Girls For A Change

Girls For A Change (or GFC) is a national organization whose mission is to “empower girls to create social change.” Young women are encouraged to create their very own social change projects that tackle social problems in their neighborhoods. Professional women, coaches, support urban middle and high school girls to become social change makers and innovators.

Currently located in Silicon Valley and Phoenix, and will soon be expanding to sites in Philadelphia and Richmond (VA).

There are currently over 1000 girls involved in this organization.

History

In 1999, founder and Co-CEO Whitney Smith created an initiative in California to address growing concerns of girls feeling helpless in the face of community problems. A Steering Committee (later the Board of Directors) was set up.

In 2002, Niko Clifford joined the staff and helped expand the organization through multiple partnerships. She is now the Co-CEO of the organization. Carrie Ellett joined the staff as Director of Program and Recruitment a year later.

In 2005, Girls For A Change expanded to its first location outside of California--Phoenix.

In 2008, the organization plans to kick off the opening of two new locations (in Philadelphia and in Richmond) with a national tour.

Model

This organization uses the following four methods:

1. Girl Action Teams: group of girls who work together to create social change; mentored by "coaches"

2. New Girl's Network: network of professionals and officials who can aid the girls and provide opportunities

3. Girl Events: events to inspire and teach girls at the beginning, middle, and end of the program

4. Girl Steering Committee: small group of girls with leadership roles within the organization

The year kicks off with a Girl Summit involving about 1500 girls and multiple workshops and events. In the middle of the year is a Spring into Action event to keep teams on track. The year ends with a Completion Ceremony to celebrate all that the teams have achieved.

Media Coverage

Girls For A Change has been featured in well known publications such as the Washington Post [http://girlsforachange.typepad.com/national/files/GirlPower-washingtonpost.pdf] , the San Jose Mercury News [http://www.girlsforachange.org/national/files/chung__peace_one_girl_at_a_time_san_jose_mercury_news.pdf] , and the Huffington Post [http://www.huffingtonpost.com/courtney-macavinta/girls-for-a-change_b_49144.html] .

Notable partners include Sephora and Nike.

References

External links

* [http://www.girlsforachange.org Girls For A Change Website]