In case you aren’t familiar with our little revolution, let me start by saying that Act Like a GRRRL (ALAG)
is a program designed to empower young women ages 12-18 to find their voices and speak their truths through autobiographical writing and performance in a supportive environment.
We define a “grrrl” as a strong, independent, creative young woman who stands up for herself and other grrrls. (For a more complete definition of GRRRL, see the post written collaboratively by the grrrls: What Is a G-R-R-R-L?) We call it a revolution because it counters the cultural messages young women get that they are each other’s competition and that they shouldn’t trust each other. This keeps them (and grown women) feeling isolated and alone. So, we have created an intentional community of love and support where any thought is okay to share and any story will be heard and respected.
Grrrls are articulate, opinionated thought leaders who have clear plans for their futures. And, for funders, it’s probably important to say that all grrrls in the program remain drug and alcohol free; none have gotten pregnant; none have dropped out of school; and, all who have graduated high school have chosen to go to college.
On March 8, 2011, eleven of the grrrls of ALAG will be featured performers at a Gala celebrating the 100th Anniversary of International Women’s Day in San Jose, Costa Rica. Organized by ACTUA MUJER and the Vice-ministerio de Juventud de Costa Rica, the Gala will include performing artists from Norway, Germany, Argentina, Canada, Mexico and other countries coming together in this festival to empower women and girls worldwide. Events are scheduled from March 6-8, culminating with the Act Like a GRRRL performance. In addition to performing their original monologues, songs and dances, the ALAG grrrls will participate in workshops to exchange experiences with young women their age (12-18).
This inaugural festival grew out of my visit to San Jose last summer where I met with leaders from ACTUA MUJER, the Vice-ministerio de Juventud, UNICEF and the UNFPA, all of whom were interested in how to translate the Act Like a GRRRL model in Costa Rica, where empowering young women is a crucial initiative of all these agencies. Research shows that when women have access to education and empowerment, their towns become more successful and their nations become more secure. Strong women create stronger communities. For that reason, Secretary of State Hilary Clinton calls the empowerment of women and girls “a cornerstone of our foreign policy.”
The Festival in Costa Rica is the beginning of an ongoing process to find ways to use the arts to end violence against women and increase access to healthcare and education for women worldwide.
We appreciate your support, good wishes, prayers and strong vibes as we embark on this new adventure.
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