Listed here are books, websites, programs, lesson plans, and other resources for girls, teen women, and adults.
Note:
The websites and books listed here do not necessarily reflect the mission of the Girls’ Coalition of Greater Boston, nor the opinions of its staff, leadership council, or members.
JUST FOR GIRLS
Beacon Street Girls http://www.beaconstreetgirls.com
This is an activities-packed companion website to the book series, which features a group of seventh grade girls in Brookline. The goal is to “provide positive role models and health affirming messages” for girls ages 9-13.
Eve Magazine http://www.evemag.com
An online magazine by and for young women.
For Girls and Their Dreams http://www.forgirlsandtheirdreams.org
This site for girls, a project of the publisher of New Moon Magazine, features activities for girls such as a book club, quizzes, games, and a pen pal club. The “links girls like” page lists numerous links to websites and blogs for and by girls.
Girl power: Young women speak out
Hilary Carlip
This groundbreaking book of teen girls’ writing is now out of print, but may be purchased through used bookstores.
Print: 368 pages
Publisher info: New York: Warner Books, 1995.
The Girls’ Book series http://www.deebest.com/
A series of books for girls on topics such as success, wisdom, friends, and love by author Catherine Dee. The website has tips and resources for educators and parents.
Girls Inc. http://www.girlsinc.org/gc
An interactive website with games, profiles of girl achievers, quizzes, and activities to do at home.
Girlwise (book)
Julia Devillers
Advice for teenage girls on how to handle life as a teen.
Print: 272 pages
Publisher info: New York: Three Rivers Press, 2002
gURL http://www.gurl.com/
An online community for girls and young women.
Latinitas Magazine http://www.latinitasmagazine.org/
A webzine by and for latina girls.
New Moon Magazine http://www.newmoon.org
An advertising-free magazine for girls ages 8 to 14, created by girls. The website has information on subscribing, along with resources for adults such as educational activities, how New Moon activities can fulfill Girl Scout badge requirements, a listserv, and a news blog.
Ophelia speaks: Adolescent girls write about their search for self (book)
Sara Shandler
A diverse collection of writing from adolescent girls.
Print: 304 pages
Publisher info: New York: HarperPerennial, 1999.
Studio 2B http://www.studio2b.org
This site, sponsored by the Girl Scouts, has advice for older girls on topics such as the college application process, how to be healthy, and relationships.
Teen Voices http://www.teenvoices.com
A Boston-based magazine written by, about, and for teen women.
Yell-oh! girls: Emerging voices explore culture, identity, and growing up Asian American (book)
Vickie Nam
An anthology of essays, poetry, letters, and short stories by 80 young Asian American women, interspersed with “mentor pieces” by established Asian American women writers.
Print: 336 pages
Publisher info: New York: HarperCollins, 2001.
ACTIVISM, LEADERSHIP & POLITICS
Barbara Lee Family Foundation http://barbaraleefoundation.org
Contains resources and information to engage young women in politics.
Boston Women’s Commission http://www.cityofboston.gov/women/default.asp Mission: to provide technical assistance to individuals and organizations on issues concerning women and to advocate for increased attention to public policy initiatives that affect women’s equal participation, economic security, family commitments, health, and safety. The Commission also provides advocacy and educational programs and opportunities for girls to experience a full range of life options.
Girls In Government http://girlsingovernment.org/mambo
A website committed to encouraging girls of all ages to accept leadership roles, participate in political life, and pledge their commitment to the advancement of justice and democracy.
The White House Project http://www.thewhitehouseproject.org/v2/press/2005/cosmogirl/resourcelist.html
Leadersip camps/trainings, books, websites, zines and organizations dedicated to developing girls’ leadership skills.
Hyde Square Task Force http://www.hydesquare.org
This organization runs high intensity/high impact youth leadership programs where teens are provided with a core curriculum in life/leadership skills. Has a program in community organizing for teens.
Mayor’s Youth Council http://www.bostonyouthzone.com/myc
Gives young people an active role in addressing issues by meeting with Mayor Menino and City Council members on a regular basis to discuss youth concerns and positive solutions.
National Youth Leadership Network http://nyln.org/
An organization for youth with disabilities that promotes leadership development, education, employment, independent living, and health and wellness among young leaders representing the diversity of race, ethnicity and disability in the United States.
Center for New Words http://www.centerfornewwords.org/
The Center for New Words is dedicated to a simple mission: To use the power and and creativity of words and ideas to strengthen the voice of progressive and marginalized women in society.
Project Impact for South Asian-Americans http://project-impact.org
A national nonpartisan nonprofit organization whose mission is to increase the civic awareness, social responsibility and community leadership of South Asian-Americans through educational and service programs in civics, media, mentorship, and leadership.
Reflect & Strengthen http://www.reflectandstrengthen.org
Young working class women from or living in Boston's urban neighborhoods creating and nurturing environments for positive social change through creative expression, political education and community building.
SHiNE (Seeking Harmony in Neighborhoods Everyday) http://www.shine.com/
A national non-profit organization that explores the uses of art, technology and sports to engage and empower young people to take a stand and impact their world.
Women of Action http://www.cambridgewomenscenter.org/
Women of Action is a grassroots group of low-income women, joining together to run local campaigns for social and economic justice.
Youth Vote Coalition http://www.youthvote.org/learn
A website for young voters.
SPORTS, OUTDOOR EDUCATION, & ADVENTURE
National Girls and Women in Sports Day http://www.aahperd.org/ngwsdcentral/
Every February, this coalition has sponsored a national day celebrating girls and women in sports. The website suggests ideas for activities for girls and tools for creating your own event.
Outdoor Explorations http://www.outdoorexp.org/
Outdoor Explorations (OE) works to challenge perceptions and change lives of people with and without disabilities through shared activities in the outdoors. Each year, the organization serves over 700 people with one-day clinics and multi-day overnight trips with activities such as kayaking, backpacking, sailing, rock climbing, whitewater rafting, snowshoeing, and community service.
Project Adventure http://www.pa.org/
The mission of Project Adventure is to provide leadership in the expansion of Adventure-based experiential programming. Project Adventure seeks to develop responsible individuals, productive organizations and sustainable communities.
Woman On Safari http://www.womanonsafari.org/girlsresource/
Local and national outdoor ed programs for girls.
Women’s Sports Foundation http://www.womenssportsfoundation.org
Contains a wealth of information about issues affecting girls and women athletes, including Title IX advocacy.
SCIENCE, MATH, & TECHNOLOGY
Amusement Park Physics http://www.learner.org/exhibits/parkphysics/index.html
A learning lesson about the physics of amusement park rides.
Codman Square Tech Center
http://www.codman.org/mod.php?mod=userpage&menu=13&page_id=6
The mission of the Codman Square Technology Center is to provide the diverse members of this rich community with the technical tools, training and space with which to strengthen their own lives and the life of the neighborhood. In five different labs with over 50 computers-including a small lab for pre-schoolers, an electronic music studio and state-of-the-art digital video equipment, the Tech Center provides thousands of residents from ages three to ninety-three with training that ranges from basic computer skills to digital photography and beyond.
EPA Curriculum Resources http://www.epa.gov/teachers/curric-index.htm
Links to lesson plans in environmental science.
Learning HTML for Kids http://www.goodellgroup.com/tutorial/index.html
An online HTML tutorial program.
Science, Gender, and Afterschool http://www.afterschool.org/sga/
An interactive forum for researchers, practitioners, and policymakers eager to strengthen the role of afterschool education in increasing girls' participation in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education and careers.
Stone Community Computer Center http://www.sc3.org/
A center in Somerville providing affordable internet access and computer classes.
South End Technology Center @ Tent City
http://www.tech-center-enlightentcity.tv
A collaborative venture between the Tent City Corporation (TCC) and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Our fundamental purpose is to enable people to become producers of knowledge and sharers of ideas and information. Our scope and methods are as diverse as the people we serve. We provide free or low-cost access and training in most aspects of computer-related technology. The staff, mostly volunteers, have extensive backgrounds in computer technology and their applications.
EDUCATION & CAREER DEVELOPMENT
AAUW http://www.aauw.org
Through its Educational Foundation, the American Association of University Women conducts research which promotes equity for women and girls. AAUW has disseminated landmark reports on gender bias, sexual harassment, technology training, and learning and wage gaps in schools and in the workplace. AAUW also advocates at the state and national levels for equitable access to education and employment."
Babysitter’s Certificate Class Online http://www.babysittingclass.com/
This program, endorsed by New Moon Magazine, is an online course in babysitting that comes with a print curriculum and technical assistance. Group rates are available.
College Express http://www.collegexpress.com/
Information on colleges, the application process, loans and scholarships.
The Funworks http://thefunworks.org/
An interactive career exploration website for middle-schoolers focusing on how science, math, engineering, and technology skills are used in a range of careers such as sports, design, and music. Designed by youth as a project of the Education Development Center.
High School Ace http://highschoolace.com/ace/ace.cfm
Homework help, subject guides, reference tools, and college prep resources.
Real Science http://www.realscience.org/
Features profiles of real people in a wealth of different scientific careers.
Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day http://www.daughtersandsonstowork.org/
Since 1992, the Ms. Foundation has been running this national career development day for girls (recently expanded to include boys as well).
Wonderwise http://wonderwise.unl.edu/
Women in science careers – a site for girls and adults
ECONOMIC LITERACY & ENTREPRENEURSHIP
Camp CEO http://www.ptgirlscouts.org/camp/campceo.shtml
A program of the Girl Scouts, Patriots' Trail Council open to all teenage girls (grades 8-12) interested in exploring and learning about exciting and challenging choices. Prominent Boston women serve as camp counselors and share their life lessons, career paths and dreams with a diverse group of teenage girls. Girls learn how to raise their own expectations and ultimately realize that anything is possible. Girls do not have to be Girl Scouts to attend.
Independent Means http://www.independentmeans.com/imi/index.php
A financial education company that runs entrepreneurship workshops for girls and women.
ARTS, MEDIA, & MEDIA LITERACY
ACT Roxbury http://www.actroxbury.org
ACT Roxbury publishes the Roxbury Literary Annual (short stories, essays, and poetry by Roxbury teens), hosts the Roxbury Film Festival, Roxbury Open Studios, and other arts-related events.
Can’t buy my love: How advertising changes the way we think and feel
Jean Kilbourne
Print: 368 pages
Publisher info: New York: Touchstone, 2000.
Community Art Center http://www.communityartcenter.org/
This media production program for youth in Cambridge sponsors the annual Do It Your Damn Self! Youth Film Festival.
Culture of Modeling http://www.cultureofmodeling.com/
Started by a former model, this website engages teens and adults in a conversation about the power the “culture of modeling” holds over girls and women. The site has moderated message boards and an email newsletter.
Gabrie’l J. Atchison Productions http://www.onlinegabriel.com/
A Black women’s performing arts company that runs a program called the Young Women’s Theater Project. YWTP is a 13-week program guiding young women ages 16-21 in the process of writing, directing, and producing a performing arts production about their lives.
G.I.R.L.S. Project - GirlTV http://www.geocities.com/girltvbnn/tv.html
Girl TV is a weekly interactive cable show organized by young women, airing on BNN (Boston Neighborhood Network). The show explores real issues and provides an outlet for young women to get informed, share their concerns and offer solutions.
Girls, Women and Media Project http://www.mediaandwomen.org/index.html
Promotes media literacy for girls and women. The site has resources on media literacy, a quiz
on media, and a listserv for media activism.
Jean Kilbourne http://www.jeankilbourne.com/index.html
Jean Kilbourne is a pioneer advocate for fairer representation of women and girls in the media. Her website includes information on her lectures, videos, and books, and an extensive resource list available as an easy-to-print PDF file.
Just Think http://www.justthink.org/index.html
This San Francisco-based organization “teaches young people to lead healthy, responsible, independent lives in a culture highly impacted by media” by training youth to produce their own media. The website offers tips for adults (called “tv guide for parents”), media facts, and high quality media literacy curricula for purchase.
Media Awareness http://www.media-awareness.ca/english/teachers/index.cfm
A Canadian website with lesson plans on media literacy topics, including body image, race, and gender portrayal.
Merchants of Cool http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/cool/
A PBS Frontline report on “the creators and marketers of popular culture for teenagers,” this excellent video explores how marketing permeates youth culture, how teens are affected, and what they think about it. The website provides free resources such as the actual program for viewing online, a teachers’ guide, and interviews with marketers, media executives, and media critics. Suitable for grades 9 and up.
Poetic License http://www.itvs.org/poeticlicense/youth.html
A youth poetry website, with an online poetry journal and discussions.
Take Back the Music http://www.essence.com/essence/takebackthemusic/index.html
A project of Essence Magazine determined to “raise the level of public dialogue and debate surrounding the way Black women are depicted in the often misogynistic lyrics and images of popular culture.” Visitors to the site can read and comment on articles about issues in pop culture.
Turn Beauty Inside Out http://www.mindonthemedia.org/TurnBeautyInsideOut.htm
TBIO is a “grassroots celebration of media images that promote healthy behavior for girls and boys . . . and a definition of beauty that focuses on who they are and what they do, not on how they look.” The site has resources for adults and girls to host their own celebration on Turn Beauty Inside Out Day, a designated day each May.
Young People’s Press http://www.ypp.net
A news service that empowers a large network of youth and young adult writers to have a voice in the mainstream media and a space at the table of public opinion.
HEALTH, SEXUALITY, & LIFE SKILLS
Advocates for Youth http://www.advocatesforyouth.org
A national organization working to provide youth with information to make informed decisions about their health and sexuality.
Beyond Disability (video) http://www.beyondmedia.org
The Empowered Fe Fes (slang for female), a group of young women with disabilities, hit the streets of Chicago on a quest to discover the difference between how they see themselves and how others see them. Their revelations are humorous, thought provoking and surprising. Teacher’s guide available as well.
Boston GLASS http://www.bostonglass.org/index.htm
A free drop-in center for gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and questioning youth in Back Bay.
Center for Young Women’s Health http://www.youngwomenshealth.org/
This site, run by Children’s Hospital, contains information for young women on nutrition, sexuality, reproductive health, emotional health, and other topics.
Eating Disorders Information Network http://www.edin-ga.org
Has tips for teens and adults, a children’s book and companion curriculum, and many resources about eating disorders.
Massachusetts Alliance on Teen Pregnancy http://www.massteenpregnancy.org
Provides statewide leadership to prevent teenage pregnancy and meet the service needs of pregnant and parenting teens and their children through policy analysis, research, education, and advocacy. The Alliance works to ensure that Massachusetts’ youth have access to comprehensive pregnancy-prevention services and that pregnant and parenting teens and their children have the resources and support they need to thrive.
My Sistahs http://www.mysistahs.org
This site, created by and for young women of color, addresses sexuality and reproductive health issues.
PFLAG http://www.pflag.org
Parents, Families, and Friends of Lesbians and Gays is a national membership organization promoting “the health and wellbeing of lesbians, gays, bisexual and transgendered persons, their families and friends.”
Real girl/real world: Tools for finding your real self (book)
Heather Gray, Samantha Phillips
“Written by two women in their twenties and incorporating the voices of over seventy teen girls from all backgrounds, this savvy guide helps girls navigate the pressures and obstacles they face every day.” (from the book jacket).
Print: 221 pages
Publisher info: Seattle: Seal Press
Sex Education and Students with Disabilities http://ericec.org/faq/sex-ed.html
A resource list on sex education from the ERIC Clearinghouse on Disabilities and Gifted Education.
Sex Etc. http://www.sxetc.org
A website by teens, for teens on sexual health and reproductive rights issues.
Teenwire http://www.teenwire.com/
A website on issues of sexuality for teens by Planned Parenthood Federation of the USA.
Young Mommies Unite http://www.youngmommiesunite.com
This website, created by teens, has a mission “to create a place of hope, love and support for pregnant teens and parents.”
RESOURCES FOR PARENTS AND ADULTS WHO WORK WITH GIRLS
Boston Afterschool and Beyond RFP List http://www.bostonbeyond.org/providers/funding.php
This organization posts current RFPs for out-of-school time, with links to local, state, and national funding databases and grantseeking tools such as sample proposals.
Building the Out-of-School Time Network (BOSTnet) http://www.bostnet.org
This organization provides services to out of school time programs in the Boston area, including professional development workshops; an online, searchable guide to before and after school programs; and a listserv for program practitioners.
City of Boston Weekly Funding Update http://www.cityofboston.gov/intergovernmental/weekly.asp
A listing of funding opportunities, recent grant awards, and news from local, state, federal, and private sources. The list can be accessed on the website or by subscribing to the email funding alert.
Dads and Daughters http://www.dadsanddaughters.org/
A national organization for men concerned about girls’ issues, this website has information on how adults can advocate for girls, a listserv, and a print newsletter.
Girls Incorporated http://www.girlsinc.org/
Girls Inc. is is a national nonprofit youth organization dedicated to inspiring all girls to be strong, smart, and bold. The website for adults includes tip sheets for adults who work with girls, as well as comprehensive resource lists on topics from juvenile justice to sexuality to economic literacy. Other tools for advocacy can be found on the website; there is a legislative action center a media guide to help you contact your elected representatives and local media.
Girl Scouts of the USA http://www.girlscouts.org/
Girl Scouts of the USA is the world's largest organization dedicated to helping all girls everywhere build character and gain skills for success in the real world. The website provides adults with research findings and resources about girls.
How to say it to girls: Communicating with your growing daughter (book)
Nancy Gruver
A guide to help adults answer girls’ questions and support their individuality, self-esteem, and independence. Written by the founder of New Moon Magazine.
Print: 360 pages
Publisher info: New York: Prentiss Hall, 2004.
The new girls’ movement: New assessment tools for youth programs
http://www.ms.foundation.org/user-assets/PDF/Program/TOOLKIT%20REPORT.pdf
A guide to conducting evaluations of girls’ programs.
Outcome Measurement Resource Network of the United Way
http://national.unitedway.org/outcomes/
Information, downloadable documents, and links to resources related to the identification and measurement of program- and community-level outcomes.
The skin we’re in: Teaching our teens to be emotionally strong, socially smart, and spiritually connected (book)
Janie Ward
A handbook for parents and adults who work with African American youth. Includes practical advice for helping youth develop constructive responses to racism and sexism.
Print: 304 pages
Publisher info: New York: Fireside, 2000.
Strong, smart and bold: Empowering girls for life (book)
Carla Fine
This book, based on the Girls’ Bill of Rights developed by Girls Inc., addresses how adults can help girls take risks, achieve their goals, accept and appreciate their bodies, be confident, and resist gender stereotypes.
Print: 224 pages
Publisher info: New York: HarperCollins, 2001.
Teen Talking Circle Project http://www.teentalkingcircles.org
An organization that leads girls-only, boys-only, and coed weekly teen discussion groups where “young people can seek and express their truth, be in touch with their innate wisdom, and practice skills that foster nurturing, sustainable relationships; circles where young women and men become empowered in their own lives and the world they live in.” A facilitator’s guide and training are available so that practitioners can start their own talking circle.
Third Wave Foundation http://thirdwavefoundation.org/
A grantmaking organization for young women’s programs focused on social justice.
Title IX Campaign http://www.titleix.info/index.jsp
A project of the National Women’s Law Center, this site teaches visitors about Title IX, the landmark law ensuring gender equity in education.
Women Make Movies Girls’ Project http://www.wmm.com/girlsproject/index.html
WMM is a distributor of independent films, videos, and DVDs by and about women. The Girls’ Project is a collection of films and videos appropriate for girls in grades 6 and up. For each film the website provides an age-appropriateness rating and teaching modules for adults to facilitate with girls. Special discounts are available for community groups.
Women of Color Productions http://www.womenofcolorpro.citymax.com
Women of Color Productions was formed to serve the needs of emerging playwrights, directors, filmmakers, actors, dancers, visual artists, and musicians especially women of color who may not have other avenues or venues available to get their work professionally produced.
YWCA USA http://www.ywca.org
The YWCA website has tools for adults such as “10 simple ideas for eliminating racism,” histories of the women’s rights and racial justice movements, tips for talking with children about race and gender issues, and an Action Center where visitors can contact their representatives in Congresss about a number of current issues affecting women and girls.
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