Empowering Teens Through Service

April is National Volunteer Month and people of all ages can become catalysts for change and make an impact that lasts a lifetime. Young people, especially, can benefit from volunteering and engaging in community service. 

Giving Back Makes an Impact for Youth 

Volunteering is a great way to get teens and young adults involved and make a difference. There are many benefits of volunteering, including developing new skills, building self-confidence, and making new friends.

“Volunteering can be a great way to explore interests and find out more about the causes you care about,” said Rasheda Kamaria Williams, founder and chief empowering officer for Empowered Flower Girl. “You can learn more about yourself and the world around you, while also helping others.”

From local schools, libraries, hospitals, and other nonprofit organizations – there are  many different types of volunteering opportunities available for young people right in their communities.

“You can also get involved with national or international organizations that work on issues that you’re passionate about,” Rasheda added. 

How to Get Involved 

There are many ways for young people to get involved in volunteering opportunities. Here are a few ideas:

1. Check with your local community center, library, or recreation center. Many of these organizations offer volunteer opportunities for teens.

2. Contact your city or county government offices. Many cities and counties have programs that allow young people to volunteer in their community.

3. Look for volunteer opportunities at local schools or after-school programs. Many schools offer opportunities for students to help out in their community.

4. Ask family and friends if they know of any volunteering opportunities in your area. They may know of something that you didn’t know about!

5. Use the internet to search for volunteer opportunities in your area. There are many websites that list different types of volunteering opportunities.

By combining volunteer work with school-based activities, students can gain invaluable life experience while challenging themselves to do more good in their local communities. Not only does volunteering provide guidance for teens as they develop key skills such as communication and leadership – it also conveys an important message about helping others that will stay with them for life.

Empowered Flower Girl is a social enterprise on a mission to help transform the way young people relate to one another and themselves. Our ultimate goal is to help them live above life’s drama to make a powerful difference in the world. Each month, Empowered Flower Girl showcases young people giving back to their communities and the world through our She’s EmPOWERed program. We also host the Be the Impact Summit aimed at helping young people be strategic about community service. Learn more at www.empoweredflowergirl.com

Empowered Flower Girl Hosts 2022 Be the Impact Virtual Youth Service Summit

Empowered Flower Girl (EFG), a social enterprise on a mission to transform the way young people relate to one another and themselves, will host the 2022 Be the Impact Summit on Saturday, October 8, 2022, from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. ET. The virtual youth service event will be held during National Bullying Prevention Month and the weekend before International Day of the Girl.

The event showcases and celebrates young people making or aspiring to make positive contributions to society as well as helps them discover their passion for community service.

The summit is free and open to youth and youth advocates globally and includes:

Youth Power Panel:

  • Avery Kelley (Atlanta, Ga.), producer and host of the Teendom Talk Show and CEO of Inspired Melanin
  • Vanesha and Varshini Hari (Redmond, Wash.), sisters and co-founders of Joys of Giving
  • Rosemary Nwaosuagwu (Houston, Texas), 9-year-old author and founder of Books by Rossy

Workshop:

Passion. Purpose. Profession: Introduction to Strategic Service facilitated by Rasheda Kamaria Williams, mentor turned social entrepreneur and chief empowering officer for Empowered Flower Girl; and featuring Tia Russell, founder of Take My Hand.

Presentation:

Youth Service America featuring Nikki Liles, director of partnerships, who will discuss community service initiatives and funding opportunities for young people and youth-serving organizations.
To close out the event, Empowered Flower Girl will announce the winner of its $250 Impact Ideas giveaway.

“There are young people in our communities and around the world tackling issues and championing causes – from climate change and racism to access to education and homelessness,” Williams said. “I am inspired by the courage and commitment of youth globally and Empowered Flower Girl is committed to honoring those using their gifts and talents to create change.”

The 2022 Be the Impact Summit is sponsored by the Consulate General of Israel to the Midwest. Empowered Flower Girl was one of three Detroit-area organizations/social enterprises to receive a Social Impact Grant from the Consulate in June.

For more information visit http://www.empoweredflowergirl.com/2022BetheImpact.

She’s EmPOWERed: Seven-year-old Arlington author and entertainer uses creativity to educate and inspire kids around the world

Zoey Robinson is a seven-year-old girl on a mission to spread joy and creativity around the world. As a children’s book author, entertainer and kidpreneur, she’s using her gifts and talents to inspire others.

A Star is Born
If you visit her YouTube channel, you’ll quickly see why Zoey is a rising star. Her bright smile and enthusiasm will not only melt your heart but also motivate you to learn.

As the host of Zoey TV, Zoey uses her creativity to encourage kids to follow their dreams while promoting literacy.

Her very first feature – an anti-bullying challenge video – was filmed and published when Zoey was just a year old. A year later, she expressed her desire to be on YouTube. Her mom, Kesha, followed through with the request after watching Zoey re-enact her own show segments.

“I’m inspired most by Zoey’s confidence, her positive attitude and her ability to dream big without limitations,” said Kesha Robinson, Zoey’s mother.

Kesha, who’s also an entrepreneur and author, believes that parents can best support their children in following their dreams by being their biggest cheerleader and finding programs and activities that would help cultivate their gifts and talents.

The Future is Bright
Zoey has not only become an exceptional actress, but a phenomenal dancer, and model as well. She has been featured nationally and internationally in magazines as well as radio shows.

She is an established author as well. From “Zoey’s Book of Manners” to “Zoey’s Book of Affirmations,” Zoey has an impressive catalog of books that empower and educate.

In the future, Zoey plans to continue creating and promoting more books and businesses. With her drive and talent, we’re sure she’ll make it happen!

You can follow Zoey on Instagram and YouTube at @zoey_tv.