All Posts - Blogs - Black Business Women Online

Know your rights: Equal Rights, Equal Voices | Migrant women in the European Union

Posted by Joy on April 3, 2008 at 7:24pm

The situation of migrant women in the EU is thereforeof great concern for EWL and an area whereEWL has been keeping a key watch on policy-makersover recent years and has responded to severalproposals for legislation in this regard. Without theinput of women, immigration policy will remain genderneutral.Click here to read more

Immerse Yourself Poetically in April

Posted by Diane on April 3, 2008 at 4:38pm

April is National Poetry Month and on the Black Author Showcase™ we are celebrating by posting a new member poem each day in April on the Main page. Days one and two were Marc Lacy and Afrika Midnight Asha Abney. Don’t miss the twenty-eight other talented poets we have lined up for you.You’ll also want to check this out: BAS is hosting a live poetry panel & podcast April 23rd with our member poets to discuss their work and offer advice (on either writing or the publishing process) for aspiring writers. There will also be a big surprise for our participating poets. Call in and share your words and rhymes, everyone is invited. Click here for more information on the BAS Poetry Spotlight.

Howard University Continuing Education & Black Author Showcase™ Black History Celebration

Posted by Diane on April 3, 2008 at 4:36pm

Sandra Kelly, HUCE; Kyndall Brown, Diane Williams, and Abiola AbramsWow! What a fun night! Sorry you missed it!Howard University Continuing Education in partnership with Black Author Showcase™presents a Black History Celebration.Friday, February 29, 2008 5:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.Howard University, Continuing Education1100 Wayne Avenue • Silver Spring, MD 20910Refreshments served • Prize DrawingsFeaturing tastings of Niellys Ultimate products •FREE ADMISSION TO PUBLICGet your Free Ticket here.Featured author signings:Poetry from one of the youngest members of the showcase, Kyndall Brown, author of “I Ain’t Ascared of Nutin’ - The Evolution of Me”.Abiola Abrams, host of BET’s Best Shorts, indie filmmaker, and author of the new Simon & Schuster novel Dare.

www.planetabiola.comPanel Discussion of BAS member Anita Hackley-Lambert’s biography of F.H.M. Murray - First Biography of a Forgotten Pioneer for Civil Justice. Featuring Rev. Reginald M. Green, freedom rider and Dr. Sulayman S. Nyang, Howard University Professor of African Studies.

Here's why you need travel insurance.....

Posted by Margaret Salmond on April 3, 2008 at 4:27pm

This week, we have had two airlines (ATA and Aloha Airlines) close up shop and leave their passengers stranded. If this would have happend to you, what would you do?I always stress the importance of travel insurance because you never know what could happen and you need to protect your investment.Having travel insurance will offer you peace of mind in these troubling times. Its worth the cost (which is mininal compared to what you could lose). Make sure to talk to your agent about adding to your next tripAs taken from CNN this morning.....Cruise ship debts leave tourists stranded(CNN) -- Several hundred passengers on a luxury round-the-world cruise-ship tour were stuck Thursday on an island in the Atlantic Ocean after the vessel's owners ran into legal troubles.The 460 passengers and 200 crew members were marooned after their cruise ship sailed into a port in the Madeira Islands, a Portuguese archipelago about 684 kilometers (425 miles) west of Morocco.Portuguese authorities detained the ship -- the Van Gogh -- on Tuesday because of a legal claim against the ship's owners, said Marcus Neal, operations manager for Van Gogh Cruises. They seized it in the port of Funchal, a city of about 100,000.The passengers were making their next-to-last stop on a 93-day cruise around the world. They paid between $12,000 and $44,000 for the voyage.Passengers are able to leave the ship, said British actress Shirley Ann Field, who was among those on board, but she said most were staying put until the dispute was resolved."It's better just to stay here and see what happens," she told CNN.Neal said he hoped the dispute would be resolved soon.The Van Gogh is owned by a Dutch company called Club Cruise, and it had been chartered for years by a separate company, Travelscope Holidays.When Travelscope ran into financial trouble in December, Club Cruise reached an agreement to let administrators run Travelscope. The administrators claim Club Cruise broke its contract with Travelscope.Van Gogh Cruises, which operates the ship, said it did not know why the administrators launched their claim shortly before the end of the cruise, rather than afterwards

TODAY IS MY BIRTHDAY

Posted by Dr. Angela Williams on April 3, 2008 at 1:53pm

I AM CELEBRATING ANOTHER YEAR TO BE ALIVE AND TO BE IN GOD- WON'T YOU PRAISE GOD WITH ME?God Bless,Dr. Williams

Are you really conditioning your hair

Posted by Eddie on April 3, 2008 at 10:30am

WWW.FABULOUSBLACKWOMAN.COMMany people believe that just because they put a conditioner in their hair, they are conditioning it...This is FALSE. Many conditioners are used for the "slippage" factor and the ONLY good they do is make it a bit easier to manage the tangles or napps in my case. Conditioners SHOULD be used to strengthen the hair. When purchasing a conditioner, one should make sure the label indicates it is indeed a deep conditioner and/or should be left on for up to 15 minutes and heat will give further benefits...If none of these are on the label, you are probably using an instant conditioner which like I said..does NOT condition.It takes approximately 15 minutes for the outside layer of the hair to expand, heat (using a plastic cap with or without a hair dryer or warmed conditioner) may cause it to expand quicker. Once the hair expands, the beneficial ingredients such as protein and/or oils can be deposited, which eventually leads to stonger, longer and healther strands.

Come back soon when I talk about the different kinds of conditioners and their different levels of benefits

What's happening at WWW.FabulousBlackWoman.com Major UPDATES

Posted by Eddie on April 3, 2008 at 10:29am

WE HAVE NOW INCLUDE EXCITING ARTICLES AND INFORMATION FOR YOU FABULOUS WOMEN & MEN.THIS MONTH'S ARTICLES ARE: PRICELESS HOUSEHOLD TIPS, LEARNING TO ACCEPT YOURSELF AND THE HARMS OF USING "REGULAR" SHAMPOO. http://fabulousblackwoman.com/MonthlyUpdate.htmlNEW APRIL SPOTLIGHT: Check out this extraordinary author D.J. Parhams. Ms. Parhams is a Chicago South Side native. Her book The Blues For Anne Mae takes reader’s back into the 1980’s and into the life a young girl with a mentally-ill mother that lives through her daughter. Annie Mae suffers through many traumatic events, an eye witness to her mother’s evil against her father, and all the drama that comes along in the music industry.http://fabulousblackwoman.com/Spotlight.htmlIf you are interested in being a spotlight, please contact me.Are you listed in our BLACK BUSINESS DIRECTORY??? If not, WHY NOT, it's exposure for you and your business 100% FREE. http://fabulousblackwoman.com/Blackbusinessdirectory.html We have to support Our businesses and keep our money in Our communities. The economy is HORRIBLE and is not looking like it will be getting better anytime soon. It's a fact that the minority is getting hit hardest and if we don't support one another, our financial fate is sealed. If you are interested in advertising in the May issue, please let me know.I know you've heard of Myspace...Well Black Business Space is like myspace, except it is a HUGE networking community as well as a marketplace to sell, barter, and purchase good from black entrepreneurs. If you are looking for merchandise, retail or wholesale or services, why not check here first. I have been a member for a very short time and have had much success. Check it out...Even if you aren't a business owner, why not make a profile? Here's mines http://www.blackbusinessspace.com/profile/Eddie55Check out what they are saying about Ms. Eddie at Black Business Space http://www.blackbusinessspace.com/forum/topic/show?id=820753%3ATopic%3A172061Mark your calendars...APRIL 19th is the OFFICIAL FBW Coming Out Party...This Party is not just about me, but about US. Please bring your business cards for networking opportunities. We are going to be learning how to take care of Our hair and maintaining healthy, gorgeous Black hair as well as being introduced to some trendy and FABULOUS accessories. Join us for Prizes, Games and FUN. Information time and place listed here http://fabulousblackwoman.com/MonthlyUpdate.htmlCHECK OUT THIS MONTHS SALE ITEM http://fabulousblackwoman.com/Shampoo.html And read the testimonies of Satisfied Customers http://public.fotki.com/AngelNapps/guide-to-growing-yo/book/shampoo.htmlWhile you are there, check out my entire album and see the great progress of using the priceless information from the book and products www.fotki.com/AngelNapps

FUNCTIONS OF AFRICAN ART

Posted by Kala Mujibha on April 3, 2008 at 8:26am

FUNCTIONS OF AFRICAN ARThttp://www.aseyori-market.com/page/1001433There are two distinct and closely interdependent planes at which art functions. These are the spiritual and the secular. The spiritual domain involves religion, with the associational elements of ancestor worship and the various shrines -- communal and personal -- which are installed. Many African societies repose faith in their ancestors. Though dead, ancestors are believed to have the power to transform themselves into formidable spiritual entities who generally intercede in support of their offspring. It is this need to fulfill religious obligations, to appeal to, or venerate ancestors, or to appease malevolent powers, that has encouraged the production of artworks -- in wood, metal, clay or composite materials -- in considerable quantity.Art, then, has an aesthetic constant that is determined primarily by performance. Frequently, it is the medium that becomes the issue, sinceunimprovement in human conditions is often blamed on the ineffectiveness of the particular artwork.The concern for social security, group solidarity, personal and corporate welfare, procreation and survival is shared by many African societies. Survival in this context is not limited to human survival. It is recognized, for instance, that man cannot survive in the absence of reliable agricultural produce. Let us examine this a little further.Most African communities attempt to be as self-sufficient as possible. Indeed, of all things agricultural self-sufficiency is an imperative. For this is one of the cardinal principles of survival. An African proverb says that a hungry stomach cannot accommodate or tackle other issues. Yet, farmers recognize that tilling the soil and planting the seeds may not be sufficient, on occasions, to ensure good harvest. They recognize their powerlessness in the face of inclement weather. Lack of rain, or an excess of it, may spell disaster for the crops, which would either dry up or remain bloated underground. It is this desire to appease the unseen forces responsible for such developments that has led man to resort to extraordinary means.Enter the diviner. Through divination, he attempts to diagnose the cause and prescribe solutions. Probable questions the diviner might ask his oracle are: "Why are the gods angry with us?" "Have the ancestors forsaken us?" "What did we do wrong?" "How do we rectify this situation?" Responses from the oracle would vary from one situation to another. But it may result, as in the case of the Bamana of Mali whose chi wara headdresses are a specimen of creative elegance, in the people being advised to commission masks and dance with them.In some cases, the oracle may reveal that the ancestors had been angered through a misdeed. There would be need for propitiation. Sacrifices may be ordered to be offered at the community shrine. This may involve the appearance of masquerades to cleanse the society of the desecration. Several carved figures, masks and masquerades in African art serve this purpose of atoning for a misdeed, cleansing any defilement, purifying the soil, supplicating for rain or asking for a successful harvest.In this connection, art objects which are the usual physical elements of a shrine become the platform through which ancestral biddings are met. Sacrificial objects vary. In general, emphasis is placed upon edible things. Thus, animals such as pigeons, rats, chickens, snails, rams, goats and at times cows, may be sacrificed. What the ancestors need most is the blood of these animals, which is poured on the art objects in the shrine. Kola nuts, millet beer or palm wine, palm oil, corn and beans are some of the objects that may be used for sacrifice. Pieces of prepared dishes are also fed to the objects. It is the cumulative effect of this which produces the compulsive additiveness noted in some artworks, or the heavy encrustations on some of them. In many instances, encrustations are indicative of the degree of veneration which is attached to the spirit or medium personified by the art object.

Cushions Doll of the Month

Posted by Club Cushions LLC on April 3, 2008 at 6:08am

Join the Club Cushions Movement... Win a Club Cushions T-shirt and more... Book Mark www. clubcushions. comWE're baaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaackEach month you will have a chance to be Cushions Doll of the month..Show why you are proud and confident to be a sexy plus size woman!!!!Here is what you have to do..... Each month you will summit a Youtube video(no longer then 2 minutes or slide show) marked ClubCushions. Com Cushions Doll of the Month Contest Entry, stating why you are proud to be a plus size woman, and why you should be cushions doll of the month.... the top 10 videos will then be posted on the main club cushions site and here on myspace to be voted on! The winner will get there very own official Retro Club Cushions T-shirt and their very own spotlight front page on www. clubcushions. com.... Summit your videos now for the month of MAY top spot!!!!!!!Please keep this clean and respectfulWe are also looking for state rep to jump start this Club Cushions movement!!for more info please email at info@clubcushions.com

April the month for Business owners

Posted by Rickey on April 3, 2008 at 6:00am

April the month for Business ownersYes, this is the month, the IRS gives your business assessment. Did you do the things that saavy business owners do, claim every legitimate deduction you are entitled to OR did you accept hobby status and not claim any business deductions.I do hope you choice the former and not the latter!!!If you are not treating your business as a business, then, you are not in business. Your claims to become rich will ring hollow for you can NOT become rich, if you are not in business.If you need assistance, you have plenty of resources here to help you. Use them. Ask your questions.Remember asking opens the door for receiving. The law of attraction in force. Use it!!!!Ok, that is my quick update. Look forward to networking with you.Rickeywww.juniques.usPromoting is only one part of the marketing mix. Promoting does not make you rich, learning effective business principles and applying them, does.

Intimate products and very sexy lingerie

Posted by Brandi Sallings on April 2, 2008 at 5:05pm

Hi ladies, I have one major question. Why are most women uncomfortable purchasing adult products or very sexy lingerie for their significant other? I have notice that mostly married women believe that these products are "nasty", and that they would never wear or use adult toys with their significant other. This is something that I have never understood. What I did uderstand is that some people are uncomfortable with going into stores to purchase these items, this is my reason I opened my online store. This will allow couples to purchase their products in the privacy of their home, but I still dont understand why we are so shy about using these products or wearing something more sexy than Victoria Secrets will ever offer.Thanks, Mrs Brandi Sallings

Basic Websites starting @ $150!! Limited time only.

Posted by Paradise on April 2, 2008 at 2:07pm

PLS3 is providing basic websites starting at $150 through April 15th!! However, the price goes up depending upon the dynamics you want to include in your site, i.e., music, flash, etc, because we may have to hire outside consultants. The price can be as high as $2000 depending on what you want.The cost to build your basic website is an annual fee of $25 for hosting and domain name registration included with a one-time flat fee as follows:1. $150 for an up to 6-page website*2. $225 for an up to 10-page website*3. $300 for an up to 20-page website*Please Note: The fees DO NOT include extensive editing services. If extensive editing/copywriting is necessary, the cost is $20/page.A $25 consultation fee and meeting (or conference call if you're out of town!) is required to discuss your needs. The meeting should last no more than 30 minutes. The consultation fee is non-refundable. However, should you decide to use our services, it will be credited to your account.Once you make a decision, full payment is required to begin work. Once payment is received, your website could be up and running in less than 1 week!*Some restrictions may apply.These are some "basic" sites we've done:www.DCSconsultingservices.comwww.encoreeventmgmt.comwww.faithmovementmedia.comwww.groundfloorproductionz.comwww.jubileezjproductions.comwww.nbwen.orgwww.Paradisemgmt.comwww.paradisesecretarial.comwww.philscateringtexas.comwww.projectisaiah62.orgwww.theautumnravines.comwww.TillmansCreations.comwww.williamsfinancialsvcs.netwww.worldproductiondesign.comwww.worthyservantjewelry.comParadise Legal Support & Secretarial Services (PLS3) provides quality support services for small business owners, attorneys, authors, individuals, non-profit organizations, and corporations who need full time professional administrative support without the enormous cost.For professionals, you can count on us to help you maximize your potential, minimize cost, and expand your horizons! We provide our services as an alternative to hiring temporary or seasonal employees for your special projects or during regular employee vacations, absences, or seasonal overflow.For individuals, students, senior citizens, let us help you get your "house" in order. We provide exceptional services at sensible prices.MissionOur main goal is to consistently provide professional and experienced support services while emphasizing a commitment to customer satisfaction. We are determined to present professional, error-free work product, in a timely manner, and in the format requested by our clients -- every time!We operate in both traditional and virtual environments in order to accommodate a geographically diverse, broad-based clientele, including, but not limited to, attorneys, authors, entrepreneurs, college students, and senior citizens.

Full Service Graphic Design

Posted by Paradise on April 2, 2008 at 2:05pm

World Production & Design offers a full range of services including:Brochure and Catalog DesignBusiness Cards and LetterheadPresskitsPostcards/Posters/FlyersDigital Photo RestorationCD/DVD Covers & InsertsBook CoversLogo DesignWebsite DesignAll services under $200 must be prepaid in full before work begins. All services over $200 begin with a 50% deposit with balance due prior to final project completion. We work with your idea or can come up with our own based on the information you provide. For a limited time, get your first order of 5,000 4x6 flyers printed for $75 (1-sided) or $175 (2-sided). Price includes standard shipping.For more information and samples, please reply.

Feeling Inspired

Posted by Alive Inc & ALIVE Magazine on April 2, 2008 at 11:50am

Go ahead and let yourself enjoy the beauty, the wonder, the miracle of the life you're living. There's nothing wrong with feeling the very best you can possibly feel. For the better you feel about yourself, the more of a positive difference you can make for the world around you. The better you feel about yourself, the more real value you can create and contribute.There is every reason to make this day a truly inspired one. The most loving and responsible thing you can do is to live up to your incredible potential. You have many valuable gifts to offer by being the best you can possibly be. And that begins with feeling positive and inspired about who you are and what you're doing.Sure, there are plenty of very real problems in the world. But you don't have to give them any more power than they already have. Instead, use this day to spread goodness, hope, joy and love. Let yourself feel great and enthusiastically act on that positive, inspired feeling .

They're not going anywhere!

Posted by Karma on April 2, 2008 at 1:55am

They’re not going anywhere!So, I’m doing my thing and trying to figure out some very economical promotions for a young man who is going into business for himself. After a typical interview, I thought about his love of roller coaster and amusement parks. In the interview, he told me that he and his buddies visit atleast 8 amusement parks a year and this is the time when he feels most creative.So what did I do? Visit the blog entitled: RollerCoasters for the rest of this story.Forever promoting,Karma Middletonwww.Great-Promo.Com...Creating brain tattoos that last generations!

Networking Event in Atlanta, GA 4/6/08

Posted by Karma on April 2, 2008 at 1:50am

Networking opportunity April 6, 2008DetailsPJ’s Coffee & Wine Bar232 19th St NWAtlanta, GA30363(404) 745-42156-7pmWe have all experienced those networking events where everyone walked around and handed out business cards and told you what you could buy from them.At WEW, our definition of networking is different? We’re not about providing two minutes to deliver a sales pitch.We’re asking each person that attends to help others by answering one of the following questions:What are you going to do today to help promote one of the networkers you meet this Sunday?When was the last time you updated your site or blog?How many business cards do you need to pass out to get one client?How do you keep someone from day dreaming when you’re a speaker at a function?...and other important questions entrepreneurial minded people need to have the answers to.Come out and Network with us. Share your experience and gain from the experiences of others.Karmawww.Great-Promo.ComP.S. If you miss the event, there will be excerpts of it posted in 48 hours or less at: http://my.great-promo.com

PUBLIC RELATIONS "BOOT CAMPS": AN "OUNCE OF PREVENTION".

Posted by D.A.Sears on April 2, 2008 at 1:43am

The employees in your company know that you expect them to produce high quality work products, meet deadlines, and exercise a high degree of professionalism when dealing with each other and your clients. They know what your expectations are because you have told them. But do your employees have a clear idea about how they should handle an inquiry from the media? Will they know what questions to ask? Do they know that they cannot make statements to the media unless they have been specifically designated to do so by a duly authorized officer of your company? If the answer to any one or all of these questions is “No,” you may be setting yourself up for “missed” and/or “mishandled” media opportunities which can take the form of inquiries from the media “falling through the cracks” and not getting to the right person immediately or someone saying more than they should to the media. “Missed” and “mishandled” media opportunities in the form of employees giving out too little or too much information to the media or not expeditiously getting a media inquiry to the right person in your company could not only rob your company of its chance to enhance its visual identity, expand its client base and grab the attention of an untapped target market but could, in the long run, negatively affect profitability. The development of a “public relations boot camp” is your company’s “ounce of prevention” against “missed” and “mishandled” media opportunities.Okay, so your firm has a Marketing Department composed of “media savvy” individuals who know what to do and what to say or a group of marketing consultants who are “off site.” That’s great! But what happens if the media discovers the direct telephone number of one of your company’s high-ranking officers or that of an employee and bypasses your Marketing Department or the group of off-site marketing consultants you have hired to “run interference” and contacts one of your employees or a high-ranking officer directly? How will they respond? The creation of a “public relations boot camp” will ensure that “what ifs” don’t’ become your company’s worst nightmare.Does this sound a little far-fetched? Well, picture the following hypothetical scenario.You are a partner in an international law firm that you created and have just returned to the office after spending ten grueling hours successfully negotiating a multi-billion dollar, “headline-grabbing” merger deal between an American multinational corporation and a multinational corporation domiciled in Brussels, Belgium. Due to the transaction’s precedent-setting complexities, the eyes of the international business community and the media are on your client and your law firm. Your client, your law firm’s Management Committee, Client Development Committee and your firm’s off-site marketing consultants have given you the “green light” to respond to media inquiries about the deal that you have helped to finalize – a deal which, when publicized, will put you, your law firm and your client in the spotlight. You glance at your watch. It’s eight o’clock in the evening as you sift through a pile of messages lying on your desk. You discover that you were contacted earlier in the day directly by the the Managing Editor at The American Lawyer; a senior producer at CNN’s Moneyline; a Senior Editor at The Financial Times of London; and a reporter from The Wall Street Journal. None of these folks are in their offices at this hour and you can only hope that when you return their calls during the early morning hours of the next business day that they will not regard what you have to say as “old news.” Although your Assistant dutifully recorded the messages and left them for you, she did not – through no fault of her own -- perceive the implicit urgency of these messages. Thus, she did not try to reach you by telephone, e-mail or fax to immediately inform you of the media inquiries.So, could a “public relations boot camp” have prevented a scenario such as the one described above from happening?Yes!How?Had a “public relations marketing boot camp” been conducted at the hypothetical attorney’s law firm, the hypothetical lawyer would have been immediately informed by his Assistant that the media needed to speak with him. As a result, the hypothetical attorney could and would have responded immediately to the media inquiries.So, what are some of the guidelines that a “public relations boot camp” should impart to a company’s employees?Here are a few:- Employees, other than specifically designated members of a company’s senior management group or a specifically designated member of a company’s Marketing Department, should be prohibited from expressing opinions or making statements of any kind to the media.- Media inquiries should be forwarded on an “as-soon-as-possible” basis to the individual to whom the media wishes to speak with – whether the individual in question is “on site” or out of the office. If the individual in question is out of the office, since most individuals travel with cell phones, palm pilots and/or lap top computers, he or she should be notified of the media inquiries through cell phones and e-mails. The message concerning the media inquiry should also be placed in the individual’s office telephone voice mailbox and should be manually recorded on a message slip. Additionally, the company’s Marketing Department or off-site marketing consultants should also be made aware of the media inquiry and advised as to (a) the steps that have been taken to reach the individual in question; and (b) whether the individual in question has, in fact, received the message. This will prevent media inquiries from “falling through the cracks”. It will also create a situation where everyone is “on the same page”.- Inquiries from the media should be treated with the same level of urgency, courtesy and professionalism that a company’s clients enjoy.- When speaking with news producers, reporters and editors, every attempt should be made to ascertain the news producers’/ reporters’/editors’ deadline (i.e.: the date and time at which will they need to receive the information that they requested). One can simply ask, “What is your deadline?” Normally, news producers, editors, and reporters will advise you of their deadlines. But when this does not happen, the question needs to be asked. In most cases, news producers/reporters/editors after stating why they want to speak to an individual and after identifying the subject matter about which they wish to speak to the individual, will also ask to have the individual’s bio and/or photo sent to them. Here again, if this does not happen, the question needs to be asked, along with asking for a street/mailing address, fax number and an e-mail address for the purpose of distributing the individual’s bio and/or photo to the editor/reporter/news producer. This information should also be included in the message that is forwarded to the individual and to the company’s Marketing Department or off-site marketing consultants.- As soon as a company becomes aware of the fact that a current or future event or situation may draw media attention, the company should alert its employees in writing as to how media inquiries should be handled and what the employees can and cannot say to the media.* * *

Assisting Women in Transitioning ~ PROJECT RETURN

Posted by Women Entrepreneurs OF America on April 1, 2008 at 7:41pm

March, 2008Dear Supporter,I am writing to tell you about one of the most innovative, creative and well needed program implemented in the City of Cleveland by our National non-profit organization, Women Entrepreneurs Of America – PROJECT RETURN: ReIntegrating the Ex-Offender Program. Project Return is kicking off its long awaited program in the City of Cleveland and is preparing for the first round of servicing clients that are in need of our program. Ex-Offenders that currently attend a many of our meetings are benefiting from training and various workshops. It is our hope to service more clients various training, life skill workshops and mentoring opportunities.Members of our national organization will be donating their time and services. We are one of the few minority owned non-profit organizations to have implemented a program of this nature that is geared exclusively towards returning women back to society.We are in need of your help! We are in jeopardy of not solidifying our services due to the lack of funding to operate which will cause decreased enrollment due to the failing economy in the State of Ohio.$50,000 in Fifty Days (50/50) is a unique opportunity for us to help create an avenue to help individuals and businesses support more women returning back from the penal system in the metropolitan area. This fundraising opportunity will also help to raise funds for us to keep our operations open for many seasons to come. Your donation is 100% tax deductible and a scholarship in your name or businesses name will be presented on Saturday, May 17, 2008 during our Annual Gala Membership Drive and Red Carpet Awards Event. The 50/50 challenge target dates are April 1 through May 31, 2008.In the spirit of our Annual Gala Membership Drive hosted in Cleveland, Ohio, we will strive to reach this amount through actively soliciting donations from community partners like you. We are always sincerely grateful for any donation that you make towards this cause. A contribution may be given in the form of cash, business check, money order or certified funds made payable to WEA, Inc.: PROJECT RETURN and sent to the address below. Additionally, all donations are 100% tax-deductible and a receipt will be provided at your request.Thank you for your time and support. I encourage you to learn more about Women Entrepreneurs Of America and PROJECT RETURN, and our upcoming events. For more details on our wonderful beneficiaries please visit our web sites at www.freewebs.com/weainc/www.freewebs.com/projectreturnor by calling the WEA office at (216) 990-9750. Thanks, again!Sincerely,Yolanda Lamar-Wilder, Women Entrepreneurs Of AmericaPROJECT RETURNFounder and Executive Director8432 East 42nd PlaceIndianapolis, Indiana 46226

Why it's crucial to work with teenage mothers.

Posted by Courtney R. Franklin on April 1, 2008 at 2:49pm

Teenage pregnancy, although on a decline, is still a major concern in the United States. Not only does teenage pregnancy affect the livelihood of both mother and child, the costs to society, in terms of heathcare, public aid, and resources is very high. The National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy estimates that the cost to taxpayers reached its peak in 2004 at close to $9 billion. Yes, billion. Teenage mothers and their children are very likely to rely on public aid for survival, and oftentimes spend many, many years dependent on welfare to make ends meet.More important than any dollar amount are the negative outcomes that these girls and their children are facing. Children born to teenage mothers are at increased risk for developmental difficulties, behavior problems and are more likely to drop out of school and be involved with the criminal justice system. One of the most grim statistics is that girls born to teenage mothers are three times as likely to become teenage mothers themselves, perpetuating the cycle of welfare dependence, low aspiration and hoplessness.The reason why it's crucial to work with teenage mothers (and teenage girls considered to be "at-risk") is because these girls represent our future...not just themselves, but their children as well. There are cases of girls having babies at 10 and 11 years old...Imagine being raised by an 11 year old. How well do you think you would fare? Not to mention the fact that oftentimes these girls have long histories of sexual, psychological and emotional trauma that scars them for life. They then become responsible for another human being, and can only raise them the way that they have been raised. It's obvious that this is an important issue. Did you hear the statistic that came out last month that 1 in 4 teenage girls has an STD? 1 in 4. That's mind blowing. The question is what can we do about it.The key to reaching today's teenage girl is empowerment, working with them to help them change their way of thinking and the way that they view the world and themselves. Due to their backgrounds, many girls feel hopeless, as if they have no chance at a bright future. These feelings lead to destructive lifestyles and negative choices. With help from a caring, approachable adult, these thought patterns can be redirected so that she begins to see herself in a new light, and finally realize that her past does not define her future. The approach must be 100% real, without sugar coating anything, and get to the heart of the matter right away. The empowerer must be available and equipped to play many roles, and know that the job doesn't end at 5. In order to truly be effective in working with teenage girls, you must be able to reach them on their level.It is crucial to empower today's teenage girl. Negative influences are abundant. Take the time to be a positive one.

Its the law!!! Get FREE Credit reports from the 3 major reporting agencies annually

Posted by Rickey on April 1, 2008 at 9:08am

Hello Commuity, Happy New Month!!As you know I am advocate of financial literacy. If you not aware of how taxes and credit debt Will effect you personally and professionally, that is not good. To order FREE CREDIT REPORTS from the 3 big credit reporting agencies. This is mandated by law and available annually, at NO COST.Please visit my site and get additional infohttp://www.juniques.orgI look forward to networking, sharing information, creating new opportunities, knowing by growing!!!Networkingly yours,Rickey

Note: this page contains paid content.

Note: this page contains paid content.

Note: this page contains paid content.

Note: this page contains paid content.