STANDING WITH GIRLS TO CREATE POSITIVE CHANGE
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As we all reflect on where we are as a country, it is important to ask ourselves
what role we can and must play to create positive change. At the forefront of
everything we do at Girls Inc. are our girls. It is because of them that we are
so dedicated to working toward both short- and long-term solutions.

One of the many powerful moments from the protests and marches has been an emotional exchange
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in responding to the historic problem of racial injustice. The pain caused by
longstanding racial and social inequity is heart-wrenching, as is the
recognition that what we’ve been doing to improve this situation has not
worked—and that we will need to come up with a new, better way.

We have been inspired to see young people over these past weeks mobilize and
work to enact change. They have great energy and determination, and we can learn
a great deal from their perspectives and their efforts to create a more
equitable and just society. However, we cannot simply hand over the
responsibility to them before their time. They are great partners, but the
generations currently in leadership positions cannot shirk the responsibility we
have to pass along a world that’s in better shape than what we’ve managed thus
far.

Girls, and all young people, are powerful and tremendous leaders when given the
opportunity to realize their full potential. As they contend with the loss of
school—a valuable lifeline and source of safety and support—and deal with the
current unrest in our nation, and the everyday realities of discrimination and
injustice, we at Girls Inc. are committed as ever to our mission and the work to
break down the barriers that stand in their way. We remain focused on ensuring
that girls have the crucial supports they need to succeed.

1. The right relationships—to let them know they are not alone, expose them to
new pathways, and encourage them to take risks.
2. Encouragement to develop and use their voices—to stand up for their beliefs,
advocate for others, and influence and improve their communities.
3. Positive self-image—to make positive choices, have confidence in their
abilities, and know they are worthy and valuable.
4. Intellectual confidence—to be curious about the world, think outside the
box, and embrace life-long learning.

Change should not be entirely the responsibility of young people, however
powerful they may be. We have a moral imperative to do everything we can to
improve what will be their future.

Join us in taking action. Here are some ways:

Contact state and local leaders, sign a petition, donate, volunteer, learn, and
find other ways to support racial justice and equity.
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Vote and engage civically.
[[link removed]] One of the most effective ways we change the conditions for girls is to change
local and national leadership, and the practices and policies that exacerbate
racial and socioeconomic inequity. (And help ensure fair and safe elections
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Volunteer your own or your organization’s expertise and support to ensure the
strength of your local youth-serving organizations. Click here to find a Girls Inc.
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Lend your voice
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whose services have seamlessly supported your community, particularly the
youngest and most vulnerable members.

Look for opportunities to mentor [[link removed]] the young people in your area whose future may be tenuous, but whose potential
is limitless.

Lastly, listen to young people and to each other. Create space for and connect
with those most affected by the problem to develop solutions, together. The
change we seek will involve each and every one of us.



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