I often write here about the girl in my life, my daughter, Maya.
Today I want to focus on girls nationally. The National Women’s Studies Association convened several girl-serving organizations at its 2010 conference, and learned, among other things, that the organizations wanted to broaden the audience for disseminating research and information about their programs.
To that end, NWSA created a research roundup. Some highlights:
- 90% of Girls For A Change participants know they can create change in their communities, they can and will use those skills to create change in their own lives
- The Girl Scout Leadership Experience curriculum is designed so that girls learn to advocate for themselves and others, locally and globally
- Hardy Girls Healthy Women offers a strength-based approach to working with girls and is grounded in a review and critique of resilience literature for its over-emphasis on the individual and lack of attention to relationships and environments
- Smart-Girl is a program that works with 8th grade girls in Denver, Colorado; a program evaluation shows that participants had increases in science grades and overall GPA
Even this brief overview points to some effective strategies for serving girls: we can teach girls to take leadership and translate their ideas into action. We can create sustaining, respectful spaces for girls to engage and learn. GWP readers, what has worked for you? What other girl-serving organizations do you know?
You’ll also find highlights from girl-centered presentations at last year’s NWSA conference, with topics ranging from public education to food and sexualization.
This promises to be a growing area in NWSA. The conference proposal submission deadline has been extended until February 21, 2011. Plan to come and find out the latest in the world of girls and girls’ studies!
Comments
Heather — February 17, 2011
I would like to comment on these types of movements in general. I have come to find it interesting that many of these wonderful groups tend to analyze the social and professional aspects of raising girls without considering the influence of their mothers. It seems that many do not teach girls to consider life changes when they become mothers in the future.
If mothers are wrestling with leadership, health and balance issues, girls will too. Personally, I would love to see responsible motherhood planning in addition to professional planning for young girls be part of the dialogue.
With all of our advancements as professional women, motherhood still becomes a major economic and personal factor in our lives. Many of us are ill prepared for what makes a successful worker and mother. We are not taught how to do that.
Shelley — February 18, 2011
This wasn't my original comment, but I find I much chime in with support of the above commenter. It's a mystery to me why there isn't a national curriculum requirement in high school for a one-semester class in basic info about do's and don't's of parenting, with an emphasis on child safety (what a parent should do when he/she feels they're losing their temper, etc.).
Allison Kimmich — February 18, 2011
Heather and Shelley, I agree with you that parenting--and planning for parenting--plays an important part in this equation. In US culture we typically think of the family as a "private" space. But as you point out, families play key roles in socialization.
Marisol — February 21, 2011
Just a few of my favorite girl/youth serving programs and organizations in Chicago.
Alternatives, Inc. is a youth and family service agency serving the Chicago communities of Uptown, Edgewater and Rogers Park. Its mission is to facilitate personal development, strengthen family relationships and enhance the community's well being. CFW has recently funded its Girl World empowerment program.
Amigas Latinas Association empowers and celebrates Latina women who identify as lesbian and bisexual. Located in Chicago, it offers a safe environment for friendship, mentorship and personal growth. CFW has recently funded its spoken word collective (La Dulce Palabra), its youth program (Amiguitas) and general operating.
Assist Her, Inc. is dedicated to raising awareness about issues and concerns unique to the lives of all girls, primarily Latina and African American girls ages 12-17. Assist Her offers prevention, literacy and mentoring programs; customized workshops for parents, schools and organizations; professional development; and community events. CFW has recently funded its "After I Met a Boy..." STDs, HIV/AIDS and Pregnancy Prevention Campaign
Chicago Taskforce on Violence Against Girls & Young Women brings together Chicago organizations and young women to develop a comprehensive, citywide approach to ending violence against girls and young women. CFW has recently funded general operating support.
Gender JUST (Gender Justice United for Societal Transformation) is a multi-racial, multi-ethnic, and multi-generational grassroots organization of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and allied (LGBTQA) young people, LGBTQA people of color, and LGBTQA grassroots folks developing leadership and building power through organizing. It strives to move LGBTQA struggles forward by organizing through a racial, economic and gender justice framework. CFW has recently funded general operating.
Girls in the Game provides and promotes sports and fitness opportunities to enhance the health and well-being of all girls in the Chicago area. CFW has recently funded its teen services programs.
Girls on the Run - Chicago is an after-school, community-based organization that educates and prepares girls for a lifetime of self-respect and healthy living, combining training for a 5K run with interactive lessons on emotional, social and physical development. CFW has recently funded general operating and expansion.
HEART Women & Girls Project is committed to empowering women and girls in faith-based and community settings by providing health promotion programming, services, and strategies that will teach them to connect a healthy mind, body, and soul to achieve an overall sense of well-being. CFW has recently funded its mindbodysoul Workshop Series.
Illinois Caucus for Adolescent Health (ICAH), a youth-led organization, advocates for sound policies and practices that support a positive approach to adolescent sexuality, sexual health and parenting. CFW has recently funded its young parents alliance and general operating.