Lawrence Taylor's failures reflect our own

Today's post is contributed by Women's Funding Network. As an expert resource, we would like to share timely information about the topic of sex trafficking. Victims of sex trafficking in central Indiana can receive support from The Julian Center and IPATH (the Indiana Protection of Abused and Trafficked Humans), which runs a 24-hour hotline: 1-800-928-6403.

We welcome your input and feedback on this post and this issue.

Contributed by Women's Funding Network

Hall of Fame linebacker and Dancing With the Stars personality, Lawrence Taylor, may face up to four years in jail. Taylor is accused of third degree rape after having paid for sex with a 16-year-old girl in May. His next court appearance was scheduled today, June 24.

The message of the story is not limited to a celebrity gone bad, wasting his fame and fortune as hardworking Americans struggle. The real American tragedy is it takes the alleged personal failure of an individual celebrity to shine a national spotlight on our collective failure as a society to protect our children.

Unfortunately, what allegedly occurred in a New York Holiday Inn hotel room is not an isolated incident.

Through coercion, abuse, and imprisonment, as many as 300,000 American children – particularly teen girls – are at risk for commercial sexual exploitation each year.

Women's Funding Network, in partnership with “A Future. Not A Past.,” recently released findings of a pilot study that explored the demand for adolescent girls who are commercially sexually exploited in Georgia. The “Demand Study” details a first-of-its-kind study to quantify, describe, and understand demand for commercial sexual exploitation in Georgia.

The numbers are staggering – 12,400 men pay for sex with a young female in Georgia every month. These men account for 8,700 paid sex acts with adolescent females each month, which means that each adolescent female is exploited an average of three times per day.

Unfortunately, Georgia isn’t the only state where girls are being commercially sexually exploited at alarming rates. Research found that in New York, 2,880 adolescent girls were commercially sexually exploited through Web sites, massage parlors, and escort services in February 2010. Of those, a strong majority, 67 percent, were commercially sexually exploited over the Internet.

In Michigan, 117 adolescent girls were commercially sexually exploited through Internet Web sites and escort services in February, 2010, and 87 percent of the teens were commercially sexually exploited through the Internet.

Sex traffickers and “johns” are clearly moving their activities off the streets and into the veil of anonymity that the Internet provides.

According to the complaint against Rasheed Davis – the 28-year-old man who allegedly pimped the teen girl to Lawrence Taylor – he took nearly nude cell phone photos of the 16-year-old girl and used them to connect with customers online.

It is time to have an open and honest conversation about what and who is sustaining this growing market.

Web sites must do more self-regulation to ensure minors are not commercially sexually exploited on their sites. If they don’t do enough, the public and government must intervene.

Hotels must also take action. Hotel staff members have to be trained on easy and acceptable corporate policies to report incidents of sex solicitation in their hotels, particularly when they believe a minor is involved. Similarly, hotel management needs to stress reporting such activity is expected. Hotel guests can also be made more alert by receiving information on warning signs and where to call to alert authorities — just by adding this information to their hotel key cards.

Businesses are not the only ones that have to make a shift.

As Taylor faces his day in court, the time is now to enforce zero tolerance for the commercial sexual exploitation of our children. We must move from denial to outrage to action. Our children are waiting, and they deserve no less.

Summer Camp Participants Empowered through Leadership and Learning

By Quiana Graham
Director, Youth & Family Programs
Indiana Black Expo, Inc.

OPTIONS Class 10 member

Every year March is designated as Women's Empowerment Month. During that month, we see public service announcements honoring great women such as Amelia Earhart, Madame C J Walker, Betsy Ross and other women who have helped to make this country great!

As a person active in the non-profit community, I work first hand with the National Girls Inc. office, which is located in downtown Indianapolis. I have read numerous scholarships of Girls Inc. graduates from throughout the country who seek financial assistance from the organization to continue their educational endeavors. Their essays recount how the organization has helped them to form personal value statements, increased their self-worth and overcome challenges that they have face in life. Each year I am amazed at the courage and strength that these young ladies demonstrate in the face of adversity!

At the OPTIONS Class 10 site visit this week, it was truly my pleasure to spend time with young ladies participating in Girls Inc. of Greater Indianapolis' summer camp. Having the opportunity to see the young ladies use deductive and problem solving skills, was refreshing. (Most youth I see remind me that common sense is not so common!) I think I learned more about pollution yesterday (point and non-point) than I remember from high school. (And that’s not just because I graduated 14 years ago!)

Through well-conceived curriculum, I think that Pat Wachtel, executive director, and her staff are doing an excellent job of empowering girls to become successful women. Because of my work with National Office, I can attest to the awesome work Girls Inc. does in young women’s lives worldwide. After my visit to the local Girls Inc. camp, I realize that everyday they are teaching young ladies to become the BOLD, SMART, and STRONG women that will be one day be recognized during March.

If you have not visited with the ladies of Girls Inc., please plan to go and be impressed!

Education is Key to Violence Prevention

I was taken aback when reading the New York Times column posted on the Women's Fund Facebook page last week. The article highlighted a group of 14- and 15-year-old boys' "draft" of girls in their Maryland community. I won't go into the details, but you can read the column by clicking here. What may be viewed by some as innocent adolescent behavior may also foreshadow long-term issues with respect for women, which can lead to dating violence and domestic abuse. Objectifying women and girls diminishes a girl or woman's self-confidence and self-worth. It can have lasting impact on how she views relationships, and lead the offender (in this case, boys), to believe it is acceptable to treat others in this way.

The Indianapolis Star recently featured a program conducted at Westlane Middle School in Washington Township. Start Strong: Building Healthy Teen Relationships Initiative was implemented in all seventh-grade health classes last year, and will be spread to two more middle schools next year. A nationwide initiative, Start Strong is targeted to 11- to 14-year-olds, promoting healthy relationships as a way to prevent teen dating violence and abuse. The program is not only targeted to the students, but also engages educators, parents and caregivers, and policymakers. Start Strong Indianapolis reports:

• 11.6% of Indiana high school youth reported being hit, slapped, or physically hurt by their boyfriend/girlfriend.
• As many as 13.2% of females and 5.3% of males reported being physically forced into sexual intercourse.

These numbers are too high. Start Strong Indianapolis is partnering with Clarian Health to reach 4,000 students through engaging curriculum co-taught by peer advocates; to team with parents, healthcare providers, caregivers, coaches, and other youth serving organizations; and, to work with the Department of Education to enhance current policies through Indiana schools to address sexual harassment, bullying and violence.

Women's Fund is proud to be part of the solution, helping prevent domestic violence before it starts. Women's Fund has supported the Ruth Lilly Health Education Center's Healthy Relationships program for all 5th and 7th grade IPS students over three years. We are glad other groups are partnering together to champion and make violence prevention efforts a priority. These dedicated efforts will have long-term impact on the students involved and on the health and well-being of our community.

If you mentor a young person, I encourage you to keep communication lines open and make an effort to model and encourage healthy relationship behavior.

Redefining Beauty - Outcomes Beyond Measure

Tuesday I shared about the "Redefining Beauty" Girls Inc. program, which I recently facilitated at a local elementary school. The girls participating in the program came from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds. I could not say that conflict did not happen (after all, I was working with 9 to 11 year-old girls)! However, the positive outcomes of the program were phenomenal.

My co-facilitator and I made great progress with the girls. With the support of Girls Inc. and school staff, we built trust, and saw girls open up around the activities and topics. We challenged their understanding of beauty, and took advantage of many teachable moments.


The last session, the girls were charged with performing one to two minute commercials about themselves, sharing "What makes me beautiful?", "What makes me unique?" and other things they wanted to tell their peers. The girls had the previous session to plan, write and practice their commercials. I was so impressed with how focused the girls were during this exercise. They took the challenge seriously, and they really wanted to share about themselves to peers and trusted adults!


Some of my favorite moments from the program were:

• One girl came to us defensive and highly confrontational. When presenting her commercial, she acknowledged that people do not get to know her, and she suggested this might be different if she changed her tone of voice and behavior. This was great progress! She acknowledged a challenge she faced, the girls saw her own up to it, and the group validated her for sharing her feelings and reinforced the beautiful and unique person she is.
• Another girl was considerate and shy. When it came to writing her commercial, she shared about a (non-contagious) disease she had. While in some settings, she might have wanted to hide it, in Girls Inc. we had an accepting environment where she felt comfortable owning her disease and sharing about it with her peers.
• During one session, we had a discussion about how to respond to someone who criticizes outward appearances. The girls had wonderful, thoughtful ideas, such as: "Say something nice about her in return." "Ignore the comment." "Think about something you do well (inner beauty) and share why you are proud of it."
  

As you can see, the girls were truly remarkable, and the "Redefining Beauty" curriculum helped affirm their self-confidence and enabled them to validate real beauty in themselves and others. I am so glad I have the opportunity to be a role model for girls, and that Women's Fund supports gender-specific programming like "Redefining Beauty" for girls.

Redefining Beauty

I really enjoy helping people through volunteering. When I had the opportunity to lead Girls Inc. of Greater Indianapolis programs through Junior League, I jumped on it. Not only do I enjoy mentoring children - especially girls, but this was a perfect connection to our mission at Women's Fund.

This was my second time facilitating a Girls Inc. program - last fall, I lead a "Work it Out" program with girls age 6 to 8. This week, I finished up another program, "Redefining Beauty." In one-hour sessions over six weeks, I co-facilitated the program to about ten girls age 9 to 11 (3rd and 4th grade). This program covers a number of important topics, including:

• Defining what is real beauty.
• Looking who shapes our own concept of beauty, and thinking of positive influences, instead of negative ones.
• Beauty stereotypes in magazines - what's real, what's not.
• Creating awareness about eating disorders (the basics).
• Learning that our body is a resource, not an object.
• Specifically identifying "what makes me beautiful and unique", and practicing how to tell others about these qualities.
• Practicing how to recognize and affirm inner beauty in others.

Each session we led discussions and interactive activities with girls around these topics. Girls also had the opportunity to keep a personal journal each time, which they could take home at the end of the program.

Check back on the Women's Fund blog Thursday, when I will share more about my experience, including challenges faced and strides made with the girls.

Sniffles and summer vacation mean extra planning for moms

Today I was struck by my good fortune of having a strong network – particularly in terms of quality daycare, a good family who helps with the kids and the ability to tap into the great community resources available for working moms. I’m currently facing two situations that are not uncommon to working moms – a sick kid and planning for summer care. Both raise the question of balancing work and family responsibilities.

After shuffling schedules, cancelling a few meetings and attempting to get some work done (this blog being the last thing I will do before conceding to the sniffles and playing nurse to my sick one), I’ve successfully handled the first issue.

The second issue, however, takes a little more planning. While summer vacation is great for the kids, it’s often hard on working parents. Fortunately, there are a lot of great resources offered in Indianapolis – not surprising to know that several of them are supported by Women’s Fund of Central Indiana.

• Summer Camps: Women’s Fund has provided scholarships and operating support to Girl Scouts of Central Indiana, Girls Inc. of Greater Indianapolis, Girls Inc. of Franklin/Johnson Co. and Girls Inc. of Shelbyville – all with the goal of providing safe, fun and affordable summer activities for girls.
• Day Care: Day Nursery Association of Indianapolis has been awarded several grants from Women’s Fund to help with its tuition assistance program, helping families afford excellent early care and education for young children.
• Community Centers: Concord Neighborhood Center, Hawthorne and John H. Boner Community Centers have all received operational support from Women’s Fund to allow them to continue serving families and individuals in their communities.

While my oldest will be attending various camps this summer (including Girls Inc. and Indy Parks); my youngest will continue to attend his daycare. Both will allow me to continuing working, while knowing they are in a safe place.

Challenging what we know

Today's blog post is contributed by Raquel Richardson, OPTIONS Alumna, Class 6. We thank Raquel for sharing her perspective on a recent OPTIONS Alumnae event, a discussion of the novel Push, by Sapphire, inspiration for recent Academy Award Best Picture nominee, Precious.

By Raquel Richardson

Principal
Silver Square :: Marketing + Design

We know the sun will come up tomorrow. We know the leaves turn colors in the fall. We know the earth is round. We know the truth – until we don’t. Our world has a funny way of keeping us off balance and adding in those little idiosyncrasies that make us pause and take note, challenging what we know.

Then we are exposed to a story like Push, by Sapphire, which later turned into the award-winning movie Precious. Most of us go about our day thinking children are cared for, mother’s take care of their children, teachers hold our kids accountable and on and on. Then we realize, that’s not the truth.

Our latest OPTIONS Alumnae event conversed about the challenges, stereotypes, personal experiences, parenting fears and more in our discussion of this story. Anita Carpenter from the Indiana Coalition Against Sexual Assault joined us to help facilitate the evening, and act as a mentor to us in our ability to find answers we could relate to, and ways in which we can take our talents and steps to ensure fewer and fewer children walk in a life like Precious.

Anita introduced us to a couple new ways to help teach our children to deal with uncomfortable situations:

1. Bystander Intervention. We can teach our children, and practice ourselves, to speak up when we witness others doing something they shouldn’t. Using simple phrases such as "that isn’t appropriate" or "we don’t allow that kind of language in our house" are effective and simple ways we can interrupt a situation;


2. Go tell a Mommy. My childhood advice when I felt like I needed to tell someone of authority something was to go talk to a police officer. That’s not realistic today. When a child is out at a mall, out with their friends or find themselves in a situation where they are lost or scared for any reason, they are told to go tell a Mommy. A Mommy will find an answer and take care of you.

Discussing this story, hearing comments from my peers and learning of the real-life cases Anita has experienced, brought a whole new awareness for me. It’s good to expand your personal comfort zone on topics you would otherwise not bring to your dinner table. Likewise, it’s good to hear how we can help. Thanks to other volunteers at the coalition, you can assist children in schools or on-call in hospitals once properly trained on these topics. If this is a personal cause of passion for you, take advantage of the training and help one child at a time never have to relate to Precious’s story.

Follow Raquel on Twitter @silversquare or join Silver Square's fan page www.facebook.com/graybox.

New Law Designed to Prevent Teen Violence

Over the years, Central Indiana has experienced an increase in teen girls who are in more violent relationships. In 2005, 13.5% of Indiana high school girls reported they had experienced dating violence (had been hit, slapped or physically hurt on purpose by a boyfriend or girlfriend) in the last 12 months. This translates to approximately 5,000 Indianapolis area girls, ages 15-18, who experienced dating violence in one year alone.

As advocates for the prevention of teen violence and keeping our community's children safe, Women’s Fund was pleased to learn that on Monday, Governor Mitch Daniels signed “Heather’s Law” – a bill enabling schools to address dating violence through education programs and policies for girls and boys in grades 6 through 12. This was a great collaboration between many partners who developed Heather’s Law, demonstrating the importance of addressing this issue and reinforcing the importance of partnering to create change.

Violence among dating teenagers permeates many high schools and homes and cuts across every socioeconomic group. Teen violence is not new; however, it is a silent matter most adults do not recognize or accept easily, and therefore is not easily discussed and addressed. Teen violence proliferates from adult violence, often causing young children to repeat actions – or become victims of abuse. In fact, children witness 75% of all domestic violence incidents, and are, in turn, 1,500% more likely to become victims themselves.

Education is key. Heather’s Law has reinforced the importance of education and helping children – many of whom are in relationships for the first time and therefore don’t know and understand what constitutes healthy relationships. Women’s Fund has long supported community efforts that prevent violence, including funding a program through Ruth Lilly Heath Education Center designed to teach every IPS 5th and 7th grade student about healthy relationships annually for three years. In its final year, this program has become a national model and students have demonstrated increased knowledge of healthy relationships. This program, along with Heather's Law, are critical steps to reducing and ending violence among teens, and ultimately stopping its demonstrative cycle.

As a community, we must find a way to protect more young people from violence. While Heather’s Law requires the schools to take action, I believe it is the responsibility of everyone to take an active role in educating and supporting young children. It should be our role as adults to serve as mentors and positive role models so our children recognize abusive behavior and feel empowered to get help. What will you do to make a difference?

Inspired by a Victim of Child Abuse

Last week I attended a kick-off event for Child Abuse Prevention Month, hosted in partnership by Prevent Child Abuse America, Prevent Child Abuse Indiana and The Villages. Throughout the event, child advocates spoke about the importance of child abuse prevention and the devastating cycle of domestic violence. Statistics shared were stark. Each year, more than 20,000 Hoosier children are abused and neglected – that equates to 56 children being harmed every day and one child each week losing his or her young life to child abuse.

After hearing from Ebony, a young victim of child abuse and neglect, I realized we are all responsible for keeping Indiana’s children safe and secure. We are all responsible for treasuring, protecting, nurturing and teaching our children.

Walking away from the event I felt empowered to do something – to do something that could positively impact the life of a child. As I drove back to the office I thought about some of the programs Women’s Fund recently shared in a meeting with the Indianapolis Star – programs they fund that significantly impact the success of our city’s children. Programs such as Project Home Indy, which provides shelter for homeless pregnant teens; Juvenile Justice Program through Peace Learning Center, which teaches girls at Indianapolis Juvenile Correctional Facility conflict resolution skills; and a program through Ruth Lilly Health Education Center that teaches all IPS 5th and 7th graders healthy relationships.

Indirectly, as an OPTIONS alumnae and donor to Women’s Fund, I am doing something to make a difference. My contribution is impacting programs that Women’s Fund supports. Their grants focused on insufficient income, inadequate caregiving choices and domestic abuse in the home are truly helping create a better life for women and children in our community. As I look for opportunities to do more, I will look to Women’s Fund to help me make a strategic, smart decision so I can continue to help girls like Ebony succeed. As an expert resource regarding issues impacting women and girls in central Indiana I have no doubt Women’s Fund will steer me in the right direction so I can continue making a difference for young girls in our community.

Remembering Female Athletes During March Madness

March Madness is upon us. As a Hoosier, it's hard to go anywhere without some mention of the college basketball fever lasting through this weekend. This year, hosting the men's Final Four in Indianapolis - along with Butler, a hometown team, going to the Final Four - the attention seems to be heightened. Although I am not an avid fan, I can't help but get swept into the excitement.

When considering all of the attention the men's tournament receives, the women's tournament seems overshadowed. There certainly has been coverage of women's games, but it does not seem to be to the extent of the men's games. The Olympics is one forum where male and female athletes have equal coverage, but more attention should be drawn to the efforts of all female athletes.

Who are some of the women in this year's basketball tournament? Although these women hail from diverse schools and backgrounds, and have chosen a multitude of career paths, they are poised for great success in life.

We recently posted a New York Times article on our Women's Fund Facebook page about the impact of Title IX on women. The evidence is showing that women have lasting benefit from participating in sports in high school and college. Dr. Betsy Stevenson affirms this in the article, stating "It’s not just that the people who are going to do well in life play sports, but that sports help people do better in life."

I am happy women and girls have a multitude of opportunities to participate in sports. I am proud of Women's Fund's support of programs, such as Girls Inc. and Girl Scouts, helping girls develop self confidence to pursue whatever they set their mind to.

Congratulations to the student athletes playing in this weekend's tournament. I encourage all of us to seek out opportunities to support female athletes.

Madeleine Albright: A Trailblazing Leader

Since March is Women's History Month, it is fitting to highlight a trailblazing woman in history, Madeleine Albright. Last night, Dr. Albright spoke at Butler University as part of the Celebration of Diversity distinguished lecture series, captivating the audience with a sincere, inspiring, witty, and thought-provoking presentation.

Dr. Madeleine K. Albright was the first female Secretary of State from 1997-2001. She also served as the U.S. Permanent Representative for the United Nations and as member of the President's Cabinet from 1993-1997. Born in Czechoslovakia, Albright's family fled from oppressive regimes to the United States when she was eleven years old. She ultimately earned degrees from Wellesley College and Columbia University and has built a solid career, publishing several bestselling books and running her own consulting firm.

Dr. Albright is a champion for human rights worldwide. Her message last night focused the importance of diversity and understanding the truth from which people view the world. Some memorable quotes I remember from Albright's speech are:

• "The only open mind is an empty one."
• "We must use our opinions to start a conversation, not end one."

Dr. Albright encouraged audience members to understand the possibility that we might be wrong. She explained we should not downgrade our own perspective on life, but strive to learn more by studying those who make us most upset, talk to those whose life stories are unknown, and stop venting about the same things and take time to reflect. Incorporating examples of Nelson Mandela and Robert Kennedy, she emphasized peace, understanding, and lifelong learning. The breadth of Dr. Albright's life experience clearly informed her articulate and visionary message.

After Dr. Albright's presentation, she offered an opportunity for audience members to ask questions. One audience member insightfully asked how Dr. Albright balanced being a working mother, a student, and raising successful children (twin daughters). Dr. Albright said it was not easy and emphasized the importance of finding balance. She also said that women's choices are difficult, yet women must also take advantage of their ability to move around and live life in segments. Dr. Albright has shown she is a women who can "make it happen," and has stood up to any personal and professional adversity she has faced.

Madeleine Albright's story can be an inspiration to all women, no matter our circumstances. She is truly a role model and leader for women and young girls today. What women in history - past or present - have inspired you?

Cookies, badges and beyond: Women’s Fund and Girl Scouts

I’m fascinated by Girl Scout cookie time – fascinated by the dedication of the Troops selling them each weekend throughout the city; I’m fascinated by the mom’s helping to sell their daughter’s cookies; but mostly I’m fascinated by the lessons learned by Girl Scout cookie time. And wouldn’t you just know that as I was talking about Girl Scout cookies with Women’s Fund I learned something new about the organization… they helped create a Girl Scout Badge.

First, lessons learned:

• Education: My sister, a proud Troop leader and “cookie mom”, believes that selling cookies teaches the girls key business and communication skills. Not only are they learning to be confident in their communications skills (they can really work a deal at the grocery stores), but they are learning key business lessons as they sell cookies to support field trips and Troop activities (the more they sell, the more they earn).
  
• Philanthropy: A friend’s daughter showed me that cookie time teaches girls the value of philanthropy and community service. With just a few boxes left to sell, and knowing I had already purchased my fair share of cookies, she asked if I would be willing to donate cookies to military troops. She proceeded to tell me how the men and women overseas would enjoy a package of Girl Scout cookies as a special treat and a thank you for their service. I ended up buying three more boxes.

Now, about the badge and the connection with Women’s Fund. Women’s Fund actually helped create a Women’s Issue Patch that girls of all ages can earn. Girls explore topics such as staying healthy, caregiving responsibilities, philanthropy and finances. Click here to find out more about the badge and the activities girls can participate in to earn the Women’s Issue Patch.

In addition to the patch – and the purchase of numerous Girl Scout cookies, Women’s Fund has supported Girl Scouts of Central Indiana over the years. Grants to the organization have helped fund summer camp scholarships for girls, STUDIO 2B program for girls 11-17, volunteer trainings and Web enhancements.

Thankfully, Girl Scout cookie time isn’t year-round – my pocketbook and my waistline can’t afford it. However, the next time I’m asked to buy Thin Mints or Tagalongs, I’ll be reminded about the lessons the girls are learning and the role Women’s Fund of Central Indiana plays in supporting these future leaders.

Mom/Daughter Time with the Wannabes

By Betsy Biederstedt

How often do you and your mom or you and your daughter get together with the explicit purpose of laughing, poking fun at each other, and seriously discussing issues of which your dad, husband, or brother have absolutely no clue? Rarely. In the Biederstedt home, we just don't make time to do such. We have "more important things to do" like gymnastics practice, soccer games, piano lessons and homework! Never mind grocery shopping, working, laundry, and filling out our tax forms!

Last week, my daughter Susan and I were able to attend Rosalind Wiseman's "Girl World Tour 2010" sponsored by Big Hat Books and presented at St. Richard's School. This interactive time with the author of Queen Bees and Wannabes provided all of the above - and then some!

Best parts of the evening:

• Susan looking at me with huge eyes and asking, "Really?" upon hearing from Rosalind that as a mom I have ugly, hurtful, nasty feelings toward anyone who attempts to hurt, be mean to, or treat her poorly. (answer: YES!)
• Me laughing with my daughter as she rendered a dead-on imitation of me "Freaking Out!" (which many of us do when we hear "troubling" news about our child)

Some key take-aways for me as a mom:

• My daughter DOES want to talk about how girls treat each other.
• My daughter is READY to talk about these things. I thought she was too young (she's in 4th grade). Daughters are never too young to talk to their moms.
• My daughter has a great sense of HUMOR. I forget to allow her to be her. I like the HER!

Key take-aways for my daughter:

• Her mom can laugh at herself!
• Her mom WANTS to talk about more than her grades, sports, and schedules.
• Friends and relationships can be complicated.

We were happy to have the moms and daughters of Susan's closest friends in attendance at the event with us. The night has spawned MANY further conversations at our home, and at the homes of her friends. We have talked about texting, overnight sleep-overs, and the very beginnings of feelings for boys. I had no idea my daughter had thoughts on any of these! But she is talking about these now with me... which is the beginning to good conversations about deeper values and ideas that I can now see are on the horizon. My mom-friends and I are so glad to have these conversations NOW - as we believe they are keeping the doors open to more in-depth and supportive conversations as our daughters enter the tangled webs of Junior High and High School.

If you were at the event, please share your favorite moment, a later conversation you had with your daughter, or a key take-away you had. Feel free to share some special ways in which you have "door opening" conversations with your child.

Finally - we all "Wannabe" the best mom, daughter, sister, and friend possible. Make the time to have the conversations and experiences to do so with the girls and women in your life that you value. Go for lunch (yes, Chuck E. Cheese can count as a special lunch experience!), go to the library and sit in an aisle just the two of you, or simply sit on the couch together when everyone else is out of the house. Talk. Listen. Share.

Reporting on Girls Inc. from the Streets of Franklin

I participated in a video project for Women’s Fund this week and although I was skeptical about my ability to be a “woman on the street reporter”, I had fun and learned a lot about the organization I was assigned.

The project: Women’s Fund, with the help of Smallbox, is creating a video (done by volunteers), that will highlight how donor dollars are making a difference for women and girls in our community. The video will highlight their three focus areas (caregiving, domestic violence, and insufficient income) through interviews with executive directors and clients. I was chosen to interview Girls Inc. of Franklin/Johnson Co. So with our Flip video camera, Abigail Coleman and I headed south.

The organization: Girls Inc. of Franklin/Johnson Co. serves over a 1,000 girls annually through really cool programs. I interviewed Sonya Ware-Meguiar, CEO and Tara Mirchandani, a Girls Inc. mom. Each had a personal story about the difference Girls Inc. makes in the lives of young girls. They talked proudly about their programs, services, community partnerships and outreach. They both agreed Girls Inc. is vital to their community. I enjoyed hearing about Operation Smart, Sisterhood and other programs. I also thought it was cool to know a former Mayor of Franklin was a Girls Inc. girl.

The impact: I’ve always been a fan of Girls Inc., but at some point during the interview I had an “aha moment”. As I heard about their programs and events, and I saw Tara’s face light up when she talked about what Girls, Inc. has done for her daughters, I realized I want that same thing for my daughter. At seven, Bailey still seems so young to me, but she’s growing up fast – and I want her to grow up strong, smart and bold. I was so touched and inspired by what I learned that when I got home I e-mailed Girls Inc. of Indianapolis (which serves my area). Thanks to their quick response, I now have Girls' Bill of Rights Day on my calendar (May 1); and will be exploring their summer camp for Bailey.

I can’t wait to see the final video. I’m not expecting an Oscar for my small part in the video, but I do hope the organizations featured will receive great applause and recognition for the award-winning work they do in our communities every day for women and girls.

Welcome New Advisory Board Members

Women's Fund is grateful for the service of a team of community leaders who guide our work to improve the lives of women and girls in central Indiana—our Advisory Board. Members of this phenomenal group of leaders care deeply about women's issues and are active in all decision-making and policy development for Women’s Fund, including all funding decisions. They are strategic, creative and have truly helped us become the expert resource for issues impacting women and girls in central Indiana.

Thanks to 2008 - 2009 chair, Julie Davis, for her outstanding service to Women's Fund in this role. We would also like to welcome new leadership to our Advisory Board.

New officers for the Advisory Board will serve two years in their roles, including:
Ann Murtlow, chair (pictured, left). Ann is President & CEO of Indianapolis Power & Light Co. and has been involved in GO: Give Back including the Power of Girls program.





Julie Manning Magid, vice-chair (pictured, right). Julie is Associate Professor of Business Law at the IU Kelley School of Business and is an OPTIONS Alumnae, participating in OPTIONS Class 3.





Elaine Bedel, vice-chair elect (pictured, left). Elaine is President of Bedel Financial Consulting and has served as Women's Fund Finance Committee Chair.





We are also welcoming two new members, who will serve three-year terms:

• Melissa Proffitt Reese, Partner, Ice Miller, LLC. (pictured, right).
• Renee Washington, Contracts Manager, Northrop Grumman Information Technology, Inc.

The following Ex-Officio Members have been selected to serve one-year terms:

• Julie Bowen, community volunteer. Julie is an OPTIONS Alumnae member, participating in OPTIONS Class 9.
• Lindsey Rabinowitch, community volunteer. Lindsey is an OPTIONS Alumnae member, participating in OPTIONS Class 7.

Thank you and welcome to these women who are leading the way for women and girls in our community through their service to Women's Fund!

Exploring a Community Center I Never Had

I’ve become interested in Community Centers through my work with Women’s Fund. Last year alone, Women’s Fund invested $65,000 for operating expenses to three different centers (Concord Neighborhood Center, Hawthorne Community Center and John H. Boner Community Center). Growing up on Army bases, I don’t recall having a community center to go to, so I became curious about them. What are they? Who visits them? What do people do there? Why are they so important?

Well, the more I explored, the more I learned and the more I love about them. First, I love that the word “unity” is in the word community. That’s exactly the purpose of a community center – to bring unity to the communities they serve. No matter a person’s age or their needs, there are programs, activities and services for everyone.

For today's blog I decided to take a closer look at Concord (the picture is from one of their childcare graduations). Women’s Fund has provided significant funds to this organization for a number of years – from computer training for girls to childcare for women; assistance with basic needs to youth development. The Concord Neighborhood Center has been serving south side families since 1875, providing everything from social services, children’s programs, educational opportunities and recreational activities. They pride themselves on their ability to positively impact the lives of its neighbors.

So to answer my own questions:

1. Who visits the center? Concord serves over 1,000 women and girls annually (not to mention the number of boys and men that visit throughout the year).


2. What do they do there? Concord offers childcare, before and after school care, sports, camps, homework help, employment assistance, educational programs, emergency assistance, family literacy programs, wellness classes, health clinics, activities for seniors – and the list goes on and on.


3. Why is it so important? I’m pretty sure the first two answer this question. If it weren’t for Concord, people on the south side wouldn’t have these quality programs and services.

Once again, I thank Women’s Fund for introducing me to an organization I wasn’t very familiar with and for the dollars you invest to help improve the quality of life for our women and girls in our community (in this case, those living on Indy’s south side).

"Working it Out" with Girls Inc.

When I had an opportunity to volunteer for Girls Incorporated of Greater Indianapolis, I was immediately interested. At Women's Fund, I had heard and seen many great things about the organization and its efforts to develop girls who are strong, smart, and bold. Through their recent expansion of outreach-based programming, volunteers and staff are reaching more girls through program delivery in community centers and schools.

As a volunteer, my positive perceptions of Girls Inc. have remained true. This fall, I lead a six-week afterschool program in a Pike Township elementary, through a partnership with Junior League of Indianapolis. Prior to facilitating the program, I received comprehensive training, detailed curriculum materials, solid staff support, and was paired with a volunteer co-facilitator. With all of these supports in place for volunteers, it is no wonder Girls Inc. is growing to meet the needs of girls in central Indiana.

The program I co-facilitated, "Work it Out," focused on helping girls, 6-8 years-old, learn to be good friends, work through conflict, and deal with bullies. A program like this is needed for girls of any age, especially with examples of unhealthy relationships so prevalent in the media. In six weeks we covered a lot of ground, with only a few minor hiccups... which you could expect with girls that age! I was impressed at the thoughtful conversations, positive feedback, and progress we seemed to make with many girls. At the end of the program, the girls were eager for it to continue and to share their favorite moments. Many shared one of my favorite lessons, the "Put-up Party," when they wrote and shared positive statements about each girl in the room.

This volunteer experience has helped me develop my facilitation skills and learn more about the current problems and issues faced by girls. It's been validating for me to see first-hand the results of funding Women's Fund has provided to Girls Inc., and I am proud of Women's Fund's support of gender-specific programs for girls in central Indiana.

Lessons for a Lifetime

Power of Girls participants had a great time last Saturday at this ninth event hosted through a partnership between Women's Fund, The Julian Center, and Indianapolis Power & Light (for more information, click here to go to Ann Murtlow's recent blog post, or here to go to our website).

What did participants learn at Power of Girls? How were they impacted? So many of the "take aways" from this program go well beyond the day of the event... and even the responses we received that day are pretty powerful! Here are reflections from both girl and adult attendees:

"What one thing sticks in your mind from the Healthy Relationships session?

• "How, when I was in two abusive relationships that the cycle would go again and again, and how I can recognize the signs." - Local 13-year-old girl

"Do you feel that your participation today has made a difference in the life of your daughter?"

• "I think the participation in today's event has made my daughter more aware of women's needs in the community and the lessons learned in the healthy relationships seminar will make a strong difference in her life; it will open doors for healthy relationships now and in the future." - Mother attending with her 14-year-old

"What was the most valuable part of the day for you?"

• "Seeing my daughter be a part of the process to learn of needs and experience the process of allocating donations." - Mother attending with her 15-year-old

"Do you feel you made a difference in the lives of others today? How?"

• "Just seeing the happiness and joy of the mothers and children (at the Julian Center) made you feel like you accomplished something great." - Ninth grade girl

Do you know someone who could benefit from this meaningful program focused on learning about healthy relationships, needs of the central Indiana community, and philanthropy? Our next event will be in 2010; contact me at abigailc@cicf.org if you would like us to send you information!

Power of Girls: A Life-Changing Experience

Power of Girls is a one-of-a-kind program providing a unique opportunity to learn lessons that will stay with you for the rest of your life. Since March 2004, Women’s Fund of Central Indiana has partnered with Indianapolis Power & Light Company and the Julian Center to host eight Power of Girls events. Power of Girls IX will be held Saturday, November 7, 2009. Over the course of a six hour period, participants:

• Learn what constitutes healthy relationships, recognize the signs of abusive ones, and learn how to get out of a destructive relationship before it’s too late.
• Learn about all forms of philanthropy and how to help.
• Hear a summary of current research about problems faced by women in our community and how Women’s Fund is helping in a very special way.
• Understand what the Julian Center does, how it is funded and the cost of providing its services.
• Hear how the Julian Center is changing the lives of many women in our community that simply have no where else to go.
• Meet and do a project with shelter residents and tour the facility.
• (Girl participants) Grant approximately $3000 to the Julian Center for purposes that they decide based on what they've learned about the Center during the day.
• (Adult participants) Watch girls present the grant and explain their rationale for choosing particular services or programs to support.

There are several things that make this event so special:

1. It targets teenage girls, ages 13 to 16, at a critical time in their journey toward relationship building and teaches them some very valuable and practical lessons about healthy and not‐so‐healthy relationships.
2. 17 adult/girl couples participate, making this an intimate and interactive session.
3. Although a girl can attend with her mom, she may also attend with an aunt, grandmother or other special woman in her life.

The cost per couple is $250. While this may sound pricey, I assure you this program provides tremendous value and an unforgettable experience ; the fee is also tax deductible. For full details and to register, please download the brochure by clicking here or calling 317.634.2423. Spaces are limited and are first-come, first-served, so register soon.

I can’t recommend this program highly enough. I attended with my daughter in 2004 and I encourage you to participate with your daughter or special teenage girl. You won’t regret it – in fact, it just may change your life… and hers.

Friendships Made; Experiences Gained – Your OPTION

Recruiting for OPTIONS Class 10 already? It doesn’t seem that long ago that I participated - eight years goes by quickly. Back then I was eager to learn; eager to make a difference. I wanted to participate in every leadership and community program offered. OPTIONS was one of several – and the one that had the greatest impact on me.

Times have changed and community needs may be different, but I’m certain Women’s Fund has adapted in order to continue strengthening OPTIONS and making it a meaningful experience for participants. Just to be sure, I called a friend. Tonia Lotz, community volunteer, OPTIONS Class 9. Our conversation reinforced what I was thinking.

OPTIONS:

• is a wonderful way to meet and network with like-minded women. We made great friendships and connections – not just with classmates, but with community leaders.


• opened our eyes to other organizations. We had been involved with nonprofits, but we agreed our knowledge was pretty limited until OPTIONS. We were introduced to organizations we didn’t know existed.


• challenged the way we thought about philanthropy. It helped us understand when, where, why and how to give in order to make the greatest impact.


• site visits provided powerful messages and often intense experiences. We were both impacted by our visit to the Women’s Prison. Tonia also talked about Girls, Inc. and how impressed she was by the girls' confidence. I recalled the Julian Center and how shocked I was at how many women and children were affected by domestic violence.

Friends, knowledge and incredible experiences – that’s what we remember most from OPTIONS. Consider applying and inviting others to join you. It’s an experience you truly won’t forget.

E-mail me at kelly@baisecommunications.com if you want to talk more about OPTIONS.