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OUR HISTORY

Girls Inc. was founded in 1864 to serve girls and young women who were experiencing upheaval in the aftermath of the Civil War. Across the decades, we adapted to meet the specific environmental challenges facing girls and young women, always working in partnership with schools and communities, and guided by our founders’ fundamental belief in the inherent potential of each girl. Woven into those early girls’ clubs are the same core values of Girls Inc. today: the importance of creating a safe gathering place for girls to learn and to share in a sisterhood, and a strong premise that each girl can develop her own capacities, self- confidence, and grow up healthy, educated, and independent.

LOCAL AFFILIATE HISTORY

Girls Inc. of Central Alabama has provided gender-specific programs for school-age girls of diverse racial and economic backgrounds in the Birmingham area since 1938. We are an affiliate of National Girls Inc. and have been a United Way partner agency since 1954. The Girls Inc. Experience consists of people, an environment and programming that, together, empower girls to succeed. Trained staff and volunteers build lasting, mentoring relationships in pro-girl, girls-only spaces. Whether a girl participates in our in-school, after-school or summer programs, she will receive academic support, learn about health and wellness and develop her life skills. Our goal is to help girls achieve at their highest level.

Girls Inc. Bill of rights

Although the times and programs have changed, Girls Inc. always has been, and always will be, all about the girls. With a continued commitment and dedication to making a measurable and lasting difference, Girls Inc. is a strong advocate for girls and honors the Girls Inc. Girls Bill of Rights.

View Bill of Rights PDF

1

Girls have the right to be themselves and to resist stereotypes.

2

Girls have the right to express themselves with originality and enthusiasm.

3

Girls have the right to take risks, to strive freely, and to take pride in success.

4

Girls have the right to accept and appreciate their bodies.

5

Girls have the right to have confidence in themselves and to be safe in the world.

6

Girls have the right to prepare for interesting work and economic independence.

I struggled internally for a long time, but through Girls Inc. I learned that my body is a resource, not an object. I began to love and embrace my body.

Briseida