Students entering college this year were born in 1986 -- the same year that the Chernobyl disaster shocked the world. To these students -- and many others -- Chernobyl is "ancient history," and they may not know about the grave and continuing consequences. You can help raise awareness by forwarding this email, or by pointing your friends to the facts on our website.     In this month's newsletter, you will read about: 1.   Project Updates: Vesnova asylum and cardiac programs, seen in Chernobyl Heart 2.   Join our Talent Pool 3.   New: Message Boards 4.   Sponsor Spotlight: Buy baby clothes and support our programs, at forMercysake.com 5.   Project Spotlight: Zhythovichi Community Center

1. Project Updates You can see a complete list of our current projects on our web site. Vesnova . . . A team of volunteer professional builders just returned from Vesnova asylum, the dismal institution seen in the film Chernobyl Heart.  Since the film was made, we've transformed the physical building and built a nursing program that trains and employs local staff. Follow the links to learn more about our programs and what is happening at Vesnova. Children's cardiac program . . . Weeks ago, William Novick, MD, led a pediatric surgical team to Minsk, where they saved the lives of 16 children. CCPI is proud to organize and fund Dr. Novick's missions to Belarus -- thank you for your donations.

2.   Join our Talent Pool Since Chernobyl Heart aired on HBO, we heard from so many of you who are interested in offering your pro bono, professional services -- in such diverse areas as physical therapy, adminstrative services, fundraising, PR, and event management. If you are interested in helping in some way by donating your time, skills, or ideas, send us an application, and you will hear back from us.

3.   New: Message Board discussion in progress In response to your feedback, we've added Message Boards to our web site that will allow our supporters to communicate with CCPI and each other. You can ask questions about the Chernobyl disaster and its aftermath, or about CCPI programs that interest you, and share your ideas with other supporters about how to help the children of Chernobyl. The conversations have already started, and you are welcome to join in.

4.   Sponsor Spotlight: forMercysake.com The day after seeing Chernobyl Heart on television last month, web retailer Hillary James contacted us asking how she could help.  She decided to donate proceeds from sales of her baby clothes to CCPI. We thank Ms. James for her generosity and direct action, and encourage you to support CCPI projects by supporting forMercysake. If you are a retailer and would like to be a part of supporting this effort, please contact us and we will give you a call.

5.   Project Spotlight: Zhytkovichi Community Center One of our key goals is to develop local programs throughout Chernobyl affected regions that enable communities to help themselves -- the key to long term change. An example of such a program is the Zhytkovichi Community Center, located in the Gomel region of Belarus. Read more about it here. That's our update for this month. We'd love to hear from you -- respond to this mail, or post us a message on our message boards. If you are on our postal mailing list, watch your mail for an opportunity to make a holiday gift to CCPI in the name of a friend or loved one -- they will receive a certificate acknowledging your "gift of life." Happy Thanksgiving!