by Joyce Kyles | Mar 9, 2017 | Blog
I was honored to be a guest presenter for the National Network to End Domestic Violence’s Economic Justice Summit. It was held in Detroit, MI. The two day summit featured approximately 540 organizations from around the country who shared a passion for helping victims and survivors of abuse to establish and successfully maintain financial stability. Per the NCADV, approximately 98% of victims of domestic violence have dealt with financial abuse in some form.
I am one of those 98%. I was able to share my experiences and how I used microenterprise development to provide an income for my family. In addition, it provided me with a sense of ownership, stability and self worth. As I began my grassroots efforts with Walking Into A New Life, Inc., I made sure that I explained the importance of either having a job or finding a way to use your own skill sets and create employment for yourself. Survivors of abuse often have skill sets that can be formed into a stable source of income. They just need the opportunity and resources to do so.
My insights were well received. It is my hope that others will appreciate the beauty and importance of self employment and encourage survivors to explore it as a viable source of income. It is not an easy road, but with the right resources and holistic encouragement, it can be profitable and rewarding.
by Joyce Kyles | Feb 25, 2017 | Blog
About three weeks ago, I purchased this awesome shirt from a young lady named Angie Steele. I saw a young lady wearing it on Facebook. I have a lot of respect for this young lady and wanted to know more about where she purchased the shirt. Long story short, I was able to connect with Angie, and I must say, I am pleased with my purchase and the kind spirit that came with it. I think it’s simple, yet powerful. Go Be Great. I’ve had the shirt for some time now, but I’m just now wearing it. Why? I kept waiting for the perfect time and conditions. Great weather. Perfect hair day. Life to slow down. It just never seemed to be the right time. Then, it hit me. Just put the shirt on, snap a photo and do as the shirt says-Go. Be. Great!
What’s my point? At some point and time in our lives we have to quit waiting on the right conditions, the perfect hair day or the day our lives slow down. Let’s be honest. That may never happen. At least, not all at once. This shirt has different meanings for different people. For me, it’s about being great in the place and space I’m in. I can have a bad hair day and still be great. Let me say though, my hair in this picture is to my liking, as it was a change from my regular natural coils (a blog for another time). I am constantly on the move. Slowing down for me comes in the form of going to bed and sleeping. Just go be great. Do what’s best for you and do it in a special, meaningful way. Being great isn’t about being boastful. It’s about being reaching goals, dreams and aspirations. It’s about making the most of what you have where you are and creating something bigger, bolder and brighter than you could have imagined.
With that, I encourage you to go be great. Be you. Be true.
by Joyce Kyles | Jan 25, 2017 | Blog
When it comes to social justice, awareness and voicing the trials and/or triumphs of our citizens, social media is one of the most powerful tools on the planet. It’s important to understand which platforms will provide the best leverage for your targeted audience. I will share three platforms that have proven to be consistently successful for individuals and organizations around the world.
Facebook. Facebook continues to be one of the most far reaching forms of technological communication to date. According to statistica.com, the third quarter of 2016, Facebook had 1.79 billion monthly active users. What started out as a social outlet to connect with family and friends and exchange ideas has now become a major go-to platform for social change. Facebook Live allows you to reach audiences in real time. Viewers can join in, opt out, rejoin, share your video and more in just a matter of seconds. The impact is instant. You can do anything from sharing your point of view to streaming a presentation. And, all of this can be done for free! If you have a budget for marketing, you can invest in purchasing Facebook Ads. If you upgrade your post or video to a sponsored ad, it will provide you an opportunity to reach an even larger target audience. Take a moment and think about how many reported current events being reported have cited a Facebook post or video as the source of its existence.
Twitter. It’s amazing the level of conversation that takes place with 140 characters. Posting in this platform are referred to as tweets. Like Facebook, you can attach photos and videos to the tweets you share. You also have the ability to tag people, follow them and encourage having others to follow you. The key to Twitter is the use of the # sign, affectionately recognized in the social, media world as a hashtag. You can host twitter parties and twitter chats with anyone around the globe. Another great feature associated with Twitter is Periscope which is quite similar to Facebook Live. It is noteworthy to mention that Periscope was 1st on the social media scene. And, just like Facebook, you have the opportunity to purchase ads for additional leverage and outreach. If you’ve ever wondered about the usefulness of Twitter, consider our recent Presidential election and any number of current social issues where a hashtag has been referenced.
Podcasts. Podcasts can be very effective as well. You can share your own thoughts or create a radio show to bring emphasis to a particular issue or take on several initiatives over the course of time. Shows can be recorded and can be uploaded to a website, YouTube, Vimeo, Facebook or emailed to family, friends and colleagues with a request to share it within their circles of influence. For many people working in the trenches, it is sometimes difficult to get the attention of mainstream media. And, like the others, you have the option of a free platform or pay for more options and overall visibility.
by Joyce Kyles | Jan 8, 2017 | Blog
I have thoroughly enjoyed being a contributing writer for Megan Mottley’s Vision for Daily Devotionals. I’m one of 12 women who share insights on everything from business to health and wellness! Here’s an except from my latest posting.
“Bruises can often heal and possibly fade to the point of not being noticeable or even remembered. But, our words have power. If said in a way to belittle or terrorize a person, it can cause extreme distress, depression and obliterate self esteem.”
How do you feel when someone tears you down with words? What effort(s) do you make to avoid intentionally hurting someone with your words?
–Joyce Kyles
Read the full devotional at http://www.theglamourgirlmovement.com/Devotions
by Joyce Kyles | Jan 4, 2017 | Blog
Happy New Year! We’re into the first week of 2017. Many people have established their resolutions. For some, it’s eating better and exercising. For others, it’s starting a new business or becoming debt free. Whatever it is, it takes a certain degree of courage to admit that you have something in your personal and/or professional life that needs to change.
Have the courage to dedicate your steps with discipline and consistency. The sky is truly the limit. For those of us who have come out of abuse, it took courage to say that we were in trouble. It took courage to admit to ourselves that we wanted and needed change. The first step is the hardest and most courageous. It’s the courage to face ourselves in the mirror. We had to do that before we could take the next step of reaching out to others for assistance.
My courage has created a life for me that I NEVER thought possible. I’m a national speaker, trainer, Amazon best selling author, and I’m happily remarried. Had I not taken that first step of courage, I would not be experiencing the positive changes I’m experiencing in my life. And, by faith, humbleness and transparency, I’ve helped other women to do the same.
I had a mentoring session with a young lady yesterday who is a survivor. The things she’s doing with her life are phenomenal, and I’m honored that she feels that I have talents and areas of expertise that are beneficial to her holistic journey. I do not take that for granted. I’m happy that my courage has assisted others in some way to create the changes they want/need in their lives.
I was honored to be a guest presenter for the National Network to End Domestic Violence’s Economic Justice Summit. It was held in Detroit, MI. The two day summit featured approximately 540 organizations from around the country who shared a passion for helping victims and survivors of abuse to establish and successfully maintain financial stability. Per the NCADV, approximately 98% of victims of domestic violence have dealt with financial abuse in some form.
