paratransit riders who passed away 2009-2012; Make your own Memorial posters to carry to events

6. Set up your own fundraising or ask 30 people to donate $10-30 on your trip

7. Attend next meeting: TBA at AIMMC 836 W. Wellington Olson Auditorium Chicago 60657 Normally evenings 2-5:30 pm. RSVP to 773-544-9488

8. Ask to be invited to the bi-monthly Green Think Tank and NPPMA Rondee teleconferences email: ayomaat@hotmail.com or the occasional National Paratransit People’s Movement Assembly 800 planning teleconferences. Email Ernie Martinez: ernie@soflacil.org

9. Organize phone blitzes now through May until a meeting or hearing is granted in DC or various regions on paratransit or they bail us out or stop the FTA provision where a service board can charge up to twice the fixed route fare.

10. Choose a partner to share rides, hotel room, food when you attend the 2012 NPPMA

11. Pray for an end to any disparate impact and oppressive treatment on people with disabilities who ride paratransit, and a block on cuts to Medicaid, SSA & home services.

12. Request “The Paratransit Is My Transit” song by email: impruve2@yahoo.com Sing, learn the melody. Bring with you to events. Add new stanzas pertaining to your city

Ayo Maat, Ph.D. 773-416-7366 Visit www.greenthinktankfordisabilitycommunity.blogspot.com

Think you have no power? No money? No way to win against Big Money lobbyists and billionaires and millionaires in government?

We have 42,000 paratransit riders in Illinois, give or take a few who have passed or been terminated by the paratransit and new persons added (including returned veterans). We need to set the example and work with other states. We must convince the Congress, the U.S. Access Board, the FTA, the President and the Justice Dept to do the right thing. We must melt the cold hearts and resistance of those who set policy that affects us. We must fight with all we've got when they resist reason. Never give up. We can shatter resistance best by standing for the good and ourselves resisting the temptation to wish harm on others or to misdirect our anger.

We blocked (jammed) the switchboard years ago (1990s) during the “Amanda Wallace case” to prevent legislators from making the wrong decision about children and parents who are disabled when we protested unfair child welfare policy in the state. It worked. Legislators acted responsibly and did not pass the legislation that we felt was unfair to families. State Rep. Mary Flowers studied the issue, paid attention to or arguments, and changed her vote. She asked how did we mobilize so fast to jam the legislative switchboard in the state capital (BNICEH mobilized overnight and into the wee hours of the morning). Note, this was without major funding, without a court injunction, without paying stipends and salaries, before the public Internet, and before most people had cell phones, computers, IPods, access to cable and digital bulletin boards, and smart phones; and without advertising or doing public service messages on radio, in print media or major networks. It was perfect framing of the issue, word-of-mouth and the telephone that won the victory for us. It was the Power of the People determined and with a righteous cause.

Junto ganaremos! Together, we will win!

Email to join IMPRUVE and NPPMA: impruve-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

We need not let our federal legislators off the hook. Tell them: Stop the cuts! Not on Our Backs! No Fare hikes (Metro Access in DC is set to go up anyday)! No extra tax on recipients of low-income and blue collar workers! Join us, vets and disability and transit advocates!

OCCUPY Public Servants With Our Issues!

Greening the World with Truth and Love Forever, Dispelling the Fallacies of Those Who Falsely Savor Being Cheap, Cruel, Unloving, Unforgiving, Racist, Evil, Superior Solely Due to Visible Income or Social Status, Unsharing, Corrupt, Criminally-Minded, Miserly or Greedy

2012-01-05T08:14:00.088-06:00

Truth and Love. I felt this was a better blessing for me to desire for my fellow beings on the planet than a simple Happy New Year. Besides, my new year does not begin until March 20 with the spring equinox. This is my gift to you for 2012 and all years, months, days, minutes, seconds, nanoseconds moving forward. I desire much Love for you and send Light, Truth and Love to you that you may have true Peace and More Life:

That the focus not remain on hate, what you lack, what you envy in those who have what you yearn for that is rightfully yours as part of your divine inheritance, but have not yet claimed and accepted (if it is yours as a gift from the divine, then it is a present). Know that is available to you in this Present moment.

Write this down and tack it to your mirror or wherever you spend the most time:

The past is gone as I live in this moment, ready to start my life on a clean slate.

Then make your decision and write your vision--look at it, recite it daily, and refine it as needed, but don't forget it. There is no reason for you to feel alone and that your business or life or relationships cannot be healed or that you cannot be transformed or get more out of life. No matter what your situation, if you yearn for more, for a better life:

"Quality of life does not have to do with income. Quality of life has to do with having clean air, feeling safe in your hose, feeling that your children [and you and the elders] are safe on the streets, feeling that you are valued as a human being, that yo have good reklationships with other people, and that what you do feeds your soul and your day." - Winona LaDuke, founding director of the White Earth Land Recovery Project

For help, contact http://www.judithwright.com/ and see the calendar of classes, seminars coming up. Read her books "One Decision" and "The Soft Addictions Solution."

Or go to http://www.spirituality.com/ or a Christian Science Reading Room (open to the public for purchase or borrowing of books) or the public library for a copy of Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures by Mary Baker Eddy, CSB.

Meanwhile, here are words and songs I selected for you to ponder, to reflect on while cleansing from the dross of the unfavorable things of the past:

What the song "Glow of Love" by Change, sung by Luther Van Dross inspires us to do:

e is no better way to be than the Glow of Love. ..can you feel it all around you?...our destiny is heavensent!" And here is Luther to say it in a most beautiful, loving voice. This is from the days when he sang with Change.

Enjoy the song. You may want to replay it as you dictate a mental love letter to yourself or the universe in which we live, or all who have passed into transition from earthly life. This song is so baddd--no wonder -look at the collaborators who wrote the lyrics and the man who composed the music_ James Ingram, Michael McDonald, Rod Temperton and Q--Quincy Jones!! What a power combination behind Luther Van Dross.

May you change your focus this moment to higher and loftier ideals and renew your mind to claim your abundance, letting Love, joy, peace, healing into your life , so you can share it and make a difference in your home, building, relationships, community, state, nation, the world.

This is a take on love from Stevie Wonder, not to be confused with the Love we are speaking of from a higher perspective, but think of elevating this type of human love to a higher perspective and you get a nanoglimpse of the Love that we should have for each other:

Love cannot be hoarded. Love cannot be superseded, though some run from it and deny its presence in their affairs and lives in order to continue their warring thoughts and actions. Yet, when accepted as the attribute of the divine Creator that it is, it is as awesome and infinite as the sun though some run from the sun as if it is a mighty enemy.

http://youtu.be/UMOJvKD_26I

Don't worry about the appearance and reports of doom and gloom, death, war, poverty, ill will, ill health, corruption, violence, racism.

Transform yourself. Use that energy to transform the world thought, end war, end the random shootings, end corruption and greed, keep neighborhoods safe, demonstrate goodwill, manifest sustainable life and income. You can't fail if you don't quit.

You have as much time as you need, because you are time's master.
I leave you with these words from the song by Marvin Gaye: God is Love

"...All He asks of us is we give each other Love...He love us whether or not we know it...."

Make Love go viral. As Luther said, walk in the glow of Love "happy, we're so happy...summer, winter, spring and fall."

Repost and replay Glow of Love by Change all over the planet. Enjoy the Love that is universal and never denied to those who seek it. Ase. ((~_~))

Love and Peace, Maat (order to chaos)

Resurrect Love Today!

What You Can Do to Help IMPRUVE and Other Disability Groups

2011-12-23T11:43:00.002-06:00

Fundraising Support
Do You Want Our Work to Continue?

A few musicians, students and Pwd's have supported our cause, though we have not raised enough money yet. We are counting on you to help us out, so we can continue the work of bringing a solar-powered vehicle into the hands of all who want a car that is green and affordable to do their local shopping, home visits, attend worhsip services, carry clothes to the laundromat, and run personal errands

So Chuck Idol has presented us with the opportunity to give away his CDs to donors or sell them for $20-shipping is $5 extra.) Please purchase the CDs or donate at least $20 to get one donated (plus shipping if you are not living in Chicag) nd write an opinion of teh Cd to Chuck Idol.

We have live numbered CDs recorded 12-11-2011 by Chuck Idol for donations of $20 and more to Benefit the work of IMPRUVE and BNICEH Listen to Chuck Idol at http://www.chuckidol.com/ and http://www.americanidol.pro/

Order CDs from us or from Chuck Idol. Tell him you read the promotion on our blog.

Call 773-416-7366 email: impruve2@yhoo.com

Donate to: IMPRUVE c/o Maat

6951 N. Sheridan Rd

Chicago IL 60626-3527 No personal checks, no cash by mail.

Money orders, cashier checks, Credit union checks .

Business checks only from those we know or do business with

IMPRUVE and National Paratransit People's Movement Assembly want you to raise your funds and meet them in Washington in May 2012. Ask Congress to support a green, affordable paratransit run by riders. Ask Congress to support affordable or subsidized PARATRANSIT fares for the disability community who cannot pay single fares of $7 in D.C. and $3 and $4 in Illinois and Florida. See prior posts for information on how to order tee shirts, send donations by money order or cashier checks or get invited to teleconferences or join the paratransit rider movement. Thanks.

Call 773-416-7366 email: impruve2@yahoo.com
websites, newsgroups: www.groups.yahoo.com/group/IMPRUVE
http://www.greenthinktankfordisabilitycommunity.blogspot.com/

WE WILL NOT BE SILENT

Support BNICEH at Rogers Park Holiday Show Nov. 26, 2011

2011-11-12T09:08:00.000-06:00

Malachite-stone of wealth, healing

Vendor spaces are left, but going fast.

Not just for old-timers. Youth and New faces welcome, too

Support us:

Rogers Park Holiday Market
Sat. November 26, 2011
Loyola Park Gym
1230 W. Greenleaf (near Sheridan)
Chicago IL 60626

Hosts: IBEJI Resource Center and BNICEH (Black Network In Children's Emotional Health)

Support two nonprofits run by two Black women who are disabled to continue our work to help seniors, PWD's, yoth and thsoe who have low income or low disposable income

Support small businesses, too

Christmas caroling, DJ, free raffle, ornament making, healthy and organic snacks and refreshments for sale, Children caroling contest

Vendors: $30-- call 773-761-7306 Request application by email. Mail with money order or cashier check payable to Ibeji Resource Center Atn: Selena Awoleye 6142 N. California #136 Chicago IL 60659

Upcoming Events - 2012

Women are not silent on human rights issues, paratransit, housing, health,
employment, homelessness, violence, education, disability, politics, family issues

Save the date: Sat. March 17, 2012 Women's Conference at Loyola University "Creating Your Own Success" Looking for sponsors to give scholarships to 150 women, sponsor panel presentations, catering, resource table. Vendors, inquire to Selena 773-761-7306 or Maat 773-416-7366 after Nov. 30, 2011

Target audience: all women, mature teen females who want great success (women who are disabled)

Confirmed speakers: Dr. Ayo Maat, CEO-president of BNICEH

Tentative speakers to be confirmed (from): Wright Leadership Institute, Shelley Amdur, NAWBO (National Assn of Women Business Owners), Carol Winn of WinWinn Solutaions, JJ's List, Access Living, Witherspoon Marketing, PH For Balance, Dr. Teresa Wanczyk, D.O., NorthSide Community Federal Credit Union, SouthSide Community Federal Credit Union, the Gannon Center-Loyola University, HOW (Housing Opportunities for Women), Access Living, UIC Entrepreneurial Studies program, Uptown Center Hull House ETP, O.N.E., Rogers Park Business Alliance, SERN (Self-Employment Resource Network), et al

Co-producers: IBEJI Resource Center and BNICEH

Women work on transit issues

Women participate in rallies and continue the fight even when others try to deny them equal access

Women are there supporting youth, men, other women across the antion

Maat No Satisfaction Too Much Static

2011-11-05T04:31:00.000-05:00

BNICEH and IMPRUVE Need Your Support Now through May 2012!!

2011-10-20T12:30:00.025-05:00

Update December 23, 2011:

Do You Want Our Work to Continue?

Support US NOW!

Has IMPRUVE or BNICEH helped you?

Has Dr. Maat helped you?

Do You Want Our Work to Continue?

What Can You Bring to Our Organization, Affiliates and Projects if Not Funds?

Barter and Exchange Services

Or Donate As You Can

Help us Reach Our Comprehensive Goals of $ 13,000 from now through 2012, $25,000 more by 2014, and $350,000 by 2016 (total $400,000 2011-2016):

$ 3000 by Nov. 12 for Landmark Education Forum - training of directors and members who are active volunteers and pay dues--we have alraedy paid $500 toward the training.
$ 500 in shared donations from Nov. 26 Rogers Park Holiday Show co-hosted by Ibeji Resource Center and BNICEH (Black Network In Children's Emotional Health)
$ 2000 in shared earnings from Ibeji Resource Center and BNICEH co-hosting Women's Conference TBA - locxaton being changed for Sat. March 17, 2012 9 am-4 pm) Looking for sponsors to be able to provide scholarships for 150 women for Women's Conference Theme: "Creating Your Success..." Speakers include a person from Wright Learning Centers (The Wright Institute), Maat, Carol Winn, et al
$ 5000 for trip to Washington DC for National Paratransit People's Movement Assembly
$ 350,000 or more by 2016 for investment in Soular Car businesses and Green Paratransit
$ 25,000 to pay stipends and board expenses for 2 admininstrative assistants, 1 personal care assistant for annual trip to Washington DC, miscellaneous trips, general and special meetings (to represent the organization or pay for ASL interpreters)
$ 3000 for Bills (mobile phone, Internet, postage, supplies, CAN-TV nonprofit dues, Rogers Park Business Alliance dues)

$ 500 to host next health seminar
$ 1000 to preliminarily plan 2nd National Black Mental Health Forum in 2013

$ 1000 to provide transportation for family and youth participation in events
$ 4000 to publish updated online resource directory and a few printed copies to families
$ 5000 for board retreat, staff training and training in One Village healing centers

Recruiting Visionaries and People Who Think Out the Box For Our Board of Directors, (Directors Pay Full Dues and On Time), Advisory Board, and Volunteer Staff (until Stipends or Salaries Can Be Paid)
Sales of Carson's Community Day Event Books up to $200 in discounts - February Through April.12 , 2012

Special on IMPRUVE Tee shirts while supplies last through Jan. 31, 2012:

Tee shirt prices:

                   children's small (6-8), medium (10-12) -   $10
                   adult small, large, XL, 2X                      -   $15
                   adult 3X, 4X                                         -   $20

To ship, with shipping and handling   -  $25 (no matter what size)
PAY IN ADVANCE--NO CREDIT

Charter members of IMPRUVE from 2000, current dues-paying members, active volunteers who have been providing provide daily, weekly or bi-weekly service, get a discount at the holiday show Nov. 26 on tee shirts. NO DISCOUNTS ON SNACKS AND GRAB BAG (grab bag only $2)

Arrange to purchase--no personal checks--no cash by mail- money order, cashier check only
Call 773-544-9488 or 224-425-2181 to arrange pickup; Mail delivery, call 773-416-7366

Pay full membership dues or make a donation of $60 or more and receive a free tee shirt
Pay partial membership dues or make a donation of $30 or more and receive 50% off a tee shirt

To help toward our 2012 trip, buy a Carson's book for $5 in February, March, April; buy up to five for friends, family, associates, and employees ($25-total and receive $200 each in discount coupons plus be able to use up to five $10 off coupons good toward merchandise of $10 or more.

Get a $10 item free from Carson's with your coupon plus tax!

Meet us at Carson's (Wilmette -Edens Plaza or oter location) -call for dates, times or make appointment for us to bring tee shirts, Carson's books, snacks, grab bag if you can't make it to our markets or meetings

SAVE THE DATES

Market and Event Dates
Selling Carson's Dscount Booklets at $5 each beginning mid-February 2012 through April 28, 2012

Fri and Sat. April 27 and 28, 2012 - Carson's Community Days across the nation at Bon Ton's, Carson's, Younkers, Parisian, Herberger's http://www.communitydayevent.com/

Sat. Nov. 26, 2011
Rogers Park Holiday Show - rained out

10am-3pm Loyola Park Fieldhouse 1230 W. Greenleaf Chicago IL 60626

IBEJI -Women Artists in Rogers Park - Holiday Market December 15 through December 24, 2011 10am-4pm --Some women artists are selling their handcrafted pillows, jeewlry, scarfs, mittens, fabric, and homewares and decorative items through Sat. December 24, 2011 only at IBEJI Resource Center

Sat. March 17, 2012 - Cancelled - being rescheduled to a new site

Women’s Conference-Loyola University - Rogers Park lakefront campus - "Creating Your Own Success" hosted by
Ibeji Resource Center and BNICEH (Black Network In Children's Emotional Health)

Looking for Sponsors to offer scholarships to women, girls; underwrite panels, speakers.
Call us: Selena at Ibeji Resource Center 773-761-7306 or Maat at BNICEH 773-416-7366 Tentative economy conference fees on sliding fee scale from $15-50 per person

Corporate/Sponsor fees TBA
Vendor fees TBA
Light Breakfast and Lunch included
Libation-drumming-panels, speakers, films

Topics (being finalized with speakers): Greening women for success, Personal transformation, Going from homeless to success, Spiritual transformation, Successful women who have overcome obstacles, poverty to achieve success, Women Firsts, and more

Maat Specials in December through March 2012

Maat now has Nutritional Education by appointment - discount to all who show proof of purchase from her table, Selena Awoleye, Ibeji Resource Center, or BNICEH from Rogers Park Holiday Market Sat. November 26 10am-3pm. 773-416-7366 Maat sells:
Handcrafted jewelry, cards, dolls, masks, poetry by Maat. Visit her at http://www.maatjewelry.blogspot.com/ and http://www.maatproducts.blogspot.com/

Nutritional Education
Make appointment with Dr. Maat for nutritional education, raw recipes, nutritional coaching and consulting rates from $50-$250 773-416-7366 maatproducts@hotmail.com

Make a date to meet with her; she visits RAW, Leona's on Sheridan, Heartland Cafe, UnCommon Ground, Karyn's Raw and other sites. In-home consultation--home must be wheelchair-accessible, harmonious (can do reasonable Feng Shui consultation if it is not), and free of intrusions by bed bugs, roaches, rodents, visitors unless they are also paying for a consultation. Please have someone to attend to family members and pets that require your attention.

If your home is not accessible and you require in-kitchen or in-home consultation, can do it online with webcam or I can refer you to Hatice Yakuz of pH Balance (her fee is generally $275 for in-kitchen consultation

Maat is at RAW on Thursdays 2-4:30 pm – 131 N. Clinton Chicago (in Chicago French Market)

Get your alkaline ionized water now from RAW, Richard Khaaliq or Leslie Scott (since Cousin's closed October 6, 2011).

Call Maat 773-416-7366 maatproducts@hotmail.com

www.maatjewelry.blogspot.com

http://www.greenthinktankfordisabilitycommunity.blogspot.com/

To Reach Chuck Idol http://www.chuckidol.com/ or
Support His Concerts

Click on TV link at http://www.americanidol.pro/

for Live Concert :

in Hagerstown MD - ask about next concert

Streamed live (online) - Fundraiser for disability group(s)
http://www.americanidol.pro/ and http://www.longislandbuilders.com/

Chuck Idol Sr. will be in concert to raise funds for certain disability groups that help persons who have scoliosis and breast cancer. National Scoliosis Foundation endorses Sound for Scoliosis. BNICEH and IMPRUVE endorse the work of Chuck Idol Sr. through Long Island Builders and American Idol Pro, and his concerts. Long Island Builders LLC and American Idol Pro are bridging business, technology and the disability community. Visit his sites for all dates, information

Now through May 2012 - Volunteers, directors, advisiors, members of IMPRUVE, BNICEH - Move your money to NorthSide Community Federal Credit Union,

May 2012 - Trip to Washington D.C. with IMPRUVE for NPPMA Memorial rally (National Paratransit People's Movement Assembly)

Congressional Record Reflects IMPRUVE's Visit to Washington, Charles Idol Jr's Humanitarian Rescue of PWDs, and Need to Improve Paratransit

2011-09-09T11:30:00.000-05:00

IMPRUVE thanks Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky for paying tribute to Charles Idol Jr. We honored him and Tim Jay Haynes with awards at a ceremony on August 5, 2011 at AIMMC (Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center) Olson Auditorium 836 W. Wellington Chicago IL 60657
Be sure to visit Green Think Tank Web Pages

IN RECOGNITION OF CHARLES IDOL AND THE NEED FOR IMPROVED PARATRANSIT POLICIES -- (Extensions of Remarks - July 30, 2011)

[Page: E1457] GPO's PDF
---
SPEECH OF
HON. JANICE D. SCHAKOWSKY
OF ILLINOIS
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
SATURDAY, JULY 30, 2011

Ms. SCHAKOWSKY. Mr. Speaker, many of our constituents come to Washington, D.C. to meet with their elected officials, to gather for conferences and to attend events. It's not always easy to do--they have to find the funds, take time off from work and often arrange alternative care-giving arrangements for family members. For people with disabilities, there is another obstacle--a transportation system that is often inaccessible because of inadequate infrastructure, poor design or breakdowns.

Today, I want to describe to my colleagues the experience of some Chicagoans who worked hard to surmount those barriers and to recognize Mr. Charles Idol, manager of Clyde's restaurant in Chinatown, who came to their rescue.

This spring, six Chicago residents traveled to Washington, D.C. to attend the National Paratransit Memorial Rally. It wasn't easy for them to get from Chicago to Washington, but they were determined to be here to speak out for improved paratransit policies.

Of the six persons, one is a volunteer from IMPRUVE (the Independent Movement of Paratransit Riders for Unity, Vehicles, Equality) and five are disabled. IMPRUVE is a national organization based in Chicago committed to meeting the transportation needs of people with disabilities. Dr. Ayo Maat, my constituent and President of IMPRUVE, organized the trip and arranged meetings with members of the Illinois delegation, including my office, to discuss paratransit solutions.

Once in Washington, those six Chicagoans were confronted by a situation that underscores the need for improved paratransit policies. The group decided to have dinner in Chinatown and wound up stranded after their meal because there was no accessible transportation back to their hotel. For over two and a half hours, the group tried to find accessible transportation. They called taxi services, Metro Access, the police department and 911 and no one could help them. Despite the fact that the three in wheelchairs could not ride in a regular taxi, their situation was not considered an emergency. One person needed insulin, another needed her epilepsy medicine, yet they were unable to get back to their hotel room because there was no available accessible transportation in our Nation's Capital.

Fortunately, they found Mr. Idol. Dr. Maat wrote to tell me of his generosity, ``Angels do exist and they walk among us as ordinary people with extremely big hearts and compassion and love.'' Mr. Idol worked to find a solution for these six stranded strangers in Chinatown, keeping his restaurant open to them while trying to find accessible transportation. When that attempt failed, he paid for a nearby hotel room for the three persons in wheelchairs who could not ride a regular taxi and sent those who could back to their original hotel so that they could retrieve needed wheelchair batteries and medicine. Meeting Mr. Idol helped avert a possible catastrophe.

But it is unacceptable that people with disabilities have to rely on the kindness of strangers instead of being able to depend on a safe, available and accessible transportation system.

The D.C. metropolitan area has experienced paratransit ridership growth of more than 10 percent per year from 2006 through 2009, a trend that is expected to continue. Here in our Nation's Capital and throughout the country, we still have a long way to go to make sure that growing needs are met.

We have to make improvements in the infrastructure and availability of paratransit so that people with disabilities are able to travel freely--to go to work and school, visit their friends, and come to Congress to make their voices heard.

Again, I want to thank Mr. Idol and I want to thank Dr. Maat and IMPRUVE for their leadership and commitment to paratransit.

Charles Idol Honored and IMPRUVE Recognized in Congressional Record

2011-08-08T13:31:00.000-05:00

IN RECOGNITION OF CHARLES IDOL AND THE NEED FOR IMPROVED PARATRANSIT POLICIES -- (Extensions of Remarks - July 30, 2011)

[Page: E1457] GPO's PDF
---SPEECH OF
HON. JANICE D. SCHAKOWSKY
OF ILLINOIS
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
SATURDAY, JULY 30, 2011
•Ms. SCHAKOWSKY. Mr. Speaker, many of our constituents come to Washington, D.C. to meet with their elected officials, to gather for conferences and to attend events. It's not always easy to do--they have to find the funds, take time off from work and often arrange alternative care-giving arrangements for family members. For people with disabilities, there is another obstacle--a transportation system that is often inaccessible because of inadequate infrastructure, poor design or breakdowns.
•Today, I want to describe to my colleagues the experience of some Chicagoans who worked hard to surmount those barriers and to recognize Mr. Charles Idol, manager of Clyde's restaurant in Chinatown, who came to their rescue.
•This spring, six Chicago residents traveled to Washington, D.C. to attend the National Paratransit Memorial Rally. It wasn't easy for them to get from Chicago to Washington but they were determined to be here to speak out for improved paratransit policies. Of the six persons, one is a volunteer from IMPRUVE (the Independent Movement of Paratransit Riders for Unity, Vehicles, Equality) and five are disabled. IMPRUVE is a national organization based in Chicago committed to meeting the transportation needs of people with disabilities. Dr. Ayo Maat, my constituent and President of IMPRUVE, organized the trip and arranged meetings with members of the Illinois delegation, including my office, to discuss paratransit solutions.
•Once in Washington, those six Chicagoans were confronted by a situation that underscores the need for improved paratransit policies. The group decided to have dinner in Chinatown and wound up stranded after their meal because there was no accessible transportation back to their hotel. For over two and a half hours, the group tried to find accessible transportation. They called taxi services, Metro Access, the police department and 911 and no one could help them. Despite the fact that the three in wheelchairs could not ride in a regular taxi, their situation was not considered an emergency. One person needed insulin, another needed her epilepsy medicine, yet they were unable to get back to their hotel room because there was no available accessible transportation in our Nation's Capital.
•Fortunately, they found Mr. Idol. Dr. Maat wrote to tell me of his generosity, ``Angels do exist and they walk among us as ordinary people with extremely big hearts and compassion and love.'' Mr. Idol worked to find a solution for these six stranded strangers in Chinatown, keeping his restaurant open to them while trying to find accessible transportation. When that attempt failed, he paid for a nearby hotel room for the three persons in wheelchairs who could not ride a regular taxi and sent those who could back to their original hotel so that they could retrieve needed wheelchair batteries and medicine. Meeting Mr. Idol helped avert a possible catastrophe.
•But it is unacceptable that people with disabilities have to rely on the kindness of strangers instead of being able to depend on a safe, available and accessible transportation system. The D.C. metropolitan area has experienced paratransit ridership growth of more than 10 percent per year from 2006 through 2009, a trend that is expected to continue. Here in our Nation's Capital and throughout the country, we still have a long way to go to make sure that growing needs are met. We have to make improvements in the infrastructure and availability of paratransit so that people with disabilities are able to travel freely--to go to work and school, visit their friends, and come to Congress to make their voices heard.
•Again, I want to thank Mr. Idol and I want to thank Dr. Maat and IMPRUVE for their leadership and commitment to paratransit.

_______________________________________________________________________
We thank Congresswoman Schakowsky for standing up for paratransit riders and honoring Charles, Idol Jr. with this tribute. We thank the 6 members whom Mr. Idol rescued, including our volunteer Tim Haynes who worked tirelessly to provide personal assistance to Tyquan Baxter and Cecelia Jackson for the entire trip, and emergency assistance to Dr. Maat, Patricia Baxter, Genevarenee Baxter, Tyquan Baxter and Cecelia Jackson while they were stranded, recovering battery chargers and cell phone chargers and medicines to those who needed them thanks to the generosity of Mr. Idol ion paying his taxi costs back and forth between hotels (as he did not require an accessible taxi, and consoling Tyquan when his he was worried or feeling anxiety about his mother being stranded and the group missing our tour of the Capitol due to paratransit being late or going in the wrong direction and quite a distance away when the Capitol was just across the street from Congressional offices.

We also thank Joanne Tillis who stayed behind at the Hilton on May 26 and was able to assist our volunteer Tim Haynes in getting battery charger for Cecelia to take to the Monaco Hotel and attended meeting with Senator Kirk's office on the Capitol.

Despite this, the end result was proof of God's care and love through the service we received at Hilton Garden Inn, Hotel Monaco, Clyde's of Gallery Place, the Congressional staff of Rep. Schakowsky and the cordiality of Sen. Kirk's staff who both promised to work with IMPRUVE and plan a Transit Summit with Sen. Durbin's staff, and the meetings given us by Sen. Durbin's staff (even though no promises were made) and by Rep. Bobby Rush's staff (though promises to honor Charles Idol Jr. and work with Rep. Schakowsky on a Transit Summit for paratransit are still pending) are appreciated.

We did not yet succeed in getting meetings with the President neither his special advisor to disability policy Kareem Dale regarding the Soular Car Project with green employment, nanotechnology, and green accessible housing, but we are still working on it.

Like the kangaroo, we move forward.

Like the oak, we bend, but do not break.

Like my namesake, I am Maat and I bring order to chaos.

Light to the disability community, the Idol family, the paratransit providers and service boards, and drivers. Don't forget to support our fundraisers, buy our tee shirt, send in names of paratransit riders who have passed away since 2010 and support us when we return May 2012 for another National Paratransit Peoples Movement Assembly Memorial Rally for paratransit riders who have passed away and desired a higher quality of life and affordable and green paratransit for all who need it regardless of location, age, gender, purpose of using, or income and better vehicles with better suspension systems across the board, and choice.

I like this saying adapted from my friend in service - Queen Hanah in Tallahassee:

"We are blessed and highly favored."

Ase.

IMPRUVE Honors Charles Idol Jr. August 5, 2011 and Updates on Soular Car Project

2011-08-04T12:22:00.000-05:00

Aug. 5 - Don't miss Congressional record draft about IMPRUVE trip to Washington DC and rescue by Charles Idol Jr. when 6 were stranded will be read as drafted by Rep. Jan Schakowsky at 2:30pm by IMPRUVE at 836 W. Wellington Olson Auditorium AIMMC (Advocate llinois Masonic Medical Center) Chicago 60657 and celebration of Charles Idol Jr.'s rescue

Agenda Summary – Fri. August 5, 2011 AIMMC – Olson Auditorium 2-5:30 pm
836 W. Wellington Chicago IL 60657
IMPRUVE is the Independent Movement of Paratransit Riders for Unity, Vehicles, Equality founded Feb. 2000 773-416-7366

NPPMA is National Paratransit People’s Movement Assembly founded April 2010

Prayer 2:10-2:12pm followed by introduction of directors and guests

1. Reading of Congressional record of IMPRUVE trip to Washington DC
and help and rescue from Charles Idol Jr - final draft from Rep.
Jan Schakowsky's office - 2:30-2:45pm
2. Short award ceremony for Charles Idol Jr.

and pictures with the
Magnificent Seven

who went to Washington DC; Report on NPPMA
Memorial Rally held May 26, 2011 for paratransit riders and board
directors of IMPRUVE or BNICEH who passed away between 2010-2011
2:45-3:05 pm
3. Guest Speaker: United Home Healthcare - Henry Marcus 3:05-3:15 pm –
sign up during break and 4:15-5:20 pm
4. Guest speaker: Lawyer invited from CAC -- Short review or status
of federal paratransit case 3:30-3:45 pm
5. Break 3:45-4:00 pm
6. Guest Speaker: Sy Bounds on Soular Car Project 4:00-4:15 pm
7. Talk with a P.A. (personal asst) for DORS home services
8. Survey of Loan Needs, Financial Needs for Disability Community
Sign up: NorthSide Community Federal Credit Union 4:30-5:15pm
9. NPPMA Report - Ernie Martinez, host of NPPMA Teleconference may
report for 5-10 minutes by cell phone –5:00-5:15 pm
10. Announcements

Thanks again to donors who contributed to make our trip to Washington DC possible and to donor Chuck Idol Sr. (in yellow)

who will be planning a benefit concert for us and putting our song(s) and Maat's lyrics to music and posting on his websites that include www.americanidol.pro

DON’T FORGET TO BUY A TEE SHIRT OR MAKE A DONATION OR JOIN AND PAY DUES IF YOU CAN (impruve2@yahoo.com)

National Paratransit People's Movement Assembly and IMPRUVE Invite You to Make Dr. Maat's NEV Car a Reality and Try 12 Action Ideas

2011-07-20T19:04:00.000-05:00

National Paratransit Peoples Movement Assembly (NPPMA) organized by IMPRUVE
Motto of IMPRUVE "We yield, but we do not break."
Motto of NPPMA: "We move forward like the kangaroo."

Never going backwards, we move along the cutting edge of human rights and disability rights, adopting a 21st century attitude of Transit Equity and compassion for people who live at, near or below poverty;it is an attitude that dispels Transit Eugenics, repeals the notion of establishing any form of a Transit Gestapo, and declares an end to unfair fares and draconian policymaking.

All over the nation, disability rights groups are taking a stand for justice and human rights

We support technology within the green movement and nanofabrication that aligns us closer to Transit Freedom and Justice, green jobs, individual solar-powered and electric cars and a people's Green Paratransit van pool or fleet. This movement does not compete with local government-run paratransit, but stand out on its own as an alternative to reduce costs and carbon pollution while offering a people's choice to provide sustainable service and income to a previously disenfranchised population.

Action Ideas – July-September 2011

"Never underestimate the power of one person." Eleanor Roosevelt

“Each time a man stands up for an ideal or acts to improve the lot of others, or strikes out against injustice, he sends forth a tiny ripple of hope, and crossing each other from a million different centers of energy and daring, those ripples build a current that can sweep down the mightiest walls of oppression and resistance.”- Robert F. Kennedy, former U.S. Atty General

Charles Idol Jr. set a ripple in motion on May 27, 2011 when he did the right thing on behalf of six strangers, 5 of them disabled. See http://www.herald-mail.com/lifestyle/hm-kate-coleman-charlie-idol-does-the-right-thing-20110712,0,4779193.column

Paratransit Blog - July 19, 2011

These action ideas are for paratransit riders, drivers and transit advocates for mass transit and paratransit. Relief for the paratransit rider or fixed route rider must come through our own efforts. We must look out for ourselves and those who have been unable to ride paratransit due to oversize wheelchairs, environmental illness and respiratory illness. IMPRUVE has no problem with paratransit service boards. Our problem is with the high fares they charge and any policies that are so oppressive and manipulative that persons who are disabled (PWDs) are unable to ride and feel that it is a waste of carfare to go to service board meetings and public hearings in their cities.

"One person cooperating in harmony with the divine is a multitude."

Twelve Action Ideas for Paratransit People’s Movement Assembly - July-September2011

1. Donate $15-20. Receive a tee shirt: "WE SHALL NOT BE SILENT" Sat. July 23, 2011 9am-2pm at Disability Pride Parade Daley Center Booth 19 at 50 W. Washington Chicago 60602 or at our next general meeting Fri. August 5th 2-5:30 pm at AIMMC 836 W. Wellington Chicago 60657 in Olson Auditorium receive tee shirt (sizes 1x, 2x, 3x, 45x only) Special order and advance pay required for other sizes.

Funds needed for IMPRUVE and National Paratransit People’s Movement Assembly (NPPMA) to continue work and organizing for the Soular Car Project or Green Paratransit and retire outstanding debt from Washington DC trip. Contact Maat 773-416-7366 re: Soular Car Project

Contact Cece 773-544-9488 or Patricia 224-425-2181 for tee shirts . Patricia also has mystery gift bags and snacks for sale at special events.

2. Donate cash. Donate items to the Silent Auction. Examples: gift cards, gift services, timeshares, airline mileage points, hotel stays, transportation, taxi service, laptops, cell phone minutes, stationery, envelopes, postage stamps, texting, email blasts, phone blitzes, articles, press releases, food or restaurant gift certificates, massage services, etc.

3. Write to your U.S. Senators, U.S. House Representative (Congressman), Senator Tom Latham, chairman of Transportation and Infrastructure, and Senator Rockefeller, chairman of Senate Committee On Commerce, Science and Transportation for a hearing on Green Paratransit run by PWDs to provide Green jobs for PWDs to lift people who are disabled (PWD) out of poverty and provide sustainable income. Contact impruve2@yahoo.com for letter samples.

4. Promote the IMPRUVE Paratransit People’s Movement Assembly on your website and newsgroup. Support the solar-powered and electric cars that we promote. Comment at the link for Dr. Maat's Neighborhood Electric Car: http://drmaatsneighborhoodelectriccar.blogspot.com/

5. Organize 20-100 paratransit riders and their advocates in your region. Inform them to jkeep posted at disability.gov for online townhall meetings and NPPMA twice a month 800 teleconferences. Join NPPMA. Join IMPRUVE on the call with advocates from various states

6. Submit names of paratransit riders who passed away 2010-2011; Make your own Memorial posters to display at public rallies or next year's National Paratransit Memorial Rally to be held during week of Memorial Day holiday

7. Start raising funds now. Set up your own fundraising or ask 30 people to donate $10-30 on your trip for 2012 National Paratransit People's Memorial rally. Can also join NPPMA and set up a memorial rally in your county, city, state or region

8. Organize a press conference and rally in you city to see advocates off when they leave for rallies in their state's capital or Washington DC. Or set n they up one in your city. For the NPPMA, join the national teleconference. Ask to be invited to the biweekly 800 planning teleconferences hosted by South Florida CIL by calling or emailing Ernie Martinez: miamimartinez@gmail.com or ernie@soflacil.org cell:305-776-5573

9. Organize phone blitzes in your state the entire month of August and September until a meeting or hearing is granted to you. Call state legislators and mayor’s or City Council disability offices to send letters on your behalf, too, but especially call or send emails to the White House, Congress, Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation chaired by Sen. Rockefeller, House Committee of Rep. Dan Lipinski Jr. that pertains to Transportation, U.S. Access Board, National Disability Policy Consortium, FTA, and print media, TV, radio, cable stations

10. Choose a partner to share rides, hotel room, food when traveling

11. Pray, chant for an end to the disparate impact and oppressive treatment of people with disabilities who ride paratransit. Ask faith leaders to lead a prayer vigilance for paratransit riders and our National Paratransit People’s Movement Assembly

12. Request “The Paratransit Is My Transit” song by email: impruve2@yahoo.com Sing, learn the melody. Bring with you to rallies. Add new stanzas pertaining to your city, county, state if your region is missing from the original song.

IMPRUVE has declared freedom from draconian transit policy on paratransit riders and think it is critical to go to Washington to meet with Congress and transportation officials, and have a national public rally.

We have a plan to improve the current paratransit system and a solution to end or prevent Transit Eugenics that we plan to launch step-by-step between now and 2016—it is a national plan that can be replicated city by city, state by state. By 2020, we expect nanotechnology and green technology to be a natural progression within all paratransit systems to reduce energy consumption and reduce the carbon footprints of PWDs across the world. Those who choose to ride the carriers of their current service boards may continue. We will be an alternative that is strictly rider-owned, rider-controlled, Green, and owned or controlled by us—PWDs!

Visit http://www.greenthinktankfordisabilitycommunity.blogspot.com/
www.groups.yahoo.com/group/IMPRUVE

Follow us on facebook.com, LinkedIn.com,
care2.com, multiply.com, We will provide the Green alternative at a lower rate, with more humanity and compassion, that will be healthier with less environmental harm, and ability for PWDs in oversize wheelchairs to ride, too; we will provide an on-demand and monthly payment plan. The competitive process should not exclude persons who are disabled from having their own service powered by solar energy and other green vehicles. This is a human and civil right, plain and simple. It is the Congress and the DOJ (Dept. of Justice) who must mandate that the FTA enforce the ADA. We must bring high fares down for paratransit and ensure that all who need the service will receive it. Paratransit was created for us, not the service boards, the FTA, or Congress. They are obligated to DOobligated to provide Transit Equity and enforce the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.

We are obligated to stand up for our rights and have a Congress that cares about PWDs who ride paratransit. As Congress and states continue to slash services, we must continue to quash budget cuts that isolate us, impact our well-being, force us into hospitals and residential institutions, and force service boards to raise fares to unconscionable rates as was done by Metro Access in DC and in South Florida and other states, or enact draconian policies that make it difficult for us to ride paratransit.

The service cuts of Congress and local government are undesired for the masses and draconian for the disability community, not just ridiculous, but life-threatening.

Dr. Cornel West said [of the service cuts to American society], "We may have to use civil disobedience, but all of us do not have to get arrested."

There are ways for abled-bodied society to accomplish this at the ballot box, in spending choices, boycotts, alternative transit such as walking, skating, bicycling, carpooling, segways, solar cars, electric cars, etc.

Boycotts do not work without alternative choices. For people who are disabled and low income and have no access to free or affordable Medicars, and cannot ride mainline fixed route buses or trains or do not have accessible buses and trains that run within close proximity to them, there are no alternatives to the paratransit. Most paratransit riders even if supportive of the cause, would be unable to boycott.

Therefore, boycotts would be ineffective for us without alternative accessible transportation. Unlike the Montgomery Bus Boycott, we cannot walk or catch a ride to our destinations. There are no wheelchair taxis in most cities. Chicago has them, DC has them, even St. Petersburg FL has them, but the costs are beyond reach of the average paratransit rider. Detroit does not have them!

Building our own paratransit system is the most effective. It can operate even while the city-run, county-run or state-run public paratransit operates. Having the ear of Congress and the President for our cost-cutting plan, advocacy and meetings with the FTA and U.S. Access Board, and DOJ to mandate enforcement of the ADA are more effective.

Be sure to support our affiliates, supporters, and sponsors of the NEV and green jobs for PWDs who will hire affiliate Sy Bounds to represent mutual interests in assembly, sales, insurance and conversion (for accessibility) of the solar-powered or electric NEV to benefit PWDs and Baby Boomers

Sy Bounds has done much to promote innovative technology, support groups across the state, and blogs about it constantly. He is on facebook, too.

So we move forward like the kangaroo, never backwards.

Kate Coleman: Charlie Idol does the right thing - herald-mail.com

2011-07-19T04:44:00.000-05:00

Kate Coleman: Charlie Idol does the right thing - herald-mail.com

NPPMA and IMPRUVE Demand Transit Summit ASAP and Relief for Paratransit Riders

2011-06-08T19:20:00.000-05:00

NPMMA and IMPRUVE went to Washington DC May 24-30, 2011 for National Paratranist Memorial Rally. While there, they advocated for Congress to call a Transit Summit on Paratransit to end the Transit Gestapo, and advocated for the Green Paratransit, Soular NEV Project, Reduced or rolled back paratransit fares. At up to $7 a trip, Metro Access in DC has the highest fares!! Chicago fares are $3 for a zone system that is unequitable and prevents many riders from traveling who because of their disability require vans with ramps instead of the high lifts of MV Transportation in vans that are pain and injury traps due to their crowded space, poor shocks and suspension system and lifts that break down because they cannot carry the weight of the wheelchair and client.

NPMMA is the National Paratransit People's Movement Assembly. NPPMA held a memorial rally for the following paratransit riders and persosn with disabilities (PWD's) who have passed away--some are former directors and officers of IMPRUVE or its parent company BNICEH:

Omar Basheer (former presidnet, vice pres, BNICEH)
Alyce Battle (former vice president, treasurer, BNICEH)
Tracey Berry
Wilber Derry
Edith Gould
Ora Harris (former vice president, secy BNICEH, member of IMPRUVE)
Sarah Johnson
Kimberly Rabb
et al

Dr. Maat demands Fix Paratransit Now

Congress, Obama administration US DOT all focus on high speed rail & highway infrastructure

while leaving paratransit riders at the mercy of the Transit Gestapo

Timothy Hyanes and Tony Lowe lend support at NPMMA rally

Union Station, Chicago

Timothy Haynes is all thumbs up, encouraging IMPRUVE

not to be silent about Transit Eugenics

Tom Babbington signs landmark

Declaration of Transit Freedom and Justice

declaring the rights of paratransit riders to

Safe, Affordable, Accessible Paratransit Service

with Comparable Service to Fixed Route buses and trains

and calling for a Green Paratransit run by riders and a

Congressional Transit Summit on Paratransit with

IMPRUVE, NPPMA, FTA, Congressional Transportation Committees,

Subcommittees, and Paratransit Riders Seated at the Table

Paratransit Advocates from IMPRUVE take a photo break

while fellow advocates work both ends and inside of Union Station for signatures on Declaration of Transit Freedom and Justice and singing of "The Paratransit is My Transit" at Union Station, Chicago

L to R: JoanneTillis, Patricia Baxter, Cecelia Jackson, Ayo Maat

Timothy Haynes, front

Next NPPMA Teleconference hosted by Ernie Martinez,

South Florida Center for Independent Living, is

Wed. June 15 at 2 pm CDT 800-204-5502 PIN 938460

Ernie's cell: 305-776-5573

Info Dr. Maat, IMPRUVE and NPPMA

773-416-7366

impruve2@yahoo.com

www.groups.yahoo.com/group/IMPRUVE

Post your paratransit news, threats of fare increases, service cuts, policy that violates ADA, Transit Equity

Request Congressional Transit Summit in your region

Join Green Think Tank for the Disability Community on LinkedIn.com or comment here with your request to join

Request Powerpoint Presentation on

Green Paratransit or Soular Car Project

Download Declaration of Transit Freedom and Justice

Sign, Comment, Get signatures and send to IMPRUVE

Attn: Maat 6951 N. Sheridan Rd Chicago IL 60626-3527

Request news on Charles Idol who rescued PWD's

at Clyde's 700-7th St NW Washington DC

on Friday May 27, 2011

Subscribe first to

impruve-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

FREE

WE SHALL NOT BE SILENT

Green Think Tank Joins Discussion of Disaster, Sexual Violence and Why Green Makes More Sense Now Than Ever

2011-04-02T15:44:00.000-05:00

How do we justify supporting an administration that on the one hand seems arrogant and absorbed in the agenda of the wealthy, warring against those who are disabled or low income and living at the same income for the past 3 years;
neglectful of issues and reparations for those who are of the race considered Black, Moorish, Afrikan, Nubian, Kemetic, or Hebrew; non-supportive of clean air, green policies, and nanotechnology; anti-paratransit or unwilling to transform transit eugenics to transit justice for paratransit riders, and disconnected from the little people with the big hearts and high hopes—those voters whose energy, enthusiasm for change, and $5 contributions placed President Obama in office—that is how do we support politics and media spins above spiritual discernment and right leadership?

What can we do? Nature seems to be raging out of control alongside poverty, unemployment, hunger, and the trials of living beneath Justice and the Law established without beginning or end, consideration of location, age, gender, or income.

Is it right to support this President whom some will discover may go down in real history, not the fabricated annals of political figureheads and Tea Party “diss” sheets or presidential hopefuls, or the rants and raves of disappointed and impatient voters, as the greatest American president in world history, all prejudices aside?

Send Light.

Seems so simple. It is.

What is difficult is to think that we are still victims enslaved to poverty, unemployment, mental degradation, ill will, separation from Light and the Creator.

Never underestimate or discount what a few en-Lightened people working with purpose, perseverance, Principle, compassion, Love and determined Spirit can do when united and single-Minded.

Can we stop crime?--absolutely. Reverse hunger? Stop sodomy and rape behind, inside and outside the walls? Why not? Do we think that we are less than the early healers, light workers (or light bearers), and ones who with their wisdom accumulated great power and wealth to prosper and feed the people? Are we on facebook just to criticize and leave it at that without healing the situations or adding to the good? If so, then we have left our work undone and things will remain unchanged or only temporarily solved until we take our stand for what is right and selfless, no matter how radical it seems to those who hide in fear behind guns, laws to limit the people’s power and cut essential services, false teachers and ruthless leaders.

We should be tired of rehearsing for the role of leadership, prosperity, success or healing, yet getting on the stage only to give a performance of mediocrity, fear, bitterness, anger, ill will, or perpetual illness and impoverished thinking. We are better than that. We are stars unbound to any universe of darkness. We say laugh off the problems of the world. Humor in its place can be healing, but out of place and used to tease, is deafening to the ears of those who are too fragile in their emotions to deduce and discern the unreal or comedy from reality.

We worship leaders who are false gods to a race starved of Love, Wisdom, Truth, Justice and Light. We buy products founded on greed and quick profit whose claims of help and healing fall by the weight of their deception. Yet, we are surrounded by a few men and women who are known to the universe by the Light they share, so many of them ordinary to the human eye, extraordinary to the spiritual eye. And they are found everywhere—in prisons, jails, shelters, mental facilities, hospitals, schools, research institutes, nonprofit foundations, on park benches, in your neighborhood, and sometimes in your own family--the strange ones you might say, but those who see recognize them every time. The hidden avatars. The unknown and uncelebrated sentinels of mankind and life abundant in grace. We are blessed not because of some religious edict or mantra, but because of the way we are made. We seldom realize our greatness, because we focus on our shortcomings and out of place thoughts that we recover from the trash.

What more can be said for the greatest beings on this planet (the real men -male and female, who under all circumstances (war, rape, racism, murder, poverty, hunger, corruption, imbalance in the wealth, destruction of natural resources, climate change, lies, criticism, mistakes and pressure) still Love and still give of their Light to mankind) than that we must be grateful for those among us or each one who holds the balance of Light, Love and Justice for the planet and stand ready to carve perfection out of what seems imperfection, and order out of chaos. Why sit and wait for the fall of a people, race, city, state, nation or a world when we have been equipped with the Mind of God to renew our thinking and transform this world? No Nobel Peace Prize necessary--just do it! We must. The universe is open to the thinkers, the innovators, the ones who need no tsunami to rise or who having experienced one, or had their crisis behind the walls or in the community, are transformed. No going back. Move forward. Ase. The power that we are given or re-discover when we focus more on who or what we are, what our purpose is, what spiritual gifts we are endowed with, who the Most High is and what we are as His heirs can take the original man and the human race a long way. Too often we all get caught up in these human vessels and forget that we are here to be separate from the melee, to keep crime in check that we may come out of the fields of toil in suffering and victimization to heal the sick, raise the hope and rise to new levels of demonstration despite all obstacles, criticism and barriers.

There are green opportunities for and within the disability community; and opportunities to heal mentally from holding onto anger, fear, and failure to forgive those we blame.

There are also old ways of healing that have become popular again as healthcare costs spiral out of control and disasters require quick thinking, quick action and healing resources outside of medical facilities.

Allow me to share this interview and discussion of barefoot medicine (Traditional Chinese Medicine - TCM) with Dr. Frank Yurasek, M.D. who turned to TCM and Dr. Ayo Maat, conducted in 2009 by Michael at WLUW from the Heartland Cafe in Rogers Park.

http://westsideinteractivetraininginstitute.blogspot.com/2010/09/sharing-extending-modern-ancienct-best_6217.html

Green Think Tank, Disability Community, Transit Advocate and Public Support for IMPRUVE

2011-03-26T13:43:00.000-05:00

The Green Think Tank for the Disability Community requests the support nationwide of all who work in disability, nanotechnology, nanofabrication, transit, paratransiting, rehab engineering, all STEM subjects, community organizing for the National Memorial Rally of IMPRUVE Peoples Movement Assembly in Washington D.C. May 23-27, 2011

Teleconference call is Thursday April 13, 2011 at 2 pm CDT at Rondee Comment or email greenthinktank@comcast.net or contact Dr. Maat to get invited to the call for the DC trip.

You are referred for further details to March 1, 2011 post on this site

The rally is being conducted in memorial to these disability and paratransit advocates who passed in transition from 2010-2011, three of whom served on the board of directors of IMPRUVE or its parent company BNICEH:

- Omar Basheer (passed July 2010) former president and vice president,
BNICEH; supported IMPRUVE events, fundraisers;
could not ride MV paratransit provider vehicles in
Zone 3 Chicago

- Alyce Battle (passed Dec. 2010) former vice president and secy, IMPRUVE
proctor, BNICEH ATOD programs at Probation Challenge
paratransit advocate, Zone 3 Chicago (had difficulty
riding in MV vehicles)

- Tracey Berry (passed April 2010) paratransit advocate Zone 1 Chicago

- Ora Harris (passed March 17, 2011) former vice president and secy,
BNICEH; IMPRUVE member, paratransit advocate, Zone 3
Chicago (had difficulty riding in MV vehicles)

You are invited to submit and carry posters of the paratransit riders in your city, county or state who have passed into transition.

Main goals of rally:

. Call attention to the plight of paratransit riders nationally

. Deliver Declaration of Transit Freedom and Justice to the Obama
administration, U.S. Access Board, Federal Transit Administration(FTA),
Dept. of Justice, (DOJ), Congress, AAPD (American Association of
People with Disabilities), and U.S. Secy of Transportation

. Garner Support to Establish a Green Paratransit first in Chicago that
can be replicated in cities across thae nation, then internationally

. Sing The Paratransit Is My Transit song in tribute to paratransit
riders who have passed and those who remain

email: impruve2@yahoo.com

greenthinktank@comcast.net

Find us also as groups on LinkedIn.com under Green Paratransit Think Tank and Green Think Tank for the Disability Community
and IMPRUVE Paratransit Minuteman Campaign is on care2.com

Photo Remembrances of Those We are Memorializing May 23-27, 2011 will be posted later

Green Think Tank Ponders: What If Nanotechnology Becomes The New Money Or Prosperity For The Disability Community

2011-03-01T16:18:00.000-06:00

March 1, 2011--from the headquarters

Our think tank enters a new year--the traditional sense of renewal approaches with the spring equinox. Certainly a new era in paratransit springs forth with the potential within 10 years to have cutting edge technology on a miniature scale that marries nanotechnology with the green transit industry and disability community.

Though IMPRUVE set a target by 2016 to own its own vehicles or fleet of van pools for those of us who have invested funds and energy into this potential to travel independently, we won’t end our shared role or progress at 2016.

By 2020, we expect to be there with the Green Think Tank for the Disability Community (GTTDC) as users, trainers, and interns of nanotechnology and green technology without the ongoing fights with state legislators for monies and service boards for acceptance of riders as advisors who are taken seriously, seldom to revisit the uncertainties of service, unequal services, and policy that leave riders and other persons who are disabled behind.

Young people are needed to work side by side with elders. Elders are expected to continue to sharpen their thought processes, learn nanotechnology, green technology, and share knowledge within the disability community, so that we are more prepared for the incoming revolution that is result from our evolved vision. We should not stand on the sidelines watching others capitalize on technology, employment and training that we, too, need.

We don’t always have to retire, but at some point for balance, well-being and continuity it may become necessary to turn the reins over to a better-trained, more energetic workforce, taskforce, and thinkers who do not limit themselves to boxed-in logic, the way of limited world thought, and reduced intellect.

To think big, but work on a small scale to be more efficient, reduce costs, be more productive, or stronger, is the way of nanotechnology.

What if we as a disability community worked so smart that we would become a real enabling community with wheelchairs whose battery chargers were powered by solar cells or hydrogen cells that were small enough to fit in the palm of our hands? What if we could charge our solar cars from stored sunlight that fits on a grid as small as a laptop or a cell phone? What if when we travel or find ourselves stranded, or snowed in, or fall and break bones, or have pulmonary attacks, or have ravaging cancer cells or out of control mental illness, we could absorb or eat the equivalent of a green power lunch or breakfast that was so nutrient rich with raw materials to heal bones, organs, disease almost instantly--it would have to be very alkaline and full of sunlight, and we would have to use nanoveganic gardening methods. It would probably have to be used in liquid form and certainly should not be in the form of a pill. It would have to be delivered precisely where needed, self-aligned with the body’s own natural healing properties, and possibly amplified through one’s own thought processes or meditation or prayer.

It could not be left in the hands of those who control the wealth or those who base their thinking or support on politics, greed, or perceived ability. It would have to be available to all, yet forced on no one, and not be priced out of the range of the masses.

The movement continues--that is, the Paratransit Peoples Movement Assembly as IMPRUVE (Independent Movement of Paratransit Riders for Unity, Vehicles, Equality), a charter member of the Green Think Tank for the Disability Community (GTTDC) moves into its 11th year to improve the movement of people who use or need paratransit or independent accessible vehicles, and work within the green movement for people who are disabled.

Expect to see many of you Sat. March 5 in Chicago at IMPRUVE's fundraiser or receive your donations or written pledges to stand with us in Washington DC May 23-27, 2011 or messages to let me know that you have joined The Green Think Tank for the Disability Community.

We are not at war with anyone. We are at peace with our right to assemble, to organize and to declare our rights to own our own paratransit, drive our own solar-powered and electric and hydrogen fuel cell NEV (neighborhood electric vehicles), own our own nanotechnology and green businesses, use or request the use of nanomaterials to assemble our adaptive equipment and cars, and have accessible green or sustainable homes, more accessible streets and curb cuts, and move up out of poverty and discrimination that leaves us so isolated that many of us have not left our homes in years, have never been on a state-operated paratransit vehicle--due to vehicle safety or space issues or customer service delivered with a frown or an attitude. We are not chattel. We are customers who want to be owners, partners or persons who are disabled who want to become customers or owners, to be a part of a productive society, people who are here to serve a purpose. What we propose harms no one and is cost-effective and soul-liberating.

IMPRUVE Paratransit People's Movement Assembly needs wide support across the nation for May 23-27 rally. Time to stand up for our own and declare our freedom.

We have certainly stood for everyone else's movement. Solidarity with Native Americans, Wisconsin workers, paratransit riders' unions, Jewish Holocaust, Afrikan Holocaust, immigrant rights, women's rights Gay liberation, youth rights, family rights, independent living, Afrikan liberation, Rwanda, Tunisia, Egypt, Eritrea, Bosnia....

How can we have independent living if we can't travel, can't leave our neighborhoods or homes, because we don't have paratransit rights...because we don't have sufficient income...because every time a cut is made in a budget, it is a stab in our hearts, in our children's hearts,in our parents’mobility, in our elders' hearts, our well-being, our existence as a free people, disabled, this-abled, but not dead yet!!!

If you are not dead yet--if you want to own a piece of your own destiny, have jobs in nanotechnology, green technology and cutting edge information technology or own creative or innovative businesses that make or sell the products, insure the products--if you want to leave more than a funeral or cremation bill for your surviving loved ones--or more than a memory of a needy, bitter person who just never had enough money, never could get out much, or spent more time blaming others for their ills, than living and enjoying life, then get on board with us. Call 773-416-7366 email: greenthinktank@comcast.net

As the founder of the Green Think Tank for the Disability Community, I wanted to do what my namesake represents: “bring order to chaos.” I see the potential on the nanoscale (on billionth of a meter) of that happening not just for us, but with us.

Study to show yourself approved of God is not just a Biblical command. Study to show yourself approved and ready is a community demand. Do your research. Follow those who train or speak in Nanotechnology: Jack Uldrich, Ted Sargent, William “Dock” Walls. Read up on green technology and nanofabrication. Look at current uses vs. projected uses by 2020,2030, etc.

Be not so quick to ridicule or doubt those who are the innovators and think “out the box,” and want to be more than consumers of good, but want to do some good for us. People at groups such as IMPRUVE, BNICEH, Green Think Tank for the Disability Community, Nanoshak, ADAPT, et al.

Encourage the youth in the streets and Baby Boomers and retirees from the STEM disciplines who need work or want to return to work to get involved in or start their own nanotechnology industry, factory, company; or explore how it can be used in their current processes.

Though Chicago missed out on its chance to become the World Center on Nanotechnology by not electing William Walls III mayor in 2011, all is not lost. Start wherever you are in the world questioning, learning, overstanding, developing NANO knowledge and reducing your carbon footprint by going green.

You may also find us on Linkedin.com under groups Green Paratransit Think Tank and Green Think Tank for the Disability Community and our own blogs at www.greenparatransit.blogspot.com and www.greenthinktankfordisabilitycommunity.blogspot.com
.
Find IMPRUVE on facebook, care2.com, multiply.com, and
www.groups.yahoo.com/group/IMPRUVE email: impruve2@yahoo.com

If you did not see what just happened, it may be because it occurred on the nanoscale at the molecular or atomic level. (~_~)

Possibilities are endless. We have been given an opportunity to use and develop talents that far exceed our predecessors. We are the new Nano Innovators.. Ase (ah-shay)

Love and Peace, Maat

copyright  2011 by Maat and the Green Think Tank for the Disability Community

New Chicago 2011 Denies Inclusion of Speaker, Blames IRS

2010-12-13T00:08:00.000-06:00

Help me overstand what the IRS has to do with William Walls III aka Bill "Dock" Walls being denied the right to speak at mayoral candidate forum on Tuesday Dec. 14 5:30 pm at UIC 725 W. Roosevelt Chicago?

http://greenparatransit.blogspot.com/2010/12/new-chicago-2011-denies-inclusion-of.html

IMPRUVE Paratransit People's Movement Assembly Raising Funds for Late Spring Rally in Washington DC

2010-11-23T16:10:00.000-06:00

IMPRUVE is working with Disability Activists, Transit Advocates, Paratransit Riders, Green Think Tank for the Disability Community and Business Community to Take Declaration for Transit Freedom and Justice and National Issues of Paratransit Riders to Washington in 2011

Green Think Tank for the Disability Community invites you to support this initiative of IMPRUVE by donating, purchasing their snacks, engaging in their grab bags, bidding on Silent Auction items, attending their fundraisers, or joining them when travel to D.C. Another way to help is to invest in the Soular Car Project, attend Meetups and teleconferences. The Soular Car Project will benefit persons who are disabled, seniors, Baby Boomers, small nonprofits, persons of low or moderate income who need affordable, green alternative transportation or sustainable green jobs or businesses.

Although 20% of the U.S. population is disabled, 644,000 in Chicago and 42,000 in Illinois ride paratransit, a population of which just over 30% are employed, of which most have low income and have health issues from eating unhealthy or ingesting chemicals from the environment in public facilities and vehicles that still use diesel and other carbon fuels, we strive to introduce them to healthier alternatives and greener choices (organic, vegan, or products that have less impact on the environment) to potato chips, sugar-loaded cereal bars, conventional candy, donuts, processed foods, chemical cleaners and cosmetics, and foods laden with pesticides or that promote acidic or disease state in the body.

Moreover, IMPRUVE and BNICEH are members of The Green Think Tank for the Disability Community, which works to get solar-powered vehicles at affordable low cost to persons who are disabled, and help persons who are disabled create dealerships to sell or lease such vehicles to gain sustainable income and reduce tehir reliance on inadequate though appreciated disability benefits.

Persons who are disabled are an underutilized resource in this country. We shop, eat, attend events just as other Americans, maybe not as often due to our disposable income being lower and some events not being accessibel or transportation not always available or accessible, but nationally, we represent a good target market for those who have healthier options to conventional product lines.

Yet, most targeted marketing to us seems to be for prescription drugs, candy bars (which by the way are at the checkout counter at wheelchair level though no healthy snacks are), durable medical equipment, and incontinence supplies. We need an alternate transit that is affordable, reliable, green, safe and reduces our carbon footprint. We contribute much to carbon emissions due to our great use of electrical appliances to power our equipment, carbon-based home products, and use of products creted from non-renewable or non-recyclable materials. We need to reduce this. IMPRUVE plans to run or help run a green paratransit. It would help the environment, provide a needed service and put people whom noone else is hiring too often, to work in sustainable jobs.

IMPRUVE (Independent Movement of Paratransit Riders for Unity, Vehicles, Equality) has never stopped working since 2000 on behalf of paratransit riders. IMPRUVE is diverse in terms of disabilities, cultural or ethnic groups and age. Our motto: "Like an oak we yield, but do not break."

We sponsor health seminars and participate in green events semi-annually. BNICEH is parent company of IMPRUVE and is health-oriented, sponsors events where organic food and healthy snacks are served, and promotes businesses that offer alternate health-oriented products and services. IMPRUVE is the Independent Movement of Paratransit Riders for Unity, Vehicles, Equality.

BNICEH is Black Network in Children's Emotional Health, which is a state-chartered nonprofit, though not 501(c)(3). We feel the $1000 that we don't have for 501(c)(3) is a little steep for us just not to pay taxes or just to qualify for certain grants. We meet with and talk to our public officials and rally for their support as often as we need to on behalf of youth, people who are disabled, paratransit riders and green initiatives. Although most of them have all but abandoned us at the state level, we are looking at the candidacy of certain green and Independent candidates and candidates from other parties for the bipartisan mayor's race and aldermanic races in Chicago. With the exception of a few, most have not been kind or receptive to paratransit riders, choosing to push our needs and requests to the bottomless pit of "committee procrastination" or as in the case of state legislators--meet with us after many requests, promise to help, only to abandon us soon after.

We do not charge for our advocacy services even though we receive no major funding and receive no nest eggs from those we have helped. We raise 90% or more of our funds from among persons who are disabled and have low income. We are a self-help group mainly. Though we rely on membership dues for part of our daily expense, most do not pay dues or are delinquent in dues. We need to raise funds to get to DC to rally on behalf of paratransit riders for an affordable paratransit and a rider-owned Green Paratransit, which would allow those who have asthma, environmental illness and chemical sensitivity to ride and be able to afford the ride without sacrificing food, medical or utility costs.

Sign up to follow this blog or post comments. Get on the free subscription list to stay in the loop about IMPRUVE at
href=http://impruve-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

2010-09-23T17:35:00.000-05:00

Next teleconference Sat. Sept. 25 3-3:45 pm CST 712-432-6131 PIN 100453# We discuss and develop workgroup projects that make lives of persons who are disabled more sustainable or provide green jobs or businesses. greenthinktank@comcast.net Moderated by Dr. Ayo Maat. Call me Maat (mah as in Mama and ott as in otter)

Please RSVP to teleconference at greenthinktank@comcast.net and visit the site often to amke comments at http://www.greenthinktankfordisabilitycommunity.blogspot.com.

Top Ten Green Needs of persons who are disabled:

1. Green sustainable living, income, healthcare, employment 2. Funding of Sustainable projects, including the Soular Car Project and Green Paratransit by private entities preferably 3. Ownership of Green Paratransit 4. Accessible streets in every major city 5. Accessible restrooms and entrances in public buildings with privacy in resttoom stalls and entrances without barriers 6. Accessible green housing cooperatives 7. More political candidates and elected officials who are disabled and visible 8. Carbon-free, chemical-free cosmetics, health supplies 9. Green housing maintenance, lawn maintenance, landscaping, and pest control 10. Public awareness, training of public servants, doctors, media reps that handicapped and wheelchair-bound are not proper descriptions for persons who are disabled.

Determine feasibility and recommend funding of green projects that persons who are disabled control singly, as a group, or with persons who are non-disabled. Soular Car Project is a project of the Green Paratransit Think Tank. Members are encouraged to recommend funding for green product ideas, product testing for persons who are disabled and seniors.

Some product ideas already proposed are: rider-owned Green Paratransit, solar-powered 4-passemger wheelchair, solar-powered wheelchairs, solar-powered kitchen appliances and durable medical equipment, green housing coops, accessible green resource training centers with overnight facilities, accessible veganic urban farms, and green auto dealerships and insurance agencies run as home-based businesses, green repair shops, medical info and final arrangements (after death), on flash drive wrist bracelets, and evening, holiday and weekend solar-powered wheelchair repair and rental franchises. Consideration is given for Baby Boomers may develop age-related disability in the future.

Comments, design ideas, funding ideas, grantwriters, inventors, product developers, persons who are disabled, ideas for adaptive technology always welcome.

Paratransit Riders Unite! Fight to Get High Fare Rolled back

2009-11-26T12:31:00.000-06:00

Here are meetings and actions for NE IL Paratransit riders for November through January 2010:

Monday Nov. 30, 2009 5:30pm-8pm-IMPRUVE at AIMMC (IL Masonic) Olson Auditorium 836 W. Wellington Chicago IL 60657 IMPRUVE members with non-member paratransit riders' input have voted on next actions to get fares rolled back, which organizations and leaders to involve, and dates of next meetings about paratransit. IMPRUVE is a member of Green Paratransit Think Tank and Green Think Tank for the Disability Community. Info: 773-416-7366 or 773-483-2351

Monday Dec. 14 2009 9:30 am - Chicago City Council Transportation Committee discusses Paratransit, 2nd floor. Call your Chicago alderman, MOPD commissioner Karen Tamley and Governor Quinn to attend and support a Pace paratransit fare rollback and restoral of monthly paratransit pass. Note corrected date for meeting from Dec. 15 to Monday Dec. 14!!!

Monday Dec. 14 2009 1-4 pm Access Living has a meeting on Paratransit with Pace. Call Carleda Johnson 312-640-2100 for information.

January 2010 private - Green Paratransit Think Tank tests Soular Car with engineer to ensure people and with mobility limitations can transfer using these neighborhood solar-powered cars until green paratransit vanpool fleet is established. Video documentary of test runs TBA and posted on Internet.

May 2010 -TBA Soular Car to be on display at Green Fest Navy Pier in Chicago IL. Green Think Tank for Disabiity Community to announce which speakers or vendors are working on accessible green housing, loan products, and transportation for the disability community

Visit at and www.groups.yahoo.com/group/IMPRUVE or www.impruve.blogspot.com for updates.

Paratransit riders should subscribe to impruve-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

When you sign up to subscribe, describe yourself in one short sentence and tell us which city or state in which you or a loved one ride paratransit. Note: IMPRUVE newsgroup subscription is not for paratransit providers.

BNICEH and IMPRUVE in Reorganizing Phase

2009-11-12T13:05:00.000-06:00

BNICEH is in the process of reorganizing its board of directors and possibly replacing its executive director while she takes a sabbatical to work on the Green Think Tank for Disability Community's Green Paratransit Think Tank and finish some writing and editing for a Self-Awareness curriculum.

Announcement to follow before December 31, 2009. The board meets November 14, 2009 to make its decision on succession and next general membership meeting.

BNICEH remains committed to supporting IMPRUVE in its paratransit actions and advocacy on a local and national level.

The search continues for qualified candidates to replace youth on our board.

Get On Board with Clean Energy Bill, 5 Million Green Jobs

2009-08-17T09:16:00.000-05:00

Get On Board to Clean Energy, 5 Million Green Jobs

Please join us or call in to your own U.S. Senators or handwrite letters requesting that your senators pass a strong clean energy bill NOW that includes clean, renewable energy, no more new coal plants, and 5 million Green jobs for American workers. We have 1 chance, 1 future, 1 sky. Before October 24 when www.350.org climate change action occurs nationally, before December 7-18 when the United Nations convenes in Copenhagen for the international climate treaty conference.

When: Monday Aug. 31, 2009
Time: noon-1:30 p.m.
Where: Federal Plaza (outdoors)
230 S. Dearborn (Jackson/Dearborn)
Chicago IL 60604

Info/Group SignUp: 847-485-4775; 224-578-3612

Speakers Confirmed:

Terina Cranshaw-Hodges, CEO, Stay Environmentally Focus'd, green environmental foundation and green builder; member of Chicagoland Green Collar Initiative, Urban Sustainability Network
Jack Darin, IL director, Sierra Club
Katie Jordan, board director, Chicago Jobs with Justice, member of Women Labor Union Workers
Veronica Kyle, Faith In Place/IL Interfaith Power and Light
Howard Learner, CEO, Environemntal Law and Policy Center
Alderman Joseph Moore, 49th Ward, Chicago City Council; 49th Ward Green Corps (confirmed)
Dr. George Nassos, director I.I.T. Stuart School of Business Center for Sustainable Enterprises; pres., Footprint Zero LLC
Jim Slama, founder Family Farmed; founedr, former puiblisher, Conscious Choice Magazine
James Thindwa, Sustainable Chicago 2016; former CEO, Chicago Jobs For Justice (also an organizer for American Federation of Teachers)
William "Dock" Walls, grassroots organizer; CEO, Committee For A Better Chicago IL; gubernatorial candidate, Walls For Gov;

Green Performers Confirmed:
Cornelius Clark, recording artist, pastor
Nora Dunn, environmentalist activist comedienne, formerly with Saturday Night Live, now with Spheres of Influence

Do it for the children, to reduce dirty air, to reduce asthma attacks, to breathe clean air, stop depending on foreign oil

To prevent further hperexplooitationof fossil fuels

To put American workers back to work in sustainable jobs

To include persons who are disabled in those sustainable jobs to reduce their unemployment, too

To retrofit buildings, rebuild our city infrastructures

To create jobs in

building, installing and maintaining wind turbines
installing solar panels
auditing homes and buildings for energy efficiency (energy auditors)
building, maintaining and insuring solar-powered neighborhood cars
creating and maintaining adaptive equipment
creating solar-powered appliances
creating clean energy paratransit
setting appointments for green entrepreneurs
administrating and doding quality control for green businesses
Green journalism (blogging, writing, publishing)
Green education
green visual arts (public space murals, sculpture)
veganic gardening
urban farming
recycling and reuse
repurposing clothing and electronics
building, installing and maintaining clean or renewable energy computers and peripheals
etc.

www.1sky.com
www.greenthinktankfordisabilitycommunity.blogspot.com
www.bniceh.blogspot.com

Dr. Maat Discusses

2009-07-21T18:00:00.000-05:00

Video excerpt from Dr. Maat, founder of Green Think Tank, presented at Chicago Green Festival May 16, 2009 at Navy Pier.

Dr. Maat discusses accessible green transit that must be available for Returning Vets, current permanent paratransit users, new paratransit users, visitors and residents who require temporary paratransit travel and Paralympics athletes who cannot ride the Pace or CTA bus or CTA train or favor independent transportation offered by Soular Neighborhood Cars and a green paratransit van pool run by BNICEH for IMPRUVE, if Chicago gets the 2016 Olympics bid.

http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/qFNE4H5TALvafeajQI7qFA?authkey=Gv1sRgCOn3uMSRg4mRdQ&feat=embedwebsite

Barefoot Doctor Introductory Talk July 11 to the Chicago Community

2009-06-13T17:29:00.000-05:00

Barefoot Medicine Goes Digital

All are welcome to join FREE introductory talk by Dr. Frank Yurasek Sat. July 11 2-6 p.m. at

United Church of Rogers Park - Overdier Hall
1545 W. Morse 3rd floor
Chicago IL 60626
RSVP to 773-416-7366 or
acuwerks@gmail.com

North Lakefront - East Rogers Park Community
approximately 6930 North in Chicago IL
between Sheridan Road (1200 West) and Ashland Ave. (1600 West)
Accessible elevator building and has stairs (community center of the church)

Dr. Frank Yurasek, a naturoptahic doctor, is president of Oriental Medicine Society; member of Barefoot Medicine Society, HealLand and Acuwerks; Licensed Acupuncturist

You may want to prepare if interested by reading A Barefoot Doctors Manual: The American Translation of the Official Chinese Paramedical Manual (Paperback)
by John E. Fogarty (Author)

Also visit www.acuwerks.com, www.teishin.org, www.drmaat.multiply.com/journal, www.home.comcast.net/~ayomaat,

Maat "order to chaos" - Moving forward like the kangaroo

Correction: June 25th Green Think Tank Teleconference Pin Number

2009-06-13T17:21:00.000-05:00

Green Think Tank Teleconference for Disability Community
Correct PIN is 100453# not PIN 100442#
for Thursday June 25 2009 11:30 am- 12:15 pm CDT

RSVP to

www.home.comcast.net/~ayomaat or
greenthinktank@comcast.net

You do not have to be disabled to join, just interested in brainstorming and working on situtaions, problem solving, removing false assumptions, organizing and working on opportunities, research, proposal writing, and planning strategies.

Maat "order to chaos" -- a kangaroo moving forward

Green Think Tank is Ready to Create Solutions for Disability Community

2009-05-31T10:32:00.001-05:00

We are coming together using green values to help lift those members of disability community who desire green employment, consulting, entrepreneurship out of poverty; and those who desire real solutions or offer them for transportation, accessibility, housing and health problems. We provide opportunities and forums to work with both those who are disabled and non-disabled.

Just sign up for the next teleconference call. This is the number to all who join or respond that they want to join or participate in brainstorming:

1-712-432-6131 - PIN 100442#

Next teleconference is tentatively scheduled for Thursday June 25 at 11:30 am central time and thereafter every week for next 3 months, then bimonthly to monthly to quarterly as the years progress, with face-to-face meetings and webinars as frequently as teams set them.

Unless a significant number of people have a better time in mind that also works for me, we will meet by teleconference or webinar from 11:30 am - 12:15 pm Central USA time every Thursday beginning June 25, 2009.

Please share here and at www.home.comcast.net/~ayomaat what you know or desire to do to help.

This is not a group of egos. We are a group of transparency. We are not a secret society. After brainstorming, we will meet in teams by teleconference, face-to-face or webinar to refine and actualize what we select as doable tasks, determine financing, set timelines, refine ideas and timelines as necessary, recommend others, research and investigate, barter and exchange, work on proposals, and feel good about what we accomplish.

Every week we will question what we are doing, what we should do, what we should eliminate, what we have done, what we should be doing, who or what type of people are missing from the discussion, what is best practice in the area we are tackling, what we need to pass on for teams to tackle outside of the larger forum, what teams have to report to us or what teams need from the rest of us to move forward.

We will not move backwards. Like the kangaroo, we will only move forward.

The only tasks that are impossible for this think tank are:

to do nothing

to go backwards

to believe that it is impossible to lift people with disabilities out of poverty who want to rise above poverty

to fail to be innovative, creative, green, and socially responsible

Thinkers coming together to brainstorm, reason, and share intelligently always accomplish something, not nothing. They thrive on being innovative. They are never afraid to advance and research or create or use best practice in information and technology meant to improve lives, the environment, and their information or knowledge fount.

My time zone is Central time (Chicago,IL, USA)

Once teams are configured, you should exchange phone numbers and emails, but you may also use the free conference line on days or at times that we are not using it, or set up your own for your team.

However, ownership of the Green Think Tank for the Disability Community will remain in the hands of those who are disabled with no co-opting by those who are not vested in the disability community or not disabled.

Please note once everyone catches up and we have enough persons on the call regularly, we can choose others to facilitate teleconferences--just let us know your time zone.

Meanwhile, share through the blog here, through LinkedIn.com group: Green Think Tank for Disability Community, and other site at www.home.comcast.net/~ayomaat

I also have blogs on other sites at www.care2.com, justmeans, and facebook to which you may be periodically directed.

I appreciate your input, comments,

Maat "bringing order to chaos"

Do You Have Green Integrity Or Do You Just Want Green Income?

2009-05-08T15:54:00.000-05:00
As global warming and climate change become apparent, more people begin to consider the effect on the environment and the rainforest, wildlife, but are there enough ordinary people, youth, seniors, and people who are disabled getting the message?

Is this green economy just for the elite, rich and famous, or those who are employed at a fair wage?

Who controls the green economy, tests wages and prices for fairness, corporate responsibility, sustainability, and determines how all can benefit?

When the green building industry builds housing, what parameters does it use to consider accessibilty and affordability for the population that most needs this housing--yet over 70% are unemployed and live at or below poverty?

What about homeless people? Students? The local grocer or convenience store, which sells to them? The laundromat operators and cleaners where they wash or have their clothes washed or dry cleaned? Are the wet cleaners willing and able to provide affordable prices, so that everyone can afford this green cleaning process for clothes they can't wash themselves?

Is fair trade really fair if the local people cannot support the prices, because they themselves need a green collar job or fair trade for their work or products?

How can a family of six living in poverty, or a person who is disabled and lives on a mere $674 SSI monthly income in a neighborhood that has no major grocery store, where the cost of living is high, no affordable accessible transportation isnearby, there is no land to grow their own food and ere is little or no access to local organic farms pay fair trade prices or eat organic every meal without sacrificing his or her own need for food and lower energy and transportation costs?

How many ordinary people living in urban or rural America really comprehend the consequences of their purchases, what they eat, how they grow their food, what they use to wash their cars and skin, or clean their homes and bedding?

I encourage people who are disabled, seniors and youth to change to a plant-based, low carbon diet, and teach them how to live green, think green and go after green collar jobs or create their own green careers.

I write about reducing our carbon print wile becoming more aware of our responsibility as stewards over the Earth and our own thoughts. Instead of killing the planet's resources, creative ideas from bright, young minds, and each other, I teach them to live with green integrity.

As more people go green, costs will be reduced, nontoxic cosmetics will be preferred, and toxic food and cleaning products will be removed from the market due to low demand or corporate responsibility toward sustainability and carbon neutrality.

We will need creative ideas from bright, young minds and workers with expert advice from the retirement community and disability community to work with scientists, government and the green engineers of the present and future.

We need people who are spiritually sustained or have green integrity to lead the way out of poverty, and teach others without blaming them for not knowing the way.

We will need a community information infrastructure that is open to most community members regardless of income or ability, where all who can use technology can access the information even if they have visual or hearing deficits or disabilities, mobility disabilities, or intellectual disabilities--yet may be able to accept information in manageable tidbits that allow them to choose the green action that they believe in.

This means for those who do not have the Internet or are shut up at home, we will need community information on an energy grid that does not shut down at 5 p.m. on Friday or Saturday when the library closes or is not open on Sundays.

In fact, we may need to consider bringing the technology into community buildings and worship centers that are open after library and school hours, laundromats, senior buildings and large grocery stores, in the form of a bandwidth that runs on solar energy, is cost effective or paid for out of energy savings and does not increase carbon emissions or at least not significantly.

Though there are Internet cafes, most are not accessible to people who use wheelchairs,are blind, or have low wealth. Municipalities and rural government will need to provide the information through these energy grids so as to reach all homes that need it and all people who need it. There should be a national program with a clock in major cities and the Capitol to track our greenhouse gas emissions or at least the carbon emissions, so that everyone can track reduction or increase in emissions. Some bright inventor may be able to place this in the form of wristband technology or technology that can be worn on other parts of the body.

Wouldn't that be a "doable" job for a young student or person with a disability to learn how to install and maintain in the U.S.A. without needing to outsource the job overseas? Student and persons overseas will be too busy installing and maintaining systems and grids in their own countries.

Then more people can have access to fair and living wages and self-employment.

As the founder of the Green Think Tank for the Disability Community, I am working to establish a Green Paratransit Van Pool, green careers and green collar jobs for people who are disabled, green artists, green bloggers, green housing coops owned collectively by people who have disabilities, and work with inventors and rehab engineers to provide solar-operated assistive technology, wheelchairs, computers, healthcare equipment, etc., in IL , then replicate projects in other states.

Therefore, I ask, do you have green integrity or are you just looking for an opportunity to have a green collar job, a green contract, a green career or a green meal once in awhile?

People who dreamed of the earth being round, flying in an airplane, traveling by a vehicle with a combustible engine, and talking by telephone used to be considered foolish or working on impossible ideas. Yet, here we have air travel, cells phones, hybrid vehicles, rooftop gardens, flash drives, GPS technology, and solar-powered heating units.

Why can't we dust off our dreams and ideas for a better world and make it greener for everybody, even domestic animals, and in the process not compromise our character, integrity, or planetary harmony?

Think about It!