Girls Express Bold Voices in Special Election!

By Annie Farrell, Americorps VISTA Fund Development Specialist

This summer, girls at Girls Incorporated® of Indianapolis's summer camp discussed policies and issues that matter to them while learning about and engaging in the political process. Following these debates, girls registered and voted on the topics that they discussed. Hot topics that girls debated were:

• Should the minimum age to obtain a driver's license be lowered to 9 years old?


• Should elementary schools require 150 minutes of physical education per week?


• Should school lunch menus only offer healthy options?


• Should all students be required to wear school uniforms?


• Should Indiana require that school notices be written in Spanish and English?


• Should Indiana establish an Equal Pay Day to protect the right of women to receive equal pay for equal work?

Watch girls discuss the political process and cast their votes in our new YouTube video!

Girls Incorporated® of Indianapolis encourages everyone to express their own bold voices and cast a vote - for whichever candidate they choose - in the November 4 election!

Volunteers Enjoy Strong, Smart, and Bold Dishes!

By Annie Farrell, Americorps VISTA Fund Development Specialist

In September, Girls Inc. volunteers and guests tasted strong, smart, and boldSM dishes at our Whole Flavors volunteer appreciation event! The event was hosted by the Carmel Whole Foods Market, and registered dietitian Annessa Chumbley of Flourish! demonstrated how to "bring out the strong, smart and boldSM" in everyday cooking by preparing three dishes based on Girls Inc's mission of inspiring all girls to be strong, smart, and boldSM! Check out her recipes for the featured dishes:

STRONG Cozy Curried Pumpkin Stew
SMART Squishy Chocolate Cake
BOLD Black Bean and Corn Quinoa

The Whole Foods event was the second in our ongoing series of appreciation events where Girls Inc. celebrates the volunteers who are key to the implementation of our mission. At these events, volunteers have the opportunity to interact with each other and share their experiences while enjoying fun activities. Get involved in upcoming volunteer opportunities! Watch for news of the next volunteer appreciation event in January 2009!

Are You Friends with Serena Smart?

By Jennifer Baltz, Americorps VISTA E-Communications Specialist

Our strong, smart, and bold^SM girls are now on Facebook! Show your support for Girls Inc. and stay involved by becoming a Facebook friend with Serena Smart, one of our strong, smart, and bold girls. After logging in or signing up as a member, you can read Serena's profile and leave comments or questions on her wall. Serena also has lots of photos, videos, and Girls Inc. news for you to explore. Serena shares on her profile that she enjoys being herself, focusing on science, math, and technology, economic literacy, and safe babysitting. One of her favorite quotes is from Mary Catherine Bateson: "We are not what we know but what we are willing to learn." You can also keep up to date with us on Facebook by visiting our Fan Page. Last month, we featured Sierra Strong in our enewsletter. Look for Brianna Bold's profile in next month's edition!

Featured Supporter - The Indianapolis Foundation

By Ashley Crockett-Lohr, Special Events Coordinator

The Indianapolis Foundation recently awarded Girls Inc. a $75,000 grant for our innovative "hub" model of program delivery. In 2007, this model increased the number of girls served with our direct programs from a few hundred to 1,100!
Since 1916, The Indianapolis Foundation, a CICF affiliate, has ensured the quality of life in Marion County, Indiana continuously improves, and through their generosity to Girls Inc., more girls in more neighborhoods will benefit from our programming than ever before! Thank you to The Indianapolis Foundation for their support of our mission to inspire all girls to be strong, smart, and boldSM!

Girls Inc's "Go Green" October Tip

Always turn off your computer monitor when you leave your desk. Even screen savers consume energy. Turn off your monitor to conserve power. Better yet, shut down your computer and turn it off at the power strip.