Girls have the right...

...to prepare for interesting work and economic independence.

Five girls from Girls Inc. of Tarrant County have formed the team "Fort Worth Creators" and they are participating in Exploring Entrepreneurial Experiences (E3), a national Girls Inc. competition sponsored by Sam's Club for girls ages 12-14. The goal is for girls to come together in teams to develop new product-based business ideas.

The Fort Worth Creators (pictured here) consists of five girls. They are Jackeline, Mariah, Melissa, Teresa, and Alma. Not only will they learn how to start, lead and manage their own business, they will learn about career options, financial terms, and making business presentations to adults.

In addition, the girls will learn computer skills, improve literacy skills, gain knowledge of information systems, develop research tactics, and meet female business owners in their community.

They have signed up for a challenging competition and will compete with Girls Inc. affiliates across the nation. On November 22, they submitted an idea and are anxiously waiting for feedback from Girls Inc. National Staff. Their idea is original, innovative and savvy, but shall remain a secret, for now at least. This is a competition and other Girls Inc. teams could be watching!

The Fort Worth Creators are excited about the opportunity to learn new skills as they prepare for interesting work and economic independence. We will keep you updated as their business develops. Stay tuned for more news about this E3 team as well as Corporate Camp for Entrepreneurs (a team for girls ages 15-18).

I Vote, You Vote, SHE Votes!

November 2, 2010 - Election Day

With every experience in life, comes an opportunity to learn. As adults, we anticipated election day and we also took the opportunity to teach our girls about the importance of this privilege. This was their opportunity to learn.

Girls Incorporated posed this question to girls across the nation: Should school vending machines sell soda? Yes or no. On October 26, girls from Tarrant County cast their vote. The results? 79% of the girls polled (54 total) voted "No".

Debates sparked on election day as the girls passionately voiced their opinions against the selling of sodas in school vending machines.
"Obesity rates are out of control!"
"There is too much sugar in sodas."
"Kids can't concentrate because they have sugar rushes and then crash."
"It is not fair that not everyone can afford to buy a soda."

Those in favor of selling sodas also had opinions.
"There is nothing wrong with having a soda in moderation."
"We have a freedom of choice. If it is not good for you, don't buy it."

Not only did the girls engage in healthy debate, but they also asked questions about the voting process. Curiously, they questioned why casting a vote at a polling place was secret. "Is it so that people do not cheat off of you?" one asked. As mentors, we took the opportunity to teach them about the importance of voting, the history of it, and why it is such a "secret".

When I turn around, I see the sun setting on election day. I also see 54 silhouettes of young girls skipping along, carrying a new bundle of election knowledge. Election day is behind us. Did you cast your vote today? The Girls Inc. girls did!