Cleaning Up Bolsa Chica Beach

Ripplers joined Surfrider Foundation in cleaning up Bolsa Chica Beach, north of Huntington.

Surfrider Foundation provided each volunteer with a reusable canvas bags and a latex glove. There were other volunteers there from UC Irvine and other organizations. In the early morning hours, volunteers with bag in tow outnumbered beach goers.

We walked and picked up trash from Towers 21 through 25. It was a beautiful sunny day. The occasional mist of seawater from crashing waves was refreshing. Aside from the bags quickly filling with trash, it was just friends enjoying a stroll at the beach while the miles and hours evaporated.

At first glance, the sand seemed clean. However, a closer look will reveal small pieces of plastic and even larger non-biodegradable debris. Rippler Julesverne found more bottle caps than she could count. Rippler 608ds found almost a dozen pens. What was scary was that Rippler hcruz found 2 fully intact syringes. Working in the medical field, he handled the syringes with care and disposed of them properly. It was disturbing to consider how many families with children play at that beach. One syringe is one too many.

It was a great way to spend a Saturday morning.  PeopleRipple.com definitely plans to join Surfrider Foundation at other beach cleanups.

Helping Intstructors and Students of English

PeopleRipple has been reaching out to teachers who are teaching English to students who have a primary language other than English. PeopleRipple was one of the sponsors for the May 2009 CATESOL Teacher’s Conference in Pasadena, CA. We also participated with Santa Ana College’s (Centennial Education Center) Earth Day Fair where we demonstrated PeopleRipple.com to English language teachers.

Through the PeopleRipple Language Exchange Group, we are hoping to supplement classroom learning with an interactive Online experience where students can learn and apply English language lessons:

1. Online interactions provide students with ample opportunities to apply classroom lessons at their own pace and from wherever they’re most comfortable.
2. Students are engaged and then motivated to interact with others regarding their real-life interests.
3. Weekly and monthly Language Exchange Challenges (questions/tasks), tailored for students of all levels, keep the learning experience interesting and fun.
4. Students become active participants in making positive Personal, Social, and Global impacts.
5. Students are introduced to a culture of giving back while having fun.

*The objective of the Language Exchange Group is to bridge classroom lessons and practical use of English through Online interactions within a safe, supportive environment.

Currently, the moderator of the Language Exchange Group, Elsie Lodde (currently an English language instructor) is working with her school to develop and test the PeopleRipple.com Language Exchange Program. This will serve as a model for other instructors. We also hope this will help students to continue their learning should lack of funding force continuing education programs to close. Indeed, some programs are already slated to close later this year.

With PeopleRipple.com, students learning English can:

• Regularly practice writing in English
• Freely express themselves within a supportive environment
• Interact with other learners of English and native speakers
• Connect with friends and family all over the world
• Join communities focused on their real-life interests
• Be a part of making a positive difference

Why does PeopleRipple.com want to support learners of English? Because the process of Making the World a Better Place must include people of all languages and cultures.

Some PeopleRipple Groups that students may find interesting are:

Book Group – Promote literacy

Cooking Group – Address hunger

Biking, Running, Fitness Group – Promote better health

Language Exchange Group – Promote language proficiency and cultural understanding

Music, Movie Group – General discussions

Sign Language Group – Promote sign language

PeopleRipple.com’s First Concert

February 27, 2009. Hogue Barcmicheal’s at Newport Beach, California, was the scene of PeopleRipple.com’s first concert. The night of music was electric and entertaining. All bands gave excellent performances that kept the excitement and energy levels high. If there was a way to harness the incredible energy in there, the whole of Southern California could have run for a few hours.

Nastalja started the evening with a bold set of experimental ska that sounded soulful and full-bodied. They set the tone and expectation for the night with music that compelled people to move! See them perform live and you instantly become a fan.

Next up was Neo Geo.  They kept the energy up with a definitive set of electro rock songs performed with a synergy of talent and showmanship exhibited by bands that have been around for much longer. This is a band to follow.

When X86 took the stage, no one in the venue was sitting. Their heart-rate-driving beats, ear-burrowing guitars, punctuated by seductive vocals captivated the crowd. Their music force people to be in the moment. And like most people at the concert, I can’t wait to see them, again.

The Go-Shielas reinforced everything people love about live concerts. Their songs kick in the door of your inhibitions and inject you with pure fun and love of music. You could not help but be entranced by their punk pedigree and moved to mosh with others similarly infected by their flavor.

The Action Design was the Headline Band of the PeopleRipple.com Concert. They tapped off a night that was already bursting with great music and a rockin’ vibe. If the night was memorable at that point, Action Design made it unforgettable. People were lost in their music, singing along and grooving to indie/alt rock songs that became newbies’ instant favorites the second it hit their virgin ears. Siren song hooks lodged themselves in people’s heads. And an over-the-top performance was icing on the cake.

PeopleRipple.com’s first concert had an awesome lineup of bands. People had a great time coming together to listen and support these artists sharing their love. Great music enjoyed by great people. And we were able to raise some money for some great causes! That’s what PeopleRipple.com is all about; People coming together to enjoy what they’re into and making a difference along the way.

PeopleRipple.com is a social tool that connects people with shared interests and offers weekly challenges and questions that encourage members to make positive impacts through everyday activities and interactions. The more people who join, the bigger the difference we can make.

Announcing Launch of Affiliate Program

We launched the Affiliate Program to reward members who are helping to spread the word about PeopleRipple.com. And in true PeopleRipple.com fashion, the Affiliate Program will also benefit several great organizations who are making a difference.

As Affiliates, members can earn cash for themselves or for great causes simply by helping others to discover PeopleRipple.com. Any member can sign up to be an Affiliate. There is no charge.

• Nonprofit organizations, associations, and clubs are welcome to use Affiliate Program as a fundraiser.
• International members are very welcome to participate (must have Paypal Account)

We chose this method of promotion because it followed our criteria of Accessibility, Relevance and Fun.

Accessibility: Any member can sign up to become an Affiliate.

Relevance: Allows members to earn cash for themselves or for great worthy causes

Fun: Who doesn’t enjoy watching their points and earnings go up with each signup?

Become an Affiliate today, and invite your family, friends, and social network to join PeopleRipple.com. 

The more people who join PeopleRipple.com, the bigger the difference we can make.

This Payout Period, our Featured Nonprofit Partners to which donations will be democratically distributed are:

• Direct Relief International
• Feeding America (formerly America’s Second Harvest)
• Angel’s Gate (Animal Hospice/Rehabilitation)
• Heifer International
• ALSAC – St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital

*The funds for the Affiliate Program is provided by generous Sponsors who share our vision.

This Can Change the World…

Dear Friends,

If you’ve ever wanted to make a positive difference in the world, please follow these 3 steps:

1. Register at www.peopleripple.com

2. Do the real-life activities you enjoy or get involved in the causes you care about

3. Have fun and connect with people who share your interests.

Why you should do this?

PeopleRipple.com’s mission is to Make the World a Better Place. And we’re betting you share that same dream. We live at critical point in our collective history. NOW is the time to make a personal, social and global difference. What we do as People, individually and as a community, will Ripple into the future. PeopleRipple.com is dedicated to making the process of making a positive difference accessible, relevant, and fun.

We believe that making a difference can be as easy as doing the activities you regularly enjoy or getting involved in things you care about. So, whether you’re into Running, Cylcing, Art, Cooking/Dining, helping the Environment, Volunteering, Video Games, Donating Blood, or just meeting other people with the same interests, you can make a difference each day with PeopleRipple.com. Every mile ran or biked, each cooking or environmental Challenge completed, each game played, each deliberate act of kindness performed, etc. counts and is tracked! — And there are even PRIZES to win every week!

How and Why are we doing this?

We’re a group of friends who just want to make a difference. So we pulled our resources together and donated our time and energy to build PeopleRipple.com. We’re not funded by big venture capital. And we don’t have a big budget for marketing. But that’s OK. We believe in what we’re doing. And we know that there are enough people out there who care and want to make a difference. And our hope is that this message will move you to signup and start spreading the word.

Do you like receiving or giving Hugs?

We have recently launched the Make A Difference Hug Drive. Using the hug cards (printable and electronic versions), we are able to track how many hugs are given. We are asking companies to make pledges at certain hug levels to support the causes our members care about. Each hug counts! Imagine, making a difference with each hug…

How does PeopleRipple.com make a difference?

A portion of every dollar we will EVER earn goes to supporting nonprofit partners like the American Cancer Society, American National Red Cross, United Way, Feed the Children, and other causes elected by our members. Also, we’re creating a new kind of social experience that is meaningful and enjoyable for people and which has the awesome side effect of Making the World a Better Place.

PeopleRipple.com is currently available only in the US, but we are looking to expand globally once we reach 1,000,000 US members.  We’re starting this movement from home.

What you can do now…

Complete Step 1 above. Then, send a virtual hug to your friends, family, and anyone who has ever wanted to make a difference. Help spread the word.

Let’s move together one person and one small action closer to the kind of life and world we’ve dreamed about. The more people who join, the bigger the revolution will be…

MAD Hug Drive Excitement is Building!

1 more day before the launch of the MAD Hug Drive!  Everyone is really excited.  In promoting the Event in Orange County, CA, we’ve met a lot of people who are passionate about making a difference.  And when they hear that all it takes is giving a hug, they go wild!  We’ve met people from all ages and backgrounds who love the idea of doing simple things that can have a proportionally bigger impact.

The MAD Hug Drive is a personal and community Challenge.  How many hugs can we register?  What will businesses pledge to do?  It’s all going to start tomorrow.

The M.A.D Hug Drive Set for September 12, 2008 in Southern California

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

National MAD Hug Drive Will Begin in Orange County

FULLERTON, California (September 03, 2008) – PeopleRipple.com invites everyone to celebrate the launch of the National Make A Difference Hug Drive on Friday, September 12, 2008, at 7pm at Plush Cafe in downtown Fullerton.

PeopleRipple.com developed the MAD Hug Drive to provide a fun and easy way for people to actively participate in making a difference. Participants, individually and as a community, will be challenged to give hugs to as many people as possible. Those receiving hugs can register hugs at PeopleRipple.com. At increasing hug counts, companies make pledges to support causes elected by the participants.

“It will begin in Fullerton and will spread hug by hug to the rest of the nation, “ said Franz Cruz, Project Coordinator for PeopleRipple.com. “The MAD Hug Drive demonstrates how everyone performing small actions can affect a big difference.”

The event will provide more information about PeopleRipple.com, the MAD Hug Drive, and actions people can take to address local and global issues. Attendees will enjoy a night of entertainment, refreshments, and several prize drawings. The first 20 people to register for the MAD Hug Drive at the event will receive a free MAD Hug Drive t-shirt. The event will be held from 7pm to 9pm at Plush Cafe, located at 207 N. Harbor Blvd. Fullerton, Ca 92832.

PeopleRipple.com, launched in May 2008, is a social networking platform focused on enriching people’s personal and social lives and improving the world. Its mission is to make the world a better place by providing people with tools, opportunities, and support to make positive ripples of impact. PeopleRipple.com dedicates a percent of its profits to supporting nonprofits. For more information about PeopleRipple and the MAD Hug Drive, please visit www.peopleripple.com.

# # #

No More Missed Connections

You see a person that catches your eye. You exchange glances from a distance. Your heart races. You want to say something. But, for some reason, you don’t.

You don’t want this to be the last time you see him/her. But before you know it, it’s over. You each part way.

For the next few days your friends have to hear the story. And for a little bit longer, you linger on the what ifs…

Would’ve. Could’ve. Should’ve.

NEVER AGAIN! Next time, just give that person your PR Card. You don’t even have to say a word. A smile as you give your card is enough.

Once that person has your PR Card, the ball is on his or her court.

Help Wanted

PeopleRipple.com’s Mission is to Make the World a Better Place. It’s a world project, but we’re starting it here at home. Because we’re all connected, what we can accomplish through PeopleRipple.com will naturally affect the rest of the world. We each have a vital role to play. It’s up to us, individually and together, to make a difference.

One by one, we are growing a community of People actively making Ripples of positive personal, social, and global difference. The more people who get involved, the greater the impact will be. Here are some ways you can help:

• Begin or Keep Rippling. By taking on Challenges, you’re already creating a difference.

• Tell other people about PeopleRipple. Shout it from the rooftops. Write it in the sky. Wear our T-Shirts (soon to be available for purchase). Or pass out your Ripple Cards. The more People involved, the bigger the Ripples of Change we can create.

• Participate in the MAD Hug Drive. Who doesn’t like to give or receive hugs?! This time, every hug counts towards making a difference.

• If you have some graphic design background and an eye (or two) for design, help us to design Ripple Cards and MAD Hug Cards. We’ll give you full credit on PeopleRipple.com. If you’re interested, email RippleCards@PeopleRipple.com.

• Sponsor a Zip Code for your business or for yourself. You can even give the Sponsorship as a gift to another person or to your favorite Nonprofit. Revenues from Sponsorships allow us to keep PeopleRipple.com going and growing. [Link: Zip Exclusive]

• Blog about PeopleRipple.com. Talk about the Challenges you’re currently taking. Talk about your experiences from the Challenges you’ve already taken.

• Donate directly to The PeopleRipple Foundation. The PeopleRipple Foundation is the charitable arm of PeopleRipple.com. PeopleRipple.com profits offset the operational costs of The PeopleRipple Foundation. This allows it to give 100% of donations collected to help service- and education-based Nonprofit Partners continue to make a difference.

Advertising 101- Its Role in Making a Difference

Every time you see an ad, the website on which the ad is displayed makes money. Advertisers pay websites to include ads in their pages so that you will see them. And when you click on an ad, they make even more money.

Websites also make money using information you give them. The more information you provide websites, the more effectively advertisers can target you, and the more websites can charge advertisers.

There’s an unspoken agreement between you (the user) and websites. They provide you with a free service in exchange for being able to show you ads. That’s basically how websites operate and make money.

And now that you know, you have the power and the corresponding responsibility do something positive with that knowledge.
Here’s the PeopleRipple Plan:

Let’s use this awareness of how advertising works to take small actions that will benefit Others and the World:

We will sell ads. In fact, we’re even developing new, innovative advertising options that provide tremendous value for our advertisers. Why? Because the more money we earn from advertisers, the more we can give to organizations addressing issues we all care about.

We operate a proprietary, in-house advertising system that generates revenue. It’s actually a very effective system that provides phenomenal value to advertisers while limiting the clutter on the website. More importantly, a PORTION OF EVERY DOLLAR which the PeopleRipple’s Advertising system will EVER earn will be donated to Nonprofit Organizations for which our members vote: Feeding the Hungry, Finding a Cure for Cancer, etc.
Coming Soon! Ripple Group for Enlightened Consumers. This group’s mission is to explore ways to flex our collective muscle as consumers.

NOTE:

We will be very transparent with our donations and make reports of our donation activities available for all to see.