Clay Aiken Sings 'Both Sides Now,' Spurs Campaign

BOTH SIDES NOW - Singer Clay Aiken and signer Debra Leisey perform beautiful duet that describes the purpose and programs of the National Inclusion Project. View 2010 Gala video by Scarlett full screen at YouTube.

Aiken's BSN Defines Inclusion

Song Inspires $50k Grant Drive

Throughout August, this blog has outlined the mission and importance of the programs of the National Inclusion Project so that everyone who can will support the Raleigh, NC, charity in its campaign to obtain a $50,000 Pepsi Refresh grant.

All along, no words, photos, or voting links were needed. Just co-founder Clay Aiken performing the Joni Mitchell song "Both Sides Now" with Debra Leisey signing the inclusive lyrics.

Enjoy their performance from the 2010 Champions of Change Gala, annual meet when honorees are recognized for achievements opening doors for young people with disabilities.

In 2003, singer Clay Aiken and Diane Bubel of Charlotte co-founded the National Inclusion Project, formerly the Bubel/Aiken Foundation. to expand inclusive programs for all children.

One Pepsi Power Code a Day!

After watching the video, please make it your goal to purchase one -- or more -- Pepsi/Diet Pepsi products with a yellow cap each of the final four August days.

Email, text, or PM an NIP supporter the 10-character power codes by 6 p.m. ET Aug. 31. The codes will be voted before the contest ends at midnight ET Wednesday.

Clickables show much-needed power code caps.

In one swoop, the "powerful" codes increase a single vote from 5 - 100 points. The National Inclusion Project must be in the Top 10 to land a grant, and we definitely need your help.

The Pepsi site linked above is complicated for casual voters. However, everyone can easily follow this simplified routine for four days:

1. Text a daily vote: 108169 to 73774.
2. Vote for the NIP daily via Facebook.
3. Gather 4 power codes from Pepsi products and email/PM them via Facebook to an Inclusion Project supporter.

The National Inclusion Project has four days to secure the Pepsi grant. Thank you to all who join in this final power code effort!

Power caps are at a premium this final week. If you have trouble locating them at grocery stores, check the coolers at Best Buy, the Dollar Store, and other establishments.

BOTH SIDES NOW

Bows and flows of angel hair
And ice cream castles in the air,
And feathered canyons everywhere,
I've looked at clouds that way,
But now they only block the sun.
They rain and they snow on everyone.
So many things I would have done,
But clouds got in the way.

I've looked at clouds from both sides now,
From up and down, and still somehow,
It's clouds illusions I recall.
I really don't know clouds ... at all.

Moons and Junes and Ferris wheels,
The dizzy dancing way that you feel
As every fairy tale comes real,
I've looked at love that way.
But now it's just another show.
And you leave 'em laughing when you go
And if you care, don't let them know,
Don't give yourself away.

I've looked at love from both sides now,
From give and take, and still somehow
It's love's illusions I recall.
I really don't know love at all.

Tears and fears and feeling proud
To say "I love you" right out loud,
Dreams and schemes and circus crowds,
I've looked at life that way.
But now old friends, they're acting strange
They shake their heads and tell me that I've changed.
Something's lost and something's gained from living everyday.

I've looked at life from both sides now,
From win and lose, and still somehow
It's life's illusions I recall.
I really don't know life.

I've looked at life from both sides now,
From up and down, and still somehow
It's life's illusions that I recall.
I really don't know life ... at all.

MAKING INCLUSION A REALITY: Inclusion is giving people their rightful opportunity to participate. The National Inclusion Project works every day to make full inclusion a reality. Montage by SueReu features Clay singing "These Open Arms."

While coming home from camp, my son asked if I knew that everyone's brain was different. He explained that some kids at camp are different from other kids because they have certain disabilities.

When asked what he thought about that, he replied, "It's all good, Mom. We're all special and unique in our own way." -- Profound statement by a 7-year-old participant in a Let's ALL Play Camp.

MAKING A DIFFERENCE - The National Inclusion Project provides opportunities for all children to participate through nationwide Let's ALL Play Camps and other programs throughout the year.

Have an awesome week, and thank you for joining the cause of inclusion for all!

Caro