This past Saturday I was lucky enough to spend the morning with an incredible group of girls pulled together by the fantastic program Young Women’s Leadership (YWL). YWL is part of the Jenna Druck Foundation, which was created in the memory of Jenna Druck to support families in their darkest and most difficult hours, as well as encourage young women to fulfill their dreams. Jenna Druck was tragically killed while studying abroad in 1996 at the age of 21, but lived her life with compassion and dedication, and as a natural leader with a passion for social justice. From what I witnessed Saturday morning, I’d say her legacy is alive and well in the thousands of girls YWL has and continues to serve.

On Saturday, I talked to the girls about how to tune in to what’s going on and discover ways to reduce the stress in their lives. As I prepared for the workshop over the past few weeks, I’ve been going through lots of stressors of my own, so delivering this message couldn’t have come at a better time. What I shared with the girls is that it’s so important to remember there is no quick fix to stress, and even when things in life are relatively balanced, there are always going to be situations that put your stress response into overdrive. Our best defense is to start practicing tuning in and learning how to assess where we’re at – body, mind, and soul. We all have the ability to listen to our gut and know when something is “off.” Once you start better recognizing when you’re off-balance, you’ll be that much more able to tackle stressors head-on and return to a place of peace and balance.

Feeling stressed? Read this previous post for more tips on de-stressing from my book, Chill: Stress-Reducing Techniques for a More Balanced, Peaceful You.

Me with YWL superwoman Leanne Tibiatowski

Do Something and HP just joined forces to create Increase Your Green, a contest and campaign encouraging teens nationwide to “green” their schools by developing creative plans to engage their classmates and address environmental issues at school.

A panel of judges, including Nick Cannon (check out his PSA below), will evaluate the entries based on creativity, innovation, reduction in waste, energy saved and number of students involved. The best use of technology will be an important criterion for selecting campaign winners. The winners will receive up to $5,000 in funding and an HP Artist Edition notebook to carry out their plan.

The entry period runs from February 15 – April 22, so now is the time to formulate your plan! You can find out all the deets at the Do Something website.

When I first heard about American Apparel’s new campaign, I thought it must have been a joke. I mean seriously, what kind of reputable clothing company would actually do something as offensive as start a campaign looking for the “best bottom in the world?”

Well, it’s no joke.

American Apparel has just launched a “Search for the Best Bottom in the World.” That’s right. From their website:

We’re looking for a brand new bum (the best in the world!) to be the new “face” for our always expanding intimates and briefs lines. The winners will be flown to LA,photographed, and featured online. Send in a close-up photo of your backside wearing American Apparel panties, bodysuits, or briefs for consideration and vote for your personal favorites.

Seriously?

I don’t even know where to start when it comes to pointing out just how wrong this is. In one fell swoop, American Apparel has 1) reinforced the harmful practice of objectifying women, 2) promoted the negative advertising practice of treating women as sexualized body parts as opposed to real people, 3) encouraged the photographing and emailing of racy photos to be posted online, and 4) essentially turned their website into a porn site where anyone can view scantily-clad women and vote for their favorites. And that just scratches the surface.

How in any way, shape or form did American Apparel think this ad campaign was a good idea?

I plan to let American Apparel know just what I think of their new contest and I encourage you to do the same. You can send them an snail mail or call them (American Apparel, 747 Warehouse St., Los Angeles, CA 90021 – Tel. +1 (213) 488-0226) or send them a note in their online feedback form.

I’m not alone here, right? Tell me what you think!