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Five Components of Literacy

Reading Components

bu Stephanie Cogeos

Reading is one of the most important skills children can learn. There are five essential components of reading:

1. 1.Phonics. This is mapping the sounds in words to written letters. This is an early reading skill children develop. It allows them to understand the link between letters and sounds. Lack of instruction in phonics leads to difficulties in reading. Children have to grasp the fact that printed text represents the sounds of spoken words. There are a lot of ways to help a child develop this ability.

1. 1.Phonemic Awareness. You develop phonemic awareness by learning about sounds, syllables and words. Words are made up of units of sound known as phonemes. The word “crab” is made up for four individual units of sound: c/r/a/b. The word “shop” has three phonemes: sh/o/p. The ability to hear, identify and manipulate the individual units of sound is phonemic awareness. It is a fundamental skill in learning how to read. English consists of about 41 phonemes.

1. 1.Vocabulary. The more words we know the better one becomes at reading and understanding what we are reading. Reading a wide variety of books will allow a child to grow their vocabulary. The more words they learn, their vocabulary will grow and enable them to learn.

1. 1.Fluency. Fluency lets readers span the gap between recognizing a word and knowing what it means. Fluent readers do not need to concentrate on decoding the words on a page. They can focus on the meaning of the words and enjoy what they are reading. Fluency comes as a child develops the first 3 components listed above.

1. 1.Reading Comprehension. Great readers can become immersed in the stories they read. They can visualize the characters, hear the dialogue and imagine details that are not necessarily on the page. They can identify with the characters. In nonfiction, they can gain new information and link what they read with other sources of information and learn new ideas and concepts.

Available at http://www.btsya.com/resources.html

Stephanie Cogeos is the Star Teen Book Review Coordinator with Be the Star You Are!®

www.BTSYA.org

If you’d like to become a book reviewer, email info@bethestaryouare.org.

When shopping use Amazon Smile: #StartWithaSmile at https://smile.amazon.com/ch/94-3333882 and Amazon donates to Be The Star You Are, Inc..

MAKE A DONATION TO OPERATION DISASTER RELIEF TO HELP SURVIVORS OF THE FIRES AND HURRICANES!

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Make a DONATION through PAYPAL GIVING FUND and PAYPAL with 100% going to BTSYA with NO FEES: https://www.paypal.com/fundraiser/charity/1504

DIRECT LINKS you can use for Be the Star You Are!®

Positive Results: https://www.bethestaryouare.org/positive-results

About Us: https://www.bethestaryouare.org/about_us

Programs: https://www.bethestaryouare.org/programs

How to Help: https://www.bethestaryouare.org/how-to-help

Blog: https://www.bethestaryouare.org/blog-1

Events: https://www.bethestaryouare.org/events

GREAT NON PROFITS REVIEWS: https://greatnonprofits.org/org/be-the-star-you-are-inc

GUIDESTAR/CANDID: https://www.guidestar.org/profile/94-3333882

We invite you to volunteer, get involved, or make a donation. Make a DONATION through PAYPAL GIVING FUND and PAYPAL with 100% going to BTSYA with NO FEES: https://www.paypal.com/fundraiser/charity/1504

PLEASE DONATE

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Checks can be sent to PO Box 376, Moraga, California 94556

http://www.btsya.org

YOU MATTER! VOTE TODAY FOR DECENCY!

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ENJOY A SAFE AND HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

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	Contact Information: BTSYA, PO Box 376, Moraga, California 94556, www.BTSYA.org

Happy 21st Anniversary to Be the Star You Are!® 501 c3 charity

Posted by

presspass on September 4, 2020

Empowerment

Happy 21st Anniversary to Be the Star You Are!® 501 c3 charity

See more: http://hosted.verticalresponse.com/672296/697dec5ebe/288055965/bbd34d3431/

Honored by the California Assembly for 20 years of community service.

HAPPY 21ST ANNIVERSARY TO BTSYA

MIRACLE MOMENT®

“The more you praise and celebrate your life, the more there is in life to celebrate.”

Oprah Winfrey

MESSAGE FROM CYNTHIA BRIAN, Founder/Executive Director

Happy Anniversary to Be the Star You Are!® 501 c3

WOW!

Be the Star You Are!® has served our cities, counties, country, and world for TWENTY ONE years! On September 9, we reach this milestone and I want to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has been a part of our STAR team throughout our journey. It has been a struggle to stay alive and vibrant, but somehow with determination, vigilance, and a spirit to survive, Be the Star You Are!® proudly celebrates 21 years of dedicated service with a 100% volunteer workforce.

We are so grateful to our supporters who make tax-deductible donations to our charity to support our outreach programs. BTSYA has all the expenses of any business: rent, utilities, supplies, postage, internet, furniture, internet services, insurance, storage, etc. and couldn’t continue without the ongoing donations of individuals like you. When I stop to think of all that has been accomplished in the past 21 years, I am really amazed and also humbled.

We have persevered.

We have made a difference.

We remain a grassroots organization.

We celebrate diversity, inclusivity, and innovation.

We are striving for excellence.

We deliver positivity, hope, and healing.

Over the years, I have managed thousands of volunteers. Some volunteered for a single event, some come, go, and return, some have continued for years. I salute you one and all and say THANK YOU for gracing BTSYA with your individuality, skills, expertise, and humor.

With no paid staff and all volunteers, since receiving our 501c3 status in 1999, Be the Star You Are! has:

Served 420,820 individuals and families

Donated to 110 organizations

Logged 500,890 volunteer hours & growing

Distributed $2 million in resources

Broadcast 2200 unique hours of positive programming through radio broadcasts.

Published 4 signature award-winning books, Be the Star You Are!® 99 Gifts, Be the Star You Are!® for Teens, Be the Star You Are!® Millennials to Boomers, and Miracle Moments®,

Written and published over 2000 book reviews in collaboration with The Reading Tub and Express Yourself!™ Creative Community.

Interviewed over 2500 authors, experts, and celebrities.

Nominated for the California Governor’s and First Lady’s Service Awards

Honored with five-star ratings as a Top Rated Non-Profit by GuideStar and Great Non Profits for the Women’s Empowerment, Arts and Culture, and the Arts Appreciation Campaigns since 2010.

And we are just getting started.

Stay tuned for more as Be the Star You Are!® continues to soar.

Learn more about our programs at https://www.bethestaryouare.org/programs

THANK YOU!

Have a safe and healthy Labor Day weekend. Wear your masks, keep your distance, and respect others.

Living with gratitude and celebrating living,

Cynthia Brian

Founder/Executive Director

Be the Star You Are!®

PO Box 376

Moraga, California 94556

Cynthia@BetheStarYouAre.org

https://www.facebook.com/BTSYAcharity/

Make a DONATION through PAYPAL GIVING FUND with 100% going to BTSYA with NO FEES: https://www.paypal.com/fundraiser/charity/1504

THANK YOU MORAGA CHAMBER

The Moraga Chamber of Commerce recently gave a Community Cup Grant to Be the Star You Are!® to help during this challenging Covid-19 crisis. We are so appreciative because all our events have been canceled and funds are necessary to continue inspiration, motivation, communication, and education. Gracias, Gracias, Gracias!

QUOTE FOR LIVING:

“If you think you are beaten, you are.

If you think you dare not, you don’t.

If you’d like to win, but think you can’t

It’s almost a cinch, you won’t.

Life’s battles don’t always go

To the stronger or faster woman or man.

Sooner or later the person who wins

Is the one who thinks she can.”

BE PREPARED FOR EMERGENCIES

In the last few weeks, we’ve experienced unprecedented weather conditions with temperatures in the three digits, ferocious winds, low humidity, thunderstorms, and lightning strikes resulting in more perilous and damaging wildfires. Frightening fire tornadoes, also called fire whirls or firenadoes”, blazed over thousands of acres in Northern California. Dry conditions will only worsen in the forthcoming months. Air quality is precariously unhealthy with dangerous concentrations of tiny PM 2.5 particles that penetrate deep into the lungs.

Natural disasters know no boundaries. One never knows if a fire, earthquake, flood, mudslide, or other calamity is on the horizon. It’s imperative to be prepared for all emergencies. Because of climate change and global warming, we can be assured that our future will include more widespread, frequent, devastating, and deadly natural disasters.

Be Prepared! Read more and Make a “Go Bag”: https://www.lamorindaweekly.com/archive/issue1414/Are-you-ready-to-evacuate.html

DONATE TO DISASTER RELIEF

SHOP ONLINE WITHOUT A MASK!

Since we need to stay at home and only go out when absolutely necessary, these are on-line shopping portals that will sell you what you need, offer discounts, and assist our mission as a nonprofit. Please use these web sites for all of your shopping essentials,

1. AmazonSmile donates .5% of purchases https://smile.amazon.com/ch/94-3333882

2. Discounted books at Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/shops/be_the_star_you_are_charity

3. Giving Assistant: Shop. Earn. Give! Use Giving Assistant to earn cash at 3500+ popular online stores, then donate a percentage to BTSYA:https://givingassistant.org/np#be-the-star-you-are-inc

& buy from your favorite stores.

4. Search and GoodShop: Choose Be the Star You Are as your charity to support. You can log in with Facebook, too! https://www.goodshop.com/nonprofit/be-the-star-you-are

5. Shop at over 1300 stores on IGIVE: http://www.iGive.com/BTSYA

6. Buy “Read, Lead, Succeed” black tanks $19.99 and books at StarStyle® Store: http://www.starstylestore.net/

7. Are you a gamer, lover of new software, or other digital content? Buy all of your favorites at Humble Bundle. http://ow.ly/cYs130iN6n4

DIRECT LINKS you can use for Be the Star You Are!®

Positive Results: https://www.bethestaryouare.org/positive-results

About Us: https://www.bethestaryouare.org/about_us

Programs: https://www.bethestaryouare.org/programs

How to Help: https://www.bethestaryouare.org/how-to-help

Blog: https://www.bethestaryouare.org/blog-1

Events: https://www.bethestaryouare.org/events

GREAT NON PROFITS REVIEWS: https://greatnonprofits.org/org/be-the-star-you-are-inc

GUIDESTAR/CANDID: https://www.guidestar.org/profile/94-3333882

PLEASE DONATE

BTSYA receives no government or corporate support. We count on YOU to help us help others. During this pandemic, all of our fundraising events have been canceled, yet we continue to support those in need. We appreciate a direct donation most of all via PAYPAL GIVING FUND at https://www.paypal.com/fundraiser/charity/1504

Checks can be sent to PO Box 376, Moraga, California 94556

http://www.btsya.org

GET SOCIAL

FACEBOOK

TWITTER

https://twitter.com/BetheStarYouAre

CELEBRATE!

DONATE NOW!

Be the Star You Are!® 501 c3 charity

PO Box 376

Moraga, California 94556

www.BetheStarYouAre.org

www.BTSYA.org

UNITE FOR HUMAN DIGNITY

Posted by

presspass on June 9, 2020

Empowerment

Become Color Blind

	MIRACLE MOMENT®
“When ordinary life shackles me, I escape, one way or another. No more walls.” Anais Nin
	MESSAGE FROM CYNTHIA BRIAN, Founder/Executive Director
“You are so lucky! You have red blood!” my mother chimed when, as children, any of us would injure ourselves and be bleeding. We’d immediately stop crying and be grateful that our red blood meant that we were humans and not some form of alien. We were taught that every person was equal. No one was better or worse than anyone else and that no matter what color our skin, what God we worshipped, what gender we were, where we came from, or what language we spoke, we all deserved the opportunity to succeed and be happy. We were taught to work hard, respect others, and live by the golden rule. “Care, share, and be fair” was a family motto. The last few weeks have been tragic for humans. Not only is the world struggling to survive a pandemic with Covid-19, but the death of an unarmed Black man, George Floyd, by an officer sworn to protect and serve us, has struck a deep wound in our global consciousness. Our hearts go out to his family and friends and to all the other people who have endured racist encounters. Fear and pain are prevailing. There is no place for racism and bigotry in our country. We are all human. Here at Be the Star You Are!®, we are inclusive. We are blind to any color and respect and welcome everyone-black, brown, yellow, beige, white, and any color in between. Be the Star You Are!® supports all ethnicity’s, genders, cultures, and has no religious or political agendas or affiliations. Our goal is to amplify your inner greatness and help you be the best person possible by improving literacy, increasing positive media messages, and offering tools for living a purposeful life. Protesting is our right as Americans and peaceful protests are valuable. Looting and rioting is counter-productive and only leads to more violence, hatred, and alienation. It is time that we all stopped to listen and hear what others are saying and feeling. We must empathize and start conversations that can lead to healing. I have always believed that ALL LIVES MATTER. But right now, we need to embrace BLACK LIVES MATTER because black men and black women are suffering deeply. Our volunteer Karen Kitchel, shared a video that you may have already watched, but it is worth viewing again. It displays the disparity between a life of privilege and one of racial inequality. Watch it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5BEwiqrXrjw No one must be shackled. It’s time to break down the walls of differences. We must come together to create positive, systemic change that will provide dignity, respect, opportunities, and resources to all. We can each be a catalyst for change. Once we learn to communicate and collaborate, we will escape to innovate. Be the Star You Are!® is proud to have been serving the community, country, and world since 1999 with resources to create a better future. Unite for dignity and be color brave. We all bleed red. Stay safe. Stay strong. In solidarity, Cynthia Brian Founder/Executive Director Be the Star You Are!® PO Box 376 Moraga, California 94556 Cynthia@BetheStarYouAre.org https://www.BetheStarYouAre.org http://www.BTSYA.org P.S. During the lock-down, I am available for consultations, webinars, interviews, or speaking via on-line sources only. If interested, email cynthia@BetheStarYouAre.org or visit https://www.starstyleradio.com/coaching DONATE: https://www.paypal.com/fundraiser/charity/1504 ONLINE AUCTION If you want to jumpstart your business, service, or promote your products, IConnectx has created an online auction to benefit Be the Star You Are!® with opportunities for LIVe or pre-recorded radio interviews and phone or online consultations with Cynthia Brian. More auction items will be added in the following days. Auction ends on June 20th so start bidding right away to win. Visit: https://bit.ly/2ZuIQkE
	THE REAL MEANING OF DIGNITY
by Karen Kitchel “Dignity has the potential to change the world, but only if people like you help to spread its profound message” concluded Donna Hicks in the Psychology Today article “What Is the Real Meaning of Dignity?” We are all born with dignity, which is different than respect which must be earned. Every individual has worth as a human being and wants to be treated as someone with value. Everyone wants to be heard and to feel safe in the world. When we feel included, we gain a sense of hope and possibility. Receiving an apology when someone does us harm is a way to reconnect. “I’m sorry” can be two of the most powerful words anyone can utter. Building strong relationships can be as easy as asking for opinions, listening to concerns and including others in conversations. Seek out someone you don’t know and take a step in changing the world. Karen Kitchel penned two chapters in the book, Be the Star You Are! Millennials to Boomers Celebrating Gifts of Positive Voices in a Changing Digital World, and is a dedicated volunteer with BTSYA. She serves meals to the homeless and is a volunteer teacher, writer, job coach, and mentor. www.scatteringkindness.com THE IMPACT OF ILLITERACY-Young Children by Stephanie Cogeos According to a recent study by the U.S. Department of Education, 32 million American adults are illiterate, 21% read below a 5^th grade level and 19% of high school graduates are functionally illiterate, meaning they cannot read well enough to manage and perform daily living tasks. This can be avoided when people are aware of these statistics and what lack of literacy skills can cause. When children do not learn to read and write effectively, it affects them and their families. The psychological effect impacts their progress during their early school years. It can also make math and science just as difficult. About 80% of a child’s brain is developed by age 3 and a key period of development occurs in their language and literacy skills. The quality of early childhood education can be determined by one’s economic status. Half of all children by age 5 living in poverty are not academically or socially ready for school, studies have shown (Center on Children and Families at Brookings). Poverty is a risk factor for illiteracy. By fourth grade, 80% of low-income children read at below grade level. Falling behind during critical years will also affect social skills, health and economic status later in their lives. Low literacy often impacts a person’s health, preventative healthcare actions and taking medications correctly as well as impacting them psychologically. Shame, fear, low self-confidence, low self-esteem are all impacted by how well a person can effectively communicate and read and educate themselves. All these things can have a negative impact on society in general. These things can be avoided. CONTINUE READING: https://files.secure.website/wscfus/10307163/26270304/the-impact-of-illiteracy.pdf Volunteer Stephanie Cogeos is our Book Review coordinator. She is now doing research to provide resources for the public to learn about the importance of literacy, positive media messages, and empowering women families, and youth. You can keep up with the resources at this link: http://www.btsya.com/resources.html “To be a leader, you must be a reader! Read, lead, succeed!” BOOK REVIEWS IDS Our Star Teen Book Review Team is constantly growing and evolving. When you are looking a for a great book, check out the reviews of thousands of books for all ages at our Book Review web site. Read book reviews by our volunteers: http://www.btsya.com/book_reviews.html Also, check out these and other reviews at our literacy partner site,The Reading Tub, https://thereadingtub.org/books/be-the-star-you-are/ Librarians, teachers, parents, and care-givers rely on these reviews as excellent sources for recommending a good book. WRITER WEDNESDAYS and SUPER SMART SUNDAYS As part of our Be the Star You Are! Disaster Relief Outreach program (https://www.bethestaryouare.org/copy-of-operation-hurricane-disaste), Be the Star You Are!® has collaborated with the Authors Guild to showcase the new books launched by many authors from around the country in a variety of genres. We will also be showcasing artists, actors, and musicians, all of whom had had their gigs canceled and are out of work. We believe in supporting creativity and believe that books, art, music, and film provide escape and joy, especially during tough times. For the next few months, make sure you are tuned in to both StarStyle®-Be the Star You Are!® on Wednesdays at 4pm PT for “Writers Wednesdays” LIVE http://www.voiceamerica.com/show/2206/be-the-star-you-are as well as our teen program, Express Yourself!™ airing on Sundays at 3pm PT for “Super Smart Sundays”, https://www.voiceamerica.com/show/2014/express-yourself Both programs broadcast on the Voice America Network, Empowerment Channel and will be archived on that site as well as iTunes, Stitcher, etc. It’s a giant artistic festival! DONATE TO OPERATION DISASTER RELIEF TO KEEP POSITIVE MEDIA ALIVE! NEED A POSITIVE OUTLOOK-BUY OUR BOOKS! If you need a dose of inspiration, humor, and positivity, check out our books at http://www.StarStyleStore.net. All of the money from purchases benefits Be the Star You Are!® and you get extra goodies when you buy direct. Plus, these are first editions and can be custom autographed for you. www.StarStyleStore.Net Raise your eyes to the STARS and shine! SHOP ONLINE WITHOUT A MASK! Since we need to stay at home and only go out when absolutely necessary, these are on-line shopping portals that will sell you what you need, offer discounts, and assist our mission as a nonprofit. Please use these web sites for all of your shopping essentials, 1. AmazonSmile donates .5% of purchases https://smile.amazon.com/ch/94-3333882 2. Discounted books at Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/shops/be_the_star_you_are_charity 3. Giving Assistant: Shop. Earn. Give! Use Giving Assistant to earn cash at 3500+ popular online stores, then donate a percentage to BTSYA:https://givingassistant.org/np#be-the-star-you-are-inc & buy from your favorite stores. 4. Search and GoodShop: Choose Be the Star You Are as your charity to support. You can log in with Facebook, too! https://www.goodshop.com/nonprofit/be-the-star-you-are 5. Shop at over 1300 stores on IGIVE: http://www.iGive.com/BTSYA 6. BTSYA Logo Store: http://btsya.rylees.net 7. Buy or Sell on EBAY:http://givingworks.ebay.com/charity-auctions/charity/be-the-star-you-are-501-c-3/1504/?favorite=link 8. Designer Clothes to Buy or Sell: https://www.unionandfifth.com/charities/be-the-star-you-are-moraga-ca/shop 9. Buy “Read, Lead, Succeed” T-shirts and tanks $19.99 at StarStyle® Store: http://www.starstylestore.net/ 10. Are you a gamer, lover of new software, or other digital content? Buy all of your favorites at Humble Bundle. http://ow.ly/cYs130iN6n4 PLEASE DONATE! Since BTSYA receives no government or corporate support, we count on YOU to help us help others. During this pandemic, all of our fundraising events have been canceled, yet we continue to support those in need. We appreciate a direct donation most of all via PAYPAL GIVING FUND at https://www.paypal.com/fundraiser/charity/1504 Checks can be sent to PO Box 376, Moraga, California 94556 http://www.btsya.org Direct Links you can use for Be the Star You Are!® Positive Results: https://www.bethestaryouare.org/positive-results About Us: https://www.bethestaryouare.org/about_us Programs: https://www.bethestaryouare.org/programs How to Help: https://www.bethestaryouare.org/how-to-help Blog: https://www.bethestaryouare.org/blog-1 Events: https://www.bethestaryouare.org/events Contact us: https://www.bethestaryouare.org/contact GREAT NON PROFITS REVIEWS: https://greatnonprofits.org/org/be-the-star-you-are-inc GUIDESTAR/CANDID: https://www.guidestar.org/profile/94-3333882 We invite you to volunteer, get involved, or make a donation. Make a DONATION through PAYPAL GIVING FUND and PAYPAL with 100% going to BTSYA with NO FEES: https://www.paypal.com/fundraiser/charity/1504 Be Color Brave. Unite for Diversity and Dignity. Communicate, Collaborate, Innovate! Be the Star You Are!® PO Box 376 Moraga, California 94556 Cynthia@BetheStarYouAre.org https://www.BetheStarYouAre.org

Be the Star You Are!® PO Box 376, Moraga, Ca. 94556

Get Social with us

REMEMBER THOSE WHO SERVE!

Posted by

presspass on May 26, 2020

Empowerment

Read at http://hosted.verticalresponse.com/672296/19b37ef617/

http://hosted.verticalresponse.com/672296/0d68560c27/288055965/ac7221bc2f/

May 22, 2020

REMEMBER!

Happy Memorial Day Weekend!


MIRACLE MOMENT® “You will be remembered forever by the tracks you leave.”~ Navajo saying MESSAGE FROM CYNTHIA BRIAN, Founder/Executive Director “Have a great holiday weekend!” Josh, our Voice America Radio engineer said to me after our broadcast on Wednesday. “Holiday?” I retorted. “What holiday?” “It’s Memorial Day…BBQ time,” responded josh. Wow! I had totally forgotten about Memorial Day as we enter our 11th week of lock-down amidst this Covid-19 virus. Like most people, Memorial Day has always been a day of remembrance and a harbinger of the summer to come. In normal times, I celebrate with a BBQ with family and friends or enjoy a three day weekend get-away. Not this year! On Monday, May 25th, 2020, my husband and I will honor the occasion in our backyard being grateful for health and remembering all the great occasions we have shared with others over the years. There is a silver lining to this pandemic. I believe that people are appreciating family, friends, health, work, and simple daily routines more than ever before. It’s so easy to take life for granted, until we don’t have a life. During sheltering-at-home, why not start growing your own food or plant pretty flowers to elevate your mood? If you want to start gardening or learn more about it, check out any of these published articles. Get outside, exercise, breathe, and live. On Tuesday, May 26, 2020, get a dose of inspiration and energy to boost your business and your life with a broadcast I did on Business Access with host Thiago De Souza. Here’s the link which will be LIVE on May 26th, but not before!: https://business-access-by-tdimage.simplecast.com/episodes/episode-4-cynthia-brian?t=0m0s Bid on our online auction to promote your business, services, and products through June 20. More items will be added in the next week by iConnectx. Visit https://bit.ly/2ZuIQkE Coronavirus has stopped the world. Perhaps now we will treasure one another more and understand the importance of taking care of our planet. We are on borrowed time. Since most of the globe has been sheltering-in-place, our earth is healing. In the next month as places open and people return to work, we must remember with clarity these past three months and do our part to save our species. While we thank our Armed Forces for their sacrifice and service on Memorial Day, we salute First Responders, Doctors, Nurses, Paramedics, and those in the front lines helping others through this rabid Covid-19, including Grocery Store Clerks, Postal Workers, Delivery Drivers, and all Essential Service Employees. We never realized how many people are necessary to make our world function. Thank you to our veterans, active service members, first responders, and our healthcare heroes. When the crisis has ceased, life as we know it will be different. Let’s not forget any lessons learned. Let’s be vigilant, caring, respectful, kind, and grateful. Let’s leave tracks of hope and love. Enjoy your weekend. Let’s Remember. Stay safe. Stay strong. Stay sane. Stay home. In solidarity, Cynthia Brian Founder/Executive Director Be the Star You Are!® PO Box 376 Moraga, California 94556 Cynthia@BetheStarYouAre.org https://www.BetheStarYouAre.org http://www.BTSYA.org P.S. During the lock-down, I am available for consultations, webinars, interviews, or speaking via on-line sources only. If interested, email cynthia@BetheStarYouAre.org or visit https://www.starstyleradio.com/coaching DONATE: https://www.paypal.com/fundraiser/charity/1504 WRITER WEDNESDAYS & SUPER SMART SUNDAYS As part of our Be the Star You Are! Disaster Relief Outreach program, Be the Star You Are!® has collaborated with the Authors Guild to showcase the new books launched by many authors from around the country in a variety of genres. We will also be showcasing artists, actors, and musicians, all of whom had had their gigs canceled and are out of work. We believe in supporting creativity and believe that books, art, music, and film provide escape and joy, especially during tough times. For the next few months, make sure you are tuned in to both StarStyle®-Be the Star You Are!® on Wednesdays at 4pm PT for “Writers Wednesdays” LIVE http://www.voiceamerica.com/show/2206/be-the-star-you-are as well as our teen program, Express Yourself!™ airing on Sundays at 3pm PT for “Super Smart Sundays”, https://www.voiceamerica.com/show/2014/express-yourself See photos and descriptions of the shows and guests at www.BetheStarYouAreRadio.com Both programs broadcast on the Voice America Network, Empowerment Channel and will be archived on that site as well as iTunes, Stitcher, etc. It’s a giant artistic festival!


ONLINE AUCTION If you want to jumpstart your business, service, or promote your products, IConnectx has created an online auction to benefit Be the Star You Are!® with opportunities for LIVe or pre-recorded radio interviews and phone or online consultations with Cynthia Brian. More auction items will be added in the following days. Auction ends on June 20th so start bidding right away to win. Visit: https://bit.ly/2ZuIQkE THE IMPORTANCE OF LITERACY, the Basics by Stephanie Cogeos The basic definition of literacy is the ability to read and write. But it is also the ability to use those skills to understand, interpret, create and communicate effectively. Literacy, in general, is vital to the growth and functioning and development of an individual, a culture, a society. Basic reading skills, starting at an early age, create opportunities for growth and continued learning throughout adulthood. Literacy aids in developing a strong sense of well-being and self-image. It allows one to make better sense of what is being said or written. It gives one the ability to create and contribute to a society. Individuals who are literate can pull themselves out of negative situations or environments. It allows them to work, to learn and find higher job/career opportunities. Individuals who are not literate or have low literacy skills will have problems reading a book/newspaper or even understanding road signs or price labels, a bus timetable, job applications or even labels on medicine bottles. They may not be able to use the internet. Literacy is vital. Literacy also affects peoples’ health and wellbeing. The more knowledge one has and knowing how to use that knowledge is critical in living a healthy and productive life. People without education are more prone to health problems and criminality. Understanding the world around us or at least trying to, is a little easier when one can use language and read and educate oneself and make ones’ own decisions based on what one learns. Our society is very technologically oriented and one can find oneself lost in all of this. The more knowledge one has, the more a person has the ability to learn new skills and improve themselves and keep up with a changing society. There are so many advantages to being literate. It is also fun and enjoyable to be able to learn new things and explore new ideas. Being literate effects many parts of a society and the people in that society. We should do everything we can to combat illiteracy. Read Book Reviews by our Volunteers: http://www.btsya.com/book_reviews.html Volunteer Stephanie Cogeos is our Book Review coordinator. She is now doing research to provide resources for the public to learn about the importance of literacy, positive media messages, and empowering women families, and youth. You can keep up with the resources at this link: http://www.btsya.com/resources.html BOOK REVIEWS for KIDS Our partner, The Reading Tub, publishes thousands of reviews for kids books, many written by BTSYA volunteers. Check it out: https://thereadingtub.org/books/be-the-star-you-are/ LINKS YOU CAN USE Positive Results: https://www.bethestaryouare.org/positive-results About Us: https://www.bethestaryouare.org/about_us Programs: https://www.bethestaryouare.org/programs How to Help: https://www.bethestaryouare.org/how-to-help Blog: https://www.bethestaryouare.org/blog-1 Events: https://www.bethestaryouare.org/events Contact us: https://www.bethestaryouare.org/contact GREAT NON PROFITS REVIEWS: https://greatnonprofits.org/org/be-the-star-you-are-inc GUIDESTAR/CANDID: https://www.guidestar.org/profile/94-3333882 We invite you to volunteer, get involved, or make a donation. Make a DONATION through PAYPAL GIVING FUND and PAYPAL with 100% going to BTSYA with NO FEES: https://www.paypal.com/fundraiser/charity/1504 What tracks are you leaving?	BE A LIFELONG LEARNER We are thrilled and grateful to Thiago DeSouza for creating a new video for Be the Star You Are!® based on our mission of encouraging everyone to be a life-long learner. Check out our video on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xQUJes2IgfM&feature=youtu.be Cynthia Brian is a guest on Episode 4 of Business Access with Thiago where the motto is “Give Your Business the Mic!” Listen on May 26th at https://business-access-by-tdimage.simplecast.com/episodes/episode-4-cynthia-brian?t=0m0s (The above link won’t work until May 26th or later, or bookmark it) Thiago will be guest on StarStyle® Radio to talk about positivity on July 8th at 4:15pm Pt. Listen at http://www.voiceamerica.com/show/2206/be-the-star-you-are NEED A POSITIVE OUTLOOK-BUY OUR BOOKS! If you need a dose of inspiration, humor, and positivity, check out our books at http://www.StarStyleStore.net. All of the money from purchases benefits Be the Star You Are!® and you get extra goodies when you buy direct. Plus, these are first editions and can be custom autographed for you. www.StarStyleStore.Net Raise your eyes to the STARS and shine! SHOP ONLINE WITHOUT A MASK! Since we need to stay at home and only go out when absolutely necessary, these are on-line shopping portals that will sell you what you need, offer discounts, and assist our mission as a nonprofit. Please use these web sites for all of your shopping essentials, 1. AmazonSmile donates .5% of purchases https://smile.amazon.com/ch/94-3333882 2. Discounted books at Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/shops/be_the_star_you_are_charity 3. Giving Assistant: Shop. Earn. Give! Use Giving Assistant to earn cash at 3500+ popular online stores, then donate a percentage to BTSYA:https://givingassistant.org/np#be-the-star-you-are-inc & buy from your favorite stores. 4. Search and GoodShop: Choose Be the Star You Are as your charity to support. You can log in with Facebook, too! https://www.goodshop.com/nonprofit/be-the-star-you-are 5. Shop at over 1300 stores on IGIVE: http://www.iGive.com/BTSYA 6. BTSYA Logo Store: http://btsya.rylees.net 7. Buy or Sell on EBAY:http://givingworks.ebay.com/charity-auctions/charity/be-the-star-you-are-501-c-3/1504/?favorite=link 8. Designer Clothes to Buy or Sell: https://www.unionandfifth.com/charities/be-the-star-you-are-moraga-ca/shop 9. Buy “Read, Lead, Succeed” T-shirts and tanks $19.99 at StarStyle® Store: http://www.starstylestore.net/ 10. Are you a gamer, lover of new software, or other digital content? Buy all of your favorites at Humble Bundle. http://ow.ly/cYs130iN6n4 We appreciate a direct donation most of all via PAYPAL GIVING FUND at https://www.paypal.com/fundraiser/charity/1504 Checks can be sent to PO Box 376, Moraga, California 94556 http://www.btsya.org Classified Ads: If you’d like to advertise your service or product while supporting Be the Star You Are!®, we are now accepting approved ads that will benefit readers. Contact info@BetheStarYouAre.org for details. REMEMBER to REMEMBER! STAY SAFE! We are in this together while we stay apart.

Tel: (925)-377-STAR

PO Box 376

Moraga, California 94556
Email: info@BetheStarYouAre.org

www.BTSYA.org

www.BetheStarYouAre.org

Be a Giver

Posted by

presspass on December 30, 2019

Empowerment

December 30, 2019

Be a GIVER!

We have the whole world in our hands.

MESSAGE FROM CYNTHIA BRIAN Founder/Executive Director

Being the Executive Director of a non-profit was not my dream. I never intended to start a charity.

My life was full, fun, and fanciful in the 1990s boasting a happy young family, a beautiful country home, glorious gardens, and a barnyard of rescued animals. As a successful actor, coach, and interior designer, my varied careers fulfilled my creative urges as well as increased my bank balance. Life was beautiful.

Since I was a little girl, volunteering was a part of life. Giving back was ingrained in us and it continued into my adulthood as I worked in my children’s classrooms, spearheaded events for worthy organizations, lead Girl Scouts, 4-H projects, sports activities, and lectured at church. In my mind, it was other people who founded and created organizations and I had zero interest in becoming one of them.

Then my beloved Dad was diagnosed with a rare incurable cancer. He was given three weeks to live and I became his champion to save his life, scouring the world for treatment in days before the internet. With excellent medical intervention and his positive attitude, our family enjoyed his earthly company for three additional years. When I asked him on his deathbed if there was anything more I could do for him, he smiled widely to exclaim, “I am dying a happy man. I married the woman I loved, we were blessed with five great children, and I worked in a profession that was my passion. I have lived my dreams.”

Something clicked inside me at that moment. My epiphany screamed pay it forward. My Daddy was a not a college-educated man, nor was he president of anything. He read books and did on the job training to learn what he needed as a farmer and a volunteer firefighter. Dad was my hero, a man of his word, a pillar of strength, a person who helped everyone. Daddy was a giver. Although he was dying young, he felt that he had lived a life of purpose because he had loved, been loved, and fed people through his daily work.

It took many starts, stops, detours, and U-turns, but by 1999 I did pay it forward by establishing a charity, becoming a non-profit Founder and Executive Director. Be the Star You Are!®was created from my heart to empower those who needed it most—women, families, and kids.

It’s been a struggle to keep the vision alive. Thank goodness I didn’t have a crystal ball to see the many hurdles or I would never have started on this journey. Yet, now, working with teens and young adults, witnessing the slow yet steady progress to improve lives, I realize that this is the path I am meant to travel. Like my Daddy, I am a giver.

As I scroll through the hundreds of pages of volunteer sheets each filled with over a hundred names and positions, I am grateful for the experiences and the people who have grown with Be the Star You Are!® . We have planted pride, grown leaders, and reaped readers.

There comes an hour in all of our lives when we get turned upside down, meet disaster, sadness, loss, or regret face to face. This is the opportunity to step up, put a smile on our faces, and make a difference. Life offers choices. We can become bitter or we can become better. Better is best.

My Dad died many years ago in December. I miss my Dad and still hear his cheerful encouraging voice in my mind. His mentoring taught me how to live in the moment to recreate dreams, live with passion, welcome the possibilities, and see the potential in our world. His example showed me that I am enough and that each of us is unique with a special gift to share with our neighbors.

As 2019 ends and 2020 commences, I take this opportunity to thank you for being part of our collaborative community. Be the Star You Are!® volunteers are leading the way with empowerment, educational, communication, and literacy efforts that help others have a happily ever after. If you have the resources and believe in our mission, I encourage you to make a year-end tax-deductible donation, or better yet, sign up to donate regularly. You can donate via PAYPAL Giving Fund with no fees https://www.paypal.com/fundraiser/charity/1504 or send checks to BTSYA, PO Box 376, Moraga, California, 94556.

As we complete our first four months in our 21st year of being an all-volunteer charity with no paid staff, with your help,BTSYA will be able continue to make a difference in the years ahead for those in need. We must be doing something right to be around this long! Thank you for believing in our work to increase literacy and positive media messages.

Remember to shine brightly and smile widely. Be the star you were born to be. You can live your dreams.

Wishing you a very happy, healthy, and prosperous New Year!

Be a Giver! It will make you happy. 🙂

Cynthia Brian

Founder/Executive Director

PO Box 376

Moraga, California 94556

Cynthia@BetheStarYouAre.org

2. Discounted books at Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/shops/be_the_star_you_are_charity

DONATE: https://www.paypal.com/fundraiser/charity/1504

CHECKING ON CHARITY

Before you donate this holiday season or anytime, it is always a great idea to make sure the charities that are asking for your dollars are legitimate. You want to be generous but you don’t want to be scammed. Here are a few tips to help you navigate.

Locate your states charity regulator at www.nasconet.org
To ascertain that your donation is tax-deductible, a charity must qualify as a 501 c 3 organization. Look up eligibility at https://irs.gov/charities-non-profits/tax-exempt-organization-search,
Visit Great Non-Profits and read reviews. Be the Star You Are!® consistently receives 5 STAR reviews. http://greatnonprofits.org/reviews/be-the-star-you-are-inc/
Check the watchdog of non-profits at GUIDESTAR: Search for your non-profit. Non-profits are rated as bronze, silver, gold, and platinum. Be the Star You Are!® receives a platinum rating.: https://www.guidestar.org/profile/94-3333882
Go directly to the charity website and read about the mission and outreach programs. This will help you identify any bogus charities that are approaching you with a similar name.
Don’t donate over the phone or through people you don’t know. Some solicitations made over the phone or on the internet could be scams.
Be the Star You Are!® has been working faithfully to help those in need since 1999. Don’t be a scrooge and donate now either directly via www.BetheStarYouAre.org or Make a DONATION through PAYPAL GIVING FUND with 100% going to BTSYA with NO FEES: https://www.paypal.com/fundraiser/charity/1504

IT’S ALL ABOUT THE GIVER

by Karen Kitchell

I believe gifts are meant to be tokens of appreciation or recognition of the role someone plays in our life. We can’t dictate what the receiver does with our gift, though we can enjoy knowing we have given our time and thought into choosing a meaningful gift. Instead of waiting to see or hear how very much someone likes what we have given, we can remind ourselves that we are a giver. And the world loves givers! It’s also important to remember that gifts can come from unexpected places and are not always things.

Karen Kitchel penned two chapters in the book, Be the Star You Are! Millennials to Boomers Celebrating Gifts of Positive Voices in a Changing Digital World, and is a dedicated volunteer with BTSYA. She serves meals to the homeless and is a volunteer teacher, writer, job coach, and mentor. www.scatteringkindness.com

Thank you from everyone at Be the Star You Are!®

Make sure to make a year-end tax=deductible donation if you are able. Visit https://www.BetheStarYouare.org

GIVE PLENTY IN 2020!

DONATE with LOVE!

MIRACLE MOMENT®

It’s not how much you have, it’s how much you give”

Crown Royal slogan

DONATE NOW!

SHOPPING ALL YEAR ROUND?

Other easy ways that assist our mission and don’t cost you a penny!

1. AmazonSmile donates .5% of purchases https://smile.amazon.com/ch/94-3333882

3. Giving Assistant: Shop. Earn. Give! Use Giving Assistant to earn cash at 3500+ popular online stores, then donate a percentage to BTSYA:https://givingassistant.org/np#be-the-star-you-are-inc.

4. GoodShop: Choose Be the Star You Are as your charity to support. You can log in with Facebook, too, https://www.goodshop.com/nonprofit/be-the-star-you-are

5. Shop at over 1300 stores on IGIVE: http://www.iGive.com/BTSYA

6. BTSYA Logo Store: http://btsya.rylees.net

7. Buy or Sell on EBAY:http://givingworks.ebay.com/charity-auctions/charity/be-the-star-you-are-501-c-3/1504/?favorite=link

8. Designer Clothes to Buy or Sell: https://www.unionandfifth.com/charities/be-the-star-you-are-moraga-ca/shop

9. Buy “Read, Lead, Succeed” T-shirts and tanks $19.99 at StarStyle® Store: https://www.CynthiaBrian.com/online-store

10. Are you a gamer, lover of new software, or other digital content? Buy all of your favorites at Humble Bundle. http://ow.ly/cYs130iN6n4

We appreciate a direct donation most of all via PAYPAL GIVING FUND at https://www.paypal.com/fundraiser/charity/1504

Checks can be sent to PO Box 376, Moraga, California 94556

___________________

Direct Links you can use for Be the Star You Are!®

Positive Results: http://www.bethestaryouare.org/positive-results

About Us: http://www.bethestaryouare.org/about_us

Programs: http://www.bethestaryouare.org/programs

How to Help: http://www.bethestaryouare.org/how-to-help

Blog: https://www.bethestaryouare.org/blog-1

Events: http://www.bethestaryouare.org/events

GREAT NON PROFITS REVIEWS: http://greatnonprofits.org/reviews/be-the-star-you-are-inc/

GUIDESTAR: https://www.guidestar.org/profile/94-3333882

Classified Ads

If you’d like to advertise your service or product while supporting Be the Star You Are!®, we are now accepting approved ads that will benefit readers. Contact info@BetheStarYouAre.org for details.

TUNE IN!

Our two Be the Star You Are!® radio broadcasts provide entertainment, information, and empowerment in every hour of power.

Listen LIVE to StarStyle® every Wednesday from 4pm PT at http://www.voiceamerica.com/show/2206/be-the-star-you-are or catch us on iTunes at https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/starstyle-be-the-star-you-are!/id669630180?mt=2

For a young adult look at life, listen to Express Yourself!™ Sunday’s at 3pm PT at https://www.voiceamerica.com/show/2014/express-yourself or on iTunes at https://itunes.apple.com/podcast/express-yourself!/id481894121?mt=2

Read all about the Be the Star You Are!® Radio broadcasts, guests, reporters, hosts, and more at https://www.StarStyleRadio.com.

May you enjoy great health, peace, friendship, love, and joy now and forever. We have the whole world in our hands. Let’s take care of it.

With gratitude for you and your support from BTSYA volunteers!

PO Box 376

Moraga, California 94556

Info@BetheStarYouAre.org

Tel: (925)377-7827

Be the Star You Are!® 501 c3
PO Box 376
Moraga, California 94556
US

Ode to GREAT Dads

Posted by

presspass on June 24, 2019

Empowerment

Miracle Moment®:

“A good father is one of the most unsung, unpraised, unnoticed, and yet one of the most valuable assets in our society.” Billy Graham

A Message from Cynthia Brian, Founder/Executive Director

Father’s Day has come and gone yet I want to shout out my admiration for the marvelous dads in this world. My Daddy was a mountain of a man with a heart of gold. He made each of his five children believe that each of us was important, valuable, and worthy. Daddy “saw” our unique talents, skills, and gifts, and he really listened to what we had to say. He and our Mom were a loving team who showered us with encouragement while modeling what a great marriage looks like. They didn’t care what occupation we pursued as long as we were caring citizens always striving to make the best better. As a result, my siblings and I are optimistic, confident, hard workers, and devoted members to our growing families. Our children are continuing the legacy of being concerned, compassionate, and considerate parents. The happiness and joy in their children is a reflection of their dedication to continuing a tradition of truly “being there” for their kids.

The media seems to only portray the evil men and women which skews our way of thinking about the sexes. Today, let’s honor the dads and moms who sacrifice every day to make life a fuller and more prosperous one for their children. Parents are my heroes.

In this month of celebrating fathers, I want to thank my Daddy, my son, and my relatives for being amazing fathers and honor all the great fathers around the globe. I see you. I hear you. I praise you. You are a valuable asset to society.

Sincerest gratitude and love to Dads for being the STARS you are!

Cynthia Brian

Founder/Executive Director

Be the Star You Are!®

PO Box 376

Moraga, California 94556

Cynthia@BetheStarYouAre.org

DONATE: https://www.paypal.com/fundraiser/charity/1504.

Spotlight on New Express Yourself! Teen Radio Reporter

Arjin Claire

Be the Star You Are!® and Express Yourself Teen Radio are thrilled to welcome the newest member of our STAR team, Arjin Claire. Arjin will be reporting his segment called Innovation Nation about all things around the world that are changing the way we live, think, and be. Arjin is a curious and enthusiastic 9th grader in the Sacramento area. He’s a competitive soccer player, loves the drums, is an avid esports gamer, competes on his high school Mock Trial team and is always up for a healthy debate! He’s also a reporter and Business Manager for his high school’s award-winning newspaper, The Octagon.

His motto to school (and life) is…never shy away from asking why.

Tune in to Express Yourself!™ Sundays at 3pm PT on the Voice America Network, Empowerment Channel. https://www.voiceamerica.com/show/2014/express-yourself

More information about our radio broadcasts can be found at https://www.BetheStarYouAreRadio.com

Fathers of 1900 and Fathers of Today

Photo: Creative RM / Getty Images – Article from liveabout.com

In 1900, a father came home from work to find his wife and children at the supper table.
Today, a father comes home to a note: “Jimmy’s at baseball, Cindy’s at gymnastics, I’m at the gym, Pizza in the fridge.”

In 1900, fathers could count on children to join the family business.
Today, fathers pray their kids will soon come home from college long enough to teach them how to work the computer and set the VCR.

In 1900, fathers shook their children gently and whispered, “Wake up, it’s time for school.”
Today, kids shake their fathers violently at 4 a.m., shouting: “Wake up, it’s time for hockey practice.”

In 1900, a Father’s Day gift would be a hand tool.
Today, he’ll get a digital organizer

Contributed by volunteer Karen Kitchel who is passionate about scattering kindness. Currently she serves meals to the homeless, is a volunteer teacher, writer, job coach and mentor.m She wrote the chapter, The Gift of Adoption, in our book, Be the Star You Are! Millennials to Boomers Celebrating Gifts of Positive Voices in a Changing Digital World and she continues to volunteer as a contributor to our newsletter. www.scatteringkindness.com

Buy Gifts for Dad and Others

We appreciate a direct donation most of all via PAYPAL GIVING FUND at https://www.paypal.com/fundraiser/charity/1504.

Checks can be sent to PO Box 376, Moraga, California 94556

There are other easy ways that assist our mission and don’t cost you a dime!

1. AmazonSmile donates .5% of purchases http://smile.amazon.com/ch/94-3333882

2. Discounted books at Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/shops/be_the_star_you_are_charity

3. Buy or Sell on EBAY:http://givingworks.ebay.com/charity-auctions/charity/be-the-star-you-are-501-c-3/1504/?favorite=link

4. Use GoodSearch to search the web & buy from your favorite stores. Choose Be the Star You Are as your charity to support. You can log in with Facebook, too!http://www.goodsearch.com/goodto-go/be-the-star-you-are

5. Shop at over 1300 stores on IGIVE: http://www.iGive.com/BTSYA

6. BTSYA Logo Store: http://btsya.rylees.net

7. Giving Assistant: Shop. Earn. Give! Use Giving Assistant to earn cash back at 3300+ popular online stores, then donate a percentage to BTSYA: https://givingassistant.org/np – be-the-star-you-are-inc

8. Designer Clothes to Buy or Sell: https://www.unionandfifth.com/charities/be-the-star-you-are-moraga-ca/shop

9. Buy “Read, Lead, Succeed” T-shirts and tanks $19.99 at StarStyle® Store: http s://www.CynthiaBrian.com/online-store

10. Are you a gamer, lover of new software, or other digital content? Buy all of your favorites at Humble Bundle. http://ow.ly/cYs130iN6n4

Direct Links you can use for Be the Star You Are!®

Positive Results: http://www.bethestaryouare.org/positive-results

About Us: http://www.bethestaryouare.org/about_us

Programs: http://www.bethestaryouare.org/programs

How to Help: http://www.bethestaryouare.org/how-to-help

Blog: http://www.bethestaryouare.org/blog

Events: http://www.bethestaryouare.org/events

Contact us: http://www.bethestaryouare.org/contact

GREAT NON PROFITS REVIEWS: http://greatnonprofits.org/reviews/be-the-star-you-are-inc/

GUIDESTAR: https://www.guidestar.org/profile/94-3333882

Have a safe and happy summer!

Be the Star You Are! 501 c3, PO Box 376, Moraga, California 94556.

Celebrating 20 years of stellar service to the world!

GROW with us!

Cynthia@BetheStarYouAre.org

PO Box 376

Moraga, California 94556

http://www.BetheStarYouAre.org

https://www.paypal.com/us/webapps/mpp/search-cause?charityId=1504&s=3

All donations are 100% Tax Deductible according to law. Thank you!

Celebrating Volunteers

Posted by

presspass on April 19, 2019

Empowerment

Read the newsletter at http://hosted.verticalresponse.com/672296/f916a880b9/288055965/ac7221bc2f/

Miracle Moment®

“Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on Earth.” Muhammad Ali

A Message from Founder/Executive Director, Cynthia Brian

Besides adoring the beautiful flowers springing up in our gardens, April is dedicated to appreciating volunteers. Here at Be the Star You Are!®, we are proud of the service of our volunteers. 2019 marks the 20th year of being a 501c3 charity dedicated to empowering women, families, and youth through improved literacy and increased positive media messages, and we have much to celebrate and for which to be grateful. Throughout the years we have collaborated with volunteers from numerous countries around the globe besides working with thousands from various states in America. The majority of our crew are teens and young adults with a few adults sprinkled in the mix.

Our Star Teen Book Review Team boasts the largest amount of volunteers, currently with 92 teens reading and writing reviews that our Book Review Coordinator, Stephanie Cogeos, uploads to our Book Review site at http://www.btsya.com/book_reviews.html. Stephanie makes sure that format, fonts, and style are correct and that each review is worthy of the parents, librarians, teachers, and others who will read it. The book reviews are published at our literacy partner, The Reading Tub, where we are honored to have assisted in hitting their 3000 book review milestone. Make sure you check out the reviews: https://thereadingtub.org/books/be-the-star-you-are/

Our two Radio Broadcasts, StarStyle®-Be the Star You Are!® and Express Yourself!™ Teen Radio are setting new highs. StarStyle® has been broadcasting LIVE weekly since 1998 and Express Yourself!™ since 2011. Both programs are now on the Empowerment Channel at Voice America. Find out more information at http://www.StarStyleRadio.com. Forty one teens have become reporters and hosts through these innovative programs.

Operation Disaster Relief has become an ongoing outreach project since the devastating California fires of the past two years. Two of our teen radio hosts, Joven Hundal and Siri Phaneendra have been co-chairing this imperative service. Please consider donating to this worthy cause as we continue to help those affected by terrible disasters around the country. https://www.bethestaryouare.org/copy-of-hurricane-fire-disaster-rel

Be the Star You Are!® volunteers are involved in numerous other outreach projects. Eighty-seven volunteers became published writers through their contributions in two of our signature books, Be the Star You Are! for Teens and Be the Star You Are! Millennials to Boomers Celebrating Gifts of Positive Voices in a Changing Digital World. Buy the books with all money benefiting Be the Star You Are!® at http://www.CynthiaBrian.com/online-store

Find out more about our programs, events, positive results, and how to help at http://www.BetheStarYou are.org,

Direct Links you can use for Be the Star You Are!®

Positive Results: http://www.bethestaryouare.org/positive-results

About Us: http://www.bethestaryouare.org/about_us

Programs: http://www.bethestaryouare.org/programs

How to Help: http://www.bethestaryouare.org/how-to-help

Blog: http://www.bethestaryouare.org/blog

Events: http://www.bethestaryouare.org/events

Contact us: http://www.bethestaryouare.org/contact

GREAT NON PROFITS REVIEWS: http://greatnonprofits.org/reviews/be-the-star-you-are-inc/

GUIDESTAR: https://www.guidestar.org/profile/94-3333882

As an all-volunteer non profit, I, too, am a volunteer. And as a volunteer I agree with what Mahatma Gandhi said, “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.”

Be the Star You Are! is supported 100% by the generous donations of individuals like you. BTSYA has no state or federal contributions. We thank you in advance for making a donation in honor of a special occasion, someone you love, or just because.

Thank you to our volunteers. We all salute and honor you.

Happy Spring!

Heartfelt gratitude,

Cynthia Brian

Founder/Executive Director

Be the Star You Are!®

PO Box 376

Moraga, California 94556

Cynthia@BetheStarYouAre.org

http://www.BetheStarYouAre.org

http://www.BTSYA.org

THANKS FOR HELPING

In our recent shipments to help the survivors of the town of Paradise who lost so much in the disastrous Camp Fires, Be the Star You Are!® wants to thank three main supporters who assisted us in getting much needed new books to the distribution center.

Our sincerest appreciation goes to:

David Hancock, Morgan James Publishing: https://www.morgan-james-publishing.com

Monique Muhlenkamp, New World Library: http://www.newworldlibrary.com

Diana Zimmerman, The Calabiyau Chronicles: https://www.kandide.com

Caring is sharing. Thank you David, Monique, and Diana.

SPOTLIGHT ON VOLUNTEERS

We are very proud of the work of all of our volunteers. We shine the spotlight on a few STARS who share their views on volunteering with BTSYA.

Joven Hundal-

“I can say with certainty that joining Be the Star You Are! is the best decision of my life. This rare organization not only does good work for the community, but also actively promotes its volunteers and affords them opportunities not found elsewhere. I’ve worked as Lead Host of BTSYA’s teen radio show, Chairperson of BTSYA’s Disaster Relief, and even was published in BTSYA’s latest positive message media anthology, Be the Star You Are! Millennials to Boomers Celebrating Gifts of Positive Voices in a Changing Digital World. Nowhere else could I have found such service opportunities, and I look forward to taking advantage of them even more in the years to come.”

Heather Brittany

“I have been involved with Be the Star you are since I was a teen. The incredible impact it has made on my life and thousands of others, has continued me to stay involved all through my 20’s and now in my 30’s!! This organization is based on motivating others through the power of positivity and inspirational media. Thank you for every beautiful moment this organization has brought into my life.”

Kenneth Jeon

“BTSYA is honestly amazing. I’ve been volunteering as a reporter and host for BTSYA’s teen radio show and it’s provided me with so much. It’s given me countless opportunities to speak about my interests, have fun, meet new people, and grow and develop as a person. Cynthia Brian is unbelievably kind and supportive, and an amazing leader and mentor all around. I am truly honored to be a part of this team.”

Karen Kitchel

“Amazing is one way to describe this outstanding nonprofit and its fearless leader, Cynthia Brian. Over the years I’ve seen many instances where Cynthia has been a role model in rallying teen volunteers to reach out to those in need, no matter where they are or what situation presents itself.

I support this fine organization because I believe in their cause and their leadership, and I encourage you to do the same.”

COME PLAY AT THE MORAGA FAIRE

On Saturday, May 11th from 11am-3pm, the 13th Annual Moraga Community Faire and Classic Car Show will provide a day of family fun and community. The Faire attracts 3500 + attendees with numerous attractions, vendors, Kids zone, food trucks, wine, beer, art, and a classic car show. As the official face painting booth, Be the Star You Are!® volunteers will be offering activities for children including face painting, a reading circle, and giving away books to increase literacy. A book signing is also planned. Chelsea Pelchat is our teen coordinator. ““For the past four years, I have been the teen event coordinator where I have been able to exercise and develop life skills that I will use forever.“ To sponsor or volunteer, email info@BetheStarYouAre.org. Visit https://www.bethestaryouare.org/events

EASTER GIFTS

For the perfect Easter basket gift, buy any of our books. When you order directly from our website, 100% goes to Be the Star You Are!® charity plus you will get extra FREE goodies. For spring, how about adding Growing with the Goddess Gardener. Or to bridge the generation gap, buy Be the Star You Are! Millennials to Boomers with chapters by 35 volunteers Autographed the way you want and they are donation too! https://www.CynthiaBrian.com/online-store

MORE WAYS TO GROW WITH BTSYA

If you would like to make a direct donation to our giving fund, please visit our PayPal page!

We appreciate a direct donation most of all via PAYPAL GIVING FUND at https://www.paypal.com/fundraiser/charity/1504.

Checks can be sent to PO Box 376, Moraga, California 94556

There are other easy ways that assist our mission and don’t cost you a dime!

1. AmazonSmile donates .5% of purchases http://smile.amazon.com/ch/94-3333882

2. Discounted books at Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/shops/be_the_star_you_are_charity

3. Buy or Sell on EBAY:http://givingworks.ebay.com/charity-auctions/charity/be-the-star-you-are-501-c-3/1504/?favorite=link

5. Shop at over 1300 stores on IGIVE: http://www.iGive.com/BTSYA

6. BTSYA Logo Store: http://btsya.rylees.net

7. Giving Assistant: Shop. Earn. Give! Use Giving Assistant to earn cash back at 1800+ popular online stores, then donate a percentage to BTSYA: https://givingassistant.org/np – be-the-star-you-are-inc

8. Designer Clothes to Buy or Sell: https://www.unionandfifth.com/charities/be-the-star-you-are-moraga-ca/shop

9. Buy “Read, Lead, Succeed” T-shirts and tanks $19.99 at StarStyle® Store: http://www.CynthiaBrian.com/online-store

10. Are you a gamer, lover of new software, or other digital content? Buy all of your favorites at Humble Bundle. http://ow.ly/cYs130iN6n4

““We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.” Winston Churchill

Read the newsletter at http://hosted.verticalresponse.com/672296/f916a880b9/288055965/ac7221bc2f/

Be the Star You Are! 501 c3, PO Box 376, Moraga, California 94556.

Celebrating 20 years of stellar service to the world!

GROW with us!

Cynthia@BetheStarYouAre.org

PO Box 376

Moraga, California 94556

http://www.BetheStarYouAre.org