Rise in Homeless College Students

According to Barbara Duffield, policy director of the National Association for the Education of Homeless Children and Youth, "In 2009, 47,204 college students applying for financial aid checked a box that identified themselves as homeless."

For more information, read the Huffington Post's coverage.

Networking in 2011

If your New Year's resolution is to be a more aggressive networker, try this tip from "How Remarkable Women Lead:"

Grab poster board and, along the bottom, list five personal development or career goals you want to accomplish. Give yourself five starting points across the top. Using this as your foundation, start with where you are now, and assign one connection you already know per goal that can get you from here to there. Each time you meet with a new person, ask if they can provide you with another that can get you further along your path. Before you know it, you'll have made a bridge from now to then, using networking.

Photo credit: Suat Eman

Sheryl Sandberg's 3 Tips for Being a Woman Leader

Sheryl Sandberg would know how difficult it can be to achieve a corner office if you're a woman. Her climb to the top has involved becoming Facebook's COO and one of Fortune's Most Powerful Women. She's clearly an expert on kicking ass and taking names. We highly recommend you watch her popular TED Talk on the fall of women leadership, which outlines 3 success strategies for women in the workplace.

1. Sit at the table

2. Make your partner a real partner

3. Don't leave before you leave

Shine On: The Feminist Women's Health Center

Atlanta's Feminist Women's Health Center's mission is to provide "accessible, comprehensive gynecological healthcare to all who need it without judgment. As innovative healthcare leaders, we work collaboratively within our community and nationally to promote reproductive health, rights and justice. We advocate for wellness, uncensored health information and fair public policies by educating the larger community and empowering our clients to make their own decisions."

If one of your New Year's Resolutions is to be more active in your community, we suggest hosting one of the Feminist Women's Health Center's House Parties. According to their website, "Hosting a house party can help promote an expanded vision for reproductive health & rights...When your voice and efforts join with others, you can make a tremendous difference in advancing freedom, equality, justice, and human dignity for all."

10 Ways to Help You Stay Positive in Today’s Harsh Economic Climate

By Claudia M. Owens

It has been more than a year…what do you mean President Obama has NOT fixed the economy yet? Americans seem to have unrealistic hopes and have grown weary of the timeliness of our economy’s progress. Although Rome wasn’t built in a day, Atlanta didn’t rise from the Civil War ashes overnight, and New Orleans is still waiting to be rebuilt after Katrina, we seem to think it takes ONLY a few months and a few tax dollars to bring the economy back from the brink of disaster and the trench of “Bush-onomics.” There have been some jobs created, but job cuts continue throughout the economy. In this state of job instability and economic uncertainty in American households, what possibly is the cure or can at least help alleviate the stress of not knowing where your next paycheck is coming from, or knowing whether or not tomorrow you will be called into the boss’s office for that “I’m sorry” diatribe? In times of adversity it is easy to tell someone else to stay positive; however, it is a little more challenging to keep a positive outlook and keep one’s self motivated.

10 things that a person can do with his or her time to keep from over-stressing in stressful times.

1. Exercise. Exercise is medically proven to reduce stress and fight against depression. Many fitness centers have free 3–7 day introductory passes. Take advantage of their offer and treat yourself to a nice morning or afternoon at one of your local fitness centers. For those who have never set foot in a health club or cannot afford to pay the high price of membership fees, an alternative can be simple exercise in your home such as sit-ups, push-ups, and squats. Thanks to technology and Wal-Mart, it’s easy to purchase a home workout video or DVD for under $13.

2. Try Yoga. It might be difficult to imagine yourself twisting and turning into those funny-looking positions; however, once you try it, you will want to learn more and continue the classes. Yoga is accompanied by breathing techniques, which loosen the abdominal muscles and lung cage while you slowly stretch into each position. Many of the positions loosen the tight (knotted) muscles in your back while strengthening those same muscles. Yoga might seem foreign to many people, especially to those of the older generation, but we are now in the era of “change” thanks to the Obama campaign - and change, though hard to acclimate to, can be good.

3. Discover religion or spirituality (if you haven’t already). There’s nothing like prayer to help soothe heartache. Although I am not promoting any particular religion, the power of positive thought combined with pro-activity or exercise can double the positive effect on one’s mental state. Believing that everything and everyone has a purpose and that everything happens for a reason, in the end, this belief can inadvertently change a person’s path. Belief that your future is directed by God (or a deity of your choosing) and steered by you (free will), make you responsible for the actions you take in shaping your own destiny. The best thing to do when you find yourself in a negative situation is to believe that you have the power to effect change or the ability to control your response to the situation.

4. Start a new hobby. Hobbies need not be expensive. The last thing a responsible adult wants to do after losing their job is spend their down time playing computer games, building model cars, or putting together puzzles. Bills have to be paid, and food has to be paid for, and too much fun time will appear as if you’re having an extramarital affair on your responsibilities. However, building model cars, knitting, and games are not the types of hobbies I am suggesting. Writing, making jewelry, tutoring/teaching a class in a field of interest that is compatible with your skills and selling items on E-Bay can be good hobbies, many of which can be turned into a lucrative side job that earns you money. If there is something you love to do, find a way to market and sell it. It doesn’t hurt to try, and during these economic times, every attempt is a success rather than a failure.

5. Do charity or volunteer work. There is something to be said for those who give to the needy even when they are in need themselves. Spend a weekend registering with volunteer websites and local organizations and participate in available activities that fit your schedule. This can also be tied to finding spirituality, or it can at least take your mind off of your own problems and get you motivated to take action, even if it is not action towards your own situation. Giving is good for the soul.

6. Keep your brain simulated and your skills sharp. Dive into a new book. Visit your local library to peruse the latest self-improvement and motivation books or fiction and non-fiction novels. Join a book club for stimulating book discussions, while broadening your network of professionals and friends. If you would rather watch TV, watch shows that will make you laugh or educational channels like the Public Broadcasting Station (PBS), Discovery or the History channel. If you are out of school or out of work, never stop learning. Life should be a learning journey and can also be something worth laughing about. Try to find humor in every situation, even the dire ones.

7. Spend time with family. Who knows how to make you feel better, better than family? Family can relate to whatever pains you are experiencing, especially if it affects them directly as well. If you do not have close family, friends are the next best thing. Take a day trip to a national or local park, historical sites, educational exhibits, museums (children, sports, heritage, fine arts) zoo, festivals, county fairs, parades, and outdoor concerts. Use down time to check out attractions and events in your local area and state. Many are free or modestly priced.

8. Get plenty of sunshine. A nice brisk walk can help you get in your recommended 10,000 steps per day, help elevate your mood, and bump up your vitamin D level.

9. Pay attention to your nutrition. Improving regularity can help improve your mood. Eat fiber-rich foods. They work wonders in helping to regulate blood-sugar levels, reducing the risk of coronary heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, obesity and much more. Check our www.webmd.com for additional nutrition facts and healthy eating tips.

10. Develop a fitness regimen. A fitness regiment will increase your energy and improve your appearance, and that alone will make you feel better. For your ‘Spring fling’ try hiking, biking, canoeing, kayaking, participate in a walk-a-ton, or a host of other outdoor sports, depending on your age and stamina, like tennis and golf, to fire up the endorphins.

I do not claim to be an expert in any of areas that I listed. Like many, I am an average American wondering if I will have a job tomorrow; hopeful about the economy getting better; and annoyed that both political parties can’t stop sparring and volleying disagreements, and pass a bill or two.

But in times of adversity and when stress is an everyday factor in our life, it is important that we do whatever we can to keep a healthy mind, body, and spirit. All it takes is research and motivation to be audacious and learn something new, apply it to your life values and daily routine. “If you don't like something change it; if you can't change it, change the way you think about it.” ~Mary Engelbreit

Claudia M. Owens is a graduate of Columbia College Chicago with a degree in Liberal Arts, Journalism. Claudia has articles published in Classique magazine based in Albany New York, the Metro-Philadelphia newspaper and currently volunteers as a web newsletter writer/editor/proofreader for ArtReach Foundation on a per need basis. A former Junior League of Atlanta member and former part-time private viola instructor for elementary aged children, Claudia also had the opportunity to work during the Inauguration of President Barack Obama as a Program Logistics officer for Envision EMI’s “Presidential Youth Inaugural Conference”. She enjoys reading, traveling, writing, wine tasting and will be pursuing her master’s degree in Public Policy in the near future.

The Swimming Pool of Public Speaking: How to Get From the Shallow End to the Deep End

“The only thing to fear is fear itself,” Franklin D. Roosevelt famously said in his first inaugural address. But was he afraid when he was giving that speech? Probably, given that an estimated 95% of people experience anxiety when speaking publicly. While both genders experience nervousness over public speaking, it seems that women are more likely than men to keep quiet. According to Debrah Tannen’s studies on gender differences in communication styles, men tend to talk more than women in public situations. Says public speaking coach and consultant Meera Manek, “In school, it seemed that when the boys had to give a presentation, it wouldn’t worry them as much as the girls. They’d stand up and smile. They just seemed like they had more confidence.”

Manek won a speech festival in junior high and became fascinated with public speaking. Eager to take her newfound skill somewhere, she joined the Toastmasters organization with her cousin. For the first five years, she kept up with table topics and speeches and entered contests. Then she won the district-wide contest and decided to take it to the next level. “Within Toastmasters, there are numerous levels, including leadership, coaching members, and mentoring. I started a club at my school in D.C. and was selected to be the graduation speaker for my class,” explained Manek. Now in Atlanta and completing her 11^th year in Toastmasters, Manek coaches professional women in public speaking. 

There are many things that add up to the type of speaker you are, including your culture and the experiences you had as a child. In Manek’s experiences, women have an easier time being sincere when it comes to public speaking, because they naturally make eye contact with their audiences and know how to use body language to emphasize their points. 

So why are so many younger women afraid of public speaking? “Because it’s fucking scary, even at my stage,” Manek laughs. “You’re getting in front of a group of people, and you know they’re judging you. You can forget your lines. It’s terrifying, and it all happens in a single moment. That’s why you need to prepare. Treat it like any other goal. With weight loss, women are willing to reach out and look for tools in order to help them reach their goal weight. Women need to treat public speaking in the same way.” 

Younger women experience public speaking more often than they realize. “People rarely think about the fact that they’re communicating all the time in everyday ways, with their bosses and clients, on phone calls, and during last-minute meetings. Or, consider that if there are three qualified candidates for a position, an interview can easily decide the outcome. These are times when being a skilled public speaker is key to making you stand out.”

Manek offers advice on how women improve their public speaking skills. “Fundamentally, public speaking is about getting to know yourself and doing your research. Practice in the mirror. Every women glances in the mirror several times a day already. Why not use that time to rehearse? Go ahead and grab your hairbrush like you’re giving an acceptance speech at the Oscars. See what you look like, and take special notice of your hands. Get your arms moving; nobody wants to see you up there stiff as a board. That will even make your audience nervous. You can also try opening old nursery rhyme books and act as though you were reading to a kid. Try out different voices for different characters; your voice is one of your biggest public speaking resources. I also recommend joining Toastmasters – it’s like a learning laboratory. It lets you feel what it’s really like to speak in front of a group, and you can learn from people’s evaluations. It gives you the opportunity to listen to others speak too, which is vital in learning what to do as well as what not to do.”

It can also be helpful to look at how some of the best speakers in history worked their magic. Seek out old speeches from people you really admire. Manek also advises learning from comedians and entertainers. “Comedians are an amazing resource for public speaking. Being on stage is their job. Many of them don’t have props; they have to entertain and engage their audience with only themselves. If they don’t connect with the audience, nobody will come see them. Watch Jon Stewart on the ‘The Daily Show.’ Oprah’s also a wonderful impromptu speaker; she always knows how to steer a conversation into the right direction.”

Preparation can make or break a speech too. Manek asserts that you must get to know your audience. “What do they want to hear? You need to connect to their stories as well as know what’s important to them. Remember, this speech has to resonate with them in order to be memorable. If you know nuances about your clients, use that to your advantage, because that will really stick with them. One of my professors used to call that ‘How to hell.’ It’s the things you mention that make people say, ‘How the hell did she know that about me?’” As far as speech content, Manek says to, “Load your speeches with concrete details. During a speech when Obama addressed unemployment, he talked about handing out pink slips. That stuck out in people’s minds; it gave them a detailed picture to remember.” 

Regarding visual aids, Manek advises that PowerPoint is there to help, but it should never take over. “Don’t put every word up on the screen. In college, sometimes profs would do that, put their lectures up on the screen. Soon, everyone is copying from the screen and tuning them out. If you’re going to use visual aids, you want them to support you. You also never want a visual aid that hints at things you can’t really speak to. Sometimes slides generate questions in the audience that you can’t answer - You should keep the message inside you, not in your slides.”

Ultimately, mastering public speaking is about psyching yourself up, not out. “When it comes down to it, public speaking is really about attitude. Take on the boxer mentality. Think to yourself, ‘I’m the baddest mofo out here.’ Speaking, it should ultimately just flow. If you do your homework, you won’t think; it will just happen.” Manek’s biggest advice on being a better presenter? “Public speaking is like swimming. Just get in the pool. If someone offers you the chance to present, dive in.”

To book Meera Manek for assistance with an upcoming presentation or to help you hone the craft of public speaking, email her at manekmonday@gmail.com. She will also be offering a Find Your Voice workshop with YWTF-Atlanta in March. Stay tuned for more details.

Photo credit: http://www.freeimages.co.uk/

January Chapter Buzz

Our upcoming vision board workshop is a top story today on the Atlanta Daily. Are you attending?

When: Saturday, January 8th. 10:30 AM-NOON
Where: Java Blues. 1159 LaVista Road Atlanta, GA

Making your New Years' Resolutions? Manifest your goals - live the life you have always imagined in 2011. To make vision boards, please bring scissors, a bottle or stick of glue, large white paper or poster board, and a variety of favorite magazines, photos, or pre-cut images/text. All are welcome to attend. YWTF-Atlanta advocates are free. General public attendees please bring a donation of $5 to help support YWTF-Atlanta.

We will also be chatting about the book Women, Food & God: An Unexpected Path to Almost Everything. Keep your eye on our blog for a preview of our discussion questions. Come ready to discuss the complicated relationship women have with their bodies on January 8th.