"We interrupt this Broadcast for a Special Announcement"

This is a departure from the normal slew of cute Evie pictures and updates on family happenings.

As some of you may know, I have a strong passion for social justice, especially economic empowerment and development. I am especially delighted when I see wonderful ideas that work to give folk skills and opportunity to work with dignity. Here's an idea that you can support, especially if you have an American Express card.

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Dear friends -

We entered our project (description below) in the American Express MembersProject competition (you've seen TV ads for it!) for $1-5 million to implement our innovative idea for social change. Our idea, "Social Mobility for Youth in Low-Wage Jobs," will help urban youth move out of poverty and achieve their life ambitions and dreams, allowing them to be financially self-sufficient and stable.

Our project was picked to be in the TOP 50 out of 7,018 submissions!
Please vote by July 13 to ensure you meet the voting deadline -- but it would help us if you vote NOW because the projects can be sorted/ranked by the number of votes

Help us move to the next round, the Top 25. --We have a 50% chance!

So please lend your support to us and if you are an American Express cardmember (even corporate AMEX cards count!):
- VOTE for our project for FREE ASAP at:
http://www.membersp roject.com /Education/6042

"Social Mobility for Youth in Low-Wage Jobs"

- if you register for MembersProject, AMEX will donate $1 to the grand prize

Even if you do not have an AMEX card, you can help us by:
1. asking at least ONE other person with an AMEX card to vote
2. emailing all your friends, family, community, listservs, coworkers
3. posting this on your blog (Xanga, FaceBook, MySpace, etc.)
4. becoming an "ambassador" for our cause - help us strategize on how to spread the word

Thank you for helping us get this far!
Nancy & Edith
nhchan@alum. mit.edu & eyy2@alumni. duke.edu

PS - This project also recently won the $500 from the Razoo speed granting event (a new social website promoting "doing good")!

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Social Mobility for Youth in Low-Wage Jobs
Project Description:
Many urban youth in low-wage, entry-level jobs do not have access to the resources they need to move out of poverty. They often have difficulty keeping their jobs due to low workplace skills, poor health, or limited childcare or transportation options. Those who achieve some upward mobility usually have supportive, stable families and social networks. This program takes a comprehensive approach to ease persistent barriers to social mobility for hardworking low-income youth. Youth "pay" for workforce development services by regularly contributing part of their paychecks to a savings account. Their investments give them access to supports for employment training, healthcare, or logistical needs; workshops on asset building and financial management; opportunities for civic engagement; and guidance in setting and planning to reach their education, career, and life goals. After a year, youth withdraw their account balances with accrued interest and use their earnings to improve their lives.