Taking a Stand!

Fort Worth ISD fourth grader, Deisy, says she was in first grade the first time she was bullied.  She was not sure how to handle the situation, but she knew that bullying is something she never wants anyone else to experience.  To get her message across, Deisy entered the “Imagine No Violence Art Competition” sponsored by the Safe City Commission in collaboration with the Fort Worth Independent School District. Deisy is 1 of about 20,000 students who participate in this contest annually.

The poster Deisy created shows a young person who was getting bullied at school and later reported it to a parent.  Deisy says it is important for those who are getting bullied to report the problem to a principal, teacher or an adult as soon as possible.  “It will help you”, she explains. 

Girls Inc. would like to wish Deisy the best of luck in this art competition.  We are proud of you for speaking out about this very important issue.  You are a strong, smart and bold young lady! 

To learn more about how to stop bullying please visit www.stopbullying.gov

Girls Get Involved

Girls Get Involved

Girls Inc. members from the Community Youth Development (CYD)*program in Fort Worth attended a community meeting to weigh in on issues that are important to them.

The girls met with community members, leaders of youth serving organizations and other students their age to speak on issues such as the strengths of their community, challenges they are facing in school, and areas where they would like to see improvement. The girls also spoke about the benefits of the programs that are available to them in their area. 

Overall, they agree that they would like to see more youth get involved in the community events.  They want to spread the word about Girls Inc. and the other youth serving agencies in their community.  One girl said, “It is important for kids to know they have choices and that no matter what their interests are, there is a program for them.”   

Another girl noted, “Girls Inc. has helped me in so many ways and I want more girls to be able be a part of this positive experience.”

The teens collectively came up with some ideas on how to spread the word about the programs they are involved in.  They suggested setting up information booths at schools, attending community fairs, conducting surveys on social networks,and posting informational videos for their peers to view.   

The group had a variety of creative ideas. The meeting concluded in two hours with much left to discuss.  The teens and community members will meet again in April to further develop their ideas for making their great community a better one!

*The Community Youth Development (CYD) Program isadministered by the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services.