Dream, Create, Inspire!
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Courage to Continue-Good Things are Coming!
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| Be the Star You Are!®
PO Box 376 Moraga, California 94556 Cynthia@BetheStarYouAre.org |
Be a Super Hero…Wear a Mask!
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BE a SUPER HERO! WEAR A MASK!
MIRACLE MOMENT®
“You are braver than you believe, and stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.” Christopher Robin
MESSAGE FROM CYNTHIA BRIAN, Founder/Executive Director
How are you doing in our 8th month of this horrid pandemic? Are you wearing a mask, social distancing, avoiding crowds, washing your hands, and being responsible?
If not, please heed this message because Covid-19 is a devastating disease that will negatively affect you and those you love.
As of August 11, global Covid-19 cases have doubled from 10 million to 20,395,035 million, and those are only the cases that are reported. It is estimated that the numbers are at least 10 times those that are reported. The death toll is 741,807. It took 6 months for cases to reach 10 million and only 6 weeks to reach 20 million. Half of those cases are in just 3 countries-the United States, India, and Brazil. California, Texas, Florida, and New York lead the pack with confirmed cases over 500,000 and thousands of deaths.
If you read this newsletter, my blogs, or listen to our radio shows, you know that since March 11, my office has been closed and I have been sheltering-in-place with only occasional quick visits to the post office while wearing a mask, gloves, glasses, and a hat. My husband’s office was also closed and only reopened the end of June after he purchased all the pandemic protection equipment including masks, shields, gloves, gowns, goggles, security dividers, thermometers, sanitizers, specialized air filters, mouth rinses. He and his staff follow a very strict protocol for working with patients as do medical professionals everywhere.
We have all experienced our favorite salon, restaurant, pub, gym, bank, or store reopening only to be shuttered because an employee gets sick with Covid-19. It’s heartbreaking for the patrons and financially disastrous for the owners and employees.
I witnessed this recently when a close friend’s company was impacted.
Two weeks ago, an employee fell ill. Seven days later the office was informed that this employee tested positive for Covid-19. The business had to immediately close, all staff and their families had to be tested, all clients informed, and contact tracing begun. Because of a back-log at the labs, results from tests can take anywhere from 4-14 days. In this case, seven days elapsed. Everyone was instructed to stay home until a negative result was determined. Fortunately for my friend, his staff, and all their contacts, the test results were negative so work could be resumed within 12 days. But that was 12 days without income or services.
This is occurring everywhere around the country as businesses attempt to re-open. However, when even one person tests positive with Covid-19 in the workplace, the business must close. No one can go to work. The one positive infection exponentially affects hundreds, perhaps thousands of individuals and businesses. Many people live with several generations and everyone has to be tested and traced. Family members and friends become angry about the possibility of exposure, especially when many are being so careful. Everyone is losing out on earning a living. Many people live pay check to pay check and missing work for a week or more could mean ruin.
Even though every protocol is adhered to in a workplace, an employer can’t dictate what an employee does on her/his private hours. But there is one thing that everyone can easily do to curb the spread and that is to wear a mask when in public.
The power and potency of wearing a mask and social distancing can not be over emphasized. Wearing a mask is NOT a political gesture, it is the responsible action. Covid-19 strikes everyone and anyone. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that if everyone wore a mask throughout the United States for the next few months, over 40,000 lives could be saved.
The volatile political landscape is fraught with misinformation. Contrary to what some politicians have claimed, Covid-19 is not going away, in fact, it is ramping up. The disease knows no boundaries. It doesn’t care what political party you belong to, what religion you practice, or where you live. It is an equal opportunity infector with people of color and lower-income households heavily hit. If you are gathering with groups and not wearing protective gear, you are risking your health and maybe your life as well the lives of those you love. Pay attention to evidence based health experts and scientists. Get your information from the CDC, not from social media or the campaign trail.
As coronavirus surges, labs are struggling to keep up with testing. Having to wait for a week to 14 days for results renders a test useless to prevent transmission. The CDC states that currently we are identifying only 1 in 10 cases because we are testing so few people. Currently no vaccine is available to prevent coronavirus Covid-19. To bring the pandemic under control we need rapid testing. We need to be able to test daily or weekly without cost and receive results within an hour or at most, 24 hours. Only then can we safely send our children to school and reopen our economy. The federal government must step up its leadership to safely ensure that we can go to work and gather. For now, the best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed.
Are you old enough to remember cars without seatbelts? I am. Our family of seven would pile into a truck or a station wagon and there wasn’t a seat belt in sight. At first when seat belts were introduced, a public outcry occurred. But today, I wouldn’t dare get into any vehicle without first buckling up.
Closer to home, you’ve probably engaged in a Zoom or SKYPE call for personal or business reasons. You could easily wear a lovely shirt or blouse on the top part of your body while your bottom is wearing underwear. But if you need to go to the market, I bet you add a pair of pants or a skirt! Right?
This autumn, major designers are adding masks to their haute couture lines. Whether or not there will be runway shows, you will be seeing coordinating outfits with a mask to match. Masks are going to be the next hot trend for looking hip, cool, and well-dressed.
Covid-19 is a non-partisan pandemic and it is at our doorstep. For accurate information visit https://www.cdc.gov.
Put a smile on your face and start viewing masks as a beautiful, life-saving accessory.
Remember, super heroes wear masks.
You, too, can be a superhero. Cape not necessary!
Be brave, be smart, be strong. Do your part. WEAR A MASK!
Living with gratitude and wearing a mask,
Cynthia Brian
Founder/Executive Director
Be the Star You Are!®
PO Box 376
Moraga, California 94556
Cynthia@BetheStarYouAre.org
https://www.BetheStarYouAre.org
DONATE: https://www.paypal.com/fundraiser/charity/1504
Our newest and youngest reporter on Express Yourself! is 13 year old Jonathan Jackson who will be showcasing a segment called Jay’s Sports World beginning on September 13th. Be on the lookout for this new talent.
Hello, My name is Jonathan Jackson. I am 13 years old and from California. I enjoy playing sports and spending quality time with my friends and family. Basketball has always had a special place in my life. It is not only recreational for myself but it’s also mental and emotional . I like to compete and I love to show my passion for both the game and its history. I have always had a natural curiosity towards all sports. This has created a desire to become a future sports journalist . I am a student athlete that is trying to maintain a 4.0 GPA. This will help to achieve my dream of going to UCLA and joining their journalism program. I love to talk, and I guarantee you will love my show! https://www.voiceamerica.com/show/2014/express-yourself
TOGETHER IN UNITY AGAINST THE CORONAVIRUS CALAMITY
by Siri Phaneendra
Eradicating the coronavirus involves a team effort and the cooperation of everyone. It is imperative for us to come together in unity against calamity.
As Greek philosopher Aristotle emphasized, ‘Society is something that precedes the individual.’ It is not about you and me — it is about humanity. Even if one life can be saved, isn’t it our moral obligation to wear a mask? The efficacy of wearing a mask can only be enhanced when every individual in the vicinity makes a conscious effort to do so.
The asymptotic nature of the virus causes it to exponentially spread like a forest fire. Let’s not add fuel to the fire by protecting ourselves and others. Spread love, not the virus.”
Siri Phaneendra studies Computer Science at UC Berkeley and is a recipient of the Cal Alumni Association Leadership Award. She is the founder of drawmylove.com, a company that provides people a platform to express their love by creating physical books with customizable characters. Siri is a host on Express Yourself!™ Teen Radio on the Voice America Network.
BE UPLIFTED WITH BE THE STAR YOU ARE!® RADIO BROADCASTS
As part of our Be the Star You Are! Disaster Relief Outreach program (https://www.bethestaryouare.org/copy-of-operation-hurricane-disaste), StarStyle® Productions, LLC and Be the Star You Are!® are showcasing authors, artists, actors, poets, musicians, and many others, all of whom had had their gigs canceled and are out of work.
We believe in supporting creativity that provides escape and joy, especially during tough times.
Tune in to StarStyle®-Be the Star You Are!® on Wednesdays at 4pm PT for “Wednesdays with Writers and Performers” 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.
SURVIVING THE UNKNOWN
by Angelica Paramoshin
I remember the days of March that were so heavily flooded with normality. Crowds of individuals flocked towards train stations like classes of fish swimming through reefs. In the present day, we all crave that forgotten feeling of normality. We miss the days when we were able to peacefully stroll through the streets watching all forms of life flourish around us. Now that we are all stuck within the barriers of our homes, we cannot fathom what is to come.
Numerous individuals have struggled to assimilate into this newfound lockdown in quarantine and ultimately, have sunk into a never-ending whirlpool of emotional turmoil. As someone who is currently writing this from the confines of her room, I understand how mentally exhausting it can be having minimal social interaction with the people you were once inseparable from. People have forgotten to take care of their emotional well-being because their feelings of anxiety and fear of the unknown leave little space for glimmers of positivity and improvement.
Although we are living amongst the presence of a pandemic, we must continue to live for ourselves and not simply for the need to survive. Everyone deserves a day dedicated to themselves. Even reading a few pages of a novel you’ve been wanting to read, allows your mind and soul to flow through a river of serenity and peace. It is okay to take a step back and breathe. We are all on this mystical planet together and we will survive together.
Angelica Paramoshin currently is a rising senior in high school devoting her time during this pandemic to volunteering with Be the Star You Are!®.
SUMMER SURVIVAL READING
Our Star Teen Book Review Team is busy reading and writing reviews for you to enjoy this summer. Reviews are honest and the personal experience of each writer. Check them out at our website, http://www.btsya.com/book_reviews.html, and at our partner, The Reading Tub, https://thereadingtub.org/books/be-the-star-you-are/.
Many thanks to our Book Review Coordinator, Stephanie Cogeos, for keeping us on track. If you are interested in joining our team and you are genuinely interested in being of service to others, you can find the info at http://www.btsya.com/book_reviews.html
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
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
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
GET SOCIAL
https://www.facebook.com/BTSYAcharity/
https://twitter.com/BetheStarYouAre
- TUMBLR
- https://bethestaryouareradio.tumblr.com
- BTSYA BLOG
- https://www.bethestaryouare.org/blog-
MASK UP! 
Celebrating Volunteers
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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.BetheStarYouare.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
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
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! https://www.paypal.com/us/webapps/mpp/search-cause?charityId=1504&s=3
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 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!
PO Box 376
Moraga, California 94556
http://www.BetheStarYouAre.org
Find out more about our programs, events, positive results, and how to help at http://www.BetheStarYouare.org,
GREAT NON PROFITS REVIEWS: http://greatnonprofits.org/reviews/be-the-star-you-are-inc/
GUIDESTAR: https://www.guidestar.org/profile/94-3333882
Star Stuff on the Horizon
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MIRACLE MOMENT®
“People are always in good company when they are doing what they really enjoy.”
~Samuel Butler
Message from Founder/Executive Director Cynthia Brian
In the first three months of the year, we get to be bystanders at numerous red carpet events! Hello awards season! The Golden Globes, People’s Choice, Screen Actors Guild Awards, the Grammy’s, and the Oscars are just a few of the highlights. Add the Olympics to this year’s line-up and we have a full roster of gold, silver, and bronze. Be the Star You Are!® is proud to be honored once again as a TOP NON PROFIT from Great Non Profits and Guidestar. http://greatnonprofits.org/reviews/be-the-star-you-are-inc/ Thank you to our volunteers and supporters. Take your bows!
In the coming months, Be the Star You Are!® will be participating in numerous activities so please check our website for events at www.bethestaryouare.org/events. On March 17, visit our booth at the LaGAELrinda Day at St. Mary’s college. On May 12th, we’ll have great gathering at the Moraga Community Faire. Reading circles, activities for kids, and book giveaways will be part of the fun. I will also be selling and autographing my new book, Growing with the Goddess Gardener, with all proceeds on autograph days benefitting Be the Star You Are!® We are seeking sponsors for both events. Email mailto:info@BetheStarYouAre.org.
The Oakland A’s have designated Friday, June 15th as Be the Star You Are!® night at the ballgame. Be the Star You Are!® will have second tier field seating with great views of the game and the fireworks show. We’ll be selling discounted tickets for $34 per ticket (regular price $44). We encourage companies and businesses to buy blocks of tickets to give to away to their friends, families, and employees. If we sell 1000 tickets, one lucky person will throw the first pitch! Tickets will be for sale in the next few weeks so put your order in ASAP. We will have a prize for the person or company that buys the most tickets and a raffle item will entitle four people to attend batting practice on the field. I was fortunate enough to attend the 1989 World Series when the A’s won the pennant. More information is below, at our site, www.bethestaryouare.org/events, or email mailto:info@BetheStarYouAre.org. Buy Tickets to our June 15th A’s versus Angels Baseball Game at: http://www.bethestaryouare.org/events-1/as-versus-angels-baseball-game-on-june-15th
A huge congratulatory salute to our dedicated volunteer and Express Yourself!® Teen Radio host, Brigitte Jia, who recently performed with an orchestra at Carnegie Hall. With any luck, she’ll perform for us at our upcoming events too! Bravo Brigitte. Listen to her broadcasts at Voice America Kids Network: https://www.voiceamerica.com/show/2014/express-yourself
In 2019, Be the Star You Are!® will celebrate 20 years as a 501 c3. Our 20th Anniversary Gala committee is in the pre-planning stages and we could use more help. Again, if you’d like to help celebrate this huge milestone for our grassroots charity by being part of our event committee, please email mailto:info@BetheStarYouAre.org. All skills are valuable.
Winter will be with us only a few more weeks and in the meantime, check out Karen Kitchel’s cheerful idea to bring a bit of spring into the lives of others.
Thank you for your support. We love what we do. Remember you can always make a tax deductible donation on-line with no extra fees and receive an immediate tax receipt by using Paypal Giving Fund. The direct link is https://www.paypal.com/fundraiser/charity/1504
Let us know how we can better serve you and our community. Be the Star You Are!® believes in growing people while increasing literacy and positive media messages. Read a book this week.
Until next month, my virtual door is always open for your suggestions and thoughts.
Blessings,
Cynthia Brian
Founder/Executive Director
Be the Star You Are!®
PO Box 376
Moraga, California 94556
mailto:info@BetheStarYouAre.org
Growing with the Goddess Gardener is available at www.CynthiaBrian.com/online-store
EVENTS NOT TO BE MISSED
TAKE ME OUT TO THE BALLGAME!
June 15th Baseball Game with the Oakland A’s versus the Los Angeles Angels
The Oakland Athletics is celebrating their 50th Anniversary in Oakland throughout the 2018 season by inviting one charity to be the featured nonprofit of a home game. Be the Star You Are!® 501 c3 charity is THRILLED to be chosen the nonprofit charity for the Friday June 15th game against the Los Angeles Angels. Game starts at 6:35pm, players will be wearing a new Kelly green alternate jersey inspired by the jerseys of past Oakland A’s games. A Dinosaur fireworks display will be presented after the game and other surprises plus guest appearances will be announced. BTSYA will have field level, 2nd tier great seats to view the game and the fireworks. We are still working out the details, but we will raffle tickets for 4 individuals to win a field visit to watch batting practice and meet the players on a different day. If BTSYA sells 1000 tickets, someone from our group will get to throw the first pitch. A prize will be awarded to the person or group that buys the most tickets. Buy tickets to give as gifts or rewards. Checks and online sales will be made directly to Be the Star You Are!® charity as a tax deductible contribution and a tax receipt will be sent to you. Email mailto:info@BetheStarYouAre.org to reserve your block of tickets. First come first serve. Donation payment details will be emailed to you. Info will be updated at www.bethestaryouare.org/events
Buy Tickets to our June 15th A’s versus Angels Baseball Game at: http://www.bethestaryouare.org/events-1/as-versus-angels-baseball-game-on-june-15th
St Patrick’s Day with LaGAELinda Day
Come enjoy a morning of fun at LaGAELrinda Day at St. Mary’s College in Moraga on Saturday, March 17 from 9am-1pm. Be the Star You Are!® volunteers will offer free face painting for children, a reading circle, and Cynthia Brian will be selling and autographing her new book, Growing with the Goddess Gardener. Live entertainment and activities to attract children and families will be provided. www.bethestaryouare.org/events
Sponsorships available. Email mailto:info@BetheStarYouAre.org
Moraga Community Faire on May 12
Mark your calendars for Saturday May 12, 2018 from 11-4pm for the Moraga Community Faire. Car show, entertainment, wine and beer gardens, activities for kids, art, music, food trucks, and lots of fun booths for your enjoyment. The Be the Star You Are!® booth is always a favorite as we give away FREE books to increase literacy. www.bethestaryouare.org/events
Sponsorships available. Email mailto:info@BetheStarYouAre.org
SPOTLIGHT ON VOLUNTEERS
Be the Star You Are!® Loves Our Volunteers.
Here’s what three more volunteers have to say about their experiences.
Katie Choo
“I have been a volunteer for Be the Star You Are for almost two years now. I am currently a teen reporter and host for one of BTSYA’s outreach programs, Express Yourself Teen Radio. Just the other day, I was having a college interview, and the interviewer asked me whether I often found myself changing my opinions and perspectives about certain topics or situations. At first, I responded, “No, not really.” However, I immediately corrected my response as I thought of Express Yourself Teen Radio. Every time we have had a reporter or guest on air with us, I have learned something new. Sometimes, this “new” information is simply a fact that I did not know, but often, instead, the “new” information is a perspective that I did not previously consider. For example, it never occurred to me to see drug use more as drug dependence than drug abuse. It never occurred to me that people who leave their homes for the safety of a shelter often must leave their beloved pets behind. It never occurred to me that the hooded figure chasing me in my dreams might be me. None of these ideas occurred to me until I heard them from a reporter or guest on the radio show. In this way, volunteering for Be The Star You Are gives me not one, but two or three, or even four, more perspectives on a topic. As we discuss a theme, I am often reminded of my personal experiences, and those memories become much more valuable to me as I connect them to our on-air discussions. When I meet people, I have many more stories to tell and many more perspectives to explain because of Be The Star You Are and Express Yourself. Of all the organizations and programs out there, I believe that Be The Star You Are is the best way to better know the world, better understand others, and better appreciate yourself. As a volunteer, I know from experience that as a part of BTSYA, you learn, you grow, and you smile. “
Liz Aguilar
“Be The Star You Are Inc. is a phenomenal nonprofit that does amazing work in local communities and internationally. The volunteers are passionate and committed about empowering others and one another. I’ve worked with this group virtually for the past two years and it has been a wonderful and rewarding experience. Other nonprofits should model their organization after BTSYA because they are great and have such a high impact.”
Chelsea Pelchat
“I am SO thankful I found this wonderful organization, who has managed to bring me so much more than I could have ever imagined. I’ve been a part of this charity for three years, beginning from the second semester of my freshman year of high school, as the event coordinator and one of the teen reporters on the radio. Throughout the years, my experience with Be the Star You Are has pushed me to explore different aspects of myself, as well as developing leadership skills that will be essential to my future.”
The Spontaneity of a Flower
By Karen Kitchel
On cold, dark days during our Minnesota winter, I like to think about the flowers that will appear when my favorite time of year comes around. I very much enjoy watching the flowers grow in our backyard, and I like to clip a few to bring inside.
Amazing to think about how many sensations we can experience from one little flower — the look of spring, a scent of summer, and always a smile. There’s also something about being given a flower that is special, not the store-bought dozen red roses, but the single daisy from someone’s garden or a dandelion from the hand of a child. I discovered a very easy, fun, and inexpensive way to give flowers. I simply purchase a pack of plastic champagne glasses at a dollar store, add a bit of water and a couple of flowers from a favorite blooming plant or bush. Even transporting them from home to their destination is easy because the plastic glass fits nicely in a car’s cup holder.
Be spontaneous! Share your favorite flowers with friends, or better yet, leave them anonymously where they might be appreciated by those who are not lucky enough to have flowers of their own.
Who wouldn’t enjoy a champagne glass filled with flowers?
About the Author:
Karen Kitchel is a Community Volunteer who is passionate about helping those who are homeless or disadvantaged. She previously served as President of Cheerful Givers, a nonprofit organization, and Director of BI University at BI Worldwide. She can be reached at karenkitchel@comcast.net
Let Us Entertain You!
When you are looking for upbeat, positive, informative, and entertaining talk radio, tune in to StarStyle®-Be the Star You Are!® LIVE Wednesdays 4-5pm PT on the Voice America Network Empowerment Channel.
http://www.voiceamerica.com/show/2206/be-the-star-you-are
Also available in the archives and itunes anytime. Descriptions and photos at http://www.StarStyleRadio.com
Our teens interview authors, celebrities, and entrepreneurs NOON PT every Tuesday on Express Yourself! on Voice America Kids Network. https://www.voiceamerica.com/show/2014/express-yourself
Also available in the archives and itunes anytime. Descriptions and photos at http://www.ExpressYourselfTeenRadio.com
Shop, Give, and Get Connected
If you would like to make a direct donation to our giving fund, please visit our PayPal page!
https://www.paypal.com/us/webapps/mpp/search-cause?charityId=1504&s=3
Ways to Help
- AmazonSmile donates .5% of purchases http://smile.amazon.com/ch/94-3333882
- Discounted books at Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/shops/be_the_star_you_are_charity
- Buy or Sell on EBAY:http://givingworks.ebay.com/charity-auctions/charity/be-the-star-you-are-501-c-3/1504/?favorite=link
- 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
- Shop at over 1300 stores on IGIVE: http://www.iGive.com/BTSYA
- BTSYA Logo Store: http://btsya.rylees.net
- 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
- Designer Clothes to Buy or Sell: https://www.unionandfifth.com/charities/be-the-star-you-are-moraga-ca/shop
- Buy “Read, Lead, Succeed” T-shirts and tanks $19.99: http://www.CynthiaBrian.com/online-store
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
Paypal Giving Fund:https://www.paypal.com/us/webapps/mpp/search-cause?charityId=1504&s=3
GREAT NON PROFITS REVIEWS: http://greatnonprofits.org/reviews/be-the-star-you-are-inc/
Be the Star You Are! 501 C3 Charity Honored as 2014 Top-Rated Non Profit
Editor on 
Every Wednesday between 4-5pm PT, the Voice America Network broadcasts an upbeat program, Starstyle®-Be the Star You Are!®, brought to the airwaves under the auspices of Be the Star You Are!® charity. For the fifth consecutive year, Be the Star You Are!® 501 c3 charity has been honored with a prestigious 2014 Top-Rated Award by GreatNonprofits, the leading provider of user reviews about nonprofit organizations.
âWe are excited to be named a Top-Rated 2014 Nonprofit once again!â says Cynthia Brian, Founder and Executive Director of Be the Star You Are!® 501c3 charity. âAll the volunteers have worked very hard and we are very proud of our accomplishments this year, including our Operation Disaster Relief program and our two international radio shows, Starstyle® Be the Star You Are!® and Express Yourself!⢠that are bringing positive messages to the world.â
The Top-Rated Nonprofit award was based on the large number of positive reviews that Be the Star You Are!® 501 c3 charity received â reviews written by volunteers, donors and clients. People posted their personal experience with the nonprofit. For example, one person wrote, âTo say that Be the Star You Are!® has changed my life would be an understatement!â
While the Top-Rated Awards run through the end of October, Be the Star You Are!® 501 c3 was part of the inaugural group to qualify for the year. In addition, Be the Star You Are!® 501 c3 has been added to GreatNonprofits #GivingTuesday Guideâan interactive guide to top nonprofits throughout the years. Look for this near the holidays.
âSavvy donors want to see the impact of their donations more than ever,â said Perla Ni, CEO of GreatNonprofits, âPeople with direct experience with Be the Star You Are!® 501 c3 have voted that the organization is making a real difference.â
Being on the Top-Rated list gives donors and volunteers more confidence that this is a credible organization. The reviews by volunteers, clients, and other donors show the on-the-ground results of this nonprofit. This award is a form of recognition by the community.
Be the Star You Are!!® 501 c3 is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) corporation empowering women, families and youth through improved literacy and positive media. Be the Star You Are! collects and distributes books and other resources as a way to raise their life skills and self esteem. This media ranges from education and advisement to inspiration and guidance and covers every aspect of life, from abuse through money management.
Be the Star You Are!!® 501 c3 is an ALL volunteer organization that operates through contributions, in-kind donations, and proceeds from fund-raising events. Be the Star You Are! does not receive state or federal funding and is solely dependent on contributions from the community and corporations. Be the Star You Are! has no religious or political agendas or affiliations. Make Tax-deductible donations. GreatNonprofits is the leading site for donors and volunteers to find reviews and ratings of nonprofits. Reviews on the site influence 30 million donation decisions a year. Tune in for Express Yourself!â¢, tune in on Tuesdays at NOON PT and look at Archives and photos and more!
A Message from our Founder, Cynthia Brian
Editor on 
Since I was a child I have pursued the possibilities of life with passion and purpose. As an adult Iâve been labeled a âPossibility, Passion, and Purpose Producerâ and I do believe that aptly describes me. My goal is to help others find their passion and purpose in life to be the stars they were born to be. Empowering, encouraging, and enabling my volunteers, clients, friends, and family to live their dreams makes me happy and fulfilled. Laughing, listening, and leading are my strengths. What Iâve learned through believing in possibility is that passion plus purpose equals probability.
My weakness is fundraising. Being the Executive Director of a 501 c3 charity, part of my job is bringing in the dollars to fund our numerous outreach projects. Fundraising is a challenge for me. I don’t like asking for money. I wish I had the chutzpah of a former Dean at my husbandâs university who straight-forwardly would ask alumni for their wallets. To this day when my husband sees the Dean, he hands over his wallet before he is asked. Dean had the gift of Midas. I’m still on the learning curve.
In April, Be the Star You Are!® was once again honored as a TOP NON PROFIT, one of the first fifty to be so honored out of over 1.3 million charities. Thank you to everyone who supports us and believes in our mission to serve women, families, and youth through improved literacy, increased positive media, and tools for living.
Part of winning this accolade gives us the opportunity to offer you ways that you can financially contribute to our cause, many times without spending an additional penny. If you LOVE to shop, consider doing your online shopping at more than 1300 stores through our direct site at IGIVE.com/BTSYA. Register for free here. It costs you nothing and every time you buy anything via IGIVE.com/BTSYA, the stores pay a percentage to Be the Star You Are!®. Another great way is to buy and sell through our special EBAY site. When you buy, shop for items that benefit us. When you sell, designate Be the Star You Are!® to receive 10-100% of your final sale price. Here’s our short link:  bit.ly/1jy9kBI. It doesn’t get much easier than that.
There are numerous other ways to support Be the Star You Are!® while getting something for yourself including buying our books, T-shirts, sponsoring our outreach programs, organizing an event, booking radio interviews, and much more. Check out http://www.btsya.com/donations.html for ideas or make a tax- deductible donation via PAYPAL or send a check to BTSYA PO Box 376. Moraga, Ca. 94556. 100% of your donation benefits programs as Be the Star You Are!® is an ALL volunteer non profit with no salaried employees.
Summer is around the corner and my wish for you is that you take the time to savor the sweetness of nature. Believe in the possibilities of your aspirations, apply your passion with purpose, and reap the benefits.
Thanks for being part of our STAR family. My virtual door is always open. (And when you hand us your wallets, we’ll send you a tax receipt!)Â
Shine on!Â
