February NEWSLETTER

GIRLS INC.

Strong, Smart, and Bold

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for more tips and activities!

Winter Programs Update

During this winter session, we are offering programming focused on leadership development for girls, as well as educating on media literacy.

At Lawrence Catholic Academy, we are working with students in leadership development. One goal is to help empower girls by applying knowledge through activity-based learning. This work creates foundations for confidence building, leadership skills development, and preparation for challenge navigation in their personal and academic lives.

At Esperanza Academy, we are working on media literacy. Media literacy teaches girls how to critically engage with the media, understand its impact on self-esteem, and make informed decisions about their digital consumption. We focus on recognizing authenticity and using discernment, as well as analyzing advertisements and their intentions.

Stay tuned for upcoming Girls Inc. programs that will continue to provide girls with the tools and knowledge to strengthen their identities, advocate for themselves, and thrive in their communities.

Black History Month

We are celebrating the strength, brilliance, and resilience of Black women during Black History Month!

Throughout the month of February, we'll focus on Black women role models throughout history whose accomplishments embody what it is to be strong, smart, and bold. Black women have been trailblazers and an inspiration to everyone, and we at Girls Inc. are honoring and commemorating their efforts.

Check out some of our recent social media posts for more!

Teen Dating Violence Awareness

February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness month. This month we recognize and call attention to the fact that one in three girls in the US is a victim of physical, emotional or verbal abuse from a dating partner, a figure that far exceeds rates of other types of youth violence. We want to emphasize to young adults and their loved ones that love should be shown as respect, not violence.

Why is it important to recognize this month?

This month calls for expanding awareness about teen dating violence, and that it’s more common than you’d think. We focus our attention on advocacy and to stopping the violence before it starts. In a 2016 survey, Girls Inc. concluded that 90% of respondents identified “bullying, harassment, and sexual violence” as a top issue that girls face today. Some of the ways we can help shed light on these issues is to create support and acknowledge when something doesn’t seem right in a relationship. Don’t be afraid to speak up if you aren’t sure if you’re experiencing teen dating violence or witnessing it.

We can also break this cycle by educating younger generations about healthy friendships, how to show respect, and treating a partner with respect and kindness. It’s important to start this education early to stop teen violence before it starts.

How do Girls Inc programs make a difference?

Girls Inc. is committed to advancing the rights and opportunities of girls and young women, with a particular focus on the needs of girls from low-income communities and girls who face multiple, intersectional challenges. Informed by the voices of girls themselves, we advocate to break through the barriers girls face and to reform systems that impede their success.

By being an advocate to protect teens from dating violence, Girls Inc. can not only educate teens about recognizing harassment and violence but also inform the public. Teen dating violence can have lasting affects on a young person's self-worth, not to mention losing motivation for social and educational opportunities, and affecting a student’s academic success. Since survivors often blame themselves and lose trust in others, it’s extremely important to recognize the signs, and to speak up if you think you’re witnessing or experiencing teen violence.

Girls Inc. supports the civil rights law called Title IX, which prohibits all forms of sex-based harassment, including sexual assault. They advocate for Congress to continue funding programs that address violence against women, as well as funding sexual education programs to help youth make informed, responsible, and healthy decisions. Girls Inc. raises public awareness regarding harassment and violence to fight to change cultural attitudes on sexual violence and victim-blaming.

Pledge for Change: A White Ribbon Event

We're excited to share that Jeanne Geiger Crisis Center will host its 13th annual White Ribbon event this year: Pledge for Change!

This event will gather members of our communities to pledge support to end violence against all women and girls, and will raise critically needed funds for the Center's Youth Empowerment Services (YES), including Girls Inc. of the Seacoast Area. The Center’s YES programs work to foster healthy and safe relationships for youth, and help them thrive through meaningful connections in safer communities.

Join us Thursday, March 20th at Andover Country Club and hear directly from students about the benefits of these programs. The event will also feature cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and a plated dinner, a live auction, and the opportunity to pledge your support to the White Ribbon Campaign.

Last year’s Pledge for Change was a powerful and moving evening, and we are eagerly anticipating this year’s event. We hope you will join us!

At-home Activity!

Homemade Peanut Butter Cups

Find the instructions here

Tag us in photos of your project on Instagram, or email Lismar at lmartinez@girlsincseacoast.org to see your work featured!