This Week's Spotlight~ Jennifer Gillyard "Write the Vision, Make it Plain".

To know Jennifer is to love her for her sense of humor, loyalty, resourcefulness, and determination. Jennifer epitomizes service and leadership. Her character is in line with BOND Inc's mission to uplift, motivate, and empower women of color to reach their highest potential. Moreover, Jennifer does not stop there, she works with young and senior women of color and often surrounds herself with women from different ethnic backgrounds and aims to understand how to motivate and lead a woman into a great destiny, but within one’s cultural and systemic context.

Charitable Acts That Benefit Others and Its Impact

Personal/Charitable:

·         Jennifer used to be employed as a life skills coach to youth aging out of the foster care system. Even after pursuing another opportunity, Jennifer continues to offer life skills to youth in foster care and youth in general in areas such as employment, education, self-esteem, communication, housing, conflict management, etc.

·         Jennifer loves to volunteer especially around issues of education, child well-being and social justice. She annually volunteers as a volunteer team leader with the Annual Legislative Conference hosted by the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation. She volunteers with the National Council of Negro Women for their annual events; she also has planned and hosted the Children’s Pavilion at the 2010 Black Family Reunion in DC.

·         Jennifer enjoys working with the youth ministry called IMPACT at Hunter Memorial AME Church. As a team member, Jennifer assists with administrative tasks, bible study, and will be assisting with the tutoring and mentoring ministries in Spring 2012. Jennifer has a passion for youth and training them to understand the social problems of their day and how they can make a difference in their communities, which is why she recruits youth to participate in events such as the Annual Legislative Conference.

·         Jennifer in her spare time looks for ways to become an advocate, for example here is an article from her work with what was once Global Action for Children and now the Global Aids Alliance: http://alextimes.com/news/2010/aug/05/education-the-best-way-to-wage-war-on-t/ 

·         When she is able, Jennifer also enjoys volunteering with Habitat for Humanity and working with a family and youth in the foster care system as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) for the City of Alexandria. 

Professional:

In addition to working and going to school full-time, Jennifer continues to serve as a resource to those around her.

·         As a social worker, Jennifer aims to improve how her agency works with the community as well as how social workers provide customer service to clients through forms of quality assurance.

·         Jennifer currently assists and acts as a resource to her church and other charitable organizations and businesses in writing manuals and finding opportunities to serve their respective communities. Jennifer is also working with her church to offer more social services to the Suitland, MD community.

Her Greatest Accomplishment to Date Has Been:

Jennifer’s greatest accomplishment to date has been starting and seeing a project through to its completion. Many times, we have ideas and we even write those ideas down into a plan, but so often the vicissitudes of life hinder us from following through with the plan. We write the vision, and it is clear, but what happens to the execution? A few years ago, Jennifer believed God laid on her heart to publish a poetry book, but design it as a journal to encourage people to write their thoughts, business plans, etc down on paper. It is through this accomplishment that Jennifer has poured out some of herself for others to experience a pouring out of their own dreams.   

The Most Challenging Thing She Has Ever Experienced:

Jennifer’s most challenging thing in life is actually an ongoing struggle of balancing the well-being of one’s family with your own. It was at the age of sixteen, in her junior year at Central High School in Philadelphia, PA, when Jennifer was told that her immediate family members were near death in their health. Her mother, a juvenile diabetic, continued to have seizure after seizure and the doctor gave her a few additional years. Her father, the provider and stability of the family, had to undergo a surgery that required metal rods in his back, but doctors were concerned that with the amount of cigarette smoke in his lungs they would not be able to maintain him on oxygen for 15+ hours of surgery. Her siblings both began experiencing problems with their blood flow, one after contracting HIV. With all of her family members experiencing complications, the family moved in with Jennifer’s paternal grandmother, who had just undergone intestinal surgery. Jennifer was already parentified from assisting her father in caring for her mother, but now she became an emotional and physical support for her family while managing a class load of AP classes and the fear of losing her family to illness. Little did Jennifer know that in a few years she would also battle an illness of her own- Graves Disease, a form of Hyper Thyroid Disease. 

Today, Jennifer continues to manage her illness as well as provide support to her parents and siblings who are thankfully still living and coping with their respective health conditions. Caring for the health demands of family members is not an easy task especially from three hours away. Illness can be taxing on one’s mental stability, finances, and physical health. When you love your family with a love that suffers long, it is challenging to see even one decline in health as you experience inclines in your life. What do you do? Jennifer would think of her father’s voice that always says- “If anything ever happens to us, your job is to continue to excel.”

Her Most Valuable Lessons: 

Jennifer believes we as African American woman often miss one-step while being too busy and that is to practice self-care. She is also a victim of the “on-the-go” spirit! For Jennifer, the following 3 points summarize some of what she would term her most valuable lessons in life.

• Stop Rushing Your Life Process

It is interesting that a synonym of rushing is charge; rushing places a charge, or cost on our health and spirit. Ladies, pause and breathe. When we rush life, we also rush the people and places that have the purpose of developing us into the best person we can be. We often rush in fear of missing something, when in reality what God has for you is yours as long as you remain healthy enough to persevere towards it. When life has its moments where you feel stagnant, do not rush through that stage, instead ask yourself “what can I do in my meantime.”

• You are Not God, but with God your load can be manageable

African American women usually do not carry only themselves, but their families, friends, communities, etc. It is almost as if there was a sign on our backs that said “back available to carry burdens.” We must remind ourselves that some things are meant to be carried for a season and then released, whether that means friends, relationships, etc. A load is meant to be balanced and manageable, so when you feel yourself becoming unbalanced with the weight of the world on your shoulders- start releasing some things (better said than done, but it is doable with the support of our sister-friends).  

• Practice being who you choose to become

Most things in life from the trees that are planted to the laws that govern our country are the result of three things, 1) a dream, 2) a plan, and 3) the execution of a plan. It is imperative, especially as African American women that we practice dreaming and practice writing down the dream and then practice implementing the dream because we will not always be successful in our first attempts. Failure is the defeat we need to experience in order to realize a greater plan. So let us teach our children to dream, plan and execute until the dream is fulfilled.

Final Remarks:  Jennifer has a life lesson on the back of her book that states, “A dream is comprised of ideas and aspirations that become a way of thinking, which translates into a way of behaving. The only way for a dream to be fulfilled is when it is written down then reinforced through action steps. When you wrestle with a dream, you become resilient in the effort to see it come to fruition, thus you allow your ideas to be tested for durability. When a dream reaches the stage of fulfillment then an individual has reached a developmental stage of realizing who they are and what they choose to become….Who is it that you choose to become …Write it down then live it!”

Jennifer’s book “From Dreams, through Wrestling, to Fulfillment” can be found on her website: www.jenngillyard.com

BOND Inc Spotlight features ordinary African American women from all over who are doing extra-ordinary things.  If you or anyone you know would like to be featured, send a request for more information to iambondinc@gmail.com.

The List That Keeps on Giving~ A Personal Interview with BOND Inc President

We had the distinct pleasure of interviewing the Founder and President of a thriving organization entitled Bringing On New Direction Inc. based in the Baltimore/Washington Metropolitan area. BOND Inc as it is affectionately known as is an organization that is catered to women of color with a mission to uplift, motivate and empower women to reach their highest potential.  Ms. Fowlkes shared with us the huge endeavor her organization has in the works and what to expect from BOND in 2012. 

Lately she’s made her list and is checking it twice but not for the reason you’re probably thinking. In fact she's adding more to it. Somehow that list keeps growing by the day. Well actually it’s a laundry list of things she and several of her BOND Sisters must tackle in preparation of their biggest event in BOND’s history. BOND will be hosting “Poetry & Presents” on December 16^th in Columbia MD, a fundraising event to assist a number of needy families during this upcoming holiday season.
Who is BOND Inc Anyway?

I started BOND back in 2004 after graduating from Morgan State University. However God gave me the vision while I was in middle school to start a group for women. At the time I thought I was way too young to start a group. Who thinks of starting a group for women at the age of 13? Not only did I think I was way too young but I had no idea what direction I was to go in. Mind you, I didn’t know the first thing about starting an organization, how to get membership, or even where to begin. I didn’t have a clue about anything remotely close to starting anybody’s organization. The only thing I did know was that it was something that God was prompting me to do.  As time passed, God would wake me up out of my sleep to jot down notes like our name, the mission, vision and goals of the organization. It’s interesting now to think how God never gives us a full picture of where he’s leading us but gives us bits and pieces, almost like a puzzle. I guess he’s trying to see how far we’re willing to go and if we’ll be able to trust him through the journey. I do know that God always equips you for whatever journey he leads you on.

The Defining Moment

Fast forward several years to my college graduation day where our commencement speaker was Bishop Vashti McKenzie.  Her speech challenged the graduating class to move forward and to do great things. I left my graduation so inspired that it literally gave me chills. I held on to the vision God gave me way back in middle school. But what put the icing on the cake for me to kick things into gear was a sermon called “Dream Chaser” a guest preacher spoke at my church. As he was telling the Old Testament bible story of Joseph, I sat in my seat with tears in my eyes. All I could hear was God saying “All those years ago, I gave you nothing more than a dream, often waking you out of your sleep.  Little by little I implanted certain people and gifts in your life for such a time as this. From that point on I no longer wondered how or when because that day it was so very clear to me. the time was finally NOW. God’s timing couldn’t have come at a better time for me.

So that next day, I shared with my co-workers the dream God gave me so many years ago. They each helped me map out just “how” to get things off the ground. After fives months of doing research, talking things through, bouncing off ideas, planning and paperwork on November 20^th 2004 to be exact, 20 of my closest friends and co-workers crammed into my one bedroom apartment to attend BOND Inc’s first interest meeting. By the end of the night, all 20 of them joined and as they say the rest is history. Here it is seven years later and with a few bumps in the road, we are still growing strong and continuing to do great things.


What is Poetry & Presents Event About?

We've been able to accomplish a lot in just seven years. We put quite a few initiatives into action and hosted a number of successful events. We always ensure that everyone of our events or projects fall in line with our mission and purpose. If what I do or put together doesn’t uplift, motivate or empower than what I’ve only managed to do was waste my time and somebody else’s.  Time is just way too valuable, too precious to be wasted.


What really pulls at to my heart strings is being in a position to give to others. I love the act of giving and find it so worthwhile. I would even adventure to say that giving is embedded in my DNA. Having a father as a Pastor (Elder Kenneth Fowlkes of Kingdom Builders Church of God In Christ located in Hanover, MD) and un-coincidentally being named after my maternal grandmother, Navis Wiggins two inspirational and influential people in my life. They both in my opinion, epitomizes what a giver should be like. They give so unselfishly. I’ve watched people take advantage of their kindness, say unkind things about them yet they overlooked what others have done or said and continue to give. Even to the same people who have mistreated them. Wow, talk about being selfless.


I also love how Oprah gives so unselfishly. Every time I watch one of her shows where she surprised a guest with a house, or a car, or paid someone’s debt or whatever, I take it so very personal to the point that I get emotional. I cry right along with them; many times, sobbing just like a baby. I’m just so fascinated with it all. I tell myself often that one day, I’m going to be in position to that and while I don’t have Oprah’s money, just yet (lol), I do have Oprah’s heart. Although BOND isn’t in the position financially to do as much as Oprah does we still chose to do something. I so want to give with the same heart, the same intensity and zeal as she does, expecting nothing in return other than to see a grateful smile on someone’s face or witness how someone’s life was changed for the better from what I was able to do. That to me is PRICELESS.

For 10 months out of the year many of us live quite selfishly. We concern ourselves with doing what makes us happy, what’s easy and enjoyable for us, which is quite OK because sometimes its essential for us to take care of and be good to ourselves. However, why not donate some our time, energy, efforts, money and resources to benefit the needs of someone other than ourselves for the last two months out of the year?

Since our existence, we’ve adopted the tradition of doing something that would benefit those less fortunate.  One year we volunteered our time at a homeless shelter, another time we raised funds and donated the proceeds to a local organization for women. We also started BOND Boutique, an initiative that provided women with business attire for job interviews and work. Other times BOND members donated boxes of unused undergarments to a local organization that assists women victimized by rape.  So this year would be no different in us continuing on with the tradition of giving. We coordinated with the Maryland Department of Social Services and the House of Ruth to provide us with families in need of support during this time of year.

What Can Others Expect at this Event?

Wow, that’s a great question. This year the Poetry and Presents will be at the Owen Brown Center located at 6800 Cradlerock Way in Columbia, MD. Doors will open at 730pm. I cannot stress enough how amazing this event is going to be. What can others expect; well our guest can defiantly expect a packed house. Expect a number of talented poets and spoken word performers from all over the DC, Maryland, Virginia, Delaware and Pennsylvania area coming to showcase their talent. Guest can expect none other than DC’s very own talented artist, poet, performer and upcoming author Mina Holladay, gracing the mic as our evening’s host. Guest can expect to hear light jazz and neo-soul from Baltimore’s own, DJ Cebo. Guest can also expect to mix, mingle and network with some of the finest men and women from all over.  We'll have tasty hors d'oeuvres, lights and cameras flashing, and just a great atmosphere,  Just expect the unexpected because BOND Inc has a lot of great things up our sleeve. Our list continues to grow with ideas because I want our guest to have a great time all while supporting a great cause.


Where to Go For Tickets or More Information

For tickets people can go to www.iambondinc.blogspot.com and click on our Poetry and Presents page. From there you will find a PayPal link. Tickets are only $12 or 2 for $20 which we purposely made very affordable. I think our guest will be quite surprised what they’ll get for such a low price. We highly encourage people to get their tickets sooner rather than later because once tickets are gone they are all gone.  They should not wait until the last minute because word about this event is traveling far and wide.

How Can Others Support

We are so very appreciative for what others have given thus far but we still have a long way to go of reaching our goal of putting a great big smile on the faces of five designated families this season. I have such a great team working tirelessly to put the word out.  We’re also reaching out to local business and organizations to provide either in-kind or monetary donations to this worthy cause. We’ve created a great sponsorship package; I know business owners will be pleased with especially with the level of exposure they will be gaining. Not to mention they too will be donating to a great cause.

We are still seeking sponsorship; in-kind donations and monetary donations so if anyone is interested in supporting this initiative, please visit us on the web at www.iambondinc.blogspot.com click on the Poetry and Presents page for additional ways to support or email us at iambondinc@gmail.com for a personalized sponsorship packages. No gift is too small and we greatly appreciate whatever anyone can do in support.

Any Final Remarks

This is by far one of our biggest initiatives and I’m so excited and truly looking forward to the outcome. I’m truly grateful for our gracious poets who are just as excited, Mina Holladay who’s been a big help with the planning of this event, to our supporters and especially grateful to my BOND Sisters (Sheron Matthews, Gail Murray, Tiffani Ballard, Tamika Smith, Sherl Randolph, Brenda Worthington, Nitiya Ojuolape, and Rashida Challenger) who’ve taken on this project like it was their own. Many working tirelessly right along with me. That means so much to me and it doesn’t go unnoticed or unappreciated.

What’s On BOND Inc Agenda for 2012?

Wow, 2011 has been an amazing year for BOND Inc. We’ve seen a lot of growth internally and externally. Our supporters have been phenomenal. We’ve seen an increase in membership and gaining a positive presence far and wide. I’m so excited about the great things in store for 2012. There's been a few organizations that have reached out to us with talk of partnerships.  This will greatly benefit our members, the other organization but more importantly the community we love to serve. There are a few projects we’re considering such as a motivational conference for middle/high school teenage girls. Many of our supporters are asking for another “Can We Talk” relationship panel discussion. We’ve gained two more contributing writers which will mean our online presences will expand. Of course we have BOND’s staple, our quarterly BOND Gatherings which will never go out of style. So you can see we have a laundry list of things that we’re planning to do. There goes that list again. We can’t help it; BOND Girls don’t believe in sitting idle. How can we? We’re just way too excited about basking in the unlimited possibilities and sharing it with others.

How Can People Learn More About BOND Inc.

For more information, a schedule of gatherings, events or other initiatives, please visit BOND Inc. at iambondinc.blogspot.com or contact iambondinc@gmail.com.

Thank you!

We LIKE You...We Just Hope You "LIKE" Us Back

“Girl Get Your Money Straight” A Major Success
BOND Inc would like to take this time to thank everyone that came out to the GGYMS Gathering. What a great turn out. Our two guest speakers Jennifer Matthews and Yolanda Smith provided us with a lot of great information and some key takeaways.   Be sure to read the review of the evening’s Gathering “Empowered to Grow My Money Tree”. Once you’re done check out What Others Had to Say.

Our next Gathering  “Playing by the Rules” (Click here) will be Friday, January 20^th .  Despite being single or married, there are spoken and unspoken RULES that you must play by.  Guest speaker Monique a certified relationship coach will be in the house. We will provide you will all the details closer to the time of the event. If you would like to RSVP early, email us your name so we can add you to the list. It’s going to be bananas so claim your seat now.

Poetry & Presents Event is In Full Swing Here at BOND Inc everything we do up to including the events we host all serve a purpose. If what we present doesn’t uplift, motivate or empower others then we are wasting our time and yours. The upcoming Poetry & Presents Event is no different. Our number one goal for this event is to assist families in need during this holiday season. Ladies and gentlemen we need your support because we believe in reaching back.

Tickets are selling for $12 or 2 for $20. We can promise you they won’t last long. We have partnered up with other organizations to sell tickets so it’s a must that you get your tickets because and because this will be a sold out event none will be sold at the door. Click here to purchase your tickets via PayPal.  If you prefer another means to get your tickets, email us at iambondinc@gmail.com to make other arrangements.

BOND Inc is working diligently to provide you with a very memorable event. It’s guaranteed that you will leave this event full of smiles.  We’ve acquired some very talented men and women from around the DC, MD, VA, DE and PA to take part in this noteworthy event.  Oh and you’ll never guess who we’ve snagged as our guest host?!?!?! It’s a surprise…Let’s just say she’s pretty well known around the poetry scene. So be there or get…LEFT OUT!!!

We LIKE You…We Just Hope You LIKE Us Back

We have created a Poetry and Presents page on Facebook. Be sure to like the page. There you will find all of the latest and greatest details and information leading up to the event. Find out who’s on the lineup?  Look to see who our special guest host will be? How about a chance to win a free ticket?  Don’t delay!!!

Calling All Business Owners/Entrepreneurs

Do you want to get your business name out to a large presence? How about improve your relationship within the community? Better yet, what about be recognized for having been involved with something that’s life changing and rewarding all at the same time?  If you are a business owner and want to act as sponsors or someone simply wanting to support a great cause BOND Inc wants to hear from you.

 Your donations will assist less than fortunate families during this upcoming holiday season. We have great sponsorship packages available ranging from $50 and up. Please inbox us or send your inquiries to iambondinc@gmail.com. Whatever God lays on your heart to give you will be sowing a seed that will reap a major harvest in due season. Not only that but your donations can be used as a tax write off just in time for the tax season.  For more details send your emails to iambondinc@gmail.com .

Who is BOND Inc.?

If you don’t know you better ask somebody.  Click here to find out more.

BOND Inc’s Membership is Blowing Up

You can always tell when an organization is doing something right. How? You might ask. Well when you like something you tell others about it, RIGHT? Well apparently someone has been spreading the word to others about all the amazing things that BOND Inc is doing in and around the community. Our membership has increased significantly just in the last six months.  Our membership has reached close to 100 members. There are many added benefits of being a BOND Girl. (Click here to find out more)  Our doors are always open so if you’re interested in becoming an active member be sure to email us at iambondinc@gmail.com for your membership application.

You Are Now in the Spotlight

Twice a month BOND Inc spotlights women of color who are doing amazing things in and around the community. After much thought and so many positive responses BOND Inc has decided to provide our readers with a spotlight each and every Monday. Beginning this month you can read a new feature every Monday. Read our most recent feature “A Natural Born Leader (Click here)

If you know of any women who are doing amazing things, send your inquires to iambondinc@gmail.com .

“Natural & All”
Read our latest Natural & All feature, Angela (Click here). Natural and All is a page dedicated to providing information for women in the areas of health, beauty and fashion. Be sure to check back often www.iambondinc.blogspot.com. If you’d like to share your natural hair journey, provide a product review or share you’re most recent fashion finds email us so we can share it with the world.

Future Initiatives 
-Conference for middle/high school girls (next year)
-Natural Hair- Meet & Greet-Date/Location yet to be determined
-BOND Inc Member Intake/Interest Meeting- Date/Location yet to be determined

Seeking Contributing Writers
Be on the lookout because BOND Inc has just obtained a number of contributing writers to join our team. Be sure to check back to our site often. Better yet just follow us so that you won’t miss a thing because we have lots to share. (Click here)

We’re always posting articles, poems, events etc from others so if you or anyone you know is interested please contact us at iambondinc@gmail.com.

Seeking Spoken Word Performers/Poets

A Natural Girl Living In A Synthetic World: A 14 Year Old Speaks About “Going Natural

When I walk into a room, I get stares. Not because of my friendly smile, my confident stride, or even the crazy outfit I may be wearing. At the age of 14, I get attention from both children & adults because of my hair. My long, sun-streaked locs, sprouting from my head like a waterfall. They attract attention everywhere I go, either leaving a trail of compliments from people who appreciate their beauty, or insensitive comments from those who don’t understand. The ones who appreciate my hair are usually African American adults.  They compliment my locs and constantly ask me questions about how long I’ve had my locs and who does my hair. Then there’s the other side of the spectrum; the side full of uninformed and insensitive people. These people find my hair to be strange and dirty instead of exotic and beautiful. They’re usually parents of my Caucasian friends who don’t understand the culture or the style of locs. I try not to take it personal though because I know that it’s only their lack of understanding that makes them judgmental.

Speaking of judgment, adults aren’t the only ones who are cruel. I am also misunderstood, teased or criticized by my peers, for my hair.  A common misconception people have about me is that my “afro centric “ look means that I have mostly Black friends at school and in my neighborhood. The exact opposite is true though. In fact, most of my good friends are from other ethnicities, because the Black kids are the ones usually teasing me. My friends from other ethnic groups tend to be a bit more respectful when it comes to my hair and will ask any questions they may have in a polite manner. However, the Black kids at my school tease me about my locs and call me names like “Bob Marley” and “Cheeto head.” They also tell me to cut my locks and get a perm, weave, or extensions to look “normal” and fit in with everyone else. It’s tragic that the world has brainwashed these children to disrespect their own culture, and not appreciate the beauty of their own natural hair.

It hurts when people tell me to “get rid of my hair”, meaning that I should perm it or get a weave. Well that’s not going to happen because I love my hair and it’s a huge part of me. Not only does my hair extend down my back, but it extends back many years into my heritage as an African-American lady. During slavery, the name of the style “dread locks” originated from slave masters using the term “dreadful locks.” There’s nothing “dreadful’ about it to me, so I wear my hair locked proudly.

By: Briana Powell

Briana Powell is a student in the Born For Greatness Youth Writers class: www.BFG-youth.com

Keeping You Informed With All That's Going On

BOND INC. GATHERING-“Girl Get Your Money Straight”- Friday, October 21st

We have just about reached our limit for our October Gathering discussing women and finances with our guest speaker Jennifer Matthews, MA, MBA. Ms. Matthews is an author, a trained financial coach and a regular financial expert guest on WUSA TV9’s Mind Over Money consumer show. She’s also been featured on PBS documentary Facing Mortgage Crisis in DC. To read her full bio and her interview visit our page. To attend simply email us at bond_2gether@hotmail.com to ensure your name is on the list. This event is sure to be one filled with fun, laughs and every woman can benefit from.

UPCOMING EVENT “Poetry & Presents”

Ladies and Gents find yourself a hot date or notify your mate in advance that BOND Inc will be sponsoring a special poetry event for the Christmas Holiday season.  Poets from around the DMV will be performing at this evening affair. This is a fundraiser event to assist family(s) in need during the holiday season. We can guarantee you that this will be a sold out affair. If you know of any poets who would like to take part have them contact us. If you would like to be made aware of this event when more details become available please let us know.

FUTURE INITIATIVES  

-Natural Hair- Meet & Greet-Date/Location yet to be determined

-BOND Inc Member Intake/Interest Meeting- Date/Location yet to be determined

COMPUTER LOVE ANYONE?-ONLINE DATING EXPERIMENT

BOND Inc will be writing a piece about finding love online. If you signed up to take part of this experiment we've already fowarded you the information via email. If you'd like to take part let us know because we a few spots. This is shaping to be a lot of fun.

JANUARY GATHERING- Save the Date “Playing By the Rules” Friday, January 20th

Ladies we are warning you now that this will be a memorable Gathering. Mark your calendars for January 20th Gathering. Review the attached document to see what’s in store for you. More details will follow closer to the time of the event.

WE ADDED A NEW PAGE “Natural & All”

A page dedicated to providing information for women in the areas of health, beauty and fashion. Be sure to check back often www.iambondinc.blogspot.com

FEATURED STORY

Twice a month BOND Inc spotlights women of color doing some really amazing things in and around the community. If you or anyone you know that is interested in being spotlighted please let us know and we will send you the necessary information. Its time we’ve showed the world just what we’re made of. Visit our site to see who’s been featured thus far.

CAN WE TALK-PART II PICTURES ARE UP (click here)

Previously we experienced some technical difficulties in viewing the CWT-Part II photos. Well now they are up. Take a minute to review them.

SEEKING CONTRIBUTING WRITERS for www.iambondinc.blogspot.com

Are you a promising writer or poet that loves to write? Do others see you as a go to person for advice in areas as health, fashion, finances or relationships? Do you have a business or product that you want to share with the world? Or maybe you are a blogger that's looking to have a little fun and get your name out there. If so, BOND Inc wants to hear from you. We're seeking contributing writers to lend their God giving talents, skills and expertise to uplift, motivate and empower others. There will be something for everybody to enjoy.  If you or anyone you know is interested please contact us at iambondinc@gmail.com.

Until Next Time

5 Things Adults Can Do to Inspire The Youth ~ Asia W.

Teens don’t always want encouragement or inspiration.  Often times we wish to be completely independent, going forward with our own “superior wisdom”.   Nevertheless, we still require guidance from adults we can look up to and appreciate as role models.  This doesn’t always mean that adults have to do some type of heroic act to inspire us.  It can be as simple as the following points.

1.  Believe in us. Praise us if you want to build our self- confidence. Teens that lack a dream may be overwhelmed with life and unable to motivate themselves. Encourage us to explore things we’re good at and build our self-esteem. When we believe in ourselves, we'll be inspired to try new things.

2. Help us make decisions. We often beg for independence, but that doesn't mean we want the responsibility of making major life decisions on our own. Stay connected with us and help us when we need you (though we may not always approach you directly with problems) Teach us problem solving and brainstorming techniques along the way.

At the same time…

3.  Give us choices so we feel empowered. With parents and teachers telling us what to do, we can sometimes feel powerless in our own lives. Give us options and let us make some choices on our own. As long as our decisions aren’t going to severely damage ourselves or others, allow us to make mistakes; it helps us feel empowered and inspired.

4. Encourage us to have our own interests and dreams. Take the time to listen to us. What you have mapped out for us may not always be the path we’ve chosen to take. Find out what makes us excited and what makes our eyes light up. Encourage us to build these interests into an attainable dream.

5. Help us set a goal. This could be anything from passing a test to starting a career. Teach us to enjoy the little achievements along the way. Attaining goals makes people feel proud and gives them the courage to try new things; teens are no exception.

These few points will encourage us to respect your wisdom.  By simply respecting a teen as a person and not always putting them down, you can inspire them to do great things.

Asia is a student in the Born For Greatness Youth Writers class: www.BFG-youth.com

If You Don't Use It You'll Lose It

Are you a promising writer or poet that loves to write? Do others see you as a go to person for advice in areas as hair, fashion, finances or relationships?
Do you have a business or product that you want to share with the world?
Or maybe you are a blogger that's looking to have a little fun and get your name out there.

If so, BOND Inc wants to hear from you. We're seeking contributing writers to lend their God giving talents, skills and expertise to uplift, motivate and empower others.

If you or anyone you know is interested please contact us at iambondinc@gmail.com.