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More Than an Internet Hangout
More Than an Internet Hangout
Girls Inc. aims to reach more girls with a national online membership initiative
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 1, 2002
New York City, New York-- Many girl-friendly sites have boldly ventured into cyberspace but few connect with girls on a meaningful level. Unlike most Net hangouts, the Girls Incorporated site (www.girlsinc.org) doesn't focus on fashion, dieting, or boys. Instead, it inspires girls to be leaders, think for themselves, and accomplish great things.
Moving toward its objective of reaching more girls outside of brick and mortar centers, Girls Inc. will begin piloting a national online membership; funded by a $1.16 million grant from the telecommunications giant, SBC Corporation. Following a series of focus groups a blueprint for the free membership will be developed.
The Girls Inc. site, with its educational activities, advocacy resources, and features, provides a solid foundation for building a pilot membership. While direct contact with girls is essential to the organization's mission, traditional centers cannot reach millions of girls the way the Internet does. Media Metrix reports that girls age 12 to 17 are the fastest growing group in terms of online participation, and the number of teen girls using the Internet is growing five times faster than the overall online population.
'Girls' communities, including online groups, are important to girls,' says Joyce M. Roch', President and CEO of Girls Inc. 'And the Web is a powerful vehicle to spread our message, especially to those who don't have centers in their neighborhoods.'
Another key aspect of membership is communication. Aside from accessing Girls Inc. activities, members of the 'virtual Girls Inc.' will choose from a menu of options'such as emailing lawmakers, signing petitions and participating in meaningful, supportive online discussions'allowing them to interact with other girls and affect social change.
Girls Inc. will pilot the membership at three to five sites, including schools districts, libraries and community centers. Once the membership is live, Girls Inc. hopes to engage several hundred thousand girls in the first few years.
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