December 2019 Newsletter

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Message from the Executive Director

How was everyone’s 2019?

For us, it was a year of resilience – like building a springboard. Getting ready for a jump (or more – stay tuned)! It was around this time last year when I returned from Sudan, having learned the complexity of intersecting challenges and possibilities surrounding all girls across the world. Similarities, differences… it was a lot to digest coming back here to Fort McMurray.

What my experience with Girls Inc. has reinforced over the past 12 months is that breaking any forms of barriers is not easy – but you can, if you believe in yourself, realize your potential and unleash it by taking actions with ‘game changers’ around you. It starts with YOU.

I am grateful to be in this exciting moment, signified by our 15 years of work as a Girls Inc. affiliate and 40 years of stories since we first started as Big Sisters led by our honorable former Executive Director Ann Dort-MacLean.

Big thank-you to Ann, staff, board members, volunteers, community partners and many other Girls Inc. supporters for building our affiliate, believing in why we do what we do and acting upon it.

May ALL girls to be stronger, smarter and bolder in 2020. Happy holidays!

The Women of Inspiration Gala will be an evening to honour our five nominees from the Wood Buffalo region. America’s Got Talent Golden Buzzer Winner, Mandy Harvey will be headlining the event with her inspiring story and beautiful music. Learn more about Mandy.

Buy tickets.

Women of Inspiration Nominees

Five local women will be honoured in March at our Women of Inspiration Gala. Each nominee inspires change and breaks gender stereotypes. In partnership with Bouchier, Girls Inc. of Northern Alberta are showcasing the stories of local women who are driving positive change for other women and girls, either directly or by example. The series also aims to show local girls positive role models who live within their community. The final woman will be announced early February, stay tuned! Read more about the nominees.

Nominate a Woman of Inspiration.

Spotlight on S.T.E.M.

Finning Canada and Girls Inc. of Northern Alberta have teamed up to award two girls in the Wood Buffalo Region as they pursue a post-secondary program in a S.T.E.M. (Science, technology, engineering and mathematics) field. This includes applied sciences such as: nursing, economics, medicine and social sciences. Students must be in or applying for their first year of school. More information here.

#GirlsToo Program Recognized on National Stage

The #GirlsToo program is working to create a cultural shift towards supporting survivors, breaking the silence around sexual violence and providing education about consent, gender equality and healthy relationships. This program introduces participants to community experts and resources.

Girls Inc. believes that girls have the right to have confidence in themselves and be safe in the world. Girls are entitled to feel safe as they go through life, and they are entitled to be safe in their homes, schools, and communities. In Canada, girls and young women are disproportionately victims of domestic violence and rape or sexual abuse. Girls especially experience gender-based violence which, in addition to physical and sexual abuse, includes sexual harassment including partner or dating violence.

The #GirlsToo program was delivered to a number of different schools in the RMWB region, it allows young girls to talk open and honestly about issues they may be facing. It includes an art component, which provides an opportunity for the girls to express what they learned around sensitive topics.

If you haven’t signed the #GirlsToo pledge yet, sign now!

Alumnae of the Year

Cassidy has been attending Girls Inc. programming for more than four years now. Every program she attends she brings a smile and infectious laugh. She is open and caring towards the others girls and truly embodies the Girls Inc. vision to be strong, smart and bold. We can’t wait to see what else Cassidy conquers.