Newsletter #15 - Avatar volunteer opportunities; making your CV/resume shine; attracting the person you desire.

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TeenHelp Newsletter #15 - June 15th 2011 - http://www.teenhelp.org

Welcome to the TeenHelp Newsletter! Our Newsletter contains a lot of useful information about our current work, including updates to our site and services, work with our partners and affiliates, details of upcoming events, short bits of advice, interesting links and more!

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TeenHelp regularly makes changes to its site and services. Some of these are large and noticeable, and others are small and much less so, but each one contributes to the positive development of TeenHelp and how our users experience our community. Below are some of the most recent developments.

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Latest videos (June 11th 2011)

Due to the hard work of our new Videos Team, over the last several months we have seen many great additions to our Videos section. More videos are being added all the time, so check regularly to see all our favourite picks! Some of our latest additions include:

Pregnancy Lifestyle Changes

In this video you will learn about a number of important aspects of pregnancy, including healthy nutrition habits, the right dosages of medicine, and general precautions to take during pregnancy.

Pregnancy Nutrition

This video covers many topics on nutrition, such as what an expecting mother can or cannot eat, recommended food items, guidelines on the right portions, and weight gain experiences.

Miscarriage

People are often confused about miscarriages and their causes. This helpful video sheds light on what they are and explains some of the signs of a miscarriage. For mothers who have already experienced a miscarriage, this video also covers common beliefs and what to expect after a miscarriage.

http://www.teenhelp.org/videos/latest/

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Vacancies in Avatar Magazine (May 17th 2011)

Do you have a passion for writing or editing, want to help produce a magazine, and be part of a worldwide team of caring and motivated young volunteers? If so, then TeenHelp's Avatar Magazine is looking to recruit two additional members for its Editor team, in the positions of Sub-Editor of Dear Avatar and Sub-Editor of Lifestyle. In Dear Avatar you will produce TeenHelp's 'agony aunt' column, giving original and powerful words of wisdom and encouragement to our readers; in Lifestyle you will write articles to help our readers relax and enjoy life to the fullest. If you wish to join the Avatar team, please complete an application form at the earliest opportunity. We look forward to receiving your application, and we wish you the best of luck!

http://www.teenhelp.org/apply/

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TeenHelp works with a range of different organisations and websites in order to help and educate young people. Below is a selection of some of them. For a full list of the organisations we work with, please visit our Resources page.

http://www.teenhelp.org/resources/

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PFLAG (Parent, Family and Friends of Lesbians and Gays)

Many people today are finding themselves with unexplainable experiences and thoughts, and extreme difficulties in accepting themselves and their sexualities. PFLAG is a not-for-profit organisation aiming to prevent discrimination, and has chapters in all 50 states in the USA. For those not living near a local chapter, PFLAG also boasts a plethora of online information, including articles, training programs and links to other websites, to help foster and celebrate our true and honest selves!

http://www.pflag.org

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Craig's Page

For many guys confronted by issues such as sex, bullying, identities and relationships, it may feel that there isn't much they can do, and that the resources available to them are limited. But thanks to the efforts of a fellow TeenHelp volunteer (CanadaCraig), there is a website available with plenty of helpful information and advice to address these topics and more. Girls can also benefit from this site by getting to know and understand the true behaviours of the men in their lives.

http://www.canadacraig.com

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Each month we share small bits of practical advice that you can implement to improve your life or that of others.

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How to improve your CV/resume

The purpose of a CV or resume is to demonstrate that you have the necessary skills to perform well in the job that you are applying for. So how do you make a good impression on paper, to ensure that you will be invited to an interview? Here are a few tips on how to improve your CV/resume.

• Organise your CV/resume into different sections. Your contact details should be clearly presented at the top of the page. Include headings such as Profile, Skills, Achievements, Education, Qualifications, Employment, Voluntary Work, and Interests, but only use those which are relevant to you.
• The top half of your CV/resume is most important. Check that all the important details are there by folding the page in half. If a vital piece of information is further down the page, you may wish to reconsider the layout.
• Be concise - Use bullet points rather than lengthy paragraphs.
• Tailor each CV/resume to match the job you are applying for - Some employers and agencies use parsing (using a computer to check for key words) so include as many 'buzz' words from the advert as possible.
• Be honest and truthful - An interviewer may question you about what you have written.

http://www.teenhelp.org/forums/f22-education-careers/

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Getting the person of your dreams

With the dawn of a new summer, and the plethora of free time ahead of us, we can invest in our relationships and make our true feelings about one another known. So how can we increase our chances to get that 'person of our dreams'?

• Be yourself - It's easy for us to brag, or make ourselves look and act differently when we are near the people we like, but by being ourselves, we can truly see each other for who they really are and not who they want to be.
• Treat them like royalty - It's natural for each of us to want to be treated special; so treat that person the same way you would royalty, and you'll be sure to score yourself some extra points!
• Don't go overboard on talking - It's extremely easy for us to always want to communicate with that person, but by doing so, we can appear too 'clingy', which is a turn off for many. Communicate with that person but don't let it take over either of your lives.
• Talking > texting/online - Although texting and social networking are both excellent ways to communicate with one another, for that special person (especially if we want to ask them out in the near future) it's always better to have a face-to-face conversation. It takes a lot more courage, but at the same time it helps to create a better, more daring image about us, which is always a plus. Get ready to go on that knee with a flower next time you want to ask that lucky person for a relationship.

http://www.teenhelp.org/forums/f9-relationships-dating/

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Protecting your eyes

Eyes are one of the most important organs in the human body; imagine not being able to see our loved ones, which way we are going, or the beauty of nature and all that the world has to offer. Here are a few tips on how to look after your eyes, so that you can enjoy the gift of sight.

• Visit the opticians regularly.
• On a sunny day, wear sunglasses and ensure that they have 100% UV protection. Never look directly into the sun.
• Always try to maintain the correct distance between you and the television. This will depend on the size of the screen, so check the manual for optimal viewing suggestions.
• Take regular breaks when working with the computer for a prolonged period of time to avoid eye strain.
• Carrots, avocados, broccoli, eggs, spinach, tomatoes, sunflower seeds, and salmon, are some of the foods that will help to keep yours eyes healthy and strong. Remember to drink plenty of water as well.

http://www.teenhelp.org/forums/f16-general-health/

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A lot of content is posted to TeenHelp every single day, from threads to articles, social groups to albums. But it is difficult for even the most veteran user to keep on top of it all, so we have selected a few items from among the masses that we thought were interesting to draw your attention to.

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Threads

Who brightens up your day and why?
The day ahead may be unpredictable, from the moment we wake up, to the time we settle down at night. So who is that special person (or persons) who can always brighten up your day, no matter which way the day unfolds?
http://www.teenhelp.org/forums/f3-ge...-your-day-why/

What you love about yourself, flaw or not
There is always something that makes each of us unique and special. What traits do you love about yourself? Why not tell us here?
http://www.teenhelp.org/forums/f3-ge...lf-flaw-not-d/

What's your dream job/career?
During the course of our lives, we may have several career ambitions. Has your dream job changed over the years, or is it still the same? Share your aspirations here, and also find out about other user's dream jobs!
http://www.teenhelp.org/forums/f126-...am-job-career/

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Social Groups

Help Stop the Bullying!
Have you ever witnessed or been subject to bullying? In this social group you can share your experiences with other members, discuss ideas to help end bullying, and together, strengthen your self-esteem and relationships with others, so that you will never again be truly hurt by a bully!
http://www.teenhelp.org/socialgroups...ying%7E%21%7E/

Divorced Parents Support
If your parents are divorced, or are currently going through a divorce, join this group for support from your peers. Here, you will be able to share your experiences, and ask for advice. Together, we can overcome this obstacle in our lives, and live life to the best of our ability.
http://www.teenhelp.org/socialgroups...rents+support/

Long Distance Relationships
Are you currently in a long distance relationship? No matter what the reason, this group will provide support if you need strength and encouragement, and a friendly environment where you can share your story and get advice. Together we can wish each other the very best of luck, so that our long distance relationship becomes one that is strong, true and lasting.
http://www.teenhelp.org/socialgroups...relationships/

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Upcoming events

Discussion: Dealing with triggers (Saturday June 18th 2011)

Triggers are anything that reminds you of negative feelings or makes you want to perform unhealthy or dangerous behaviours. Often these are unavoidable parts of life and are tough to deal with on your own. This discussion will help you learn to control any urges the triggers may cause and how to prevent them from affecting you.

Discussion: Sexual health (Saturday June 25th 2011)

Looking after our sexual health is an important aspect of living a healthy lifestyle, and our general well-being; poor sexual health can have both physical and emotional consequences. Sexually Transmissible Infections (STIs) are on the rise among young people, so it's important to be aware of the risks of sex and how to protect yourself and your partners from them. Join this discussion to learn about safe sex, STIs, contraception, and more.

Discussion: Online safety (Saturday July 2nd 2011)

Going online can be fun and sociable. We often use the Internet for school, work or just to check our Facebook pages. But though we may think it's safe, this isn't always the case; hackers and predators may lurk in cyberspace undetected, and be a nuisance for us in both our online and offline lives. This discussion will help you learn how to stay safe online and avoid being victimised by those out to hurt you.

Discussion: Health (drop in) (Saturday July 9th 2011)

Do you often find that the fast pace of everyday life gives you little or no time to look after yourself and take care of your health? When each new day presents us with new demands and makes us busier, we often neglect the basics, which leaves us susceptible to illness and other health concerns. Join this discussion for tips on how to stay or become healthy, or if you have questions about your health.

Discussion: Mental health (drop in) (Saturday July 16th 2011)

Many people find themselves touched by mental health issues at some point in their life, whether it affects us directly, or someone we know and care about. The stigma behind mental health may be preventing you or a loved one from seeking the support you need and deserve in order to recover, but you're not alone. No matter what your mental health concern, this discussion is for you.

For more information about upcoming Facilitated Chat Room Discussions (FCRDs), and the times that these discussions will take place, please visit our FCRD page.

http://www.teenhelp.org/chat/discussions/

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Donate to TeenHelp

In order to continue providing free services to young people around the world, TeenHelp requires a constant income of voluntary donations to support our regular costs. If you are able to, we ask that you please donate any money you can to us, even if it's only a few dollars.

http://www.teenhelp.org/donate/

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Follow us on Facebook and Twitter

Our Facebook and Twitter pages are a great place to get a lot of high-quality information. We aim to connect you to interesting organisations, volunteering opportunities, events, news stories, pictures, videos, and more!

Facebook: http://www.teenhelp.org/facebook
Twitter: http://www.teenhelp.org/twitter

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Editorial team

Editor-in-Chief: Rob
Deputy Editor: Haley (Halcyon)
Assistant Editor: Rianna (Moonlight.)
Assistant Editor: Rylan (u.got.ninja.ed)

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