Why should we listen to celebrities like Bono or Angelina Jolie when they endorse a politician or take a position on an issue? Do we listen to them? Despite their lack of public policy experience, celebrities are certainly everywhere in the media, appealing on behalf of the oppressed, advocating policy change-even, in one spectacular case, leading the birther movement all the way to the White House. In this book Mark Harvey takes a close look into the phenomenon of celebrity advocacy in an attempt to determine the nature of celebrity influence, and the source and extent of its power. Focusing on two specific kinds of power-the ability to "spotlight" issues in the media and to persuade audiences-Harvey searches out the sources of celebrity influence and compares them directly to the sources of politicians' influence. In a number of case studies-such as Jolie and Ben Affleck drawing media attention to the civil war in the Democratic Republic of Congo; Bob Marley uniting warring factions in Jamaica; John Lennon networking with the new left to oppose Richard Nixon's re-election; Elvis Presley working with Nixon to counter anti-war activism-he details the role of celebrities working with advocacy groups and lobbying politicians to affect public opinion and influence policy. A series of psychological experiments demonstrate that celebrities can persuade people to accept their policy positions, even on national security issues. Harvey's analysis of news sources reveals that when celebrities speak about issues of public importance, they get disproportionately more coverage than politicians. Further, his reading of surveys tells us that people find politicians no more or less credible than celebrities-except politicians from the opposing party, who are judged less credible. At a time when the distinctions between politicians and celebrities are increasingly blurred, the insights into celebrity influence presented in this volume are as relevant as they are compelling.

Training is an essential and ongoing part of your Peace Corps service. Pre-service training will give you enough skills and information to begin your adjustment to and service in South Africa. It is the first "reality test" of your life as a Volunteer, which will help you make an informed commitment when you swear in as a Peace Corps Volunteer. The 8- to 10-week pre-service training in South Africa is community based, meaning that the bulk of the training takes place in a community similar to where you will be placed as a Volunteer. The training staff will design a learning environment with experiences and meetings designed to allow you to develop the knowledge and skills needed for your work as a Volunteer. There will be sessions on language, community integration, cross-cultural communication, development issues, health and personal safety, and technical skills appropriate to your assignment. Throughout your training, you will live with a South African family and work in villages and schools.

This is an inspiring story of what one church can achieve. 30 years ago, Caring For Life began as a local Christian response to the desperate needs of vulnerable young men in Leeds, struggling to adapt to life beyond the care system. From this small beginning it rapidly expanded to offer lifelong support to over 100 men and women of all ages who had fallen into homelessness, criminality and addiction. Juliet Barker told the remarkable story of the charity's first ten years in 'The Deafening Sound of Silent Tears'. Now, for its 30th anniversary, she tells of the miraculous transformation that has made the charity's home, Crag House Farm, a state of the art horticultural, agricultural, equestrian, therapeutic and adult learning centre - all in the face of funding cuts and fears of closure. All royalties go to Caring For Life and its work of mending broken lives.