HGHW : News & Events

Bangor Adventure Girls
We are pleased to announce that a beloved Hardy Girls program, Adventure Girls, is taking root in Bangor this Spring. Download the brochure to learn more!

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Join our fan page community.

Check out Lyn Mikel Brown's piece featured in the PTA online magazine!
Hardy Girls is overjoyed to share another insightful article by Lyn Mikel Brown, who challenges and critiques the media's influence on children and youth. This piece, "Taming the Media Stereotypes that Make Kids Aggressive," is featured in the December 2009/January 2010 edition of the PTA online magazine. Click here to read the article.

Know a Girl Who Rocks?
As a part of Hardy Girls' 3rd annual Girls Rock! Weekend, we will be giving out the second ever Girls Rock! Awards to 5 girls who are using their voices in bold and powerful ways to make Maine a better place for all girls to grow. Whether it's leading by example or organizing the school to campaign for social justice we want to honor girls who are making Maine a better place for other girls to live.

Hardy Girls Healthy Women is committed to ensuring that girls' voices are not just heard but made bigger throughout their communities. Girls who are making Maine a better place inspire us and inspire other girls to join together to create a world in which girls and women experience fair and equal treatment, independence, and safety every day in every place.

We're looking for girls ages 12-19 who are making a difference in these areas:
Title IX Champion
Health Advocacy
Against the Odds
Community Organizing
Entrepreneurship

Winners of these awards will receive a $250 savings bond and statewide recognition of their incredible achievements.

To learn more about the awards and nominate a girl, print out a nomination form or to fill it out online. Nominations must be received by Friday, March 12th.

PORTLAND: Cultivating Hardiness Zones: A Strength-Based Approach to Working with Girls
Date: March 15th and 16th, 2010
Location: University of New England (UNE), Portland, ME
Spend two days learning an effective strength-based approach to working with girls and how to incorporate techniques informed by the latest research on girls' health and development into the work you're already doing. Learn more.

Give the Gift of Media Literacy!
Lyn Mikel Brown, co-founder of HGHW, and fellow colleagues Sharon Lamb and Mark Tappan outline four ways to provide your child with "a critical eye along with a warm heart" in the 2009 edition of CFCC Guide to Commercial-Free Holidays. Best of all, the online download is free! Learn more.

Hardy Girls' Recent Affiliation with New Moon

A message from HGHW co-founder, Lyn Mikel Brown:
When my daughter was 8, I bought her a subscription to New Moon Magazine. As a feminist mom I loved that she would never see a diet ad or receive instruction about how to steal that cute guy in the pages of this magazine. New Moon promised and delivered something "for every girl who wants her voice heard and her dreams taken seriously." They supported my personal mission "to build healthy resistance to gender inequalities." With departments like Girls on The Go, Herstory, and Girls Act Out, my daughter connected with girls across the country and the world who understood they had something to say worth listening to. While other magazines went for outer beauty, New Moon defined beauty as "good hearts, great works, and activism."

I can't imagine a world for girls without New Moon Magazine. But without our support, New Moon will no longer rise.

Hardy Girls Healthy Women has joined New Moon Girl Media as an Affiliate Partner. For every subscription bought via this link* $10 will come back to support Hardy Girls' local programming. In perfect synch with our Hardy Girls message to girls, we all win when we work in coalition with one another!

*Please note that the link brings you directly to our affiliation page, as indicated at the end of the URL "HDGRLH." Though the Hardy Girls name and logo are not represented on the webpage itself (we are working to fix this) please trust that by following the above link with its special URL ending, you will be ordering a subscription through our affiliation.

Today I called our local elementary school, to find that the 4th and 5th grade library did not subscribe to New Moon. To keep the dream alive, I'm buying a year's subscription for the Albert S. Hall School in Waterville, Maine. Please join me: Buy a membership to New Moon for an 8-14 year old girl in your life. If she's all grown up like my daughter, buy a subscription for a local school, library, doctor's office, or homeless shelter. Then join "Save New Moon" where you can help just by spreading the word.

We have until December 12, 2009. Let's all pitch in and save New Moon for the next generation of smart, strong, hardy girls!

HGHW responds to the Maine election results and their impact on youth.

As you know, yesterday was a big day here in Maine. With a slim majority, Mainers voted to repeal the law that granted the right to same-sex couples to marry. One of our first thoughts here at Hardy Girls was how this news, and Campaign messages on both sides, have impacted Maine youth and their sense of community and safety. I think we can all agree that the security, support, and wellbeing of our youth are core concerns. For that reason, we are including a few resources to support your new, ongoing, and renewed work to protect and support all youth.

As we learned from the Ugly Ducklings National Campaign to Reduce Bullying and Harassment of LGBTQ Youth, the importance of safe, supportive communities for all youth cannot be understated. According to the 2007 GLSEN National School Climate Survey:

-86.2% of LGBT students reported being verbally harassed, 44.1% reported being physically harassed and 22.1% reported being physically assaulted at school in the past year because of their sexual orientation.

-73.6% heard derogatory remarks such as "faggot" or "dyke" frequently or often at school.

-More than half (60.8%) of students reported that they felt unsafe in school because of their sexual orientation, and more than a third (38.4%) felt unsafe because of their gender expression.

- 31.7% of LGBT students missed a class and 32.7% missed a day of school in the past month because of feeling unsafe, compared to only 5.5% and 4.5%, respectively, of a national sample of secondary school students.

The statistics are staggering but they highlight the need for all of us to continue to fight for environments where all youth can thrive: in families, schools, and communities free of bias-based harassment and violence.

Whether or not the state recognizes same-sex marriages does not diminish the impact that this election has on Maine families, and in particular, children. We encourage you to please reach out to the young people in your life and encourage conversation about how we can all work to create an ideal environment where all youth can grow up free of harassment. Now, more than ever, it's important for young people to know where they can turn to for support, information, and allies.

For all our friends and allies, we recommend the following resources for reducing bullying, harassment, and violence.

Safe, Fair and Responsive Schools

Hardy Girls' Exec makes Mainebiz Top Ten List
Each year Mainebiz releases the Next List, a list of ten people shaping the future of Maine's economy. This year, we're excited to announce that Hardy Girls' executive director Megan Williams is among the distinguished group of 'Nexters'. Read the full article here

Join a Hardy Girls Coalition
Coalition groups in Piscataquis, Washington, Aroostook and Somerset Counties are working to implement Hardy Girls programs in their areas, including film series, Girls Coalition Groups, and Adventure Girls programs. Learn more about these groups at the Piscataquis County, Washington County, Aroostook County and Somerset County webpages.

Groups are also forming in Oxford and Franklin Counties. For more information about the work being done in these counties, or to join a coalition, contact Marissa.

Girls Membership Program Launched
Every girl everywhere can now join the Hardy Girls community through our new girls membership program.

Members will be kept up-to-date on all Hardy Girls projects and programming and receive a free subscription to G-WAVE - a 'zine created by girls for girls! Check out a sample of our last edition by clicking here!

All members also get the following benefits: personalized membership card, 20% discount on all programs, 10% discount on all HGHW products, a pack of 4 HGHW greeting cards, and a quarterly newsletter and G-WAVE subscription.

Join today and receive 40% off your purchase of Get Out of My Grill: Skewering Stereotypes-Hardy Girls Style.

Sign Up Now!

Let's Go: No Makeover for Dora!
She's been a bilingual world explorer and a problem-solver extraordinaire. She's shouted, "Let's go!" and set off with her compass, backpack, and sidekick monkey. She's been a brave, adventurous, resourceful girl. Now,she's being madeover to be a lipstick wearing 'tween. Marketers are giving Dora a complete makeover, and this time, her accessories include eye shadow rather than a map.

For young girls, Dora was a good role model. For that reason, Hardy Girls Healthy Women has launched a petition drive aimed at convincing Mattel to Let Go of Dora! The "Let's Go: No Makeover for Dora" campaign wants Mattel to recognize the truth that girls don't need one more doll telling them the point of their lives is to attract boys.

Read Packaging Girlhood's blog on the subject and Mattel's Press release to see for yourself what Mattel and Nickelodeon have in store for Dora.
Sign the petition and say "Let's go. NO MAKEOVER!"

Volunteer with Hardy Girls as a Muse
Have you ever thought about working with youth in the Greater Waterville community? Want to put theory into practice and gain practical skills facilitating groups with girls? Hardy Girls Healthy Women is looking for female students who are interested in working with elementary and middle school girls (5th-8th grade) to help them develop media literacy skills, practice social action and develop a sense of empowerment through connection with other girls. All those interested are encouraged to follow the link listed below for a full description of the position and submit the application attached to that description. All accepted applicants will be trained in girls' development and group facilitation, how to be a "muse" to girls (versus being a mentor) and how to create a safe space or hardiness zone.

Download the Job Description and Application Instructions Here.

For more information on the positions, call Jackie Dupont at Hardy Girls: 207.861.8131 or email info@hghw.org.

Hardy Girls is an American Psychology Association National Resource for Girls!
The American Psychological Association Task Force on the Sexualization of Girls cites Hardy Girls Healthy Women as a "National Media Literacy Resource," along with other great organizations doing media literacy work all over the country! The APA report notes that parents and girls can work for change, and our efforts to empower girls to challenge norms earned us this recognition. We are so happy to share this news with you!

Girls Advisory Board Seeks New Members!
We know you want your voice to be heard and who doesn't love making new friends, planning fun projects and events, and helping other girls? If this sounds like you, please apply to be a GAB girl today!
Requirements: No experience is necessary. Applicants must be within the grades of 8th and 12th, be able to work cooperatively as part of a team, and be committed to the group with general interest in the mission and vision of Hardy Girls Healthy Women. Click here to apply.

Requirements: No experience is necessary. Applicants must be within the grades of 8th and 12th, be able to work cooperatively as part of a team, and be committed to the group with general interest in the mission and vision of Hardy Girls Healthy Women. Click here to apply.

Please do not hesitate to email with any questions!

Check Out New Adventure Girl Events
Adventure Girls has continued its program this season to offer 12 new events, bringing you more opportunities to meet amazing women of daring! All upcoming events are listed below. Please note: astricks indicate that an event is also being offered to Girls scouts in seperate sessions to work towards their patches.

Sept. 12 Sound the Alarm!
Meet Vicki Schmidt, a Maine State Fire Instructor. and Brittany Corey of the Waterville Fire Department as we explore the Fire Station, trucks, gear, and what it takes to be a fire fighter. Location: WFD 7 College Ave, Waterville

*Oct. 10 Jane of All Trades
Meet the women of Women Unlimited who will teach us about women in the fields of carpentry, construction and more. In this adventure girls will also learn how to build their own tool box to take with them the next time something needs fixing! Location: Hardy Girls, 14 Common St. Waterville

*Oct. 24 Horse Handler
How does body language affect the horse on and off the ground? Jacqui Byron, owner of the Treasure Equestrian Center and rider will talk about techniques. You'll also learn how to control movement and establish yourself as a leader. Location: 238 Prescott Rd. Manchester, Maine 04351

*Nov. 14 World of Woods
Meet Erica Block and the women of the woodsmen team. We'll learn the differences between a bow saw and a cross cut saw among other fast paced exciting wood chopping and axe skills. Demonstrations in speed fire building. Location: Woodsmen Field, Washington St. Colby College, Waterville

Dec. 5 To Her Own Beat
Drums come in all shapes and sizes and you don't need to be in a rock band to make some noise! Everyone is a musician. In this workshop we'll meet Phyllis Capanna who plays the frame drum and learn different rhythms, beats, and songs. Location: Hardy Girls, 14 Common St. Waterville

Jan. 10 Sea Trek
Let's go kayaking! Meet kayakers Dana and Murielle DiBiase of the Penobscot Paddle and Chowder Society and learn basic paddle techniques as well as how to properly flip over in your kayak! We'll also try our hand at racing and swamping. Location: Alfond Youth Center, 126 North St., Waterville

*Jan. 23 Stick it to 'Em
Pucks, slapshots, and frosty fun await the adventure girl who comes out to meet Samantha Gillies, Colby Women's Ice Hockey player. Learn the game and find out what all those pads are for! This event is for all skill levels. Location: Johnson Pond, Colby College, Waterville

*Feb. 6 Lab Laughs
Who says that chemistry has to be all work and no fun? Adventurers will meet Chemist Lisa Miller who will show us how to make chemical reactions, discover what's in everyday foods and conduct other experiments in the lab. Location: Keyes Building, Colby College - Mayflower Hill, Waterville

*March 20 Women Who Weld
What's a job that's fun, makes a lot of money, and lets you travel? Meet Edie Bentinnen of D&E Metalworks to learn the art of using a torch to make everything from sculptures to fences. Participants will get to keep their pieces. Location: D&E Metalworks, 1270 Rome Rd., Mercer

*April 10 Lumber Jane
How do you get out of the forest without a trail? Meet Barrie Brusila of Mid-Maine Forestry. Barrie will show us how to read a map, tell how old a tree is, use a compass, identify trees and do some detective work in the woods. Location: The Arboretum, Colby College - Mayflower Hill, Waterville

*May 8 Farm Frenzy: Animal Detective
Meet Linda Hartkopf owner of Hart to Hart Farm. Who makes their home in the pond, field and woods? What's an ecosystem? Girls will track animals, learn how farming effects the environment and learn about different Maine animals. Location: Hart to Hart Farm, 16 Duck Pond Lane, Albion

May 22 Leap Frog and Peepers
Not all science is done indoors. How many frog sounds can you make? What exactly is a salamander? Meet biologist Cathy Bevier as we track wood frogs and spotted salamanders through the woods. Location: Castonguay Square, 14 Common St., Waterville

Don't miss your chance to meet these amazing women! Sign up today!

Free Ugly Ducklings Community Action Kits
Thanks to a generous grant from the Bingham Program, Hardy Girls is offering free Ugly Ducklings Community Action Kits to every school district in Maine! Click here to download an application for the free Kit (PDF: 54K). Or, visit the new Ugly Ducklings website for more information on the project.