Some bloggers can identify with advertising campaigns for various reasons. I was VERY excited when I was notified that BlogHer was allowing me to participate in the Dove Self-Esteem program for one important reason: Sassy.
Self-esteem in young women is an important topic for me, as I am not only a mother of two teenage girls, but also a teacher. I teach this ALL THE TIME in school, and as educators we all realize how very important self-esteem is to a young person. As a mother, it really hits close to home. My 17-year-old daughter (Sassy) was a chubby, awkward girl until she turned 16, and has since turned into a gorgeous swan. However, when she looks in the mirror she still sees the little fat girl. We work on this issue every day.
As a family, we have spent a great amount of time talking about what being a “healthy young woman” looks like. We spend time together participating in outdoor activities, and invite her friends and their families to join us as well. We subscribe to magazines that promote health and wellness, and often talk about issues relating to this in the car or at the dinner table.
Additionally, I spoke to our school counselor about strategies to help Sassy overcome this distorted image of herself. (I want to stress the fact that your school counselor has a wealth of knowledge at her fingertips on so many issues that young people face. If you are unsure about where to go for advice, they are a valuable tool.) Not only did she recommend some great reading material and speaking points, she also was able to connect us with some young people from the nearby university who were working on this particular topic! It was Serendipity at its best. And now, Sassy knows how beautiful she really is. Inside AND out.
I am encouraged by the fact that Dove is committed to a self-esteem project for young women!
The Dove Self-Esteem fund is committed to helping girls build positive self-esteem and a healthy body image, with a goal of reaching 5 million girls globally by 2010.
Every time you buy Dove, you help us provide self-esteem building workshops. As part of this specific program, we are asking consumers to enter their UPC code on Dove.com to donate $1 to self-esteem programming through our partners – Girl Scouts, Boys & Girls Clubs of America, and Girls Inc.
Dove is also collecting video and photo testimonials from women who have helped build positive self-esteem in a girl in their life.
People, there are so many ways that you can help with this mission – and you can find them at http://www.facebook.com/DoveSelfEsteemFund .
Do you have suggestions, recommendations, and personal experiences on how YOU have helped a young person develop good self-esteem? We would love to hear your stories so that we can share with all of our bloggy friends!
Please, visit here to find out more, and for chances to help and win from Dove!
