Youth, Vote! Step Up with Easy Digital Tools That Inform

Update, Nov. 6, 2018: VOTE today! If you need to know WHERE, put your address into GetToThePolls.com and out pops all your nearby official voting hubs! Nov. 3, 2018 Instead of reliving the rage that put me in a Looney Tunes cartoon depiction of steam coming out of my ears reading the misguided missives of PoliSci majors who have never cast a vote, or disaffected youth … [Read more...]

Youth Taking Action? Here’s How to Best Support Them

Sept. 19, 2016 When media pundits paint with a large brush focusing on "youth narcissism and selfie culture" amidst passionistas and purposeful prosocial projects that amplify student voice, it's beyond irksome, it's glaringly inaccurate. Our friends at PeerSpring host an entire platform brimming with youth change agents making their mark with projects important to them, from … [Read more...]

Girls Sports: Progress in Toys + Media (Pt 3)

May 5, 2016 At the White House convening on Breaking Gender Stereotypes in Media & Toys, the lack of diversity in STEM fields created headline news about economic woes for our nation’s future, so much so that women in tech  are tracking it after hours as coding camps and maker movements turn up the media volume on girls and STEM to engage and inspire. But what about the … [Read more...]

Supergirl’s Adoption Lens: Swooping Past Stereotypes

April 14, 2016 Most know Superman and Supergirl are adopted, along with Peter Parker as Spiderman, Dick Grayson as Robin, and heck even Bamm Bamm Rubble from the Flintstones...but all too often in media, characters depicted as adopted get the ‘cartoon’ treatment even when they’re not cartoons. From language used in journalism coverage, to controversial  Avengers punchlines in … [Read more...]

The Gift of Failure Applies Far Beyond Parenting

Dec. 7, 2015: I've decided to freecycle the book I bought as my holiday gift to readers, so add your own "gift of failure" in the comments section (or tweet @ShapingYouth) for a chance to win it! Dec. 6, 2015 It’s affordable, though hard to wrap, since it shape-shifts at different ages and stages. It’s elusive, with many parents not quite ready to invest in short term … [Read more...]