What we’re focusing on first is fundraising for UNICEF’s Colombia Project. Heavy flooding in the country has created a humanitarian crisis among a displaced population already affected by years of armed conflict. Approximately 70,000 members of indigenous Colombians are victims of forced internal displacement; 40 percent of them are children. UNICEF is delivering water, protective services, and nutritional care to children and expectant mothers requiring urgent assistance. To support the organization’s efforts, Next Generation has committed to raising $100,000 for UNICEF’s child protection, education and psychosocial assistance programs, along with support for the provision of safe water and the prevention of malnutrition and illnesses for indigenous families living in remote areas.

Here’s how you can help us help the kids:

1. Donate $20 or $50 to become a “Hero for Zero” or “Superhero for Zero”: http://www.unicefusa.org/about/unicefs-next-generation/join-ung.html 

2. Donate $10 for a chance to win a trip to hang out backstage at the Governor’s Ball in NYC through Omaze.com: http://www.omaze.com/experiences/hang-with-nas-backstage-at-the-2013-governors-ball-music-festival

3. Attend the free documentary screening at Los Angeles Center Studios on July 11th. Watch for updates here: http://www.unicefusa.org/about/unicefs-next-generation/.

The ideal candidate has a strong work ethic, is incredibly results-driven, highly organized, has experience in a PR agency, can provide an impressive portfolio that showcases understanding of traditional and digital PR tactics and platforms, is able to demonstrate knowledge of a wide range of media outlets and social media platforms and comes armed with great references.

Please apply if you…

- Have 1 year of agency or internship experience working with clients in the business and lifestyle arena.

- Have an understanding of designing and implementing PR campaigns that you are prepared to discuss.

- Have a finger strongly on the pulse of the PR landscape and are able to identify key trends.

- Offer a creative, personalized approach to landing media placements.

- Have exceptional organization and self-motivation skills and are prepared to discuss your process.

- Have a diverse catalog of media outlets you regularly read.

- Have an deep understanding of the community you live in, as well as the national and global landscape.

- Have an understanding of bloggers, online and digital media.

- Are active on social media, enjoy testing new networks and developing relationships online.

- Carefully balance humility with confidence.

- Enjoy supporting a team through a detailed approach.

- Demonstrate pride in your work and the success of your team.

- Have a huge heart for making the world a better place.

- Be willing to work hard and smart for an agency that will treat you with respect and offers a uniquely creative, loving and passionate environment and team.

HOW TO APPLY:

Please submit a resume and cover letter to resumes [at] ellecomm.com. Please do not apply if you do not meet all of the requirements, including experience. Resumes will be accepted only via email. Please, no phone calls, tweets, Facebook messages, pokes, prods or messenger pigeons.

Elle Communications is a growing PR firm with offices in San Diego, Los Angeles and New York that represents an array of business in the lifestyle space with a niche focus in social good businesses. We are creative in approach and extremely personalized in execution. The corporate culture is an exceptionally positive environment built on constant growth and learning, support, respect, hard work and recognition. Our client base is a unique amalgamation of innovative organizations and individuals who are making the world a better, more interesting place.

“When you feel in your gut what you are and then dynamically pursue it, don’t back down and don’t give up, then you’re going to mystify a lot of folks.” – Bob Dylan

{For more Wednesday Wisdom from the ladies of Elle, follow us on Instagram and Twitter. 

Richard Curtis (War Horse, Pirate Radio & Bridget Jone’s Diary) was the writer behind this film, while Philip Noyce (SALT, Patriot Games) directed.  They, along with an awesome cast including Hillary Swank, Brenda Blethyn and James Woods, told the epic journey of self-discovery as two mothers forge a unique bond after traumatic events in Africa bring them together. Mary and Martha is a wonderfully compelling and heart felt film, you are sure to laugh and cry as you connect and learn how this horrible disease effects thousands of people world wide everyday.

Here is a key take away from the film that really stuck with me: ”Did you know that if you take every single person killed in a terrorist act around the world in the last 20 years — and add to that every life that’s been lost in the Middle East since the Six Day War in ’67 — and add to that every single American life we lost in Vietnam and Korea — and every single other military conflict America’s been involved in since then, Iraq, Afghanistan… If you take all those lives — that we’d all have given so much to save — you’ve still got to multiply them by two to get to the number of kids who die of malaria every single year.”

You can watch Mary and Martha on HBO, On Demand or on HBO GO – to see the schedule of viewings click here.

xo Amanda

Quick Facts About Malaria:

The Negative

- Malaria is a world wide disease – there were estimated 219 million malaria cases world wide in 2010, mostly pregnant women and children.

- Malaria is one of the top 3 killers on the planet.

- A child dies ever minute from malaria – more than 1400 kids lose their lives from a mosquito bite every day.

- Malaria claims 660,000 lives per year – 90% of those in Africa alone.

- Malaria accounts for half of preventable absenteeism in African schools, causing up to10 million missed days each year. Malaria also can cause lasting learning disabilities.

- There’s a $3.6B funding gap for malaria control in Africa.

The Positive

- Malaria is preventable & treatable.

- A full-course of life-saving malaria treatment for children with a confirmed case of malaria cost just $1 and cures a child in one to three days.

- Malaria deaths in Africa are down by 33% in the last six years (since MNM came to be).

- Foreign aid represents less than 1% of the U.S. federal budget, but makes a huge difference. By bridging the current funding gap and helping countries deliver life-saving tools, we can keep the drive toward zero malaria deaths going.

Happy Friday from the ladies of Elle

This was Lucky FABB’s second year gracing the west coast with their presence and Elle Communications was there to welcome the Lucky crew with open arms. The myriad of talent Lucky FABB garnered for their second annual fashion and beauty blogger conference was impressive to say the least. We soaked it all in while bloggers and public relations professionals from across the nation swapped fashion compliments and business cards in a sea of statement necklaces and arm parties.

The show started off with a bang as we listened to a conversation with the co-host of E!’s Fashion Police, Kelly Osbourne. She dished the trends she can’t stand at the moment – boot/sandal hybrids (she just doesn’t get it) and ombre hair (she’s plain over it). The day continued with some of fashion’s most successful bloggers, editors and vloggers, along with representatives from brands we love and trust. You could hear a pin drop it was so quiet as everyone listened intently not to miss a thing. After a day of soaking invaluable wisdom in, as if one fashionable celebrity wasn’t enough, Drew Barrymore graced the stage to introduce her new beauty line Flower and won over the hearts of all. She had a way of making everyone feel special, despite the fact there were 200 people in the room. It’s safe to say we have a mega girl crush on this phenomenal actress, mother, producer and entrepreneur.

The day came to a close with a debut of XO Betsey Johnson, Betsey Johnson’s new reality series airing on Mother’s Day on Style Network. The following day we had the chance to hang out with up close and personal to give hugs to the amazing woman. She is another truly lovely one we were thrilled to spend time with.

A few things we love about Lucky FABB:

1. The eye candy (we should probably say arm candy and neck candy) – the multitude of statement necklaces, arm candy and gorgeous outfits gave us enough inspiration to last the year. One genius Lucky FABB editor wore an arm party of multiple vintage watches with small bracelets in between and bloggers everywhere were stopped for pictures for their layering statement necklaces.

2. The talent – some of our favorite bloggers were on board like Geri Hirsch, Hillary Kerr, Tina Craig and Emily Schuman, along with brands we love like Sephora, Neiman Marcus, and BCBG.

3. Insider tips – in an industry that’s always changing, we couldn’t have hear ‘it’ better from representatives from Pinterest, Beso, Rachel Zoe and Lucky of course, just to name a few.

4. For bloggers – you will not want to miss the breadth of valuable information in just one shot that will leave you inspired and ready to go out and grow your business. Also, a ton of PR pros for you to get to know and start working with.

5. For PR peeps – a countless amount of successful bloggers (remember they have to be accepted in to attend) to network with, brands to swap tips with and a collection of editors in attendance for you to get to know better.

For more weekly insights, follow us on Twitter and Instagram.

Happy Earth Day from the ladies of Elle

Kristen Conahan {LA}

1. Longer days, which means decompressing after a long day with a hike, fresh air and a sunset on top of a mountain.
2. Flowers, smiles and bright colors – the lovely things that compliment spring. Everyone seems to be better mood and their outfits, actions and expression go along with it. (In New York this is very apparent after a long winter – it’s fun to see the transformation).
3. That we’re almost to summer, where we can spend our days melting into the hot sand at the beach with friends and a good read.

Emily Aschbrenner {San Diego}

1. Spring cleaning: the chance to refresh your wardrobe, de-clutter your desk, and renew your perspective!
2. Cherry blossoms: And orange blossoms, and peach blossoms, and plum blossoms… The air is never sweeter and trees never more beautiful than when they’re in bloom!
3. The impending swimsuit season: Something we usually dread, I know, but also a chance to take personal health and exercise routines a little more seriously, which ultimately leaves you glowing and energized.

Molly Borchers {San Diego}

1. Running past the night blooming jasmine plant in my neighborhood each evening.
2. The seasonal foods – asparagus, fiddlehead ferns and other yummy veggies!
3. Everything is a little brighter…people wear clothing with more color, nail polish colors lighten (or even become neon!), and flowers are in bloom all around.

Amanda Billingham {New York City}

1. In with warm weather comes new a new wardrobe, especially here on the east coast. I get the butterflies just thinking about pairing the perfect maxi with a cute pair of booties and forgetting about tights!
2. Long live the daylight! I love that the sun is setting after 7:30pm – it makes everything more pleasant, evening walks, having dinner on the porch, sunlight is good for the soul.
3. My last, but not least, favorite thing about spring is the general rebirth that spring brings. Birds are chirping, trees are in bloom, the ocean’s breath smells saltier, everything is anew and creates a positive energy for a healthy restart.

Lindsey Palmer {San Diego}

1. Turning over the winter garden crops to spring and summer vegetables and fruits.
2. Warmer weather with lots of bike rides along the beach, fun seasonal cocktails and barbeques.
3. My enhanced motivation to ramp up my workout routine, get a sun-kissed glow on my face and let my natural freckles shine through.

Christina Le {LA}

1. Spring Fashion – I absolutely love seeing the bright colors and the bold prints making its way back into our Spring wardrobes. Bring out those sundresses, hats, and sandals that are perfect for a picnic or beach day in Sunny California!
2. Daylight savings – I love that the sun sets later, so that I’m still able to enjoy a nice run along the beach after work. The warmer weather means pool and beach season, which inspires me to live a healthier and active lifestyle
3. Friends and Family gatherings – with pool and beach weather, my family and friends have many get-togethers from bonfires and bike rides along the beach to backyard dinners and barbecues.

Danielle Gano {LA/San Diego}

1. Longer days means more sunlight for evening runs on the beach without the mobs of tourists that are sure to create an obstacle course come summer.
2. Evening dinners in the garden, BBQs and cocktail dates on patios while enjoying the scents, sounds and sights of Spring.
3. The savor and aroma of Spring foods: plums, rhubarb, snap peas, nectarines, artichokes, boy choy and rose (that’s a food, right?)

For more of what we’re savoring this season, follow us on Twitter and Instagram.

XO,

Elle

{PHOTO CRED}

For more #wednesdaywisdom, follow us on Twitter and Instagram.