My speaking platform & Family Violence Prevention Fund

Despite all of the heat that managed to sweat out my press (aka flat iron), I had the best lunch meeting with ladies from the Family Violence Prevention Fund headquarters Friday!
Their motto is "changing the world for the next generation", and they really are doing that! Over thin crust pizza and some really good grilled asparagus, The vice president and two lovely program specialists educated me about campaigns that are creating change in the way that our youth relate to one another around the nation. I was really inspired and cannot wait to collaborate and bring awareness to every venue I attend. The knowMore campaign www.KnowMoreSayMore.org is focused around the correlation of dating violence and reproductive health such as HIV and unintended pregnancy. Jeanine is awesome and really is passionate about educating young women (college age primarily) about their resources and how to end the abuse.
I also learned about the That's Not Cool Campaign. www.ThatsNotCool.com, its all about textual harassment and other controlling behaviors that are found to be on the rise among the "tween" population. The video above is a part of the campaign and as I watched I was laughing but had to admit that even I, a grown woman, have had instances where I dealt with that kind of harassment and unnecessary texting from someone I was involved with. Many times I think the guys may not even realize how overboard they are. In some of their minds they may just be checking on you or showing you attention that we all find flattering from time to time. However, this video had me realize "you know what that is never cool! If someone is texting me ever few minutes that is always overboard regardless of the intent"....See I'm still learning everyday!
Anyway, whenever you come to see me speak or write articles I am going to be representing for the ladies and the tremendous amount that goes into these campaigns and bringing them to the "ground-work" (the people).
Special thank you to Debbie for the meeting, you are doing incredible work!, Jeanine, and Sara! It was a pleasure meeting you all and I'm excited to continue to speak to girls and women about all that you do!