In our corner of the world here in Newton, we are about helping girls get fit, so they can be strong and follow their dreams. Our commitment to girls goes beyond just this, though. We are committed to girls feeling strong in all aspects of their lives and we want to support and promote causes that help make the world fit for girls too!

We realize that not all girls have access to opportunities and equality and support and education and safety. According to Girls Inc, 1 in 4 girls will not finish high school. 78% of girls are unhappy with their bodies. 3 in 10 girls will become pregnant before the age of 20. 1 in 5 girls will be a victim of childhood sexual abuse. We want girls to not be defined by society’s expectations or statistics. We want girls to learn to define themselves!

This is the time of year when we reflect on what we are grateful for and reflect on what we can do to better ourselves. Consider giving your time or support to a cause personal to you, to make the world a better, safer, cleaner, fairer place for your sisters, friends, neighbors, daughters, and strangers. Here are some organizations we found that focus on girls. Tell us where you give your support in your community…and if there isn’t an organization, start one!

• YWCA Boston

http://www.ywboston.org

Their mission is to end racial disparities, end gender disparities, and build a strong better community for all. They are located throughout the US.

• Artists for Humanity

http://afhboston.org

Their mission is to bridge economic, social, and racial divisions by providing under-resourced urban youth with the keys to self-sufficiency through paid employment in art and design in Boston.

• Strong Women, Strong Girls

http://swsg.org

Empowers girls to imagine a broader future through curriculum with female role models creates cycles of mutual empowerment.

• Girls Leap

http://www.girlsleap.org

Empowers girls and young women to value and champion their own safety and well-being and disrupt the cycle of violence.

• Girls on the Run

https://www.girlsontherun.org

Their mission is to inspire girls to be joyful, healthy and confident. They teach girls life skills while using running to motivate, build confidence, and encourage health and fitness.

• Girls Inc.

http://www.girlsinc.org

Goal is to help empower girls to succeed. Provides research-based curricula to girls to learn about academics like STEM, health issues, life skills, being aware of social media, and becoming leaders.

• Boys & Girls Clubs

http://www.bgca.org/Pages/index.aspx

Enables all young people to reach their full potential through programs on character, education, arts, health, and recreation.

• Women’s Sports Foundation

https://www.womenssportsfoundation.org

Founded by Billie Jean King, this foundation ensures all girls access to sports.

• Girl Scouts

http://www.girlscouts.org

Girls build character and skills for success in the real world.

• Malala Fund

https://www.malala.org

This organization hopes to see a world where every girl can complete 12 years of safe, quality education.

• Girl Up

https://girlup.org

A program through the United Nations provides financial and other support to girls in hard to reach places in the world. They hope to provide leadership skills, access to health & education, prevention of gender-based violence.

• DIY Girls

http://www.diygirls.org/#home

Mission to increase girls’ interest and success in technology and engineering through innovational educational experiences and mentor relationships. Located in Los Angeles but they have resources on-line.

• Women’s Environment & Development Organization

http://wedo.org/about-us/

WEDO’s mission is to promote and protect human rights, gender equality and the integrity of the environment. Focus on Climate Change, Sustainability, and more.

• Catapult

http://catapult.org

An organization started by Melinda Gates to help crowdfund projects that catapult girls and women forward, with the idea that women know what’s best to help their own communities.

• Girl Talk

http://www.mygirltalk.org

They work to inspire girls to develop confidence to lead, through a program that has high school girls mentor middle school girls.

• Write Girl

http://www.writegirl.org

This is a creative writing and mentoring organization to that empower teen girls through creativity, critical thinking, and leadership skills. Based in Los Angeles.

• Girls For A Change

http://www.girlsforachange.org

Supports girls of color to visualize their futures through discovery, development and social change innovation in their communities. Based in Virginia.