Doing Good: NCL's Promising Young Women

Last Saturday I spoke to 100+ young girls on behalf of the Dallas Chapter of the National Charity League, a nationwide group of mothers and daughters committed to doing community service work together. The girls range in age from 12 to 18 and do local community service year round at Ronald McDonald House, Operation Kindness Animal Shelter, Meals on Wheels and many other agencies.

During their annual retreat I explained the story and evolution of my business (the fun parts and the not-so-fun parts) and I recounted some intimate details about my recovery from anorexia, and that there are plenty of resources available for help including The Elisa Project in Dallas. It was a fun and attentive group of young women with whom I really connected. The group's theme for the year is "Oh The Places We Will Serve," taken from the Dr. Seuss book.

I expressed to them how service work (which is also the 12th step in 12-step programs) keeps my life and what is most important to me in perspective. And that helping others is a gift that always gives back to the giver.

Girls working on blankets for Operation Kindness Animal Shelter

"GAIA" --meaning Goddess of the Earth

Recently I have been inspired by a woman named Paula Minnis who started a company called GAIA. Her involvement with the IRC (International Rescue Committee) led her to mentoring a Burmese refugee and mother of two, Catherin, whose story of struggle and oppression inspired Paula to start GAIA. GAIA's mission is to empower and employ refugee women from dire situations across the world. With a sustainable income these women are given the chance to make a new life for themselves in the U.S.

Catherin

How Paula's volunteer work transformed her life:
In her own words, "I volunteered with several organizations in Dallas including Attitudes & Attire, Genesis Women's Shelter, and Children's Cancer Fund. I also traveled to Peru last summer with an organization called Global Vision International, where I built fuel-efficient stoves for indigenous communities in the Andes.

Upon returning, I increased my commitment to the IRC, and became really focused on ways in which to improve the lives of the refugee women after they are resettled here. My goal with GAIA is to help marginalized women in our very own community, because once they feel empowered and their dignity is restored, they in turn inspire and influence their own children....so it ideally becomes a lasting positive change!"

The name “GAIA” - meaning “Goddess of the Earth” - was chosen as a way to honor all women, from the ones who make GAIA products to the ones who purchase or receive them.