In recognition of the International Day of the Girl, a Minneapolis-based nonprofit will highlight its work in supporting, guiding and uplifting girls in Minnesota and across the globe.
On Oct 11, Girls Taking Action will host a fundraising luncheon to showcase their vital work. Over lunch, guests will hear from young GTA participants. The event marks the annual day that celebrates girls and women all over the world and represents a powerful global movement dedicated to supporting girls' rights and empowerment.
The keynote will be delivered by GTA founder Dr. Verna Cornelia Price.
“The International Day of the Girl is our way to say to every girl in the world that you matter, that you are valuable, that you are important, that you are needed in this world and we want to celebrate you and empower you to find your power to make a difference in your life and your community, to move beyond whatever circumstance that you're in and that you can do it.” Dr. Verna Price Said.
Dr. Price, known as “Dr Verna,” is no stranger to the challenges that face girls. Her long history of making a difference in the lives of girls began in 2005 when her expertise was requested to address a rise in violent, destructive and delinquent behavior by female students at North High School in Minneapolis.
“I got a call from the school saying they needed positive role models for women, particularly women of color. I thought I’d teach them that they’re adders in this world. I’ll teach them how to avoid being a subtractor. That was the birth of Girls in Action, which was later renamed Girls Taking Action,” said Dr. Verna.
The results in girls participating in the program was dramatic—a 50% decrease in school violence, a 75% decrease in suspensions and delinquent behavior and a significant increase in academic engagement.
The program proved so effective that it quickly expanded. Girls Taking Action began with 100 girls and today has reached more than 3,000 girls across the Twin Cities, Detroit, Chicago, Guatemala and Kenya.
GTA’s mission is to empower and educate girls in grades six through 12. It helps them find their power and change their lives, their community and the world. Through weekly mentoring, college preparation, career development and leadership development, GTA coaches girls to harness their power for positive change.
“We engage girls in hands-on learning that impacts their future,” said Dr Verna.
GTA’s reach is consistent with studies that show when girls thrive, schools thrive. Girls who participate in GTA are twice as likely to attend post-secondary education, with 95% graduating from high school on time and 80% attending college. Through their involvement, GTA girls often change their life’s trajectory, gain confidence and better understand their personal power.
Dr Verna and her husband, Brother Shane Price, are co-founders of The Power of People Leadership Institute. Dr. Verna is an internationally known human potential expert. She hosts the “Dr Verna’s Virtues” on the ShelettaMakesMeLaugh.com podcasting platform and is the author of multiple best-selling books including “The Power of People: Four Kinds of People Who Can Change Your Life.”
Oct. 11 is the annual International Day of the Girl. The day celebrates girls and women all over the world and represents a powerful global movement dedicated to supporting girls' rights and empowerment.
The community is invited to join Dr Verna and Girls Taking Action on Oct 11 for a midday break that promises fun, laughter and unforgettable connections.
The Power of People Leadership Institute’s International Day of the Girl Luncheon
Friday, October 11, 2024
11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Brookdale Library
6125 Shingle Creek Pkwy, Minneapolis, MN 55430
Free admission, but attendees are asked to RSVP by Sept 30
Sign up here:
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