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Teens: Keep it classy online

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Empowered Flower Girl helps parents navigate social media with Social Secrets workshop
Empowered Flower Girl helps parents navigate social media with Social Secrets workshop

I often wonder do teens truly understand the impact of their social interactions. In particular, how their online activities and interactions affect their chances of getting into college, hired for internships and scholarships.

With today’s competitive job market, teens should be conscious of their digital footprint. We’re not trying to thwart freedom of expression and opinion, but we encourage young people to think before they tweet.

Some corporations and even college admissions staff are turning to social networking to evaluate and recruit employees and students.

From posting expletive-filled rants and inappropriate photos to retweeting explicit lyrics from popular songs, we’ve seen it all.

As parents, aunts, uncles, mentors and educators we must have conversations with our school-aged relatives and students about how they’re using social media.

We encourage youth to use social media for good and as a learning tool. But we also have an obligation to help them become responsible, conscious social citizens.

Beyond Bullying Prevention: The end of bullying begins with empathy and compassion

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End of BullyingBy Rasheda Kamaria

Empowered Flower Girl aims to inspire, entertain and empower youth, communities and families with our programs and online content. This month, National Bullying Prevention Month, I want to go a little further. I want to challenge everyone who reads this post to reach out to a young person and have an authentic conversation about . . . whatever. But what I challenge you to do more than anything, is listen.

Perhaps you’ve read recent headlines about the 14-year-old Florida boy, who after being “bullied his whole life,” committed suicide. Media outlets across the nation reported that the Greenwood Lakes Middle School student’s lifeless body was found in the school’s bathroom. He and his family had reportedly moved from New York to Florida because of bullying.

My heart aches and breaks. Not only for this young man but also for the countless others that we may know or have read about this year who have taken their lives to escape the agony of being harassed and taunted daily. Perhaps us as community leaders, educators, parents and everyday citizens can listen more to our children (and by our children I mean all children).

I believe it’s time we shift from bullying prevention to encouraging and instilling empathy, compassion and acceptance in schools, communities and families.

Rasheda Kamaria is the chief empowering officer and founder of Empowered Flower Girl LLC, a social enterprise that works with schools, communities and families seeking solutions to cyberbullying, drama, relational aggression and other social/communication challenges facing youth. A survivor of bullying, Kamaria was featured in the article “Being Bullied Changed My Life” in the May 2011 issue of Cosmopolitan magazine and has spoken and written numerous articles on the subject.

Be the change. Inspire sisterhood

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After facilitating Chica Chat workshops for the past three and half years, I noticed a common desire among participants: Girls actually want positive, cordial relationships with other girls.

However some don’t feel confident enough to break the ice. They have a desire to create lasting bonds, but fear vulnerability. Results of our surveys show that the higher girls’ ability in expressing their feelings to others the more likely they are to have satisfaction in friendships.

Who can blame them for their hesitation when popular reality TV shows depict women as drama queens engaged in cat fights, backstabbing and other devious behaviors.

But there’s hope. We can transform the way girls and young women relate to one another. We can be mentors and positive role models. We can turn off the TV and have real conversations with the girls and young women in our lives. We can surround ourselves with uplifting, encouraging and authentic people.

It starts with us.

Chica Chat: Inspiring Sisterhood promotes empowering friendships

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Participants in the Youth on the Edge of Greatness (YOE) summer program on Detroit’s eastside experienced Empowered Flower Girl’s upgraded Chica Chat workshop “Inspiring Sisterhood.” Approximately 24 girls participated in the Chica Chat, which was offer in conjuntion with YOE’s Girl Talk session. The group of 8-14 year olds explored friendships, frenemies, cyberbullying and stereotyping while learning problem-solving techniques and new ways to relate and communicate with others.

The Chica Chat: Inspiring Sisterhood workshop will be offered again on Aug. 16, 2014 as part of the I Feel Good: Mind, Body and Soul women’s conference at Wayne State University. For more information, visit the event website.

Proactive Parenting: Help Your Children Avoid Social Media Pitfalls

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Shocked Mother and Texting TeenagerOMG! – It’s the reaction many parents have after discovering their child’s social media profiles for the first time. No matter if they’re honors students or academically challenged, many teens are tempted to engage in risky or inappropriate online communication that may be harmful to their virtual and real-life reputation.

Parents should be aware of their children’s social interactions and take action when necessary.

“We advise parents to be proactive about their children’s activities on and offline,” said Rasheda Kamaria, chief empowering officer and founder of Empowered Flower Girl LLC. “Be a role model and set the example instead of being your child’s BFF when it comes to navigating the social world.”

Why?

Because many children and adults alike are unknowingly putting themselves at risk as targets of online predators. Others may be hindering their chances for jobs, internships and even college admissions.

According to a 2013 nationwide survey conducted online by Harris Interactive on behalf of CareerBuilder, more than 43 percent of hiring managers who research candidates via social media said they found information that caused them not to hire a candidate. The same is true for several U.S. colleges and universities.

A Kaplan-commissioned survey last year found that 31 percent of college admissions officers had visited an applicant’s personal social media page to learn more about them. Significantly, for those trying to get into college, 30 percent of admissions officers revealed they discovered information online that negatively affected an applicant’s prospects.

Here are a few tips for parents to help their children (and even themselves) avoid social sharing pitfalls:

• Have a conversation with your child about his/her social media interactions. You’d be surprised what they may share.
• Model appropriate online etiquette. Be careful what you post and share online as many children mimic their parent’s behavior.
• Set boundaries and inform your child of potential dangers online. The FBI offers valuable tips relating to cyber safety on its website.
• Unplug. Schedule dedicated family time minus media of any kind.

This summer, Empowered Flower Girl will launch a series of proactive parenting workshops. “Social Secrets: What Parents Should Know. What Teens Don’t Want Them To” is the first of the interactive workshops that will be offered. For more information, call 248-629-0334 or email info@empoweredflowergirl.com.

"Stomping Out" Health Resource Fair & Step Show Competition, April 12

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April 10, 2014 is National Youth HIV & AIDS Awareness Day and teens are invited to learn about healthier choices during the “Stomping Out” High School Step Show and Resource Fair scheduled Saturday, April 12 in Detroit.

“Stomping Out” is an annual event geared towards high school aged youth. The purpose is for the community to surround and support the youth as they creatively express themselves while teaching their peers about health promotion and disease prevention specific to health issues affecting their age group.

More than 300 youth and over 50 vendors are expected during this annual initiative. Empowered Flower Girl is excited to join the resource fair this year!

DETAILS

Event: The “Stomping Out” High School Step Show and Resource Fair

Date: Saturday, April 12, 2014

Time: 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM

Location: Don Bosco Community Center,  19321 West Chicago Detroit, MI 48228.

Learn more about Stomping Out and event organizer Cynthera McNeil of Wayne State University’s College of Nursing.  She was recognized for her work last year and was named one of CBS Detroit’s Black History Makers.
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Empowered Flower Girl offers esteem, empathy building workshps for schools and communities

Posted on by empoweredflowergirl

Girls fight

Are you an educator, parent or mentor who cares about the wellbeing and livelihood of young people in your community? Are you concerned that they may be missing out on an inspired life because of challenges at school, at home or among their peer groups?

Those questions arise for many adults who work with youth. That’s why in 2010, Empowered Flower Girl was launched.

I was a mentor and youth advocate who wanted to do something to make a difference for middle and high school students – who like me – were teased, bullied and ostracized by classmates and even relatives. But I knew that in order to help those students who were bullied and harassed, I had to find a way to also help those who were the aggressors or perpetrators.

The prevention and treatment of bullying in both perpetrators and victims is vitally important.

Cognitive-behavioral interventions have shown effectiveness across educational environments, disability types, ethnicity, and gender.

Empowered Flower Girl’s programs equip youth with problem-solving techniques and encourage transformation and acceptance.

Ultimately, we believe that if students are equipped with the skills to peacefully and effectively problem solve as well as have the capacity for empathy, then they are less likely to be offenders of bullying, hazing or other disruptive behaviors.

Empowered Flower Girl offers engaging and interactive workshops and programs that inspire and entertain youth, teachers, parents and the community.

From workshops combating teasing, cyberbullying and cliques, to programs encouraging goal-setting and self-esteem, Empowered Flower Girl helps schools and organizations address critical social issues.

Schedule your workshop today!

info@empoweredflowergirl.com

248-629-0EFG

Be Kind …. Especially to Yourself

Posted on by empoweredflowergirl

During International Random Acts of Kindness Week, we typically ponder ways to be more generous, friendly and considerate of others. This year, I invite you to consider adding yourself to the equation.

Being kind to yourself is an important step in empowering others. You can’t help others if you’re not well. Mentally and physically, be good to you.

Our Valentine’s Act of Kindness to You

1604688_10152551573269942_998539466_nAs part of Empowered Flower Girl’s commitment to kindness, we invite you to download your FREE Kindle edition of the new book “SHINE…It’s Like Glitter for Your Soul.”

I have the honor of being one of 38 women around the world featured in this inspiring book by Kathie Holmes. Ms. Holmes is an Australian entrepreneur and founder of the Creative Ability Network.

Holmes gathered 38 amazing women who have all had the darkest of days but drawn on their inner strength to create the brightest of lives. We share our journeys through love, loss and life.

Don’t have the Kindle app? Download it for your iphone for free. “SHINE” free download available through Sunday, Feb. 16.

Empowered Flower Girl to celebrate National Mentoring Month during Jan. 25 event

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MentorUSpicDETROIT – In honor of National Mentoring Month in January, Empowered Flower Girl LLC will host a celebration and networking event for youth advocates and other adults interested in empowering children.

The Mentoring Month Mix & Mingle, scheduled from 2 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 25, 2014, at D:hive, 1253 Woodward Ave., is free and open to the public.

Attendees will have the opportunity to:

– Mix and mingle with other youth advocates, mentors and people who care about children.
– Learn about local mentoring organizations and opportunities to make a difference.
– Hear from “Mentor Me!” author Paula Dirkes, who will lead a fun and interactive exercise.
– Meet experts who will demystify what it means to be a mentor.
– Have fun exploring the “D” and learning about cool things to do in the city.

Rasheda Kamaria, chief empowering officer and founder of Empowered Flower Girl, encourages adults of all backgrounds to consider mentoring.

“Women, men, college students, entrepreneurs, single professionals, stay-at-home parents and everyday people all have something to offer young people,” says Kamaria, who has mentored six girls since 2001. “Sometimes we underestimate ourselves and think that we’re not successful enough or cool enough to have an impact. But all it takes is a big heart and a little time to be the change in a young person’s life.

For more information or to RSVP, visit www.mentormixandmingle.eventbrite.com. Learn more about Empowered Flower Girl’s “Be the Change. Be a Mentor” campaign at www.empoweredflowergirl.com/mentor-month.

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Get (mentally) fit for 2014: Resolve to stress less and enjoy life more

Posted on by empoweredflowergirl

boredomMillions of Americans make New Year’s resolutions centered on health and fitness. Whether it’s smoking cessation, losing weight or getting physically active, wellness often is at the top of the list. But how many will resolve to be mentally fit? According to statistics, not many.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services reports that only 38% of adults with diagnosable mental health problems receive needed treatment.

Mental health treatment is often underutilized, with patients reluctant to seek services. Barriers range from costs (treatments not covered by insurance) to stigma (fear of discrimination or embarrassment).

But help is available. The following are tips from Empowered Flower Girl to help you get your mind right for 2014:

Join a support group. Many community centers and houses of worship offer free group support for individuals coping with loss or addiction.

Eliminate negativity. Sometimes the best thing we can do for our health is eliminate frenemies. Research has shown that ambivalent friends can adversely impact physical and mental health.

Schedule an appointment with a therapist. If you feel you can no longer handle stress or if you’re concerned that you may be depressed, consider professional help. Psychology Today offers an online survey to help you determine the steps in your path to emotional wellness.