After (20+) years of working in entertainment media, I can honestly say that Inside Out: Entertainment Thru Non-Profit Eyes will be extremely helpful to community groups, media, and celebrities who are committed to outreach endeavors. Networking is so key in the entertainment industry. Knowing people who can open the doors, especially in dealing with celebrities and their publicists, agents, etc., is tantamount to having a successful media event. The book is sure to tap into some of the great minds in PR which have a lot to offer in regard to media strategies, planning and promotion. Kudos to you for creating such a media-savvy guide that can provide useful information as well as those all-important contacts. Shirley Henderson EBONY MAGAZINE ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Comments

1. "I am supportive of breast cancer support organizations and awareness campaigns. My sister and I usually spend Mother's Day participating in the Y-ME Race, we also walk in the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure, and the City of Hope breast cancer walks. "CBS 46 News “Better Mornings” Executive Producer Monique Harris

   (Posted on 2008-01-23 12:32:00 by CBS 46 News “Better Mornings” Executive Producer)
2. Executive Director of the Hip-Hop Summit Action Network and WEEN 2007.9.28 13:00 “Inside Out” provides valuable and unique insight into the lives of your favorite celebrities. It’s inspiring to know that young people and music consumers alike, who support the entertainment industry, have the comfort in knowing that their money is being re-circulated back into the community. More and more entertainers and executives are becoming civically engaged and socially responsible. The time has come for that story to be told."

   (Posted on 2007-09-29 18:47:00 by Valeisha Butterfield)
3. Ric Ross, Executive, Capitol Records. When asked what his approach to starting his nonprofit was, Ric Ross declares, “I didn’t know what I was doing and I let people know it. But, I said to them, here’s what I want to do. I forged alliances with good partners. Dr. Marvin Pryor, Principle, Carver High School, Atlanta, Ga, helped me a lot in identifying what revisions I hadn’t thought about including in my proposal, incorporating some things and pulling things out of me. It took me two years to get my program into the Atlanta school system, but people believed in me, and my passion for the music was there.

   (Posted on 2007-09-12 17:38:00 by Ric Ross, Executive Director, Music Education Foundation (MEG))
4. E. Walter Smith – Chairman - ICTBS Advisory Board, Singer/Songwriter "The blueprint for having a successful career as an entertainer is changing. Gone are the days where an artist could rely on one entity to develop and manage their career. Now, we must build an organization of trusted professionals that will assist us in creating a marketable and embraceable brand. One of the most important elements in this "equation for success" is community. After you sing your encore, say your final line or shoot your last shot, it’s the relationships that you developed in the community that will give you the fan base you need for career longevity. Often times a partnership with a non-profit organization will provide the access to and the support from large communities of people that share the vision and passion that an artist might have about special social interests. One of the main reasons I got so much support from celebrities, national organizations and corporations is because I sang about topics that touched the lives of over half the world’s population. However, it was the execution of Curt B’s success strategies that really positioned my promotions to touch so many people. To that end, my relationship with ICTBS has allowed me to create a change in the lives of those that have been victims of domestic violence and abuse, but also span the spectrum of the human experience and celebrate the magic of the father daughter relationships. Often times innovators and trail blazers suffer the bumps and bruises for ALL to benefit and prosper. The fact that Curt B's head is sometimes bloodied, but never bowed is inspiration to me and others to continue down the path of making a difference in the lives of those we touch. "Inside Out" will make a difference in your life."

   (Posted on 2007-09-12 02:47:00 by E. Walter Smith)
5. Any book that can bring about a connection or communication between non profits and entertainers in an concerted effort to empower at risk citizens in any dilemma; Aids, domestic violence, homelessness and, expressly children, makes it a valuable resource. Dawn Carter, Producer, Fox Pictures Diversity, (Contradictions of the Heart) The Fox Journey to Excellence Mentoring Program, an on-going monthly education program which helps foster academic, social and personal development for economically disadvantaged and high-risk students by introducing them to leaders in various fields of interest.

   (Posted on 2007-09-10 04:48:00 by Dawn Carter)
6. Keisha Brown: Los Angeles Sparks EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR-"Changive Cycle Foundation for Financial Literacy.” “I just think it’s important for the kids to know that we grew up just like them with the same background and the same situations and we’ve been through stuff. So it’s good for us to give back so they can see us and touch us and know that they can be successful as well.”

   (Posted on 2007-09-10 01:17:00 by Keisha Brown:)
7. Rusha Brown: Former player for Cleveland Rockers and Charlotte Saints EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR-Over Time Youth Foundation "We want to make sure that kids have an option and an opportunity to dream outside of their environment and to make sure they have the chance to succeed and achieve all their goals.”

   (Posted on 2007-09-10 01:16:00 by Rusha Brown:)