Meet Alternative Break Tour 10 with Ally Coalition and Fun.

Meet The Ally Coalition Alternative Break Tour Volunteers!

These 12 amazing volunteers self –identify as:

Fierce, outspoken, supportive, kind-hearted, inquisitive, organized, motivated, cheesy, open, bubbly, quirky, bad-ass, observant, witty chill, crazy cat lady, outgoing, determined, helpful, adaptable, laid-back, empathetic, energetic, fanatic, dedicated, charismatic, analytic, and progressive.

 …when forced to choose between a suit/dress or pajamas for eternity,

2 chose a suit, 4 chose a dress, and 6 chose pajamas…

 …and pretty much every one has a celeb crush on J-Law, hey girl hey!

Ty, aka “Dumpster Muffin” aka “Ty Bear,” from Westbrook, ME:

If there's one thing that might translate my enthusiasm for going on this ABT it's that in the last two years I've seen Fun. perform 17 times whenever I wasn't in the office or on the street working on winning marriage equality in Maine. Music and LGBTQ advocacy are my two passions. Other slightly lesser passions include glitter nail polish, communing with Nature, making everything I possibly can into an art project, hanging out with my inner child and vegan batter-fried vegetables. I am perpetually romanticizing the glorious decade of my adolescence that was the 90s so if ever you want to strike up a conversation about life before cell phones, virtual pets, Lisa Frank or sequin-covered clothing I'm your girl. 

Liz, aka “Liz,” from Holland, MI:

I’m Liz, 23, from Holland, MI. I’m a grad student working on my master’s degree in Social Work and I currently work as a lead Crisis Recovery Advocate at a mental health crisis center. I’m a busy girl but on the occasion I get some free time, I love reading, writing, volunteering, geocaching, and traveling. I have a great liking for several genres of music so my iPod is a grab bag which makes putting it on shuffle pretty exciting.

When I grow up, I want to work towards opening a secular homeless shelter that provides services and education focused on helping individuals of all situations and backgrounds get back on their feet. Then, I’d like to help other cities open shelters of the same kind.

Cassie, aka “Cass,” from New York, New York:

I am 28 years old and work as the Assistant Director of Public Affairs and Digital Communications at The Partnership at Drugfree.org. I have been working in nonprofit communications since I graduated college in 2007, when I earned my BA in Public Relations from Hofstra University.

 I was born in Los Angeles but moved to Massapequa, NY (in Long Island) when I was just three years old. At Massapequa High School, I was pretty much a major nerd (I have pictures to prove it) and didn’t play sports at all. I’ve never been very athletic (although I did recently complete my first Spartan race!). Because of this, by the time I got to college in 2003, I was craving that sense of camaraderie and teamwork that was missing from my teenage years. I immediately embraced the diversity and available activities at Hofstra and became involved in every way I could, from becoming a resident assistant (RA) to joining a sorority (Alpha Phi), working and volunteering for a ton of philanthropic causes. Most of my best girlfriends are from college and I see them very often as we all live in or around New York City.

After a few years in Brooklyn, I now live in Manhattan with my boyfriend, Brian. I truly believe this is the best time of my life. I could not be happier and more motivated to experience everything I can while I’m young and enjoying myself! In my free time, I enjoy reading, going to the beach, writing and most of all, spending time with my friends and with Brian.

Kyra, aka “Ky,” from Boston, MA:

I am 26 and a Talent Acquisition Manager hailing from Boston, MA. I came out here after growing up in Northeastern Ohio and attending Miami University where I studied Classical Humanities and Comparative Religion with a minor in Political Science. It was my passion for political work that spawned my interest in activism. I was immediately drawn to constituent outreach for disenfranchised voters and became fascinated and horrified learning about the societal barriers that hold people back. After several years in politics, I decided to become “square” and join the corporate world (as corporate as you can be at a place that allows me to wear my Chuck Taylors every day). I’ve been told by several people that I’ve got a bit of energy. When I can find spare time I am an avid reader, I love going out to new restaurants and bars with my friends, a runner, and traveler. Coolest place I have visited would be the Great Pyramids of Giza. Places that I am happiest would have to be Cape Cod or Newport, Rhode Island. My friends know better than to talk to me until I’m on my third cup of coffee (about 10 minutes after I wake up).

Brandon, aka “B” aka “Moses” aka “Bran,” from Charleston, SC:

My name is Brandon Moses and I'm a practicing food addict. I was born in Hampton, Va but not long enough to form any memories. I love to travel and write. The beluga whale is my spirit animal. Music is goes with me everywhere. When I first heard Fun. I swear I shrieked. It was the sound that I was looking for and the lyrics…just, wow. I'm not the best with structure which is why a lot of my work focuses on freelance. I'm a people person if there ever was one and I believe in the importance of personal happiness. Equal rights is such a big deal to me because I was faced with adversity for other reasons and it's such a destructive concept. I would love to pay it forward and so far, I think I've managed fairly well. I love to joke and have fun and make memories. Cheers.

Arianna, aka “Ari” aka “Shorty” aka “Yana” aka “Hobble” aka “Short Round,” from Southern California/Lake Oswego, OR/San Francisco Bay Area:

Originally from Southern California (the San Fernando Valley), I moved to the Bay Area to attend the University of California, Berkeley. In college, I joined the University Marching Band (I’ve played trombone for 13 years) and the Cal Lightweight Crew (Rowing) team. I became the only coxswain to stay on the team for four years, and the first female (and second coxswain) to receive the Most Inspirational Rower award on the Varsity Men's team. 

After graduating with a degree in Political Science from Cal, I began coaching for Artemis Rowing in Oakland, CA, where I was the Head Coach for the middle school program. After 23 years of living in California, I decided to try someplace new. Having visited Portland with my high school band (the kilted marching band in the opening for "Portlandia"), I decided to make the move to the Pacific Northwest. I am currently working as the Novice Men’s and the Masters (Adult) Head Coach with Lake Oswego Community Rowing.

In my free time, I enjoy talking about rowing, watching movies (mostly horror or Disney), reading James Patterson books, hiking, camping, backpacking, and indulging in Oregon’s many microbrews. I live with my boyfriend (Christopher) and our two kids- a 2 year old Dacshund/Terrier named Greta Grace, and a 2 year old Tabby named Hemingway Tiberius. I’m most definitely a crazy cat lady, believe whole-heartedly that Hemingway is my soul-mate, and had his paw print tattooed on my arm.

Lani from New Iberia, LA:

My name is Lani Moneyhon. I am 23 years old; I live in New Iberia, Louisiana. I graduated from the University of Louisiana at Monroe in 2011, where I majored in Aviation, and minored in Business Administration. I’ve assisted with several community service projects, even traveling to Australia, New Zealand, and Washington D.C. as a People to People Student Ambassador. I am a very service-minded individual and will go out of my way to help anyone in need. I want to do my part and make a difference in the world. I love to travel and experience new places and things.

Hobbies: Scuba Diving, Traveling, Fishing, Helping Out, and Concerts. Music is very important to me; I’ll never pass up an opportunity to see a concert.

Inbar, aka “Amber,” from Israel/New York/Florida:

My name is Inbar Bertisch, I am 21 years old, and I’m a junior at Baruch College in New York City. I was born in Jerusalem but I’ve moved around several times between Israel, New York, and Florida. I am fluent in Hebrew, I love baking, and one of my favorite things in the world is Harry Potter.

Patrick, aka “Radar,” from Phoenix, AZ:

I’m journeyman and you can usually tell the kind of journey I’m on by the type of backpack I’m wearing. For a long time my backpack consisted of a rucksack and camera back. As I was a combat photographer in the United States Marine Corps. There I was fortunate enough to cover some of the Somalia pirate hunt in 2009 and contributed to my unit getting a Humanitarian Medal in Elnora, IN documenting the massive floods for FEMA and the President of the Untied States. I still carry the camera bag sometimes as I run a small company of my own. At the same time I also can be found with my messenger bag. Now I’m a student at Grand Canyon University, majoring secondary education with emphasis in History. I’m currently in my senior year and cannot wait to student teach in the Spring.

As it was my job photography is a huge hobby of mine. I really enjoy traveling the country and photographing the landscape. When I’m not running around with school and photography jobs I spend a lot of time watching sports. I play way to much fantasy football and try to attend as many baseball games as possible. Go Yankees.

Kevin from Memphis, TN:

I am a 21 year-old student currently studying at the University of Tennessee. I am heavily involved in a few organizations on campus, including the Student Government Association and SEAT (Sexual Empowerment and Awareness in Tennessee). When I’m not suffering through classes, I spend most of my time with friends, watching Netflix, or hiking in the Smoky Mountains! I am a survivor of high school theatre programs, and being so heavily immersed in shows and rehearsals inspired me to embrace all people and to cultivate creativity and passion for life within myself. I was born in Chicago, and raised in Memphis, TN. I believe everything can be solved with French fries, ketchup, a bottle of wine, and binge watching Top Model.

Jamie, aka “Shamus,” from Springfield, VA:

Jamie Henkel is the Equality & Diversity Partnerships Coordinator at PFLAG National. In this role, her primary responsibility is to find ways to further utilize PFLAG’s Straight for Equality program beyond its unprecedented success in the workplace. She works with PFLAG chapters to help them best utilize Straight for Equality in their community, develops and maintains Straight for Equality’s online presence, and promotes Straight for Equality’s new materials such as Straight for Equality in Healthcare and Straight for Equality in Faith Communities. 

Jamie joined the PFLAG National staff in April 2008 as Operations Associate and worked with the Operations team for three years. Prior to her time at PFLAG she completed two internships while in college with the Richmond Peace Education Center and Hope in the Cities. While working with the Peace Center, she worked on initial research for the organization’s “Peace Curriculum” and organized a forum called “Torture and the War on Terror” held at Virginia Commonwealth University. At Hope in the Cities, her work was primarily focused on aiding in the development of The Connecting Communities Fellowship Program.

Jamie is excited to be with the Equality & Diversity Partnerships team and has learned a great deal about LGBT support, education, and advocacy through the Straight for Equality project.

She attended Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, VA, where she majored in Political Science and International Studies with a concentration in Social Justice Studies. She recently received her Master’s Degree in Political Science from George Mason University.

Kim from Rochester, NH:

I work for Calling All Crows and will be co-leading this ABT with Jamie! I am a second semester senior at Harvard studying sociology. The real world beckons and I'm excited to answer its call in 3 short months! I just moved into a co-op where I get to share super delicious local, vegetarian, home-cooked dinner every night with 34 other amazing students among other neat things. I am a peer counselor at school and it has changed my life and is a really important part of my undergraduate career. I also studied in Rwanda my sophomore year, learning about post-conflict peacebuilding and restoration - similar description to peer counseling (super important and life-changing). Happy to talk your ear off about either of those if you're interested in them!

Your Messages to CAC - Celebrating our Fifth Year!

As a part of the Calling All Crows Turns Five Campaign, we set a goal to raise $5,000 in the month of May to kick off our celebration.  This money supports our Service Innovation Fund which helps us spread the message of service and activism to more bands and more fans.

The Calling All Crows community responded BIG TIME and helped us surpass our goal with a total of $5,230 raised from 74 donors! Gifts were from first-time donors and long-time supporters; $5 donors and $1,000 donors; hometown donors and donors across the country… We are so grateful for all of you and your support!

Here are a few messages that some of you sent along with your donations that inspired us!

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“I am a 56 year old mother of a 21 year old son who, thankfully, has great taste in music. Before he was old enough to drive, I used to take him and his friends to see shows of the music they loved. State Radio was a favorite and we saw them at a few of the venues in the Baltimore/Towson area.

My son learned “The General” on the guitar, and it became a favorite of mine as well. I love the community involvement and issues that State Radio promotes.

Keep up the good work!”

Kerry Chubb, Severna Park, MD

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“I've been a huge fan of Chad's music for a while now and in being a fan of his music have learned a lot about the causes he supports.  A large majority of them really hit home for me so I try to get involved when I can.  Keep up the great work.”

Matt O’Brien, Burlington, VT

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“I’m a LONG time fan of State Radio and the amazing work the band has done to make an unconditional, genuine and heartfelt difference to make the world we live in a better place and to teach children about the value in giving back to the world that has given them so much. It's not about the big picture in life and a greater purpose. If everyone learned from CAC's message, they'd understand that change starts in the tiny little circle they live in. If you can affect even the tiniest positive change, the ripple effect will affect thousands, if not more. Think big, start small!”

Matt Wulkan, Greenwood Village, CO

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“I have been a huge State Radio fan for about 8 years, so I have been kept informed about Calling All Crows through the band.  Unfortunately, there have been few CAC service opportunities in my area, but I am glad to support the organization through donations. I hope to continue to stay informed and participate in activities whenever possible.

I appreciate the personal approach the organization is taking.  It makes it feel like my involvement is actually relevant and appreciated.”

Lindsey Tracy, Houston, TX

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“I have been an avid State Radio fan for years - I attended the Calling All Crows benefit weekend in Boston for the past two years. I do not know why I do not attend the service projects before the shows... I keep telling myself to stop being scared to join the service projects - the people who attend are similar minded - I just have not stepped out of my bubble.

Calling All Crows mission is clear cut - support others that do not have a voice or the means to support themselves. The concept is simple and empowering. I am so lucky to be a part of this movement.”

Valerie Farrell, Oak Lawn, IL

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What We Believe

As a part of our Calling All Crows Turns Five Campaign, we have a chance to celebrate who we are as an organization and what we are striving to do.

We all recognize that there are things in this world we want to change.

Injustice. Poverty. Inequality. Oppression. Abuse. Neglect. Apathy. Ignorance.

At Calling All Crows, we believe that things can be different.  And we believe we have the power to do so.  As a community of music fans, service warriors, activists, engaged citizens, and leaders willing to each do our part to make this world a better place. 

It's like this picture...

Sometimes our acts seem small and insignificant.  Maybe they only make a difference to one person, one school, one community... but it is the power of these acts together, the reinforcement of what is good in people, that can change hearts and minds and make a larger impact.  

Each time we plan a pre-show service project, head out on the road with an Alternative Break Tour (ABT), or set up for a night of concert outreach, we know we are providing an opportunity for someone to make a difference. Then these "someones" get inspired and want to know how to get more involved.  And the next time we go out on the road, they are the ones helping plan and lead the service, leading the group of volunteers on an ABT, speaking to their peers at shows about how to get involved...  And their individual acts begin to multiply...

Witnessing a Movement with Calling All Crows

As we enter the final week of our Calling All Crows Turns Five Campaign, we want to share some of our favorite photos of some special moments in the organization's history.  We love taking this opportunity to celebrate Calling All Crows and the movement we are helping to spark. After "witnessing" these moments below, we hope you'll be inspired to join the movement and support us.

1. The launch of Crow Club at City Year Boston's Civic Forum in 2010 with Oxfam America. Many Boston-area supporters joined Chadwick Stokes and Calling All Crows for an Oxfam Hunger Banquet in order to celebrate the launch of our then new monthly giving program.

2. The 3rd Annual Benefit Weekend in Boston at the House of Blues with Chad & Friends after a Northeast Chad & Friends tour. These weekends provide space to reflect on and celebrate Calling All Crows' impact and growth as an organization in the company of our friends, family, and supporters.

3. ABT 8 with State Radio in Europe in March of 2013. Volunteers served with Viva con Agua. Alternative Break Tours are one of our favorite programs - volunteers hit the road for a taste of tour life and a week full of service, activism, and leadership training. This was our first Alternative Break Tour led completely by Calling All Crows volunteers!

4. Our 4th Annual Northampton Halloween 5K fun walk/run. Calling All Crows supporters, State Radio fans, and Northampton community members join us to fundraise for our current campaign and run around downtown Northampton in costume! The quirkiness, energy, and spirit of the organization is in full throttle for this annual event which raises more than $20,000 every year.

5. EarthFest 2013 with Radio 92.9. Festival-goers stopped by the Calling All Crows table to sign up for summer projects and to paint a mural with us! The mural you see here will be donated to Conservatory Lab Charter School in Brighton.

Five Firsts at Calling All Crows..

As a part of our Calling All Crows Turns Five Campaign which supports our Service Innovation Fund, here are five stories of innovation from our history... 

1. Our first Alternative Break Tour...

Who knew the crazy idea of taking volunteers on the road with bands would be such a hit? We had a hunch! Since our first one in 2010 with State Radio, we've done them on the west coast, the east coast, in Europe, and in a few weeks, we'll kick off the ninth one down south with DISPATCH. If you want to get a feel for an ABT, check out the series Take Part TV did last fall.

 2. Our first Action Leader campaign...

Music fans are a motivated and connected group, and the action leader campaign took advantage of that, asking fans to organize teach-ins and other events to raise awareness about the Death Penalty.  Thirteen folks responded and held their own events in early 2012 engaging close to 250 people in learning more and writing letters to abolish the death penalty. 

3. Our first summer festival...

Last summer at Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival, CAC tabled for the first time as a part of Planet Roo and spread the word about Calling All Crows.  A team of six volunteers engaged over 400 music fans in taking environmental pledges and signing up for the CAC mailing list.  We can't wait to be there this summer, so if you're going, we'll see you there!

 4. Our first campaign on tour...

In 2011, DISPATCH brought on Calling All Crows to plan and manage their Amplifying Education campaign for their summer tour.  This was the first time CAC had put together a multi-faceted engagement plan including service, concert outreach, an ABT, and fundraising for all show dates on their tour!  A lot to take on, but we were thrilled with the results... and DISPATCH was too. In just a few short weeks, we set out for the third AmpEd tour! 

5. Our first partnership with radio...

Early last year, we had the good fortune of starting a partnership with WBOS Radio 92.9 here in Boston.  Wanting to engage their listeners in a meaningful way, Radio 92.9 was looking for a long-term partnership with a local non-profit organization.  One of their radio execs was familiar with CAC because his son is a State Radio fan and so the conversations started... Our first project with them was tabling at EarthFest last year and we're so excited to be there on Saturday this year - this time, engaging all festival-goers in a mural painting project, another CAC first..