What's Your Brand?

Athlete, health-conscious, traveler.

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  I came across an article last week I thought had an interesting concept:   

            What are you known for?

  As in, what do your social media 'jottings' say about you?

  In this, the era of social media, we are essentially able to create our own 'legacy'. It's true. If we participate in social media, we are building our own brand, solidifying our reputation, and selling ourselves.

  It also feeds into one of the biggest criticisms of our era.

The 'Me' Generation
  Probably the biggest criticism of social media in general, is that it feeds the 'me generation'. It's all about what I'm doing, where I'm going, what I'm buying, what I'm eating, and so on.

The things you see on the road.

  That might be the extreme way to look it it. But I agree, social media can lead to ego. It's the world we are living in, however, and just like everything else, it's important we find a balance.

  I think social media has an incredible amount of positive that comes with it as well. 

  Whatever your feelings toward social media are, one thing is for sure: it's here to stay. So we might as well get used to it, and learn how to best benefit from it.

Your Reputation on the Line
  That being said, what do your postings elicit from followers, readers, friends? Are they positive or negative feelings? What do your Twitter account, your Facebook profile, your blog posts, your Instagram pictures say about you?

  That's your reputation. Whether you mean to or not, those are the traits you are exuding.

  Putting it that way makes it interesting thing to think about. And more significant. Each and every thing we post stands alone; it's an individual piece of information. But over time, a brand is developed and those postings become your reputation.

  Are you representing yourself the way you want?

You can find your niche anywhere.

  It's one thing for people who know you. But many times with social media and the internet, people don't know you 'in real life'. They just know you based on what you post.

  Maybe you say, 'who cares?' or 'we shouldn't care about what others think about us.'

  I think that is true to a certain extent -- we need to be ourselves. But when it comes to social media, and potentially, our careers, I think that's a naive perspective to have.

  It's not to say you should hold back. Be your true self. Be proud of the person you are, and the things you are saying and doing.

  If it's important to you, it's something to think about.

  For me, as someone who is entering the job market, it makes me more aware. Before, as a (somewhat) public figure as a basketball player, I was always conscious of the things I posted on my social media accounts. But I am even more cognizant of it now.

  You always want to put your best foot forward. Always.

  Outside of the obvious, here are a few things I've learned on the fly about social media:

1. It's not about what you do, it's about who you are. Let your personality shine through. 
2. Sarcasm doesn't always translate. 
3. Think before you post, you never know who's reading. 
4. You never know who's reading, in turn leads to: you never know who you can connect with, and where things may lead. 
5. News travels quickly -- in the past several years, I learned of the most important news events via social media and Twitter. 
6. You can have amazing conversations and interactions with people you don't know, and may never meet.

  Whatever we use social media for, and whether we mean to or not, we're building a brand. For me, I think my brand is three things: athlete, traveler, and health-conscious. That's what I would think, but I really don't know for certain.

  What's your brand?

LINKS:

What Are You Remembered As? 

Social Score is the New Credit Score

The Pajama Project & Baby Gagoo's East Coast Launch

Fat Kat baseball tee.

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  Too many times, public figures, celebrities if you will, are in the headlines for all the wrong reasons.

  Who knows why we choose to highlight the negative instead of the positive. More often than not, however, celebrities, like the rest of us, do good. And usually, the good is not sufficiently celebrated.

  This summer, I had the chance to see a little of the 'good', live and in action. So I wanted to bring a little more attention to the cause.

  Last year, about this time, I first wrote about a charity project I became involved with, led by actress Vanessa Marcil, benefiting Nkosi's Haven and Sojourn Services.

Store setup at the Baby Gagoo launch in Staten Island.

  The project consisted of raising awareness (and money), and donating items to children and women in need of a little extra help.

  Nkosi's Haven is a residential care center in South Africa that provides care for HIV/AIDS infected mothers, children and AIDS orphans (infected or not). Sojourn, based in Los Angeles, provides battered women and their children a safe place to regroup, rebuild, and reestablish their self-esteem and lives. 

Kiddos showing off the Gagoo threads.

  Nearly a year later, the project continues on. With the launch of Vanessa's Baby Gagoo clothing line earlier this year, that project has been dubbed 'the Pajama Project'.

  In August, at the East Coast launch event at Jimmy's Fine Jewelery Too in Staten Island, party-goers had the chance to see the beautiful clothing up close, as they were modeled by kids running around the venue, bid on various auction items, mingle with Vanessa and friends, all the while raising money for two worthwhile and deserving charities.

  Did I mention that proceeds benefited Nkosi's and Sojourn?

  The organic clothing line features newborn, toddler, and youth clothing (along with big 'kid' -- adult -- hoodies and tees too!) designed by Vanessa. The characters on the clothes, Gagoo and Fat Kat, were created by Vanessa, her son Kassius, and sister Sherry. Gagoo and Fat Kat are featured in stories that we all can learn from, and aim to show children 'It's okay to be...' whatever you are!

Kassius, Vanessa, Gagoo, & Jimmy at Staten Island event.

  Like it or not, the Holidays are fast approaching. So I wanted to put the idea of the Pajama Project back into your minds.  

  For every item bought from Baby Gagoo, one pair of pajamas is donated to Nkosi's Haven. Simple as that.

  Whoever your little loved ones are, whether you have kids yourself, or adorable nieces like I do, the clothes from Gagoo make beautiful gifts. The clothes are incredibly soft, comfy, made from organic materials (and low-impact dyes), and 'emotionally nutritious'.

  Let's continue to support Vanessa, Baby Gagoo, and this wonderful project. For those of you interested, it would be an amazing gift for the little one(s) in your life, and the women and children at Nkosi's and Sojourn.
 

Beautiful clothing from Baby Gagoo.

  Baby Gagoo is a 'mom and pop' operation, so items are made as the orders are placed. If you are shopping for the holidays or one day in-particular day, please keep this in mind!

  Put the Baby Gagoo Store in your favorites, and when it comes time to do some Holiday shopping, please remember the Pajama Project with Baby Gagoo!
 

RELATED LINKS:

Shop Gagoo

The Daily Own: Fill Up Your Soul While You Fill Up Your Shopping Bag

Baby Gagoo 

A few more pictures from the August 4th event:

The star of the night: Gagoo in the flesh!

Even I got my picture with Gagoo!

Quick picture with Vanessa.

Some of the ladies involved with the Pajama Project. :)

Another group shot.

1 Year Blogging Anniversary

Familiar morning view out my window in Dunkerque.

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  The passing of September 1st, marked the one year anniversary of Sabrina's Crossing. Yay! I started my blogging journey as I began my first season in Dunkerque, France last September

  Ironically enough, I spent my one year celebration on a plane, returning to the same French city for year two.

  Even though I took, what resulted in, a writing hiatus this summer, I fully intend to continue blogging on a regular basis throughout my second season in Dunkerque.

  As summertime progressed, I found it difficult to sit down, three to four hours a day, and plunk out, what I felt, was a worthy post. Not that there wasn't anything I wanted to write about while I was home. I had topics upon topics that I wanted to put to paper, so to speak. When that summertime Oregon sun (as rare as it is sometimes) was shining bright, forgive me, but the last place I wanted to be was inside, in front of a computer. That seems too much like a job to me. ;)

I wanted to enjoy this during the summer!

  After all, I began my blog as a hobby, and continued it, because I enjoyed it. So I wanted it to remain just that.

  After a year of blogging, I can say with 100% certainty, that it was the best/smartest thing I've done off the basketball court in a long while.

  During my previous eight seasons in Europe, it became all-too-easy to let the hours and days pass by watching movies, and updating my Facebook status. I wanted something more than that. I felt I needed to make progress, and do something stimulating, something worthwhile.

Sunset over la plage.

  I've found blogging keeps you dialed in. You're more in-tune with your everyday surroundings because even the smallest things can spark an idea. Since coming up with writing topics three times a week can be a daunting task, you're constantly on the lookout for your next topic. So you look anywhere and everywhere for inspiration.

  I've often found myself jotting down ideas when I get them (because I've been known to have a wandering mind, it's important for me to write them down!). Sometimes they lead to nothing. Other times, they lead to an interesting (hopefully, for you, the reader, as well!) topic to write about. But you never know where an idea will go, as long as you don't forget it!

Salle Marc Burnod--Dunkerque.

  As far as content goes, I obviously have a solid base to work with: my basketball season, and traveling/living in Europe. But I think basketball is only 'news-worthy' after games. The practice week leading up to games can be pretty monotonous and not too exciting. So I reserve most of my basketball talk for game recaps. 

  Travel, and more appropriate for me, Euro-Living, is always at the forefront of my time abroad. I'm not able to travel much while I'm in-season, so I might draw on past travel experiences. But everyday differences I encounter as an American living in Europe is always a fun/interesting topic to tackle. I may have run the gamut on Euro-Living, but we'll see what I'm able to come up with this season!

Last year, above the beach. WWII bunkers below.

  Those two topics will remain the 'meat' of my blog. I'll also continue my interest in the US food system and certain health matters. After that, everything else is fair game!

  Blogging has also allowed me to focus a bit on my 'after basketball life'. What you're able to effectively write about is probably fairly indicative of things you have a passion for. So I look to my blog to help me focus-in on the things that really matter to me. I've made a few interesting connections because of my blog, and look forward to growing those connections, and making a few more in the coming months!

  Though I sit here, looking out onto the same scene as the year before (and it's not a bad view to look onto!), let's work to move to a different 'place'. I'm hoping and striving for another year of growth -- both as a basketball player, and in my life off the court.

  Here's to a new season!

The W via SLAM Online

All Star game -- Poland 2006.

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  I started my blog in September of 2011. I wasn't sure what would come of it, what exactly I would write about on a weekly basis, or even if I would enjoy it. I was sure of one thing: if all else failed, write about basketball.

  That's how the majority of my time is spent after all. Preparing for the day's practices or workouts, which in turn are preparation for the weekend's games.

  Late in 2011, I was asked by Ben York (a proponent of women's hoops, writer for SLAM Magazine, and now for the WNBA's Phoenix Mercury) to help him ramp up coverage of women's basketball, and bring first hand experiences to the audience. I told him I was game, and looked forward to doing anything I could to help.

  So after a few short months, my efforts as a blogger were already paying off. Not that I necessarily pictured myself becoming a full-time writer. But one door opens another, and so on (not to mention it's always nice to hear compliments for things you put a great deal of effort into). I was excited by the idea of joining up with Ben and a few other veterans of women's basketball to bring light to new experiences and perspectives.

Practice in Luleå -- Sweden 2008-2009.

  It just so happened our forum would be via SLAM Online. I was a loyal SLAM reader growing up. It's a magazine about basketball and its players, for the players. I'm sure fans appreciate it as well, but I always felt it was a magazine for the player especially.

  Given the audience at SLAM Online, I can be more basketball specific and technical than I am here. My role over at The W is to bring the International perspective.

  Lots and lots of Americans come overseas to extend their playing careers, but not many know much about it. So I am happy to be able to relay my experiences to those who are interested.

  I've tried to answer the most basic questions in regards to playing professionally in Europe. They're the questions I get most often when people find out what I do for a living.

  Am I missing anything -- what else do you want to know about? All four of my articles (so far) are listed below; check em out if you missed them the first time around!

MY POSTS at SLAM ONLINE:
Team First vs. 'Get Mine' Mentality
Ins & Outs of Euro-Ball
Euro-Hoops: Expect the Unexpected
FIBA's New (Ridiculous) Uniform Regulations

Granny's Got Game: The Fabulous Seventies

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  I am constantly amazed at how efficient the Twitter medium has become at relaying information across the globe to educate, and/or 'do good' -- for lack of a better phrase.

  Several weeks ago I was passed along a link to a trailer of a documentary about a senior women's basketball team in North Carolina. Senior as in, all the team members are in their seventies. Not something you see every day -- but I thought to myself, great for them!

  It sparked my interest. And I was curious to find out a little bit more about the film project starring these ladies. I found their story to be inspirational, and one worth passing along! The film is called 'Granny's Got Game'.

Their Story

  'Granny's Got Game' is a documentary film about a senior women's basketball team based in North Carolina. The film follows them through their 2011 season, and culminates with a trip to the National Senior Games Championship in Houston. Just like any basketball season, these ladies' season was filled with countless ups and downs, and obstacles to overcome.

  The team is comprised of seven fiercely competitive women, all in their seventies. They started playing 6-on-6 basketball (where you couldn't cross the half court line -- so you were either strictly an offensive player, or a defensive player) in the 1950s but stopped after high school. In pre-Title IX America, there were no opportunities for women to keep playing after high school.

  After a long break from the game, the ladies are back playing the game they love so dearly, with teammates who have become like family. For 17 years the Fabulous Seventies, have been competing together in Senior Games Tournaments throughout the country. They've had to adjust to and learn a new, physical style of basketball (where they now play both offense and defense) while overcoming the skepticism of their peers.

  The Fabulous Seventies has had great success in their time together, winning numerous medals in tournaments across the country. And as teammates and friends, they support each other off the court through the difficulties that accompany aging, such as breast cancer, injury, and widowhood. These women are more than a team...they are a family.

Behind the Scenes
 
  Film maker, Angela Gorsica Alford, a former player herself, followed the Fabulous Seventies (their team name) for over a year. Here are her goals for her first film:

• honor and celebrate these amazing women. 
• inspire people of all ages to stay active. 
• change perceptions of the capabilities of the elderly and contest negative stereotypes. 
• highlight the support and encouragement the women get from being part of a team. 
• give younger viewers a sense of perspective so they can appreciate today’s sports opportunities.
• illustrate the competitive and ambitious nature of female athletes of all ages. 

  Gorsica Alford intends on showing the movie in film festivals across the country, and pursuing television broadcast opportunities. She also plans to screen the film for senior centers and youth basketball camps.

Angela with the team.

  The film is in post-production now, but is low on funds. There is a fundraising effort currently taking place in order to reach these goals. The more money that is raised, the more people will get to see the film and be inspired by The Fabulous Seventies! All funds raised will be used to finish and market the film. Go here for all information about the film, and fundraising efforts.

  It's a story of inspiration. They enjoy playing the game of basketball. But they play to win, not just to play! It's a story of camaraderie. They overcome a great deal to go out on the court with their best friends. And it's a story that should be passed along!

  Aren't these ladies awesome?!? It's never too late to keep playing! Vote for the film this week in the Indie Wire Project of the Week! Watch the short trailer, and follow the links below for more information to cheer The Fabulous Seventies on!

LINKS:
Granny's Got Game -- Fundraising Information
Granny's Got Game
Vote for 'Granny's Got Game' for Project of the Week (Ends April 16th)
 

"Bully"

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  You may or may not be aware that there's an important movie being released this Friday (March 30th). And yes, I know "The Hunger Games" came out last week. But I'm not talking about "The Hunger Games".

  It's a movie far more important than that (or any other movie that's been released for entertainment purposes in recent memory). And a movie we ALL need to see. Kids, adults, and everyone in between.

  The movie is called "Bully".

  It's a documentary movie about the prevalence of bullying in schools. I know, bullying has probably been around since the start of man. But it seems to me, that more recently, we've been hearing more and more about kids who are afraid to go to school, and sadly, who have committed suicide because of bullying.

  It is said that roughly 13 million children will be bullied at school in the US this year. 13 MILLION KIDS! That number tells me that the problem of bullying is being ignored, or swept under the rug. Adults, and those in charge just saying, "Oh, kids will be kids...'

  Children, no matter their age or background, should never feel unsafe, afraid, or nervous about going to school. We need to do our best to make school a safe haven for all kids. 

  Alex, a boy in the movie, says: "They punch me in the jaw, strangle me, they knock things out of my hand, take things from me, sit on me. They push me so far that I want to become the bully."

  That's not just 'kids being kids'.

  I'm not exactly going out on a limb when I say that bullying has taken on a whole new meaning since the dawn of the Internet (and cell phones). With the Internet, it's easier to bully, and it's easier to be bullied. For one, everyone is more accessible on a daily basis. And secondly, when a person can hide behind a computer screen, there's no telling the things they will say. And that's a very scary thing, given the emergence and popularity of social media in recent years.

  We know the Internet isn't going away, and bullying isn't slowing down. So we need to do something about this growing 'phenomenon'. I wondered aloud a few months ago on Twitter, and asked: What is more important, emphasizing that bullying is NOT okay, or teaching kids how to deal with bullying? What do you think???

  I don't know how or when bullying became 'cool' or tolerated. But somehow, we need to send this thought back in the other direction. Bullying is NOT cool, and should never be tolerated. EVER.

  And at the same time, we're not going to stop bullying from happening overnight. As much as we'd like that to happen, it's not realistic. Coping techniques and support systems should become emphasized even more at school, and at home.

  Kids don't just become bullies on their own. Unfortunately they learn this behavior SOMEWHERE. They learn to bully. So we, as adults, need to take that responsibility and set an example for the kids in our lives. Whether they are your children, your niece, your brother, a child you coach, etc...show them how to behave, and that it is not okay to bully, nor is it okay to be bullied. 

  This is a big issue to tackle. But one that needs to be addressed. Like any cause, spreading awareness is a start. If no one knows there's a problem, we can't begin to solve it. Hopefully, watching "Bully" will go a long way in starting a dialogue, and we'll start to find a solution!

  Let's get out and see "Bully," and start putting an end to this terrible trend.

Note: "Bully" is rated PG-13, and contains strong language.




LINKS:
The Bully Project
Jillian Michaels Podcast 11/18/2011
The Ben Cohen StandUp Foundation
Creating Safe and Engaging Schools

RELATED POSTS:
Little Eyes Upon You

Gagoo/Nkosi's Haven Pajama Project Update

Nkosi's Haven

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  You may recall my blog about the Pajama project for Nkosi's Haven, led by Vanessa Marcil, that I have become involved with. Since initially publishing in November, several updates have been made along the way.

  But more details have emerged recently, so I wanted to give you all the most-recent, exciting information! (And throw the idea back out into the blogosphere)

  Here's a quick rundown of our efforts: Vanessa, and a team of generous ladies will be making a visit to Nkosi's Haven this Spring (Nkosi's is a shelter for mothers and their children infected with HIV/AIDS, and resulting AIDS orphans--read more in my first Nkosi's blog from November). Upon that visit, they will be bringing with them supplies, toys, clothes, shoes, etc... to donate to the shelter.

  Beyond the donation of these items, we also have a goal of providing every child, mother and caretaker at Nkosi's (and the surrounding area) with a new pair of 100% organic cotton Gagoo pajamas.

Gagoo Jammies!

  Vanessa has been working tirelessly to design these extra-special pairs of pajamas for the kids we're trying to reach. As the pajamas have come together, I have tried to keep all interested parties updated. As you can see from the latest pictures (seen at left, and below), these PJs will sport the name and logo Gagoo (Vanessa's baby/kids clothing line being launched April 28th).

  Our initial goal was to have 10,000 pairs of organic pajamas ordered, and we're hovering right around that benchmark. We can't have too many orders, just like we can't have too many pairs of comfy jammies to donate to the kids at Nkosi's.

  Here's a reminder of the 'Gagoo deal'. Order ONE pair of these adorable organic pajamas for a child in YOUR life, and a SECOND pair will be donated by Vanessa and team to a child at Nkosi's.


  For $29.99, you get two pairs of adorable organic cotton pajamas!

  If you would like, you can choose to have BOTH pairs of pajamas go to the children at Nkosi's (something I have done, and something several people who have ordered from me, have done).

Gagoo jammies!

  Sizes run from newborn to youth size 10 (10 years old)!!

  If you haven't done so already, email: Itsokaytobe@babygagoo.com to get your pajamas ordered! Or like before, you can contact me, and I will submit the order on your behalf. You will receive a follow up email, and will be informed when the pajamas are ready!

  Our primary goal is to show love & compassion to a group of children that may need it the most. Providing them with a new pair of pajamas is an awesome way to do just that! It's something so small, yet so meaningful.

  Thanks so much!






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The Goal: 10,000 pairs of jammies ordered for AIDS orphans at Nkosi's Haven
The Cost: $29.99 for 2 pairs of 100% organic cotton pajamas (one pair for a child in your life, and one pair for an orphan at Nkosi's Haven)
Sizes: Newborn to Youth Size 10
Email: Itsokaytobe@babygagoo.com to get on the wait list to place your pajama orders. Leave your name, phone #, address, email, the quantity & size you need. The sizes range from newborn to youth 10. You will receive an email when they are available to purchase.
Website: See: http://www.babygagoo.com to donate directly to the cause, or buy tickets for the launch party of Baby Gagoo on April 28th (proceeds go to Sojourn and Nkosi's Haven)!

Going Dark for the Day

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  Short, but worthwhile post today...

Craigslist going dark for the day.

  Unless you've been living under a rock, you're aware that today (Wednesday, Jan. 18th), websites like Wikipedia and Craigslist are 'going dark' in the U.S., along with many other sites 'blacking out' their logo to protest against anti-piracy legislation being considered by U.S. Congress.

  At first glance, it seems like Congress is trying to do the right thing: going after Internet pirates and counterfeiters. But diving further into the proposed legislation, it becomes clear SOPA and PIPA are the wrong way to do it. 

  SOPA (the Stop Online Piracy Act) and PIPA (the Protect Intellectual Property Act) would essentially censor the web. The U.S. government would be able to block websites using similar methods employed in China. Really, that's all that needs to be said.

  The Senate begins voting on January 24th

  My suggestion? Read up on it, and educate yourselves. Then, if so inclined, sign the petition urging Congress to vote NO on SOPA and PIPA.

LINKS:

End Piracy, Not Liberty Petition

How SOPA Would Affect You FAQs

More About SOPA and PIPA

Nkosi's Haven: Bringing a Little Light

Vanessa on a previous visit to Nkosi's Haven.

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  ***Note*** I have made several updates in the last few days to have the most accurate information available. Updates can be found below in bold text! Thanks SO much. ~ Sabrina

  Recently, though the wonders of the internet, and more-specifically, Twitter, I have come into contact with a pretty awesome group of chicks. Through countless exchanges of under 140-character banter, we have somehow gotten to know one another, and genuinely care about what is happening in each others lives. Even though many of us have not yet met, I would consider them very good friends of mine.

  Somewhere along the line, the conversations turned productive, and the team looked get into charity work. In February of 2012, a large group of them, joined/led by actress Vanessa Marcil, are going to South Africa to volunteer at Nkosi's Haven. Nkosi's is a shelter for mothers and their children infected with HIV/AIDS, and resulting AIDS orphans.

  The shelter, opened in 1999 by Gail Johnson, was founded with the idea of caring for the mother AND her child. Gail named it after the son she adopted, Nkosi, an AIDS orphan himself. Neither Nkosi nor Gail wanted another mother and child to be separated due to an HIV/AIDS diagnosis. They also wanted people infected with HIV/AIDS to be cared for without discrimination or prejudice. This is the premise under which Nkosi's Haven operates. Please watch the short video below about Gail and Nkosi Johnson, and Nkosi's Haven:

  ***One thing our team wants is every child, mother, and caretaker to have a new pair of pajamas upon their visit this Spring. It's something so small, yet so meaningful. Vanessa, herself, is working to get as many pairs of organic feety pajamas made. 

  She and her team are making it 'easy' to help get each of these kids a new pair of pajamas: buy one pair for a loved one in your family, and a second pair is donated to an AIDS orphan at Nkosi's. Our goal is to have 10,000 pairs of pajamas ordered. The cost of the pajamas will be $29.99. So for that amount, you will get one pair for a child close to your heart, while a second pair goes to a child at Nkosi's!

  To get on the wait list for pajamas, email: Itsokaytobe@babygagoo.com and you'll receive a follow up email about how to participate (or you can contact me as well, and I'll pass along your interest). This is a great option, and something I hope you all will consider! Sizes go up to youth size 10. 

  As of yesterday, December 8th, we had just over 6,000 orders received. So we still have lots of work to do for these kids! As we continue to work on logistics, email to get on the wait list, and hold on to your money for the time being! Please pass along this information to your friends and family if you think they might be interested!***
 

One of the kiddos at Nkosi's - photo by Vanessa.

  Obviously, their visit to Nkosi's lies smack dab in the middle of my basketball season here in France, so I will be unable to visit Nkosi's with the rest of the team. But I want to contribute in some way. And that's where I need your help! I need fundraising/supply collecting ideas, and I need to spread the word! Sure, I can write a check, and call it a day. But there are more ways to help than just opening up your pocketbook. There are supplies, clothes, shoes, etc...that need to be collected.

  If you are interested in helping, or have clothes/shoes/supplies that you are willing to donate, please let me know! OR, if you have a great IDEA for raising awareness, and spreading the word, feel free to share it with me. I'm terrible with coming up with ideas like that, so I hope to hear some suggestions from you all! Cash donations can be made directly, here: Donate to Nkosi's Haven

  If you are not comfortable donating to the children of Nkosi's, and feel a donation to a cause a little closer to home is more appropriate, I have great respect for that. In that case, Vanessa and team are also working with Sojourn Services for Battered Women and Children. Since 1977, Sojourn has provided battered women and their children a safe place to regroup, rebuild, and reestablish their lives. Cash donations can be made for Sojourn at: Donate to Sojourn

  OR, if neither of these options interest you there is ALWAYS a local organization in your community that could use a donation! It doesn't matter where things are donated, just that people in need are being helped!

Again, from a previous visit.

  No amount is too small, and no item is too trivial. It all adds up, and it all counts. All clothing items, shoes, slippers, art supplies, first aid supplies, vitamins, tooth paste, bed linens, toys, you name it, and we're collecting it! As we continue to work on logistics, if you are interesting in contributing, again, please contact me via Facebook, Twitter, or email!

  For me, it is extremely difficult to fathom the struggles that the mothers and children of Nkosi's and Sojourn go through daily. I can say I am lucky/blessed to have been born where I was born, and been given the opportunities at life that I have been given. We are so far removed from many of these things: HIV/AIDS, poverty, abuse, etc...but the reality is that these things are an everyday occurrence for a great deal of people around the world.

  Along with a great group of new friends, I'm hoping that this small effort, in turn, goes a long way and brings a little more light into these kids' lives.

LINKS:

Latest Update on The Nkosi/Gagoo Pajama Project

Nkosi's Haven

Sojourn Services for Battered Women and Children

gagoovmg@gmail.com  - Email for information about pajamas!!!

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The Girl Effect

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  I became aware of the Girl Effect in 2008 when it was first founded. Attach Nike or the Swoosh to anything, and it immediately grabs my attention. But this time it had nothing to do with the latest shoe or hoodie. It's something much more important than that.

  The Nike Foundation created the Girl Effect alongside the NoVo Foundation and Nike Inc., with contributions from the United Nations Foundation and the Coalition for Adolescent Girls to help raise awareness, and the standard of living for poverty stricken nations.

  The idea behind the Girl Effect is that adolescent girls in developing nations are capable of raising the standard of living for EVERYONE in their country.

• That girls are the most POWERFUL force of change on the planet.
• That girls are like the start of a giant domino effect. When resources are invested into girls, everyone wins: the girls, their families, their communities, and their countries.

  When a girl living in poverty hits puberty, she comes to a crossroads. Her life can go in two dramatic directions.

• a) She is taken out of the school system, is married off, becomes pregnant and desperate, and is then vulnerable to HIV. This results in her and her family remaining in the cycle of poverty. Or,
• b) She stays in the school system, uses her education to earn a living, marries and has children when SHE chooses, raises a healthy family, and stays healthy and HIV negative. Which leads her to have the opportunity to raise the standard of living for her and her family.

  The Girl Effect wants the second scenario to become status quo, thus raising living standards/conditions around the world.

  While it might be a lot to ask, I want every girl to have the same opportunities I had as a teenager. No matter their background. No matter where they live.

  The Girl Effect could be the start of that happening all over the world. I know, it's a lot to bite off. But you know the saying, 'Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you'll land among the stars.'

  I joined in to help raise awareness and spread the word. The more people who know about the Girl Effect, about their goals and motivations, the better. There is a week long blogging campaign that starts today. Go here to see all the entries! If you're interested you can join in as well, just click on the 'Join Me' badge below to find out more information.

  Here are some sobering statistics that support WHY investing in girls and their future/education is so important:

• As of 2007, more than 600 million girls live in the developing world.
• More than 1/4 of the population in Asia, Latin America, the Caribbean, and sub-Saharan Africa are female from the ages of 10-24.
• Approximately 1/4 of girls in developing nations are NOT in school. 
• Out of the world's 130 million out-of-school youth, 70% are girls.
• An extra year of primary school boosts girls' eventual wages by 10-20%. An extra year of secondary school: 15-25%.
• When women and girls earn an income, they reinvest 90% of it into their families. As compared to 30-40% for a man. 
• Research has shown a correlation between better infant/child health and higher levels of schooling among mothers. 
• One girl in seven in developing countries marry before the age of 15, and 38% marry before the age of 18.
• In Nicaragua, 45% of girls with no schooling are married before they turn 18, versus 16% of their educated counterparts. In Mozambique: 60% versus 10%. In Senegal 41% versus 6%.
• Medical complications from child birth is the leading cause of death among girls ages 15-19 worldwide. Girls 10-14 are five times more likely to die during childbirth compared to 20-24 year old women. 
• As of 2006, 75% of 15-24 year-olds living with HIV in Africa are female. Up from 62% in 2001.

  The Girl Effect was started to raise awareness, and raise global consciousness to the power and effect girls have worldwide.

  By joining the conversation, you are doing your part.

  Everyone can become more aware. Obviously, contribute if you are able. It's not just about girls. It's about girls starting the ripple effect that can improve the lives of boys, mothers, fathers, communities, villages, and maybe even their countries. When girls thrive, the people around them thrive.

  Thanks for reading -- Join in!

 




LINKS:
The Girl Effect
The Girl Effect Blogging Campaign 
Spread the Word of the Girl Effect
Donate to the Girl Effect
Learn More

The Girl Effect Fact Sheet