Empowering Young Mothers

To Tell Their Own Stories

Tara Pringle Jeffersonwww.TheYoungMommyLife.com

What’s the current media narrative around teen pregnancy and young parenthood?

• Teen parents are: – Lazy– Uneducated– Horrible parents– Promiscuous – Undeserving of help– Abusive toward children– Hopeless

Does this reflect MOST young mothers?

Let’s take back the conversation

What happens if young parents don’t speak up?

• We never hear what it’s really like.

• We MUST add our voices so people can picture real teen/young parents.

TheYoungMommyLife.com

Old way of getting ahead in your career

High school

College

Graduation

Job

New way of getting ahead

High school

College

Graduation

Job

Blogging

Yearly earnings*

• 2008 = $0 • 2009 = $500 (+ FREE trip to Washington D.C. +

FREE trip to Disney) • 2010 = $6,000 (+ HEAVILY DISCOUNTED trip to

Disney) • 2011 = $37,000 • 2012 = $45,000 (projected)

* revenue from and through YML

How I Make My Money

10%

19%

57%

10%

5%

Advertising

Sponsored posts

Writing online

Book sales

Speaking engagements

Why blog at all?• You'll learn to think more clearly about both sides of an issue. • You will begin to express yourself more clearly when in frustrating/anger-

inducing/stressful situations. • You begin to build a support system of like-minded people. • You can make money from home. • You will have a stronger sense of self. • You will learn new skills. • You will develop a “thing.”• You develop thick skin.• You will have excellent memories to look back on.• You will gain discipline. • You learn to be more professional.

Scientific benefits of expressive writing

• Fewer stress-related visits to the doctor• Improved immune system functioning• Reduced blood pressure• Improved mood/affect• Feeling of greater psychological well-being• Reduced depressive symptoms • Reduced absenteeism from work• Improved working memory• Improved sporting performance• Higher students’ grade point average

Advances in Psychiatric Treatment, 2005

So…how do you get started?

How much does it cost to set up a blog?

• Domain name + hosting – Ranges from FREE to about $30 a year

• Design – anywhere from $100 on up.

How to promote the blog

• Guest posting• Replying to comments• Commenting on other blogs• Advertising on other blogs• Advertising on Facebook• Posting consistently• Run an effective Facebook page/Twitter feed

4 examples of bloggingsocial media advocacy and storytelling

STEPPS BOSTON: #YPSupport chats

Every Tuesday at 8 p.m.

Jasmine – Mrs. Mommy M.D.

Jasmine

“Honestly, there is so much about being a young mom and wife that has been challenging in ways that I never imagined. I don't use my blog to pour out intimate details about my personal life, but it is great to have a community of women who know what it's like to go through the ups and downs, and cheering me on along the way.”

Gloria – Teen Mommy NYC

I blog to give teen moms a voice, I blog to help empower teen moms and I blog to show that not all teen moms end up as a gloomy statistic. However, my most selfish reason I blog is because it helps me deal with being a teen mom.

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Ariella – Fashion With A Story

National Crittenton Foundation“I Am Not Invisible” video campaign on YouTube

How can you make this work for your students?

Incorporate a “Telling My Story” workshop into your program

GOALS: • To introduce girls to a wide variety of writing genres;• To teach a robust set of writing and critical analysis skills;• To encourage girls to explore and develop their creative talents, both

written and oral;• To nurture girls and promote healthy behaviors and life choices through

positive mentoring relationships with other bloggers;• To inspire girls to pursue careers in writing, such as journalism, public

relations, screenwriting, songwriting, corporate communications, publishing, website content producing, editing or creative writing;

• To equip girls with communication tools to confidently navigate the challenges they face

QUESTIONS?