iPakistan is a new social media initiative set up by a group of Pakistani university students to change the global perception of Pakistan. Reaching out to others via the web, their aim is to re-brand Pakistan and break the stereotypes that often result in discrimination and prejudice towards its people.

Type out ‘Pakistan’ in the Google Images search bar and scroll down the first few pages: one would find pictures of maps,  the Pakistani flag and images that spell out a country torn between poverty and war. Although this may be the harsh reality in some parts of Pakistan, it is not the only reality of this South Asian country, as some are prone to believe.  With the kind of news surfacing daily regarding the conflicts, bomb blasts and political issues of not only the country, but also its neighbors’ it’s not hard to see why most people have a negative outlook on Pakistan. Rehman Ilyas aims to change this by replacing the post 9/11 images of terrorism, extremism and war zone to that of extremely talented youths, scenic landscapes and rich culture.

As a Lahori studying at the University of Hong Kong, Ilyas found himself subject to questions about Pakistan ranging from relatively normal ones such as “Do you have any malls there?” to more ridiculous ones like “Is there Taliban in your family?” He was always aware of the injustice done by the world media news in regards to their portrayal of his country but he was unaware of the severity of it until he arrived in Hong Kong.

“People only got to see that 1% of Pakistan in which the War on Terror is going on, in the media, and take that to be representative of the entire Pakistan,” he said.

Instead of merely complaining, he took action and decided to play his part in correcting the wrongly propagated image of his country. He started with doing his own online research on the subject and pitching the idea to his friends, followed by doing pilot tests on Facebook and a trial website. A survey was even conducted to realistically depict what the world thinks of Pakistan. Tackling the issues from there, what initially started out as a personal contribution to his country has now expanded to a website and a Facebook page with contents from over 80 team members, a diversified group of youths spread over 10 countries all intent on introducing the real Pakistan to the world.

Ilyas also intends to reach out to the world for a greater purpose that could help Pakistan in a myriad of other ways. According to him, “The 2011 floods in Pakistan were worse than the Asian Tsunami and the Haiti Earthquake combined, and an area the size of England was inundated in water. Despite all this, the media coverage and global aid intervention received wasn’t even close as compared to these other recent natural calamities, simply because people around the world were not interested in helping out a country which in their minds, harbors terrorist groups and is a base camp for terrorist activities around the world.”

Setting the global views straight, even one person at a time, could slowly prove to be beneficial for 180 million Pakistanis. With Pakistani businessman and traders at exhibitions around the world facing difficulties when questioned about bringing in supplies reliably to and from a war zone, Ilyas’ project could have a positive effect on his country economically as well.

Along with changing the way others perceive his country, Ilyas would also like to see a few changes within the nation itself. Speaking for a majority of the population, he said, “Most Pakistanis crave for a change of leadership. We are done with having the same corrupt leaders elected again and again, and this needs to end now. Pakistan is blessed with both vast natural resources and human capital, and given the right leadership we have the potential to develop into a regional superpower.”

Another sub-project that Ilyas has been working on is ‘Romancing the Border’ and is aimed at another issue spread across the nation: the social gap between Indians and Pakistanis. With most youths having been raised with a mindset bearing hatred for the other side, the stereotypical views separate the youths despite the fact both sides may be similar to each other in a lot of aspects. Backed by Stanford University’s Peace Innovation Lab, this cross-border initiative provides an online platform for youth from both sides of the border to interact with each other and to encourage pro-social behaviors between Pakistanis and Indians.

Having received positive responses so far regarding iPakistan from both Pakistanis and foreigners, Ilyas hopes to reach out to the masses and in the foreseeable future, instead of us receiving war torn images of Pakistan as soon as we Google the word, iPakistan will appear on the top search results and bring about a positive first impression of the country.

Perhaps it is a sign of change in the world when youths stand up to defend their country, and not in the traditional means of violence or crude words, but by showing the rest of us what their nation is capable of, what makes it beautiful, and most importantly, what makes it their home and source of pride. With that, Ilyas leaves us with one last statement on his beloved homeland, “We are not a country supporting terrorism. In fact, we are the country which has sacrificed the most in the war against terrorism.”

Image credit: Shutterstock.com

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After interviewing and polling a variety of people, male and female, of all ages, from all over the U.S. with the help of friends, Facebook, and relations Toonari Post determined the top 25 things to do before you turn 25. What would you do? Some results are:

1. Go sky diving.

2. Travel outside the state you were born in. Take a road trip with friends or family. It will be the experience of a lifetime.

3. Robin, from Florida, suggests, write a letter to yourself, and open it on your 40th birthday.  This letter could say what you hope you have accomplished by 40, a reminder of who you were, what you wanted from life, and a motivational speech to keep you moving forward. 

4. Volunteer for an organization you care about. There are a ton of opportunities to volunteer out there. Organizations, book clubs, pottery classes, feed the homeless.

5. See your favorite band at a live concert.

6. Make a new friend. You can never have too many, and they will make the next 25 years even sweeter.

7. Take a multi-day hiking trip.

8. Casey Allen, suggests learning to play an instrument. Learning a new skill is always fun and rewarding.

9.Open a retirement account. You would be surprised at how much money you will have if you start early!

10. Learn about your elders and your family history. Ask what life was like when they were 25. You’ll wish you had once they are gone.

11. Make a dream board. Cut out and paste all the things you want to accomplish in life on a big board. Add quotes, pictures of what you want and love, words that inspire you. Get creative. Then hang it somewhere you will see it everyday. You will be surprised how much this keeps you motivated, inspired, and on track.

12. Look back on the last 25 years, and make sure you have no regrets. See where you can make personal changes for growth and accomplishment. Check yourself, and make sure you are who you want to be. Would you be friends with you? What’s changed for the better, or worse. What have you been hiding in your mind, trying to forget, not dealing with, or avoiding? Time to make changes. Make sure your soul is caught up with the whirl wind, mechanical life.

13. Step outside your adventure bubble. See snow, swim naked, swim in an ocean, fly on an airplane, cave explore, or scuba dive. Many people have not done these things.

14. Do something daring, conquer a fear. Once you see what you are capable of, you will take bigger risks, with bigger rewards in the future. Buy a snake or spider, sing karaoke, dance in public, give a speech. Whatever used to scare you, is about to run away because you’re ready to conquer!

15. Tell someone you love them. Whether it is your ex, your mother, a spiritual figure, or your dog, just say it and mean it!

16. Finish college. Some people get side tracked or life calls them in a different direction. Even if you only take one class a term, try to finish to give yourself the best opportunity.

17. Burn old bridges, make new ones, and mend broken ones. Let go of the things that are holding you back or holding you down. Explore new possibilities and step outside your bubble. Mend relationships that are important to you. Don’t let something wonderful slip away. Doing these three bridge works can clear the negativity in your life and take the weight off your shoulders.

18. Get a full body check up. You never know what may be hereditary in a perfectly healthy body. Live longer, and prosper. Getting into an exercise routine by time your 25 is a healthy start.

19. Read a classic. Open your mind to a book you would never consider. You would be surprised what you learn about life, and yourself. If reading is not something you normally do, give it a shot.

20. Have a wild night. If you have not had a “don’t tell mama night” by 25, you are missing out. Don’t do anything to hurt yourself or others, but definately try letting loose. Don’t be afraid to ignore your iphone, call into work, just this once, and dance the night away with that sexy stranger.

21. Move out. Get a job. Establish independence. Become an adult, don’t be scared. The world doesn’t fall out from under you, and it feels great to make your own way.

22. Have a yard sale. Get rid of that love letter from your fourth grade crush, and that sock that your grandmother gave you in high school that doesn’t fit. Massive clean outs are refreshing, and open the door to fresh starts. Make room for the next 25 years.

23. Get out of old habits, and make new ones. Try a new food, or restaurant.

24. Do something for someone else without them knowing. Selfless acts are rewarding, and not needing to hear praise or thank you is a lesson in humility and modesty.

25. Make your own bucket list.

Now get out there, and get to it!

The article 25 Things to Do Before You Turn 25; and Other Goals of Our Generation appeared first on The Toonari Post - News, Powered by the People!.

Volunteering is not only good for your soul and your karma bank, it is also extremely good for your cover letters and resume.

Although many charities are suffering from lessened funding and donations due to the recession, they are on the lookout for willing volunteers.

Even if you don’t have tons of time on your hands, there are heaps of ways you can help, and particularly for students, there are some positions which count as work experience as well!

Volunteering holds opportunities for people of all ages, abilities and availability.

For example, on volunteermatch.org, a U.S.-based organization, a quick search revealed volunteers needed for a one-day event, older people imparting their experience and advice to youth, host families for overseas exchange students, teachers to show refugees how to use bus systems in the area- enabling them to get to appointments and interviews- and that was just on two pages!

There are also sometimes industry-specific positions advertised: Are you in communications? Many organizations need help with producing information sheets, media releases, or newsletters. Are you a female scientist? Girl Scouts are looking to facilitate science workshops and need leaders with expertise. Are you an accountant? Many organizations need help with managing their accounts.

Volunteering can also be suitable for those looking into a drastic change or an interesting gap year- you can help overseas through organizations such as Cross-Cultural Solutions, or the Red Cross. These have work similar to that which you can find in the U.S., but as part of your travels it also involves aiding communities hit by disaster, or helping to teach any language you are fluent in.

You may think, “I work full time- when am I going to find time to volunteer and help others?”

Are you able to take half a day on weekends to mentor someone? Or tutor someone in a subject you were really good at in school or college? Can you take one day a year to help out at an event you are passionate about? (Assuming you aren’t already participating). If you are good at copy editing you could take one evening a month to look over an organization’s monthly newsletter.

Most volunteers are able to find the perfect position, on that makes them happy, and in which they are able to use their existing skills to help as much as possible in their community.

Check out Volunteermatch.org and search your area to find volunteer opportunites near you, or Google search ‘volunteer opportunities’ and see what pops up- you never know what you might find and what a  difference you could make to the lives of others.

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On the 50th anniversary of the Peace Corps foundation, we look back at a public service movement whose more than 8,600 volunteers are currently sharing the knowledge and inspiration of the American people in 77 countries worldwide. The Peace Corps volunteers have made a difference in local communities for half a century, working as community leaders, teachers and mentors.

In light of this anniversary, the United States will honor over 200,000 Americans who have served in 139 countries as well as thank the countries who have welcomed the Peace Corp volunteers into their communities, allowing the organization to carry out its works.

March 1, 1961 – President John F. Kennedy signs off on the launch of a pilot program which the newly elected President has named the Peace Corps. Its goal is to help interested countries develop the skills of their nations men and women as well as increase the mutual understanding between the American people and the people they serve. Sargent Shriver becomes the program’s first director.

In his inaugural address, President Kennedy said — “And so, my fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you – ask what you can do for your country.”

June 30, 1962 – Volunteers commence programs in a total of 28 countries, including Afghanistan, Cameroon, Ecuador, Iran, Nepal and Thailand.

June 1966 – Since the programs official authorization in September 1961, just five years prior, the number of volunteers increased to 15,000 which is the organization’s largest number to date.

1971 – Along with several other programs including the Foster Grandparent Program and the Retired Senior Volunteer Program, the Peace Corps is sectioned under a new federal volunteer agency called ACTION by President Nixon.

1977 – President Carter appoints Carolyn Robertson Payton to be the first female and first African American Peace Corps director.

1979 – After a period under the umbrella agency ACTION, the Peace Corps was made fully autonomous under orders of President Jimmy Carter, a status which is secured by 1981, making the organization an independent federal agency.

1985 – For the first time in Peace Corps history, there are more women answering the call than men — a trend that continues until today.

1989 – The website Peace Corps Writers is established as a newsletter for an about Peace Corps volunteers with an interest in sharing their experiences. The site later moved to peacecorpsworldwide.org where writers provide both personal and professional resources to returning volunteers and newcomers.

October 7, 1993 – Carol Bellamy becomes the fist Returned Peace Corps Volunteer to serve as director of the agency.

1997 – South Africa receives 33 Peace Corps volunteers who will work with teachers in the post-apartheid country.

September 11, 2001 – President George W. Bush pledges to double the size of the organization within five years in response to the growing anti-US sentiment around the Middle East.

2005 – For the first time, Peace Corp volunteers served individuals in the United States. They assisted in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.

2009 – Peace Corp volunteers focus efforts in Rwanda, teaching HIV and AIDS awareness and prevention classes.

Dec 18, 2009 – The Peace Corp launches a digital library where current and former Peace Corp members can share stories about their experiences.

2010 – Peace Corps re-opens programs in Colombia, Indonesia, and Sierra Leone and surpasses the 200,000 mark in total Americans who have served as Peace Corps Volunteers.

Various anniversary events will take place to celebrate Peace Corps and all its accomplishments.

Image Courtesy of  http://www.flickr.com/photos/dcmetroblogger/

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