Day 158: Bracelets For Nepal

Well, with two finals down and only one more next week, I decided today I could use some retail therapy. I was just browsing, of course. Or, that was the case until I found the bracelets below. These colorful beauties can be found at Apricot Lane. These bracelets are handmade from women in Nepal by a foundation that is called Fair Trades Fashion Designs. With your purchase of one of the bracelets, you will help "empower women and sponsor poor children and educate young minds and to help them live a joyous life."

Fair Trade Fashion Designs began in 2010, by humanitarian Michael Wilcox. This foundation creates opportunities for women to work in Nepal. With the women at work, we are alleviating the chances of sex trafficking and help to heal those who have dealt with sex trafficking. You can learn more and watch a bracelet be made by clicking here.

Day 95: Explored YWCA

After this weekend, the Miss Washington class of 2013 will be complete! The final four titleholders will be crowned Sunday afternoon. Over the next few days, the last few Miss Washington sisters will be featured before they say farewell.

Meet Ramya Ramanathan, Miss Evergreen 2012

What is the title of your platform?
RR: Embracing Diversity and Empowering Women

How can others get involved with your platform?
RR: I did a lot of work with underprivileged minorities through the YWCA...You could like the YWCA page and perhaps educate or encourage others on what it is, that would be awesome!

Why did you choose this particular platform?
RR: I chose my platform because I'm passionate about empowering women and cultural awareness. I found that education was the best venue to practice this in. Being a mentor at the multicultural student let me build a lot of close relationships with at risk minorities and put them on the right track through various access programs that help first time college graduates.

After talking to Ramya, I Facebook searched and found the YWCA page. Once I 'liked' the page, I did a little more exploring. According to their page, "YWCA is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women and promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all." The YWCA has over 2 million participants and over 1,300 locations in the United States. Also, I found it interesting that they are one of the oldest and largest organizations for women and serves in over 125 countries. This is a phenomenal organization and I encourage you to do a little investigating yourself and 'like' the Facebook page.

God bless,

Kailee

Day 17: Began Volunteering At West Central Community Center

This afternoon, I began my volunteer work at West Central Community Center. For those of you that don't know, WCCC is a local after school program for elementary school children in the area. The center is very similar to a Boys and Girls Club.  This is a safe place where children can learn, grow and expand their horizons. The staff is there to encourage, mentor and empower the kids.

Their mission states: The West Central Community Center has been established to provide social, health, recreation & educations services to the community to help improve the quality of life for it's families. (Click on the logo to learn more.)

I am so excited about the time I will be spending at the center. I already feel a strong connection with a few of the kids and hope I am able to encourage, mentor and empower them as well. Sometimes, all a child needs is someone who will give them attention and listen to them.

Have a random act of kindness you would like me to try? Comment below.

God bless, 

Kailee