4 Ways to Volunteer in Support of Girls and Women
Throughout Women’s History Month, we’ve celebrated the important contributions women changemakers have made throughout history. Their stories can serve to inspire others to find ways to take action that creates change – but you don’t have to be Susan B. Anthony, Vice President Harris or Greta Thunberg to make a difference in the lives of girls and women. Here are some ways everyone can get involved:
1. Empower young girls
Be a mentor and role model for young girls, empowering them to become strong, independent and confident women. Help girls discover their strengths and passions with the Girl Scouts; encourage girls to rise up to challenges through Girls Inc. educational programs; or, inspire girls to create social change in their own communities with Girls for a Change. In addition to making a difference in the lives of girls, volunteers with programs designed to help girls find their “inner girl power,” play a role in developing the next generation of leaders and changemakers.
2. Lend a helping hand to moms in need
Under the best circumstances, parenthood can sometimes be a struggle. Those feelings can be magnified exponentially for low-income families or single moms. Help make things a little easier by getting involved with a local organization like Community’s Child, which provides support to young mothers transitioning out of homeless shelters. Or follow the footsteps of Daily Point of Light Award honoree Corinne Cannon, who started DC Diaper Bank to fill a void for fellow moms – find a local group, or learn how to start a diaper bank in your community.
3. Fight back against domestic violence
About one in three women will experience some form of physical violence by an intimate partner in their lifetime. Women’s shelters provide a necessary escape for these women and their children, and volunteers play an important role – through fundraising, community outreach, emotional support or simply contributing to keeping a shelter’s administrative functions running smoothly. Contact your local shelter or domestic violence program to find out how you can help. In addition to supporting victims of domestic abuse, you can join the fight to help put an end to the violence all together with an organization like Futures Without Violence.
4. Fill an unmet need
Create an initiative of your own that helps meet the needs of women in your community like Daily Point of Light Award honorees Blythe Hill and Nadya Okamoto. Blythe founded Dressember to raise money and awareness for anti-human trafficking work. Nadya started Camions of Care to help address the needs of homeless women – in particular, their lack of access to feminine hygiene products. As Blythe says, “If something upsets you and makes you ask, ‘When is someone going to do something about this?’ know that others probably feel the same way. Find those people and advocate together.”
Want to know more about inspiring women? L’Oreal Paris Women of Worth recognizes the philanthropic achievements of ten non-profit leaders from across the nation. For more ways to get involved, search for volunteer opportunities in your community.
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