New Program Encourages Women to Put Their Health First

The American Cancer Society has launched a new nationwide movement to shine the spotlight on a sobering statistic: 1 in 3 women will get cancer in her lifetime. Called Choose You^™, the new program is designed to inspire women to put their health first in order to stay well and reduce their risk for cancer.

About half of all cancer deaths could be prevented if people avoided tobacco products; maintained a healthy weight through proper diet and regular exercise; and got recommended cancer screening tests. Unfortunately, with all the demands associated with raising a family, managing a home, and juggling work, it’s difficult for many women make these healthy behaviors a priority. In fact, a national survey conducted by the American Cancer Society of approximately 2,000 women ages 25 to 64 revealed that women are so busy being caretakers of others, they have little time to take care of their own health.

That’s where the American Cancer Society’s Choose You movement comes in.

This program encourages women to make their own health a priority, and it supports them with simple tools to help them engage in healthy behaviors, like eating right, being active, getting regular health checks, quitting smoking, and protecting their skin from the sun. And since women are often the chief decision makers in families about matters related to health, this program, by supporting women, benefits the whole family, too.

“That spot on my nose was why my big Choose You goal was skin care and skin checks,” said Julie, who recently signed up at ChooseYou.com. “So I went to the dermatologist for a long overdue skin check, and [the doctor] found several areas of skin cancer …The bad news? Skin cancer. The good news? I got a check and it is all caught early … As soon as I got home I notified my Choose You group for support. I knew they’d accept my whining and give me the love I craved.” Read more of Julie’s story.

How to “choose you”

To join, simply sign up on ChooseYou.com. It’s easy, it’s free, and when you register we’ll send you a Choose You flower pin to proudly wear. You’ll get access to several online tools, like our Choose You Commitment to help you select your health goal and track your progress, a calorie calculator, a virtual dietician, a smoking cost calculator, a desktop helper with daily tips for staying healthy, and many more that will help you make your goal a reality. You can also invite friends and family to join the program to support you and encourage each other to stay well.

Join today, and start putting your health first! For more information, log on to ChooseYou.com.

Reprinted with permission from the American Cancer Society. www.cancer.org

NetIP award for Outstanding Service, dedication & vision: Sundip Arora

NetIP is an organization run entirely by volunteers.

The human connection is what brings our volunteers together.

That, and a chance to make a difference in our community.

A volunteer organization tests the limits of leadership and skill.

How do you get results from a volunteer without a payroll involved?

How do you inspire them, encourage and cajole them, into putting in that last bit of effort?

We were deeply privileged to recognize someone that has been an inspiration to us all.

Someone that has re-defined leadership and has done so with class, respect and has set an example for all of us to follow.

In both strength of character and unwaivering ethics, he IS the new standard of what leadership in our 20th year is.

It is our absolute honor to present The NetIP award for Outstanding Service, dedication and vision to our president.

Sundip Arora.

Watch NetIP awards Sundip Arora

Best Chapter 2010

Things we are looking for, in this category:

• Quality of events
• External Presence and Impact made in the local community
• Membership growth
• Effective marketing strategies
• Financial stability of the chapter

This year’s winning chapters have been extremely successful, with high-quality events, impressive membership growth, and an undying dedication to furthering the cause of South Asian professionals across North America. They are the shining stars of NetIP, and an inspiration to us all….

And the Winners are…

• Most Improved Chapter – NetIP San Diego
• Best Chapter, Small City – NetIP Austin
• Best Chapter, Large City – NetIP Chicago

“Bringing creativity, a sense of innovation and an outside-the-box thinking is something I’ve always believed to be part of me being a successful leader. When I first took on the role of NetIP SD president, I wanted to use my leadership to bring forth change and a feeling of inclusiveness had not been present until now. I was (and still am) committed to generate a new realm of possibility and creativity that empowers people to live a life that is of their choice vs. living a life as a victim of circumstances. Being part of NetIP truly gave me an opportunity to make a difference and I can honestly say that I have grown as a leader, as a business woman, and most definitely as an Indian Women. Leading by example, we created an environment of fun and connectedness that helped us achieve what none of us had even imagined we could.  It was a truly humbling experience, and I was proud to receive these Boscars in Seattle, on behalf of my board of directors and my awesome members, whom these awards really honor.”

-Nisha Desai, President, NetIP San Diego

Best Chapter President 2010

This year’s winners are two incredible ladies who embody all these qualities, and much more! They bring never-ending dedication and enthusiasm to their roles, and have taken their chapters to new heights in 2010!!!

Things we are looking for, in this category:

• Dedication and passion
• A Sense of innovation and creativity
• Ability to motivate and lead the entire chapter board
• Support of NetIP initiatives

And the Winners are…

• Best President, Small City – Sonia Kotecha, NetIP Austin
• Best President, Large City – Nisha Desai, NetIP San Diego

“Someone once told me if you believe it, if you can see it, then you can achieve it! This definitely holds true when I think about NetIP Austin’s Boscar winnings. Earlier this year we developed a written vision and goal statement that included winning best chapter (small city), which at the time seemed unrealistic given our newness as a chapter and little visibility in our community; however, with drive, determination and passion we did it!”

-Sonia Kotecha, President, NetIP Austin

Chicago South Asian Film Festival Oct 1-3

Presented by NetIP Chicago and Vachikam Inc., hosted by Columbia College Chicago and supported by the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs, the festival was developed to promote South Asian culture throughout the greater Chicago metro area and Midwest, by showcasing filmmakers of South Asian descent as well as films that represent the perspective of the Diaspora. The event will establish a groundbreaking cinematic and cultural experience. This year’s festival will attract close to 2,000 people consisting of various professionals, students, faculty, filmmakers and members of the Chicago South Asian community.

The three-day experience kicks off with a red carpet event at the Chicago Cultural Center, followed by the opening night film, a question and answer session with the director and actors, and a gala reception.  Screenings on Saturday and Sunday will take place at Film Row Cinema at Columbia College Chicago. This year’s festival will screen 16 films including features, shorts, and documentaries in a variety of genres. All film sessions at Columbia College Chicago include Q&A with the director and/or actors.

As an added bonus, selected films will be shown at Claudia Theater at the Chicago Cultural Center on Saturday and admission to the public will be absolutely FREE – so don’t miss out on this opportunity to catch these outstanding independent films.

Additional offerings over the weekend include a special workshop “Hollywood Production with the Canon DSLR camera system” for those interested in learning how to use a Canon 5D/7D for film, television, and web production.

About the Films and Attendees

We’ve selected sixteen fascinating films that showcase the world through the eyes of South Asians. The line up includes the opening night film 2 Paise For Sunshine 4 Annas for Rain starring Manisha Koirala; 2009 National Award winning film, Antaheen; Ajay Naidu’s directorial debut movie, Ashes; and a series of outstanding features, short films and documentaries. More information on the films can be found at http://www.csaff.org/film_selections.html.

Artists expected to attend include award winning directors and actors – Deepti Naval, Manisha Koirala, Rajit Kapoor, Aparna Sen, Ajay Naidu, Ravi Kapoor, Aniruddha Roy Chowdhury, Meera Simhan, Umakanth Thumrugoti and Rajeshwari Sachdev.

Tickets

Tickets are on sale!! Individual movie screenings are only $11 and each screening includes a short film, the feature film and a Q&A session with the director and/or actor. It’s a perfect opportunity to meet the filmmakers and learn about their craft and their films.

Opening night is $100 and includes a red carpet arrival, screening of our opening night film, Q&A with the director/principal actors, and the exclusive opening night gala. Enjoy tantalizing hors d-oeuvres along with alcoholic beverages and other refreshments as you network in style with a crowd of prominent guests and artists. Opening night tickets are limited, so be sure to purchase your ticket soon!

Special festival passes are also available at a discounted rate. Please visit http://csaff.org/ticket_passes.html for tickets and prices.

For more information, contact Amit Rana, Cultural Chair NetIP Chicago at amit.rana@netipchicago.org

NetIP and T-Mobile announce a special member savings program

The following is a sponsored message. T-Mobile is a NetIP member benefit provider.

Mobile phones are no longer a nice-to-have in today’s on-the-go lifestyle; in fact the majority of people consider wireless service a basic necessity. But did you know that 8 out of 10 people unknowingly overpay for their wireless service? T-Mobile is dedicated to making sure customers have the coverage they need at the price they want, and, thanks to special new savings, NetIP members now get an even better value when they sign up for new service.

T-Mobile USA, Inc. continues to earn accolades for its dedication to providing customers with superior service. J.D. Power and Associates today announced just recently that T-Mobile was the sole wireless carrier to earn the highest ranking in their 2010 Wireless Customer Care Performance StudySM — Volume 2.  More information about J.D. Power and Associates studies can be found at http://www.jdpower.com.

NetIP Members are eligible for the following special discounts from T-Mobile:

• No activation fee ($35 value)
• Free Bluetooth headset or car charger with most devices
• Savings on the latest devices for new customers
• 30-day return policy (extended from14-days)
• Access to a trade-in program to convert your old handset (in working condition with no liquid damage or cracked screens) into cash.

To sign up for new T-Mobile service simply call 1-866-464-8662 and enter Option 3 for new customer sign up.  You can also click here to be directed to the NetIP/T-Mobile website to browse our devices and rate plan selections.

The Man Who Put Indian Comedy on the Map

Written by Raj Bhandari for Tribe Desi Blog, republished with permission.

So why are so many desi comedians from Canada? Great article, drawing attention to the original, the $10M man – who Chris Rock calls the “most famous person no one has ever heard of…”

Image courtesy Russellpeters.com

If you are like me, and watched his clips on YouTube, you know the guy can be extremely funny, without offending any one race…”Peters’ specialty is the time-honored technique of affectionately observing culturaldifferences. What is unique is that his targeted cultures are rarely white or black. Though his most frequent targets are his fellow Indians, he aims at such overlooked nationalities and ethnicities as Guyanese, Pakistanis, Sri Lankans,South Africans, Vietnamese, Filipinos, Nigerians, Trinidadians, Jamaicans,Arabs, Mayans, Chinese and Persians. There are millions of people who hail from these countries and regions but live in the West and do not see themselves represented on stage or in the media. It is Peters’ genius to realize this vast untapped market exists. It helps that he is a master of accents: Indians imitating Jamaicans, Pakistanis vs. Indians, comparing Cantonese to Mandarin–watching him can feel like observing a UN session…”

Related articles

• NBC hopes outsourcing is “in” with TV audiences (reuters.com)
• The new rules of standup comedy (reuters.com)

What Does Freedom Mean to You?

Image courtesy cimaartindia.com

The August 9, 2010 issue of Time magazine featured an 18 year old whose nose and ears were cut off by her husband because she had run away from her husband’s house. She begged the judge, a local Taliban to listen to her story. She pleaded that she ran away because she was beaten everyday but her cries fell on deaf ears. Her brother-in-law held her down, while her husband cut of her ears and her nose and they left her bleeding on a remote mountain side. Fortunately she was rescued by U.S. Troops and is currently living in Kabul. But Aisha is not really living; she is likely dead on the inside. Her eyes are glazed over in a blank stare and she listens to the radio incessantly to get the latest news on whether the Taliban will come back into power. I don’t know how you feel about this, but I know when I read this story every bit of me wanted to find Aisha some justice. But I realized that more than justice what Aisha lacked is a moment of freedom. She has no freedom to chose anything in her life, where she wants to live, whom she wants to marry, whom she wants to run away from…that realization is what gave me goose bumps all over and when I said a prayer in thanks for the freedoms that I am blessed with.

On August 9, 2010 the Taliban executed a 47 year old pregnant woman. She was a widow and accused of adultery. Her husband is dead, how can she be unfaithful to him? Here is the clincher, she was whipped before she was shot in the head and this woman was pregnant. I am not placing any value judgments on whether she was guilty or not according to the laws set by the country, I am angered by the total lack of freedom these women have and the atrocious behaviors that men commit in the name of religion/law. Women aren’t the only victims of bondage, in war torn nations all over the world, children grow up not knowing what freedom means. Can you imagine that? Can you imagine not even knowing what it means to be able to roam the streets freely, to go to school, to eat until you are full, and/or to grow up with you parents? In Uganda the raging civil war between the militants and the rebels led to the children of Uganda being captured by rebels to be soldiers. The little girls were either required to fight or given as sex slaves to the soldiers. These children hid themselves at night because that’s when the rebels would raid their homes. Take a minute out of your day! Contemplate the idea that you NEVER feel safe. Harrowing isn’t it?

Our Independence, India’s independence from British colonialism was the result of the blood, tears and hard work of our freedom fighters. Our freedom fighters were not just the names we hear, Nehru, Bhagat Singh, and Gandhi to name a few, but also the thousands of people who stood strong in the face of beatings, who bore bullets at political rallies and who were martyred during the Hindu Muslim riots incited by the British. For 200 years the English had ruled us, stripping us of our culture, or beliefs, our values and our wealth. The British trained Indians as soldiers and used us against ourselves to fight stronger kingdoms and expand their rule. Our artisans were allowed to sell only to British traders at a price they had decided, the British sent our cotton to England to be spun into cloth that was sold back to us. Indian soldiers were traded as slaves to other British colonies, the education system of India eroded because the British did not care if Indians were educated, they needed them only for labor and fighting.

There are people who believe that the British did more good for India than harm for our infrastructure and education. In my opinion all the developments the British made, they made for their ultimate good. They introduced modern technology so they could manufacture cheap goods like textiles for greater profit. They built railways throughout India in order to make everything readily accessible. They established factories, schools and universities to introduce western ideas and to incorporate the idea of democracy. Although advancements were self-serving, in fairness we can agree that some of these gave India the basic infrastructure for the country it is today. The way I like to think about it, is it’s not what the British gave us, but what we took from them that is most precious to us today. Our freedom!

Thank you for coming to Seattle! Click to stay connected

We spent three days:

• Exploring and learning at Keynotes, Panel Sessions, and Skill Workshops
• Mingling with successful leaders, CEOs, and celebrities
• Creating a community with our peers: the future leaders of North America
• Dancing the night away at evening mixers

NetIP thanks all the attendees of the 19th Annual Conference in Seattle. We encourage you to stay connected with all the friends you made and networks you built. Here are some ways NetIP can help:

Join the facebook network of the chapter you belong to. For a listing of chapters: http://na.netip.org/chapters

Be sure to keep connected to the networks you made at the conference, use the NetIP LinkedIn http://linkd.in/acWyGW

Follow us on Twitter for daily NetIP news: http://twitter.com/netipna/

Listen to NetIP’s Radio Show, Prime Time with NetIP with special guests. Podcasts: http://na.netip.org/primetime

And, coming soon, the conference will be Virtual! Stay Tuned for exciting news.

City of Seattle Proclamation

NetIP North America was honored today by the Seattle City Council and the Seattle Mayor by their proclamation that Friday August 20th, is SOUTH ASIAN PROFESSIONALS DAY.

“We welcome conference attendees to explore all the city has to offer and encourage Seattle citizens to take note of the contributions the South Asian Community has made to Seattle.”

Signed:

Council President Richard Conlin
Council member Jean Godden (sponsor)
Council member Sally Bagshaw
Council member Tim Burgess
Council member Sally J. Clark
Council member Bruce A. Harrell
Council member Nick Licata
Council member Mike O’Brien
Council member Tom Rasmussen
Mayor Michael McGinn