Loyal readers: You may have noticed there hasn’t been much going on with La Vida Idealist since 2011 began. We haven’t forgotten about you. Our bloggers are still making a difference. And we’re still striving to make this blog your one-stop shop for learning about the world of free[...]
Author Archive
November 15th, 2010 - 12:16 pm § in Good Ideas, Mexico
From Triggers to Trees: Palas Por Pistolas
The other day I received an email from GOOD magazine about a Mexican artist named Pedro Reyes. What makes Reyes so special that he should show up in my inbox? A couple of years ago he turned guns into trees. And no, I’m not joking. The city of Culiacán in western Mexico is rife with gang [...][...]
One Day on Earth: What Story Will You Tell?
One Day on Earth is asking you, me, and the rest of the world to film something you're inspired by on that day, with the hope of creating a time capsule that documents our collective struggles and triumphs. You don't have to be a seasoned filmmaker to participate—cell phones and digital cameras wo[...]
Gay Marriage in Latin America: Is Argentina Ahead of the Curve?
Just last week, two men got married in Buenos Aires, Argentina after 34 years together as partners. The coolest part about this? The official crossed out “man and woman” on the license and instead wrote “contracting parties.” They were able to get married because Argentina just recently pass[...]
Are You an Idealist in Latin America? Write For Our Blog!
This post was originally published on the Idealist.org homepage blog. Every year more and more people are traveling to Latin America to live, work, travel, and learn. And while these adventure seekers continue to check out the vast cultural, social, and environmental riches of the region—from the[...]
Favela Tourism: Harmful or Helpful?
When I told people I was going on a favela tour in Rio de Janeiro, I received a lot of strange looks. After all, those aren’t two words you often hear together. Reactions ranged from, “Why would you want to do that?” to “They are just people living in a different situation. W[...]
February 16th, 2010 - 12:56 am § in Around Town, News
We Want to Hear From YOU!
You may have noticed a new button the lefthand side of this blog that says “Feedback.” It’s a pretty straightforward ask: we’d love to know how we’re doing. La Vida Idealist was created in August with the goal of better supporting you, from helping you take that first s[...]
January 6th, 2010 - 8:26 pm § in Good Ideas, Mexico
All-Female Transport in Mexico
Growing up as a tomboy, I loathed the color pink. I associated it with baking and kittens and babies and lipstick – every stereotype as a woman that even then I subconsciously knew I couldn’t stomach. Even though I now love the color pink (and I don’t wear make-up or feel affection[...]
December 31st, 2009 - 9:52 am § in News
What’s New in 2010
This past August, we excitedly launched the blog you are reading right now. This was the first time we attempted to pull people’s experiences into one blog, and to be honest, we weren’t sure how it was going to go. But because we have such an awesome team of devoted bloggers – who[...]
December 22nd, 2009 - 12:54 pm § in Tips & Resources
How to Volunteer Abroad: A One Minute Explanation
Thinking about venturing into the world of international service? But not sure where to start? Check out this one-minute how-to! Erin Barnhart, Idealist.org’s Director of Volunteerism Initiatives and mastermind behind our International Volunteer Resource Center, gives a brief step-by-step gui[...]
