“Who is BOND really?” and “Why is 2015 so significant?”

Bringing on New Direction (BOND) is a nonprofit organization that truly lives up to its name. Our mission to uplift, motivate and empower women of color to reach their highest potential is a charge that we take very seriously. 

 “Yeah, yeah, yeah, so what makes BOND any different than all these other women’s organization around?” 

Well, for starters, BOND is not just your typical, run-of-the-mill women’s group.  For the past decade, BOND has devoted countless hours to serving the lives of hundreds of women. If you’re looking for a place to sit back with your girlfriends to sip wine and chat about the latest episode of “Love & Hip Hop,” we can tell you right now that BOND may not be the right fit for you.  

BOND’s President, Nayvette Fowlkes understands how precious a woman’s time is and how it should never be wasted unnecessarily. She asserts that, “Every minute that a woman comes into our space, it should count for something.  She should leave feeling inspired and optimistic, as if she can conquer the world! If what we put out doesn’t tie in with our mission to uplift, motivate and empower women to reach their highest potential, then it simply won’t go out.”   

Many know BOND through the popular BOND Gatherings. These Gatherings have been BOND’s signature means of connection. The one reoccurring theme that attendees express is that they feel “so comfortable.” They feel much like a welcome guest who is encouraged to relax and share their personal thoughts – their career goals, their dreams and, in many cases, their fears. 

“Even if I may not have it all together, or there’s an area in my live that I need to work on, I don’t sense any judgment,” one member said.  “When I hear someone else admit that she’s going through a difficult time, it’s a relief because, at first, I felt I was alone. Although I came in as a perfect stranger, I felt instantly connected”

2015 is anticipated to be one of BOND’s most exciting years for its members and its supporters (who are not yet members – but who are interested in and who support BOND’s mission.)  For starters, BOND plans to unveil a brand new look on January 2, 2015.  Board Members have coined “I AM BOND” as 2015’s theme. There will be more social media presence than ever before, and members and supporters can expect to see exiting new initiatives. There is much buzz around the upcoming “BOND Card.” This is an incentive program exclusive to BOND members, giving them access to discounts from a host of women-owned

businesses.

“We weren’t expecting to receive such an overwhelming number of businesses interested in participating in the BOND Card Incentive Program. We are just overjoyed that so many businesses believe in our mission and have agreed to partner with us,” says Nayvette. “We are truly humbled by the number of responses.” 

The BOND Card Incentive Program, the organized Networking Opportunities, and the Volunteer and Mentoring Program are just three of the many ways that BOND supports their members. BOND’s Board of Directors is eager that their members understand and reap the rewards of their membership benefits and is looking forward to both a robust membership renewal and the influx of new members for 2015. 

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"He Can Get It!!! Really Can He, That Easy?"

I often hear the phrase “He can get it” but really can it be that easy? Now I understand women use it when they are referring to a very attractive guy in jest but do you really mean it? I’ve never been much of a fan of that saying. It just rubs me the wrong way. What are you really giving away?  I hear some women use it as if they’re giving away old Halloween candy or too small or outdated clothes to the Goodwill. Is that really how you view yourself?

Are you really willing to give it up just because a brother looks easy on the eyes?

Please don’t get me wrong, I’d be lying if I said that I didn’t love gazing upon one of God’s most beautiful creations, Man. Especially when he’s been blessed with good looking features. I too can truly appreciate a nice looking man with the best of them. And if the truth would be told there have even been a few occasions where I’ve caught myself wondering off in la la land thinking how beautiful our black ashy babies would be living in our house with the white picketed fence. But I quickly jump back into reality and catch myself before my mind begins to take me somewhere it has no business going.

The saying rubs me the wrong way because in my humble opinion it cheapens who we are as women. It cheapens our existence. It cheapens not only the person spewing the venom but it cheapens all of us because one woman represents each and every last one of us. That horrid phrase even cheapens our daughters, our granddaughters, our nieces and other young women that are to come after us.  I think some of our ancestors are looking down at us hiding their heads in shame at some of the phrases we’ve adopted. I’m sure there are plenty of them that are rolling in their graves in fury at all the blood, sweat and tears they spent fighting and even dying for respect from others only for us to turn around and boldly and proudly disrespect our  selves.   

Although the saying is often spoken amongst girlfriends in gesture, we still put out into the atmosphere. Our words have so much power that once it’s released from our mouths, those very words work their way into full manifestation. I’m often left scratching my head and yet baffled at the same time when I hear women throwing out that saying so loosely but in the same vein will raise a fist and demand a man’s respect. Really, are you serious and is it even possible?

I haven’t heard too many other races use that term so much as the black community has. It’s no wonder that the statics of teenaged pregnancy, unwed homes, less likely to marry, single mothers, HIV and AIDS amongst the African American community are through the roof.

However just as soon as you give it away you have the nerve to sit crying, feeling disrespected, confused, used and wondering why he didn’t stay. Not only did he not stay, he didn’t call, didn’t send a text, a telegram, a letter, an email, or even a pigeon. He didn’t do a thing.  He didn’t take you out for nice hot meal; he didn’t even pay you a compliment. That brother left with the quickness, never to return again and if he does it’s only to return to the very “thing” he was first introduced to and that’s what you so easily gave away.  

I caution us to be careful about the words we speak. If we want the respect of a man, we have to be willing to respect ourselves, our bodies, our precious jewels and even respect what proceeds out of our mouths. Stop being so willing to give it away. We’re priceless. It should no longer be so easy for him to just “get it” but rather “Naw brother you’ve got to earn it”. Why he may ask and your answer will be because you said so.

What do you think of the saying "He can get It"? Please share your thoughts.

We Are Just So Sad!!! We Can't Seem To Sit Still

We're so sad. Just another reason why BOND Inc can't seem to stay still. Honey child, we are taking this show on the road to Tampa Florida!!!

 

Yep you read that right. FLORIDA!!! This trip will be one to remember. This will be a great time for women of color from all walks of life, from different parts of the country, social statuses and backgrounds to come together and BOND. This trip will make us better friends, better wives, better sisters, better co-workers and so much more. We desperately need this type of getaway and we promise you, you will be better for it.

If you are looking for a great way to step outside of the box to connect, network, have a few laughs, make lasting friendships, meet new people and even relax you need to be there.

 

Click here to get all of the trip details.

 

Be sure to email us at bondinc2004@gmail.com so you can be kept abreast to all the details as they become available. You don't want to miss a thing.

You may also want to join the Facebook Group called Florida Here We Come online by clicking here.

"You"

Hello BOND Girl!!!
The purpose of this message/discussion, is simply this...to say how awesome it is to be all that God has created us to be. With all due respect, this is just what I am feeling in my heart, and what I believe, so I hope you don't mind me sharing.

It's about "YOU" going forth in all that is yours from God to receive, and allow the path of your destiny in life, to be driven solely by God. He knows how it will all unfold in our lives anyway.

Know that you all, we all, are VERY SPECIAL in the eyes of God. It is by no accident (again, what I believe), that we all have connected here as a BOND Girl; who is allowing a "new" direction to come forth in our lives, and in the lives of other BOND Girls, and those around us. You are awesome, you are dynamic, you are priceless as any jewels.

So, yes, this is a time where it can be all about "YOU", because after all, God has placed inspiration, tenacity, purpose and passion in each and everyone of us.

So, go ahead, be BOLD, and allow yourself (YOU) to BOND (Bringing On a New Direction)!!!

Peace,
Sherl