The Power of Her Voice Newsletter – April 2019

Dear Friends,

I cannot thank everyone enough for your amazing support at Power of the Purse 2019. Not only did we raise over $420,000 to inspire girls to be strong, smart, and bold, but we saw what the next generation of women leaders look like! Thanks to all of our sponsors, especially First Tech Federal Credit Union, and everyone who bid, donated, and visited our POP-Up Shop!

As you heard at Power of the Purse, the most critical component of the Girls Inc. Experience is all of you: it is every single person who has been her champion and inspired her to be strong, smart and bold.

And there is so much to be excited about this year as a Champion for Girls. In just a few weeks, we are graduating our very first class of Eurekans!

These girls started working with us 5 years ago, the summer after 7th grade, and have spent every summer since engaged in our STEM-based approach to see themselves as an important part of the workforce of the future.

I want to recognize everyone who has been a champion for our Eureka! girls over the past 5 years. From guest speakers, to field trip hosts, to internship hosts, and sponsors, graduating our first class of Eurekans would not be possible without the hard work and dedication of all of our supporters. I would be remiss if I didn’t thank our STEM Advisory Council and especially Bill Crew. If you want to see an example of someone who is in her corner, championing her in everything Girls Inc. accomplishes, Bill is a great example and strong advocate.

Thank you for being in her corner, and championing her. I can’t wait to see you all this spring!

Warmly,

“As a woman working in the financial sector, I’ve found myself in a position where I’ve had to work harder, do better, and be better. I’m fortunate to have had mentorship from women who’ve blazed trails before me and navigated these same challenges. These women were the harbingers of change; breaking the bounds and creating opportunities for women – like me – to succeed. I’m proud (and grateful) to continue that tradition and support women to reach their goals while changing the landscape. That’s one of the many reasons myself and First Tech are thrilled to support the Eureka Program with Girls Inc. Because STEM education and experiences not only build knowledge and confidence, but spark the inspiration that instills change.” —Kelly Corah, Senior Vice President of Addison Avenue Investment Services with First Tech

As part of the #GirlsToo campaign, Girls Inc. of the Pacific Northwest will host a panel discussion featuring local teens moderated by author, actress, and advocate Reema Zaman. The discussion seeks to elevate the voices of young people amid the ongoing discussion about how we can combat pervasive sexual harassment and violence in our society.

Watch the event LIVE on Instagram May 11th.

The livestream will start at 2:15pm PDT.

In October 2018, Girls Inc. launched the #GirlsToo campaign, which focuses on sexual harassment and assault in the lives of youth, particularly girls. The campaign aims to shift the deeply entrenched norms that fuel these behaviors and to create a culture of respect for girls and all young people.

Take the #GirlsToo Pledge at girlstoo.girlsinc.org and encourage others to do the same.

Change is possible.

In Oregon and Washington this spring, two groups of girls visited their state capitals and got to talk to their representatives about issues they care about; in particular our #GirlsToo initiative addressing the impact of sexual harassment and violence on girls. Thank you to everyone in Salem and Olympia who helped us to inspire the next generation of girls to be leaders in their communities!

Girls Council and Eureka! Girls at the Oregon State Capitol in Salem

Girls Council at the Governor’s Mansion in Olympia

In order for girls to fulfill their potential, they must first be safe. For Girls Inc. Week 2019 (May 6-10), we will highlight how we all can play a part in tackling sexual harassment and violence by taking action to change the culture and create a safer world for girls and all young people.

During Girls Inc. Week, we would like you to help us highlight moments when YOU took action to prevent sexual harassment and violence. Everyday actions — like calling out problematic language or behavior that demeans women — can have a big impact.

We’ll highlight these stories with the hashtag #BeUpstanding

What is a Bystander?

A bystander is someone who witnesses problematic language or behavior between people, either in person or online, and is not directly involved. A bystander can choose to do nothing or do something when they witness something concerning.

What is an Upstander?

An upstander is someone who witnesses problematic language or behavior between people, either in person or online, and decides to do something about it. An upstander is a bystander who has chosen to do something. Sometimes the term “active bystander” is used to describe an upstander.

How can Upstanders help prevent sexual harassment and violence?

Many instances of harassment and violence occur in the presence of bystanders. Research shows that a person is less likely to intervene in an emergency situation when others are present than when they are alone. It is a natural inclination to assume that someone else will address the problem. But what if no one else does? For many upstanders, this is the question that drives them to act. And when they do, it gives others permission to do the same.

How can Bystanders become Upstanders?

In order for a bystander to become an upstander, they need to first identify problematic language or behavior and then decide to do something about it. Often, this is as simple as listening to their “gut” instinct and noticing when something just doesn’t feel right. If a person is exerting power or control over another person in some way, is pressuring someone to do something they may not be comfortable with, or is saying things about a person online or in person that is unwelcome or inappropriate, those may be opportunities for an upstander to step up and help shift the course of the situation. In some cases there isn’t a threat of immediate violence, but the actions are meant to degrade or disempower an individual or group. When we intervene in these situations, we can help disrupt harmful attitudes and maybe even prevent sexual violence.

#BeUpstanding