Welcome to This Week in Cause, episode #11! Today, Jonathan and Christina cover a new documentary from the filmmaker behind An Inconvenient Truth, and Wendy’s- are they as nice to their animals as they claim? It’s time to find out with TWiCause!

First up on the agenda is the new David Guggenheim documentary Waiting for Superman. The flick is about the public education system in America and focuses on the problems within it and how to solve the crisis. Specifically, the movie hones in on teacher’s unions and the challenges they create. Christina and Jonathan debate topics related to the film including tenure, education budgets, and the public teacher assessments the LA Times released that recently came under fire. How do we improve our education system and what happens when a public opinion poll effects faculty and students to the extent that it alters their personal lives? Socially conscious films create a discussion that brings focus to the topic at hand, but at what cost? Waiting for Superman is the latest controversial flick to tackle such issues.

Waiting for Superman trailer

Jonathan and Christina discuss the merits of a national versus regional legislation change in education, teacher’s responsibilities, and the new generation of children that require a change in the way the education system is run. Is there a way to encourage the good teachers, weed out the bad, and change the way our children are educated for the better? Our Cause crew hopes so with the release of Waiting for Superman.

Next up, the hosts tackle the Gulf. A recent Huffington Post article reports high levels of toxins in the water (specifically a 40 fold increase) that can lead to health problems. Christina brings up a report of a 3-year old child with kidney stones, skin sores, and other problems the chemicals entering our water supply cause. Many people don’t have access to information about potential health problems or proper medical care that are affected by the recent oil spill, Christina points out. Jonathan encourages show viewers to take action, get involved, and be aware. You can go to ProjectGulfImpact.org to get more information and find out how you can help.

Now for…this week in celebrity causes. Emma Watson, aka Hermoine from Harry Potter, is a big fair trade advocate. Emma has been traveling with clothing company PeopleTree to ensure their clothing line is following fair trade practices. She will be releasing a clothing line with PeopleTree to support the cause and promote fair trade fashion. In other ‘Emma’ news, Christina reports Watson has been cast as the new Mary Jane in the Spiderman series; turns out that’s actually Emma Stone. Jonathan and Emma switch topics temporarily to celebrities and how encouraging it is to have celebrities in the news making a positive impact, instead of the usual gossip mills. Is Emma Watson supporting fair trade for publicity or for cause awareness? Our hosts agree that it’s a great cause to support and while there is the added press benefit, Watson is likely looking to make an impact on the world and not the paparazzi.

In our weekly Cause Wash, Jonathan sounds off on Wendy’s animal welfare practices. Their policy and ‘commitment’ to the humane treatment of animals includes 2% of their products coming from cage free hens. Christina also points out their use of a quote from Temple Grandin, PhD who you may be familiar with from the recent biopic with Claire Danes. Using a well-known name to promote a cause that isn’t even promotion worthy? Jonathan and Christina think so! Wendy’s goal to reach 20% cage free animals dips into their profits and raises customer prices, which, according to Jonathan is why it will never happen. And why stop at 20%? Why not aim for 100%? This brings up the topic of food awareness, and Jonathan suggests checking out the documentary Food, Inc. and think twice about the next burger you bite into. The health of the animals used in fast food ultimately effects our health, and saving a few cents now may not make sense for your body later.

Jonathan introduces our newest segment/ guest of the day, the Dirty Hippie! Brandon Deroche is inaugurated as our first ever dirty hippie, and stops by the studio to chat with Jonathan and Christina about Download to Donate, the newest initiative from our friends at Causecast. Brandon discusses Music For Relief’s efforts to support disaster relief and reduce global warming by working with well known musicians and artists to provide free or low-fee music with the proceeds going to various charities including efforts in Haiti, the United Nations Foundation, and Habitat for Humanity. The Causecast team chipped in to help promote mobile donations and begin the next round of Download to Donate projects. Download to Donate will next become monthly music subscription service in exchange for a one-time donation via web or mobile. Brandon also recaps the Virgin Mobile Freefest, to raise awareness for youth homelessness. The festival and accompanying recruitment parties hope to encourage people to volunteer in their communities- and get some cool perks for participating. Some volunteers even got travel accommodations thanks to the Virgin Mobile team.

Last but not least, the controversial Prop 19, also known as the Regulate, Control, and Tax Cannibis Act 0f 2010, allowing local governments to handle marijuana sales the way they deem fit. Proponents advocate a great tax revenue source, while those opposed to the proposition fear for public safety. Weigh in using the comments section; what will be the result of Prop 19? How will you celebrate (or hide) if and when the bill gets passed?

That’s it for episode #11 of ThisWeekinCause, see you next Monday!