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The best and most foolproof way to protect yourself from diseases and unwanted teen pregnancy is to abstain from sex. You maintain power over your body, and ultimately, your life remains in your hands. Having complete and total control over yourself allows you to put more focus on the things you want to accomplish in ilfe.
As teenagers and young adults, you are exploding with potential to do great things. See your potential now and act on it. Some opportunities come only once, and may be difficult to recognize. They may come in the form of a job, a chance to go to a great school, or even going somewhere you've never been before.
Saying no to something that could potentially ruin your plans for a successful life is in and of itself an opportunity. Opportunities are everywhere; start looking for them right now. ~ Malinda Williams |
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Dear S.T.A.R. Supporter,
So much has happened since our last newsletter: the launch of our t-shirts, speaking with teenagers at Chatsworth High School in Chatsworth, CA for World AIDS Day, feeding the homeless for Thanksgiving, and preparing for a powerful and impactful 2008!
Words cannot express the gratitude we feel towards S.T.A.R.'s supporters and contributors. Thank you for continuing to help us help our youth! |
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Chatsworth High School assembly  On November 30, 2007, the S.T.A.R. Foundation and Malinda Williams visited Chatsworth High School for our impact assembly entitled The Village Nation presents "Respect Yourself - I Am My Own Prevention." Key issues were discussed: HIV/AIDS & STD prevention, respect, and relationships. There were questions asked by our audience (Chatsworth HS students) that left us wondering where are we failing our youth? Questions asked: "What is heterosexual?" "How can a man contract HIV?" "Why isn't HIV and STD screening offered at the schools?" It leaves us baffled that in 2007 we are asked, what is heterosexual and how can a man contract HIV? Again, where are we failing our youth? And, yes, why isn't HIV/AIDS and STD screening offered at the schools??? Reading, writing, and arithmetic are key to educational success. But, what good is reading, writing, and arithmetic if you don't live long enough to apply it. |
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The gift of giving  On Thanksgiving
Day 2007, The Village Nation had over 1000 teen volunteers to assist in feeding and providing clothes to the homeless and families in need. The Village Nations' "Solutions 2007" event was held at the Fred Jordan Mission in Downtown Los Angeles. This heart-warming, tear-jerking, joyous event fed over 3,000 homeless people and families.
The Village Nation's youth were from all over Los Angeles. They were up as early as 5:00 a.m. on Thanksgiving morning to lend a hand. Our youngest "solutions" member, 7-year-old Justin Davis, son of Jennifer Payne, Founder of the S.T.A.R. Foundation, was overwhelmed, overjoyed, and thankful that he too could give back to those in need. Jennifer knew that she had to raise awareness to her son as to how blessed he really is when he made a comment that he "was afraid of poor people." Jennifer stated, "I had to make him understand that we too are just "one paycheck away from poverty!" There is nothing to be afraid of, but you have everything to be thankful for. When you are in a position to give back, do so! You never know when you too will be in that same predicament." |
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Facts & Statistics 
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1 Young Americans between the ages of 13 and 24 are still contracting HIV at the rate of two per hour.
2. Half of all new infections are thought to occur in people under 25.
3. Each year about one in four sexually experienced teens contracts an STD.
Almost 50% of teachers who teach about HIV/AIDS reported spending only one or two class periods on the topic.
Twenty-five percent of U.S. high school students said that they were under the influence of alcohol or drugs when they last engaged in sexual activity.
Surveyed: 87% of young Americans said they do not believe they are at risk for HIV infection.
*Reporting issued by the Office of National AIDS Policy |
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Again, S.T.A.R. Foundation would like to thank all of their continued supporters and contributors. We have come a long way, and still have many miles to go! |
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Sincerely,
Jennifer L. Payne, Founder
S.T.A.R. Foundation |
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