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  • The Importance of Pride Beyond the Month of June

    The month of June is known as Pride Month; it is a time for people within the LGBTQ+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Questioning, Intersex, and Asexual) community to celebrate who they are, educate others, spread awareness, and spread love to all. Although Pride is viewed as a month-long celebration, many members of the LGBTQ+ community believe that Pride has a deeper meaning that goes far beyond the month of June. Paula Monroe is a young lesbian woman who believes Pride is an important time for individuals within and outside the LGBTQ+ community. She believes that Pride is a time for individuals of all different cultural and ethnic backgrounds to come together and love one another, regardless of who they are or who they love. “I feel that pride month is something that people can celebrate being different as a community, which is beautiful. Pride month is very important because it is just one example of the love and acceptance we can all share as humans if only we choose it. Pride is acceptance. Pride is togetherness. Pride is happiness. Pride is a world where everyone is just a person, where nobody dies for the color of their skin or the people they love. Pride is the hopeful future,” said Monroe. Monroe also believes that Pride is a time for people from all different backgrounds to unite and commemorate those who have fought for LGBTQ+ rights. She believes that during Pride, it is important to show gratitude to those who have sacrificed themselves and acknowledge that people within the community have a greater sense of safety due to the selfless actions of the activists who came before them. “I think pride is a time where we as a human race should know why we have pride and how it came to be and remember we wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for all those who died for us to be open and safe,” said Monroe. While Monroe and others within the LGBTQ+ community view pride as a concept that should be recognized outside of June, organizations like the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) believe that Pride is about events and celebrations that raise awareness and commemorate the history of behind the LGBTQ+ social movement. Monroe explains that to her pride month is about more than rainbows and parades. Pride is an important time for the LGBTQ+ community to celebrate who they are, recognize advancements, and commemorate history, Monroe believes Pride should not be celebrated for one solitary month and then discarded until the following year. “Pride isn’t just about who we love; it’s about spreading love to everyone and anyone. That’s why Pride should be recognized outside the month of June. We cannot just celebrate people for one month. We are living people 365 days of the year unless that has been taken away by arrogance and judgment,” said Monroe. Monroe believes that Pride is not only about accepting individuals regardless of who they love; it is also about spreading love to all. The most important part of Pride is spreading love and fighting against hate and discrimination. She believes that even though love will always be stranger than hate, hate cannot be stopped by one month of celebration and acceptance. She feels that if Pride was recognized outside of Pride Month, it could be a way to fight against discrimination and promote acceptance.   This article was written for Planted, Not Buried's segment Spread Your Roots, Grow Your Knowledge. Planted, not Buried is a non-profit organization that focuses on empowering, educating, and inspiring others through outreach, events, networking, and opportunities.

  • Lady Be Free Resource Center for Women Provides a Safe Space for Abuse Survivors

    Lady Be Free Resource Center for Women is a non-profit organization located in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The organization seeks to reduce the number of women who face domestic violence and to provide resources for survivors of domestic abuse. According to Lady Be Free’s website, the mission of the organization is, “to decrease domestic violence and minimize its impact through evidence-based programs that provide protection, education, and prevention. We are committed to empowering our survivors with the skills necessary to acquire and maintain self-sufficiency.” Lady Be Free was founded by Valerie L. Brown, who hoped that by creating this organization she could help survivors of abuse cope and heal. Through Lady Be Free she also hoped to spread awareness, changing society's perception of domestic violence. Many believe that physical violence is the only form of domestic abuse however, there are many other forms of abuse including but not limited to, mental, emotional, and financial abuse. Lady Be Free seeks to empower abuse survivors by showing them their strength, giving them a place to tell their stories, and providing opportunities to gain new skills and learn independence. Lady Be Free is a safe space for women who have experienced abuse to be heard, hear the stories of others and heal. While Lady Be Free was founded to empower other survivors of domestic violence, it empowered Brown as well. In 2017, Brown released a book titled Reflection of a Survivor. Within this book, Brown reveals that she is a survivor of domestic violence. She explains that she has been through two abusive relationships and has hidden her experiences out of shame and fear. Through Lady Be Free’s website, Brown explains that hearing the stories of other survivors gave her the courage to break her silence and tell her own story. This article was written for Planted, Not Buried's segment Spread Your Roots, Grow Your Knowledge. Planted, not Buried is a non-profit organization that focuses on empowering, educating, and inspiring others through outreach, events, networking, and opportunities.

  • Building a more accessible police force

    By: Chyann Klahs and Emily Rubera Local police departments are implementing measures to prevent the mistreatment of people with disabilities and mental illness. Police departments' insufficient training is an important issue because of the significant number of individuals who have a disability or mental health disorder. Many 9–1–1 calls involve disabled or mentally ill people. Many of these calls result in harm to the individual, leading many in the public to believe police lack basic training and education when it comes to disability and mental illness. According to the National Down Syndrome Society , People with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) are much more likely to have encounters with law enforcement and first responders, yet are also more likely to have communication difficulties that can lead to misunderstandings, sometimes with tragic consequences. To prevent mistreatment of disabled and mentally ill people, the Gates Chili Police Department provides officers with an additional 40 hours of crisis training and is also participating in the “D” project to promote awareness and fundraise for disabilities like autism. Gates Police Department lieutenant Robert Long believes that local departments should follow by example and implement practices like these. “Other agencies should model what we do here, we are sending all of our officers to an additional 40-hour crisis intervention training course, this is added mental health training. We also partner with a local autism community through the campaign “D” project, assisting with educational opportunities, fundraisers, and autism awareness,” said Long. Vicki Rubera is a mother of a child with many forms of mental illnesses. Her daughter, Paula suffers from Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Oppositional defiant disorder (ODD), and Bipolar Disorder. Rubera says these disorders often cause her daughter to become violent and difficult to handle. Rubera says during these violent outbursts, she relies on police to de-escalate the situation. Rubera says it seems that officers intensify situations and end up fighting violence with violence. Vicki Rubera is a mother of a child with many forms of mental illnesses. Her daughter, Paula suffers from Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Oppositional defiant disorder (ODD), and Bipolar Disorder. Rubera says these disorders often cause her daughter to become violent and difficult to handle. Rubera says during these violent outbursts, she relies on police to de-escalate the situation. Rubera says it seems that officers intensify situations and end up fighting violence with violence. A large percentage of police interactions with individuals who have disabilities or mental illnesses end in violence. When it comes to people with disabilities, WTHR 13 explains that 30% to 50% of police calls involving disabled individuals end in violence. In addition to this, many police calls involving a person who has a mental illness also end in violence. According to Mental Health First Aid, Approximately 10% of police calls involve a person with mental illness, making police the nation’s de facto first responders to mental health crises. Mental Health First Aid believes that these startling statistics can be reduced by providing officers with training and additional resources like crisis teams, to keep both the officer and the individual safe. Mental Health First Aid argues that to address these tragic statistics, we need to supply adequate tools that police can use when they respond to mental health emergencies, so they can do so in a safe, effective, and caring manner that de-escalates tense situations. Additionally, we need to provide the appropriate skills for police to care for themselves. It is critical that police receive specialized mental health training. most people believe that police training is incredibly important, but advocates argue that training is not enough. Jessica Sniatecki is the Vice-Chair of SUNY Brockport’s Accessibility Committee. She believes that individuals who specialize in crisis response and de-escalation should accompany police on calls involving individuals with disabilities or mental illness. “There are situations where a different type of professional should be responding, to try to de-escalate or talk to the person. Some situations may benefit from having someone with real expertise on how conditions might affect someone and how techniques could be used to engage the person and proceed in a more productive way,” said Sniatecki. Many individuals with disabilities and mental illnesses agree that police training is beneficial, but will not resolve police mistreatment of people with disabilities and mental health disorders. Paige Dwiggins is a 22-year-old woman with autism. She believes that crisis counselors should work alongside police, to help de-escalate violent situations and prevent harm to both the individual and the officers. “I think that they need to have mental health professionals who are trained to deal with people with autism and other disabilities, like crisis counselors who would go on calls with them,” said Dwiggins. Officer Long believes crisis teams are a great asset for police in certain crisis situations. However, in situations that involve a person with a weapon or someone who is being violent towards others, crisis teams are not a safe solution. “Here in Monroe County, we have the FIT (Family In Crisis) team. They are mental health professionals that respond with law enforcement on calls and issues. What then becomes tricky is that they are unarmed and not law enforcement officers. So, when we respond to the suicidal person with a gun call, they are not the best person to have with us as they are not protected nor do they know our tactics,” said Long. Police departments are taking steps to prevent the mistreatment of people with disabilities and mental illness, but advocates believe that what is being done is not enough. These advocates argue that police are unequipped when it comes to people with disabilities and mental illness, and the implementation of crisis teams is essential to prevent mistreatment of these individuals.

  • Navigating the Intersection Between Autism and Mental Health

    April is designated as Autism Awareness Month is a time dedicated to increasing awareness of the intellectual disability that affects how a person perceives and interacts with the world around them. This month, it is crucial for us to advocate for a better understanding of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) as discoveries are being made about the condition and its relationship with mental health. Researchers have begun to make connections between autism and other conditions such as anxiety, depression, and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD).  Autism is a condition that can affect individuals in many different ways, including communication barriers, socialization difficulties, repetitive behaviors, and emotional regulation issues.  According to the  National Autism Indicators Report in 2021 , "National estimates, based on parental reporting, suggest that three-quarters of autistic children have at least one co-occurring mental health condition, including behavior or conduct problems, ADHD (attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder), anxiety and depression."  While recent studies and reports like these suggest a link between ASD, ADHD, and mental health disorders, behavioral health specialists and scientists are still trying to understand why individuals with autism are at a higher risk of developing comorbid conditions. Scientists theorize that genetics may play a role based on findings that have identified shared genealogical and chromosomal factors between autism and these disorders. While scientists theorize that genetics is what facilitates the relationship between autism and mental health conditions, ASD specialists believe that mental health problems develop over time as a result of the challenges individuals with ASD face living life on the spectrum. Behavioral Health professionals believe that individuals with ASD are at an increased risk of developing a mental illness because of the way their minds function and the ways they are treated by society.  Those with ASD perceive the world differently, and any change or instability can be threatening. Add onto this that society is not always kind or accepting, making it even more challenging for individuals with ASD to cope with their condition, which can lead to anxiety, depression, and other mental disorders.  Individuals with autism often engage in a behavior known as camouflaging or masking in an attempt to hide their disability and appear "normal" to society. Masking causes a person to disconnect from parts of their identity and suppress self-soothing or stimulatory behaviors that occur naturally in individuals with ASD. This can lead to social anxiety, isolation, and feelings of inadequacy, as the person fears that they will not be accepted as their authentic selves. Masking can lead to negative feelings and behaviors that may result in the manifestation of mental illness. According to another article published by Molecular Autism titled Is social camouflaging associated with Anxiety and Depression in autistic adults , "There is emerging evidence that social camouflaging may be a risk factor for anxiety and depression in autism." In addition, this article explains that "Camouflaging is very commonly reported to be exhausting and stressful. Further, the habitual practice of pretending not to be autistic can erode a person's sense of identity." While it is still unclear why individuals with autism are more likely to develop co-occurring conditions, psychologists and scientists both agree that early diagnosis and treatment are crucial when symptoms of mental illness begin to arise. Interventions like therapy and medications have been found to be effective in reducing symptoms of mental illness and improving the lives of individuals, regardless of whether they are on the spectrum. Despite controversy, therapy has been proven to be an effective treatment option for individuals with ASD who are struggling with their mental health. Therapists may adjust approaches to treatment to meet the specific needs of each individual on the with autism.  Autism and mental health disorders are both complex conditions that can affect people in different ways. A good therapist will work with clients to find the best ways to help them heal and cope with their conditions. Many different types of therapy can be used to treat disorders like depression and anxiety. For those on the spectrum who are struggling with their mental health, therapists will often use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). CBT is a type of talk therapy that can be useful in treating individuals with ASD who have co-occurring conditions. CBT helps people understand their emotions and behaviors, develop healthy coping mechanisms, and emphasizes how thoughts can influence feelings and actions. Along with CBT, medication may also be a beneficial form of treatment. However, it is essential to note that therapy and medication are most effective when used together. In addition to treatment, having a strong support system is vital for individuals with ASD and co-occurring mental health conditions. Coping with and seeking treatment for mental illness can be overwhelming for anyone, but it can be especially challenging for those with ASD. The cause of the connection between ASD and mental health is still up for debate, but what is clear is that loved ones can help individuals with ASD cope with their conditions by being aware of this connection and providing them with a safe space. As we journey through Autism Awareness Month, we must advocate for continued research into the intricate relationship between autism and other co-occurring conditions. We must also become committed to building a supportive environment where individuals with autism feel accepted and valued for their unique strengths and perspectives. By championing acceptance and understanding, we can enhance the quality of life for people with ASD and potentially mitigate the challenges they encounter, including their heightened susceptibility to mental health conditions. This article was written for Planted, Not Buried's segment Spread Your Roots, Grow Your Knowledge. Planted, not Buried is a non-profit organization that focuses on empowering, educating, and inspiring others through outreach, events, networking, and opportunities.

  • Shattering the Stigma: Men's Mental Health and the Importance of Seeking Help

    May is recognized as Mental Health Awareness Month. These four weeks are dedicated to spreading awareness and fighting stigma, tearing away its false foundations. While anyone who has a mental illness is affected by this stigma, men's mental health is scrutinized by society, and they are often forced to suffer in silence. Austin Lockhart is a 22-year-old man who has struggled with depression and anxiety for several years. He has dealt with his mental health struggles in solitude, fearing judgment due to society's views on gender roles and masculinity. As Lockheart continued to avoid treatment, Lockhart faced a dire situation. It became clear that he was in a mental health crisis. Coming to grips with the severity of his condition, he realized it was time to ask for help. While seeking professional treatment allowed Lockhart to begin to heal, some of his sufferings could have been alleviated sooner if the stigma had been erased from our culture. "Nobody talks about men's mental health because of views on masculinity. I was scared to reach out for help, and I would keep it inside, feeling down on myself every single day. It got to the point where everything was just too much, and I had to reach out for help. It was probably the best thing I've ever done," said Lockhart. Society's expectations of men perpetuate the stigma attached to men's mental health. Men feel obligated to be strong and self-reliant, never asking for help or shedding a tear. Emotion is a human condition that men are taught to ignore at all costs, even if they end up paying with their lives. The stigmatization of men's mental health creates barriers that cause men suffering from mental illness to turn to unhealthy and harmful coping mechanisms like drug use, alcohol abuse, and self-harm. Unfortunately, along with being at risk of participating in these dangerous behaviors, men are also at a greater risk of suicide. If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts and self-injurious behavior, it is essential to know that you are never alone, even when it feels like you are. There are always resources and support available, and there is always hope. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is available 24/7 and can be reached by calling 1-800-273-8255.   Kevin Huang is a student at Purdue University who has seen the harm that the stigma attached to men's mental health causes. Throughout college, he has seen many of his male peers struggle with mental health, refusing to seek help from campus counselors and other resources. Huang believes the stigma behind men's mental health caused many of his peers to think they had to endure their struggles alone. Huang explains that the first step towards ending the stigma is breaking down barriers by spreading awareness of men's mental health, giving men ways to tell their stories, educating the public, and validating other men's experiences. "The first step in combating this stigma is raising awareness about it and teaching others why this stigma needs to be combated and taken down. The more we talk about mental health and hear about stories, the more ways we can think about how to combat it and begin to help one another," said Huang. We need to come together as a society to create a culture where men feel comfortable seeking help and opening up about their struggles, working together to promote awareness, acceptance, and support for men struggling with mental health issues. ​   This article was written for Planted, Not Buried's segment Spread Your Roots, Grow Your Knowledge. Planted, not Buried is a non-profit organization that focuses on empowering, educating, and inspiring others through outreach, events, networking, and opportunities.

  • Stave off the Winter Blues With These Fun Indoor Activities

    As the temperature begins to drop, fun outdoor activities like BBQs and picnics will end, and we will retreat inside our homes once more. Seeing the changing leaves may fill you with dread for the cold months ahead, fearing the boredom and solitude that comes along with winter. But do not fret; plenty of fun indoor activities help stave off the winter blues. Some of these activities include creating festive crafts, cooking a cozy dish, and transforming your living room into a movie theater. One fun activity that can help stave off the winter blues and get you into the holiday spirit is creating festive crafts and using them to decorate your space. It can become mentally taxing to be stuck inside the same four walls, looking at the same bland scenery for days on end. Creating festive crafts is a fun pastime that will allow you to brighten up your home and spark the joy of the holiday season. One fun but simple holiday craft that can be created is paper snowflakes. All you will need to complete this craft is stationary or printer paper, a pair of scissors, and to follow a few easy steps. This craft may be simple, but you can get creative with it. Spice up your snowflake designs using colorful or patterned paper, or decorate them with glitter and makers. Make them your own and brighten up your home for the coming holidays. Another fun but simple winter craft that can be created is a snow globe. Homemade snow globes can be used as beautiful winter decorations or be given as a thoughtful gift to a loved one. For this activity, you will need a jar with a tight lid, hot glue, some glitter, liquid glycerin or clear glue, and whatever fun things you want to place inside your snow globe.   To complete this activity follow these six steps: Find an empty glass or plastic jar, such as an empty sauce jar or an old mason jar. Pick a theme or concept for your snow globe, then find small objects or toys that fit inside. Arrange your chosen objects how you desire, and use a hot glue gun to attach them to the lid of the jar carefully. While the glue dries, place one tablespoon of glitter and two tablespoons of liquid glycerin or clear glue into the jar. Fill the rest of the jar with distilled water, leaving one inch of room for the lid to fit snugly on top of the jar. Place hot glue on the inside of the lid and screw it tightly to the jar to avoid any leaking. Another enjoyable activity to participate in during the cold winter months is cooking a cozy dish. When the bitter cold begins to seep in, sitting by the fireplace in flannel pajamas may not be enough to dull the chill. Cooking a warm meal like chili or stew may warm your bones and your home. Food can become a comfort for many during the winter months. Our brains and bodies crave warm foods, and we begin consuming an increased amount of sugar and fat.  This is a natural survival response to changes in temperature, the amount of daylight, and declining moods. To our bodies, declining light and temperature means lower food growth and production rates, so we begin storing nutrients, fearing that food may become scarce. Our bodies also crave comfort food because it has been found to improve our mood and increase serotonin levels, which can be reduced during the cold dark winter. So, if you are stuck inside looking for an activity, cook yourself or your family a cozy dish, warm your belly, and prepare your body for the long winter months. After you finish your delicious homemade dish, end the night by curling up on the couch to watch a movie. Creating an at-home movie theater is another activity that can be enjoyed with friends or family when the cold or snow keeps you indoors. Being stuck inside may seem like a bummer, but going out is overrated anyway! Stay at home in your favorite pajamas and bring the movie theater experience into your home. Everyone knows that snacks are the most essential part of the cinematic experience, and the extra buttery popcorn is divine. But movie theater snacks can be expensive, so save some coins and make a concession stand of your own. Grab some tasty snacks, including movie theater-grade popcorn with extra butter and your choice of beverages, then lay it all out and enjoy! To further transform your living room into a movie theater, you can decorate and rearrange your space to feel like a cinema. You can create and illustrate signs for the concession stand and the featured films you will be showing at the theater. If you want to get even more creative, you can even make customized popcorn bags by decorating brown paper bags with markers. Now that you have transformed your space, it's time to dim the lights and turn up the volume. Cue up some movie trailers and pick a small selection of feature films for your friends and family to choose from. Once a movie is selected, sit back, eat some tasty snacks, and enjoy! This article was written for Planted, Not Buried's segment Spread Your Roots, Grow Your Knowledge. Planted, not Buried is a non-profit organization that focuses on empowering, educating, and inspiring others through outreach, events, networking, and opportunities

  • Make Mindfulness a Part of Your Life in 2023

    The practice of mindfulness intentionally focuses your awareness on the present moment without interpretations or judgment. Practicing mindfulness allows us to relax both the body and the mind, reducing stress. Mindfulness has been found to have many positive effects, improving a person's physical and mental health. Mindfulness has also increased cognitive intelligence, enhanced concentration, and improved self-control. Make mindfulness a part of your life by practicing these four simple steps, focus on one thing at a time, step away from technology, practice mindfulness exercises, and set aside time for deep reflection.  Our daily lives can become incredibly stressful and overwhelming. We are constantly on the move juggling different tasks, attempting to get everything done before the day comes to an end. When you feel stuck in the trenches with no way out, take a deep breath and break tasks down into one step at a time. It is essential to recognize when you begin to feel overwhelmed, then relax and redirect your mind, focusing on the present moment. Once you have grounded your awareness, you can start enjoying the present and complete tasks with ease.  This process is referred to as One Mindfulness, and its purpose is to train our brains to focus on one thing at a time, slowly breaking down the habits ingrained in us. For example, we are constantly multitasking, struggling to get everything done on time without focusing on what we are doing. Practicing One mindfulness allowed us to be present and aware, strengthening our concentration, improving productivity, and reducing stress.  A second way to introduce mindfulness into your life and ease anxiety is by unplugging from technology. Technology is a part of our daily lives, and most of our waking hours are immersed in technology in some way. We are all guilty of wasting hours scrolling on our phones or working on our computers until 1 a.m. While technology has immeasurable benefits, some disadvantages lead to our detriment. The excessive use of technology disrupts sleep, hinders productivity, increases stress levels, and decreases awareness.Technology takes us away from the current moment and is often a catalyst for stress and anxiety. We constantly compare ourselves and our lives to choreographed depictions we see on a screen. This causes us to pass judgment on ourselves and become stressed over trivial things. By unplugging and stepping away from technology regularly, we focus on what is happening around us and truly take in the present moment.  In addition to focusing on one task at a time and stepping away from technology, you can practice mindfulness by completing mindfulness exercises. Mindfulness exercises are different from traditional forms of exercise like aerobics or cardio. Mindfulness exercises aim to become grounded within reality, developing a heightened sense of your body and the atmosphere around you. The most commonly practiced mindfulness exercise is meditation. During meditation, the mind focuses on a specific object, thought, or action, helping to ease your mind of stress and anxiety. Meditation can be practiced in solitude or with a mediator to guide you through the experience.  setting aside time for reflection is a fourth way to make mindfulness a part of your life this year. Mindfulness evokes emotions that we need to take time to process and understand without the influence of judgment. Setting aside time to reflect in a quiet and safe space allows us to develop a stronger connection within ourselves and understand the world around us. Through mindfulness, we can reflect on our experiences and emotions with clarity, dissolving the fog that biases and preconceived notions create.  Reflection can be practiced in many different ways. You can sit with your thoughts, journal, or even create art. The way a person chooses to practice reflecting is not what's important. What matters is the value they receive from it. While most people who practice mindfulness decide to reflect on their emotions and experiences at the end of the day, others enjoy reflecting on the moment, documenting the feelings that arise during different incidents. The steps you chose to take on your journey to mindfulness and how you chose to reflect on them are not necessary. Mindfulness is about connecting the mind and body while strengthening your awareness of the world. This article was written for Planted, Not Buried's segment Spread Your Roots, Grow Your Knowledge. Planted, not Buried is a non-profit organization that focuses on empowering, educating, and inspiring others through outreach, events, networking, and opportunities

  • Women empowering women, a weapon against abuse and gender inequality

    March is Women’s History Month, a time to celebrate the women who paved the way and continue to fight against the mistreatment of women and gender inequality, chipping away at the glass ceiling so that the next generation can watch it shatter. There are many ways that we can pay tribute to the activists who fought before us and continue to wage the war that women like Ida B. Wells started. Some of the greatest advancements in the women's rights movement have stemmed from women banding together to fight in solidarity. The fight against inequality and the mistreatment of women by our society is not a battle that can be won alone. But, how do we bring women together in a world that seems determined to pin us against one another? One way a woman can begin to empower other women to come together and fight for change is by telling their own stories. When a woman chooses to stand up and tell their own truths, it inspires other women to acknowledge the worth and power of their own stories. In a room full of women you will find that more than half of them have experienced assault and/or harassment in their lifetimes, and almost all of them have dealt with gender inequality. Most of these women have chosen to stay silent out of fear or shame. Many of those who have chosen to report what has happened to them face the burden of proof and the judgment of others. When one of these women takes a stand and exposes the trauma they have experienced and the treatment they may have faced, it empowers and inspires others to do the same. Validating their feelings and experiences, giving them the courage to fight back, and sharing the traumas they have experienced. Along with telling their own stories, another way women can empower each other is by listening to the stories of their sisters without passing judgment. It is important to take value in every word the speaker says and recognize the bravery that it takes to speak out, knowing that your words will be torn apart and ridiculed. When a woman tells her story and is met with love and acceptance from other women, it encourages them to continue speaking out and fighting for change. When other women see this support it may give them the courage to speak out and tell their own stories. In addition to telling their own stories and listening to the stories of others without judgment, One of the biggest ways women can empower one another is by choosing to lift each other up instead of tearing each other down. When scrolling through comments on social media, it is evident that women judge each other's appearances and lifestyles,  based solely on what they see through a screen. This behavior is encouraged by tabloids that compare celebrities asking ‘who wore it better,’ judging a woman based on what they wear and who they choose to date. Instead of reading tabloids like these and judging other women you see on social media or in person, find ways to spread positivity and lift up others. Share the love, leave a compliment in someone's comment section, encourage others, or just be a friend. Understand that every woman is different and we are all going through different challenges, but we also face some of the same oppositions. As women, we have all faced some form of injustice; whether we realize it or not, use this as a driving force to fuel the fight for change and bring women together to end gender inequality. This article was written for Planted, Not Buried's segment Spread Your Roots, Grow Your Knowledge. Planted, not Buried is a non-profit organization that focuses on empowering, educating, and inspiring others through outreach, events, networking, and opportunities.

  • HerTrueSelf Helps Young Girls Build Confidence

    Today, the confidence of young girls is stifled by social media filled with photos of seemingly flawless women. HerTruSelf is a company that strives to help young girls gain confidence, by showing them that the beauty standards set by the media and society do not define their worth. HerTruSelf was founded by 14-year-old Daijelle who developed the company with the support of her mother. Daijelle became inspired to create HerTruSelf after seeing how social media and societal standers affected her peer's perceptions of themselves. Through her brand Daijelle hopes to empower young girls, helping them develop a sense of self-confidence. Through HerTruSelf's Website Daijelle explains, “together with my loving mom, I created the brand to inspire young girls to get the confidence, self-esteem, and validation they need from no one but themselves. Not from the superficial standards flooding social media.” Through her brand, Daijelle hopes to inspire and empower other young girls with products that she originally began creating to boost her own self-confidence. She began writing and reciting affirmations to help her gain a sense of self-worth and acceptance. Similar affirmation cards are now being sold on HerTruSelf's website, along with Journals, self-confidence workbooks, apparel, and Motivational Boxes. HerTruSelf’s Motivational Boxes are filled with tools to help young girls begin to love and accept themselves. Each box contains a HerTruSelf branded tee-shirt, a self-talk journal that encourages a positive mindset and self-love, Daily emotional flaps to help build emotional intelligence and resilience, a negative emotion pouch to stave away negative thoughts, ten affirmation cards, a pen, and instructions on how to use the tools within the box. HerTrueSelf’s Motivational Boxes have been created by Daijelle to help other young girls who struggle with negative self-perceptions as she once did. These boxes allow young girls to start building a positive mindset and begin to see their self-worth. These Motivational boxes also help young girls develop emotional intelligence and combat social anxieties fostered by the media and expectations of others.   This article was written for Planted, Not Buried's segment Spread Your Roots, Grow Your Knowledge. Planted, not Buried is a non-profit organization that focuses on empowering, educating, and inspiring others through outreach, events, networking, and opportunities.

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