Neal Gorman

#election2012 and #election2012quotes

2012-02-12T15:33:00.001-05:00

More fun w/ #election2012quotes #3 "a little bit of Richie Cunningham wouldn't be a bad thing for our society right now."

#election2012 and #election2012quotes

2012-02-01T18:47:00.001-05:00

#2 in #election2012quotes "I'm not concerned about the very poor. We have a safety net there." #election2012 keep it going! (Feb 1) @NealGorman

#election2012 and #election2012quotes

2012-02-01T18:46:00.001-05:00

I'm kicking off a new hashtag #election2012quotes "I can't handle a Jaguar right now. All I want is a Chevrolet." #election2012 keep it going! (started Jan 19) @NealGorman

News I think is Super Interesting Right Now

2011-10-26T15:37:00.000-04:00

Community Managers Meetup:
Anything with the hashtag #CMmeetup or from @CMmeetup. Take a look and follow them. You won't be disappointed.

The Occupy Wall Street Movement:
I'm interested in all the news angles. Although I'm not sure yet which is the official Twitter feed: @OccupyWallStNYC or @OccupyWallSt.

Albert Einstein's Theory of Relativity:
Physicists announced last week that they found neutrinos could travel faster than the speed of light. This story relates to time travel!
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/10/25/science/25neutrinos.html?_r=1

9/11 Remembrance and Hurricane Irene Service Updates:

2011-09-01T10:39:00.001-04:00

From MyGoodDeed, HandsOn, Points of Light, ServiceNation and AmeriCorps Alums

MyGoodDeed is working to organize the largest day of charitable service in U.S. history by coordinating a variety of service programs on the anniversary of 9/11. We can participate and make a difference by performing good deeds, supporting charitable causes, volunteering, and engaging others in acts of compassion. Read more here: http://www.911day.org/

Good & Ready with HandsOn, Points of Light and partners. Timing is everything. Good & Ready launched in August 2011 to help Americans learn how to prepare for disasters. And then came Irene for those on the East Coast. Please visit the site below to learn how to create a plan, build a kit, help others and get trained. http://goodnready.gethandson.com/

You can also help others recover by visiting http://www.handsonnetwork.org/nationalprograms/handsondisasters and click on the “Action Center Updates” and register to provide support to the East Coast states.

ServiceNation launches new Service as a Strategy initiative designed to help mayors identify and implement high-impact service strategies that address local challenges. This week they unveiled the two newest blueprints: Sustainable Home Makeover and Prepared is Protected. See all the blueprints here: http://www.serviceasastrategy.org/blueprints/

Two great AmeriCorps Alums updates: AmeriCorps Alums is participating in a 9/11 grant competition worth $50K over the next three years (via Challenge.gov). Chapters participating will be eligible for a $500 award. Here’s what you need to do: Get registered at AmeriCorps Alums, then contact your local chapter leaders on your chapter page. Click here: http://www.americorpsalums.org

Alums is also looking to highlight stories of AmeriCorps alumni/AmeriCorps Alums chapters related to Make A Difference Day 2011. If you are interested in having your story highlighted please do same as above: Get registered at AmeriCorps Alums, then contact your local chapter leaders on your chapter page. Click here: http://www.americorpsalums.org

AmeriCorps Alums Happy Hour and Projects for AmeriCorps Week!

2011-05-12T10:54:00.000-04:00

NYC Chapter of AmeriCorps Alums Happy Hour and Projects for AmeriCorps Week!

Attention NYC area AmeriCorps Alums chapter members. Come help us celebrate AmeriCorps Week with NYC Chapter Alums and current AmeriCorps members!

Time: Wednesday, May 18 from 5PM to 7PM, (free cocktails & pizza from 5-6PM, but please stay longer)

RSVP here: http://americorpsalums.site-ym.com/events/event_details.asp?id=160984

Location: Nolita House, 47 East Houston Street, Upstairs, NYC 10012 (212) 625-1712 (located between Mott & Mulberry Streets, south side of Houston) Subway: Take the F, M, B or D train to Broadway Lafayette or the 6 train to Bleecker.

Discount: Complimentary well drinks (and limited supply of pizza) for AmeriCorps Alums and members from 5PM to 6PM

Get connected, get organized, and get networked…

Please RSVP here for the happy hour: http://americorpsalums.site-ym.com/events/event_details.asp?id=160984

Please also sign up for a Service Project here: http://www.americorpsalums.org/members/blog_view.asp?id=18783

Thanks!

Neal Gorman

@nealgorman

http://www.linkedin.com/in/nrgorman

The AmeriCorps, NCCC and VISTA Twitter List

2011-04-04T14:31:00.001-04:00

No one has a good list yet on Twitter so I'm making my own. We have 101 and it's growing. The AmeriCorps members, alums who tweet list is at http://twitter.com/nealgorman/americorps-members. @ me and get listed. Alums are our future and current leaders - they know how to get things done and make a difference.

AmeriCorps in New York is Under Attack - An important message from the AmeriCorps Alums Team

2011-03-14T17:15:00.001-04:00

New York needs your help! The fate of AmeriCorps is currently being decided in the Senate and its IMPERATIVE that we make our voices heard. The turn-out for District Day was phenomenal, and now we need you to Make the Call (http://www.saveservice.org/page/s/makethecall). On Tuesday, March 15th we're holding a nationwide call in to the Senate, telling them to keep CNCS and AmeriCorps funded.

Making the call is easy! Click here (http://www.saveservice.org/page/s/makethecall) to sign up and receive an e-mail reminder on the 15th to call in. To call, just dial 1-855-US-SERVE, enter your zip code and you will be patched to a Senator's office. When you call, all you have to do is say who you are, that you are calling to support service in America, and that you want your Senator to vote to keep AmeriCorps funded. Simple! Just make sure, if you work for the government or are currently serving in AmeriCorps, you DO NOT call when you are working. If this does apply to you, you can make the call during your time off for lunch.

You've all done a great job raising your voices in support of Service and they are starting to be heard. However, we still have a long fight ahead of us. Please help us spread the word by forwarding this email to friends and family to sign up as well! Then on March, 15th let's flood the offices of the Senate with calls to support service. Together we CAN save AmeriCorps!

Want to support the fight to keep AmeriCorps going strong?

Please Donate at http://www.americorpsalums.org/donations/default.asp?

AmeriCorps Elimination Cuts, Please Help, Take Action Now

2011-02-12T10:26:00.001-05:00

If you have not heard yet, there have been some critically significant proposals to cut, and perhaps eliminate entirely, AmeriCorps programs (this includes the Corporation for National and Community Service – that's the gov't arm that funds most of your nation's service related programs).

This is fast moving so please do what you can ASAP. The cuts will be considered on the House floor next week!

There have been a number of sites created in the immediate aftermath of the announcement. Rather than bombard or confuse you with all the addresses, here are a few that I think have the most up to date and accurate info.

Click here for the AmeriCorps Alums blog to learn more on how alums can respond to the proposed cuts (includes Twitter and FB links):

http://americorpsalums.wordpress.com/2011/02/10/alums-respond-to-the-proposed-americorps-cuts

Click here for ServiceNation's info and how to contact your local Rep ASAP

http://www.servicenation.org/pages/protect-national-service

See another FB page called "Stand For AmeriCorps" at http://on.fb.me/f1nhBt. This page 1st started as a FB group at http://on.fb.me/eGb3iQ.

Stay tuned, stay informed, and please help!

AmeriCorps Alums You Should Know -- Megan Hill, Seattle

2011-01-23T13:42:00.001-05:00

Megan Hill is a writer, nonprofit consultant and certified grant writer in the Greater Seattle Area. She's also a two-time AmeriCorps alumna with a memoir about her year with NCCC in the works. Her Twitter handle is @YeahService and she has more than 5,000 followers. Megan also hosts a web site and blog that she regularly updates. See her most recent post "What to pack for AmeriCorps NCCC" from just a few days ago. Thanks for carrying on the mission to serve Megan!

http://www.serviceispower.com/2011/01/17/pack-americorps-nccc

Learn about other great volunteers and those that have served in AmeriCorps, like me, by joining my LinkedIn AmeriCorps networking group: http://tinyurl.com/memhp9

The Race may be Over but I'm still Fundraising Until Dec. 15

2010-11-16T14:53:00.000-05:00

Just a quick alert to let you know that although I finished the long and grueling ING NYC Marathon just nine days ago, my fundraising page doesn't come down until mid December. I have surpassed my original goal of $3,500 and hope you will help me beat my new $4,500 goal.

Just a few dollars can make a big difference. In fact, $25 buys five blankets to be used at a Red Cross shelter. If you can give, please click here to donate to Red Cross disaster relief.

2010 ING NYC Marathon page http://bit.ly/9mudwh

2010 ING NYC Marathon - 4:33 finish time!!

2010-11-08T14:14:00.000-05:00

All in all a success. I finished the race and raised $3,600 for Red Cross.

The cool part is that I beat my 2009 finish time by 20 minutes! Thanks for all the support along the way.

ING NYC Marathon starts in 4 days and 18 hours!!

2010-11-02T13:23:00.000-04:00

It’s the final week. ING NYC Marathon starts in 4 days, 18 hours! I’m super excited, but I do have a few complaints just for fun:

I’m tired of rubbing Body Glide all over, and especially those two obvious Body Glide stains on my shirts (you know where they are).
I am tired of saying, “Sorry can’t meet you at the bar, got to run.”
I’m tired of wondering if every new and strange leg pain I feel is real or something just in my head.
I’m tired of wondering if my new sneakers are broken in yet.
I’m tired of wondering if I drank enough water today.
I’m tired of power bars and drink mixes.
I’m tired of my pinky toe, I keep smashing it by accident, it hurts and not sure what it does anyway.
Where’d that blister come from?
I’m super annoyed and tired of runner's trots (diarrhea). Seriously.
Excessive sweating, really. I’m that guy on the treadmill next to you making you sick. I’m tired of it.
And…speaking of the gym, I’m tired of their 30 minute rule.
I have a cold, is it going to screw up my run?
I’m tired of washing my running gear in the shower every night!
Does anyone else ever accidentally kick themselves in the ankle when they are running? What the heck is that?
I’m tired of waiting to drink my latest batch of home brewed beer! (It’s an IPA by the way.)

Last one: I'm not tired of this though. If you can give $5 or $100, please click here. I am running to raise money for Red Cross disaster relief. Thanks!

ING NYC Marathon page http://bit.ly/9mudwh

Compression Gear, Personal Goals and I Didn’t Mean It

2010-10-10T13:38:00.001-04:00

I just finished running the Staten Island half marathon. Resting. So now is a good time for a blog post. First, I reached a personal goal today that I had no idea was possible; I finished in 1:56. I really wanted to finish in less than two hours but thought a 9:30 mile was more realistic, which would have been a personal record anyway by about 15 minutes.

I recently told the social media director at NYRR, when he asked how the training was going, that I was sick of running, hated running and would never train for the ING NYC Marathon again. Well, there really is something to be said about pushing yourself as far as you can. At that moment I was truly fed up with it all. But when you reach a milestone, beat a personal record or a goal, it puts things into perspective. I take it back now, not sick of running, I really don't hate running, I'm glad to be running and reaching goals, so I take it back.

Now, about the compression gear. It works. No chafing or shaved off nipples or anything. A bit of body glide on some sensitive areas just in case and everything tightly wrapped up in compression shorts and shirt. Works perfect. I have to thank all the runners who gave me feedback on that.

Speaking of reaching goals. I am after all, running the upcoming NYC Marathon to raise money for Red Cross disaster relief. If you can give $5 or 100, please click here. Thanks!

ING NYC Marathon page http://bit.ly/9mudwh

Running and Chafing: Ouch!!!!

2010-09-27T23:04:00.001-04:00

It all started last year when I missed being listed in the New York Times' NYC marathon page by only a few minutes because of a bathroom break. I knew I needed help and decided to seek out some of the best runners for advice. I had lots of questions, much more than just potty breaks, in particular, what to do about some serious chafing.

I thought I had good running shirts/shorts and have been using body glide but jeez – sometimes there's just no relief, especially on runs longer than 3 miles. The nipples and other tender regions were, well, quite sore. There's no need to really get into much more. The comments speak for themselves; a great bunch of people with great advice.

An experienced runner with 25 marathons under his belt, Dan, from Los Angeles, agrees that chafing is one of the most dreaded aspects of distance running. "The nip issue is simple he says. "If you have a non-hairy chest, simply affix a bandaid or two to each nip before each long run and marathon." Although the bandaids work for him, he also mentions checking into Nipguards at http://www.nipguards.com. "They've sold a million of these since 1999 and apparently work. And are feasible for those with hairier chests for which bandaids aren't as feasible," he added.

Matt from Minnesota says he "started using some industrial bandages over the nips. The cheaper band aids seem to fall off as soon as the sweating starts."

Paul from Columbus has run 110 marathons and ultras and the only thing that works for him he says Aquaphor. "Aquaphor beats chaffing. I use it liberally. It stays on for the entire event and then washes off nicely. No staining of clothing either."

Chris, also from Columbus, has run 100 marathons and ultras (weird, I wonder if they know each other) and he also swears that Aquaphor is the key. "It just gets more slippery as you sweat... just glob it on! It's available at most pharmacies."

Another marathoner Richard, from Greenville, recommends compression gear. "Tight is the ticket," he says. "I use compression shirts and lined shorts along with a glide bar. I might look funny but it eliminates chaffing for me." I'm with him here on the funny part. Not 25 anymore you know?

Speaking of being bashful, Chris, a marathoner from Chicago says: "Go tight! If you don't want to show off the bod with a compression shirt then put a tank top or sleeveless shirt over it." Chris also recommends to "double it up" by wearing the compression shirt, nip guards, body glide and lined shorts. He also had a great basic tip that I should mention: simply staying away from cotton in any form and sticking with lightweight moisture wicking apparel.

Bill, from Michigan, swears by compression gear and tape for the nips, but with two very special bonus tips. "I wear compression shorts, but I turn them wrong-side-out. That way, no seams are against your skin. Some athletic tape over the nipples ought to solve that problem. Just remember to pull it off if it gets hot and you take off your shirt. I forgot one day, and couldn't figure out why someone in my neighborhood was giving me funny looks."

All in all 14 very experienced runners weighed in on the chafing issue with some great tips for a newbie like me. I have been using all them actually. See you on November 7th for the 2010 ING NYC Marathon!

Stay tuned for my next post: where to put those extra gels packs on long runs!

And be sure to click on my Team Red Cross fundraising page. It's the only reason I am running this thing. Click here to make a donation now - thanks!

http://american.redcross.org/site/TR/NYCMarathon/COGPNYGreaterNewYork-32500?px=5807805&pg=personal&fr_id=1259

Marathon Runners and Potty Breaks: Yep, a big deal as it turns out

2010-09-15T17:18:00.000-04:00

As a newbie runner, I recently asked a group of experienced marathoners if they had any tips on potty breaks. Last year's ING NYC Marathon porta-john lines were long and I really didn't want to stop at all and loose momentum. I held it for as long as I could but by mile 18 I had to relieve myself. I found a porta-john with no line but by then, I had been stalling it for so long it took forever and I lost a lot of time.

Dan from Los Angeles, an experienced runner with 25 marathons under his belt, agrees that it's a big issue, "a last minute potty break is my single worst enemy."

He says bathroom breaks are all about timing, which is hard to get right, "some of my best marathons have been ruined by porta-john breaks." He recommends getting up early and drinking as much as you can. "Then you must time your last bathroom break as close to the marathon start as possible, thus reducing the chance of having to stop early on in the race." He says the timing in this way increases your chances that you won't have to make a pit stop as you'll be sweating at the same rate as taking fluids in."

Bill, a marathoner from the Michigan area, says to avoid bathroom breaks stay away from gel packs that contain caffeine. He also says to use your long runs as training to aid in avoiding bathroom breaks. I didn't know about the caffeine and I'll definitely be doing this when I do my long training runs!

"The bathroom break was always a problem for me too," says Matt from Minnesota. "I started to time my fluid intake before the start. I drink plenty of fluids up to an hour before, but none until after the gun fires. I found that I also felt better at the start with no sloshing belly. If I hydrate properly the day leading up to the race, the few ounces I lose in that last hour never affects my performance."

Matt also suggests for any last minute emergencies you can bring a "relief bottle" of some type to the start of the race. A great idea for those that are worried they might miss the start from a last minute potty break (porta-john lines can be long).

And probably the best tip comes from Paul in Ohio (he's an advanced runner and also a regular marathon pacesetter). Paul says don't be shy about taking a break if needed. "Can't find a porta-john, find a tree."

Good luck runners!! Next post is all about chafing. You won't believe what the experts say here. Amazing tips that have already saved me some skin.

$5 Team Red Cross #ingnycm Twitter Challenge is at $947

2010-09-02T16:39:00.000-04:00

Thanks to some great friends and randoms I am up to 27% of my Red Cross fundraising goal. Need to raise $3500. Less then 10 weeks to go to the big day (11-7-10) so any little bit helps. Remember, I am training and running all 26.2 so you don't have to!

Click here to make a donation now - thanks!

Tiny URL at http://tinyurl.com/2wsxk5l

Back in Action for 2010! Join in and Support my ING NYC Marathon Run to Raise Money for the American Red Cross

2010-07-06T10:51:00.000-04:00

It’s on! Last year I joined a small group of runners who raised more than $100,000 for the Red Cross by running the 2009 ING NYC Marathon (that’s me on the far right above). As the busiest chapter in the country, the Red Cross in NY needs our help, every little bit you contribute makes a difference. The group is back together again for this year so please support me in my run by making a contribution on my 2010 Donation Page.

Donate Here on my 2010 Donation Page:
http://american.redcross.org/site/TR/NYCMarathon/COGPNYGreaterNewYork-32500?px=5807805&pg=personal&fr_id=1259

On Twitter: I raised $3,400 last year partly through my $5 Red Cross Twitter Challenge (last year this type of thing was still new - not so much anymore). You can help by donating and also by helping spread the word by retweeting and mentioning @nealgorman $5 Red Cross Twitter Challenge. Check back here for results and see me @nealgorman (http://twitter.com/nealgorman) and share some tweets!

Here are a few neat little news articles from last year too!

PRWeek: October 19, 2009
http://www.prweekus.com/fundraising-for-the-red-cross-with-twitter/article/155736/

Oregon Red Cross Blog: May 6, 2010 (an update)
http://redcrosspdx.blogspot.com/2010/05/go-neal.html

Oregon Red Cross Blog: October 30, 2009
http://redcrosspdx.blogspot.com/2009/10/run-neal-run.html

Brooklyn Daily Eagle: October 15, 2009
http://www.brooklyneagle.com/categories/category.php?category_id=8&id=31324

Most importantly, Donate Here on my 2010 Donation Page: http://american.redcross.org/site/TR/NYCMarathon/COGPNYGreaterNewYork-32500?px=5807805&pg=personal&fr_id=1259

or use the Tiny URL at http://tinyurl.com/2wsxk5l

Want to support another runner? Visit the links at www.nyredcross.org for more information.

A Quote in Today's New York Times - Woo Hoo

2010-06-26T13:21:00.001-04:00

I was quoted in today's New York Times, nice! They also plugged our new Lutheran HealthCare YouTube video, sweet! The video was quite a project but well worth it.

Video here: http://tinyurl.com/27nhfln

Times Article here: http://tinyurl.com/2cefpzm

NYC Alumni Volunteers needed at 2010 National Conference on Volunteering and Service

2010-06-17T10:59:00.000-04:00

If you are attending the 2010, National Conference on Volunteering and Service in NYC AmeriCorps Alums could use your help. If you are interested in the opportunity noted below, please contact Greg Heinrich at gheinrich@americorpsalums.org.

AmeriCorps Alums and AmeriCorps VISTA will be covering the National Conference on Volunteering and Service (Monday, June 28 - Wednesday, June 30) from an AmeriCorps perspective. Four volunteer reporters per day will be capturing interviews of conference attendees with Flip Video cameras and uploading content to the CNCS and AmeriCorps Alums YouTube channels.

Volunteers Needed: 2 per shift x 2 shifts x 2.5 days = 10 total

Morning Shift: 9:30-12pm
Afternoon Shift: 1:00-4pm (no afternoon shift on Wednesday, June 30)

The reporters will be split into two shifts (morning & afternoon) with two reporters per shift. In each shift, there will be one reporter interviewing attendees specifically about the 45th anniversary of VISTA and the other will ask questions related to AmeriCorps Alums.

Please contact Greg Heinrich at gheinrich@americorpsalums.org.

Join WE SERVE - the first and only campaign to recognize and reward all national service alumni!

2010-06-11T11:56:00.000-04:00

Join WE SERVE - the first and only campaign to recognize and reward all national service alumni!
According to the Corporation for National and Community Service, there are over 600,000 national service alumni... and we've only been able to reach about 1/5.

Just fill out the form here: http://www.didyouservewith.us/, even if you are already registered with americorpsalums.org, to join the WE SERVE campaign! (Subject to verification of your service.)

Once verified, you will be emailed a coupon code for 15% off the AmeriCorps Alums store and entered to win one of ten gift cards to Target worth $100 a piece. To be entered into the Grand Prize drawing we need you to tell people! Simply copy/paste the sample email, status or tweets here: http://www.americorpsalums.org/?weserveshare and send to your alum friends! At the conclusion of the contest, the top 25 alum referrals will be put in a drawing for the CELEBRITY GRAND PRIZE!

WE SERVE kicks off now and will end at 5pm EST, June 30th following the close of the National Conference on Volunteering and Service in New York City. You only need to fill out the form once, as duplicate entries will be discarded. Contest rules are here: <http://www.americorpsalums.org/?weserverules

Also, Join us at the Conference in New York City!
On Sunday, June 27th AmeriCorps Alums will host a party at Connolly's Pub at 121 West 45th St. The festivities go from 4-10pm and we'll have some local entertainment, food, drink and giveaways. Get your ticket(s) here: http://www.americorpsalums.org/?prepartynyc

And if you are sticking around the city for the 2010 National Conference Volunteering and Service ( http://www.volunteeringandservice.org/ ) be sure to keep an eye out for alums! You can follow us on twitter @americorpsalums (also watch #ncvs for ALL conference news) to be the first to know about special offers, freebies and events.

Looking to help out? Email wsoenksen@americorpsalums.org... we need registration volunteers, bloggers, picture takers and a couple of locals interested in scouting spots for alums to gather on Monday and Tuesday evening.

Thanks!

AMERICORPS ALUMS LEAD CELEBRATION OF NATIONAL SERVICE

2010-05-06T09:32:00.000-04:00

May 8-15, Events and service projects nationwide highlight success of AmeriCorps programs

AmeriCorps alumni across the country are leading the nationwide celebration of AmeriCorps Week, May 8-15, spotlighting the vital work done by AmeriCorps members in communities since the national service program began 16 years ago. Alumni of AmeriCorps are planning events, projects and gatherings to highlight and celebrate the effect that national service has had on their life and the communities in which they live and work.

AmeriCorps Week, celebrated each 2nd week in May, recognizes and celebrates those who have served in, staffed or managed an AmeriCorps program and the organizations and communities who support National Service.

“We are proud to have been a part of AmeriCorps and grateful for all the AmeriCorps alumni who continue to get things done for America,” said Amity Tripp Executive Director of AmeriCorps Alums. “Current AmeriCorps members and alums have made a significant impact on many lives and countless local needs, and AmeriCorps Week is a perfect opportunity to celebrate and recognize their great work.”

There are more than 30,000 active AmeriCorps alumni engaging through more than 100 chapters throughout the nation. Chapters stay active locally by helping students learn to read, mentoring at-risk youth, providing health services, building homes for low-income families, and helping nonprofits recruit volunteers and achieve their mission.

Since 1994, there are more than a half a million AmeriCorps alumni who have given more than 770 million hours of service to their country while in the program.

To mark AmeriCorps Week, over 200 events in all 50 states are scheduled, including an AmeriCorps Rally at City Hall in Philadelphia, an all AmeriCorps Community Clean-Up in Washington, DC, an AmeriCorps Flash Mob in Austin, TX, Community Outreach events in Portland, Maine, and a Humboldt Park Gardening Project in Chicago. Plus there are over 15 AmeriCorps Nights planned at baseball stadiums including the Texas Rangers, Pittsburgh Pirates, Arizona Diamondbacks and Washington Nationals. These events will allow community residents to easily learn and ask questions about AmeriCorps and national service. To search for events in your area go to: www.americorpsweekevents.org.

AmeriCorps alums typically remain actively engaged in their communities once their service is complete. They not only can be counted on as volunteers, but they also run nonprofits, marshal resources within their communities to address difficult issues and frequently pursue public service careers.

2010 American Red Cross Fundraising Breakfast

2010-02-11T22:05:00.001-05:00

Benefiting the American Red Cross in Greater New York

Are You In?

Registration - 8:00 am,

Breakfast - 8:30 to 9:30 am

Mandarin Oriental New York

80 Columbus Circle,

60th Street

For more info e-mail me at nrg1998 at hotmail.com

ING NYC Marathon Success - $3,343 Raised for Red Cross!

2009-11-03T17:04:00.000-05:00

On November 1st, 2009, I joined more than 40,000 runners from around the world in the 40th running of the ING NYC Marathon. Like them, I trained for months and surprisingly, conquered the distance and self-doubt. Some call it the Mt. Everest of running races, a grueling 26.2-mile race through all five boroughs of New York City. I am not sure I will ever run it again, but I am very glad to have had the privilege, especially knowing that I was running for a good cause too - the American Red Cross.

The race is over but the fundraising goes on and so do all the fires, disasters and emergencies in New York - which is why we ran. Please continue to help if you can. My fundraising page will be active and online through mid December. Every little bit you contribute helps.

Contribute Here:
http://american.redcross.org/goto/ngorman

I didn't break any records but achieved a personal milestone in the race, finishing at 4:53:02. I wanted to give up plenty of times, especially at mile 8 when I was only a few blocks from my apartment (photo above, that's me on the left of the 4:45 pace setter), but I was surrounded by so many inspiring people who helped keep the momentum going.

$5 Red Cross Twitter Challenge is at $2190!

2009-10-28T21:17:00.001-04:00

Donate here http://american.redcross.org/goto/ngorman

Only 4 days left to the Marathon!

Thank You!

Twitter Challenge Gets a Mention in PRWeek Blog

2009-10-21T10:10:00.000-04:00

Fundraising for the Red Cross with Twitter
From The Cycle on PRWeek
"Neal Gorman, the VP of PR at Lutheran Medical Center in Brooklyn, NY, and chairman of the Brooklyn Chapter of the American Red Cross, is using Twitter to raise money as he runs the New York City Marathon on November 1..."

Full story online here: http://www.prweekus.com/Fundraising-for-the-Red-Cross-with-Twitter/article/155736

See posts below for $5 Red Cross Twitter Challenge information.

$5 Red Cross Twitter Challenge Gets a Mention in Brooklyn Daily Eagle

2009-10-15T17:22:00.000-04:00

Marathon Runners Look To Raise Money as They Race
From the Brooklyn Daily Eagle
"Neal Gorman, my golf buddy and a chairman of the Brooklyn Chapter of the American Red Cross, is running in the NYC Marathon and using Twitter to raise funds for the Red Cross. That’s right, Twitter."

Full story online here: http://www.brooklyneagle.com/categories/category.php?category_id=8&id=31324
See post below for $5 Red Cross Twitter Challenge information.

Can Twitter help raise money for a good cause? $5 Red Cross Twitter Challenge starts now!

2009-10-13T13:41:00.000-04:00

Like you, I'm on Twitter and catching up on all my friends and followers. But can Twitter help raise money for a good cause?

Update: Not into Twitter? I've added a $5 challenge on Facebook too - please join here http://www.facebook.com/nealgorman?ref=profile#/event.php?eid=293661790493&ref=mf

Here's the challenge, I'm running the NYC Marathon (see full post below) as part of an official American Red Cross charitable team. There are 15 of us and we each need to raise $2,500. As you know, every little bit helps - that's where the $5 Red Cross Twitter Challenge comes in. Lets prove that a little tweeting can go a long way. If you are on Twitter, play along and when you contribute your $5, please re-tweet (RT) a $5 Red Cross Twitter Challenge mention. Like this:
"RT @nealgorman Can Twitter help raise money for a good cause? $5 Red Cross Twitter Challenge starts now! Details at http://bit.ly/macGc" so we can track it.

If you do a Twitter search you'll see that it's picking up some steam, but we need to turn the RTs into $5 donations to the Red Cross.

Twitter link http://twitter.com/nealgorman.

See Progress here: http://american.redcross.org/goto/ngorman.

Thanks!

I am a Runner for Team Red Cross in the NYC Marathon

2009-10-12T14:47:00.000-04:00

I need your help! I have accepted a challenge from the Red Cross to change a life, starting with my own. I have registered to be a Runner for Team Red Cross, one of the charity partners for this year's 2009 ING NYC Marathon.

There is nothing more powerful than the heart of a volunteer, which is what's inspired me to do what I can to help the Red Cross and the over 7,000 volunteers that support the organization. On Sunday, November 1st I'll begin my long journey through the five boroughs of New York Manhattan, Brooklyn, Staten Island, Queens and the Bronx. I'll be running those 26.2 miles alongside my fellow Red Cross team, including the CEO of the organization Theresa A. Bischoff.

I've committed to raise $2,500 to support my Red Cross's ongoing, vital programs and services. Every day, the Red Cross offers domestic disaster relief. It also provides compassionate services in five other areas: community services that help the needy; support and comfort for military members and their families; the collection, processing and distribution of lifesaving blood and blood products; educational programs that promote health and safety; and international relief and development programs.

I'm reaching out to family and friends like you, to help me reach my fundraising goal. I'm asking for your help to ensure lifesaving courses are always available in our community. I'm asking for those who have suffered by the devastation of a house fire. I'm asking because I know nearly everyone in this community has been touched by Red Cross, directly or indirectly, through services and programs vital to our community.

Please join me by making a gift. Your donation makes a critical difference in the lives of so many. Just follow the links:

Click here to visit my personal page.
If the text above does not appear as a clickable link, you can visit the web address:
http://american.redcross.org/site/TR/NYCMarathon/COGPNYGreaterNewYork?px=5807805&pg=personal&fr_id=1221&et=8dPsLdtKWzBXjH1GJxpVbw..&s_tafId=2346

AmeriCorps Alums Service Project - Oct. 17 - Sign up Now

2009-10-08T07:14:00.000-04:00

AmeriCorps Alums Service Project - Oct. 17 - Sign up Now

Our next AmeriCorps Alums service project for the NYC area is New York Cares Day (Oct. 17). An AmeriCorps Alums Team has been placed at an awesome school in Brooklyn. Volunteers will be painting hallways and classrooms, painting murals and planting bulbs around the school and it's also a press site—pretty ideal.

Not in the NYC area? The please check the AmeriCorps Alums web site (americorpsalums.org) and find your local chapter. And if you don't see a local chapter, you can start one! Don't see an event to join, you can also host your own service project!
Here is how to sign up for the NYC event:

To sign up for New York Cares Day:

• Visit www.newyorkcaresday.org
• Select "Register Here"
• Choose "Join a Team," and then select "AmeriCorps Alumni" from the drop down menu
• Fill in all of the fields and follow the prompts to complete your registration
• As an AmeriCorps Alum you will receive a discount on the Registration Fee for the event (it's also a fundraiser so we can help New York Cares do all that they do). When you come to the Registration Fee section, please enter the discount code "NYCD008" to receive a $10 discount on the donation to register.

Yours in Service,
Neal

Busy Year Puts Strain on Brooklyn Red Cross Coffers

2009-09-11T11:21:00.000-04:00

Change a life. Be a Hero for the Brooklyn American Red Cross.

From News12
Busy Year Puts Strain on Brooklyn Red Cross Coffers

(09/09/09) BROOKLYN - The Brooklyn Red Cross has been struggling to stay afloat amid a tough economy coupled with a series of emergencies that took a toll on its resources.

In the 2009 fiscal year, the Brooklyn Red Cross responded to 864 emergencies at a total cost of $2.9 million. Since the beginning of the 2010 fiscal year in July, the Red Cross has responded to 528 disasters, offering victims food, clothing and shelter.

"I wouldn't say the Red Cross would close, but our funds and services would be severely limited," says Neal Gorman.

Red Cross officials say they will begin a fundraising campaign to help the organization.

If you are a subscriber you can see the full story and video here on the News12 site http://www.news12.com/articleDetail.jsp?articleId=235381&position=4&news_type=news.

Please consider helping us by joining our new campaign, We Are The Red Cross - Here In Brooklyn. It's easy and all you need to do is sign up online at http://american.redcross.org/brooklynheroes.

<<RedCrossHeros.jpg>>

Be Red Cross Ready with your September Preparedness Tips

2009-09-03T21:57:00.001-04:00

The American Red Cross in Greater New York is here to help you avoid, prepare for, and cope with emergencies. Please click on the image below to access your September preparedness tips.

Click here to get prepared!

http://www.nyredcross.org/page.php/prmID/598

I AM AmeriCorps Portrait Project "I serve, therefore, I AM!"

2009-08-18T11:15:00.000-04:00

The I AM AmeriCorps Portrait Project is an awareness campaign to recognize the millions of individuals who work to build and strengthen communities through AmeriCorps. There are currently over 600 portraits of alumni, members and supporters. You can help!

IMAGINE a collection of half a million portraits to represent the power of a collection of half a million portraits to represent the power of AmeriCorps.

CONNECT with the AmeriCorps family through photos. with the AmeriCorps family through photos.
SUPPORT the campaign by taking photos holding an “I AM AmeriCorps” sign and post on Facebook.
INFLUENCE Americans to support one of the largest national serviceprograms in the country.

Action Item

Our goal is to build the collection to at least a half a million photos to be a symbol of the power of service. Show your support and post a photo holding an "I AM AmeriCorps" sign.

Click here </resource/resmgr/miscellaneous/i_am_americorps_sign_alums.pdf> to download and print the sign.
Join the Facebook group at <http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=70681798962>
Download and distribute the I AM AmeriCorps postcard. Download here </resource/resmgr/i_am_americorps/i_am_ac_postcard.pdf>

Upload your photo to the Facebook group to officially join the Portrait Project!

Last chance to help Red Cross get double!!

2009-05-13T17:12:00.000-04:00

Your Red Cross donation will be matched if you donate today or tomorrow, visit now!

Pretty Please!

http://tinyurl.com/qao4tj

Help Celebrate with AmeriCorps Alums!

2009-03-20T07:59:00.001-04:00

You are cordially invited to celebrate AmeriCorps Week with AmeriCorps Alums!

When: Saturday, May 16^th, 7:05pm

Where: Nationals Stadium, Washington DC (Nationals v. Phillies)

Cost: ONLY $7 per ticket!

Let's make it a 'National' night of service… join AmeriCorps, AmeriCorps Alums and all our supporters and friends at the Nationals/Phillies game to celebrate the finale of AmeriCorps Week 2009! GET YOUR TICKETS HERE

Our challenge: If we can bat .500 (by getting 500 AmeriCorps members, alums, friends and family to buy tickets) There will be a special on-field recognition of AmeriCorps and Alums!

Help us bat .500 by:

Buying a ticket or several!
Getting your friends and family to buy tickets!
Spreading the word through facebook, twitter or other social networking!
Posting the link to buy tickets on your website or blog: http://protected.tickets.com/buy/MLBOnsale?poid=15007&orgid=17&agency=WSHNB2B14
Encouraging your (former or current) program director/program to buy tickets for corps members or young people/families (makes a great graduation gift!)
Asking friends or family to buy tickets as gifts

CLICK HERE TO BUY YOUR TICKETS!!! Or call 202.675.6287(NATS) and reference Group Code: 356207

Thanks for all you do and we'll see you at the ballpark!

The AmeriCorps Alums Team

Questions? Contact: Whitney Soenksen, Member Services and Outreach Coordinator, AmeriCorps Alums

Sponsored by: AmeriCorps Alums (www.americorpsalums.org)

Closing Bell at NASDAQ

2009-03-09T21:48:00.001-04:00

Brooklyn Red Cross Board Member Helps Ring NASDAQ Bell

And you all thought nothing was happening on Wall Street. Brooklyn board member, Fred Leahy, helps ring the NASDAQ bell, see him 2nd photo far left. Click the link below:

http://www.nyredcross.org/viewnews.php/prmMediaTypeID/38/prmMID/653/prmID/115

2009-02-28T12:07:00.000-05:00

Become a Red Cross HERO! Change a life.

You can become a HERO for the American Red Cross in Greater New York by raising $1,000 to support our mission. These funds will be used to assist our neighbors when they need it most…providing food, clothing, shelter and crisis counseling to those affected by disaster.

HEROES are encouraged to be creative in the way they raise funds, to engage in friendly competition and to have FUN while meeting their goals. Online fundraising is one of the easiest ways to reach your goal. All you need to do is to start your own personal page now by clicking here: https://american.redcross.org/site/TRR/Heroes/Heroes09/801941218?pg=ptype&fr_id=1201

Want to join with friends or co-workers and raise even more? Create your own team and set your own goal (with each team member pledging to raise at least $1,000). When you create your team, you designate yourself as Team Captain, choose a name for your team, and actively solicit team members to join your efforts to support the American Red Cross in Greater New York! Click here to create a team: https://american.redcross.org/site/TRR/Heroes/Heroes09?pg=tfind&fr_id=1201&fr_tm_opt=new&JServSessionIdr008=9eammae8e1.app195a

Join a Team that has already been created. You will be asked to search for and select the team by name. You may want to contact the Team Captain for the team name if needed. Click here to join a team: https://american.redcross.org/site/TRR/Heroes/Heroes09?pg=tfind&fr_id=1201&JServSessionIdr008=9eammae8e1.app195a

Prefer to change a life now? Donate by clicking here: https://american.redcross.org/site/Donation2?idb=981507192&df_id=3678&FR_ID=1201&PROXY_ID=1201&PROXY_TYPE=21&3678.donation=form1

For more information about donating, volunteering and training, call 1-877-RED CROSS (1-877-733-2767), or visit http://www.nyredcross.org/.

Preparedness Tips

2009-02-12T23:17:00.001-05:00

The American Red Cross in Greater New York is here to help you avoid, prepare for, and cope with emergencies. Please click on the image below and learn how to keep communications open with your loved ones when disaster strikes.

Click here and Get Prepared!

AmeriCorps Week 2009!

2009-02-10T23:35:00.000-05:00

The third annual AmeriCorps Week, which takes place May 9-16, 2009, provides the perfect opportunity for AmeriCorps members, alums, grantees, program partners, and friends to shine a spotlight on the work done by members—and to motivate more Americans to serve their communities. Many events are being planned across the country. Individuals and organizations with a special interest in AmeriCorps—especially, members, programs, and alums—are encouraged to use their creativity to mark the week in any way they see fit. The choice is up to you! http://www.americorpsweek.gov/index.asp

NDC New York Chapter donates to Red Cross Haitian Relief Fund

2009-02-10T10:14:00.000-05:00

At a special ceremony held at the Brooklyn Red Cross, the New York Chapter of Grenada’s National Democratic Congress party donated a check in the amount of $3,000 to aid the ongoing hurricane disasters relief efforts in Haiti.

“It is an honor and a privilege to make this donation to the Red Cross for the Haitian Hurricane relief effort,” said Alfred Butler, the Chairman of the NDC NY Chapter, addressing those gathered to witness the handing over of the check at the downtown Brooklyn office of the American Red Cross.

“There can be no better organization to present this check to than the Red Cross because we know that these monies would get to the people we intend to benefit,” Butler continued.

“We appreciate the accommodation which you are giving to us today; and I am sure that the members of the National Democratic Congress [in NewYork] as well as our party’s affiliates in Grenada are proud and happy that we are doing this,” he said in closing.

More information about volunteering, donating and obtaining safety training in Brooklyn from the American Red Cross, can be obtained by calling 718-330-9200 or visiting http://www.nyredcross.org/.

AmeriCorps Alums: Free Federal and State Tax Returns!

2009-02-10T08:21:00.001-05:00

TD Bank in Brooklyn Heights Donates $2,000 To Support Disaster Response And Preparedness

2009-02-10T08:13:00.001-05:00

TD Bank donated $2,000 to the American Red Cross in Greater New York (ARC/GNY) for the Chapter's disaster relief efforts in Brooklyn. The presentation took place at ARC/GNY's Brooklyn office in January.

Pictured above, left to right: Denise Bloise, Director, ARC/GNY–Brooklyn; Randy A. Estrada, TD Bank Brooklyn Heights store manager; Fred Leahy, member, ARC/GNY–Brooklyn Board of Advisors; and Neal Gorman, Chairman, ARC/GNY–Brooklyn Board of Advisors.