I Choose To Win

I Choose To Win is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization that seeks to edify, empower and equip women and girls to win in life.

All(IN)4Humanity: A Social Campaign 2017

All(IN)4Humanity is the social campaign that was birthed out of the 2016 I Choose To Win retreat entitled, “All Hands On Deck.” As we are seeking corporate sponsors, volunteers, interns and brand ambassadors, we will wait to launch this campaign until 2017. This article is to give individuals close to the I Choose To Win program a sneak peak into the idea and concept of All(IN)4Humanity, as so many of you were partners in shaping this idea into a “thing,” or at least a real campaign possibility. Background: Like many Americans, we wanted to do something about the racially charged climate in the U.S. and concerns about social injustice facing our nation. But, we didn’t know where to begin or what we could do to truly make an impact. So, a group of diverse individuals in the Philadelphia, PA area retreated from the noise and came together to brainstorm. Out of it came this campaign, #ALL(IN)4Humanity, which acknowledged our need to deal internally (it starts with me) to impact change externally (be the change we hope to see). We are #ALL(IN)4HUMANITY, an online campaign for individuals who are ALL IN for restoring love, peace, compassion, humanity and solidarity in our nation. We are responding with the fierce urgency of now, because Dr. King taught us the right time to do the right thing is always now. We are a diverse group, representing many races, cultures and ethnicities with an agenda, a mission, a charge: because people matter to God, they matter to us. We are everyday people, like you, who have decided to take action – with the resources we already have and within the circles we already run. And, we started this campaign to invite others, like you, to do the same. JOIN US! Decide on at least ONE meaningful action-step (of your choosing) toward mending human relations by either supporting or advocating on behalf of a group who’s been marginalized, increasing understanding around the injustices, acknowledging your own bigotry and biases, and/or standing in solidarity to fight for reform because an injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.  In part of the campaign design, you MUST do it within 10 days and tag others by asking if they’re “ALL IN.” Then, let us know how it goes using hashtag #allin4humanity. Are you willing to DO SOMETHING? If so, tell us you’re in,  share your action-step on social media using the hashtag #allin4humanity when doing your part. Let’s spread viral images and messages of kindness, compassion, diverse group discussions, enlightenment, songs, poems, civil police encounters, positive activism, etc… It starts with me. It starts with you. It’s up to us. Together, we WIN. Next Steps: We are looking for a few corporate sponsors to support community-wide initiatives in part of this campaign. We are looking for brand ambassadors and volunteers to help promote the campaign via social media. Looking for financial support to build a marketing budget for extensive reach and support. Stay tuned. Let us know – Are you All (IN)?                

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Dear Black Girl . . . A Conversation Starter for Healing

September 28 – In partnership with Get Cha Mind Right, Inc., I Choose To Win will be facilitating a full-day Winning Workshop entitled, Dear Black Girl: A Conversation for Healing. The November 12th event will feature honest conversations about life’s struggles that impair our ability to see ourselves the way God does. We will address hurt, pain, guilt, shame, disappointments, forgiveness, stress and so much more, and their effects on our esteem, confidence and faith. We plan to discuss winning strategies for overcoming life’s struggles so the women in attendance may awaken to their purpose, pursue their passion and unleash their power to positively impact the world. Stay tuned as details will be released over the next few weeks. To register, CLICK HERE.

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Thank You: All Hands On Deck Retreat

In a scenic, serene retreat setting, I Choose To Win held the All Hands On Deck Retreat with an intimate and diverse group of women to discuss the action steps necessary to restore love, peace, compassion, humanity and solidarity in our neighborhoods  – and ultimately our world as we deal with racial tension and social injustice. Facilitated in partnership with Erica Wexler, Change Management Specialist and CEO, of Transformational Guidance, we concluded it starts first, with us. So, we made a pact to be the change we would like to see. Beginning with you – and beginning with me. Each attendee and participant wrote a personal declaration to take the necessary action to invite love, peace, compassion, humanity and solidarity into their daily lives before holding the world accountable to the same. And, for those who are ready to take collective, or corporate action, we are prepared to launch a campaign entitled, “I’m ALL In!” Stay Tuned as so much fruit came from this event, of which will be unveiled over the next month. God bless all who showed up, shared, contributed toward next steps and have pushed the dialogue in their own sphere of influence. A special thank you goes out to DivaGirl Philly‘s Maria Majet Reyes for donating her time and Zumba instruction so we could shake off anything that would hold constructive dialogue back. And for Cara Anderson of Flexx Yoga, who traveled all the way from Washington D.C., for an introductory yoga session so we may meditate and guide our thoughts toward impactful solutions. For a glimpse into this event, check out the pictures.

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Tell us how you choose to win – And enter to win our gear!

Entries Due by September 5th. Enter to win. I choose to win is a bold statement of victory. Today, own your victory and remind the world who you are, whose you are – and what you choose to do. Let’s flood social media with positive images of women who will NOT give up, nor give in, but women who, in life, choose to win! Visit www.ichoosetowin.com and Enter your name & area you seek to win Upload a photo Share it with us using #ichoosetowin or tag us on social media (@ichoosetowin on instagram) (@ichoosetowin.org on facebook) (Entries received by September 5th will win an I Choose To Win, Unapologetically Me Tee shirt). Drawing will be random and announced on the 5th.  Winning, by our definition is living out the boldness, braveness and brilliance we naturally possess when unleashing our God-given gifts to impact the world. Therefore, winning is different for each of us. Winning is choosing to be true, authentic and unapologetic! ‘I choose to win’ is a clear announcement of one’s expectation in life. Winning begins with a choice, and is followed by an attitude and accompanied by action. It’s accepting the responsibility for whatever is required – including seeing ourselves as winners capable of doing great things to positively impact the world. Let’s start a movement – women who are winning!

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Reflections on Cocktails for A Cause: Thank You!

Thank you to all who attended, purchased a ticket, donated online and in person! It was such a fantastic, high energy, enjoyable fundraising event. I am just so grateful for Angela Harris for nominating our organization, the Pyramid Club for hosting us so comfortably, Beat Peace for the melodic sounds and good vibes, Andrea Sanders for the inspirational charge, Candids By Candy for the memories captured, and Kinese for reminding us how beautiful dancing is when it’s a gift and truly felt. All of our guests added flavor and energy to the evening that brought immense value for a wonderful overall experience. Because of your generosity, we doubled our $1,000 fundraising goal in order to have (2) workshops and (1) magazine production in 2017. With the additional funds raised, I Choose To Win will expand its soon-to-be released social campaign entitled, “I’m All In!” addressing social injustice and racial tension and inviting others to join in.  It will be the development of a web presence that helps those who desire to restore love, peace, compassion, humanity and solidarity with quick-access, turn-key action steps recognizing that change starts with me. It starts with you. Stay tuned. To see the pictures from that memorable night, click here.

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Cocktails for a Cause – Tomorrow 8/23/16

After an incredible response to our Cocktails for a Cause event, we have increased the available spots from 50-65. We give all thanks and honor to God for the individuals who responded, purchased tickets and will show up tomorrow. It’s not too late. If you are interested in attending, please register using this link and read the below. Attire is business casual (no shorts, no sneakers, no tees) Ticket cost is $20 pp – Paid In Advance ONLY Bring your checkbook if you are interested in supporting beyond the admission fee Starts promptly at 7PM. See you there!

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Give Her A Reason to Believe

She is here for a reason. She has purpose. She is fearfully and wonderfully made. She is different. She is powerful beyond her understanding. She has passion. She is learning more about who she really is. She is a work of art. She has incredible potential. She is enough. If ONLY she believed these to be true!! Our “Believe” book is the perfect gift to give your recent high school graduate and incoming college freshman who is off to explore more about herself, outside of the safety net of home. Order this incredible gift and send her a love package including this Believe Book, so she will have visual images of herself throughout the years to remind her who she is – at her core – while she continues to grow and make new decisions for herself. Cost is $65. You can order using the link below. Requires Three Steps: Step 1: Complete Order Form Step 2: Pay using GoFundMe (Note: Believe Book Order) Step 3: Email melonie@ichoosetowin.org a link to 40-60 Images (GoogleDrive or Dropbox) To learn more, visit: http://believebook.pagedemo.co/ 

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Leading with Authenticity: Penn State Abington

We would like to thank Penn State Abington for inviting “I Choose To Win” to facilitate a 5-hour workshop for its President’s Retreat for student leaders. Melonie Butler was joined by speaker, coach and educator, Michael McBride to offer introspective reflection to student leaders – so they may effectively lead their student body with authenticity, strong self-awareness and focus on leaving a positive legacy.  The students’ energy, engagement and connection were incredible. May they bring all of that bundled with focus on bringing forth incredible things at Penn State Abington’s campus. Now, in the words of the event organizers . . . “Thank you for your wonderful and inspirational workshop this weekend at The President’s Retreat. The feedback I have received thus far has been nothing but overwhelmingly positive. You and Michael certainly reached this group of students in a special way and helped them dig deeper into their psyches.  As we spoke, it was amazing to see how many of the male students gravitated (literally!) toward Michael, asking many questions, having conversations during the break and dinner. Your energy and enthusiasm as well as your wisdom opened their eyes to new possibilities including empowering them to leave a legacy at PSU Abington. You and Michael certainly have a gift and, no doubt, you both helped our students learn a little more about themselves as individuals and leaders this weekend.  We will be in touch, but thanks again for providing a valuable addition to the President’s Retreat this weekend.” – Beth, Event Organizer Click here for a few pictures from this awesome event.

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