Are electronics parenting my children? #thrusaleizeyes18

The technology debate is an extremely touchy subject for many. Where do you stand on this issue?

It is safe to assume each parent has a very specific opinion on this issue. The bigger question is, why judge each other?

Of course I want my children to get lost in a book, but what about a road trip when the tablet is all that will stop the are we there yets? Or that mid-afternoon desire for a mental break that only Baby Shark can offer. The examples are as endless as the opinions. What value does this debate add to your day one may instead choose to ask if tempted to engage.

two girls reading a book
Photo by Ben White
a boy and girl using a phone
Photo by Tim Gouw

We are creatures of habit. A product of our collected experiences. What may be a fun conversation for one may be an endless trip down the rabbit hole for another. Let’s consider being thoughtful when engaging in this discussion.

Whether your child is 3 or 16, how many times do we find ourselves asking whether they are getting too much screen time? Trust me, my house deals with both of these ages! Isn’t it a great day when instead we choose to go with the flow of the day? In my house we read, the wifi is always in demand, and we focus on other fun stuff like a game night or outdoor activities. Balance is daily.

boy in the water with a starfish
Photo by Claude Piché

With warm weather emerging, the variety of available activities have my wheels spinning. Thinking about a road trip soon. Tablets and electronic devices will be charged up and ready for the ride! What do you envision a fun family weekend to include? #balance #parenting #begentlewithyourexpectations #parentinggoals #thrusaleizeyes

“How One Wake County Attorney Approaches Issues-Based Advocacy” #thrusaleizeyes17

By: Saleisha N. Averhart, ’09

Of Counsel Magazine is a North Carolina Central University School of Law publication. This is an article I submitted which was published in the Fall 2018, Volume 20 issue “Power and Protesters, Struggle and Resistance”. At the time of submission, I was serving as 1st Vice President of the North Carolina Association of Black Lawyers and as Vice Chair of my precint for the Wake County Democratic Party. By the time the publication was out, I also added State Executive Committee member of the North Carolina Democratic Party as a position I hold. I thank God for allowing me to do his work.

The article is not available online as a link, so I have shared it below in the photo and as text for those unable to read the words in the photo clearly.

Gun control, immigration reform, public education, voting rights, and other similarly situated issues begin at the local level. Time management is essential. These are the cornerstones of my approach to issues-based advocacy. I became active in community based organizations, statewide and local. In law school, I was active in student government and my internships were as mayor’s assistant for the Town of Chapel Hill and as a Congressional Black Caucus intern in Washington. I’ve gained experience as plaintiff’s counsel representing individuals’ interests protected by state and federal law, including the Americans With Disabilities Act, the Individuals With Disabilities Education Act, and Section 1983 claims.

I started by offering more of my time to support community-based initiatives. This led me to organizations that best reflect my values. For me and others, November 9, 2016, served as a day of reflection. I took on more substantial roles such as organizing educational and social community events and supporting election protection initiatives. Efficiently using my time is an everyday process, but I have found it is a key factor in sustainability. Please do not hesitate to reach out to [email protected] to learn about volunteer opportunities in North Carolina, including election protection workshops.

A look into volunteer life #thrusaleizeyes7

1 Peter 4:10 Bible quote

Volunteering is something I do because helping others is good. Taking the time to serve others is how I reflect God’s love best. 
 

 Year after year, I continued believing in myself and kept trying. As time passed, I could see myself getting into a grove. Balance is essential for me. 

This post is not an endorsement for any organization.  

January 2017 Women’s March in Raleigh, NC  volunteering at a table for Together We Will North Carolina at this event. I served a one year term as Co-Chair & Community Outreach Manager in 2017. I am a co-founder. The organization has changed its focused and revitalized as a new entity to which I no longer am a founder. I wish them the best!

September 2017, organized the Wake County Dems Precinct 01-44 Fall Social with Congressman David Price and candidates
 
Attorney NCABL 14that 150
Welcome Reception for The North Carolina Association of Black Lawyers July 2018 CLE weekend experience #14that150.

Moderating the panels at the NCABL 14that150 July 2018 event in Charlotte, NC
 
Currently I serve as the First Vice President of the North Carolina Association of Black Lawyers, I a member of the State Executive Committee for the North Carolina Democratic Party, I am Vice Chair for my precinct, I chaired the Unity Breakfast for the Democratic Women of Wake County in 2018, I am chairing the Unity Breakfast for 2019, and I am a Lawyer on The Line Volunteer for Legal Aid of North Carolina. The culture of my firm includes community service days.
 
April 2018, DWWC Unity Breakfast Chair, Raleigh, NC

September 2018, Attorney Saleisha Averhart speaking at Bowens & Averhart, PLLC First Annual Special Education Forum at Marbles Kids Museum in Raleigh, NC
I don’t recall a time in my life when I wasn’t serving other. Even as a child, our family prioritized community service. What I do know is this; flaws and all, God loves me and is proud of the way I reflect his message.
 
To find others who share my passion and do good with is volunteer goals. #thrusaleizeyes #atribeformoms #communityservice #communitybeginsathome #teamwork
 
My parents and sister at the 2018 NCDP Unity Dinner. My sister and I are both attorneys.
North Carolina Association of Black Lawyers Leaders pictured w/ Keynote speaker Bakare Sellers at the 2018 Minority Outreach Conference.
Bowens & Averhart, PLLC team
Wake Co. Precinct 01-44 Leaders pictures with Wake County Dem Chair Rebecca Llewelyn and our keynote speaker from Common Cause.
 
Wake County Democratic Party Leadership team
Members of NCCU Class of 2009 at the 2018 Minority Outreach Conference
 
Democratic Women of Wake County Leaders and volunteers for the 2018 Unity Breakfast