alvaro algarra is a journalist based in Caracas, Venezuela.
I am a journalist born in Caracas Venezuela in 1980, I graduated from Santa Maria University in Caracas. I trained as a professional from the first year of my career as a Social Communicator on the television channel Radio Caracas ...

Hospital de peluches: una iniciativa que lleva sonrisas a niños en situación vulnerable en Venezuela

01 Oct 2023  |  www.vozdeamerica.com  |  Spanish  |  Social Work

For five years, a house in Venezuela's capital has been the headquarters of the Hospital de Peluches, where volunteers clean, sew, and repair stuffed animals and toys to distribute them to vulnerable children and adults. Founded by Lilian Gluck, the initiative aims to bring joy and dignity to those in need. Volunteers like Judith Venaim and Aideth Jiménez find personal fulfillment in their work, contributing their skills to ensure the toys are in perfect condition. The toys are distributed through schools, hospitals, shelters, and other institutions that contact the organization via social media.

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Social Work Charity Children

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Sharifah Fadhilah Alshahab is a journalist based in Singapore, Singapore.

Watch: Turkish café serves cakes, coffee and workplace inclusivity

08 Apr 2024  |  www.euronews.com  |  English  |  Workplace Inclusivity

In Istanbul's Üsküdar region, Tebessüm Café employs individuals with Down's Syndrome, promoting workplace inclusivity and challenging societal stigmas. Emrah Kuru, one of the café's staff, exemplifies the positive impact of this initiative. Despite limited employment opportunities for people with Down's Syndrome, the café provides a supportive environment, fostering direct interactions and altering public perceptions. Project coordinator Sermin Çoban emphasizes the importance of assigning tasks based on individual abilities, contributing to the café's success in inclusivity.

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Social Change Workplace Inclusivity Down's Syndrome

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A remote - working journalist, copywriter and editor with the dry wit of a Londoner and the keen grammatical eye of a former teacher. Proficient in digital and print media, I also build content strategies and create B2B and B2C content. Writing about travel, luxury products, popular culture, ...

Natalie Busari, Founder of The Nerve of My MS

15 Dec 2023  |  Forbes  |  English  |  Social Issues

Natalie Busari, diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 2016, found a lack of representation for Black people in the MS community and in medical research. To address this, she founded The Nerve of My Multiple Sclerosis, a non-profit aimed at supporting Black individuals with MS. She discusses the misconception that MS is rare among Black people and shares her personal experiences with racial bias and discrimination in the workplace due to her invisible illness. Natalie also provides tips for fostering an inclusive environment for Black women with invisible illnesses, including tackling racism, creating safe spaces, providing education on invisible illnesses, and supporting related charities. The article emphasizes the importance of ongoing efforts to combat subtle biases and promote understanding.

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Workplace Discrimination Social Issues Health & Fitness Racial Representation in Healthcare

Ms Soma Basu is a senior journalist based out of New Delhi, India. She is an investigative reporter and specializes in development stories. In 2011, she won the Young Environment Journalist Award instituted by Centre for Media Studies and Panos South Asia for her stories on effect of climate change ...

Delhi students teach and play ‘heroes’ to street children

12 Oct 2023  |  www.thehindu.com  |  English  |  Social Work

Delhi students, through the NGO Pehchaan The Street School, are transforming the lives of street children in the Anna Nagar slums by providing weekend classes in various subjects and activities. Founded in 2015 by Akash Tandon and his friends, the organization now engages 500 volunteers to help over 1,000 children across 10 centers. Another initiative, Bal Mitra Mandal, founded by Nobel Laureate Kailash Satyarthi, runs street classes at traffic intersections, empowering children from urban slums to pursue education. Both programs emphasize the importance of education and personal development, significantly impacting the children's lives and their communities.

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Social Work Education Child Welfare

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Gwen Baumgardner is a journalist formerly based in London, United Kingdom.

Gets Real: Group offers sex workers safety, security and help leaving the trade

05 Oct 2023  |  Yahoo Entertainment  |  English  |  Sex Work

In Seattle, the organization REST (Real Escape from the Sex Trade) offers crucial support to sex workers, providing services such as emergency housing, meals, counseling, substance recovery, and employment help. Co-founded by Audrey Baedke, REST aims to ensure safety and security for sex workers, addressing the exploitation and emotional toll they face. Dominque Allen, a former sex worker, now works with REST to help others leave the trade or find a supportive environment. The article underscores the disproportionate harm faced by transgender and Black individuals in the sex trade.

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Social Issues Sex Work Community Outreach

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Radhika Bhirani is a media professional with over 13 years of experience covering the entertainment and lifestyle world in India. She has worked with news agency Indo-Asian News Service (IANS), followed by Hindustan Times. Currently, she is an independent journalist, and blogs as Curious Case By ...

Social work is not easier for a celebrity, says actor-activist Rajshri Deshpande

01 Oct 2023  |  Hindustan Times  |  English  |  Social Work

Rajshri Deshpande, an actor and activist from Aurangabad, is deeply involved in social work, focusing on sustainable solutions for rural India. Despite her celebrity status, she emphasizes that social work is driven by personal commitment rather than fame. Inspired by her family's struggles with drought and urban development, she founded the Nabanghan Foundation in 2018 to empower villages. Her work spans water, sanitation, education, and more, motivated by her mother's advice on sustainable change. Deshpande balances her acting career with her activism, driven by a sense of moral responsibility and humanity.

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Social Work Celebrity Rural Development

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Pedro Carvalho is a Photographer and Cinematographer based in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Chiara Crescenzi is a journalist based in Roma, RM, Italia.

Hundreds of Facebook Moderators Diagnosed with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

20 Dec 2024  |  www.wired.it  |  Italian  |  Social Media

Over 140 Facebook content moderators have been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder due to prolonged exposure to graphic content, including murders and child abuse. These moderators, working for Samasource in Kenya on behalf of Meta, experienced severe mental health issues, including fainting, nausea, and despair, leading to substance abuse and relationship problems. The exposure to violent content has significantly impacted their well-being, prompting a lawsuit against Meta.

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Workplace Conditions Social Media Mental Health

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Charlotte Elton is a freelance journalist based in London. Previously she worked as a state politics and health reporter at The West Australian, WA's major masthead. Skilled at feature writing, breaking news, and investigative work.

Drug dealer explains how he turned his life around after epiphany

30 Oct 2023  |  The Big Issue  |  English  |  Social Work

The article discusses the personal story of Stu Otten, a former drug dealer who turned his life around after being deeply involved in Liverpool's criminal underworld. Otten managed to escape a life of crime by disassociating himself from his past, pursuing education in social work at Liverpool John Moores University, and is now leading the crime reduction department at Causeway. The article highlights the high incarceration rates in England and Wales and the ineffectiveness of harsh sentencing in preventing reoffending. It emphasizes the importance of addressing the root causes of criminal behavior, such as childhood trauma, through counseling and education programs. Causeway's new campaign, 'Breaking Cycles, Building Lives,' aims to raise awareness of the link between crime and trauma. Otten advocates for giving people who have committed crimes a second chance and the necessary support to reform.

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Social Work Crime Rehabilitation Incarceration Rates

Anindita Ghosh is a journalist based in Delhi with over 20 years of experience in writing and editing. Having worked in top Indian and international media companies, she has a proven track record of expertise in quality print and digital content.

Social worker extends help to Gurugram sex workers

01 Oct 2023  |  www.femina.in  |  English  |  Social Work

Dr. Geetanjali Chopra, founder of the NGO Wishes and Blessings, has been providing essential support to sex workers in Gurugram during the COVID-19 lockdown. Her organization distributed dry ration kits and conducted hygiene awareness drives to help 205 sex workers and their families. Wishes and Blessings, established in 2014, operates 15 centers across Delhi-NCR and has been actively involved in providing food and shelter to underprivileged communities, including migrant workers and the homeless. The NGO has also partnered with grassroots organizations in various states to distribute nutritional kits to at-risk families.

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Sex Workers Social Work COVID-19 Relief

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Ellie Green is a foreign afffairs commentator based in London, United Kingdom.

Reasons Why Foster Care is the Right Path for You

18 Dec 2023  |  www.lifestyledaily.co.uk  |  English  |  Social Work

Foster care is presented as a fulfilling and impactful choice that can make a real difference in the lives of children in need. It offers a sense of accomplishment, extensive support, especially from agencies like fosteringpeople.co.uk, and the opportunity to expand one's horizons by interacting with children from diverse backgrounds. Foster care is also portrayed as a path to personal and professional growth, providing new learning experiences, confidence, and transferable skills.

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Social Work Foster Care

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Melanie Hamilton is a journalist based in Tbilisi with a strong focus on culturally significant stories and the people behind them in Georgia and throughout the Caucasus and Eastern Europe.

EEOC Issues New Guidance on Workplace Harassment Addressing Modern Challenges

29 Sept 2023  |  LexBlog  |  English  |  Workplace Harassment

The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has released new enforcement guidance on workplace harassment, addressing issues such as LGBTQ rights, online misconduct, and reproductive decision-making. This is the first major document on harassment from the EEOC since 1999. The guidance, which is open for public comment until November 1, 2023, reflects changes in the workplace due to the #MeToo movement, the COVID-19 pandemic, the overturning of Roe v. Wade, and the Supreme Court's Bostock v. Clayton County decision. It covers various forms of harassment, including misgendering and online harassment, and clarifies that religious accommodations do not permit creating a hostile environment for LGBTQ employees. Employers are advised to review their harassment policies and seek legal counsel to ensure compliance with the new guidelines.

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Social Media Remote Work Workplace Harassment LGBTQ Rights Online Misconduct Abortion Sex Discrimination Religious Accommodations Reproductive Decision-Making

Justin Heifetz is a freelance journalist in France with more than a decade of experience in reporting, writing and editing.

Based out of Marseille, he covers news and social affairs with a focus on immigration, crime and human rights.

His work can be found in VICE, CNN, Anthony Bourdain: ...

For Hong Kong's 'Compensated Daters,' the Payoff Is Complicated

01 Oct 2023  |  www.vice.com  |  English  |  Sex Work

The article explores the lives of young women in Hong Kong involved in compensated dating, a form of sex work where they are paid for companionship and sexual services. It highlights the emotional and physical challenges they face, including manipulation, violence, and societal stigma. Organizations like Teen's Key provide crucial support through sex education, STD tests, and counseling. Despite the difficulties, some women find ways to use their earnings to pursue their dreams and build better futures. The article underscores the need for better support systems and sex education in Hong Kong.

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Social Issues Sex Work Youth

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Nathaniel Janowitz is a journalist/writer/photographer based in the Americas. He currently works for VICE and previously published with outlets like The New York Times, ESPN, BBC, High Times, Esquire, others.

Mexico’s First Trans Politician Is a Sex Worker With No Problem Tweeting Her Own Porn

04 Oct 2023  |  www.vice.com  |  English  |  Sex Work

María Clemente García Moreno, a transgender politician from Mexico's ruling MORENA party, faces backlash for posting explicit videos on Twitter. Despite criticism from conservative politicians and transphobic insults, García Moreno defends her actions as part of her rights and aims to highlight sex worker rights and transphobia. She plans to introduce legislation to provide sex workers with social security and rights. The article underscores the support she receives from the LGBTQ community and her commitment to advocating for sexual and reproductive rights.

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Social Media Sex Work Transgender Rights

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Monique John is a journalist who focuses on sexual and gender-based violence, the African Diaspora, health and education.

Demetria Murphy opens up about her transformation, activism: 'She truly believes what she's doing'

21 Mar 2024  |  abc11.com  |  English  |  Social Work

Demetria Murphy, from Fayetteville, overcame her past incarceration for substance possession and has since become a social worker and community activist. She collaborates with the Fayetteville Police Department on gun violence education and supports the formerly incarcerated. Murphy earned a Master's Degree at NC State and is pursuing a Doctorate in criminal justice leadership. She runs De'vine Infinity Therapeutic Service, a therapy clinic, and is involved in supporting families affected by gun violence, including the Dockery family. Murphy is recognized for her genuine and impactful community work, and she is organizing a career expo for the formerly incarcerated with Fayetteville Tech.

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Social Work Activism Community Engagement

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Laís Martins is a journalist based in São Paulo, Brazil.

Forget retirement. Older people are turning to gig work to survive

01 Jan 2024  |  Rest of World  |  English  |  Aging Workforce

Older individuals are increasingly turning to gig work as a means of survival due to inadequate social security systems and rising living costs. Despite the challenges of low earnings, long hours, and health risks, gig work offers flexibility and a low barrier to entry. The global population of older gig workers is expected to grow, driven by demographic changes and economic pressures. However, the lack of social safety nets poses significant challenges, with many older workers unable to retire due to insufficient savings and pensions. Efforts are underway in some countries to provide social protections for gig workers, but progress is slow. The article highlights the need for reimagined social security systems to address the growing economic inequalities among older people.

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Social Security Aging Workforce Gig Economy

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Hélène Molinari is a freelance journalist based in Paris, France. Writer and Editor.

The Public Writer, First Step in a Possible Legal Journey

01 Oct 2023  |  www.actu-juridique.fr  |  French  |  Social Work

Sylvie Macquet, a public writer since 2018, operates at the Maison de Justice et du Droit (MJD) in Villemoisson-sur-Orge, providing essential writing and administrative assistance to those in need. Her role involves helping with various administrative tasks, from housing and retirement to disability and immigration issues. Despite not being a legal professional, she plays a crucial part in guiding individuals through legal processes, often serving as the first point of contact before they seek legal advice. The MJD is highlighted as a vital institution for offering support and information to the public.

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Social Work Legal Assistance Public Services

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Kimberly Mutandiro is a journalist based in Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa.

Union criticises employers for not registering domestic workers with UIF. But it’s not so simple

26 Nov 2024  |  Bizcommunity  |  English  |  Domestic Workers Rights

Four years after the Constitutional Court's Mahlangu ruling, domestic workers in South Africa still face challenges accessing compensation and unemployment benefits. Despite legal amendments and awareness campaigns, many employers have not registered domestic workers with the Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Act (Coida) or the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF). The United Domestic Workers of South Africa (Udwosa) and other organizations criticize the Department of Labour for inadequate enforcement and a problematic UIF registration system. Workers fear job loss if they demand registration, and some face difficulties due to system inefficiencies and permit verification issues.

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Social Justice Domestic Workers Rights Employment Law

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Cristina Papaleo is a journalist and editor based in Bonn, Germany. She works for international media Deutsche Welle (DW) in Germany. She speaks Spanish (native language), German, English and Portuguese.

Fundación Margarita Barrientos en Argentina: "Apostar al futuro"

21 Oct 2023  |  www.dw.com  |  Spanish  |  Social Work

The Fundación Margarita Barrientos in Buenos Aires, Argentina, provides extensive community support through various facilities including a community kitchen, medical centers, a library, and a day center for the elderly. Founded by social activist Margarita Barrientos in 1996, the foundation serves thousands daily with meals and other resources, supported by city government funding and private donations. The foundation also offers educational opportunities, such as a music school for children and adolescents, and support for women victims of domestic violence. The collaborative efforts with the Buenos Aires city government are highlighted, emphasizing the foundation's role in addressing social inequalities.

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Social Work Community Development Poverty Alleviation

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Jack Ramage is a journalist based in Manchester, United Kingdom.

The age of loud quitting and why everyone’s filming themselves getting fired or resigning on TikTok

01 Oct 2023  |  SCREENSHOT Media  |  English  |  Work Culture

The article explores the trend of 'loud quitting' on TikTok, where individuals film themselves resigning or getting fired in dramatic fashion. This phenomenon reflects a generational shift in work culture, with Gen Z openly discussing mental health, work conditions, and employee rights. The trend contrasts with 'quiet quitting' and highlights the desire for authenticity and transparency in the workplace. While some see it as a way to hold employers accountable, experts caution about the potential long-term consequences of such public actions.

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Social Media Trends Work Culture Mental Health

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Fabiana Rondón is a journalist based in Caracas, Venezuela.

Barbers with Purpose: NGO Bringing Smiles to Vulnerable Areas in Venezuela

01 Oct 2023  |  www.vozdeamerica.com  |  Spanish  |  Social Work

A group of young barbers in Zulia, Venezuela, formed an NGO called Barberos con Propósito to provide free haircuts, medical consultations, and recreational activities to vulnerable communities. Founded by Enderson Fleire, Pedro Acosta, and José Miguel Rivas, the organization has been active for two years, visiting different areas every Sunday. Their efforts have positively impacted many, allowing people to save money for essential needs like food. The NGO also extends its services to hospitals, providing meals to patients and their families. The founders express deep satisfaction and plan to expand their activities to more communities and states in Venezuela.

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Social Work Community Service Humanitarian Aid

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Joseph Stark is a journalist based in Moorooka, Australia.

Heidi Naunton on the Power of Pro Bono and ESG at Paramount

31 Jan 2024  |  modern-counsel.com  |  English  |  Pro Bono Work

Heidi Naunton, senior vice president, senior counsel, and assistant secretary at Paramount Global, has a longstanding commitment to pro bono work and has been influential in supporting Paramount's Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) initiatives. With a career beginning in criminal law and transitioning to corporate law at Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP, Naunton has helped various individuals through legal challenges and now leads a team at Paramount to stay abreast of regulatory activities from bodies like the SEC. She also serves on the board of the nonprofit Get Schooled, further contributing to her community.

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Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Pro Bono Work Corporate Law

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Dalphine Tagwireyi is a journalist based in Pretoria, South Africa.

Business booms for male sex worker in Harare

01 Oct 2023  |  scrolla.africa  |  English  |  Sex Work

A 29-year-old male sex worker in Harare has seen a significant increase in business, particularly from government officials and married men, as the election season approaches. Initially introduced to sex work after losing his job during the Covid-19 pandemic, he now charges between R500 and R1,200 per session. Despite the legal risks and challenges, including abusive clients and non-payment, he continues to operate secretly. He imports goods from South Africa to disguise his true source of income from his family.

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Social Issues Sex Work Economic Impact

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