The Girl Blue Project Posted Oct-21-2006
"We Must Invest in Our Children"
I just finished reading Nancy Mills' Spirited Woman Interview with Marlow Wyatt, Founder of the Girl Blue Project — a self-awareness program for teenage girls, developed to nurture the girls from the inside out. The program is based in Los Angeles, California, and is free to girls ages 14 to 18. Its purpose is "committed to awakening the truest potential in young women by empowering them to embrace who they are and giving them the tools to create whom they choose to be." A truly positive force for good in the world this program is.

If you read Wyatt's interview you'll find that her work with the non-profit (501 C3) Girl Blue Project is a total labor of love. The Web site notes on the support page that they "have an operating budget of approximately $10,000 to $20,000 annually depending on the number of girls participating and the classes offered." That doesn't seem like a lot of money for the tremendous value that's being invested in the lives of these young woman, unless of course, you're a non-profit depending on the kind support of others.

I have so much respect for those like Wyatt, who instead of being chronically reactive to the situations in the world decide to become pro-active about positively influencing the areas in which the are able. I am deeply moved when organizations grow from honorable intentions and think this is a wonderful example of someone who has become successful from channeling passion, empowerment, and nurturing into the lives of those who need it the most.

I agree, we must find ways to invest in our children that go beyond the surface, beyond the saturating messages from the media, beyond the daily struggle of living in this materialistic, throw-away world. I have every confidence that programs like The Girl Blue Project will return high dividends in many young lives. •

© 2006 Chris Dunmire www.chrisdunmire.com. All rights reserved.