February is National Youth Leadership month. It is a time to recognize those young people who have the courage to take on leadership roles. Youth today are given opportunities to be leaders in their schools, homes, religions congregations, sports teams, and so much more. This group of individuals gives promise to the future. The Women’s Fund is proud to have a connection to one program that excels in young women leadership.

 The Sister 2 Sister program is 36 week peer mentoring/leadership development program for girls. In partnership with Whitehall City Schools, Girl Scouts of Ohio’s Heartland Council, The Mentoring Center of Central Ohio, and Yoga on High, the Sister 2 Sister program teaches girls to focus their energy on supporting each other rather than relational aggression. Serving as peer mentors, Sister 2 Sister participants learn very quickly how their actions can create a powerful impact within the Whitehall community. The high school girls are designing the project, surveying their fellow high school students about what is important for girls, and then designing a program to respond to the needs identified. 

Additionally, another grant partner is cultivating teen women into informed leaders about comprehensive sex education.  Planned Parenthood of Central Ohio has initiated a Peer Education Pilot. This unprecedented program will train 10 teenage women to serve as Peer Educators. The role of a peer educator is to communicate accurate information to 300-400 peers about teen pregnancy prevention and building healthy relationships. Additionally, peer education leaders are encouraged to advocate for changes in government and school policy that promote women’s rights and comprehensive sexual education. These teenage women become the next generation of informed advocates, the new champions for women’s reproductive health and human rights.

This important work also gives us a fresh perspective on the ways in which girls support each other. New and unique in approach, these programs are cultivating the future women leaders of tomorrow. That is social change for women and girls.  Watch this new leadership from young women to change the ideas of what can be accomplished.  They are after all, our future.

Written By: Hallie Kloots, Ebony Richardson & Liz Kowlaski

For many Americans, Black History month is a time to remember the contributions and tribulations of this country.  For so long, the history of African- American men, women, and children has been ignored or worse, exploited. Today, we realize that Black history as an integral part of American history and we honor those who fought for our right to freedom, the rights to vote, and all of the others who have done things to help others people in this world.

As a community of advocates for social justice, we must recognize that Black history month is a time to re-energize our mission and work harder to end gender and racial inequality. Yes-we have come a long way since the civil rights movement, but there is more work to be done.

Let Black history month stand as checkpoint. Take this time to look closely at your community and evaluate what work needs to be done. Look to Black history as a blueprint of the past, and a footprint of our future- a future in which all women and girls have the confidence, skills, and tools to live productive and happy lives. 

As a community of advocates for social justice, Black history month means a time where we acknowledge the legacy of our African American foremothers and fathers and use the lessons they have taught us to create a world where all girls can graduate from high school, learn healthy behaviors, and become contributing women.  We believe all women have rights - to a seat at the table, to control their finances, to demonstrate economic power, and to create positive change in their neighborhoods, communities, and the world.   

Written By: Ebony Richardson

Because she is smart, independent, and a little sassy. Her characters show complexity yet you can almost always identify with her. She has maintained her dignity in an industry that can promote women as objects without a personality. She makes us smile, feel good about ourselves, and be grateful for growing older. She doesn’t take herself too seriously.

Diane is a photographer, interior designer, director, singer, actor, and producer. She became an older adoptive mother and fiercely protects her children’s privacy. Although she has dated some of the most prominent men in Hollywood, she didn’t let them define her. She doesn’t set herself up as an authority but rather lives a life that we admire.

In talking about the movie Something’s Gotta Give, Diane says, “”Let’s face it, people my age and Jack’s age are much deeper, much more soulful, because they’ve seen a lot of life. They have a great deal of passion and hope – why shouldn’t they fall in love? Why shouldn’t movies show that?” I love this.

Diane credits her mother for encouraging her to have a creative life. I am glad she did. I am looking forward to meeting her and getting to know her a little.