POWERFUL TOGETHER
MONTHLY NEWSLETTER
August 20, 2021
Trusted Messengers
While COVID-19 is affecting everyone, it is not affecting everyone equally. The pandemic has disproportionately impacted women and girls. Women are facing greater levels of unemployment, additional childcare responsibilities and increased rates of domestic violence. Young girls are also struggling. Being disconnected from friends, school and other social outlets is negatively affecting their mental health. As a girls’ organization, Girls Are Powerful believes we need to do everything in our power to help girls, families and our community get through this pandemic. To do that, we’ve been working with the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) as Trusted Messengers, delivering timely and factual information about COVID-19, vaccinations and resources to keep people healthy and safe. We are continuing this important work with MDH and look forward to seeing you online!
ORGANIZATION ANNOUNCEMENTS
Hello August!
This month marks Girls Are Powerful’s eighth anniversary as a nonprofit! Over the years, we’ve worked with incredible girls and families. We’ve also undergone some organizational changes. In this short “Hello August” video Girls Are Powerful’s CEO and Co-Founder, Shawntan Howell, reflects on the changes over this past year and discusses our exciting upcoming plans. Check it out!
Summer of Power Program
Our Summer of Power Program has been completed. It’s was two and half weeks of fun self-discovery as we’ve worked through our unique skill-building and social-emotional learning activities. This year, we focused on our theme, Powerful Me & We, to explore what it means for girls to believe in themselves and honor their individuality while also belonging to a community. We are so grateful for all of those who participated! We will share pictures soon!
Mentor Program – Looking for Mentors & Information Session!
GRP’s Mentor Program inspires girls to build confidence, empowers them to embrace their whole selves, and shows them the path to lead future generations. We are currently finalizing our curriculum for this exciting new program and are recruiting mentors! If you are interested in volunteering for the Mentor Program, please email mentorship@girlsarepowerful.org.
We are holding a virtual information session for the Mentor Program on Thursday, September 16, at 6 pm. This event is open to anyone interested in the program, including prospective mentors, mentees and families. To learn more about the Mentor Program on our webpage. Register today to join us at Information Session Registration
Meet the Girls Are Powerful Team!
The work of Girls Are Powerful started in 2013, and over the years, we have continued to drive forward because of the hard work of our volunteers. To express our gratitude for their service, we are starting a Meet the Team Campaign on social media to introduce our followers to the people who make the magic happen. Starting with our Board of Directors, we’re delighted to introduce you to the this team! Please visit our Meet the Team blog to read about those who are driving the mission and vision of the organization forward! Blog: https://girlsarepowerful.org/category/blog/meet-the-team
New Masking Guidelines
Have you heard the new masking guidelines? The CDC now says that even if you’re vaccinated, you should wear a mask if you’re in an area with substantial or high community spread. Check out the map for MN. Things are also changing rapidly so don’t forget to check back frequently and check out the map of the US here if you have any upcoming travel plans.
COVID-19 Vaccine for 12+
The CDC recommends pre-teens and teens (age 12+) get vaccinated to help protect against COVID-19. A day or two after vaccination, they might have side effects like tiredness, headache, fever, chills or muscle pain, which are normal signs that the body is building its protection. Taking over-the-counter medicines after getting the shot is OK if they have side effects. Talk to your child’s health care provider if you have questions. Learn more here.
COVID Symptoms? Get Tested!
If you’re showing COVID symptoms, even if you’re vaccinated, get tested! The Minnesota Department of Health reminds us that getting tested is the only way to know if you’ve been infected with COVID-19. To find a testing location near you, go here.
Stay Tuned!
We are working on assembling a great lineup of movers and thinkers for our virtual event series – Power Move and Empower Hour! If you have speakers or fitness experts you would like to hear from please let us know! You can fill out an interest form here.
Back to School
Somehow, summer has flown by and it’s almost time to head back to school. We hope everyone has had a chance to rest and recharge this summer. This month, we’re focusing on ways to make this school year great, so keep an eye on our social media for helpful tips!
It’s hard to miss the AMAZING Simone Biles! Biles is considered one of the best gymnasts in the world and has an incredible 32 Olympic and World Championship medals. We are so amazed by her strength on and off the mat. Biles recently stepped away from the Olympics to prioritize her mental health, which is SO important! We ❤️ you, Simone!
Mental Health Wins the Gold Medal
The Olympics has officially concluded and it was good to see mental health play such a central role this year. Expectations were at an all-time high after the Olympics were delayed a year and concerns around COVID-19 had all eyes on the competition. Athletes were vocal about how the Olympics were especially physically and emotionally draining this year. Check out our blog about mental health at this year’s Olympics here.
Youth Advisory Board
The YAB has taken time off this summer to recharge for the next fall and we can’t wait to hear what kind of fun activities they will bring us in the months ahead. In the meantime, they are helping organize Sunday in the Park!
Sunday in the Park
We are hosting an event! This will be our first in-person event since the start of the pandemic. This outside gathering is focused on ensuring members of our community have access to the resources they need to continue to navigate the pandemic. Come and help us pack backpacks with back-to-school supplies, enjoy music, and participate in wellness and personal care activities. We will also have vaccination information and offer a vaccine clinic. To get additional location details and information, mark yourself as “going” or “interested” on our Facebook event page here.
UPDATE: Please note that we are currently looking for a location to host this event! Stay Tuned!
LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS WORK
Check out the Youth Advisory Board web page at www.girlsarepowerful.org/youth-advisory-board
Are you interested in your youth joining the Youth Advisory Board? Complete our Interest form here.