Great Shape! Inc.

2012-02-17T08:00:00.000-08:00

Bob Marley. Who? I said, Bob Marley. Who? BOB MARLEY!

Oh! Bob Marley? The Reggae original and modern day prophet?

That's him.

In honor of Bob Marley's birthday last week, take a moment to read about his life and how his music influenced and empowered the lives of people all over the world.

Born February 6, 1945, Bob spent most of his early life in the rural community of Nine Miles, Jamaica. Bob's childhood provided a deeper cultural context and an aura of mysticism to his adult songwriting. In the late 50's he moved to Kingston, in Trench Town, where quickly learned to defend himself against Trench Town's rude boys which was a lifelong source of inspiration; Bob immortalized Trench Town in his songs "No Woman No Cry" (1974), "Trench Town Rock" (1975) and "Trench Town", the latter released posthumously in 1983.

By the early 60's, the island's music industry gave birth to an indigenous popular Jamaican music form called ska. Marley's music talent took off at the age of 16 when he met aspiring singer Desmond Dekker, who would go on to the top the UK charts in 1969. Dekker introduced Marley to another young singer, Jimmy Cliff, future star of the immortal Jamaican film "The Harder They Come", who, at age 14, had already recorded a few hit songs. In '63 Higgs introduced Bob and Bunny to Peter (Macintosh) Tosh and The Bob Marley and the Wailers legend was born. The trio quickly became good friends, resulting in the formation of the vocal group, The Wailers.

As the 1970s commenced, soaring unemployment, rationed food supplies, pervasive political violence and the IMF's stranglehold on the Jamaican economy due to various structural adjustment policies heavily influenced the keen social consciousness that came to define Bob's lyrics.

Despite the economical struggles during this time, by 1972 Bob received his "big break" when The Wailers got the opportunity to record their first full album Catch a Fire. They signed with Island Records, leading to several successes including an opening act for Bruce Springsteen and landing a spot in Britain's top 40 with "No Woman No Cry." Although the politically empowering lyrics gained large crowds of followers, the movement was not without conflict. In 1976, a group of people attempted to assassinate Bob and the Wailers during a pre-show practice; he survived a shot to the sternum.

Bob remained strong after the incident and continued furthering his music career and spreading his message to listeners. He recorded several more albums including Exodus, Kaya, Survival, and Uprising, each infused with thematic elements of love, peace, and unity. His achievements gave him the opportunity to see the world and play for fans in numerous countries, but through it all he never lost sight of his home in Jamaica.

In 1977 doctors discovered cancer cells in Bob's toe, but due to religious beliefs he did not accept treatment. Over the years the cancer spread throughout his entire body and he became severely ill. In his last days of life he attempted to return home to Jamaica, but passed away before he completed his trip; he was only 36.

Bob earned many awards throughout his life including the Peace Medal of the Third World from the United Nations, the Jamaican Order of Merit, and a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. He was the first international music star to represent Third World hardship through his career, originating from his Jamaican roots. Bob's remains a Reggae legend to this day and his message is still alive not only in Jamaica, but across the world.

You can help carry on Bob's legacy too by volunteering with Great Shape! in Jamaica this year. Check out all of the opportunities, and don't forget...

"Love the life you live. Live the life you love."

-Bob Marley

Gates Are Open!!

2012-02-15T08:03:00.000-08:00

We know you have been anxiously awaiting registration for our 2012 projects, today is finally the day for both iCare and SuperKids! I heard you ask..."Where in the world do I apply?!" You asked the right person.

It is easy as 1, 2, 3!

1.) Email tiffany@gsjamaica.org for iCare Application!

2.) superkids@gsjamacia.org for SuperKids Application!

3.) You will in return be emailed the application and WA-LA you will be on your way to Jamaica!

iCare is a visionary project; there are no public health eye care providers in western Jamaica. Volunteers include opticians, ophthalmologists, students and anyone interested in eye-care projects. When eyesight is corrected with prescription glasses, children can learn to read and adults can gain employment. iCare provides the gift of clear vision, which empowers Jamaicans to improve their lives, community, and infrastructure.

SuperKids is a two-week educational project that sends resources, volunteers and training to rural areas were literacy rate is 40%. We help improve literacy and computer education, sponsor uniforms and encourage sports, music and arts for thousands of Jamaican children.

Now that you have all the information, it is as easy as 1, 2, 3! Ready, Set, GO!

Local YouTube Star Takes On Great Shape! Inc.

2012-02-10T16:45:00.000-08:00

Hi! I’m a brand newintern for Let It Shine and Great Shape! Inc…

My name is Lindsey and I grew up in Tigard, Oregon which isa suburb outside of Portland. I livedthere for 18 years until I finally decided to branch out and head to school atGonzaga University in Spokane, WA. Aftertaking some time to narrow down my passions, I’m now studying Public Relationswith two minors in Broadcast Media Studies and Promotions. I’m a Junior and will be graduating in May of2013.

I’m very excited to be joining the team at Let ItShine! It is kind of a coincidence thatI ended up here. The story behind it allstarts last summer. I was back home inPortland and my dad came home one day telling me about how he met a nice womanfrom Spokane. He explained to me allthat he remembered about Let It Shine and Great Shape! Inc., but he left out alot of great details! He handed me twobusiness cards and told me to contact Lucinda about it. After further research, I realized howperfect this organization is for me to get firsthand experience in the fieldsthat I’m interested in. I contactedLucinda, followed the required steps through Gonzaga, and the rest is history!

It’s so exciting to be a part of the movement Great Shape!Inc. is generating. What I’m lookingforward to most about it is learning about the Jamaican culture and being ableto make a difference in it. I recentlyhad the chance to travel and it has sparked my interest in learning aboutdifferent countries. I can’t wait to supportall of the volunteers impacting the lives of people in Jamaica; it will be sucha rewarding experience!

Lastly, here are a few more tidbits about myself. I love the smell of hand soap, I can dance“the robot”, and my roommates and I recently created a YouTube reality showabout our lives in our apartment (don’t worry, there’s no drama).

Thanks for taking the time to learn about my story!

We've got the Golden Ticket: How about you?

2012-02-10T10:00:00.000-08:00

Apply for 1000 Smiles 2012 TODAY!

On our first day of the “Golden Ticket”, we have set a new record of first day applications with 32 applicants! In 2011 we had a mere 27 applicants on our first day and in 2010 we had 22 on the first day. Can anyone say, ONE LOVE?!

For those of you who don’t know, we are offering Great Shape!
Inc.'s version of Willy Wonka’s Golden Ticket: Anyone who applies and pays by February 22nd will be entered into a raffle for a full refund of their project fees for 2012.

So how are you going to win the Golden Ticket?! Apply to 1000 Smiles 2012 Project in Jamaica!

Why you ask? In rural Jamaica there is JUST one dentist for every 100,000 people. Tooth decay can lead to cavities, disease, low birth rates and unemployment, even death. Overall health is solely dependent on good oral healthcare.

Healthy smile can be the difference

between gaining employment in

tourist industry and no job at all.

1000 Smiles is the planet’s largest humanitarian dental project.

The Heart Beat of Great Shape! Inc.

2012-02-07T09:05:00.000-08:00

At the epicenter of Great Shape! Inc. lies the pulse of who we are, what we do and why we do it but most importantly those who make it happen. Our volunteers. As many of you rang in the New Year, Great Shape! volunteers from all over the continental United States met in the City that Never Sleeps, Seattle. It was no coincidence that the pulse of our organization met here. One of our great volunteers, Dr. Yagi hosted the event.

Who: About 60-70 Great Shape! Inc. Volunteers

What: Volunteer Shabang!

When: Weekend of January 21st

Where: City That Never Sleeps: Seattle, WA

"The party was great. It was very joyful andgreat to be surrounded by so many people excited about helping others. The foodwas delicious and I had the opportunity to meet some amazing people" commented Teal, a SuperKids volunteer in 2009. Many of the attendees at the party had either previously volunteered with Great Shape! Inc. or had joined this year.

Sara, a 2 year volunteer with the Green Island Sealant Project which is part of the 1000 Smiles project stated, "it was fun filled, withvolunteers representing all three Great Shape! Projects- Literacy, 1000Smiles and iCare. Current, Past, and even futurevolunteers came to hear about the projects and mingle with everyone."

Jen, a volunteer who has workedwith both 1000 Smiles and SuperKids (a 5 year in counting volunteer with GS) said, "it was great to see many returningvolunteers, new one's and people who were just learning about Great Shape! inc." Sharing what GS is all about was a highlight than many volunteers commented on.

Lori, a volunteer from both Week 5 and 6 reminisced that it was "fun to watch the slide show again andremember all the good times we have had. We always leave the party with talks aboutmeeting again in Ashland, Oregon for the summertime, and then plans to reunite in Jamaica inthe fall."

In addition to the reminiscing and the catching up, Executive Director, Joe Wright presented on 1000 Smiles and how well the project succeeded in 2011. The slide show was beautifully crafted and represents Great Shape! Inc as a whole.

We love seeing the amount of love and dedication that our volunteers have. It is great to see the ripple effect from one person to the next. One Love, thank you volunteers for your time and hard work. Look forward to seeing you this coming fall!

2012-01-21T12:24:00.000-08:00

Great Shape! Inc. Celebrates theirVolunteers!

Party in Seattle!

Great Shape! Inc. has the greatestvolunteers! Today we are celebrating in Seattle the hard work anddedication of these super-awesome folks. It's party time gang! Thankyou for sharing your lives and service with us.

Great Shape! Inc. has a diverse family ofvolunteers from all over the world. Dentists, teachers, students,humantarians, eye-care specialists, and all sorts of special peoplehave given their time and resources to make a powerful impact, it istruly a gift to work

together to make it happen.

Cheers to all of our volunteers, you areamazing!

Thank you!

2012-01-18T14:51:00.000-08:00

Hula Hooping in Jamaica!

Check out this slideshow from Yoga Hoop Dance Retreat inJamaica with Betty Hoops and friends. They brought their Hoop Warrior program to Jamaicaand taught around 1000 kids to hoop for health in Port Maria Primary. For more information go to www.bettyhoops.com.

2012-01-16T13:12:00.000-08:00

"Injustice anywhere is a threat tojustice everywhere."

Martin Luther King Jr.

While today we celebrate the legacy ofequality, peace, and service left by Martin Luther King Jr., today isalso another opportunity to make the commitment to remember andpractice these ideals everyday. We all want to live in a world whereeveryone has access to their basic needs and comfort: food, shelter,clean water, health care, and the ability to create the lives that wewant. For those of us that have these things it is easy to takeadvantage of our privledge and ignore the problems of the thirdworld, and even the poor, hungry, and homeless within our owncommunites. Everyday we have the choice to make a difference. Get inspired! Whatwill you do to celebrate equality and pursue justice for all theworld's citizens this year?

"Change does not roll in on the wheelsof inevitability, but comes through continuous struggle. And so wemust straighten our backs and work for our freedom."

Martin Luther King Jr.

iCare Volunteer; Susi Collins

2012-01-03T09:00:00.000-08:00

Susi is from San Francisco, CA and is a returning volunteer who helped in Ocho Rios this year.
“While I was volunteering with the iCare Project in 2010, I was able to help many people and also make many new friends. At the same time I encountered real poverty and struggled with my own emotional reaction to this. I realized how much I take for granted in my own life and realized the importance of being of service to others who have not had the same opportunities as I have."

When we asked Susi how she heard about Great Shape! Inc. she told us, “A friend of mine called me to wish me happy birthday and told me that she was planning to participate in the iCare program with Great Shape!. I immediately visited your website and learn about the work you do. Getting involved with Great Shape! turned out to be an amazing birthday!”

2011-12-30T15:04:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year Surprise!

SuperKids has just received a $1000donation from United Airlines Foundation thanks to our wonderful volunteer LisaPerry! Lisa applied this past summer to theUnited Airlines Foundation program that matches money raised by an employee fora humanitarian project.

Many organizations and corporationshave programs that match funds with their employees to benefit humanitarianprojects like SuperKids. Does yours? This is a great way to double your contributions and impact to charitable causes.

What a fantastic beginning to 2012! Thank you Lisa! Thank you UnitedAirlines Foundation!