Behind Charms 4 Change
Throughout facing my own struggles in life, it has ignited a passion in me to inspire and impact others. I strive to inspire positive change in every way I can. I am excited to create “Charms 4 Change”, which will support 4 different causes close to my heart. There are different charms associated with each of the four causes. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the charity affiliated with that cause. Let’s make a difference. Together.
The Causes:
LGBTQ+ community
Mental health awareness
Eating disorder awareness
Racial justice
The Mission:
Make an impact, encourage authenticity, and empower individuals through wearable emblems of important causes.
Cause 1 - LGBTQ+
My “Why”
As a part of the LGBTQ+ community myself, it is crucial to not only serve as a representative of the community in my sport, but to support causes, charities, and use my voice outside of sport. Both inside and out of gymnastics, my goal is to inspire others to be their true, authentic self. I aspire to serve as a role model for those that struggle with their sexuality inside or outside of their sport. If I would have had an openly gay role model to look up to when I was younger, I am confident I wouldn’t have faced many of the struggles that I did. I want to help others avoid the struggles that many LGBTQ+ members encounter and help them to see that it is okay to live life as their true self.
Charity - The Trevor Project
I am choosing to support the Trevor Project as their donations are in support of LGBTQ+ youth and help to amplify the voices of this group. They provide 24/7 support from certified counselors to speak about sexual orientation, gender identity, or mental health concerns that might arise due to one’s struggles with sexual orientation or gender identity. Reaching out and talking to a professional can help save lives. It is important to me to continue helping to fund this charity in order to continue helping those that need it and highlight their stories.
Cause 2 - Mental Health
My “Why”
Mental health has always been a cause I’ve been passionate about as it’s been something I have struggled with since a very young age. Although people struggle with mental health in all areas of life, athletes face an immense amount of pressure in countless different ways. There have been at least 5 NCAA student-athletes commit suicide just in the first 5 months of 2022. It is a priority to normalize speaking up about mental health and providing necessary resources for all individuals to be able to take advantage of in order to help with their mental health struggles. Every life is worth living.
Charity - NAMI
The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) highlights important mental health stories, provides resources, and is devoted to building better lives for those affected by mental health struggles. This nonprofit organization is very diverse in its information and resources and values inclusivity and equity. NAMI is a safe space for LGBTQ+ members, BIPOC, the youth community, and more. There are many ways to get involved with this organization, but donating is a simple way to show your support.
Cause 3 - Eating Disorders
My “Why”
Growing up in a sport like gymnastics, it is inevitable that one might experience or witness an eating disorder. As unfortunate as it is, that is the reality of some sports. It is a goal of mine to change this stigma around sports and around life in general. There is no “one way” to eat food, to workout, or to look. Our bodies require nutrients and fuel not only to be involved in sports, but even to simply function in daily life activities. Every body is different and it is time to quit comparing our eating habits, workout routines, or bodies to anyone except our own. You are beautiful in your own skin and now is the time to start believing that.
Charity - Project Heal
I love this organization because it allows those who struggle with eating disorders to easily seek treatment. Finding a treatment plan that works can be hard, expensive and often lead to giving up. Project Heal makes it easy for those who are struggling to obtain the appropriate resources they need during their road to recovery.
Cause 4 - Racial Justice
My “Why”
As a white woman living in America, it is my duty to speak out against racial injustices. Not only for my brothers and sisters who are a different race than I am, but for a better America. It is my goal to promote anti-racism and be the best ally I can be in support of racial justice. Although I will never understand what it is like to be a black person living in America, it is my intent to contribute to the black community in any way I can as an ally.
Charity - National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP)
I chose to support this nonprofit organization due to their mission to end the attacks on black communities, end racism, stand up for systematic change, and support the millions of black Americans living in fear due to the color of their skin. Their mission is to fight for justice. Although it is sad that we are living in 2022 and still fighting for racial equality, it is what has to be done to promote anti-racism and create a safe world for black Americans to live in. Supporting a charity such as NAACP will continue our stride toward making racial equality a reality.