Empowered Flower Girl

October is National Bullying Prevention & Awareness Month

Posted on September 30, 2013 by empoweredflowergirl

It is estimated that more than half of all American teenagers witness bullying at least once a day in school. An estimated 1.6 million kids in grades 6-12 are bullied once a week.

Chances are you know a young person who has been a victim of bullying. Chances are you know a young person who’s witnessed bullying. Chances are you know a young person who has been a perpetrator of bullying.

This October, as the nation observes National Bullying Prevention Month, Empowered Flower Girl asks that you take time to talk with the young people in your lives. More importantly, take time to listen.

Bullies and their victims have something in common – they both are dealing with some sort of pain. They both need someone to listen to their challenges, struggles, aspirations and hopes. Listening can empower victims and transform perpetrators.

The question is: How will you be the change in a young person’s life? Join Empowered Flower Girl in being an advocate for youth.

Follow us on Facebook and Twitter for events, resources and tips for empowering youth, schools and communities. For more information about our workshops and programs, visitwww.empoweredflowergirl.com or call 248-629-0334.

Cyberbullying prevention starts at home

Posted on September 6, 2013 by empoweredflowergirl

Reported incidences cyberbullying are all too common in the Digital Age. Even kindergartners have access to a world of information in the palm of their hands thanks to smartphones and other mobile devices.

While schools and communities across the nation are implementing programs to curb in-school and online harassment, prevention ultimately starts at home.

With the increase in bullycides and bullying-related illnesses over the years, parents should be aware of and engaged in their children’s online activities.

Tweens and teens may consider it snooping, but Rasheda Kamaria, Empowered Flower Girl CEO, considers it conscious parenting.

“Informed parents are better able to help their children identify safe spaces online and avoid those that are potentially harmful,” she said.

Knowing which social networks and electronic communications tools are out there and which ones your children are actively engaging in is the first step. A study from Wayne State University’s College of Nursing, which surveyed nearly 400 metro Detroit youth ages 10 to 18, found that on average, youth spend two hours a day online and send 189 text messages. Additionally, some youth reported having up to 25 email accounts.

Jemica Carter, Ph.D., who co-authored the WSU study with associate professor Feleta Wilson, Ph.D., recommends parents get tech savvy.

“Some parents are unintentionally unaware of their children’s online patterns because they may not have access to the same technology or have challenges using it. Many community organizations and libraries offer free or low-cost computer and social media training for adults,” she said. “Education is the first line of prevention.”

The following are additional tips to help parents prevent and address cyberbullying:

Ask questions. Take an active role by inquiring about your child’s relationships with peers on and off line. Most children won’t volunteer the information. Parents should ask specific, preferably open-ended questions to get their children to open up.

Host a tech-free family night. Ditch the cell phones, laptops and tablets for dinner and conversation. For some teens, talking face-to-face may seem old-fashioned but it’s a great way for families to connect. It also reduces the temptation to go online.

Be a role model. Parents are their children’s first teacher and play an important role in influencing appropriate online behavior. Parents should be conscious of what they’re posting on social networks and make an extra effort to use technology responsibly.

Overall, the entire community – parents, schools, community groups, faith-based organizations – play an important role in preventing and ending cyberbullying.

Empowered Flower Girl facilitates Chica Chat at "I Feel Good: Mind, Body & Soul" conference

Posted on August 16, 2013 by empoweredflowergirl

Normal
0

false
false
false

EN-US
X-NONE
X-NONE

MicrosoftInternetExplorer4

Empowered Flower Girl’s Rasheda Kamaria will present the Chica Chat workshop to more than 75 girls and young women ages 11-18 attending the “I Feel Good: Mind, Body & Soul” women’s conference on Saturday, Aug. 17 at Wayne State University in Detroit.

The conference, hosted by Super Woman Productions & Publishing, is family oriented and focuses on relevant issues that young women face in society. Moms and dads alike are asked to attend with their daughters.

“The purpose of the event is to educate and motivate women to live healthier lives; socially, financially and physically, beginning at a younger age. This conference will be the first of its kind,” said Super Woman CEO Angela T. Jones.”

“I Feel Good” features workshops covering topics such as self esteem, wellness, entrepreneurship, dating violence prevention and social networking etiquette. There will be giveaways, entertainment and a vendor fair.

For more information or to register, visit the official “I Feel Good” conference website.

/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:”Table Normal”;
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:””;
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0in;
mso-para-margin-right:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0in;
line-height:115%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:”Calibri”,”sans-serif”;
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:”Times New Roman”;
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}

My mentoring success story

Posted on June 27, 2013 by empoweredflowergirl

Jordan and Rasheda — Jordan and I during an outing to Greenfield Village

Meeting your mentee and her family for the first time can be an intimidating experience. You conjure up all kinds of scenarios in your head – a disgruntled kid, who is resistant or a suspicious parent, who questions your every move. These circumstances may play out like a drama in your mind’s eye. Thankfully, none of those happened for me. In fact, my experience was the opposite.

It’s been four years since I was introduced to my mentee Jordan. To this day, we’re still learning from each other. She’s an inquisitive, mature and friendly 12 year old. Being a mentor is one of the most rewarding experiences I’ve had since graduating college. Interestingly enough, I became a mentor for Alternatives for Girls during my senior year at Wayne State University.

Jordan’s mom Carmelita had this to say about our mentor/mentee relationship:

Rasheda and Jordan — Jordan and I four years ago at our first group outing

“Having a mentor has introduced Jordan to different activities and experiences. She’s grown so much because of it. You all have done things together that I haven’t had the opportunity to do because of my unpredictable work schedule,” she says. “She looks at you like a big sister. She’s always excited and looks forward to the next meeting.”

Still not sure about mentoring?

Here are a few insights that may help you:

– You don’t have to be rich or famous or have super powers. Honestly, you don’t even have to be employed to be a good mentor. Kids just want to know you care.

– Most youth seeking mentors are good kids. While some youth may come from troubled backgrounds, many of them come from stable home environments. They may have challenges in school or socially. All children are different. Get to know them.

– If you have a big heart and a little time, then you’re a great candidate. Sometimes, a phone call is all it takes to make a difference.

When you feel inspired to pay it forward, consider donating your time to a young person. Visit www.mentoring.org for additional resources.

Girls learn art of self-expression during Community Chica Chat

Posted on June 18, 2013 by empoweredflowergirl

When asked what’s the most important lesson learned during the Thursday, June 13th Community Chica Chat, one confident 13 year old said “don’t be afraid to express yourself.”

That was one of the goals of the two-hour workshop facilitated by Empowered Flower Girl CEO and Founder Rasheda Kamaria.

“Chica Chat is all about promoting sisterhood while empowering girls’ self expression, uniqueness and personal power,” said Kamaria, who founded the social enterprise in 2010. “The cyberbullying, drama and cliques are just the side effect of a bigger issue – the lack of communication skills and tools.”

Nearly 25 girls participated in the workshop held in partnership with Detroit Parent Network. Earlier this year, Kamaria received a $2,100 grant to support Empowered Flower Girl and its workshops/programs.

In addition to the Community Chica Chat, Empowered Flower Girl has hosted two workshops at Capstone Academy, a program for adjudicated adolescent girls ages 12-19.

On Aug. 17, Kamaria will facilitate a mini Chica Chat as part of the “I Feel Good: Mind, Body & Soul” women’s conference.

For more information about the event visit www.superwomanproductions.com.

Learn more about Empowered Flower Girl’s workshops and programs at www.empoweredflowergirl.com.

Images courtesy of Bontisha Rose Photography

New online magazine, ColorBlind, profiles Empowered Flower Girl CEO

Posted on May 10, 2013 by empoweredflowergirl

Empowered Flower Girl’s Chief Empowering Officer Rasheda Kamaria Williams is profiled in a recent ColorBlind magazine feature story.

ColorBlind, a new online magazine devoted to celebrating and recognizing the beauty and strength of minority teen girls and women, published the article May 9, 2013.

Editor Veronica Grandison spoke with Williams about her experiences as a mentor.

Excerpt:

(Williams) found her calling as a mentor for Alternatives for Girls, a Detroit based organization that provides services for homeless and high-risk girls and young women. She is currently mentoring a 12 year- old girl from the organization and has been mentoring her since she was nine.

The idea of starting Empowered Flower Girls sprang from parents asking Williams for advice on how to deal with their children being bullied. She also wanted to help out her mentees and nieces, who were struggling with bullying.

View the full article here.

Empowered Flower Girl hosts Chica Chat in partnership with Detroit Parent Network

Posted on May 1, 2013 by empoweredflowergirl

Normal
0

false
false
false

EN-US
X-NONE
X-NONE

MicrosoftInternetExplorer4

Workshop to address cyberbullying, drama and cliques among middle, high school girls

DETROIT – In an effort to combat cyberbullying, drama and “mean girl” behavior and inspire positive relationships among middle and high school students, Empowered Flower Girl will host its signature Chica Chat workshop – in partnership with Detroit Parent Network.

The two-hour workshop, scheduled from 5 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, June 13, 2013, is open to girls 10-16 years old throughout the metro Detroit area.

“Our goal is to empower girls and young women with the tools to communicate effectively,” said Rasheda Kamaria, chief empowering officer and founder of Empowered Flower Girl. “The workshop provides them with a safe, judgment-free and supportive environment where they can express themselves fully while getting to know other girls.”

Earlier this year, Empowered Flower Girl received a grant from Detroit SOUP, a micro-funding organization, to offer the workshop to three Detroit schools and a nonprofit organization free of charge.

“We’re excited to offer Chica Chat in Detroit,” Kamaria said. “I grew up in the city. I was bullied and picked on throughout middle school and can relate to what young people are experiencing. Prevention is our priority.”

In order to participate, youth must have their parent’s or guardian’s permission.

Register through June 6 at chicachat.eventbrite.com. For more information about Empowered Flower Girl, visit empoweredflowergirl.com.

Rasheda Kamaria is the chief empowering officer and founder of Empowered Flower Girl LLC, a social enterprise that produces workshops and clothing that inspire girls and young women to live powerfully. 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 written numerous articles on the subject.

Relational aggression — Chica Chat combats girl bullying

Chica Chat at a Glance

When: Thursday, June 13, 2013; 5 to 7 p.m.

Where: Detroit Parent Network, 726 Lothrop Rd., Detroit

Contact: Rasheda Kamaria, info@empoweredflowergirl.com

Cost: Free; advance registration is required

Empowered Flower Girl receives $2,100 to fund workshops in Detroit schools

Posted on February 18, 2013 by empoweredflowergirl

ChicaChatHP (5) — Hazel Park students write empowering messages to girls during Chica Chat.

Empowered Flower Girl (EFG), a company that produces workshops and programs to inspire girls and young women to live powerfully, received more than $2,100 to fund Chica Chat workshops in Detroit schools and communities.

Detroit SOUP, which gives micro-grants to creative social entrepreneurs, hosted its three-year anniversary and monthly pitch session on Sunday, Feb. 10. After receiving majority of the crowd votes, EFG took home the cash donation.

“The support from the community was overwhelming and heartfelt,” said Rasheda Kamaria, EFG chief empowering officer and founder. “It’s encouraging to meet people who are making a difference in and around Detroit. I am truly inspired by all of the positive energy and people in this city. I look forward to working with local schools to bring the Chica Chats to the students.”

Over the next month, Kamaria will work with the community to identify schools that would benefit from hosting a Chica Chat session. The workshop fosters positive and empowering relationships among girls and young women. Participants have the opportunity to be self-expressed, heard and understood by their peers and adult mentors in a supportive, safe and accepting environment. Additionally, girls learn the art of networking by participating in fun and engaging ice-breaking activities and have the opportunity to ask questions anonymously that are answered by their peers with facilitation by adult mentors.

On Wednesday, Jan. 30, EFG teamed up with Hazel Park Junior High to host a Chica Chat. Nearly 40 sixth through eighth graders participated in the event.

For more information or to suggest a school, email rkamaria@empoweredflowergirl.com or call 248-629-0EFG. Kamaria also is looking to partner with a local mentoring or nonprofit organization to host a community-wide Chica Chat for girls in the city and suburbs late this spring.

Empowered Flower Girl Announces 2013 National Mentoring Month Partners

Posted on January 16, 2013 by empoweredflowergirl

Powerful Mia2 — Girl modeling “POWERful” signature t-shirt

Empowered Flower Girl (EFG) is celebrating those who make a difference in the lives of young people through mentoring. In honor of the 2013 National Mentoring Month observance, EFG is hosting its annual MenTEES: T-shirts for a Cause Campaign.

Empowered Flower Girl will donate 25% of all Empowered Flower Girl clothing sales (plus a matching donation) through Feb. 20 to a nonprofit mentoring organization serving youth.

“2013 marks the third year for us hosting this campaign,” said Rasheda Kamaria, founder and chief empowering officer for Empowered Flower Girl. “As a long-time mentor, I have experienced the difference that mentoring makes in the life of a young person. Being a positive role model for youth also has a significant impact on the mentor. I encourage any caring adult with a big heart and a little time to consider it.”

The 2013 National Mentoring Month partners are:

Alternatives for Girls
Mentoring Youth Network
Sisters Who ARe Powerful (SWAP)
Uniting Neighborhoods & Inspiring Today’s Youth (UNITY)
Young Entrepreneur Series (YES)
Wayne County 4-H Mentoring
Winning Futures

Here’s how you can help:

Visit www.empoweredflowergirl.com/shop-efg to purchase shirt. Our inspirational tees are stylish and available in girls’ and women’s sizes. They’re great for mentors/mentees, moms/daughters, aunts/nieces, BFFs and twins!
Visit www.mentoring.org for resources in your community. The site has information whether you’re a teen who would like to be matched with a mentor or if you are an adult looking to mentor youth.
Participate in a local Mentoring Month celebration.

For more information about the campaign or to make a donation, visit http://www.empoweredflowergirl.com or call 248-629-0334.

Empowered Flower Girl announces 2013 National Mentoring Month pre-launch campaign

Posted on November 20, 2012 by empoweredflowergirl

Empowered Flower Girl (EFG) LLC is gearing up to launch its third annual National Mentoring Month campaign “MenTEEs: T-shirts for a Cause.” In preparation for the national observance, celebrated each year in January, EFG invites Great Lakes Region mentoring organizations to become partners.

Non-profit and faith-based organizations and schools with mentoring programs throughout Michigan, Ohio, Indiana and Illinois are invited to participate.

Empowered Flower Girl, a social enterprise which produces workshops and clothing that inspire girls and young women to live powerfully, will donate 25% of all t-shirt sales (and include a matching donation) through Feb. 20, 2013, to a partner organization.

“Our goal is to bring awareness to the need for positive adult role models for youth,” said EFG Chief Empowering Officer and Founder Rasheda Kamaria. “Furthermore, we want to help spread the word about organizations that engage children in esteem-boosting activities.”

In addition to the MenTEEs campaign, Kamaria will host free workshops and conversation circles for Southeast Michigan-based women’s groups on the topic “Mentoring Girls & Inspiring Sisterhood: In the Age of Bad Girls, Housewives and Frenemies.” The talks are designed to empower adult women to be positive role models for children and teens through one-on-one mentoring.

For teens seeking mentors, Kamaria encourages them to ask someone they admire or contact an organization that offers a formal mentoring program. “The key is to do your homework,” she said. “Mentors can be chosen based on interests, aspirations or needs. From business mentors for aspiring entrepreneurs to mentors who work with children in foster care, there are many options.”

For additional mentoring resources, visit www.mentoring.org.

Organizations interested in becoming partners for the “MenTEEs: T-shirts for a Cause” campaign and groups interested in hosting a workshop, should email info@empoweredflowergirl.com by Dec. 21, 2012, or call 248-629-0334. Visit www.empoweredflowergirl.com.