Facebook fuses emotion to its anti-bullying efforts

http://www.cnn.com/2012/07/12/tech/facebook-cyberbullying-update/index.html

I'm thrilled that Facebook has finally come on board and developed a way for teenager's to be able to report negativity/ cyber bullying on Facebook. This will help us lower the statistics on Bullying and save lives. We can and will prevent Bullying. 

Looking for a speaker on bullying and youth violence prevention? Mrs Virginia International 2012 will be happy to come to your school or community organization to speak on those topics and on SAVE!

Izzy International scouter from Taiwan June & July 2012

We had the wonderful opportunity to host Izzy at our home for the weekend. Izzy is an International scouter with the boy scouts in Taiwan. My husband Stuart hires an International scouter every year for the scout camp. We were thrilled to have Izzy with us. She is a wealth of knowledge and getting to learn from her on the differences of our cultures was just amazing. The kids really enjoyed learning how to count in Mandarin and how to use some of their toys. 

Izzy teaching the girls how to use chopsticks

Izzy enjoying Fondue

Izzy talking to the kids about toys in Taiwan

Izzy excited about meeting a "queen"

I may not be real royalty but I am the Queen of Virginia 

Izzy asked to try on the crown

"The Crowning Moment' 

Izzy teaching Addison Taiwan songs

Izzy teaching the twins on how to use Whip-Top

SAVE- Conference in New Castle, PA (6/19/12)

 

Thank you to SAVE chapters of Lawrence County, PA for inviting me to come and speak. Amy and Belinda, Thank you for having such passion for our youth. 

Ian, Sydney, Madison, Clarence, Dawn, Denny, Kristyn, and Ashley, 

I enjoyed it so much having the opportunity

 to learn from each of you.  

SAVE students 

Belinda, me, Amy 

SAVE students  participating in an activity 

  

        speaking to SAVE students 

BSA- Nat'l meeting June 2012

I had the wonderful opportunity to hear "Pip" from the "The Voice"  sing our National Anthem, and also get a moment with him. I'm so proud at the fact that he is an Eagle scout and a great role model for our youth. A true example of dreams coming true. Our family just loved him on the show and can't wait for the album. Thanks "Pip"! I was also able to see Mike Rowe from "Dirty Jobs" show. He is also an Eagle scout and a Fabulous speaker.

‎"Success is not measured by riches but by discipline, never giving up on your dreams, and always believing in yourself, that is true success." ~ Jennifer Williams

Bullying prevention Final Taping & Flash Mob (May 25th-2012)

bullying prevention- last taping for Sherando high school

WOW- What a great school year and proof that students really do care and can make a difference with a little guidance.  The Sherando High Focus group has easily been one of the most inspiring parts of my platform.  There are many different anti-bullying programs, but sometimes the best program is the one run by students living it.  The Shernado focus group has not only made a difference, but have set the example.  I was able to do multiple motivational tapings throughout the year and interact with what will easily be our next generation of leaders.  Thank you to Principal - Mr. Nelson and Guidance Counselor Denise McKaig for your support  and Dr. Sovine - Frederick County Superintendent for giving me the green light.
    
 

student with the focus group 

Mr. Nelson (principal)  

I had a wonderful year with you and to my graduating seniors - never forget to stand strong and the most powerful thing you can do with your life is being a voice for those that don't have one.  All of this culminating into a year end flash mob with a simple, but powerful message.  "I HAVE A VOICE - YOU HAVE A VOICE"!!!

Longwood High School Freshman Jessica Barba Suspended Over Anti-Bullying YouTube Video, Facebook Page « CBS New York

Longwood High School Freshman Jessica Barba Suspended Over Anti-Bullying YouTube Video, Facebook Page « CBS New York

She Matter's Conference (May 12)

 SHE MATTER'S Conference- motto is
"I Matter, You Matter, SHE MATTER'S!"
 It was a wonderful opportunity to be able to educate these lovely young ladies and later in the day their parents on SAVE, and my platform- Take a Stand B.R.A.V.E.

The girls writing the motto on my board in the classroom. (right)




 SAVE brochures to hand out to the girls.(below)

 Some of the girls from my class.

 (autograph time)
Miss Maryland International- Chardia
 Miss Teen D.C. International- Margo
and me Mrs. Virginia International

The "Welcome" committee- these young ladies were so excited. I had just arrived and walked into the lobby area  and it was a mad rush of young ladies to meet me and grab a photo op. This is also what makes my job so much fun. To put smiles on their faces.

American Heart Association - Heart Ball (April 14)

 Kristyn and I were invited to the 20th Annual  AHA- "Heart Ball" in Richmond. It was a beautiful night and they were able to raise a substantial amount of money. Way to go AHA! I personally was moved by the video presentation they did and having the survivors stand. WOW just breathtaking. It was also a wonderful evening because my husband Stuart was able to join us and help volunteer. - Thanks Honey! 

SAVE meeting (April 4)

Stuart and I had the opportunity to go and meet with the Director for the nationalsave.org Carleen Wray. Thank you Carleen! I'm looking forward to the wonderful and upcoming things we have scheduled on making a difference in the lives of our youth. 


(picture taken by my lovely husband Stuart) 






please go check out www.nationalsave.org as well as www.stopbullying.gov as they have updated there website and have great information on bullying. 

Thank you Dateline NBC (April 2)

Thank You Dateline NBC for showing the real truth behind the Phoebe Prince case 2 yrs ago on bullying. I strongly believe that ALL our administration, teachers, guidance, parents and students need to be better educated on bullying/ cyber bullying. We need to stand together as communities to make a difference and not lose anymore children to this epidemic. God Bless!

Once Upon a Prom (March 30)

 This event was held in Arnold, Maryland and was a blast. We were their Fairy Godmother's helping these wonderful and beautiful young ladies picking out dresses, accessories, and shoes. The young ladies were given the opportunity to have make up tips by Mary Kay consultant as well as scrapbooking materials so they could make their own pages for there special evening. It was amazing to see there smiles and how thrilled they were for this opportunity.
Miss Maryland Collegiate - Jordyn, Miss Maryland International- Chardia,  myself aka (Mrs Barbie International), Miss International - Ciji.

(my Cinderella) She LOVED spinning in the dress and we were ALL so excited for her.

(my other Cinderella- Minnie)

The Bully Project- movie (March 30th)

"The Bully Project" documentary/movie will be aired in select theaters on March 30th. I find it interesting that we make a documentary on Bullying for what should be ALL kids seeing it but yet it has a  rating of "R", because of this rating is why our youth will NOT be able to view it only 18 years and up. This is why our society is the way it is and how is this going to reach our children to make a difference.. We make a documentary about the pervasive problem among our youth and we can't even show them. The kids that really need to see it won't be able to. I'm a mother of 3 who's children have had to endure being bullied I'm an advocate, and I'm passionate about ending this epidemic. TAKE A STAND AND MAKE A DIFFERENCE , advocate for this rating to be changed so ALL of our youth can see it. It is up  to us to have a VOICE. It ends NOW!
GOD BLESS!!!! 

Rotary Conference (March)

As Mrs. Virginia International I get opportunities to   speak to students (1,500 thus far) on my platform "Take a Stand B.R.A.V.E. and SAVE. 


This particular weekend I had 255 Interact Club students who were wonderful and thrilled I was there to talk about the pervasive problem among our youth- Bullying/Cyber Bullying.  

  

John Handley Interact Club officers.
front right Brandon (black shirt) and front left (grey dress) Elisha, hold a special place in my heart. Brandon (Holder) was bullied as a kid and came to me a few months back asking if I could help him start his own bullying prevention program. He came up with "Holder's Heroes". I'm proud to say today that program is working and very successful. 

 














This is why we do what we do- "Make a Difference" in the lives of our youth so that they can pay it forward and leave there own legacy behind. I'm just humbled that I was able to have a small part in it.

Sherando High School newspaper (March)

I was thrilled when Sherando high school asked me to come speak at the morning announcements to discuss my platform and what Shearando's focus group is about. Along with being interviewed by the Shearnado school newspaper. 
GO WARRIORS!