Build a girl leader

Girls' Media Initiative
Throughout 2015 and 16 we explored other avenues for moving ideas, information and news to all the Colorful Girls groups as a way of increasing knowledge and the confidence to voice opinions and make decisions. We are testing out various media formats that provide girls with content outside of the forum of our weekly programs and special events. We conducted research on reading habits and access girls have to written materials – books, magazines, newspapers and the internet. Not surprisingly, they have very little access and in the sample group, only one book read by the girls was directed towards adolescent girl readers. Girls often don't have anything to read apart from school books or books and magazines for adults, so not much that peaks their interest. 

Girls meet in their Colorful Girls Circles every week and in some communities they have a circle and a sports session every week, but between sessions, there is limited contact. The publication of the magazine, "The Pollinator," gives the girls more opportunity to connect with wider conversations on health, choices, politics and education. The magazine concepts and content were developed by a committee of girls both current and past Circles participants. Most of the articles were written by Circles involved in our programs and a few were written by staff according to girls' requests. The Pollinator is going to be a great format for growing girls' connection with one another across the country, transmitting new ideas, introducing new project activities and, of course, inspiring budding journalists and writers. 

Thank you for being a part of providing great opportunities for the girls and continuing to build off the experiences from participating in the Colorful Girls Circles.

Pen

Links:

• http://www.girldetermined.org