Hey all! I'm Courtney Macavinta, co-author of the best-selling book for teen girls RESPECT and founder of Respect Rx, which is devoted to empowering girls, women and their advocates to boost self-respect, sisterhood and social change in their lives—and our world.
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Courtney's Blog
Judy Blume Brings Together Team Respect Rx in L.A.
Well, OK, let me explain. We didn't meet Judy Blume. But we did celebrate her and the release of our own Jen Jones' new book Judy Blume: Fearless Storyteller for Teens. It was so fun to remember all the passages and page numbers in Blume's books that raised eyebrows and our own IQs about our bodies, boys and basically everything! With Jen's book release on the calendar, we decided to kick-off our Respect Rx retreat at the same time. Seemed so fitting. Judy Blume is a revolutionary and we'd like to think we are taking a page from her book(s)! Check out the exclusive Judy Blume video below!
So the Jens and I—along with Jones, they are Jennifer Davidson (our Respect Rally Training Leader) and Jennifer Uribe (our fearless Intern and Rally-Leader-In-Training)—all converged in Los Angeles last week. We had an awesome retreat where we worked on our Respect Rally and other programs. We also stared at the ocean and tried briefly to corrupt 19-year-old Uribe. But it didn't work. She simply has too much self-respect.
We connected with WHY we want to do this work together. We made mind maps that revealed intentions for ourselves and girls/women like:
inner peace
fulfillment
sisterhood
acceptance
we matter
being true to ourselves
self-worth
big dreams
tolerance
clarity
connection
being heard
love
strength
not alone
world peace
safety
commitment
Well we are committed, that's for sure. The list was LONG. What's so exciting for me is how you can create so much more when you invite other people to the party and set clear intentions. (I set the intention to do full-time "girl work" almost two years ago). Even in economic hard times or in times of world turmoil, you can build something new and needed. In fact, what not a better time to take action? The Respect Rally and our other programs are about so much more than cultivating self-respect and mutual respect. Our big agenda is to create a non-violent world where all girls—all people—know their rights, know their power and know they can follow their passions without fear. And know they are safe and respected by all.
You may say I'm a dreamer, but I'm not the only one. (Just ask The Jens!) Our guiding quote for the retreat says it all:
"Once you make a decision, the universe conspires to make it happen." -Ralph Waldo Emerson
P.S. Here's a picture of Jones celebrating!

And the original song by Hero Style at Jen's book party. "We Must Increase Our Bust"
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