MIRACLE MOMENT®
“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” Mahatma Gandhi
A MESSAGE from Founder/Director, CYNTHIA BRIAN
Hurray! It’s spring—a beautiful and favorite season. New beginnings, re-birth, the buds bursting into bloom. The air smells fresher, the sunshine warms our hearts. It is also an opportunity for each of us to renew our vow of growth and giving.
According to a 2023 report by the Do Good Institute at the University of Maryland School of Public Policy, America is experiencing a generosity crisis with a decline in volunteerism. As people yearn for connection and community, volunteering provides a beneficial path. When we volunteer for a cause we are passionate about, the benefits are not just for the charity or its beneficiaries, but also ourselves. We learn new skills. We acquire professional experience. We connect with mentors. We make a difference. All this exposure to new people and opportunities increases our emotional satisfaction and a sense of purpose while boosting our happiness quotient. This builds our confidence, empathy, and compassion as our viewpoints and cultural awareness are broadened. Our physical, mental, and emotional well-being improve. The networking opportunities may lead to career guidance or expanded experiences.
The value of volunteering provides one of the positive paradoxes in life. The more we serve others, the more we serve ourselves.
For numerous consecutive years, Be the Star You Are!® charity has been named a Top Non-Profit by Guidestar and Great Non-Profits. Read messages from some of our volunteers. https://greatnonprofits.org/org/be-the-star-you-are-inc
Spring into action and volunteer for a charity that is dear to your heart. Enrich your life, personally and professionally. You’ll also be making the world a better place.
Be the Star You Are!® 501 c3 empowers women, families, and youth. We welcome you!
Happy Spring!
With gratitude,
Cynthia Brian
Founder/Executive Director
Be the Star You Are!®
PO Box 376
Moraga, California 94556
THE IMPORTANCE OF TEEN VOLUNTEERISM
“Volunteering is at the very core of being a human. No one has made it through life without someone else’s help.” – Heather French Henry
Not all volunteer experiences are created equal. Julia hosts a program about teen volunteerism. Reporter, Armine, joins the conversation in segment two. Julia discusses mandatory volunteerism, whereby many schools require many hours of community service to graduate. Julia says, “On one hand, it pushes students out of their comfort zones, gives them valuable skills, and might even spark a lifelong passion for helping others. On the other hand, forcing someone to be "selfless" kind of defeats the purpose, and if done wrong, it could turn students off from community service entirely. What’s the solution? Both Julia and Armine agree that a middle ground is the way to go. Instead of requiring a set number of hours, schools could strongly encourage volunteering while offering meaningful, engaging opportunities. Instead of a graduation requirement, tie volunteerism to extra credit or special recognition. Armine states that being a volunteer helps a teen be proactive, compassionate, and willing to invest in the community. There are tangible benefits of volunteering, and it also shapes character. Volunteering fosters empathy, responsibility, and the ability to connect with others. These qualities are important for healthy, happy living. Being a teen volunteer inspires confidence and leadership while helping teens communicate about complex environmental issues.
As Helen Keller said, “Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.”
Be a Volunteer!
Listen at Voice America Network, Empowerment Channel: https://sites.libsyn.com/560220/the-importance-of-teen-volunteerism
Find out more about Express Yourself! at https://www.starstyleradio.com/expressyourselfteenradio
MESSAGES FROM BTSYA VOLUNTEERS
Several volunteers with Be the Star You Are!® have recorded how volunteering has helped them grow as individuals. Below are snippets from a few recent volunteer posts. Read more stories at https://greatnonprofits.org/org/be-the-star-you-are-inc
“Being with Be the Star You Are!® and Express Yourself! Teen Radio team has been absolutely life-changing for me. I joined this incredible community right before starting high school, at a time when I was utterly terrified…BTSYA has taught me how to laugh, how to connect, and how to embrace my voice as a tool for change…I’ve loved being part of a team that makes such a positive impact.” Julia
“As a volunteer, I feel like I have been completely supported by the program. Each event we host has allowed me to lead, like our local Pear Festival, where I gave a speech and helped organize our participation in the town's parade…have loved being able to work with an organization that provides me with so much growth and so many opportunities, while doing good things for my community.” Ella
“If you're looking for a non-profit to help out, this is the one I would highly recommend. I have a Web Consulting Firm (www.celadormedia.com) and I enjoy working with Be The Star You Are more than I do my own clients...LOL. Thanks so much for letting me help out!” Robert
“I contribute largely through volunteering at events, as well as taking photos and videos to highlight them. The other volunteer students are also amazing to work with, being very passionate about BTSYA. Be the Star You Are is an amazing non-profit, one that I would highly recommend any student join, and such a great environment to be a part of!” Sean
“Being a host on Express Yourself Teen Radio has been one of the most rewarding experiences…Beyond the radio show, Be the Star You Are is truly incredible. This program isn’t just about broadcasting, it’s about empowerment, leadership, and giving teens a place to express themselves in ways that matter.” Saanvi
“I was very shy with public speaking and speaking my mind on subjects, however that all changed for me when I joined Be The Star You Are! This radio show allowed me to gain confidence when talking to others. I am now able to talk in a professional manner in Speech and Debate and Mock Trial Competitions.” Kirpa
“BTSYA is an amazing nonprofit! Being a radio host for Express Yourself has been an incredibly meaningful experience for me. It has not only deepened my knowledge but also empowered me to make a positive impact in my community…Engaging with listeners and sharing stories that matter has strengthened my commitment to fostering change and raising awareness on important issues” Keerthi
DURING TURBULENT TIMES
by Karen Kitchel
During what may feel like turbulent times, it was encouraging to read the poem “Against the Brutal Urge” by Steve Garnaas-Holmes, author of Unfolding Light.
Against the brutal urgeonly a mass of gentle peoplewill be effective.
Against the deep nightwhich is not bottomless after allonly light will bring release.
Against the lie that nothing can be doneonly people doing it anywaywill prevail.
Against our own despaironly one who comes in lovecan defend us.
Against the monstrous powersonly the invitation to love the poor childwill save us.
Karen Kitchel is the Kindness Coordinator volunteer with BTSYA. She purchased the book, No Barnyard Bullies, as a gift for every kindergarten student where she is a volunteer teacher. www.scatteringkindness.com You can read more about Karen’s adoption story in the book Be the Star You Are! Millennials To Boomers. https://www.bethestaryouare.org/book-gift
BTSYA NEW RADIO PLATFORMS ANNOUNCED
Beginning in 2025, both of our radio shows broadcasting on the Voice America Network Empowerment Channel are now playing on the Libsyn platform. You can also listen to both programs wherever you listen to your podcasts.
Listen to all Express Yourself!™ Teen shows at https://sites.libsyn.com/560220
Listen to StarStyle®-Be the STAR You Are!® shows: https://sites.libsyn.com/556617
BOOKS AS GIFTS
When you are seeking a great gift, check out the BTSYA donation book package.
Help Fund Youth Literacy Programs with a $125 tax-deductible donation and receive first editions of our SIX signature books with autographs and receive extra goodies. https://www.bethestaryouare.org/book-gift
SUPPORT WOMEN, FAMILY, AND YOUTH THROUGH MERCH
Find well-made clothing and hats with the Be the Star You Are!® logo at https://www.bonfire.com/store/be-the-star-you-are-merch/. Numerous colors and styles are appropriate for all ages. A percentage of the proceeds benefits Be the Star You Are!®.
We invite you to volunteer, get involved, or make a donation. Make a DONATION through PAYPAL GIVING FUND and PAYPAL with 100% going to BTSYA with NO FEES: https://www.paypal.com/fundraiser/charity/1504
Spring into Action! Thanks for being part of the Be the Star You Are!® galaxy.
Spring into Action Press Pass: https://www.vapresspass.com/2025/03/26/spring-into-action-the-paradox-of-service/
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