Dating Abuse

Would you joke about controversial topics on your fave social networking site?

Submitted by jbender on Wed, 11/16/2011 - 17:37

Victim Sparks Dating Abuse Awareness

Yeardley Love was an accomplished University of Virginia lacrosse player, and she was a victim of dating abuse. While her untimely death has gained a lot of attention, she is among many young people who are abused every year in relationships.

Women 16 to 24 years old experience the highest percentage of relationship-linked violence. Yeardley’s university alone has received reports of over 100 cases of dating abuse in the last decade (and that doesn’t include those that stayed silent).

Submitted by kahoople on Thu, 02/09/2012 - 17:11

the problem:

The mental health of our children and youth is an incredibly important issue in today’s society. Suicide is the fourth leading cause of death for adolescents and the third leading cause of death for those slightly younger than adolescents. The CDC reports that 14% of youth between 9th and 12th grade have thought about suicide, and 11% have actually made a specific plan for committing the act.* Mental health concerns are particularly high for more marginalized populations, as many of these individuals are in high risk environments. For example, in a nationally representative survey of a youth in an inner city environment, 8% reported a lifetime prevalence of sexual assault, 17% reported experiencing physical assault, and 39% reported witnessing violence.** Exposure to trauma of this kind is clearly linked to a higher preponderance of behavioral and mental health difficulties in youth. However, these same mental health issues continue to be heavily stigmatized by our culture. This prevents many youth from coming forward with their difficulties, and not enough youth are aware of the fact that there are people available to help them. Furthermore, few youth realize how common it actually is to struggle with these kinds of issues. These are problems I want to address – I want to make children and youth in my community, particularly those in inner city New York, realize that they are not alone in struggling with these issues, and that there is help out there.
*www.astorservices.org/finding-out-teen-suicide-prevention.php
**www.nctsn.org

vital stats:

people impacted:

people involved:

why it's important:

This cause is incredibly important to me, for a variety of reasons. I’ve worked intimately with children and youth in a variety of settings, from being a camp counselor to a trusted nanny, and I know how important and wonderful this population is. I also am still a youth myself – at 22 I don’t think I quite count as a full-fledged grown up yet! The idea of those younger than me and like me struggling with mental health issues in silence is terrible, and is something I want to battle against. This is a fight I am already fighting in many ways, working as a research aide at Astor Services for Children and Families, based in Rhinebeck, NY, trying to find out more about the problems that youth struggle with and the best ways to solve them. Astor is a not-for-profit behavioral health agency that provides services to children of all ages in a variety of settings, ranging from community health programs to residential treatment. We serve children throughout the Mid-Hudson Valley region and the Bronx. Through Astor, I’d like to start spreading mental health awareness by speaking at schools and other youth-serving organizations. I’d like to spread mental health awareness by disseminating both current mental health facts and statistics and the stories of the clients we currently serve at Astor, written by the clients themselves. If possible, I’d like to even bring current Astor clients to speak to other children and youth about their experiences and struggles with mental health. It has been shown that both hearing about other’s struggles, as well as sharing one’s own struggles, can help children and youth persevere and endure difficult life circumstances.* Spreading mental health awareness will also help to dispel stigma. I’d also like to include in these talks information on how to go about receiving mental health services, empowering those that need help to get the process of getting help going. I believe that the sharing of children and youth’s stories, as well as the spreading of other information related to mental health awareness, will have a profound impact on both the youth we already serve at Astor and those in the community that still need our help.
* On Playing a Poor Hand Well, by Mark Katz

the plan of action:

In order to spread mental health awareness, I’d like to start visiting schools and other organizations that serve children and youth, starting with the Bronx and Mid-Hudson Valley, and beyond if possible. I’d like to bring with me dissemination materials, like brochures filled with facts on mental health and the stories of current clients. Hopefully, I will also be able to bring along with me some support staff to participate in these talks as well. I’d also like to, if possible, bring clients with me on these talks to share their stories – this would require support staff to ensure the well-being of youth that accompany me on these trips. I’d also like to bring with me information on how to start receiving mental health services, and for each site I go to, be prepared with information specific to mental health services in that site’s area. Ideally, I’d like to do these talks at least twice a month for a year or longer, coming into contact with as many children and youth as possible. By accomplishing these goals, I feel that my project will have a deep impact on everyone I reach, and that this impact will disperse outwards as those I am able to talk to share what they have learned with others.

how you can get involved:

Anyone can help with this project. Simply talking about mental health issues in a knowledgeable and caring way helps dispel stigma, and helps increase the chance that children and youth that need help will seek it. Anyone that is present at these information sessions I hope to hold will then also be able to spread this information. They say knowledge is power, and in the case of mental health awareness, that is certainly true. I want to spread that power!

project updates:

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Sometimes love can be less than lovely. It's one thing to put up with a boyfriend or girlfriend's flaws, but a young person should never tolerate abusive behavior. Here are eleven things you might not know about physical, mental, and emotional dating abuse.

One-third of teens know someone who's been the victim of physical abuse at the hands of there partner. Speak up, report the abuse, and let your friends know that kind of behavior isn't acceptable.

Submitted by DBH0014 on Wed, 02/01/2012 - 11:51

the problem:

A Family Community is a program I am desigining to benefit every individual in our community, not only residents and locals, but the community as a whole. This includes surrounding areas and even alternate states. We aim to provide Disater education, job readiness, disater preparedness seminars, dating volience information, a place of refuge for volience over comers, a place for homeless individuals to get food, and clothing and opportunities for job search, and job placement. We want to prevent teen pregnancy, but all the same provide help to those who have already had children. We promote family stablility. We want to educate individuals on healthy eating, and living a healthy lifestyle as well. We plan to this not only by branching out and starting partneships with exsisting organizations, but by putting in hard work, and sweat ourselves as well. We plan to involve individuals that seek help in unimaginable ways.

vital stats:

people impacted:

people involved:

why it's important:

This is imporatnt to me because, I grew up in a single parent home; and felt sad and alone. I want individuals to understand that not every house hold is the same, and that it is okay to be different. I understand the importance of education, and i am seeking to futher my education. I want every individual that I encounter to understand this concept as well.

the plan of action:

*Conduct meetings with community leaders(i.e. Community pastors, non-profit organizations, mayor)
*Get Schools involved( with the job I already have I have easy access to recruiting teens, and volunteers)
*Get the community aware.....(i.e.: Facebook, local news, news paper)
*Recruit Volunteers/ Board members (i.e. Church goers)
*Set up banking account
*locate a building for headquaters (i.e.: unused city building, or church building)
* Contact local food banks set up patnerships
*start partnership with local DHR

how you can get involved:

Individuals can help by contributing non perishable items, volunteering, making donations, and participating in the program

project updates:

Submitted by bri7232 on Wed, 02/01/2012 - 01:05

Check out our videos!

the problem:

Right now, more than 300,000 Kenyan youth live and work on the streets. Street youth face a life of disease, poverty, exploitation, and violence. Some street youth survive by collecting scrap metal for recycling as well as washing cars, while the more vulnerable turn to theft and prostitution. In Kenya, where education is neither free nor mandatory, many street youth have not completed Primary School let alone Secondary School. Millions of dollars are invested into humanitarian programs that offer food, clothing, and shelter, but they often fail to keep youth off the streets forever. In a country with an unemployment rate of 64% among youth between the ages of 18 and 35, street youth simply cannot compete in the job market.

vital stats:

people impacted:

300

people involved:

why it's important:

In 2008, I traveled to Nairobi, Kenya to volunteer with an HIV clinic in Mathare, the second largest slum in Kenya. The experience changed my life. Upon my return to the U.S. I changed my major from Biology to International Studies with the determination to go back to Kenya after I graduated.

I graduated in December 2010 and moved to Kenya in March 2011 determined to make a change in the world. Just a few short days after landing in Nairobi I met a former street boy, Wiclif Otieno. Wiclif's story, success, and passion for changing the lives of other street youth through KITO International was very inspiring. We became instant friends.

Wiclif taught me a lot about street life, poverty, and the importance of quality aid. I quickly fell in love with the KITO community and it didn't take long before Wiclif and I joined forces to continue KITO's growth.

the plan of action:

KITO believes that "moving off the streets" means "getting out of poverty." If street youth are given an economic opportunity that enables them to work their way out of poverty and become self-sufficient, they will stay off the streets forever.

Potential KITO youth are referred by partner organizations, recruited by team members, or apply on their own. KITO selects street youth through a participatory interview process. Successful applicants enter a vigorous 2 month training program which covers entrepreneurship, life skills, employability skills, and financial literacy. Upon graduation of KITO's Training Program, KITO youth are offered temporary employment with KITO's social enterprise, EcoSafi, where they learn to make bags from recycled material as well as practice the skills they have learned in a hands-on setting. KITO staff work tirelessly to customize each youth's exit strategy. KITO youth have the option to start their own business, go back to school, or find full-time employment.

how you can get involved:

Spreading the word about KITO International is very important to us. You can help us in these efforts by liking us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/kitointernational) or following us on Twitter (www.twitter.com/kitointl). KITO International is always looking for volunteers, interns, and donations to help us achieve our mission. To learn more about us please visit www.kitointernational.org.

project updates:

videos:

Submitted by college_cat on Sun, 01/29/2012 - 13:40

the problem:

A lot of females in my local area lack the resources, healthy relationships, and mentors who can educate them on how to become a sucesssful young woman. The younger females have become teen moms, alcohol/drug users, high school drop -outs and more.

vital stats:

people impacted:

people involved:

why it's important:

This is very important to me because I have personally seen and known these females who have become unsuccessful in their lives. They aren't reaching out to their dreams and goals. I am ready and willing to help!

the plan of action:

I want to create a one day action packed bootcamp focused on empowering females in my local communtiy. The day will be filled with workshops on topics such as body image, higher educations, healthy lifestyles, self - esteem/self confidence and more. The purpose of this bootcamp is not only to educate these ladies on those topics but I want to also help them build relationships and friendships with one another.

how you can get involved:

Other can help out by doing whatever it takes to make this happen!!

project updates:

Submitted by FullCirclesFoun... on Thu, 01/26/2012 - 15:35

the problem:

Full Circles Foundation aims to grow "strong girls, a fair economy, and a healthy earth" in the Southeastern United States. Put another way, we seek to advance the interconnected goals of of girls' empowerment, economic justice, and environmental health.

Our mission of "growing strong girls" aims to forward solutions to the challenges of women's health, violence against women, and low civic efficacy among women.

Our mission of "growing a fair economy" aims to forward solutions to the problems of structural poverty and racial and gender wealth disparities.

Our mission of "growing a healthy earth" aims to forward solutions to the problems of environmental illiteracy and environmental destruction and degradation.

vital stats:

people impacted:

100

people involved:

why it's important:

Our vision is to provide a holistic, collaborative, long-term, multi-intervention empowerment track for girls who have high potential but who are facing big obstacles. Over the course of thirteen years (K-12), FCF girls will be paced through a series of community-powered, best-practice programs, including summer camps, afterschool opportunities, apprenticeships, civic engagement training, and hands-on microventure experiences.

In 2011, Full Circles Foundation launched our pilot project in Raleigh, North Carolina - a series of community-powered summer camps, The Strong Camps. The Strong Camps included Strong Self Camp, Strong Neighbor Camp, and Strong Home Camp; they emphasized the connections between personal, community, and environmental health. This strategy is called "intertasking" - that is, accomplishing multiple goals with one action.

the plan of action:

In 2012, Full Circles Foundation aims to hold the second Strong Camp series in Raleigh, and to launch another pilot in Lexington, Kentucky. These two programs will reach at least 70 girls. We also hope to launch the Green Apprentice in Raleigh, an apprentice program that will pair middle and high school participants with local women artisans and entrepreneurs.

how you can get involved:

n/a

project updates:

Submitted by SMCYC on Wed, 01/25/2012 - 19:11

the problem:

Youth Voice in the Community. While youth in San Mateo County are passionate about a wide spectrum of issues, and many are actively attempting to make a difference, there is very little acknowledgement of these efforts.

vital stats:

people impacted:

500

people involved:

why it's important:

Having worked with a wide array of youth struggling with a variety of issues, from eating disorders, to criminal records, to running away from home, I have seen first hand how important it is to youth to have their voice heard. I am passionate about Youth Empowerment, and strongly believe that when a platform is given to youth to excel and succeed, they will far exceed expectations.

the plan of action:

Host the 2012 San Mateo County Youth Conference, a Conference entirely run by-youth and for-youth. It is featuring workshops throughout the day which are all run by youth under the age of 25. From panel discussions of Teen Parents, to youth workshops by teens with incarcerated parents, to jiu jitsu seminars, to film showings of "Project Happiness" and "Miss Representation" - the Conference will be chock full of options for youth to attend. The event will also have a "Policy Panel" featuring local and state elected officials who will be answering youth questions, a keynote speaker talking about Rap and Hip-Hop Activism, community partner tables, and raffle prizes. The event will be held March 17th, 2012 from 930AM-5PM at the College of San Mateo. More information can be found on our website at: https://sites.google.com/site/smcyouthconference/ or on our Facebook page at: www.facebook.com/smcyouthconference

how you can get involved:

We need volunteers on the day of the Conference to help run the day! We also need youth attendees, and youth to get the word out about this incredible event!

project updates:

Submitted by TIAJANAE on Tue, 01/17/2012 - 11:55

the problem:

I'm looking to start an organization geared towards empowering young women to be leaders, restore their virtue, and instill self esteem in them in order to cultivate love and respect for themselves and others.

vital stats:

people impacted:

people involved:

why it's important:

It is important to me because I am growing up in a generation where young women just don't care anymore. They are trying so hard to fit in, that they never get a chance to truly develop their own self identity. To be beautful is a state both inside and out. Many young women feel so bad about themselves on the inside, that they only focus on what people see externally. My mission is to build character and self esteem so we are leaders and not followers of tomorrow.

the plan of action:

I've developed several points to focus on during this mentorship program: we will focus on self esteem, interpersonal relationships with others, education, etiquette, and sisterhood to help young women be brave and beautiful. I've taken time with many young women just listening to what they have to say. Being someone they can talk to. As a membership organization, these young women will get the opportunity to grow and build themselves into women of tomorrow.

how you can get involved:

They can volunteer, bring whatever technicall, administrative, and financial skills they have and put them together. We need certified counselors, and people with real stories not afraid to share what they've been through and how they were able to get through it.