FAQ
What is Girls Inc. of Greater Indianapolis?
Girls Inc. of Greater Indianapolis is the greater Indianapolis affiliate of the national Girls Inc. organization. Girls Inc. of Greater Indianapolis was founded in 1969 and is a registered 501(c)(3) charitable organization.
Our mission is to inspire all girls to be strong, smart, and bold. We provide programs that address challenges girls face today, such as bullying and low self-esteem, that limit their personal potential and restrict their ability to achieve future self-sufficiency.
How many girls do you serve?
In 2018, Girls Inc. of Greater Indianapolis served 3,984 girls.
What makes Girls Inc. programs special?
Girls Inc. gives girls the right tools and support to succeed, including trained professionals who mentor them in a safe, girls-only environment, peers who share their drive and aspirations, and research-based programming. Girls Inc. girls learn to set and achieve goals, boldly confront challenges, resist peer pressure, see college as attainable, and explore nontraditional fields such as STEM. Girls Inc. girls develop self-confidence and understand their self-worth, and Girls Inc. advocates for an equitable world that celebrates girls for their unique strengths and contributions.
The Girls Inc. experience is characterized by six essential elements that provide girls with a safe and supportive environment in which to learn and grow. These elements include:
- A pro-girl and girls-only environment that is physically, socially and emotionally safe and confirms that girls can succeed and deserve to be taken seriously for the persons they are now and the women they will become;
- Trusting, mentoring relationships with adult staff and volunteers trained in an approach that is grounded in a belief in girls’ rights and abilities;
- Holistic, compensatory, and intentional programming focused on girls’ needs and that provides exposure to a wide variety of experiences and options that girls might not have experienced otherwise;
- Relevant, field-tested, and research-based curricula that confront the serious needs of girls while building the knowledge, skills, and attitudes to enable girls to be competent, confident individuals and adult women;
- Girl-centered, motivating, deliberate, and interactive activities that develop and promote girls’ strengths; and
- Frequent exposure to programming and connection with a girl over time to increase positive outcomes and reduce the potential for negative outcomes.
When does Girls Inc. deliver programs?
Girls Inc. delivers programs during five cycles: winter (January-March), spring (April-May), summer (June-July), fall I (August-October), and fall II (November-December).
How much of my contribution goes directly to the girls?
Approximately 72 cents of every dollar given to Girls Inc. goes towards programs that empower girls in our community.
How are girls selected to participate in Girls Inc. programs?
Girls Inc. partners enroll girls in our programs, and each partner location has its own selection process. Girls Inc. does not select which girls attend the program.
How can I get my girl involved in your programs?
Visit our Locations page for a list of current program partners, or contact your school to see if Girls Inc. already offers
Who can volunteer for Girls Inc.?
Girls Inc. is always looking for caring, responsible volunteer program facilitators. Learn more about leading programs for girls.
To be a Girls Inc. volunteer, applicants must be at least 18-years or older and willing to:
- Participate in a one-on-one interview with Girls Inc. staff
- Allow us to perform a criminal history background check
- Provide
us a list of references that will be able to tell us more about you - Complete a volunteer training session that will help you to facilitate the programs with ease
What is your gender identity statement?
We are committed to providing the comprehensive Girls Inc. Experience to all girls – including those who identify as girls regardless of their assigned sex at birth, and those who are exploring their gender identity or expression during their time at Girls Inc. This applies to new Girls Inc. enrollees as well as youth already enrolled in our programs.
Youth who identify as LGBTQ+ or who are exploring their sexual orientation and/or gender identity need to know that Girls Inc. is a safe space where they can be themselves and not worry about experiencing hurtful treatment from others.
Where do you deliver programs?
Girls Inc. of Greater Indianapolis has a presence in Marion, Hendricks, Hamilton, and Boone Counties. However, the vast majority of the girls in our programs live and attend school in Marion County. We currently have a waiting list of schools in Marion County that want to join our partner network, as well as interest expressed by potential partners in Hendricks, Hamilton, and Boone Counties. Expansion is a question of resources; resources of funding, staff and volunteer time, and dedicated space from partners. With additional resources, we will be able to deliver our life-changing programs to additional girl and in more effective ways, which is why our donors, partners, volunteers, and friends are so valuable to us.
Why do you only serve girls?
Girls face a variety of challenges growing up, whether that be bullying, a lack of self-confidence, or a decline in mental health. The “Learning to Measure Change: Summary Report of a Girl-Centered Collaborative Evaluation Project” states that girls who experience marginalization, due to their race, sexuality, ethnicity, citizenship, socio-economic status, or disability, are often more adversely affected by these challenges than girls who do not experience marginalization at all.
This report goes on to assert that programs specifically designed around the challenges girls face today provide girls with the opportunity and safe space to talk about what they are going through with others. It states, “Girl-specific programs establish a safe environment where participants can discuss sensitive topics and gender-related issues. They provide access to resources and support, help girls connect with each other, and offer mentoring and leadership development. Participating in girls’ programming can have a transformative impact, giving girls strategies to cope with life’s challenges, take action and create change in their lives and in their communities.”
Where can I find a Girls Inc. program?
Girls Inc. programs are delivered via an outreach model in partnership with greater Indianapolis schools, youth organizations, and community centers. Check out our program partners here.
How can I make a gift to Girls Inc.?
Girls Inc. of Greater Indianapolis will accept donations via cash, check, credit card, or stock. Please visit this page to make a donation today!
Do you accept in-kind gifts?
Girls Inc. does accept some in-kind gifts. Please see our wish list to view which in-kind gifts we are in need of!
How can I volunteer for Girls Inc.?
To volunteer for Girls Inc., check out our Volunteer page and complete the volunteer application.
Can I view your annual report and financial statements?
Girls Inc. isn’t at my girl’s school or community organization. What should I do?
Contact our director of programs, Mackenzie Pickerrell, at (317) 522-2605.
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