If you have a daughter, a female student, or a girl who is a member of your group and who is between the ages of 10 and 19, she is part of the biggest youth generation this world has known. According to GirlUp, a campaign of the United Nations Foundation, there are 1.2 billion young people between the ages of 10 and 19 in the world today with more than half living in developing countries. GirlUp goes on to say girls in the U.S. are “more educated, socially connected, and empowered than ever before.” However many girls in developing countries struggle to go to school, get medical care, or be included as respected members in their communities.
By having the girls in your life join GirlUp they can become part of a unified group of girls dedicated to changing the world for girls who are less fortunate. Here are some ways GirlUp members can raise awareness and funds for the United Nations’ programs that help the hardest-to-reach adolescent girls around the world:
- Spread the Word Through Social Networks: Girls can learn 5 facts about issues facing girls in developing countries and share them via their FaceBook, Twitter, or MySpace pages.
- Send a Girlfesto to Five Friends: This empowerment poem is a moving call to action for girls to believe in their power to make changes in our world.
- Donate $5: Girls can donate online and give a “High Five” toward everything from schools supplies, health check-ups, clean water and more.
- Host a Fundraiser: Girls can organize a drive to raise funds through their school, congregation, club, or community. The GirlUp website has resources to get started.
© YesKidzCan!, 2011
an impressive 13-year-old who took her drawing skills to a whole new level with the support of her mom by creating Stinky Feet Gurlz — a quirky and amusing apparel and accessories line with a 1940′s feel.
