by Monique Johns
I recently had the opportunity to attend the Tri-County United Fund’s Nonprofit Appreciation Open House at the Elks Lodge in Ontario. The Tri-County United Fund can best be described as a mini-United Way. They raise money to benefit nonprofits in Malheur, Washington, and Payette counties. We left Boise at 6 a.m., which meant I was up at 4:30 a.m. staring at a pile of clean clothes crunched together in a cramped laundry basket wondering, “Will anyone notice if I don’t iron my clothes?” That was one of those 4:30 a.m. thoughts…because quite frankly, I think people would be surprised if I actually ironed my clothes. We arrived in Ontario at about 7:30 a.m., set up our booth, and then waited for the throngs of people to pass by, eagerly hoping to learn more about our organization. We stood by waiting to pounce on potential volunteers (okay, okay – not really pounce, but definitely waiting to deliver our spiel). As it turned out, we had very few “off the street” visitors. But that didn’t squelch our plans to get the word out about Girl Scouts. We networked with other nonprofits who were in attendance, including the Boys and Girls Club of West Treasure Valley (is Ontario in the Treasure Valley?) and the Veterans Advocates of Ore-Ida. We talked about our need for volunteers and they talked about their need for resources. We talked through some collaboration scenarios (i.e., “The Girl Scouts do Gift of Caring already during the Cookie drive and the Veterans Advocates want Girl Scout cookies to send to soldiers…). We shook hands, munched on some sugary morning treats, and after a few hours, quietly packed up for the ride back home to Boise.
It’s easy for me, when I’m not out in the field recruiting folks into our programs, to think of the negative: how few people really know and understand Girl Scouts. It is a constant struggle, which many nonprofits share, to get the word out about our leadership and youth development services for girls. I don’t usually get to accompany our membership staff on recruitment events like this so it was really refreshing to see them “in action.” These types of events remind me how much people appreciate the Girl Scouts in the community. My week (including today) has been filled with constant deadlines, but this trip, like a few others I’ve taken into the community, remind me of our mission. The work I do benefits girls. The work that our volunteers do (and all the countless hours they contribute) benefits girls. Donors, other nonprofits, and leaders in our community all help the Girl Scouts to reach their mission – empowering one girl at a time on her journey of discovery.
On a final note, thanks to the Tri-County United Fund for allowing the Girl Scouts to be involved in their nonprofit appreciation event. We appreciate foundations like theirs, whose purpose is to better our community.
Showing posts with label Monique's Corner. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Monique's Corner. Show all posts
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Monique Visits Girl Scout Camp
The Girl Scouts of Silver Sage Council staff went on retreat for three days for training and some (much needed) R&R. We started with a training-intense filled day at Friendship Square (off Reserve Street in Boise) on Monday and then headed up to Camp Alice Pittenger in McCall on Tuesday and stayed overnight.
The camp experience really brought me back to the 9-year-old Monique who went away to Girl Scout camp in the California foothills many years ago. We sang songs, went swimming, ate s’mores, had incredibly outgoing and fun-loving camp staff, and connected with my peers for giggle-fits and scary trips to the biffy at night. We saw deer, ate huckleberries off the vine, and got bit by blood-thirsty mosquitoes. All-in-all, it was a great retreat. I could go on and on, but I do have to get some grant reports off to foundations who have provided us the opportunity to give low-income girls around the state much needed financial aid. We are grateful to the Whittenberger Foundation, Harry W. Morrison Foundation, CHC Foundation, Idaho Women’s Health and Fitness Education Celebration, and IdaCorps. I’m especially grateful that I have a few more hours to get all the grant documentation out to these generous funders.
I’ll be off for a week of (again, much needed) vacation next week, so no blog on Thursday. I’ll see you all later in August.
The camp experience really brought me back to the 9-year-old Monique who went away to Girl Scout camp in the California foothills many years ago. We sang songs, went swimming, ate s’mores, had incredibly outgoing and fun-loving camp staff, and connected with my peers for giggle-fits and scary trips to the biffy at night. We saw deer, ate huckleberries off the vine, and got bit by blood-thirsty mosquitoes. All-in-all, it was a great retreat. I could go on and on, but I do have to get some grant reports off to foundations who have provided us the opportunity to give low-income girls around the state much needed financial aid. We are grateful to the Whittenberger Foundation, Harry W. Morrison Foundation, CHC Foundation, Idaho Women’s Health and Fitness Education Celebration, and IdaCorps. I’m especially grateful that I have a few more hours to get all the grant documentation out to these generous funders.
I’ll be off for a week of (again, much needed) vacation next week, so no blog on Thursday. I’ll see you all later in August.
Thursday, July 23, 2009
“off the Rez…” – Girl Scouts from Duck Valley Indian Reservation attend nationwide conference
by Monique Johns
A little more than a week ago, I had the good fortune to accompany a group of girls and adult leaders from the Duck Valley Indian Reservation to the 52nd Annual American Indian Scouting Association Conference in Pocatello, Idaho. This is a nationwide conference for Girl and Boy Scouts, and it was only the second time in their long history that the conference was held in Idaho.
I was fortunate to meet and get to know the leaders and girls who attended the five day conference. I was surprised (and slightly relieved) to find that the girls from Duck Valley were not unlike other girls I had worked with in the Treasure Valley. They laughed, talked about boys, told silly jokes, and hoped that their summer would never end. They drank “Monster” energy drinks and dressed in jeans, t-shirts and tennis shoes. They played basketball, wore make-up, and sometimes teased each other.
Adrianna, age 11, was one of the younger girls that attended the conference. Her playful demeanor, smile, and laugh made it very obvious that she is at that very precious time in her life when the world seems filled with butterflies and rainbows. But when she donned her “Miss Shoshone Paiute Princess 2009” pageant sash for the Conference powwow and began her fancy shawl dance, a routine steeped in American Indian tradition, Adrianna looked forward, smiled slightly, and remained focused on each movement. I was in awe of both her carefree nature and the homage she paid to her heritage through dance. She represented her tribe and the Girl Scouts beautifully.
I watched Adrianna affectionately hug her mom, the co-leader of the troop, chase after other girls at the conference during a friendly game of “tag,” and obediently follow after some of the older girls who appreciated having a dutiful follower. Like any other girl her age, Adrianna has many sides to her personality. And like any other girl her age, the world is her oyster.
Throughout the duration of the conference, I kept asking myself, “what impact can the Girl Scouts really, truly have on girls who live in such a remote location?” The answer, which I’ve known all along, is this: The only way we can make a difference is to make ourselves available to these girls and to provide support to the adult volunteers who lead them. Girls like Adrianna are the reason the Girl Scouts exist. We provide opportunities for girls to discover themselves and connect with other girls their age. This conference will remain with the girls for many years to come.
The regular membership year will begin in October, which is when the traditional troop program will begin for these participants. Although I was only able to interact with them for less than a week, I feel a very strong bond – the kind that is felt when you meet someone unforgettable. These girls and the adult leaders have slowly grown to trust us more over the last month. We are fortunate to have this trust, and we are going to do everything in our power to assure that we do not lose it.
Final Note
The Girl Scouts of Silver Sage Council is appreciative to the Whittenberger Foundation, the Idaho Community Foundation, the Harry W. Morrison Foundation, and the Brown Family Foundation for their contributions to help bring Girl Scout programs to the Duck Valley Indian Reservation.
A little more than a week ago, I had the good fortune to accompany a group of girls and adult leaders from the Duck Valley Indian Reservation to the 52nd Annual American Indian Scouting Association Conference in Pocatello, Idaho. This is a nationwide conference for Girl and Boy Scouts, and it was only the second time in their long history that the conference was held in Idaho.
I was fortunate to meet and get to know the leaders and girls who attended the five day conference. I was surprised (and slightly relieved) to find that the girls from Duck Valley were not unlike other girls I had worked with in the Treasure Valley. They laughed, talked about boys, told silly jokes, and hoped that their summer would never end. They drank “Monster” energy drinks and dressed in jeans, t-shirts and tennis shoes. They played basketball, wore make-up, and sometimes teased each other.
Adrianna, age 11, was one of the younger girls that attended the conference. Her playful demeanor, smile, and laugh made it very obvious that she is at that very precious time in her life when the world seems filled with butterflies and rainbows. But when she donned her “Miss Shoshone Paiute Princess 2009” pageant sash for the Conference powwow and began her fancy shawl dance, a routine steeped in American Indian tradition, Adrianna looked forward, smiled slightly, and remained focused on each movement. I was in awe of both her carefree nature and the homage she paid to her heritage through dance. She represented her tribe and the Girl Scouts beautifully.
I watched Adrianna affectionately hug her mom, the co-leader of the troop, chase after other girls at the conference during a friendly game of “tag,” and obediently follow after some of the older girls who appreciated having a dutiful follower. Like any other girl her age, Adrianna has many sides to her personality. And like any other girl her age, the world is her oyster.
Throughout the duration of the conference, I kept asking myself, “what impact can the Girl Scouts really, truly have on girls who live in such a remote location?” The answer, which I’ve known all along, is this: The only way we can make a difference is to make ourselves available to these girls and to provide support to the adult volunteers who lead them. Girls like Adrianna are the reason the Girl Scouts exist. We provide opportunities for girls to discover themselves and connect with other girls their age. This conference will remain with the girls for many years to come.
The regular membership year will begin in October, which is when the traditional troop program will begin for these participants. Although I was only able to interact with them for less than a week, I feel a very strong bond – the kind that is felt when you meet someone unforgettable. These girls and the adult leaders have slowly grown to trust us more over the last month. We are fortunate to have this trust, and we are going to do everything in our power to assure that we do not lose it.
Final Note
The Girl Scouts of Silver Sage Council is appreciative to the Whittenberger Foundation, the Idaho Community Foundation, the Harry W. Morrison Foundation, and the Brown Family Foundation for their contributions to help bring Girl Scout programs to the Duck Valley Indian Reservation.
Thursday, July 9, 2009
First Impressions Can Truly Make a Difference
by Monique Johns
Three weeks ago, three bicyclists were fatally injured after being struck by cars while riding on Boise streets. In an article dated June 12, the Idaho Statesman reported that Fairview Avenue was among the worst intersections in Boise for cyclist safety. I took to my Twitter account and asked the Ada County Highway District (@ACHD), “What are you (and my taxes) doing about it?”
Quite frankly, I didn’t expect a response. I posted the tweet as more of a rant to spur discussion among other tweeters. I’ve done it (mostly in vain) to seek responses regarding bullying, role models, and in my personal life – coupons. I rarely receive re-tweets, responses, or any other sign that my tweet has been read by anyone outside of my husband or co-workers.
A few days after the “What are you…doing” tweet, I received a Twitter direct message from Robbie Johnson, the ACHD public relations spokesperson, saying, “Hi, I do plan to get back to you on this. A little complex for Twitter.”
Here’s the gem of this story (and a bit of a digression from cycling itself).
About six years ago, I sold shoes at a local boutique to make money while in college. I vividly remember helping Robbie Johnson choose a comfortable pair of shoes that would help her in her job as news anchor for Fox 12. I was star struck, I’m afraid. At the time, I thought people in the media must have been the most intellectual human beings on earth (I’ll have to share my views on that in another blog entry) so understandably, I was in awe of her incredibly down-to-earth, off-screen personality. I never forgot the opportunity I had to sell her the two pairs of practical lace-up shoes in black and brown leather. In short, she gave me some hope that even normal people could work for a news agency. I later went to work for the Idaho Statesman.
Needless to say, after receiving her reply, I felt a bit sheepish for calling out ACHD in my tweet. But I sent her my email address anyway. A few days later she emailed me. I am attaching the letter for anyone who cares to read it because it explains in great detail why cycling along Fairview is a bad idea. You’ll notice that Robbie took the time to contact someone within her organization to offer an alternate route for me.
I believe in customer service. And I believe that Robbie has gone above and beyond in her willingness to not only set the record straight with regard to Fairview Avenue, but to be a truly genuine human being. I hope this serves as an example to everyone who reads this – first impressions can truly make a difference. After all – the person who is selling shoes, or ringing up groceries, or offering any other service, well, they just might end up blogging about you one day.
The text from Robbie’s email is below:
Bike map: http://www.achd.ada.id.us/PDF/BikewayFacilitiesMapJan09.pdf
Three weeks ago, three bicyclists were fatally injured after being struck by cars while riding on Boise streets. In an article dated June 12, the Idaho Statesman reported that Fairview Avenue was among the worst intersections in Boise for cyclist safety. I took to my Twitter account and asked the Ada County Highway District (@ACHD), “What are you (and my taxes) doing about it?”
Quite frankly, I didn’t expect a response. I posted the tweet as more of a rant to spur discussion among other tweeters. I’ve done it (mostly in vain) to seek responses regarding bullying, role models, and in my personal life – coupons. I rarely receive re-tweets, responses, or any other sign that my tweet has been read by anyone outside of my husband or co-workers.
A few days after the “What are you…doing” tweet, I received a Twitter direct message from Robbie Johnson, the ACHD public relations spokesperson, saying, “Hi, I do plan to get back to you on this. A little complex for Twitter.”
Here’s the gem of this story (and a bit of a digression from cycling itself).
About six years ago, I sold shoes at a local boutique to make money while in college. I vividly remember helping Robbie Johnson choose a comfortable pair of shoes that would help her in her job as news anchor for Fox 12. I was star struck, I’m afraid. At the time, I thought people in the media must have been the most intellectual human beings on earth (I’ll have to share my views on that in another blog entry) so understandably, I was in awe of her incredibly down-to-earth, off-screen personality. I never forgot the opportunity I had to sell her the two pairs of practical lace-up shoes in black and brown leather. In short, she gave me some hope that even normal people could work for a news agency. I later went to work for the Idaho Statesman.
Needless to say, after receiving her reply, I felt a bit sheepish for calling out ACHD in my tweet. But I sent her my email address anyway. A few days later she emailed me. I am attaching the letter for anyone who cares to read it because it explains in great detail why cycling along Fairview is a bad idea. You’ll notice that Robbie took the time to contact someone within her organization to offer an alternate route for me.
I believe in customer service. And I believe that Robbie has gone above and beyond in her willingness to not only set the record straight with regard to Fairview Avenue, but to be a truly genuine human being. I hope this serves as an example to everyone who reads this – first impressions can truly make a difference. After all – the person who is selling shoes, or ringing up groceries, or offering any other service, well, they just might end up blogging about you one day.
The text from Robbie’s email is below:
Thanks for contacting me by email. We also had an ACHD Commissioner recently wonder about Fairview also.
You are right, it is not very bike friendly along Fairview. As you have surely noticed, there is a high number of access points (driveways), turning conflicts and high street volume (the number of motor vehicles) on Fairview. This does not make it conducive for encouraging bicycling at this time, which is why there are no bike lanes.
However, ACHD traffic staff analyzed Fairview for bike lanes and concluded that there is room for bike lanes on Fairview between Orchard and Milwaukee except at the Milwaukee and Curtis intersections. However, adding bike lanes is more complicated than simply painting the bike lanes, so there are no immediate plans for this.
However, long term, because Fairview Avenue between Orchard Street in Boise and Linder Road in Meridian has some of the top accident locations in Idaho and hundreds of those driveway accesses to businesses, ACHD is looking to help improve the road by considering access management measures.
ACHD is considering raised medians, half-mile signal spacing, and the relocating of some driveways. Over time left turns may be limited on Fairview after medians are constructed. Motorists will be allowed to make u-turns at signals and between median openings when possible, making it safer and quicker to access businesses. Redesigning, combining and relocating some driveways will also improve traffic flow and safety, plus create easier access. Changes will happen as needed for safety and as redevelopment occurs. This could also make it safer for bicyclists, and looking at bike lanes is part of the access management process.
In the meantime, our traffic department recommends that you use Emerald and Pine and Milwaukee to get to and from work by bike. It is a little out of the way, but these roads do have bike lanes for the most part. The map link below shows the bike lanes. Pine does connect through now to where you need to go. Let me know if this helps and if you have questions.
Bike map: http://www.achd.ada.id.us/PDF/BikewayFacilitiesMapJan09.pdf
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Girl Scouts Meets Bullying: A Practical Perspective on the Rite of Passage
There are many times in life when making the right decision is difficult.
As a girl, I vividly remember knowing that it was wrong to make fun of fat kids, kids with disabilities, or kids that were a different ethnicity than myself. I am not sure where in my childhood I can pinpoint learning this lesson. I believe this “knowing” comes naturally to nearly every person in childhood. So why are children bullied? Where do they learn this from? But more importantly, what can be done to stop it?
When I was a kid, bullying took the form of taunting, teasing and often times, tears. On a rare occasion, a fist fight broke out. Kids would be sent to the principal’s office and detention dates set. That’s what happened when I was a kid. It was only slightly different for my parents generation and despite frequent headlines, bullying has only changed slightly for today’s generation of young people. Today’s youth have one major difference when it comes to this unfortunate coming-of-age rite of passage: technology.
Kids today have taken bullying to internet social networks like MySpace (dubbed “cyberbullying”). They’ve also gotten the hang of originating and forwarding hurtful (and harmful) text messages. The primary difference between the last two generations of young people, however, is that today’s technology allows bullying messages to linger, to be seen by more people, and to nearly eliminate face-to-face confrontation.
Sending kids to the principal’s office used to be a fair punishment. Parents would become involved and kids would work out the problems through conflict resolution or finding new groups of friends. Today, we’ve invented a new vocabulary to describe the catastrophic aftermath of bullying – Columbine and “bullycide” (a suicide caused by bullying and depression) come to mind whenever I discuss this issue with peers. Although the stakes have become even higher in today’s ever-connected world, I believe the brunt of burden has, and always will, lie with bystanders to bullying.
What does this mean for Girl Scouts? The Girl Scout Promise states, “On my honor, I will try…to help people at all times.” I believe this promise applies to all forms of peer pressure and bullying. It is the most difficult position, and yet, the most rewarding – to help a fellow person in need…to stand up and say, “This isn’t cool,” “You’re being mean and hurtful,” or, “Leave her alone, seriously.”
I’d like to hear from girls who have been a bystander, a bully, or bullied by someone else. What do you think? Chime in to this conversation and check back to see what your peers are saying about this.
by Monique Johns
As a girl, I vividly remember knowing that it was wrong to make fun of fat kids, kids with disabilities, or kids that were a different ethnicity than myself. I am not sure where in my childhood I can pinpoint learning this lesson. I believe this “knowing” comes naturally to nearly every person in childhood. So why are children bullied? Where do they learn this from? But more importantly, what can be done to stop it?
When I was a kid, bullying took the form of taunting, teasing and often times, tears. On a rare occasion, a fist fight broke out. Kids would be sent to the principal’s office and detention dates set. That’s what happened when I was a kid. It was only slightly different for my parents generation and despite frequent headlines, bullying has only changed slightly for today’s generation of young people. Today’s youth have one major difference when it comes to this unfortunate coming-of-age rite of passage: technology.
Kids today have taken bullying to internet social networks like MySpace (dubbed “cyberbullying”). They’ve also gotten the hang of originating and forwarding hurtful (and harmful) text messages. The primary difference between the last two generations of young people, however, is that today’s technology allows bullying messages to linger, to be seen by more people, and to nearly eliminate face-to-face confrontation.
Sending kids to the principal’s office used to be a fair punishment. Parents would become involved and kids would work out the problems through conflict resolution or finding new groups of friends. Today, we’ve invented a new vocabulary to describe the catastrophic aftermath of bullying – Columbine and “bullycide” (a suicide caused by bullying and depression) come to mind whenever I discuss this issue with peers. Although the stakes have become even higher in today’s ever-connected world, I believe the brunt of burden has, and always will, lie with bystanders to bullying.
What does this mean for Girl Scouts? The Girl Scout Promise states, “On my honor, I will try…to help people at all times.” I believe this promise applies to all forms of peer pressure and bullying. It is the most difficult position, and yet, the most rewarding – to help a fellow person in need…to stand up and say, “This isn’t cool,” “You’re being mean and hurtful,” or, “Leave her alone, seriously.”
I’d like to hear from girls who have been a bystander, a bully, or bullied by someone else. What do you think? Chime in to this conversation and check back to see what your peers are saying about this.
by Monique Johns
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