BE THE STAR YOU ARE INC
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We at the Good-Earth Store have been donating a percentage of our profits to Be The Star You are for over a year. One of their main goals is to promote literacy which we believe reduces other social issues like crime and teen pregnancy, as it gives people self worth. We also know that our dollars are well spent on the cause, not someone's salary.
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Was your donation impactful?
Definitely
How likely is it that you would recommend that a friend donate to this group?
Definitely
How likely are you to donate to this group again?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
I first met Cynthia when she was describing how she grew up, managing to make her dreams come true with her own two hands. She then offered the same opportunity to the rest of the audience -- the opportunity to reach their dreams with their own hard work -- and that's how I came to work with Be the Star You Are. BTSYA is a great organization that helps teens voice their thoughts and ideas to the world, and gives teens the chance to aspire to be star. Not only does BTSYA have a great mentor, Cynthia, to help all of her teens wholeheartedly, BTSYA also gives amazing opportunities to teens to work on the radio or newspaper, or even model. BTSYA is a truly helpful organization that impacts so many teens' lives.
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Would you volunteer for this group again?
Definitely
For the time you spent, how much of an impact did you feel your work or activity had?
A lot
Did the organization use your time wisely?
Quite well
Would you recommend this group to a friend?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
I am a volunteer at Be The Star You Are and I cannot think of a better charity to devote my time to. The leader, Cynthia Bryan, is among one of the nicest people I have ever met and is solely out to help kids as much as she can. This organization is by far one of the better and more productive ones out there!
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Would you volunteer for this group again?
Definitely
For the time you spent, how much of an impact did you feel your work or activity had?
A lot
Did the organization use your time wisely?
Very Well
Would you recommend this group to a friend?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
I came across this group by browsing through volunteer's pages form an internal website from my company. I read about them to know exactly what they did and decided to volunteer. Only minutes after I sent my request, an e-mail came back with the response. I was very happy to know that I could help them, and it was awesome to read the kindness in the group's e mails.
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Would you volunteer for this group again?
Definitely
For the time you spent, how much of an impact did you feel your work or activity had?
A lot
Did the organization use your time wisely?
Very Well
Would you recommend this group to a friend?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
This organization and the work of Cynthia Brian offers a great value to young people yearning to express themselves. In addition to various performing offerings BTSYA is a literacy organization and as such helps lift young people in two vital ways. First by gaining knowledge and then by expressing is in creative ways.
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Would you volunteer for this group again?
Definitely
For the time you spent, how much of an impact did you feel your work or activity had?
A lot
Did the organization use your time wisely?
Quite well
Would you recommend this group to a friend?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
I have been volunteering to help better the lives of Teens through BE THE STAR YOU ARE, since i was a teen myself. Be the Star You Are works to promote literacy through positive media. I personally felt empowered through my involvement. This charity is one that I love and believe all in the community should show their personal support for.
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Would you volunteer for this group again?
Definitely
For the time you spent, how much of an impact did you feel your work or activity had?
Life-changing
Did the organization use your time wisely?
Very Well
Would you recommend this group to a friend?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
"My strength is with numbers so I have always admired the outreach programs of Be the Star You Are!® because they stress the importance of literacy with their motto, "Read, lead, succeed." With their creative community web site at www.BTSYA.com to encourage the young-at-heart to "Express Yourself!" and the new radio show of the same name produced by founder Cynthia Brian, I really have hope for the youth of the world. Be the Star You Are!™ is an amazing grassroots charity that deserves donations and financial support."
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Will you volunteer or donate to this organization?
Definitely
How much of an impact do you think this organization has?
Life-changing
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
I have been a fan of Be the Star You Are!® non profit since it was founded in 1999. The founder and Executive Director, Cynthia Brian, is tireless about helping women and youth be successful. As an accountant, I have witnessed the struggles that grassroots charities face. Because of the commitment of Cynthia and her army of young volunteers, Be the Star You Are!® continues to find ways to survive and thrive, always helping those less fortunate. When 9/11 happened, Be the Star You Are!® was one of the first charities to mobilize to get resources to the victims of the disaster with Operation Ground Hero. Because it’s a small non profit, there is not the red tape we often witness in big business, therefore, this charity is mighty. They have a program whereby you can donate $99 to Be the Star You Are!® and they’ll ship $500 of brand new books to a charity or cause of your choice. This is a great way to help your own special organization as well as Be the Star You Are
Photos
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
They have a radio show that broadcasts weekly across the world on the internet exposing audiences to new books as well as positive ideas. That program really helps in increasing the appreciation of books and open communication. In addition, they have two inspirational books, Be the Star You Are! 99 Gifts for Living, Loving, Laughing, and Learning to Make A Difference and Be the Star You Are!® for Teens. I’ve bought both of these and recommend them to everyone. I also have been aware of the level of help these resources have given to kids in juvenile halls, offering hope, especially to the incarcerated girls. Be the Star You Are!® has always done a lot for these kids. Kinds of Staff: AMAZING teens mentored by Cynthia Brian. Most of the volunteers are junior high-college with a majority of them girls. Cynthia has them on the track to be leaders and empowers them to be their greatest selves. Other volunteers include adult men and women who really care about making a difference.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
if I had more money to donate to them, I’d feel like a champion. Every little bit helps, though. In my opinion, the biggest challenge: Funding, funding, funding. Everyone is a volunteer and it’s difficult to run an organization with all volunteers. I’d like to see Be the Star You Are!® receive federal, state, or ongoing foundation funding so that they could hire a couple of excellent employees as well as pay the Executive Director. One last thing: Be the Star You Are!® is the real deal. I’ve watched them closely for almost eleven years and all I have to give is PRAISE, PRAISE, PRAISE. Everyone has integrity, they do what they say they do, and, although they have had little financial backing, they have succeeded in their mission to help women, families, and youth. You can help them by buying their books, sponsoring their radio show, or making them a beneficiary of your event. You won’t be disappointed when you donate to this organization. It’s all tax deductible, too. Again, visit the web site at www.bethestaryouare.org.
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What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
I have been a fan of Be the Star You Are!® non profit since it was founded in 1999. The founder and Executive Director, Cynthia Brian, is tireless about helping women and youth be successful. As an accountant, I have witnessed the struggles that grassroots charities face. Because of the commitment of Cynthia and her army of young volunteers, Be the Star You Are!® continues to find ways to survive and thrive, always helping those less fortunate. When 9/11 happened, Be the Star You Are!® was one of the first charities to mobilize to get resources to the victims of the disaster with Operation Ground Hero. Because it’s a small non profit, there is not the red tape we often witness in big business, therefore, this charity is mighty. They have a program whereby you can donate $99 to Be the Star You Are!® and they’ll ship $500 of brand new books to a charity or cause of your choice. This is a great way to help your own special organization as well as Be the Star You Are!®. You can get more info at www.bethestaryouare.org.
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
AMAZING teens mentored by Cynthia Brian. Most of the volunteers are junior high-college with a majority of them girls. Cynthia has them on the track to be leaders and empowers them to be their greatest selves. Other volunteers include adult men and women who really care about making a difference.
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
First of all, they would be able to hire a competent staff, pay the Executive Director, fund their radio and media projects, and be 100% focused on its mission of empowering women, families, and youth through improved literacy and increased positive media. Second, the charity could give a book to a million women around the US and increase the power of women. Third, with $10 million, they would be the leaders in eradicating illiteracy and could implement other programs on their wish list that truly would change the world for the better. Let’s get them $10 Million.
Ways to make it better...
if I had more money to donate to them, I’d feel like a champion. Every little bit helps, though.
In my opinion, the biggest challenges facing this organization are...
Funding, funding, funding. Everyone is a volunteer and it’s difficult to run an organization with all volunteers. I’d like to see Be the Star You Are!® receive federal, state, or ongoing foundation funding so that they could hire a couple of excellent employees as well as pay the Executive Director.
One thing I'd also say is that...
Be the Star You Are!® is the real deal. I’ve watched them closely for almost eleven years and all I have to give is PRAISE, PRAISE, PRAISE. Everyone has integrity, they do what they say they do, and, although they have had little financial backing, they have succeeded in their mission to help women, families, and youth. You can help them by buying their books, sponsoring their radio show, or making them a beneficiary of your event. You won’t be disappointed when you donate to this organization. It’s all tax deductible, too. Again, visit the web site at www.bethestaryouare.org.
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About every six months
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2010
BTSYA is a great way that teenagers reach out to other teenagers and give them a voice in their world. It also gives teens the opportunity to experience what it's like to work as a radio broadcaster, technician, photographer, etc. in the future. In addition, Cynthia Brian is a great supporter who dedicates 100% to help her volunteers achieve their dreams.
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Would you volunteer for this group again?
Likely
For the time you spent, how much of an impact did you feel your work or activity had?
A lot
Did the organization use your time wisely?
Okay
Would you recommend this group to a friend?
Likely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
Be the Star You Are has participated every year in the Moraga Community Faire that I have organized for 6 years in our town. They have been so generous in providing many, many art projects for children free of charge. The organization also provides plenty of youth leaders to assist the children who stop by. This year they brought a lot of technical equipment for radio broadcasting and set up a very attractive display of their materials. They had innovative ways to entice teens and adults to record an experience or a promotion for a later broadcast. I found the teen who interviewed me for a broadcast to be very competent in guiding the discussion and asking me relevant questions. I think they are definitely worthy an art and culture award.
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Will you volunteer or donate to this organization?
Likely
How much of an impact do you think this organization has?
A lot
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
I was one of two videographers for the radio show for Express Yourself, which is a teen radio show, supported by Be The Star You Are (BTSYA). BTSYA and the Express Yourself radio show was set up in a booth at the Moraga Faire. I was surprised and pleased at the professionalism and expertise of the teen radio announcer. All the volunteers were eager to help, and did a great job. Cynthia Brian kept the BTSYA booth running smoothly and efficiently. This is a terrific program for kids and teens. I think that we need a whole lot more of Be The Star You Are and the Express Yourself radio show.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Get more people to support them.
More feedback...
Would you volunteer for this group again?
Definitely
For the time you spent, how much of an impact did you feel your work or activity had?
A lot
Did the organization use your time wisely?
Very Well
Would you recommend this group to a friend?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
Did your volunteer experience have an effect on you? (teaching you a new skill, or introducing new friends, etc.)
All videography experiences help me to be a better filmmaker. This one did too.
How did this volunteer experience make you feel?
I felt that I was being of service to a very worthy organization. It feels good.
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