Alumnus musician “Leify Green” (Leif Huber) ’10, economics and modern languages & linguistics, will play a concert in Washington, D.C., next month to support Amnesty International. The Leify Green Conspiracy will play at Axum’s Lounge on October 12.

For more information about the event, click here.

The concert will specifically support the Women of Zimbabwe Arise (WOZA) and the
General Agriculture and Plantation Workers Union’s (GAPWUZ) work to support
the civil and human rights of all Zimbabweans through grassroots activism.

“I believe in supporting human rights and those who struggle to defend them,” said Green. “That belief was a major influence in my decision to study Economics and Modern Languages in Cultures at UMBC, where I focused largely on economic development, particularly in Latin America. I am proud to play in support of Amnesty International and excited that my music is being used to further a cause I believe in.”

Since 2010, The Leify Green Conspiracy has independently released an EP, Give
Me A Push (recorded in UMBC’s own studios), that has sold over 1,000
copies. The band also includes former UMBC student Luke Solomon. Green has toured the United States extensively as a solo act. His latest single, Sweet On The Phone, will be available on iTunes and other digital stores on October 8th. For more information about the band, click here.

Alumnus musician “Leify Green” (Leif Huber) ’10, economics and modern languages & linguistics, will play a concert in Washington, D.C., next month to support Amnesty International. The Leify Green Conspiracy will play at Axum’s Lounge on October 12.

For more information about the event, click here.

The concert will specifically support the Women of Zimbabwe Arise (WOZA) and the
General Agriculture and Plantation Workers Union’s (GAPWUZ) work to support
the civil and human rights of all Zimbabweans through grassroots activism.

“I believe in supporting human rights and those who struggle to defend them,” said Green. “That belief was a major influence in my decision to study Economics and Modern Languages in Cultures at UMBC, where I focused largely on economic development, particularly in Latin America. I am proud to play in support of Amnesty International and excited that my music is being used to further a cause I believe in.”

Since 2010, The Leify Green Conspiracy has independently released an EP, Give
Me A Push (recorded in UMBC’s own studios), that has sold over 1,000
copies. The band also includes former UMBC student Luke Solomon. Green has toured the United States extensively as a solo act. His latest single, Sweet On The Phone, will be available on iTunes and other digital stores on October 8th. For more information about the band, click here.

Courtesy of CollegeStats.org

Are you registered to vote?

With the election 41 days away and voter registration deadlines are quickly approaching. Colleges and GOTV organizations are hard at work trying to register and inform potential voters.

Today is National Voter Registration day but what does that mean for the college voter?

 Gallop poll results from July of this state that only

fifty-eight percent of  U.S. registered voters aged 18 to 29 say they will “definitely vote” this fall, well below the current national average of 78%.

This suggests that there will be a lower turnout in this election than in 2008. But why? Casting a ballot is closely related to the same motivational factors that stimulate older voters, as well as to mobilization by the parties.

College students are concerned about the economy and the job market after graduation just as much as the rest of the nation. Plus, there will be an additional 16.8 million young people who will be eligible to vote in this election than in 2008.

 A study by The Center For Information & Research on Civil Learning and Engagement (CIRCLE) notes that “ young people who are enrolled in college are more likely to vote than the national youth average. College students are highly likely to turn out to vote if they are registered”.

 Regardless of your political position, college is the time where you are free to develop your political identity and invest in learning about how we can more effectively govern our nation on a state and federal level. With all the rhetoric and confusion about Voter ID, healthcare and other issues, it is important to get the facts and register before state deadlines.

Wanna find out more?

Go to http://www.rockthevote.org/

Isaiah 56:1-8 (NIV)

This is what the Lord says:

“Maintain justice
and do what is right,
for my salvation is close at hand
and my righteousness will soon be revealed.
Blessed is the one who does this—
the person who holds it fast,
who keeps the Sabbath without desecrating it,
and keeps their hands from doing any evil.”

Let no foreigner who is bound to the Lord say,
“The Lord will surely exclude me from his people.”
And let no eunuch complain,
“I am only a dry tree.”

For this is what the Lord says:

“To the eunuchs who keep my Sabbaths,
who choose what pleases me
and hold fast to my covenant—

to them I will give within my temple and its walls
a memorial and a name
better than sons and daughters;
I will give them an everlasting name
that will endure forever.
And foreigners who bind themselves to the Lord
to minister to him,
to love the name of the Lord,
and to be his servants,
all who keep the Sabbath without desecrating it
and who hold fast to my covenant—
these I will bring to my holy mountain
and give them joy in my house of prayer.
Their burnt offerings and sacrifices
will be accepted on my altar;
for my house will be called
a house of prayer for all nations.”
The Sovereign Lord declares—
he who gathers the exiles of Israel:
“I will gather still others to them
besides those already gathered.”

Reflection

The life changing difference between essence and form – most of Israel could not understand it. They were so stuck on self-righteously keeping rules and keeping others out of being God’s people, that they couldn’t understand the essence of faith – living in the sufficiency of God’s grace and mercy, experiencing His love and living in His presence for Him. And here, Isaiah declares a divine decree of radical change – “eunuchs and foreigners” who were outcasts and excluded by law will now have a place in God’s house of prayer. This points to the incredible truth that God invites all to receive and experience true hope and love and salvation that can only be found when we place our faith and trust in Jesus Christ. This invitation is for us to experience this every day and to share this blessing with others through the power of His presence with us, by the Holy Spirit.

Response

Let’s walk into the invitation daily and share the blessing we have. Let’s thank God for including us in His people.  And let’s pray for those who are yet to be gathered - those God is giving our church and churches to minister to.