what people are saying

What They Gain…

• 80% of all team participants will indicate an increase in personal empowerment, self-esteem and/or self value gained through participation in GFC.
• After joining GFC: 86% of girls reported know something or a lot about social change.
• 80% of girls responded that they had a vision or idea about how the world should be after joining GFC.
• 85% of girls reported meeting positive adult role models in GFC.

Why They Joined…
“The reason I joined GFC is that there is something I’d like to change in my community. I want my community to be closer. Maybe occasionally there would be a gathering for everyone in the community to come together and know each other. I also want to help girls fight for their beliefs. “
- Siu-Hua, 18 years old

“I think I am a creative person and I think outside of the box. That is why I love GFC because it gives me the chance to voice my (sometimes weird) ideas. Since this is a pilot program all ideas are considered and I feel that I am really making a difference. There are lots of times at school and in the world when I don’t feel like people are really listening to me or they think my ideas are too different, here I am heard. This project is giving me the opportunity to do what I love, make change. GFC gives me a place to do something meaningful and worthwhile even as a young woman, I know in the next three years this program is going to change communities for the better.”
- Emily, Founding Girls Steering Committee Member, at 16 years old

“I joined GFC because I wanted more girl friends and to meet some positive influences for myself and my son. Now that I am a mom, I don’t want to hang with the same crowd, ya know, gangs and stuff, I have seen so many babies grow up around that kind of situation and I want the best for my son! I stay because it helps me a lot. It helps me believe in myself, put different perspectives on things, helps me think new ways about things. I don’t want to be involved in gangs because of my son but I don’t know how to meet girls like the ones at GFC. I would not hang with these girls before, you know they are so different from me in some ways, some are in college and still in high school, some are white, different ethnicities, some believe in different religions. But its weird, we all have a lot of the same problems.”
- Rebecca, Founding Girls Steering Committee Member, at 18 years old

GIRLS: TELL US ABOUT YOUR
GFC EXPERIENCE--COMMENT BELOW!

continues...

Rewarding...
"You walk away feeling good about yourself, feeling good about the girls, and you make friends. It’s rewarding."

Believing...
"The simple act of listening and believing in [the girls] meant the world to them. Having an adult in their life that they could talk to without judgment changed the way they thought about themselves and their world."

Energizing...
“I leave team meetings amazed at how energetic, intelligent, and insightful the girls are. We talk about everything from racism, poverty, to of course, middle school romance! I walk away inspired.”

COACHES: TELL US ABOUT YOUR GFC EXPERIENCE--COMMENT BELOW!

Refreshing...
"If you’re looking for an ongoing connection with a group of girls, this is the right opportunity.
Works seems so uptight, this life changing experience is refreshing."

Inspiring...
The greatest thing about coaching has been watching the girls’ self-esteem and confidence grow exponentially since starting the program. The girls have gone from shy and 'taking the world as it is' to outgoing and 'changing the world to what it needs to be'. They are willing to tackle problems and keep working toward improvement."

Life-changing...
"I’ve felt an improvement in my life through this. I’ve found a greater purpose for my own being. And the constant enthusiasm and support of GFC staff has kept me afloat to want to do more for my team as well as my own life friendships/relationships. Thank you over and over again for this life experience!"

Transforming...
"The solution focused nature of GFC is very positive & builds resiliency. I feel more positive as a person."

Career-building...
"I discuss my coaching role and my team in job interviews! Everyone is impressed."

What coaches say they’ve gained from coaching:

• Time management skills
• Communication skills
• How to listen
• Patience
• How to be an activist
• Insight in to the lives of youth
• Better attitude at work and in personal life

"Girls For A Change innovative approach to social change epitomizes the spirit of Neighborhood Excellence - improving communities throughout , and now throughout the country.“
-Raquel Gonzalez, President, Bank of America

“Girls For A Change offers a different future for America, one in which urban girls are an integral force in solving our most pressing local social problems.”
-Vanessa Kirsch, President & Founder, New Profit Inc.

“Girls For A Change is one of the most innovative programs we have seen. This model is highly effective and scalable, allowing girls in communities across the country to experience their power and potential.”
–Bill Draper, Director, Draper Richards Foundation

“This organization is creating exponential change because it deeply impacts the girls it works with, and then these girls serve as sparks of change in each of their communities.  It creates deep and broad impact."
-Erin Carlson, Community Relations, Yahoo!

"Girls For A Change has done a phenomenal job to help smart, young women in develop their confidence and realize their full potential throughout the community. These women are a powerful and unique resource and given the opportunity they will create large-scale social change."
-Scott Kriens, Chief Executive Officer, Juniper Networks