The International Order of the Rainbow for Girls in California
The PR Team is proud to announce our second edition of the PR Kit is live!
Attached you will find a PDF copy of the June Term Kit with linked resources and suggested challenges for each month of the term. Check it out now, and start planning with your assembly!
Also attached is an invitation to our Virtual Training on May 21st, where we will discuss the Kit and its use in more detail. Make sure to mark it on your calendar!
Motivation as defined by Oxford Languages is “…the reason or reasons one has for acting or behaving in a particular way,” or “the general desire or willingness of someone to do something.” It is so hard to stay motivated during these times and many have grown complacent or have gotten “lazy”. Since the pandemic, many things have changed and many people haven’t had the motivation to do the things they love. CNBC said that “…working remotely has gotten comfortable with at-home workouts; the Covid pandemic has uprooted most of our routines, and interfered with our motivation.” Therefore, it is important to know how we can gain motivation and what we can use that motivation for.
To start off, you will need to make yourself a routine that you will start doing everyday. Routines are essential so that you can have more self-control and self discipline. It causes you to have a sense of “I need to do this”, which will help you be more motivated to do that task. It doesn’t have to be a huge list or even a list at all, you just need to be able to say I will do this by this time of the day. Once you have gotten your routine down, it won’t feel like a chore. By then, it will feel natural and require less energy.
Next, when you do get your routine and/or task(s) done you should reward yourself. Take yourself out for coffee or even just go on your phone and scroll social media. The reward will challenge yourself to do it again and again, continuing the cycle since you will have something to look forward to. Another reason is because it will bring positivity to what you’re doing, and the more positive you feel the more you will want to do it. Though remember – once it becomes negative, you should stop and take a break, since negative thoughts will narrow your focus and make you feel out of your comfort zone.
While you are doing the task, don’t be harsh on yourself if you forget to do something or didn’t do it all. There are more than ways of having motivation; one is “flow” where you just do it without caring what the prize and or outcome is, then there is where you just focus on the reward after doing the task. It is best when you are most motivated by “flow” because you don’t want to internalize external pressure or feedback. It will become part of your own self esteem and your ego will be wrapped up in your performance. While you are doing your task, keep in mind your triggers that may cause you to become upset or frustrated. That also includes making sure you don’t overload or burn yourself out.
In conclusion, having motivation is difficult when you don’t know how or what to do to maintain it. It doesn’t have to be something large, but just something to start. The hardest part really is to just start. Also, remember that you should always try your best but don’t be harsh on yourself. Self-deprecation will only bring negative emotions and can cause you to become prideful or have ego when you do fulfill the task. Always know your triggers so that you can avoid them and continue your flow and feel motivated without the reward. Lastly, even though it is best to work once you’re in the flow, you can always reward yourself once you have finished so that you feel like it was worth it and will continue to make you feel motivated.
Trigger Warnings: Mental health disorder; death; suicide
Healthline Media defines attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) as “a mental health disorder that can cause above-normal levels of hyperactive and impulsive behaviors. People with ADHD may also have trouble focusing their attention on a single task or sitting still for long periods. Both adults and children can have ADHD. ADHD often begins in childhood and can persist into adulthood. It may contribute to low self-esteem, troubled relationships, and difficulty at school or work. Symptoms include limited attention and hyperactivity. Treatments include medication and talk therapy.”
Hello, my name is Brianna Clinkenbeard and I have ADHD. This is my story on how I handled it during a pandemic.
Let me start by giving you an insight into when it all started. I was in the second grade when I was diagnosed with ADHD. At first, I thought that I was sick and that there was something wrong with me. My mom explained what the diagnosis meant and took me to a place to talk to someone where I learned more about what ADHD means. Although I felt reassured after that, I was still a little scared. I started going to therapy which is common for people who have ADHD, but it was still intimidating for a second-grader.
As I got older my ADHD worsened until some doctor visits helped me to begin to get better. However, when I was a freshman in high school I told my mom that my ADHD was worse and that I might need more help. So, we went to the doctor and he gave me a prescription for ADHD medication. At first, I got sick from the medication, but I switched to a different medication, which was better after a while. As months went by my medication dose went up more and I hadn’t seen the change I was hoping for. After a while, I would forget to take my meds and get off track. When I was off track for a few days, I would stop taking them completely. When I wasn’t taking my medication I would have very dark days that no one should have to experience, especially at age fourteen.
When I would have one of these dark days I wouldn’t know how to fix it. I would think of bad thoughts that should not be thought of: death, suicide, my brother being the favorite kid, my past family, and many other things. I would cry all night when I got those thoughts and could not stop crying. I tried to hide it from my family but I had a feeling that they would find out one day. When I told my mom about it I felt bad for telling her about these thoughts and feelings.
I told my friends about my ADHD. They seemed cool about my ADHD and I learned that some of my friends also have ADHD.
When I was fifteen years old I became a leader in the International Order of the Rainbow for Girls and I had the opportunity to write a speech. I cried when I said my speech because it meant a lot to me. As I wrote and delivered my speech I learned that you can do many things in life, such as living through a pandemic, going to school, and many other things. I would like to share my speech with you.
“‘If you can’t fly, then run.’ When learning new things you are unable to fly through it like a speeding car, so you must run before you can fly. ‘If you can’t run, then walk.’ Learning that I have a learning disability and ADHD I have learned that I can’t run through things like my homework or memorized speeches, but I have to walk through it to slow down. ‘If you can’t walk, then crawl.’ Walking to doctor appointments and learning that I am not pigeon-toed, as my legs turn inward because of my hips, I must crawl to help my legs grow strong to fix them. With all of these things that could hold me back, I have learned that I must keep moving forward in life so I don’t fall behind. When life is tough, remember ‘if you can’t fly, then run. If you can’t run then walk. If you can’t walk then crawl, but by all means, keep moving forward’ Martin Luther King Jr.”
During the pandemic, I had a rough time and I didn’t know how to manage my ADHD. The lockdown first occurred at the end of my freshman year and after a few days
dealing with everything, I realized that this was going to be worse than I thought. When school was finally over, we packed up and went camping. I knew that it was going to be a long, hard week for me so I had to find a coping method for my ADHD. I knew music helped me a lot. I also discovered that going on walks or just talking to a friend helped cheer me up. But after thinking about it long and hard, I knew that I could not get music or have my friends there while I was camping. I thought about my previous years of camp . I figured out that going on walks and talking with my cousin helped me, as well as fishing, playing games, painting, reading, and many other things.
Over the years I had a lot of ups and downs, inside and out. I would have those bad days where you just locked yourself in your room and laid on your bed listening to sad music, crying because you don’t know how to tell someone what is going on in your life. I would also have those days where you have to put your tears away and just pretend as if nothing happened. When I returned from my vacation. I realized that I had been going to school with a fake face on, pretending to be someone else. That I was living behind this mask and that once I stepped into a building or a place outside of my house I was someone else who had pushed all of their hurt down that may come out in tears later that night. I knew that everything —fake act, fake smile, fake laugh, fake joy, fake me— had to go away. That the real me had to come out, and she did that night.
My family was my biggest support for my ADHD but I hated when they would make me cry or make me angry. When they’d ask if I’m fine I’d say I was but I have a feeling they knew I was not.
The pandemic was hard. I had two birthdays and many Zoom calls. During the pandemic, I found out many things about myself, both good and bad. During my installation for my Rainbow Assembly, I discovered that I am a girl who has ADHD and I am not afraid to say that I do. During this pandemic, I have said I have ADHD six times and am proud of that. Sometimes I don’t feel like telling people because it feels funny or bad to say, but I feel like they should know. The pandemic has given me time to sit down and find out new things that help me with my ADHD. I have found that music, art, coloring, walking with/without my dog, talking, watching movies, watching TV shows, looking at nature, going on drives, playing with my dog, memorizing speeches, and writing things down have helped me with my ADHD.
There are so many things out there that can help you or anyone who has any problems. I have used all of these suggestions to help me and though I still have bad days I know that I have my family, friends, Rainbow family, people with ADHD, and many others there to help and support me. I know that people with ADHD can’t change what is happening to them (trust me I have tried) but I also know we have the power to make ourselves better people and to change the world. We can make our lives better if we don’t hide behind the person we want to be and instead be the person we are meant to be. When life is tough, remember this quote and think about how it fits in your life. “If you can’t fly, then run. If you can’t run then walk. If you can’t walk then crawl, but by all means, keep moving forward” Martin Luther King Jr.
Then I want you to do one more thing. I want you to go up to someone, introduce yourself, and say, “I have ADHD” or whatever else you may be experiencing. It can be anyone: a friend, a Rainbow member, a family member, anyone. See how you feel afterward. The first time I did it I was scared but after a while, I got used to it. It is nice to know that people know the real you.
If you are scared, I’ll start:
Hi, my name is Brianna Clinkenbeard and I have ADHD.
Are you a teen who’s interested in learning how to register for voting? Then you’re in the right place! Keep reading to learn about the pre-registration process.
Once a girl becomes 16, she is then eligible to pre-register to vote. Being pre-registered, once that girl turns 18, she is registered to vote in the next election. This service is useful for girls who turn 18 right before the elections. For example, I turn 18 on October 15th, 2020. This means that I was eligible to vote in that year’s presidential election. While Rainbow is not about politics, the voter turnout for adults ages 18-24 is only 36% according to the US Census Bureau. By going to this simple website, a girl can register or pre-register to vote. The Fourteenth Amendment guarantees the right to vote, the 26th amendment further guarantees the right to vote to anyone over the age of 18. This Amendment was ratified in 1971. This means that citizens ages 18-21 have only had the right to vote for 49 years and this year was the 100th anniversary of women getting the right to vote!! Voting is patriotic and if you want to influence policy choices then it is your duty to vote. We can register to vote by going to https://registertovote.ca.gov/.
This year has been full of challenges, but luckily there are many resources to help students and educators through it. We have compiled a list of 13 sites and smartphone applications that can help with organizing, editing, and studying.
There is no doubt that giving back is important, but it can be difficult when deciding how to do so. There are countless volunteer opportunities in every community, so it may feel overwhelming to try and find the right cause for you. Here are some tips and tricks that will help you find the best fit when it comes to volunteering opportunities!
While all volunteer work is good, your experience will be immensely better if you choose a cause that you are genuinely interested in. You shouldn’t choose a specific organization just because you think it will look impressive or is the most popular. Volunteering is about a lot more than checking off a box on your resume or trying to stand out in the college application process. It will be more beneficial for both you and the organization that you are working with if you truly care about the cause. Ask yourself what it is that you are passionate about. For example, if your passion is teaching others, you could try out tutoring or volunteering at a museum. If you’re passionate about physically building things, try working with an organization such as Habitat for Humanity. If you love animals, try a pet shelter. The options are limitless when it comes to worthy organizations, so look for a cause that is important to you!
Make sure that you are realistic about how much time you have to give. Depending on the organization that you choose, there will be differing levels of commitment expected. Pull out your calendar and check your availability. Keep this in mind when considering volunteer opportunities and the positions within them. It’s okay to start small!
When choosing a cause to volunteer for, it is important that you consider what you have to offer. What will you bring to the team or organization that you are volunteering for? Some nonprofits have specific areas where they are looking for help. Look for some that apply to you! These can include skills such as marketing, fundraising, planning, building, or public relations. These may sound like daunting tasks but organizations are also looking for people who have connections in the community, are good at working with kids, enjoy outdoor projects, and so on. Similar to finding your passion, identifying your skills will help you and your cause! Once you know what you’re looking for, it may be easier to narrow down your top choices.
Make sure to do research and try out different places! You can research in many different ways; you can look around your community for local charities, talk to friends or family, and search on the internet. Many sites such as volunteermatch.org allow you to type in your interests and generate organizations where you can volunteer. Directories in your local community centers, school bulletins, and counseling offices also have similar resources. Take your time so that you pick the cause where you will be the most impactful!
It’s okay to start with baby steps rather than quickly jumping into a huge commitment. Many organizations will even let you try helping at smaller events to find out if you are a good fit! Try it out and see what you enjoy before making a decision. Even after you have decided on the cause where you will be volunteering, there is no need to overload yourself too quickly. It’s best to get to know your organization and become comfortable with what you are doing. This way, you’ll also help avoid the dreaded volunteer burnout. As you feel more confident with your tasks, you can step it up and begin to work on bigger projects! Work with your level of comfort and the timeline that is best for you and your organization.
It can be challenging to decide where you are going to volunteer. These are some things to consider so that you can help make a change in the best way possible. Remember that no act of service is too small, and you have already taken the first steps towards making a difference! Rather than choosing the first opportunity that you come across, make an informed decision and find the right fit. Don’t forget to have fun in the process!
The California Rainbow Public Relations Team is looking for girls age 15+ to serve on our team for the 2021-22 year. The purpose of the team is to get the attention of the community and to tell them who we are. We are looking for girls who are excited to learn more and develop marketing and social media skills. We are very excited to continue to have active members of assemblies as members of our team.
We will be announcing the new members of the Public Relations Team during Grand Assembly. The application deadline is March 1st, 2021. For any questions please email CARainbowGirls@gmail.com.
COVID-19 has created an unusual atmosphere for everyone. Many of our usual activities aren’t safe to participate in right now, but social distancing does not have to stop us from giving back to our communities! Whether you’re just looking for a productive way to kill time, want to do good in the world, or need service hours for your college applications, virtual volunteering will be perfect for you.
In typical times, it can be hard to find the time to volunteer while being busy with school, work, or other activities. The idea of adding yet another venture into your schedule can feel overwhelming. While in this pandemic, most people have been able to find more free time, making this the perfect opportunity for acts of service. Pull out your calendar and think about how much time you are able and willing to give. Are you planning to take lead on a brand new project or help others who have already started?
Quarantine and social distancing have resulted in feelings of isolation and loneliness for countless people. Some of those affected most by this are the eldest members of our communities. They are at a higher risk for COVID and are likely yearning for connection in these uncertain times. Make phone/facetime calls, send cards, or make small gifts/care packages to send to senior citizens. You could also reach out to a local care home or nursing facility and ask how you can help. It can be as simple as playing virtual chess, checkers, or bingo. These are all simple and take little effort, but can bring such joy to others
Along with senior citizens, essential workers will be touched by your kindness. Many are making cards, signs, care packages, and posters to thank the health care workers who are working to keep us safe. Similarly to this, you can do these things for other essential workers. Think about the people in your community that are putting their health at risk while going to work each day. Choose any one, whether it is a firefighter, nurse, or grocery clerk.
There are plenty of service groups that are still meeting virtually! Look into what you have near you. The International Order of the Rainbow for Girls is an amazing youth group centering around leadership, service, and sisterhood. More information can be found at https://gocarainbow.org. There are other groups as well such as Girl Scouts, 4H, and church youth groups. See what is right for you and available in your community
Try out virtually tutoring younger students. Is there a class or subject that you excel at and enjoy? Chances are, there’s someone who would love your help with their learning. Schools are reopening and your academic skills could boost someone’s grades as well as their confidence. If you know younger students, you can reach out to them personally or go straight to local schools and teachers who can set you up with the students that will benefit from your help.
Many hospitals and fire stations have the option to pick up teddy bears that are pre-sewn to be stuffed and donated. You can sew, crochet, or knit your own as well! Donate them and bring a smile to a child’s face. In addition, you could make blankets to donate. If you’re not great at needlework, there’s nothing to worry about. Tie blankets are just as comfy and they couldn’t be easier to make! You can donate these to somewhere local like a hospital, animal shelter, or to the homeless. You can also send them to organizations such as the Painted Turtle: a free camp for children with serious medical conditions. They even have easy to understand directions here: https://www.thepaintedturtle.org/sites/main/files/file-attachments/fleece_blanket_flyer.pdf?1556639876.
With the extra time COVID has gifted to you, you can get organized while giving back! Clean out your closet and dresser drawers. You probably have plenty that you have outgrown or no longer wear. Throw them in the wash and donate them to someone in need! There are plenty of well-known options such as the Salvation Army and Goodwill, but there are also local nonprofits in every community. Do your research and donate your clothing, toys, books, etc. to whatever you see as the best fit.
Create or sign petitions for changes that you believe in. Take on issues that are global or local and use sites such as https://www.change.org. You can also make calls and send emails to communicate with mayors, governors, and other leaders. Spread the word and fight for what you believe in!
People now are in need of service and kindness more than ever, and as simple as these things seem, you can truly make an impact on the world. This is just a small list including only a few of the numerous ways you can make a difference. Think outside of the box and don’t give yourself limits when it comes to acts of service. No matter the reason that you have decided to volunteer, you are about to make people’s lives a little brighter!
