Be someone who matters to someone who matters: January is National Mentoring Month

Posted on by empoweredflowergirl

January is National Mentoring Month – a time for individuals and organizations across the country to bring awareness to the need for caring adults to serve as role models for youth.

According to MENTOR, the National Mentoring Partnership, 1 out of 3 children will face growing up without a mentor. That means millions of children throughout the country may never have powerful, positive interventions. 

From children and teens in foster care to those with incarcerated parents, there are specific populations of youth who need positive role models. 

Consider one-on-one or even group mentoring in your community. There’s also opportunities to mentor youth across the country through online or e-mentoring programs. 

It only takes a few hours a month of face time and a phone call or text a week to help increase a child’s self-esteem. In addition to the mentee’s development, the mentor benefits in many ways. My mentees have helped me aspire higher in my career and in life. And knowing that they’re looking up to me keeps me living in integrity.

If you’re interested in becoming a mentor but not sure if you have what it takes, answer these questions: 1. Do you have a big heart? 2. Do you have a little time? If yes and yes, then you’ve got it! At the end of the day, you don’t need a fancy job title or curio cabinet full of plaques and medals to be make a difference for young people. 

Still unsure? Download our FREE Mentoring Guide for some insight. Ready to become a mentor? Visit the MENTOR organization search tool to locate a program near you. 

Rasheda Kamaria Williams is an award-winning mentor, motivational speaker, author and chief empowering officer for Empowered Flower Girl. She is a dedicated youth advocate and was recently named to the Michigan Community Service Commission’s Mentor Michigan + Consultant Network.

Defeating Bullying One Conversation at a Time

Posted on by empoweredflowergirl

Bullying and digital harassment are pervasive in schools and communities around the globe. We all know this. But what are we doing collectively to address and prevent it? Our friends over at Defeat the Label are bringing together students, parents, educators and youth advocates to discuss strategies that produce solutions. And it all begins with a conversation.

On Oct. 26, the organization will host its 3rd annual Community Conversation on Bullying at the Oakland Community Schools Conference Center in Waterford, Michigan. In addition to conversations, the event includes workshops on topics ranging from mental health and relational aggression (girl bullying) to social media and empathy in early childhood.

Empowered Flower Girl’s Rasheda Kamaria Williams will discuss the impact of popular media on girls’ relationship realities and how the adults in their lives can transforms the way they relate to one another during the Mentoring Girls and Inspiring Sisterhood workshop.

Admission to the conference is $25. Learn more and RSVP by visiting defeatthelabel.com.

Networking event encourages professionals, parents to consider mentoring

Posted on by empoweredflowergirl

January is National Mentoring Month and the need for positive role models for youth throughout the Detroit area and beyond is great. According to Mentor, the national mentoring partnership, 1 out of 3 children will grow up without a mentor.

Empowered Flower Girl, a social enterprise on a mission to transform the way young people relate to one another, is encouraging anyone with a desire to affect positive change to consider mentoring.

Since 2011, the company has observed National Mentoring Month (NMM) by supporting mentoring organizations and encouraging women, men, entrepreneurs, professionals, stay-at-home parents and everyday people to consider becoming a mentor.

“Sometimes people underestimate themselves and think that they’re not successful enough or cool enough to have an impact,” said Empowered Flower Girl Founder and long-time mentor Rasheda Kamaria. “But all it takes is a big heart and a little time to make a difference in a young person’s life.”

On Feb. 10, Empowered Flower Girl, in partnership with the Emerging Leaders group at the Skyline Club, will host “Be Inspired to Mentor” –  a networking event for current and aspiring mentors or anyone interested in making a difference for youth. The event will be held 6-7:30 p.m. at the Skyline Club, 2000 Town Center in Southfield, Michigan.

Representatives from several organizations, including Detroit-based Alternatives for Girls and Mentoring Youth Network will share information about their programs and need for volunteers.

Admission is $15 per guest (21 and older) and includes a brief program, appetizers, drink ticket and giveaways. RSVP is required. Call 248-350-9898 to RSVP. Visit www.empoweredflowergirl.com for more information.