Wednesday, December 2, 2009

This Is What 40 Looks Like!

Girls Inc. girls benefit from a 40th anniversary year filled with milestones
By Pat Wachtel, President & CEO

What does 40 look like? Girls Inc. of Greater Indianapolis has asked ourselves this very question for the past 12 months, and we've discovered that 40 has many "faces" for local girls. Here are some examples of what we've seen during this milestone year:
  • 40 Girls Inc. young alumnae boldly speaking out about their lives and futures;

  • 40 Touchstone honorees inspiring women of all ages to be strong, smart, and boldSM;

  • 42 women answering the call to serve local girls by applying to volunteer during our recent "40 Volunteers in 40 Days" campaign; and

  • 47 program partners seeing positive changes in their girls who complete Girls Inc.'s educational, empowering programs.

See for yourself what 40 looks like by checking out a slideshow of photos from throughout Girls Inc.'s 40th anniversary year!

The Power of Partnerships!

Girls Inc.'s volunteer group partnerships are a key resource for local girls
By LaTasha Hudson, Volunteer Partnership Coordinator

Last month, we highlighted the schools and community centers whose partnerships with Girls Inc. of Greater Indianapolis allow us to reach girls in all areas of our community.

This month, we're highlighting the volunteer groups whose partnerships have helped us deliver Girls Inc. programs to hundreds of girls throughout the city. Volunteer partner groups often bring multiple employees or members to Girls Inc., and together they complete projects ranging from a grounds clean-up to a multi-week program for girls.

A few great examples of 2009 volunteer groups are:
  • Eli Lilly & Company Women in Lilly Discovery
  • Hirons & Company
  • Indiana University School of Nursing
  • Junior League of Indianapolis
  • Kroger
  • Rolls-Royce
  • State Farm Insurance

View the complete list of our new volunteer partnerships!

If your organization is interested in becoming a new partner of Girls Inc. of Greater Indianapolis in 2010, please contact LaTasha Hudson at lhudson@girlsincindy.org or 317.522.2610.


Featured Supporter -- The Fever Fund of the Pacers Foundation, Inc.

Grant from the Pacers Foundation, Inc. will support bold, empowered girls
By Kristen Bax, AmeriCorps VISTA Grant Writing Specialist

“Just do it!” “I’m lovin’ it!” “Have it your way!” Can you identify the brand names for these popular slogans? Girls Inc. participants can!

Girls Inc.’s Media Literacy program introduces girls to the idea that we are surrounded by brand names. In one interactive activity, girls listened to slogans and identified the corresponding brands. “Just do it!” prompted the girls to yell, “Nike!” Upon hearing “I’m lovin’ it,” the girls named McDonalds as the brand. “Have it your way” was identified as Burger King’s slogan. Girls were surprised at how many slogans and brands they recognized.

Through further discussion, girls discovered the many brand names and slogans they had on their clothing or accessories. Many of them were wearing advertisements for a brand name, celebrity, or TV show! Girls realized that they can choose what they want to wear and do not have to buy something because the media positions it as “cool.”

Support from generous funders like the Fever Fund of the Pacers Foundation, Inc. helps Girls Inc. empower greater Indianapolis girls with our bold programs. The Pacers Foundation’s “Be YOUnique” Fund, which encourages the development of life skills among young Indiana women, has awarded us a grant in support of our Bold, Empowered Girls programs. After her daughter participated in several Girls Inc. programs, one parent raved, “[Girls Inc. programs] allowed my daughter to practice developing and maintaining healthy, positive relationships. She is more likely to show that girls or women can do anything boys or men can by being strong, smart, and bold!”

Thank you to the Fever Fund of the Pacers Foundation, Inc. for your support of Girls Inc. of Greater Indianapolis!

Welcome to Indianapolis, Public Allies!

New service opportunity brings Girls Inc. more resources to serve girls
By Christy Barlow, Director of Programs

Public Allies, a national movement grounded in the idea that everyone leads, is now in Indianapolis. This ten month program combines full-time direct service apprenticeships in nonprofit organizations with intensive weekly skill training and leadership development seminars. Girls Inc. of Greater Indianapolis is proud to host one of the 21 members of Indianapolis' first class of Public Allies.

Sarah Hughes, a 2008 graduate of DePauw University, joined Public Allies in October, and she will serve at Girls Inc. through July 2010. Sarah will work with many girls by facilitating Girls Inc. programs in schools and community centers throughout greater Indianapolis.

Read more about Sarah's decision to join Girls Inc. as a Public Ally!

Volunteer Profile

Jennifer Dickey

"[The girls] wrote that I was kind, cared about them, and kept them safe. It was really inspiring."

Tell A Girl Tip

Tell a girl her strength is inspiring to you.

If you take a moment to tell a girl all the remarkable things you see in her, not only will she believe you, she'll also start to believe in herself.

Just A Reminder...

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