Woven Words

For those that know me, you probably realize by now that I love to write, be it poetry.....blog posts....and even children's books ~ (I self-published one....my friends & family all liked it....although I hope it wasn't out of pity....)

I have decided to take this passion for poetry and writing to add another feature post to my blog. Here on Woven Words, I will post my attempts at poetry. I have decided to keep the style of poetry open so that I can try my hand at various things....branch out and explore....see where it leads me.

Today's poem falls under the style of Found Poetry. I was inspired to write this in order to do my little part in helping out a cause that I believe in.

Please click on the poem to view in larger screen.

Malala by Jules

Inspiration:

I mentioned Malala a few weeks back right before I went to see the screening for Girl Rising.

Her story, as well as stories of other girls that were depicted in Girl Rising, has made me that much more aware of the pressing issues surrounding the need to educate and help women and girls around the world. Right at this moment the United Nations is working with Johnson & Johnson, The Huffington Post, Baby Center and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to inspire people to help improve the lives of  mothers and their children.

I decided to write this poem using the words of Alyse Nelson in her article that she wrote as part of the Global Mom Relay. If you get a chance, please click on her name and read her post and help by sharing her article.

We can all be an agent for change by doing one simple act.....all you have to do is share a Relay Post on Facebook, Twitter or Email. Or, if you want, donate $5 or more.

For every share or donation, up to $8000 per day or $500,000 total will be donated by Johnson & Johnson and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to one of the various programs that are currently established to help women and children around the world. These include initiatives such as Girl Up, Mobile Alliance for Maternal Action (MAMA), Shot@Life campaign and the Global Alliance for Clean Cookstoves.

Learn more here:  UN Foundation site for Global Mom Relay

I hope you enjoyed my poem!

Girl Rising .... Girl Power

Malala Yousafzai - 11 years old

I remember the day when 15 year old Malala Yousafzai was shot by the Taliban. The news of her assassination attempt was shocking. And the eyes of the world turned towards Pakistan.

Malala, who was just nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize, (the youngest to ever be nominated) is an inspiration to me and to many women and children around the world. Unfortunately, hers is not an unfamiliar story, and it's time we open our eyes and help.

You may have heard about the film Girl Rising on the news or through other social media channels. If you haven't, please hop over to www.10x10act.org to learn more about this film and about the  campaign to educate girls around the world.

"10x10 is a campaign to reach global audiences and inspire individuals to take action for girls."

Did you watch the trailer above or did you just skip it? Tell the truth...... If you skipped it, stop right here and click on the play button. I promise you it will be enlightening.

Also, if you want to read more, I found Clifford Potter's post from the Huffington Post very insightful.

Girl Rising, directed by Richard Robbins, will be showing for one week starting today March 7th - 15th. Grab your daughters* and girl friends and make it a day in the city.

Don't miss it!!

I've got my tickets....Do you?

You can find out where it is screening by visiting http://10x10act.org/girl-rising/ and typing in your zip code.

Here's to girls all around the world struggling to make a better life for themselves and for their families....here's to girl power.....here's to Girl Rising!

* it is not officially rated, but should be good for PG-13 or lower, as per their site