WELCOME
This nonprofit honors the risk-takers, people who are largely unknown,
people who have the courage to stick their necks out for the common good,
in the US and around the world.
There are new calls now to the active citizenship we have so long fostered.
We're here to help you answer that call.
Look us over. Sign up for our e-messages. Use our tested tools for action.
GET INVOLVED
In the Niger Delta
Inspired by the stories in Voices of Hope, the Giraffe Heroes Project's anthology of heroes around the world, fourteen students in Oporoza, Nigeria have formed the “Giraffe Service Club International." Their purpose is to "serve humanity." That's their teacher, Job Bebenimibo, at front row left.
Featured Giraffe
Luma Mufleh got the idea of organizing and coaching soccer teams of refugee kids in tiny Clarkston, Georgia. Her coaching soon grew into meeting the enormous needs of refugee families, including translating, tutoring, counseling, advocating with agencies and creating jobs. (her story)
Action Alert
Not long after the photo above was taken, the village of Oporoza was razed by the Nigerian military. The surviving villagers fled into the bush, where there was no medical aid and no food. Days later, Mr. Bebenimibo managed to get an impassioned report of the attacks out via satellite so we knew he was alive, but he wasn't sure how many of his students had survived.
A report we did on the attacks got the attention of Senator Kerry, in his role as Chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee—he promised to look into the matter and soon met with Giraffe Joel Bisina. For the latest updates please check in here where you can also join the call for a halt to the violence and for aid to the survivors.
Update: We've since gotten word that Mr. Bebenimibo and most of his students survived their time in hiding and have returned to what is left of Oporoza. They've asked for and received new materials from us so they can resume their Giraffe service in their now devastated community. For updates on Sweet Crude, a documentary filmed in the Oporoza area, check here. http://www.sweetcrudemovie.com.
Previously Featured
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Aitan Grossman just received his Giraffe Commendation—at his Bar Mitzvah. Which means Aitan is 13 years old, not the youngest Giraffe ever, but close. To know more about what this young man is doing, check out his website. |
In New Jersey
Mary Lou DiCaprio, a parent/volunteer who leads Giraffe teams at a school in Mountain Lakes NJ sent this response to a recent Giraffe e-message: "Having heard President Obama's announcement about increasing the number of math and science teachers, and taking into account my B.S. in chemistry, I believe that I'm being called to be a part of the new spirit of hope, with Giraffe as my guiding light."
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Stan Brock has been an adventure movie hero, a television host, a bush pilot/rancher in the Amazon, and a karate expert. But his greatest challenge is his current one— directing his nonprofit Remote Area Medical, a free service that takes doctors, nurses, dentists and veterinarians into areas of the world where there is absolutely no medical care. (more) |
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Cheryl Perera, of Toronto, founded OneChild, a non-profit that focuses young people on stopping the commercial sexual exploitation of children. (more) |
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Peter Coppelman of Alexandria VA graduated from law school in 1968, one of many young attorneys planning altruistic careers. Coppelman actually did it, spending the next 40 years forgoing the enormously profitable options open to him, working instead for causes he believes in. (more) |
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Sierra Leonean John Bangura saw his parents, other relatives and dozens of friends killed in the fighting in his country. Bangura says he lived for vengeance until he was inspired to work for peace and recovery instead. (more) |
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Sarah Herr is a high school cheerleader in Bettendorf, Iowa. That’s a good as it gets in teen society, right? The prettiest, the most popular girls in school are the ones out in front of the stands, leading all the cheers. But Sarah went beyond that teen highpoint—she stuck her neck out to create and train a whole new squad of cheerleaders, girls who are usually sidelined from teen activities. Have a look at the 
In Maryland
An inspiring film shows what's happening as the Giraffe Heroes Project works with community groups serving young people in Wicomico County, Maryland.
FREE
Here's a gift for teachers,
a free Giraffe lesson
that helps kids find
real heroes in their world.
2010
NEW YEAR BRINGS
NEW LEADER @ GIRAFFE
Julie Vosoba, a veteran nonprofit executive, is officially Giraffe’s Executive Director as of January 4, 2010.
Julie’s career has previously focused on ending violence against women and developing character education programs for children. She’s done considerable fundraising, lobbying and advocacy work and says her main attraction to Giraffe was the work the Project does with kids.
She’s now in charge of all Giraffe programs, including those for adults, so you’ll be noting her presence no matter what your own connection to the Project may be. I’m already greatly enjoying working with her.
–Ann Medlock, Founder/Creative Director
1 Way 2 Help
JOHN GRAHAM
Giraffe President John Graham's web page gives you free coaching tips, some amazing stories, and updates on Graham's world-wide mentoring of new heroes. His speeches and workshops offer Giraffe spirit and know-how for your organization or conference.
You can have John's help for your cause right now via his free Coach's Corner.
YOU & THE FOUNDER
From time to time, Ann Medlock, this Project's founder, does a brief but inspiring email called Heads Up. You can check out past copies here. They're so good (and so free) we bet you'll join the Heads Up circle and send them on to friends & family.
For further wit & wisdom from Ann, check out her speeches, radio commentaries and OpEds.
Join the Giraffe Cause
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FYI
This is a new website in-progress, replacing an information-laden Giraffe site that was hacked by cyber vandals. They infected all our pages with code that could damage our visitors' computers. This new site is on a new and safer server, and uses the latest, most secure software to prevent future barbarian invasions. Come back soon—more of our great material is being transfered here daily.
