BEAUTY WITHIN ~ TEEN ESTEEM ™

It’s hard to believe, but the decade ends tomorrow! We’re so grateful to all who have donated already and helped to get us   close to our $10,000 goal !   We need to raise these funds before the end of the year   to support our initiatives in 2020, which include: Continuing to work with states and innovating technology to end teen homelessness Launching an ambassador and volunteer program that uses relational organizing to reach 150,000 friends and family in communities of color Growing our latest initiative in order to reach young people where there are and to shift the culture that promotes civic participation Demystifying the policies that affect human rights and fighting for young people’s access to democracy Consider what you can do to support these millions of first-time voters. With your contribution of $20.20, Beauty Within~Teen Esteem Org can continue to register, mobilize, and turn out young voters for this important moment in hist...

For more than 10 years Beauty Within~Teen Esteem has been a force for change in Southern California. That’s thanks to local supporters like YOU. This Giving Tuesday,  please help us save at risk teenagers & the push for a positive future with a gift. What's at Stake: We face decisions in 2020 that will affect our young people for decades to come.  Questions like:  Will we continue to educate and dedicate a lot of our resources toward cleaner, renewable energy opportunities? Will we stop the harmful effects of toxic emissions including lead from industrial plants located in disadvantaged communities? Can we expand our outings program so more Angelinos of all ages, cultures, and communities can experience the outdoors and grow into environmental champions? Our Priorities: Your contributions fund our network of over 40,000 members and supporters across Los Angeles and Orange Counties as we: Lead more than 4,000 hikes and outdoor events to ge...

Sometimes the best in-school policies come from the students who would benefit most from them. Read on to learn how one youth advocate is working to make sure all young people have stronger, healthier hearts.

Student Debt Forgiveness Sounds Good. What Might Happen If The Government Did It? About one in every six American adults owes money on a federal student loan. So it makes sense that candidates for the 2020 presidential election have proposed ways of dealing with this debt to allow millions of Americans to move on. Their proposals vary. Some candidates are thinking about it though: Former Housing Secretary Julián Castro says if he were elected, he would reform the repayment system, capping loan payments at zero for borrowers earning under 250% of the federal poverty line — $31,225 for a single-person household in 2019.

Tyler Perry and Nickelodeon are teaming on a new kids and family live-action series starring 10-year-old rapper Young Dylan. “I’m excited to work with Brian and the team at Nickelodeon and find creative ways to reach new audiences,” said Perry. “I love creating comedy television and can’t wait to work with the talented Young Dylan.”

Kids & DIY Workshops : The Home Depot offers free workshops for do-it-yourselfers of all ages and experience levels. Register today for our do-it-yourself (DIY), do-it-herself and kids workshops. Join us on 10/5 at 9am for our free kids workshop and build a fire plane during Fire & Safety Month. Attach the wings, landing gear, adjust the tail fin, decorate the propellers with stickers and be ready to fly. All kids get to keep their craft, receive a free certificate of achievement, a Workshop Apron, and a commemorative pin while supplies last.

We are pleased to invite you to attend the 2019 Voices for Healthy Kids Summit from October 22-24 in San Antonio, Texas!

It was pure joy at first sight. Two toddlers, one black and one white, saw each other on the streets of New York. Instantly they both ran to each other to give the biggest hug like true best friends do. It was a hug that was practically bigger than the tiny tots themselves.

You may not feel like you have much influence on your child these days, but teens’ behavior is highly correlated with the strength of their bonds with their parents. Good relationships between teenagers and their parents, as rated by both, are positively correlated with school success and general happiness as rated by the teen, and also by those around her. Let's talk about it more?

A Peace Plan for a Safer America by March For Our Lives : Created by survivors, so you don't have to be one. A comprehensive, holistic plan to end gun violence in America. March for Our Lives, the organization created by survivors of the February 2018 mass school shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas high school in Parkland, Florida, released  an audacious policy agenda  calling for far-reaching reform. The proposal released on Wednesday,  Peace Plan for  a Safer America , includes plans to reduce the number of firearms in civilian hands by 30%, create a mandatory federal gun buyback program for assault weapons, and re-examine the 2008 supreme court decision that allows private citizens to keep handguns in their homes. The March for Our Lives platform also includes strategies to prevent the maelstrom of daily gun violence that receives less attention than mass shootings, including community gun violence, suicide and domestic abuse.

1619 in America: 400 years ago, Africans arrived in Virginia : The arrival of 20 and odd enslaved Africans in 1619 has been called the beginning of U.S. slavery. It's actually far more complicated than that.

FREE resource to prepare you! : Pages of tips, tricks, and resources to conquer social media and technology this school year. As our kids head back to school, it's essential to make sure their online habits don't become regrets. We've compiled pages of tips, tricks, and resources to make sure you and your children are prepared, safe, and healthy when it comes to technology and social media. There's even an updated list of 15 apps that you need to check for on your child's phone RIGHT NOW. It could save their life!

Join the 135,294 people who've taken action on Countable this week Read more at Countable →

Mood swings indicate depression sometimes. Parents can distinguish between teen rebellion and mood swings, and depression by considering the severity and duration of the mood swings and the domains that are affected by these swings. Dealing with a teenager is not easy. No matter how good a parent you are, and how great your relationship with your children is, you are likely to face parenting roadblocks when it comes to your teenager. Behavior problems are common in teenagers. But you can deal with them with ease if you are willing to put in the effort to understand what they are going through and what it is that they need from you. As an adolescent naturally separates from his parents, he develops his own distinct personality and identity. Learn more about personality changes in adolescence from this article.

LGBT teens are  more likely  to be suspended or expelled from schools, sometimes because they were trying to  protect themselves  from  bullies . Other kids ​might drop out on their own or switch to a different school in search of a more welcoming environment. R elying on LGBT-friendly organizations for support contributed to greater self-esteem and life satisfaction, and a smaller chance of being depressed or dropping out of high school. Meanwhile, reading is the key to over coming any situation. 20 Books With LGBTQ Characters Your Kids Will Love  

School's out. The sun's bright. It's finally summer. I know you've got a lot of plans, but here's something you won't want to miss: The  ACLU Advocacy Institute Summer Program  for high school students, which is still accepting applications until June 26. If you or someone you know is a high school student who wants to change the world, apply ASAP to join the ACLU Advocacy Institute in Washington, DC. The week-long program takes place from July 20-26, and will include workshops on grassroots organizing, legal advocacy, and presentations featuring ACLU experts, nationally recognized leaders, and activists who are leading the fight for social justice. We're committed to making sure that everyone has a chance to participate – and a few full scholarships are still available. Scholarships cover all expenses, including travel, and the remaining spots will be awarded on a rolling basis –  so apply ASAP before they're gone! ACLU Advocacy Institu...

One of the most important and difficult tasks that parents face is how to best support their children while also setting the kind of boundaries and structure that helps them grow up to become responsible and successful adults. Sure, children and teens love to test the boundaries that adults set for them. But it is important to make distinctions between instances where “kids are being kids” and when they’re asserting things about themselves that are critical to their identity and development -- as is the case with gender identity and expression.  In other words, for some transgender youth, family support can be the difference between life and death. Trans Actress Hunter Schafer on HBO’s Edgy Gen-Z Series ‘Euphoria’ety :Trans Gen-Z actress Hunter Schafer is poised for stardom, co-starring with Zendaya in the new HBO series "Euphoria."

Feeding and caring for a pet encourages childhood responsibility. Children with pets display improved impulse control, social skills and self-esteem. Sharing the love and care of a family pet forges an additional common bond among siblings. Cuddling a pet reduces stress, loneliness and anxiety.

LGBTQ Resource Map for Homeless Youth can be accessed at lacontroller.org/lgbtqresourcemap and is presented in partnership with the L.A. LGBT Youth Advocates Coalition and the Los Angeles chapter of PFLAG. The map highlights 100+ organizations in Southern California that provide housing, health resources, youth and education programs, scholarships, legal services, nutrition assistance and more to homeless and at-risk LGBTQ youth. Please feel free to share the LGBTQ Resource Map link with anyone who you think could benefit from it. I know that a map alone won't end homelessness, but it can help connect young people in need services they can use. Any assistance all can provide — especially right now during Pride Month — is worth it.

At Age 14 He Invented A New Surgical Technique That Is Now Called The “Hansberry Stich” The extraordinary journey of African-American inventor whose invention and discoveries have revolutionized the world.

Did you know that June is #InternetSafetyMonth ? Children whose parents and guardians regularly talk to them about personal safety are more likely to exhibit responsible behavior on their own. Visit https://www. netsmartz.org/InternetSafety   #WednesdayWisdom

People here in Central Florida lament the “brain drain” from talented students who leave the land of hospitality-based, dead-end jobs upon completion of their studies. We are ranked one of the worst places to live for young people, so the skilled and...

With the number of African-American men entering medical school on a steady decline, one organization is hoping to inspire more of our youth to pursue careers in medicine. Founder of the summit, Dr. Dale Okorodudu , wants to inspire African-American youth beginning in childhood.

Selena Gomez: ‘Social Media Has Been Really Terrible For My Generation’ : Selena Gomez took a moment at the Cannes Film Festival to lament a culture where everyone lives on their phones. Your Internet Persona Stays With You Forever The Internet has a very hard time forgetting and is far more like a “permanent tattoo” then you may realize. Today, and even more so in the future, college recruiters look up information about prospective applicants. Fast forward to the day when you graduate. Hiring managers and recruiters will look at your online reputations before deciding whether to hire. So be wise – Internet mistakes stay around.  It is just as important for parents to act as a ‘role model’ online as it is offline. Talk to your children about the advantages and the hazards of communicating online. Parents should help and support teenagers to keep their social media profiles clean. Encouraging them to start building a digital CV as early as possible, is very beneficial to their...

"It's very nostalgic but also very raw." Often, teenagers have been spared or delayed the trouble of the full-blown consequences for their inappropriate decisions; sometimes by well-intending parents. So, as a result, adolescents are not always convinced of the need for change in their lives. However, the parent is convinced of the need for intervention, because their girl is obviously headed for lifelong trouble if such actions persist. Hopefully helping make a change in troubled adolescents’ lives before they become an adult habitually demonstrating a dysfunctional lifestyle. It’s a tough task. How well do you know your child? How well do you know the situations your child is getting into? What makes it all seem so impossible is that you need to allow your child to get hurt because if you don't, your child won’t be resilient and will definitely be an ass. When I was a teenager, I basically had no idea who I was. I followed the rules. I didn’t experience a lot of...

This Is Why We Love Michelle Obama Forget the sold-out arena tour, the best-selling hardcover of 2018 and the celebrity endorsements: The moment when Michelle Obama crossed over from being a famous first lady to just plain famous ha…

"Recent reports indicate these calls are using the '222' country code from the West African nation of Mauritania," the FCC said in a news release. "News reports have indicated widespread overnight calling in New York State and Arizona." FCC Warns of 'One Ring' Robocall Scam 

In November, the NRA mocked the medical community for speaking out against gun violence, telling health care providers to "stay in their lane." Of course, that tweet spectacularly backfired, inspiring thousands of medical professionals to speak up and advocate for commonsense gun violence prevention policies. Yesterday, as part of its seventh annual luncheon, they shared   this video   that highlights the fact that gun violence is everybody's lane. Take a look. (click on above) The luncheon featured two incredible speakers:  Dr. Joseph Sakran , founder of the @ThisIsOurLane Twitter account, and  Fred Guttenberg , father of Jaime Guttenberg, who was one of the 17 murdered in Parkland last year. Please watch and share their deeply personal stories. More than 1,000 gun violence prevention advocates showed up to support the lifesaving work  that is  planned for this year and beyond.  If you were unable to join in person, I'm asking you to be a p...

Tens of thousands of book lovers meet hundreds of acclaimed authors over an exciting weekend in downtown Berkeley, California. One of the premier literary events in the nation! We’ll see you on May 4 + 5, 2019!

Your body shape isn’t just something to squeeze into clothes. It may say quite a bit about your health. Learn what body types are prone to health problems. It can be tempting to look for a quick fix if you need to lose weight. Remember, though, that if something sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Bullying and weight Kids get bullied for lots of reasons, including being overweight. Bullying   is never okay, and you can learn more about how to deal with it.

The so-called  "Black American . . . has . . . a strong, hereditary cultural unity, born of slavery, of common suffering, prolonged proscription and curtailment of political and civil rights; and especially because of economic and social disabilities. Largely from this fact, have arisen the cultural gifts to America—their rhythm, music and folk-song; their religious faith and customs; their contribution to American art and literature; their defense of their country in every war, on land, sea and in the air; and especially the hard, continuous toil upon which the prosperity and wealth of this continent has largely been built. . . . OUR CHILDREN ARE THE FUTURE! Demand that Sophie B. Wright School end the overly harsh punishment of Black students | OrganizeFor : Around 30 students were given 5-day suspensions from Sophie B. Wright Charter School in New Orleans after a senior prank water fight. In addition to being suspended, these students have had all senior privileges revoked, inc...

Rock the Vote / Empowering LA Youth to Engage in the Civic Process / 2019 My LA2050 Grants Challenge : Rock the Vote will help build a new generation of Los Angeles civic leaders and volunteers through: 1) Democracy Class, a fun, interactive high school curriculum about pre-registering, voting, participating in the census, and getting involved in or running for a seat on a Los Angeles Neighborhood Council, and 2) create-a-thons with local artists and activists to develop compelling messages and original content about voting and the census that will be shared nationwide through social media.

The California Latino Legislative Caucus Foundation (CLLCF) : The California Latino Legislative Caucus Foundation is a 501(C)(3) tax exempt, charitable, non-profit corporation established to promote and support Latino culture and heritage in California and to educate the public about Latino culture, heritage and issues of importance to Latinos in California. The Latino Legislative Caucus Foundation does not endorse, support or oppose candidates for public office.

Pass AB 1760 - Privacy for All | American Civil Liberties Union : I support #PrivacyforAll and I want the California Privacy Committee to pass AB 1760. Join me.

Facebook’s public image has been taking a beating lately, and things just keep getting worse for the social media platform. According to a recent report from Business Insider India, Facebook has been uploading info from its users’ email contacts since 2016. Facebook did this “unintentionally” and without warning when users created their accounts for the first time, or when using their email accounts for login confirmation.

A recent Buzzfeed article points out that several popular Android apps available on the Google Play Store have been collecting and storing sensitive user data without encryption or permission.

Players earn points, badges and actual cash for learning about how to adapt to college's academic, financial, and social challenges. Dominguez Hills administrators say they hired four full-time advisors this year and 12 part-time peer mentors to help struggling students.

Charlize Theron confirmed that her 7-year-old daughter Jackson is transgender. "I have two beautiful daughters who, just like any parent, I want to protect and I want to see thrive," she said in an interview. “Yes, I thought she was a boy, too,” Theron told The Daily Mail , “Until she looked at me when she was three years old and said: ‘I am not a boy!'”

Hollywood Hills Kamala for the People Town Hall Watch Party · Kamala Harris for the People : Friends! Join us for a CNN Town Hall Watch Party in support of Kamala Harris for the People on Monday, April 22nd! We’ll watch Kamala speak truth on the issues that matter most, and discuss how each of us can do our part to help elect Kamala Harris as our next President. Watch Party will begin at 6pm!

Meet the girls who are on a mission to keep us safe online. They're taking part in a competition putting their cyber-security skills to the test against schools across the country.

How do I get experience if no one will hire me? Strategic volunteering is the act of intentionally seeking to volunteer in areas you want to improve or grow. If you want to work on your email marketing, volunteer to take on the PTA newsletter. If you want to be a better baker, manage the bake sale at school. If you want to work on your public speaking, be the president of a group at church. For me personally, volunteering helped me start my business and even secure my business partner. 

Instagram users have been receiving odd messages expressing shock that their accounts have ended up on something called the “Nasty List.”

The Student Pollworker Program is a unique opportunity for high school students to experience the central part of the voting process. Students are assigned to work as Clerks in the polling places on Election Day. Each student has the same responsibilities as pollworkers — from attending training, assisting voters and closing the polling place at the end of Election Night. For more information regarding the program, please call (562) 462-2840 or email  studentpollworker@rrcc.lacounty.gov

Transgender men will be allowed to enroll in the school for the first time in 2020, but some are calling the new policy exclusionary and hostile. The policy also states that Morehouse “will continue to use masculine pronouns” which it calls “the language of brotherhood.” But the iconic college is calling the new policy an important step towards an inclusive campus

Jurors Thought a Gay Man Would Enjoy Prison. So They Sentenced Him to Death : The Supreme Court may decide if LBGT discrimination is the same as racial discrimination.

Tell the EPA: Abandon the Dirty Water Rule and protect our waterways and streams. Click the link below to sign the petition : Republicans in Washington may not care much about the environment, but you would think that anyone would want to protect their own drinking water. But apparently for Andrew Wheeler, Trump's EPA chief, helping polluters profit is a higher priority. Wheeler wants to get rid of a rule that helps protect the drinking water for 117 million Americans.1 Under his leadership, the EPA published a proposal to replace the Obama-era Clean Water Rule with the aptly named Dirty Water Rule, a far weaker alternative. Trump's EPA wants to get rid of a rule that helps protect the drinking water for 117 million Americans. Sign the petition to support the Clean Water Rule.

Tweet at Congress: Repeal Trump's hateful Muslim ban now : Rep. Judy Chu and Sen. Chris Coons just introduced the NO BAN Act in both chambers of Congress. This bill would strengthen court challenges in repealing Trump's racist Muslim Ban and ensure that the government could never enforce anything like it again.1 It's now on Congress to take bold moral leadership to disrupt Trump's white nationalist agenda and protect Muslim communities. Donald Trump began separating and terrorizing Black and Brown families as soon as he took office. His Muslim ban was one of the first racist policies he enacted to attack our communities. The NO BAN Act would send a message to this administration that no family should ever be torn apart because of their religion or place of birth. We need every member of Congress to support the NO BAN Act and repeal the Muslim ban now. Will you contact your representative and ask them to do the right thing? Repeal Trump's racist Muslim ban now. ...

  Jojo Siwa celebrated her Sweet 16 Tuesday evening the only way she knew how: with a wildly age-inappropriate birthday party built of Nickelodeon nightmares at the W Hotel in Hollywood. (For what it’s worth, she doesn’t actually turn the big one until next month, but who cares? This is her rainbow-filled, shimmery, bow-adorned pseudo-reality, we’re just living adjacent to it.) To celebrate her ability to drive the hideous car her parents gifted her for Christmas (the same one Justin Bieber insulted), Siwa went all out with her outfit, substituting her normally subdued bedazzled clothing for head-to-toe sequins, exaggerated shoulders (more room for more sequins), an A-line pom-pom skirt that might as well have been pulled, strand by strand, from the mane of a My Little Pony, and a big, bright blue (of course, sequined) bow.