#Girl #Empowerment Network- GENAustin

*This is a kindasorta sponsored post between BB, Sverve, and GENAustin. Babushka says kinda sorta because I offered to write about this for $1- because BB had to put a price on it. Para mi, this is a social good post because I believe 100% in what they're aspiring and accomplishing, and I would have done it for free.  Babushka hopes other cities follow their example. Porsea, I write this disclosure; all opinions expressed are BB's and hopefully  by the end of this, they will be yours too.

HolaHolaHola My Beautifuls!!

In the last post BB wrote about the "Women Rise Above It" campaign, so now let's talk about the strength, guidance, self belief that girls need in order to become those women.  Today, more than ever, being female is full of contradicting options and thoughts, and good direction with positive programs are much needed.

http://genaustin.org/about/

Scary stuff on that infograph isn't there?  That's why Babushka ♥♥♥ what GENaustin's about.

 "GEN’s mission is to support and guide girls to make wise choices 

as they navigate the unique pressures of girlhood." 

As a mother of two girls, grandmother of one girl, and having been one myself, I know the need for such programs. Quee??  JU SO FONII!!!  Ok si, it's been a loooonnnngggg time since BB was bb, but the memory is still with me.  Do you still remember what it was like to be that age?




and just how does GENaustin help girls?  

Here are some of their programs:

• clubGEN  " is an after school program for girls in grades 4-8. At clubGEN, girls are surrounded with positive role models they can relate to for connection, inspiration, and guidance." 
• We Are Girls Conference " is a statewide annual conference that helps girls explore the issues of bullying, body image and being a girl.  Topics addressed include bullying, cyber bullying, self image, dating, diversity, financial literacy, media literacy, parent-daughter relationships and physical health and wellness." 
• Girl Talk Workshops " explore the issues of being a girl with topics such dating, body image, communication, friendships, and parent-daughter relationships.  Girl Talk Workshops are offered to schools and community groups for girls in grades 4-12 year-round." 
• GirlConnect, a Dell "Powering the Possible" Program  "Technology has a major impact on the lives of girls today, influencing their choices and relationships.  GirlConnect’s goal is to address the challenges girls face in their daily lives by incorporating technology and 21st century skills into an engaging and interactive curriculum." 
• 180 Program " is a prevention and intervention program designed to reach middle and high school girls involved in or at high risk of becoming involved in the juvenile justice system. The program goals are to decrease rates of juvenile delinquency and increase in-school functioning, critical thinking skills and self-sufficiency for program participants. 180 reaches many girls after a first offense and helps them get back on track, preventing them from entering or re-entering the juvenile justice system. " 
• Parent Workshops "The teen and preteen years are equally tough for girls and parents. Your role and relationship with your daughter is changing. It can be difficult to know how to help her navigate the new challenges and pressures in her life. GENaustin’s Parent Workshops are a resource available to address your concerns. At our workshops, we provide tips, tools, and strategies you can use to raise a healthy and empowered daughter. They are also a space to connect and share with other parents experiencing similar challenges". 

They are all great programs, but the one Babushka could have used most was the Parent Workshops, because a child's Puberty ::shudder:: doesn't just affect them. Created in 1996 by a group of 12 concerned mothers raising girls in Austin, Texas, it has become a program worth donating to, emulating, and continuing. 

 A voice of someone who knows:

So what say you My Beautifuls? 

Do you agree with BB on the need for such programs?  Do you have any of these type of organizations in your area?  Isn't Genaustin worthy of our help and appreciation? Babushka wholeheartedly thanks them for their efforts and the committment to their mission. Please feel free to click on any of the above links- I'm sure you'll join me in my praises.

Genaustin- y'all are a definite ESO!!!

BB2U