My Nonprofit Reviews

Will you volunteer or donate to this organization?

Definitely

How much of an impact do you think this organization has?

Life-changing

When was your last experience with this nonprofit?

2012

I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...

They have a radio show that broadcasts weekly across the world on the internet exposing audiences to new books as well as positive ideas. That program really helps in increasing the appreciation of books and open communication. In addition, they have two inspirational books, Be the Star You Are! 99 Gifts for Living, Loving, Laughing, and Learning to Make A Difference and Be the Star You Are!® for Teens. I’ve bought both of these and recommend them to everyone. I also have been aware of the level of help these resources have given to kids in juvenile halls, offering hope, especially to the incarcerated girls. Be the Star You Are!® has always done a lot for these kids. Kinds of Staff: AMAZING teens mentored by Cynthia Brian. Most of the volunteers are junior high-college with a majority of them girls. Cynthia has them on the track to be leaders and empowers them to be their greatest selves. Other volunteers include adult men and women who really care about making a difference.

If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...

if I had more money to donate to them, I’d feel like a champion. Every little bit helps, though. In my opinion, the biggest challenge: Funding, funding, funding. Everyone is a volunteer and it’s difficult to run an organization with all volunteers. I’d like to see Be the Star You Are!® receive federal, state, or ongoing foundation funding so that they could hire a couple of excellent employees as well as pay the Executive Director. One last thing: Be the Star You Are!® is the real deal. I’ve watched them closely for almost eleven years and all I have to give is PRAISE, PRAISE, PRAISE. Everyone has integrity, they do what they say they do, and, although they have had little financial backing, they have succeeded in their mission to help women, families, and youth. You can help them by buying their books, sponsoring their radio show, or making them a beneficiary of your event. You won’t be disappointed when you donate to this organization. It’s all tax deductible, too. Again, visit the web site at www.bethestaryouare.org.

What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...

I have been a fan of Be the Star You Are!® non profit since it was founded in 1999. The founder and Executive Director, Cynthia Brian, is tireless about helping women and youth be successful. As an accountant, I have witnessed the struggles that grassroots charities face. Because of the commitment of Cynthia and her army of young volunteers, Be the Star You Are!® continues to find ways to survive and thrive, always helping those less fortunate. When 9/11 happened, Be the Star You Are!® was one of the first charities to mobilize to get resources to the victims of the disaster with Operation Ground Hero. Because it’s a small non profit, there is not the red tape we often witness in big business, therefore, this charity is mighty. They have a program whereby you can donate $99 to Be the Star You Are!® and they’ll ship $500 of brand new books to a charity or cause of your choice. This is a great way to help your own special organization as well as Be the Star You Are!®. You can get more info at www.bethestaryouare.org.

The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...

AMAZING teens mentored by Cynthia Brian. Most of the volunteers are junior high-college with a majority of them girls. Cynthia has them on the track to be leaders and empowers them to be their greatest selves. Other volunteers include adult men and women who really care about making a difference.

If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...

First of all, they would be able to hire a competent staff, pay the Executive Director, fund their radio and media projects, and be 100% focused on its mission of empowering women, families, and youth through improved literacy and increased positive media. Second, the charity could give a book to a million women around the US and increase the power of women. Third, with $10 million, they would be the leaders in eradicating illiteracy and could implement other programs on their wish list that truly would change the world for the better. Let’s get them $10 Million.

Ways to make it better...

if I had more money to donate to them, I’d feel like a champion. Every little bit helps, though.

In my opinion, the biggest challenges facing this organization are...

Funding, funding, funding. Everyone is a volunteer and it’s difficult to run an organization with all volunteers. I’d like to see Be the Star You Are!® receive federal, state, or ongoing foundation funding so that they could hire a couple of excellent employees as well as pay the Executive Director.

One thing I'd also say is that...

Be the Star You Are!® is the real deal. I’ve watched them closely for almost eleven years and all I have to give is PRAISE, PRAISE, PRAISE. Everyone has integrity, they do what they say they do, and, although they have had little financial backing, they have succeeded in their mission to help women, families, and youth. You can help them by buying their books, sponsoring their radio show, or making them a beneficiary of your event. You won’t be disappointed when you donate to this organization. It’s all tax deductible, too. Again, visit the web site at www.bethestaryouare.org.

How frequently have you been involved with the organization?

About every six months

When was your last experience with this nonprofit?

2010