Let’s all work “ToGetHerThere”

If you know me well you know that my feminist beliefs practically ooze from my pores. I can’t hide it. Everyone knows my girl power attitude. Nevertheless, it was still a pleasant surprise when one of my star students came to me last week to tell me about the ToGetHerThere initiative. She said she knew it was something I’d appreciate.

ToGetHerThere is a bold advocacy initiative dedicated to helping girls reach their leadership potential in the hopes of creating gender-balanced leadership in our nation. Why? “Because when girls succeed, so does society.” Check out this video.

The imagery is powerful and the message is clear: “Together, we will get her there.” We must all play a part in inspiring girls to achieve their goals and to be leaders.

As the program’s website reveals, Only one in five girls believes she has the key qualities to be a good leader. Futhermore, there’s not a single woman among the CEOs and board chairs at the top 15 media companies. And those are just two of many examples of why programs like ToGetHerThere are necessary.

Lately I’ve been giving a lot of thought to what I can do to make a difference in the lives of girls. Yes, I’m a teacher and I do my best to make a difference in the lives of my students, but I feel like there is more I can and should do.

I’ve considering volunteering with the Big Brothers Big Sisters program or at least being more of a mentor to my younger cousins. I’d also love to mentor girls through See Jane Write or programs like Girls on the Run.

The ToGetHerThere initiative has a pledge that I have signed and that I plan to take seriously, especially the portion about advocating healthy media images since this is an issue I’m already very passionate about.

Here are some suggestions of ways you can get your company and colleagues involved.

What will you do to help get her there?