The Butterfly Effect

I just arrived in Trinidad today. I held a workshop at Liceo "Mario Saielli" High School. I trained the teens at this workshop to go out to farther provinces of Bolivia. Save the Children in Bolivia has a leadership program - " Los Lideres" (The Leaders) - that is teaching teens in this community leadership skills and community service. Two of the girls from this workshop have volunteered to assist me at some of the next workshops. It's great seeing both girls and boys take this issue seriously and take the initative to teach others as well. These two girls volunteered to be my assistants in future workshops. Active members of "The Leaders" ( Los Lideres ).

I have arrived in Trinidad, Beni, Bolivia! I am going to have my first workshop in Trinidad today. Starting today, I am going to have several workshops all across Beni that are back-to-back.  

I have been in Santa Cruz, Bolivia for a few days now. During this time, I have met with Dick Montero (School Teacher). We have been finalizing the details of the workshops and ensuring everything is ready. I went to town today with my mother and some family members. We went shopping for local fabrics and located where in the community individuals could find all the materials needed to make the washable sanitary pads. This is a very important task as it is key to guaranteeing the workshops are truly sustainable. We easily found everything in the markets! I spoke to members of my family in Bolivia about my project and one of my aunts informed me about a center for homeless teen mothers. She helps volunteer there and believes that this would be a great project to introduce to the center. After my aunt's recommendation, I organized an additional workshop at "Madre María" (Centro de Formación para Madres Adolescentes). The workshop went extremely well. The young gir...

I have arrived to Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Santa Cruz, Bolivia! The first thing I did was eat Salteñas, which are a definite Bolivian delicacy. My Welcome to Bolivia   Sonso Salteñas

I have been so busy preparing for the trip to Bolivia. I am so excited and can't wait to teach the girls in Trinidad! The Ice Cream Social Fundraiser yesterday was a success! Thanks to everyone who came to support my project.

I made this instructions poster in English and Spanish for my workshops in Bolivia and in the U.S.

My Pizza & Ice Cream Social is this Friday! Besides Ice Cream, Pizza and Floats, you will be able to have fun with FREE crafts and FREE facepainting! This will be a fun event for the whole family.   I hope to see you all there.  Please RSVP to: gstxsam@gmail.com for an approximate headcount.

Thank you so much to everyone who has supported this cause through GoFundMe! Your donations are directly helping make this project possible. I would also like to thank all my workshop volunteers who have helped cut out and sew washable pads. Little by little all our collective efforts and actions are supporting my project. My trip to Trinidad, Bolivia is drawing nearer and excitement is filling the air! I can't wait to personally go there and teach the girls how to make these washable pads!

I was invited to speak at the Girls for Progress Conference on June 17th. The GFP Conference was created by Aleena Valdez to inspire young girls ages to change the world. I was given the opportunity to be a part of a Girl Panel, answering questions from younger girls and motivating them to take action and make a difference, even at their young age. Age should not be the deciding or limiting factor for an individual who has an idea that can create positive change and help others. After the Girl Panel, I was able to present my project to girls who were interested in hearing more and possibly participating in The Butterfly Effect . I had a great response from girls and parents. I am so glad that I was able to bring more awareness on the issue of a lack of menstrual resources in developing countries.

On June 19th, this past Monday, I had my 2nd workshop! With the help of my volunteers, we were able to cut more fabric for sewing. Everyone had lots of fun, ate pizza and left wanting to come back and help some more!   Thank you so much to those that came to both my workshops to help. Your efforts will directly translate into helping a young girl in Bolivia remain in school. Taking time to remember why we do what we do is so worthwhile in these moments. May all our actions create a postitive Butterfly Effect!