Get Beach Ready & Support Wellness In The Schools - May 24

Did you know that:

• Nearly 75% of NYC adults report no regular physical activity and 9 out of 10 don't eat the recommended daily servings of fruit and vegetables?
• More than 20% of students in NYC public schools would be considered obese?
• At least 40% of all cancer is diet related?

The GOOD news is that YOU have the power to change your habits and develop a healthy lifestyle!

Are you ready for summer? It's right around the corner! If you're in the New York City area, come check in with our wellness experts on Tuesday, May 24 from 6-9 pm to make sure you're on your way to a fantastic, glowing, healthy YOU this summer!

You can Spring into Summer Wellness, and participate in our RAFFLE to support our charity partner, Wellness in the Schools (WITS).

 Wellness In The Schools inspires healthy eating, environmental awareness, and fitness as a way of life for kids in New York City's public schools. Through public/private partnerships with school leaders, teachers, chefs, coaches, and parents, WITS creates hands-on programs such as:

• Cook for Kids -- healthy meals prepared from scratch plus education for kids and parents about the benefits of eating whole, unprocessed foods
• Green for Kids -- introduces bio-based, effective cleaning products that are not harmful to kids or the environment
• Coach for Kids --  trained coaches work with kids in the recess yards of NYC public schools to encourage fun, physical activity and help combat bullying

So, for only $10, you'll have the chance at winning one of our great prizes (including a Spring into Summer Wellness Package) AND support the healthy development of New York City public school students!!

SPRING INTO SUMMER WELLNESS! | CONNECT-EMPOWER-SHINE ON MAY 24TH!

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Youth Seize Opportunity for Better Tomorrow

Still photos can't even begin to capture the passion and compassion the OBT Youth Trainees exhibited today at their Debate Day held at the Brooklyn Marriott. The only way I truly could have captured their brilliance would have been to video-blog live from the event!

I know I say the same thing everytime -- they can't possibly surprise me more THIS time. And, yet, they always manage to throw in a curve ball of an unexpectedly compelling persuasive speech or a nifty argument in the mock trial.

A common theme in today's speeches was taking a stand on issues regardless of whether or not they personally affect you. If you had heard the conviction and passion being conveyed by the mock trial attorneys, you would have sworn that you were watching actors in an episode of Law & Order.

In congratulating the youth, OBT's executive director Randy Peers made a striking statement about the resilience of the trainees -- he said they don't focus on the obstacles they have to overcome, more so on the goals and dreams they seek to achieve.

I could talk about these "kids" for days -- and they're not even my kids! Just knowing that the InStep team has played a even small part in shaping their futures makes me very proud that we do what we do.

All my best to the OBT Trainees in 2009 and beyond! Regards, Coach Colette

Young People Shine at Brooklyn Marriott

Once again, the trainees from Opportunities for a Better Tomorrow delivered a series of compelling persuasive speeches at the Third Debate Day held this morning at the Brooklyn Marriott. Considering such current topics as the dangers of online chat rooms to the merits of school uniforms, these youth never cease to inspire. And, let's not forget the future-attorneys on the Mock Trial teams who significantly impressed the practicing attorney who served as the jury fore-person.

I'm truly glad the InStep team played a small part in their futures. Reach for the stars!

We're Helping Youth to Communicate Effectively

While October will be a month filled with exciting spa events and wellness activities, we're also involved with our leadership development programs.

On Tuesday, we kicked off another cycle of Public Speaking & Communication Skills training for youth at Opportunities for a Better Tomorrow. In April, we developed an interactive curriculum to help trainees present themselves professionally and effectively in workplace settings.

For the next 10-12 weeks, another group of OBT trainees (in Bushwick and Sunset Park, Brooklyn) will learn the essentials of effective communication to make themselves more competitive in today's job market. Once again, the PSC course will conclude with a Debate & Public Speaking event, during which trainees will demonstrate the skills they have acquired in the course.

Our facilitators stress the fact that mastering the art of public speaking at a young age is fantastic because it improves one's overall confidence. Of course, it takes a while for some to fully grasp that concept -- and get over the fear of public speaking.

So, this makes me wonder -- when did YOU overcome your fear of presenting or speaking in front of others? Or, is this an aspect of your development that you're still seeking to improve? Truth be told, I've always enjoyed public speaking (from high school Mock Trial team). Yet, I sometimes get butterflies just before major presentations. Usually, I'm able to channel that energy to help myself be "on" in the moment. What techniques work for you?

InStep Consulting Founder to Teach BizAcademy for NYC Youth

Beginning Monday July 31, I'll be teaching BizAcademy to high school students from Opening Doors and Building Bridges Youth Development & After School Program. Sponsored by salesforce.com/foundation, BizAcademy offers offers students from underserved urban school districts an opportunity they might not otherwise receive – the chance to run their own business.

In this ten-day entrepreneurial workshop, high school students will gain hands-on experience while learning business basics. Teams will be responsible for managing all phases of their businesses including prototyping ideas, pitching to investors, manufacturing, marketing and selling office-related products. Participants will use salesforce.com’s on-demand CRM solution to track revenues and expenses and to manage contacts.

I'm excited to help these youth gain fundamental business skills and discover their competent advantageTM!

Stay tuned for more posts about their accomplishments -- including a “Sales Bazaar” at the West Side YMCA on Thursday, August 10th.