Powerful Together Newsletter
December 30, 2021
Looking Forward, Together
As the end of 2021 approaches, we want to thank all of our readers and supporters for keeping us going during another challenging year. This pandemic seems to be sticking around longer than we’d hoped, but together, we’re getting through it. Girls Are Powerful is putting together a dynamic calendar of events and programming in the year ahead. On behalf of everyone at Girls Are Powerful, we hope you take some time over the holidays to rest and reflect on a year in which you have contributed to girls’ empowerment. Happy New Year!
Past Newsletters
ORGANIZATION ANNOUNCEMENTS
GRP Won Best Non-Profit/ Charities of 2021 from the Twin Cities Collective!
Look what YOU did! You mobilized behind Girls Are Powerful and we won the category for Best Non-Profits/ Charities! Thank you to everyone who nominated us and voted for us. We are honored and ever so thankful for your support!
Hello December!
This month Girls Are Powerful’s CEO and Co-Founder, Shawntan Howell, shared a short video with updates and reflections on what’s happening at GRP. If you haven’t seen it yet, take a look at the “Hello December” video!
Thank you for donating to Girls Are Powerful!
THANK YOU to all of you who donated to Girls Are Powerful during Give to the Max! With your help, we raised over $10,000! If you haven’t made a gift yet, there’s still time to make a tax-deductible donation to support our work with girls in 2022! Just donate here. As we move into 2022, we will use these funds to support our work of identity formation, empowerment, and tapping into the limitless potential of our girls.
Give Back in 2022!
Did you know that Girls Are Powerful is volunteer-run? We are unique in that we don’t have any full-time staff, which means that our volunteers are the ones who help us make a meaningful difference in the lives of girls. Over the years, more than 100 people have volunteered over 3,000 hours to make our organization what it is today. If this is an area you’re interested in, please reach out to us! We’re looking for thought-leaders, experts, and people who just want to give back to the community. We have a variety of activities where we could use some support. To learn more about volunteering with us, please visit Become a Volunteer.
Our Partnership with the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) Comes to a Close
In the early days of the pandemic, it became clear that the pandemic was disproportionately impacting women and girls. As a girls’ organization, Girls Are Powerful believes we need to do everything in our power to help girls, families and our community during challenging times, which is why we’ve been pleased to work with MDH as Trusted Messengers. As Trusted Messengers these past two years, we’ve delivered timely and factual information about COVID-19, vaccinations and resources aimed to keep people informed, healthy and safe. We are grateful for our past partnership with MDH and remain committed to keeping our community informed about ways to stay mentally and physically healthy.
Omicron Detected in MN
The first COVID-19 case involving the Omicron variant was detected in mid-December. The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) variant surveillance program quickly identified Omicron. This finding underscores the importance of continued efforts by all Minnesotans to limit the spread of COVID-19 in any form. Keep wearing masks, stay home if you’re sick, and wash your hands! If you’re not vaccinated or haven’t gotten your booster, do so now to help limit the spread of COVID.
Boosters Recommended for Everyone 16 and Older
In Minnesota 16- and 17-years-olds are now able to get a Pfizer COVID-19 booster dose. All 16- and 17-year-olds in Minnesota who finished their primary series of the Pfizer vaccine at least six months ago should get their Pfizer COVID-19 booster shot. Use the state’s Vaccine Locator Map to find a vaccine provider near you.
COVID-19 Vaccine for Kids 5-11
Children ages 5 to 11 are eligible to get vaccinated. It has been shown to be safe and to work well for children. If you have questions about vaccines, talk to your pediatrician or visit mn.gov/vaxforkids/.
Testing and the Holidays
As you plan to ring in the new year, don’t forget to get tested for COVID-19 before, so you’re only spreading cheer! If you just attended a large holiday gathering and are experiencing any COVID symptoms, it’s a good idea to get tested right away. Visit one of our testing sites or order an at-home test: COVID-19 Testing – Minnesota Dept. of Health
Join our Mentor Program Information Session 1/20/22
As you may have seen, Girls Are Powerful is launching its very own Mentor Program! We will be connecting groups of girls with peer and adult mentors, who will guide participants through a three-year curriculum in a safe environment for sharing and growth. We are hosting an information session on January 20, 6 pm to 7 pm CT. Please join us!!
Sign up here: https://form.jotform.com/213611408312140
Power Move
A big thank you to Mia Wanna for leading us through some great Power Moves this fall. We are grateful for her enthusiasm and energy as she instructed us in our different movement classes. Thank you to everyone who attended!
Empower Hour
Thank you Dr. Farha Ikramuddin for joining us to talk about the COVID Big Picture a few weeks ago. If you missed the talk, you can see it here. And thank you to Laura Pippen for leading us through a creative practice to choose a word for the year. If you haven’t seen her presentation, grab something to write with and check it out here.
Holiday Season Self Care
The holidays are known for being a joyful time of year, but they can also be stressful. Stress takes a toll on our bodies, mentally and physically. When we feel stressed, we are more likely to feel anxious, make poor or impulsive decisions, and have limited tolerance for annoyances. Taking the time to unwind and practice self-care can help you reduce tense emotions and even look forward to upcoming events.
Wonder Woman!
This month we recognize Sarah McBride as our Wonder Woman! Sarah is an activist and the first openly transgender state senator in the US. She is known for passing legislation to ban gender-based discrimination in her home state of Delaware.
