BE THE STAR YOU ARE INC
Description: Be the Star You Are! was founded in 1999 by Cynthia Brian, known as “The Renaissance Woman with Soul” whose list of achievements include author, producer, wife, mother, model, actor, coach, teacher, interior designer, gardener, casting director, television and radio host. Her belief is that we were not created equal. Each individual is unique with the potential of achieving greatness when provided the opportunity, encouragement, and direction to develop a plan, obtain the skills, go into action, and most of all, believe in themselves and all their possibilities. It was this desire to help people enhance their quality of living and experience life’s joy that motivated Cynthia to found Be the Star You Are! as a non-profit organization devoted to empowering women, families, and youth through improved literacy and positive media. As Executive Director, Cynthia strives to instill the credo of “Read, lead, succeed” by example, encouraging recruits to think outside the box, take measured risks, makes mistakes and understand that failure is fertilizer.
Cynthia Brian's goal is to GROW PEOPLE!
“The books received by Cheerful Givers, a nonprofit organization providing birthday gifts to children living in poverty, have truly made a difference in the lives of less fortunate children, many of whom have never owned a book. Be The Star You Are! is an extremely well-run and efficient organization whose leadership is totally dedicated to serving those most in need.” Karen Kitchel, President, Cheerful Givers
Target demographics: Be the Star You Are!® supports all ages with a targeted demographic of women, families, and youth
Direct beneficiaries per year: An audience of millions of listeners to the radio show, StarStyle-Be the Star You Are! (http://www.BethestaryouareRadio.org) around the world. Numerous charities who receive our books and their clients benefit from receiving our donated books. In addition, the hundreds of books reviews written by our teen volunteers help parents, teachers, and librarians choose appropriate books for children.
Someone who had 3 hours of volunteer time could: Volunteer with:
1. our Letters for Literacy program
2. our Book Review Team
3. our Social Networking Team
4. a community event
5. deliver books to those in need
6. suggest authors for our radio program
7. finding beneficiaries who need our support
8. fundraising
9. Find a sponsor for our next national Essay Contest
Geographic areas served: Specializing in Northern California, also serving other states in the US including Arkansas, Minnesota, Michigan, Louisiana
USA locations: Headquarters in California
Board Members and Affiliation: Cynthia Brian
Heather Brittany
Dr. David Loveall
Dan Esbensen
Greg Akselrud, Esq.
Bud Bilanich
The prevalence of violence in the media and its potential harm to everyone is a concern for many family and community members. Today’s youth are finding it increasingly difficult to recognize that they have the ability, responsibility, and power to determine their own destiny and choose their own future. To help women, families, and youth we provide access to positive and productive information and role models through books and our first class good news radio program. We help individuals discover their passion, learn life skills, gain effective conflict management skills, and build self-esteem through increased literacy and positive programs
STATISTICS:
According to the September 1999 Senate Committee on the Judiciary Survey on Children, Violence and the Media:
∑ An American child will have seen 16,000 simulated murders and 200,000 acts of violence by the age of 18
∑ Modern music lyrics have become increasingly explicit concerning sex, drugs, and violence against women
∑ More than 10 million web sites exist on the Internet dedicated to violent words, music and images
The 1997 National Crime Victimization Survey (NCVS) reported that juveniles under age 18 were involved in 27% of all serious violent victimizations, including 14% of sexual assaults, 30% of robberies, and 27% of aggravated assaults.
In 1998, nearly four in 10 fourth-graders nationwide failed to achieve even partial mastery of the reading skills needed for school success. In our highest-poverty schools, nearly seven in 10 fourth-graders fail to read at this basic level.
Individuals with poor self-esteem are more vulnerable to peer pressure, more likely to have depressive reactions, eating disorders, and low achievement standards. They are at higher risk to abuse alcohol and drugs, partake in violent activities, and risky behavior.
MISSION
Be the Star You Are! is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) corporation empowering women, families and youth through improved literacy and positive media. Be the Star You Are! collects and distributes books and other resources as a way to raise their life skills and self esteem. This media ranges from education and advisement to inspiration and guidance and covers every aspect of life, from abuse through money management.
Be the Star You Are! is an ALL volunteer organization that operates through contributions, in-kind donations, and proceeds from fund-raising events. Be the Star You Are! does not receive state or federal funding and is solely dependent on contributions from the community and corporations.
Be the Star You Are! has no religious or political agendas or affiliations.
NATIONAL OUTREACH SUCCESS STORIES
1. Operation Ground Hero¬–With the attacks on America on September 11, 2001, Be the Star You Are! was one of the first charities to offer support and resources to the victims. Several hundred local volunteers as well as volunteers around the country helped us ship over 50 pallets of uplifting materials valued at over $57,000.
2. Operation Hurricane Relief–After Hurricanes Katrina and Rita in 2005, Be the Star You Are! partnered with volunteers in the South to deliver $27,000 worth of books and resources to libraries, schools, groups, and shelters.
3. Operation Fire Relief–Only four years after the devastating Cedar Fires, Southern California experienced over a dozen wildfires raging for two months from October to December of 2007. With thousands of families left homeless, Be the Star You Are! worked with relief agencies to deliver over $10,000 of books and holiday gifts to children.
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