Gathering signatures to move forward with a proposed initiative to be presented to the United Nations to adopt an International Law pertaining to balanced gender representation for every nation whereas each nation will be represented formally, in every element and implementation, by both genders equally. GaiaRisingNow.org

We were glad that President Obama's State of the Union emphasized education throughout his speech — especially the urgent need for universal access to high quality Pre-K and other early education programs. As Obama put it: "Research shows that one of the best investments we can make in a child's life is high-quality early education." However, we need to find an equitable way to achieve this important goal. Obama's reliance on competitive grants, known as Race to the Top, pits states and districts against each other at a time when most education budgets are still dangerously underfunded. Even worse, many of the requirements for eligibility aren't proven solutions, and can even have a negative effect on our schools: increases in charter schools, increased standardized testing, and untested programs of teacher evaluation. Nor do the grants provide the serious funding and resources needed to make sure children can meet the high standards that Race to the Top imposes. Please take a moment to tell President Obama: leave racing and jumping through hoops for the Olympics. All our children deserve equitably funded schools!

Beyonce.

You’ve heard about the Moral Monday demonstrations in Raleigh led by the NC NAACP and a coalition of many groups, including us - Democracy North Carolina. Well, the biggest, boldest Moral Monday is happening next Saturday, February 8 in Raleigh. You’ll definitely want to be a part of this dramatic and historic occasion. See: http://www.hkonj.com/logistics. Tens of thousands of people outraged at attacks on women, teachers, voting rights, workers, the poor, youth and the environment will be pouring in from all parts of the state – and from across the U.S. No civil disobedience is planned but this promises to be the biggest march and rally in the South in 50 years. You’ve got to be there. The march to the General Assembly begins at 9:30 at the corner of Wilmington and South streets. The rally at the General Assembly features movement music, NC NAACP president Rev. William J. Barber II, other speakers, and video of landmark events in the past year. We’d be happy for you to march with other Democracy North Carolina friends and supporters. We’re assembling at the northeast corner of Blount and South streets at 9:30, with banner and signs (or bring your own sign)! Two more tips: ** Bus Ride: Check out the buses coming from your area; reserve a seat quick while they last! See: http://www.hkonj.com/buses ** Local Action: We must act locally to defend our voting rights. See what's possible - read this brief description of how you can “Jumpstart the Vote” in your community. Sign up and act! See: http://www.democracy-nc.org/jumpstart/ I look forward to seeing you in Raleigh soon! Bob Hall, Democracy North Carolina

Fracking is a serious threat to public health. It has been shown to contaminate groundwater water and air and lead to cancer, infertility, and lower birth rates. Tell Gov. Malloy you don’t support his plan to fuel Connecticut by drilling frack wells in the backyards of fellow Americans.

Animal cruelty and animal homicides are only considered a misdemeanor in PA and a felony in almost any other state in the US. We need to have stricter laws on the murders and cruelty of innocent animals in Pennsylvania. If your still undecided, maybe this case will change your mind: http://www.mytwintiers.com/story/d/story/breaking-arrest-made-in-pa-dead-puppy-case/18570/_vIjNpPs-0GFrrQMmt5Klw#.UufpIsD6QhE.facebook OUTRAGEOUS!!

There is no issue more profound or more basic than the food that we put into our bodies. While more research needs to be done on the full impact of GMOs, they are not without risks. For example, some GMOs are designed for increased pesticides, which have been linked to serious health and environmental impacts. Consumers have a right to know when GMOs are in their foods and to make purchasing choices for themselves. Ten months ago, Whole Foods committed to labeling their store-brand products in response to consumer demand. GMO companies like Monsanto and their Big Ag allies have spent millions to defeat efforts to win labeling laws. However, Whole Foods has shown that if enough of their customers demand it, grocery stores will label their products. Schnucks already offers Full Circle, an organic store-brand, which is GMO free. However, those who do not purchase the more expensive organic brand every time are left in the dark. With widespread customer support, we can get Schnucks to label all of their store-brand products. People power is what will win this effort – please sign the petition, send it to other Schnucks shoppers you may know, and get involved in the local movement.

The College Affordability Act, Senate Bill 1 , has been described as "an aggressive attempt to reverse a trend of increasing costs." The bill will enable Colorado to increase state funding for schools so colleges won't hike up tuition for students. The state's colleges and universities would receive about $100 million in operating costs and financial aid from the state, and the schools would promise not to raise their tuition rates by more than 6 percent. The bill picks up on a pair of 2014-15 budget proposals made in November. Read more about it here http://bit.ly/1ffiZxN

On Thursday, January 16, Sen. Patty Murray (D-WA) and Rep. Jared Polis (D-Colo.) introduced “The Investing IN States To Achieve Tuition Equity (IN-STATE) for Dreamers Act of 2014”. The bill will provide federal funds to states that offer in-state tuition or state financial aid to undocumented students in their states. High tuition and overwhelming student loan debt can impact any student, but current policies make these problems particularly debilitating for those who are undocumented. Students who graduated high school and grew up in the U.S. deserve a fair shot at attending college here, regardless of their immigration status. An affordable college education is an increasingly vital component to achieving the American Dream—let’s give all students a chance to succeed. You can help by signing this petition and passing it on to your networks. Learn more about the bill here: http://1.usa.gov/1dzdxBL and read and share the word with your network here: http://bit.ly/1k8TqQV

Almond milk is low in fat and calories, high in essential vitamins and minerals (and therefore doesn't need to be fortified), dairy-free, soy-free, and appropriate for those with gluten allergies.

We love the yummy foods from General Mills like Cheerios, Cinnamon Toast Crunch, and Haagen-dazs ice cream. Unfortunately these products contain palm oil which come from palm trees located in the rain forrest. Actions like this can hurt animals like tigers. Because of this, tigers have nothing to eat and their habitats are destroyed. Encouraging General Mills to increase their efforts to use sustainable palm oils helps the environment, and helps animals like the tigers. Please join us!!! With your signature ,we are one step closer to sustaining palm oil and saving the tigers. Thank you for caring about our environment and preserving it for kids like us.

Clinical trial of investigational new drugs are an essential part of the process through which vitally needed new medicines reach the market. While rules assuring patient safety are in place through the Food and Drug Administration, the Office of Human Research Protections and participating Clinical Trial institutions, compliance varies. An Independent Patient Advocate would provide a needed communications conduit and meaningful oversight of Patient safety. Despite an FDA Guidance for Clinical Trial Sponsors that recommends inclusion of patients in Data Monitoring Committees, there is no required Patient involvement or oversight in monitoring the conduct of a clinical trial. There is no conduit for Patients to express concerns over care beyond their attending healthcare professionals. Patients are routinely excluded from knowledge of their own clinical trials, including knowledge of unanticipated adverse events. As Patients in clinical trial, we need to know that our health concerns will be heard and that all SAEs will be reported to us promptly and the risk assessment conveyed to us as quickly as possible, Only when we are fully informed can we provide meaningful informed consent to participate in the Clinical Trial protocol.