The Sisterhood of the Traveling BDUs
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the problem:
We are military teen girls. Our community is filled with war, unity, uncertainty, and pride. Just as the nation felt the drastic affects of September 11, 2001, the fathers, mothers, brothers, and sisters rose up in arms to protect the nation. But what happened to those left behind? Did the media put a spot light on the internal and external harms of war on military teenage girls? The military community feels the shocks every time a bomb drops, the earth quakes, the tornado rises, and the waves crash upon cities. Therefore, military girls feel the side affects of war, terrorism, and natural disasters because we are left at home; forced to go through the challenges of high school and growing up without a mother, father, brother, or sister. Wow, sounds like a major problem doesn’t it? A problem so severe would surely be addressed by the media and the overall public wouldn’t it? The affects of deployment on teenage girls are real; failing classes, depression, lack of confidence, moodiness, eating disorders, and cutting are real dangers. No, our problems are ignored; written off as normal teen angst. However, there is nothing normal about going through the motions of everyday life while your father is God knows where being shot at by terrorists. There is nothing normal about worrying if your dad will even recognize you after he returns home for a long deployment. There is nothing normal about falling asleep without knowing if your loved one is okay; or better yet, even alive. There is nothing normal about father missing his own daughter’s birthday because he is off protecting freedom. However, all of the afore mentioning harms of deployment are becoming common place within the lives of the thousands of military girls across California.
We are in your classrooms, neighborhoods, and shopping malls. We may look like you; going to school, participating in sports, hanging out at movies, but we mask many emotional hurts unseen by society as a whole.
vital stats:
people impacted:
130people involved:
250why it's important:
My dad has been in the military for over 25 years. I have been through the hurts that come with deployment. Teachers have said what my dad was doing, serving and protecting the country, is illegal and immoral. I have felt the drop in self esteem when my dad was deployed. There was an instance when my dad was deployed to Afghanistan, I covered up every mirror in my house because I didn't want to look at myself. I thought I was ugly. My self esteem was so low, I couldn't stand the sight of my own face. I never anticipated my dad's deployment would have such an affect on my self esteem being as that I have always been a relatively confident individual. However, my confidence took a down turn. Do you know how I knew I couldn't face the deployment alone? I knew when I cried myself to sleep worried if my dad was alive or coming home safe.
I wish I could say I am embellishing my story for effect, but that is not the case. I am just giving you a glimpse into the struggles military girls go through. My story is all too common among military girls.
My fellow military teen girl and partner on this project, Kaylei Deakin, has felt similar struggles. During her father's deployments to Afghanistan and abroad, her grades dropped, she rebelled, and she attended counseling.
However, something productive came out of both of our struggles, we recognized our struggles happen to every military girl going through deployments. Therefore, we found a solution to help military girls fight low self esteem, grow in leadership, and unite with those who understand their struggles.
the plan of action:
The problem is real, but the solution is possible. Representing tens of thousands of military girls across the California, two military teens are creating a change. Kaylei Deakin, an Army teen, and myself, Moranda Hern, an Air Force teen, are passionate about leaving a legacy of helping other military girls who walk in our boots. The change is this: create a conference to bring military girls together to share their struggles, triumphs, and experiences. Furthermore, create a network of social bonds between military girls across the state. Our project, The Sisterhood of the Traveling BDUs, will do just that. The Sisterhood of the Traveling BDUs will bring together 500 military girls from across the state for the first ever weekend conference for military girls to build self esteem, grow in leadership, build up their communities, and empower one another in sisterly support. The first conference took place on March 12-14, 2010 in Clovis, CA. Our first conference was a complete success. We had 100 military girls in attendance and 15 female service members as mentors. The girls bonded beyond what we ever imagined. They shared there stories with each other about how they felt during deployments. The girls felt so relieved to know they are not alone. Their stories impacted everyone in a way I will never be able to verbalize. Military girls need the Sisterhood. They deserve the Sisterhood, they need the Sisterhood. Our parents serve this country. Military girls serve too, here at home. Think about the big picture. The conference will inspire military girls to come and lead their communities. The mantra for this event is, "UNITE, INSPIRE, LEAD." The Sisterhood of the Traveling BDUs does just that; bring military girls facing indescribable struggles together; inspire them with the tools to enrich their own lives, the lives of their families, and the lives of those in their communities; and to lead the Sisterhood into the next generation of change.
Furthermore, this conference is the beginning of change across the nation. Our goal has always been to go nationwide by 2011. Now, we are making that happen. 2011 we will expand the Sisterhood in encompass 5 other conferences across the country. Then, in 2012, we'll expand to five more. Each year growing in our impact and giving military girls a chance to lead. The Sisterhood of the Traveling BDUs will impacts hundreds of thousands of military girls across the United States for years to come. Military girls deserve a voice and we're giving them one. Go Team Sisterhood!
how you can get involved:
If you have a friend with a parent in the military, be there. You may not understand everything they are going through or how to act or what to say, but just be there. One of the most difficult things I faced during my dad's deployment was loneliness. My friends said they didn't know how to act around me because they didn't want to say the wrong thing, so they just left. Please, don't be one of those friends. Be there. Regardless of political views, the men and women of the military, our moms and dads, are trying to protect us. They risk their lives every day for our freedom and safety. Please, respect them. Say thank you. Shake a hand. Support the troops and the families. Times of war is hard for everyone. Let's support each other.
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Comments
What a great cause you have! I t must be hard to have your father gone to war. I can't imagine having my dad gone in dangerous place! You are brave! You are for sure my favorite project!!! from Cupcakes for Cancer
This is a great cause. I did a project over teen depression just recently and i made a brochure and it was sent to the EAST conference. It got taken up realy quick so maybe i think it caught alot of people eyes.
K. Grays#5
Thank you so much! It is definitely not comforting having your parent at war. I'm one of the lucky ones because my dad is home right now and probably won't have to go back for a couple of years.
Again, thank you for your support! :)
Btw, talk about brave! I looked at your project page, and your story is truly inspiring. Oh also, I think your logo is adorable.
Keep being the change,
Moranda Hern
Wow, this is so inspiring, I had no idea how much inpact this is.
You guys are so amazing.
Ladies - since you're looking for corporate-sponsorship for the conference you want to host, please also put out a call for private donors. I'd certainly like to contribute. I'm both a veteran myself and a daughter of veteran as is my sister. This is a fantastic idea.
I am a contract psychologist at Barksdale Air Force Base, in Louisiana. I heard about your project by listening to NPR, then watching the YouTube video. I want to help with your project. You are both such brave and amazing young women, and there is such a need for the Sisterhood. How can I help, and how can my coworkers, both civilian and active duty?
I also heard about your project on NPR. I would like to help out any way I can. I live in Maryland, but please let me know how I can help. My husband recently got back from a 15 month deployment, so I completely understand how you were feeling. I think this project is a great way to reach out to other teens who don't feel like they have anyone to talk to. Great job, ladies!
My husband is a Gulf War vet and I had two little kids at home - it was devastating for them.
Both my children joined the military and my son and son-in-law depoloyed several times to Iraq. I would like to help you get your conference up and running with a donation. I can't see how to donate to one particular project. Please let me know how I can help.
I also heard about your great idea on NPR. And I'm also an Air Force brat and PROUD of it!! I was your age during the Viet Nam War and watched several of my girlfriends go through what you are going through now. It wasn't easy when their dads were gone and sometimes it was even harder when they came home. What you 2 are doing is a terrific idea and I want to know what I can do to help. I am living in the Washington DC area with friends on Capitol Hill and a good friend (an Air Force Lt. Col.) who works at the Pentagon and just got back from Iraq. I think we might be able to rattle a few cages and get you some help. Just let me know!
I heard about your story on NPR and I think I may be able to help. I, too, am a (former? are you ever a former?) military brat and I am in the process of publishing a book about the funny parts of being abroad and being military. I wanted to donate the profits to an organization. I believe that yours might be a good fit. Pls contact me at [contact information removed by administrator] and we can discuss next steps. Look forward to helping you! BBC
Heard you story on NPR and want to volunteer to help. I'm a public relations / social media expert with a focus on military and government. Would love to help you promote this, get the news out, etc. Please contact me and let me know how to help. Send an email to my username at mmihouston.com
Looks like NPR really helped spread your message. I heard the story on my way home from work. I'm stationed in Ft. Meade, MD and am an active duty United States Marine. I'm amazed by your confidence and would really like to help out if I can. Is there a website where we can submit private donations? Keep up the great work! Semper Fi
Capt Jessica Mulder
I heard about you young ladies on National Public Radio, and I would like to help you too! Do you have any information for sponsorship plans, any way for someone to send donations, etc? I know full well that where there is determination there is success! And you are on your way!! You can email me at [contact information removed by administrator] or to username Coolminded.
Hope to hear from you soon!
Gari Anne
Bead Lovers Korner
I just heard about your project on my NPR daily podcast. You are truly inspirational and I (like a lot of others) would love to donate to it. Best wishes!
Katie
Hi, everyone! Like a lot of others who heard the NPR story, I posted asking the girls if there was a way that I could provide financial support. Then, I went directly to the NPR website and got this info, for what it's worth:
You may send a certified check, made out to "California (CA) Military Department (Dept)" -- with the letters "MWR" in the memo line -- to:
Stephanie Breaker
Sisterhood of the Traveling BDU's
[contact information removed by administrator]
Thank you for your support! The Sisterhood is truly honored to bring light to this subject.
Here is our contact information. We cannot reply to you individually through dosomething, but please email us and we would love to speak with all of you individually. For those of you who would like to donate, THANK YOU in advance.
For personal checks, please make out to Sisterhood of the Traveling BDUs
and send to:
[contact information removed by administrator]
Email: [contact information removed by administrator]
Facebook: www.facebook.com/sisterhood.bdus
Twitter: Gijane2014
Youtube: SisterhoodBDUs
Website: www.sisterhoodbdus.com
Also for donations, we have a Paypal set up on the website. It will be activated on Saturday so please hold donations until then.
Moreover, to those who donate, please email us your address, we would love to thank you with something special! Please know, all of your donations would go directly to impact the lives of so many teen girls going through a hard time to unite, inspire, and lead.
Thank you!
Moranda and Kaylei
UNITE, INSPIRE, LEAD
PAYPAL is up on www.sisterhoodbdus.com! Please donate and spread the word!
THANKYOUTHANKYOU
Moranda Hern
UNITE, INSPIRE, LEAD
I have been in the Navy for 18 years now and I can see the effect the constant traveling and moving has had on my son.. I applaude you ladies and hope your project will continue to grow and maybe a brotherhood will sprout for the young men! Good Luck ladies!
If you are looking for anymore speakers at your event. I am a clinical therapist, I could speak on a variety of topics. I also have the unique history of having a father that was deployed while I was growing up. He was a veteran of the Gulf War, I grew up on base most of my life. Let me know.
Brian
Love that you decided to do something so positive and worthwhile.
Thanks to all of you and the rest of your family for the sacrifices that YOU make by having family and friends in the military. It is nerve-wracking when they're on duty and it can be disruptive just because they move where they're told to go.
I'm sorry when you have uninformed, ungrateful people who not only don't appreciate the sacrifices of those in the military but actually insult your family for making this country as great as it is.
It's a tremendously bitter irony that those who ensure the freedoms of others frequently are insulted by those who abuse those freedoms. Just remember the source when you hear nonsense.
Stay strong!
This is amazing! I would love to get involved and help. I have Uncles who are Veterans and also my Grandfather who is a Veteran. But I am also currently going through deployment as a Army Girlfriend. Have 3 months to go!!!
HOO-AH!!!!!!!
Hi again ladies. I wrote on the NPR site but was unsure if you received my offer. I feel for you. I went through similar circumstances. Every day I have to remind myself that the hurtful comments made by others are not meant to be mean, they are often said out of ignorance. Until we band together and educate the masses the guesses will continue. Again I would love to offer my services. I am an artist, also with a brat/ongoing project. www.lorabeldon.com. Also an art teacher. If you would like a visual element to your "gathering" you are welcome to borrow my work. I already have design ideas for T-shirts...! Anyway I can help, let me know. Good luck! Yours truly, Lora Beldon
apply for a grant!!
http://www.dosomething.org/grants
My dad and mom both served in the USMC for a better part of my life, he was at the Pentagon on 9/11 and now he is in the Guard. I think this is such a great thing for girls or any kids with parents in the military. I always felt more at home on the military bases because all the kids knew how stressful life was and we all knew we'd be moving around forever so it was easier to make friends and everyone understood each other.
I just watched your segment on The Today Show and it brought back truly sad memories of my husband's recent deployments and my teen daughter's struggles to cope. She went through everything that you both descibed. This project is amazing for all military daughters; you're both outstanding for coming up with such a great idea and following through with it. Good luck and best wishes on this project and in your future service careers. My daughter is now 18 and is serving as an active-duty Army UAVS pilot. She'll soon be deploying to Afghanistan.
My dad has been surving in the millitary for many years. He was deployed in 2004 but I really didnt understand it then. He was just deployed to Afgahnistan about a month ago. Its been alot harder around here with him not here. I think this program is great to hear kids just like you...because not many people understand!
Thanks,
Reagan
This looks like an AMAZING project!! I hope you both applied for the Do Something grant!! If not, here's the link: http://www.dosomething.org/dating-abuse/grants. Best of luck!!
Thank you so much for starting Sisterhood of the Traveling BDUs. This is something that is much needed and will help many people. I would love to help getting the word out. I've actually already started; I invited a bunch of my friends on facebook. I would love to see this go nation wide and hope that it does so quickly. Keep it up :)
Awesome project! Did you know DoSomething.org and DKMS are launching a national bone marrow donor registration drive this fall?
We're having a conference call to get partners together to share ideas for making the campaign a success. It's next Tuesday at 4p. We'd love to have you guys on the phone!
The call details are available here: http://dsorg.us/lN3mWS
Hey Sisterhood of the BDU's,
It's so great to see how your project is supporting our troops and their families. You should apply for a grant for your work: http://www.dosomething.org/grants/remembrance-grants apply by September 1st for a chance at $1,000 or $500 grant! Questions? Email Grants@DoSomething.org
And be sure to share your thanks and a note of support as part of the largest digital thank-you card for Emergency Service Workers: Decade of Thanks here http://www.dosomething.org/thanks You have until 9/18 to upload your message!
Thanks!
Do Something Intern