My goal and deepest desire is for young women to embrace the truth: That we are all beautiful and valuable, and our personal safety and happiness is dependent on us taking care of ourselves.Lisa Van Ahn
The foundation of the I Am Initiative is based on Think —> Feel —> Act.
The guiding message is self-protection through self-love.
THINK: I AM STRONG (My thoughts guide my attitude)
What you think is who you are. The first rule of self-protection is: F.L.Y(FIRST LOVE YOURSELF). Positive thinking allows you to take care of yourself and be kind to others because you feel good about who you are.
FEEL: I AM CONFIDENT (My attitude guides my actions)
The I Am Initiative teaches girls to get out of situations where they’re in danger, while challenging them to face their fears. When you trust yourself you’re confident and able to stand up for what you feel is right. In uncomfortable scenarios you’ll be able to trust your gut and follow the second rule of self-protection: FACE YOUR FEARS. RUN AWAY FROM DANGER.
ACT: I AM POWERFUL (My actions create my reality)
What you do is intricately connected to what you think and how you feel. The third rule of self-protection is: BE POSITIVE CHANGE. Conduct yourself with responsibility, authority, and act powerfully according to what you believe and you’ll have a positive impact in the world and be able to protect yourself.
If you are a school, non-profit organization, youth group, Girl Scout troop, or community program who has a group that would like to experience an I AM Initiative event you can find out more here.