National Bullying Prevention Month is observed every October to promote the values we seek to embrace in the Girls Inc. Experience – friendship, unity, kindness, and acceptance. This October, we asked our Brand Ambassadors how they create places of belonging.  

Riley, a Brand Ambassador from Girls Inc. of Northern Alberta, shares her journey within Girls Inc. and the welcoming community she helped foster: “When I first joined Girls Inc., I hardly knew the girls there. Fortunately, Girls Inc. is an environment [that is] incredibly rich in friendship, inclusion, and kindness. Transitioning from my small elementary school to a public middle school, I was apprehensive about not making friends in an unfamiliar environment. Friendship can be daunting. However, as in-person programming resumed after COVID-19, I had opportunities to socialize and meet girls from different schools and backgrounds in a place where everyone belongs… Six years later, those ten girls are still my closest friends.” 

Isabel, a Brand Ambassador from Girls Inc. of Westchester, reflects upon how she learned to provide a welcoming space for others: “Girls Inc. creates a community built on trust, respect, and compassion. The knowledge I gained strengthens me to evaluate my relationships, set a clear boundary, use critical thinking, and stand up for my beliefs. I use lessons learned from Girls Inc. to educate others and show kindness. If someone is being bullied, I can support them, advise them, and encourage them to tell a parent or school administrator. I make sure they understand that it’s never acceptable to make someone feel less than.” 

Denaya, a Brand Ambassador from Girls Inc. of Alameda County, shares how she found a sisterhood within Girls Inc. “Around four to six years ago, I was at a point in my life where it was hard for me to see my worth. This was mainly due to the people I surrounded myself with and the lack of opportunity I saw around me. Then, I sat in an assembly hosted by Girls Inc. Suddenly, I felt like I could belong somewhere and that I could truly make something of my life. My assumptions were proven to be true when I joined Girls Inc. and found friends, mentors, and peers that supported me and motivated me to be my best. The atmosphere of Girls Inc. programs boosts confidence by allowing girls to feel free and reminding them of their greatness. A very important skill that Girls Inc. has taught me is how to advocate for myself. Girls Inc. Helped me connect to my own values, potential, and intelligence It encouraged me to have faith in my abilities and fight for myself.” 

National Bullying Prevention Month reminds us to embrace sisterhood, lead change, and stand up for what is right. This year, join Girls Inc. in promoting kindness and friendship across our communities, and help girls everywhere grow up strong, smart, and bold.