5 Amazing Organizations That Put Girls On The Path To Success
Whether you're a parent of daughters or a feminist looking to empower the next generation, supporting an organization dedicated to helping young women can be a worthwhile experience. The five groups listed here take different approaches, from emphasizing creative writing to exploring the great outdoors, but they all work to foster self-confidence in girls and give them the tools they need to succeed. This video was made with Ezvid Wikimaker.
Groups Focused On Helping Girls
| Organization | Mission |
|---|---|
| Strong Women Strong Girls | Empower girls to imagine a broader future through a curriculum grounded on female role models delivered by college women mentors, who are themselves mentored by professional women |
| WriteGirl | Promote creativity, critical thinking, and leadership skills to empower teen girls within a community of women writers |
| National Coalition of Girls' Schools | Advocate for girls’ schools and connect and collaborate globally with individuals, schools, and organizations dedicated to educating and empowering girls |
| GirlVentures | Inspire girls to lead through outdoor adventure, inner discovery, and collective action |
| Girls Write Now | Mentor underserved young women and help them find their voices through the power of writing and community |
Inspiring Quotes From Successful Women
| Quote | Source |
|---|---|
| "A woman with a voice is by definition a strong woman." | Melinda Gates |
| "I believe that it is as much a right and duty for women to do something with their lives as for men and we are not going to be satisfied with such frivolous parts as you give us." | Louisa May Alcott |
| "One's feelings waste themselves in words; they ought all to be distilled into actions which bring results." | Florence Nightingale |
| "If the first woman God ever made was strong enough to turn the world upside down all alone, these women together ought to be able to turn it back, and get it right side up again!" | Sojourner Truth |
| "It doesn't matter who you are, where you come from. The ability to triumph begins with you. Always." | Oprah Winfrey |
8 Great Films Written & Directed by Women
- Julie & Julia (2009)
- We Go Way Back (2006)
- Sweetie (1989)
- Wendy and Lucy (2008)
- Thirteen (2003)
- You've Got Mail (1998)
- An Angel at My Table (1990)
- Little Women (1994)
Teach Girls Bravery, Not Perfection
In Depth
It isn't always easy to be a woman, even in the modern world. Sexism and systematic issues like the gender pay gap are hurdles that society is still struggling to move past. Luckily, there are dedicated groups out there that work with girls and give them the skills and confidence they need to succeed. Here, in no particular order, are five organizations that put young women on the right path.
First up, at #1, we have Strong Women Strong Girls, an innovative mentorship program that champions the aspirations and potential of its participants. Founded in 2000 by a college freshman in Boston, the group has since expanded to Pittsburgh. In both cities, children are mentored by college students who are themselves mentored by professionals. This gives mentees strong female role models to look up to, encouraging them to imagine a broader future for themselves.
In order to provide even more support and opportunities, SWSG works with a diverse network of partners in philanthropic, corporate, and academic sectors. Partners sponsor events, offer their employees the opportunity to become mentors, supply donations, and more. Individuals who would like to offer their support can do so by making either a one-time or monthly donation online.
Partners sponsor events, offer their employees the opportunity to become mentors, supply donations, and more.
For #2, we have WriteGirl, a Los Angeles-based organization that spotlights the power of female creators. Workshops, panel discussions, and special events help participants to unleash their creativity and succeed in school and beyond. The program offers a diverse array of genres, so that aspiring journalists, poets, screenwriters, editors, and more can all find something that piques their interest and motivates them to work hard.
Their mentorship program, which is open to students ages thirteen to eighteen, is completely free. In addition, the group also hosts events like the Bold Ink Awards, which honor women in storytelling across various genres, and Lights, Camera, WriteGirl!, where celebrity actors perform scenes and monologues written by teens in the program. If you want to support the organization and see first-hand what it can accomplish, you can buy an anthology that includes poetry, essays, scenes, lyrics, and experiments for writers of all ages.
Coming in at #3, we have the National Coalition of Girls' Schools. Unlike coed institutions, member schools put young women front and center in every aspect of education, from student government to robotics club. Often, female students feel out of place in electives and activities that are traditionally full of boys. With this obstacle out of their way, graduates are more likely to take an interest in STEM-related fields and consider majoring in math, science, technology, and engineering in college.
Often, female students feel out of place in electives and activities that are traditionally full of boys.
NCGS hosts symposiums throughout the country as well as a yearly conference. In addition to education-specific content, it also provides members with a toolkit for civic engagement and civil discourse so that they can teach girls to develop and exercise their political voices. Those who want to stay in the loop can subscribe to the bi-monthly Coalition Connection Newsletter, which is full of relevant news, information, and resources.
Next up, at #4, we have GirlVentures, which uses a mix of outdoor adventure and emotional learning to teach adolescents in Northern California leadership skills, self-esteem, and resilience. All female-identifying youth are welcome as the organization is dedicated to radical inclusivity. Not only is it a safe space for people of all races and backgrounds, but the meaning of "girls only" is expanded to include trans girls and gender non-conforming youth. The cost of tuition is subsidized on a sliding scale, so that families don't have to be rich to give their children an enriching experience.
Programming is spread throughout the year, with different curriculums during the school year, spring break, and summer vacation. Activities include rock climbing, hiking, and kayaking, as well as courses in leadership that explore concepts like trust, social justice, and identity. If you want to get involved, you can sign up to become a volunteer.
If you want to get involved, you can sign up to become a volunteer.
Finally, at #5, we have Girls Write Now, which mentors underserved young women in order to help them find their voices through the power of writing and community. Mentees in the program are an educationally and culturally diverse group, including girls of color, immigrant or first generation kids, LGBT+ youths, and children from low-income households. Their mentors give them the guidance and support they need to graduate high school and move on to college or a good career, thus breaking cycles of poverty and disempowerment. By the time they finish, they have gained not only valuable skills, but a portfolio of polished work.
At the Chapters Reading Series and Qwerty Digital Exhibition, the best and brightest in the program get to share their work with the public, joined by guest authors and speakers who talk about how they got to where they are today. If you want to help these young writers, you can either donate directly or select the nonprofit as your Amazon Smile charitable organization, so that a percentage of your purchases will go toward a good cause.
