UNDIVIDED v2 Featured in Luxur Lux Magazine, Issue 9

UNDIVIDED is a modern feminist visual by Good To Be Good Foundation photographed by the talented Tara Noelle, that highlights the unity of women and the power that lies within us. A campaign created to amplify voices, celebrate the women’s movement and bring awareness to the innumerable intersectional ways women face and feel challenged.

For us, women’s rights are human rights – a fundamental belief that when equal balance is achieved, together, we are all more free. Through the twinkle of honest art, we express our feminist presence – unarmed and in total union – and symbolically stand on the shoulders of women revolutionaries that have paved the way for us globally. We acknowledge that being a ‘woman’ can signify many complex, unparalleled things and cannot (and should not) be boxed into one.

This campaign is made up of women and collaborators who mutually stand for advocacy, uniqueness and the unbolted support we hold for women everywhere. In league, we work fervently in demanding justice and respect for not just one kind of woman – but for all women who share space in equality discourse.

Our commitment to putting women to the front and centre starts with inclusion in all fields while promoting a culture of true, earnest diversity beyond the visible. We must continue to work toward systemic change by coming together as a community to strengthen the chain of parity, advance essential human rights, and honour the common values of humanity. The fight to end injustice is one that asks of you and me. This Women’s History month, whether you are celebrating, marching or uniting, share the hope with other women around the globe and help amplify attention to areas where improvement in women’s rights and equal, accessible opportunity is still needed.

Photo: Tara Noelle MUA: Irina Badescu Women: Shreya Patel, Tia Duffy, Char San Pedro Clothing: Richer Poorer, ShopBop, We Are HAH

Big love to Luxur Lux Magazine, a female-led magazine that features stories from thriving women and female leaders and founders doing incredible work in the world today. Read more about our UNDIVIDED campaign in issue 9 – print and digital available on their website!

 

Good To Be Good Foundation Featured in Future Female Magazine!

Article: Lauren MacKay of Future Female Mag Photo: Tara Noelle 

At the most transparent level, I am indebted to the ever-so-erudite Lauren Mackay and the ever-so-badass Future Female Magazine team for this endearing piece and feature. Beyond that, I am grateful for the creative space you’ve produced for women to share their remarkable stories, their world views, their courage, and their giant hearts. In a society where we are constantly inundated with devastating and folly “news,” it is of great pleasure to have sincere platforms like Future Female Mag expressing the human capacity of endurance and resilience.

As someone who struggles from a vortex of needing to fix everything (obnoxious at times) and sheer hypersensitivity, as we all sometimes do I’m sure, I’m profoundly inspired by today’s commitment to women and altruism, as a response to anguish and difficulty. People are AWESOME! It brought me pure joy talking with Lauren about my obligation to Good To Be Good Foundation and my trust on the significance of the “small yet mighty”. I can keep rambling on about it but there are pages waiting to be read and photos of enthusiastic smiles wanting to be echoed.

Please check out the latest fall issue online now: https://issuu.com/futurefemalemag/docs/ffm_fallissue03_2018_finalcopy3

Article: Lauren Mackay for Future Female Mag Mentions: Good To Be Good Foundation, Women’s Habitat

 

Interconnectedness is the foundation.

Interconnectedness is the nature of foundations—that the foundations in one area are also the foundations of many others.

The route in which we can reach many truths, including conclusions and breakthroughs, is by understanding the varied, multiplex layers deeply and therefore more broadly. That’s the essence of the concept of a foundation; cultivating core, fundamental values or elements that cannot be reduced or challenged, whether in our personal or professional establishments. When we reason from primary principles, when we grasp interrelationship not by comparison or account, we can see a better way of doing things.

We construct something more substantial and operate from what we know is authentic and available to us. An empirical example would be in nature anatomy: every flower, tree, and mountain stand on the same foundation, namely the earth. Earth, too, depends on vital sources such as solar energy, water, photosynthesis, climate, insulating atmosphere, carbon, hydrogen, and so forth—all Life, both powerful and intricate as we, stand on the same theoretical base. By comprehending verticality and depth, you can relish the notion that everyone—everything—is somehow beautifully connected; and what seemed separate and disconnected incontrovertibly becomes part of the entire truth. Nature is evidence that the whole and sum total of everything is never the quality of one. Just as every leaf on a tree to which the branches are fastened by twigs, whose foliage depends on a trunk and the support of its roots. So too are people, principals, and ideas connected by universal systems and more profound truths.

You and I are part of it all.

Sustainability For All

Our planet is boiling gently.

The reality is that our natural resources are being exhausted faster than they are being replenished. We live in a modern existence whose linear model has been, “take, make and waste.” This increasing our environmental challenges and putting many at risk. With that, sustainability – a growing interest – is considered more and more everyday. It is a broad discipline and a complex concept that remains. When we hear the word “sustainability” we often think of carbon emission reduction, renewable fuel sources, green infrastructures with policies, the protection of our ecosystems and restoration of natural sources over the long term.

In short, it’s simple principal is based on this: Everything that we need for survival and our overall well-being depends on our natural environment; not compromising the ability of the future generations to meet their needs. It supports our ecological, economical and public health and vitality. Its activity is developing productive harmony between the competing needs to move forward while protecting the biodiversity in which we and others live in.

The march to save our planet involves all and its efforts – from corporations, governments, citizens, to activists. This will not solve overnight. The keys to progress, especially during economic crisis, are fostering innovation, education, legislation and voluntary action. By globally treating sustainability as a main goal (The Global Goals), we will force businesses and organizations to become sustainable, thus becoming an integral ingredient of development. By individually treating, we will force ourselves the responsibility of good social practices which become our everyday. Your part can start with eating for impact, be water ‘wise’, consuming consciously and voting for leaders who care about social welfare.

We must continuously contribute to the promotion of peace, the health of our environment, the eradication of poverty in all its form, the building of workplace conditions, the improvement of supply chains for better value, economic prosperity and a quality of life that benefits the present and future. 🌍

Photo: Tara Noelle / Recycled Swimwear: AMARA Tulum / Sustainable Beauty: Clove + Hallow, The Organic Skin Co & Pai Skincare / Recycled Ring: Christy Robinson Design

#TogetherForWomen – Good To Be Good’s 6th Charity Event in Support of Women’s Habitat

No matter the season, coercive control does not take a holiday. We need all women and children to prosper in a world free from violence and discrimination. We must work toward systemic change by coming together as a community to strengthen the chain of equality, advance women’s rights and honour the common values of humanity.

On the evening of December 10th, Good To Be Good Foundation and NAGI, together with 70+ friends, peers and family, filled the room with energy, allegiance, kindness and the most giant heap of love! From delicious food to a strong sense of community, it was a hopeful evening to support women and children at Women’s Habitat who are survivors of violence and abuse rebuilding their lives. Guests enjoyed a special all-female performance by St. Royal Entertainment.

Big thanks to all of our sponsors for helping us fulfill our initiative: Ari of Muula Humanetics, Meridian Credit UnionS1 GroupLocalBoomThe RichmondLux Furniture RentalsStemz, Blaze Pizza, Crave Healthy Habits, Vieni Estates, Kensington Brewery, Sweet Carnival Cakes, St Royals, Pussy Willow Floral, Simply Protein, Rialto Espresso Bar, Flow Alkaline Water, Tara Noelle Photography, BK On The Scene and all of our cherished contributors and collaborators.

Thank you to Silvia Samsa, Lina and Women’s Habitat for your continuous strong work and passion.

Thank you to all of those who came out and supported. Your contribution and participation makes a huge difference in our community. #TogetherForWomen is one we will deeply treasure and continue to grow.

Thank YOU for being an integral part of the change in the world. May we continue to be loving, supportive and generous this season.

Snapd Coverage: https://downtowntoronto.snapd.com/events/view/1210011

Official Photos: https://www.facebook.com/pg/goodtobegood/photos/?tab=album&album_id=2031835487106704&__tn__=-UC-R

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/goodtobegoodfoundation

Donate: https://womenshabitat.ca/how-to-help/donate/

#GivingTuesday

My grandma taught me to give to those in my life and to the welfare of others in need whenever possible, because she believes that our lives are truly measured by what we put out and how we affect the people we meet. This venerable aphorism is entrenched in my head since the first memory of sharing birthday cake with friends and family.

Courtesy of Red Door Family Shelter

It is often said that we are the most fulfilled when we are responsibly proactive. But beyond the duty lies its joy. I have found that giving liberates the soul and any opportunity to give back to our community/planet is a way forward. It offers a greater perspective – one that reminds us of why we’re really here and what matters most. It’s not just about the donation itself but the great love and awareness we bring into it. It’s about something greater than ourselves. Any charitable act is a stepping stone towards change. That donation or shared time is valued more than the grandest intention and benefits everyone. Your small yet mighty impact goes a long way. And if we all devote ourselves to doing these acts of kindness, I promise you, it’s an investment no one will regret.

Today, on #GivingTuesday, please give generously to the following charities I (@goodtobegoodfoundation) support. They need your contribution and thoughtfulness to continue the significant work they’re doing for our girls and the advancement of women around the world. Learn about the different ways these female-first organizations are leading the charge, and find out how you can lend your support by following their missions.

Women’s Habitat

Malala Fund

Red Door Family Shelter

Women for Women

Canadian Women’s Foundation

CARE

Or find a cause here: GlobalGiving

Courtesy of Malala Fund

Hey, fear!

One of the major causes of fear is that we do not want to face ourselves as we are. Fear happens when we remove ourselves from the moment, bringing our attention from certainty to uncertainty, the past interrupting the present or the future disturbing the now. It’s an usual, yet normally primitive, tricky emotion that often can disguise itself in many ways: suffering, egoism, samsara, greed, anger, envy, fright, worry, apprehension, cognitive paralysis, anxiety, irrationality.

While the fear from our beloved ego navigates life by trying to keep us safe (thank it for doing its intrinsic job) and in a familiar place, it has a limited perception and blocks our creative and spiritual progress. We must remember that fear is not who we innately are; it is one of the many ways we are able to respond to life’s moments.

Can we trust the inner orchestras of the mind, heart, intuition and allow fear to flow through us rather than cage us in? Can we watch fear without any conclusions? Without any interference of the knowledge we have accumulated about it? Can we feel the fear, genuinely acknowledge its presence, while not allowing it to lead and dictate the current state of our life?

“I see what you’re doing, fear. Thank you for sending your signal. But it’s okay and you’ll have to take a seat in the back. I am the driver in charge here and I need to pay attention to what’s going on right now.”

It isn’t a matter of being fearless by kicking fear to the curb, rather bringing insight to what’s going on and using benevolence in the face of what oppresses you. COURAGE, my friends. FAITH, my friends. These are the fruitful partners that direct you to the life you’re worthy of living. Because you and I are so much more than what dismays us. We have a right to be here, to do what we love, to try new things outside of our comfort zone. We all deserve to be in the moment – fully ourselves. We are part of something greater than our fears.

The things that we feel in our hearts, the depths of hearts, are far more vital than the things we believe in our minds. What lies within us are comprehensive antidotes to fear: the armour of loving-kindness, gratitude and the vitality of our spiritual cultivation. With that, fear won’t mind taking a back seat.

 

The Skin I Love

Hydrating skin courtesy of Pai Skincare. Natural glow courtesy of True Botanicals. Clean make up by The Organic Skin Co.

 Skin is always in. If your skin isn’t at its best sometimes – that’s OK too! However, there are basic steps that we can mindfully take that help improve and create healthy achievements.

Our skin, being so complex and industrious, is the largest organ on our body so it’s only fair we take good care of it. After countless experiments and long eye-twitching nights of research, I concluded this: a regimen can be made simple, guileless and efficient.

The key is consistency and daily protection.

Keeping things as ‘natural’ as possible is the catalyst to a nourishing relationship with the physical and the essence of simplicity. Like fruitful soil is to a thriving plant, what we put into/on our bodies count. I advocate reading labels thoroughly and staying away from ingredients that suck (chemicals, synthetics, unpronounceable shit) as our skin is wickedly consuming and holds everything in. The absorption rates on our scalp, underarms and face are 7-10 times higher than a lot of parts. Its extraordinary day to day functions are colossal. Unlike other vital body systems, our skin is exposed to the environment, which includes weird germs, heat and harmful substances yet provides an airtight, watertight and flexible barrier between one another.

Feeding the skin naturally by being mindful of consumption is another way we’re able take control of our habits. It all begins from the inside out so eat all the fresh, leafy greens, my friend! Hydrating is important as well – with lots of water and sorry, alcohol doesn’t do the same thing.

What we put on our skin is a crucial variable too. A guiding principle: Choose safe, sustainable products that contain fewer ingredients. This equals less chance for irritations/reactions, higher potency and a smaller, overall ecological impact. You don’t need to go nuts on trendy, luxury botanicals and ornate fillers. However, when you can, invest in good quality products that help optimize skin. Cause, hey, we’ll be wearing it for the rest of our lives.

Below are my favourite vegan, cruelty-free, natural go-to daily products that do the job like no other.

 

True Botanicals (Pure Radiance Oil & Vitamin C Booster)
Anti-inflammatory, balancing, healthy glow/dewy look breadwinner, gentle formulas, clean/safe ingredients, ethical and wonderfully effective!
The Organic Skin Co (Primp N’ Prime & Hide and Seek Concealer in Cinnamon)
Lightweight, oh-so silky, all natural, easy to apply, luxury made affordable, blends beautifully, sustainably packaged and all around multi faceted.
Pai Skincare (Calming Body Cream & Perfect Balance Serum)
Soothing, calming, ideal for sensitive skin, transparent brand, preservative-free, proven remedial, consistent soft results and hydrating 2.0.
Heritage Store (Rose Petals Rosewater)
Refreshing anytime mist, divine smelling, restorative, energy-giving and alleviates tired skin.

Supporting Women’s Habitat 40th Anniversary

Directed by: Oana CR, To:Her / Produced by: Char San Pedro, 920 Films/Good To Be Good 
Featuring: Silvia Samsa, Victoria Roth, Munice Wright, Gia Dejulio, Cecilia Nuñez

On November 2nd, 1978, Women’s Habitat opened the doors to their emergency shelter. Within 2 weeks, they were full and have been ever since. Over the past 40 years, they have grown to expand their services to include supports and programming for women, children and youth at the community outreach centre in the heart of South Etobicoke. They have advocated for better laws, policies and services that respond to the needs of women and children who have experienced violence and oppression. They have created awareness and fought against systemic oppression. They have partnered with their community to deliver inclusive, client centred services and continue to work to break down barriers within our own walls.

In March 2018, Women’s Habitat hosted several events and initiatives to celebrate their accomplishments, reflect of its history and honour the women who have walked through their doors. Women’s Habitat is built on a foundation of committed community members, donors and supporters who for 40 years have championed their mission.

I am proud to be a loud and active advocate for Women’s Habitat. I encourage you to donate generously to help continue the work of the shelter and to contribute the fight against women’s violence.

Here’s to women’s strength, support and solidarity.

 

UNDIVIDED

Featured on Thrive Global: https://thriveglobal.com/stories/undivided/

The encompassing definition of feminism is the advocacy of political, social and economic rights for women equal to those of men. This can also mean that we recognize feminism from different perspectives for different women regardless of race, sexual orientation, economic status, nationality, class or creed.

The essence of being a feminist is not grounded in trendy hashtags and does not need to be consigned to a pseudo-fashionable statement. More importantly, feminists don’t identify with the posited “anti-male” judgment or female power rivalry. These types of radical myopia slander the development itself, leaving us caught in a discourse of misinterpretation while diverting from improving our core goals: humanity, equality, and a place for everyone to thrive wholly.

When we operate from a space that supports and engages this shared principal thinking, we are free to encourage feminine values at home, in the workforce and in our own communities. The foundation denotes an inclusive ecosystem where women have real access to their choices, are free to voice their truth and feel safe to harness personal liberation – unobstructed by repercussion or oppression.

Simply put, FEMINISM is a HUMAN rights issue and a fundamental belief that when equal balance is achieved, together, we are ALL more free.

The female movement has never had such far-reaching support and it’s come a long way – a benevolent journey worth celebrating. But enduring progress isn’t destined; it’s an outcome generated by our continued conscious efforts and diligent determination. Whether propagating feminist terminology or not, there are heroes to unequivocally salute for their effect: Michelle Obama, Eleanor Roosevelt, Oprah, Gloria Steinem, Angelina Jolie, Audre Lorde, Maya Angelou, Malala Yousaf, Kimberly Crenshaw, Anna Julia Cooper, Shirley Chisholm, Frida Kahlo, Alice Walker, Loretta Ross, Angela Davis and other countless women revolutionaries who have championed women’s rights and fought to build a more harmonious humankind.

As a society, we can forward progress by taking critical action on primary issues, by acknowledging that a ‘woman’ can signify many complex, unparalleled things, and by learning the innumerable ways women confront and feel challenged, both subtle and overt. Progress necessitates deep labor in building social movements that are intersectional, especially for the realities of women in marginalized groups. It cannot subscribe to a one-size-fits-all formula, seeing that oppression can be experienced in multitudes: racism, bigotry, sexism, economic status, sexual orientation, violence, health disparities, exploitation, cultural imperialism. In league, we must work fervently in demanding gender justice and respect for not just one kind of woman – but for each women (including non-binary people) who have the liberty to share space in equity discourse.

We exist in a time of great change, where many women are still systematically disadvantaged, living in tough economic circumstances, suffering from abuse, escaping violence and lacking access to education and health. Our global development requires thoughtful input and multifaceted action for any efficacious impact to take flight. Feminism depends on a mind that prioritizes freedom and collective activism from within so that we can dismantle harmful, traditional narratives and reform the very systemic structures that subjugate women. We need allies to do so. If we want to shift our policies, our politics, and civil societies for the better, we must advance spaces for women’s meaningful participation and holistically check our attitudes to help retool the system so that women who are most vulnerable can be seen, heard and ultimately, prosper. A commitment – one that belongs to men and women – to putting women at the front and centre involves inclusion in all fields and promoting a culture of true, earnest diversity beyond the visible. The mutual responsibility that binds us and benefits everyone.

Let’s be active in our listening – unarmed and in total union – be loud in what we believe and, in our everyday decisions, work to bring us closer to our highest ideals. No matter our differences, tribulations and paths – we build, we support, we fight, we care, we love. We do this side by side. That is our complete power.

Today and everyday, we celebrate the vast glory of a woman’s challenges and her uninhibited possibilities. The female spirit is ceaselessly alive and globally needed more than ever. Change starts with us. We stand UNDIVIDED.

‘UNDIVIDED’ Campaign for Good To Be Good Foundation. Photographed by Tara Noelle. Glam by Kestra Goldman. Clothing by Skylar Yoo and Novella Royale

 

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