Common Sense Media Review
Nonprofit helps girls become catalysts for social change.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 12+?
Any Positive Content?
What's It About?
Girls For A Change is a non-profit agency that provides the resources for middle and high school girls to address social issues in their own neighborhoods. Girl Action Teams are made of 5-10 girls and two adults. Together they plan and implement a social change project. One recent project involved a school theater production on the themes of peer-pressure, conflict resolution, and self-esteem. The girls created the show and solicited support from local businesses and their school. If a girl can't find a Team to join -- there are groups in several US cities as well as an international option -- the site provides video training and other ways to hook into the positive message. In the past year, over 3,000 girls have benefited from GFAC Girl Action Team projects. In the decade of its existence, GFAC has more than reached its very specific goals -- girls report increased self-sufficiency and a better feeling of adult support. Best of all, the girls who participate in this program translate their newfound skills to situations outside the original project.
Is It Any Good?
The site speaks to girls on an adult level, which conveys an immediate sense of respect. With its success stories, the site shows that all things are possible when girls get organized and put their hearts and minds to work for the greater good. There's no downside to girl empowerment. Girls for a Change gets it right.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the ways girls are treated in and out of school, at different ages and by different people, and how this treatment -- good and bad -- effects them. This can lead to conversations about how the world treats women and what individuals can do to create change.
Website Details
- Genre : Civic Engagement
- Pricing structure : Free
- Last updated : August 25, 2016
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