A Mission Behind the Media
LOWELL, MA U.S.A. - The Lowell Sun Newspaper:
They sell art, they spin music, they make movies.
But what are they really about?
Valerie Parker, with the help of family and friends, recently opened her doors on Middle Street to an incense-scented enclave of arts, such as jewelry and musical instruments from Africa, Nepal, and Mexico. Below, in an equally cozy space, is production equipment she uses to produce videos, documentaries, and film.
Second World Director to Participate in UMASS-Peru Solar Energy Project
Second World Executive Director will be spending the good part of June in remote areas of Peru, documenting and participating in the UMASS Peru Village Empowerment Project. Ms. Parker will lend her filmmaking and photography skills during this solar mission to make a difference. "I am thrilled and honored to be part of such an innovative project connecting Lowell with Peru. I will be gathering information, interviewing participants, which will ultimately help further the project." Ms. Parker is a filmmaker/photographer and activist dedicated to sustainable development.
Diversity and 'edu-tainment fill streets of Lowell
It's not every day that a local organization promises to throw a party that will not only celebrate "our diversity through the universal vibrations of this planet," but also make marked progress in the struggle to help individuals in poverty and disaster stricken parts of the world to help themselves. Yet that is exactly what the people over at Second World are planning to do this weekend.
The Boston Bhangra Competition
The third annual Boston Bhangra Competition will be coming to you on Saturday, November 11th, 2006 at the world renowned Orpheum Theatre featuring 12 of the best bhangra teams from North America & Canada compete to be crowned the Boston Bhangra Champions!
Second World Photo Show Reception October 20th!
A special Autumn showing of the traveling Second World "Elevation" Exhibit of images from Nepal and India is slated for a special reception on October 20th at Brew'd Awakening Coffeehaus. On tap for the evening is photographer Valerie Parker, a special fair trade art sale, delicious baked goods, and fresh fair trade Equal Exchange coffee! Later, enjoy the musical stylings of Ken Macey.
Second World Director Nominated for Lowell Women's Week 2006 Because of Her Award
LOWELL, MA USA - Second World Director and Founder Valerie Parker has been nominated to receive recognition at the Lowell Women's Week. The Lowell Women's Week "Because of Her" Award will recognize women who have exhibited extraordinary leadership, commitment and courage; and have significantly changed the lives of others through kindness, generosity, compassion and activism.
Second World Gains International Recognition
Second World visited the Tibetan Performing Arts initiative in Dharamsala, Northern India to begin development of documentary film directed by Valerie Parker. Proceeds of the documentary will benefit Thangtong Lhugar to build a performance facility, proper student dorms, potable water systems, and will be used as an educational tool for cultural preservation and cross cultural programs.
Lowell and Peru United
Second World Executive Director and fair trade filmmaker Valerie Parker returned to Peru for a two week trip into the poorest valleys in rural Peru. While documenting the successes and challenges of the Village Empowerment program, Ms. Parker also participated in the installation of a biogas digester, and the maintenance of several solar energy, radio communication and potable water systems installed throughout some of the most remote and underprivelaged areas of Peru's sierra and highlands.
In 1998, sparked by the unifying power of reggae music, filmmaker Valerie Parker went camera in hand, to experience a two-week journey that would change her life. She traveled solo, from small communities in the hills to the urban Kingston Jamaica “jungle”. She witnessed firsthand the huge gaps between the rich and poor and the connection reggae music had to keeping hope alive in these communities. This initial experience led Valerie to the School for International Training’s Jamaica: Gender and Development program. She found herself in diverse settings from free trade zones to all inclusive resorts, conducting sustainable development research in rural disadvantaged communities and participating in AIDS prevention outreach to sex workers on the beaches of Negril.
The New England Culture Fest 2006 WRAP UP The New England Culture Fest rocks the Northeast US this Labor Day weekend, (Sept. 1, 2-10PM) with the sights, sounds & flavors of distant lands- in honor of sustainability worldwide!
READ THIS ARTICLE FOR 2006 FESTIVAL WRAP UP INFORMATION. 2007 Festival information is on the front page.
Music Art Festival Seeks to Boost Fair Trade
"The barriers that have created separate worlds among one humanity were made by men," is the philosophy behind Lowell's Second World. "First World," "Third World," Forget what you were told. Enter the Second World." In what sounds like a summer movie . . .
* Official 2007 New England Culture Fest Page*
In an exciting fusion of film, fashion, world culture, and fair trade advocacy, The Fourth Annual New England Culture Fest benefit extravaganza returns to the Arts District of historic downtown Lowell, Mass. Enterprise Bank Parking Lot (2-10 PM) on September 1st 2007 featuring the region's hottest music from Jen Kearney and The Lost Onion, Organ in Orbit, and The Boston Horns, Pie Boys Flat, Atlas Soul, Inca Son - with a touch of Hollywood in headliners, Leon and the Peoples. Out of a love for music apparent through his award winning performances in “The Temptations” and “The Little Richard Story,” Leon bursts onto the scene with his signature Reggae - Soul sound in honor of the economic empowerment work of the non-profit organization, Second World.
Second World Celebrates World Fair Trade Day
On May 13th, from noon-5PM visit the Second World Showroom at 172 Middle Street in Downtown Lowell for a special reception in honor of World Fair Trade Day. The work explores the region, cultures and the moving individual stories behind fair trade initiatives throughout Nepal, and India. All photography and film sales will benefit the respective fair trade art empowerment initiatives.
Fair Trade refreshments will be served.
Building Hope Worldwide
Valerie Parker, in her twenties, hadn't read "Diet for a Small Planet, published in the 1970's, or "Hope's Edge," published in 2002. Yet, their efforts are allied with the books' concepts and the author's views on restructuring world economies to end hunger and want. Valerie has the fever. She believes a better world is possible if fair business practices and more educational efforts are put to use. Valerie, who traveled to learn more about free trade, "began to see how the world's economy affected me every day," she said. "It affects every one of us."
Responsible tourism is a growing movement towards holidays that are both enjoyable and ensure that the host communities actually benefit from the visiting foreigner. How does one find out about such travel options? Pick up the "Ethical Travel Guide, Your Passport to Exciting Alternative Holidays."
Is it possible to get a tan, and save the world? Second World Director Valerie Parker reviews the Ethical Travel Guide.
