My Brother’s Keeper

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Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images
President Barack Obama delivers remarks about his My Brother’s Keeper initiative with students from the Hyde Park Academy in the East Room at the White House on Feb. 27, 2014.  

Stop Writing Letters and Do the Work

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A Powerful Argument Against Teen Body-Shaming

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  Body Image When 18-year-old tennis sensation Taylor Townsend beat 21st-ranked Alize Cornet in the French Open on Wednesday, she did more than simply extend her thrilling Grand Slam debut by advancing to the third round. The 205th-ranked Townsend's feat -- it made her the youngest U.S. woman to advance to the third round at the French Open since 2003 -- is even more impressive considering just two years ago, the U.S. Tennis Association attempted to keep her out of competition at the U.S. Open. It was suggested they would not restore their support until the teen, then the top-ranked junior player in the world, lost weight. "Our concern is her long-term health, number one, and her long-term development as a player," Patrick McEnroe, general manager of the USTA's player development program, told the Wall Street Journal's Tom Perrotta at the time. Townsend say her negative experience with the USTA over her weight and fitness level have helped her ...
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The power of youth to vote will never decline

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In actuality, young voters find it more difficult to find out about elections, schedule time to cast a ballot, and even to be aware that they are taking place. Knowing the power of voting, we strive to make election and voting information as accessible as possible, while also acknowledging the obstacles that younger voters must overcome. We are meeting young Americans on social media, where more than 40% of them get their news. Young people's voices count, so we want them to understand the importance of voting. And we'll be right there on Instagram if that's how we contact them! Young people show up to vote when they are equipped with the necessary knowledge. The pudding has the proof. Trends over the last ten years indicate that the number of young voters has increased; the highest young voter participation occurred in the 2018 midterm elections, and the second-highest in the 2022 midterm elections. In addition, initiatives that young people are strongly committed to have ...
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Navigating the Teenage Maze

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The teenage years are a whirlwind of change – physical, emotional, and social. It's a time of incredible growth, but also a time when self-esteem can take a hit. Social media, academic pressures, and the constant search for identity can all contribute to feelings of inadequacy and insecurity. So, what can teens do to boost their self-esteem? Focus on Strengths: Encourage teens to identify and celebrate their talents and accomplishments, big or small. Cultivate Healthy Habits: Exercise, proper nutrition, and enough sleep all play a crucial role in mental and emotional well-being. Practice Self-Compassion: Teach teens to be kind to themselves, to acknowledge their mistakes without self-criticism, and to learn from setbacks. Build Strong Relationships: Positive relationships with family, friends, and mentors provide a strong support system. Limit Social Media Comparison: Encourage mindful social media use and help teens understand that curated online lives rarely reflect reality. F...
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