January Newsletter: 2012 Theme = HOMEGROWN

a. Top 11 in 2011
b. 2012 Theme = Homegrown: Local People for Local Causes.
c. Vox Holistic Experience
d. 3/24 Superhero Party benefiting Children of Salvation Army
e. Upcoming Events

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Our team is excited and energized for the new year and look forward to creating memorable experiences with you! To start off, wanted to lay groundwork for 2012 by reflecting on where we've been, setting a theme and process for the year, and inviting YOU to get involved.

a. VOX CULTURE'S TOP 11 in 2011

"You've got to know where you've been to know where you are going." We are so grateful for the partnerships, volunteers and team members that contributed to the growth and success of our organization. Check out our TOP 11 in 2011 as a recap of fun times from last year.

b. 2012 THEME = HOMEGROWN: Local People for Local Causes.

"Charity begins at home, but should not end there." ~Thomas Fuller. Houston is such a vast city and what better place to pour our energy than by starting at home. In 2012, we aim to offer opportunities that draw on grassroots efforts to benefit local causes. Thank you for your input in helping us narrow our focus areas for the year to address the causes YOU care about. After a collaborative brainstorming session, the three main issues of interest include underprivileged children, caring for our environment and refugee/immigration reform. These will be divided into themed trimesters. (Artwork by Jody Lee)

c. VOX HOLISTIC EXPERIENCE

At Vox, our goal is to raise awareness about social issues through creative expression. In an effort to offer a well-rounded experience for our audience, Vox leaders have designed a process that utilizes Head (Conspiracy) / Heart (Culture) / Hands (Imprint) method. By focusing on one cause across a trimester, we aim to provide multiple opportunities for you, as our guest, to learn and get involved with an issue and cause organization. We hope that through this process, you will gain a deeper understanding of the distress in Houston and leverage your creativity to care for our city.

d. 3/24 SUPERHERO PARTY BENEFITING CHILDREN OF SALVATION ARMY


Our first focus of the year will be Children at Home and we will be throwing a Superhero Party in partnership with Salvation Army on Saturday, 3/24.

About Salvation Army Family Residence: The residence opened in 1984 and serves as a safe haven and transitional living for homeless women and children. Some of the residents are victims of domestic violence, substance abuse, crime, illiteracy, or unemployment. Services include home furnishings, financial assistance, case management and classes that include computer instructions, cooking/nutrition/ financial planning, GED/ESL classes, health issues, job readiness, life skills, and parenting for the residents. Benefits are given with the expected goal of independent living. The children are provided with counseling, tutoring, and child-care services as well as school supplies, and uniforms. Occasionally, the children get to participate in field trips, parties and educational summer day camp.

Help put a smile on these children's faces - get an early start by being involved with the planning process! First meeting will be on Tuesday, 2/7 @ 7PM - Vox Warehouse. Contact Johnny Lin for details.
 
e. UPCOMING EVENTS

• 2/18 Free the Captives' 2nd Annual Houston Human Trafficking Conference. | Houston, TX
  
• 2/24-25 Justice Conference "Love is a Thread" | Portland, OR