Differences Magazine

The use of technology and social media is becoming second nature to anyone old enough to hold an iPhone, a reality that the Summer Explorers camp has caught onto. The Young Women's Leadership Network runs Summer Explorers and has brought on She's the First as social media instructors.

Though I had spent many hours at the Kennedy Center as a child, watching the Nutcracker and various children's plays, I never dreamed that I would ever be backstage. That all changed on June 6th, when I had the privilege of being on stage at the Vital Voices Global Leadership Awards, which honors some of the world's most outstanding female leaders who are working to improve the world.

Lately our family has been talking a lot about apathy. As we become more aware and concerned about the issues facing the world we wonder how we can motivate and convince others that they play a critical role in making a difference.

Camaraderie. Loyalty. Love. All of these terms describe Glamour Gals perfectly.

This past Saturday, April 28,2012, Glamour Gals held their annual Glammy Scholarship Awards. Glamour Gals is a foundation created over 12 years ago by Rachel Doyle Boyens. Rachel was inspired, by her own personal experience with her grandmother, to establish a bond with an older generation that might feel forgotten. Those that participate with Glamour Gals, whether they won the scholarship or not, embody this mission.

Unplugging from the world doesn't have to be a drag. From April 30th to May 6th, the Campaign for a Commercial-Free Childhood (CCFC) is urging families, schools and communities across the country to celebrate Screen-Free Week.

I am quite fond of celebrating and marking official days on the calendar. Each year, I observe national ice cream day. It is the perfect excuse to consume and enjoy a scoop of my favorite ice cream flavor.

Wisdom seems to be the hardest thing to grasp when you're a teenager. Your curiosity about events and causes and movements begins to turn into a passion, but the only things you're formally taught are the seemingly-useless facts and tidbits you're fed by your parents, teachers, and other superiors in suits. The only way you're going to get the answers you're direly craving is to hunt them down yourself. Sounds impossible, right? Not necessarily.

There are so many ways that to be involved in issues that stir the soul. At our peacebuilding workshops (www.thinkpeaceworkshop.org) we often connect kids to causes they care about through a creative project. We believe that art created with the specific purpose of influencing political, social, or cultural change is a powerful way to open minds and initiate dialog that will make a real difference. If you feel it and create from that feeling, then share it, people will listen and, hopefully, feel it as well. When we work together, combining our voices through art, we create a collaborative movement known as art activism.

From a very early age my brother, sister and I have been philanthropists. Philanthropy is defined as "the effort or inclination to increase the well-being of humankind, as by charitable aid or donations." Instead of presents at birthday parties we asked friends to donate books to be given to the Children's Hospital.

GirlUp is on the go once again with its FIRST EVER Leadership Summit in Washington, DC on March 10! The Girl Up Leadership Summit will be an all-day event, led by the Girl Up Teen Advisors, that will empower girls (and guys!) to be effective ambassadors for the GirlUp campaign. Participants will hear from Girl Up staff and leaders in the field to learn more about Girl Up's programs and the importance of investing in adolescent girls. Workshops throughout the day will focus on topics such as storytelling, effective fundraising, and political advocacy and provide the tools to turn their knowledge into action.There will also be special guests like Monique Coleman, prizes and goodies, and so much fun! Anyone that would like to attend should RSVP to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it by February 29! This an exclusive event you don't want to miss!