Cynthia Brian

“If you haven’t any charity in your heart, you have the worst kind of heart trouble.” Bob Hope

An organization that matches volunteers with charities contacted me this week to find out if Be the Star You Are!® is bombarded with people wanting to volunteer since the economic downturn. One of the questions was, “Are you taking anybody and everybody?”  The answer to the first question is, yes, we are getting more requests for volunteer positions. The answer to the second question is, we are more selective than ever.

A group of teens emailed me that they wanted to volunteer because they needed community service hours. I responded with the various tasks that would qualify, many of which are programs that require a commitment of a few hours for several months. They emailed again that they needed their hours signed off within the next 10 days.  Why did they procrastinate in giving back to their community to the last moment? 

If you are honing a new skill or want to get involved in making a difference, there are many opportunities with many charities available to you. The key is to understand that volunteerism is a commitment of time and energy to a cause you believe in. As the Executive Director, I take my role as a leader, mentor, and role model very seriously. I will not sign off on hours unless those community service hours are merited. It may be old fashioned, but I do believe in showing up, doing the work, and earning your stripes.

I am proud to say that we have an incredible core group of volunteers, most of them teenagers. The teen years are precious and formative. We are excited about our new book, Be the Star You Are! for TEENS-Simple Gifts for Living, Loving, Laughing, Learning, and Leading.  Not only will teens love the short snappy chapters, but parents, grandparents, guardians, teachers, coaches, and anyone who interacts with teens will find the new book a valuable guide to understanding adolescence.

We hope you’ll join us at our numerous book signings and celebrations we have planned for the book launch in September which will celebrate our 10th anniversary. Keep informed at www.bethestaryouare.org.

Again, I want to personally thank you for your ongoing support to literacy and positive media. Every person counts and we are truly making an impact in the lives of many people. Please make a donation to Be the Star You Are!® through any of the many methods we list. Every dollar helps.

And, for all of you who have teenagers or are young-at-heart, I leave you with a smile!

You are growing up if...

* Your houseplants are alive, and you can't smoke any of them.

* You keep more food than beer in the fridge

* 6:00 AM is when you get up, not when you go to bed.

* You go from 130 days of vacation time to 14.

* You're the one calling the police because those %&@# kids next door won't turn down the stereo.

* You feed your dog Science Diet instead of McDonald's leftovers.

* Sleeping on the couch makes your back hurt.

*You take naps and you love it!

Spring for happiness and remember to bloom where you are planted!

Shine in 2009 and help us celebrate our 10th anniversary!

“To be a leader, you must be a reader. Read, lead, succeed!”

PS: Need a tax write off for 2009? We want your donation and will send an immediate tax receipt. Call us at 925-376-7126 or email info@behtestaryouare.org.

With gratitude and a positive attitude,

Cynthia Brian

Founder, Executive Director

Be the Star You Are!®

PO Box 376

Moraga, Ca. 94556

www.bethestaryouare.org

cynthia@bethestaryouare.org

925-376-7126

Be the Star You Are!® is a registered trademark