Humbled by the overwhelming response to the first video message, Sara continues on the video blog journey. 

A message from our founder, Sara Johnson. She's letting you in on the Million Girl Army start-up journey. Come along and hear what we've been up to, how she's feeling about everything, the challenges, and the triumphs. 

Many of you know I've been working on a new non-profit, Million Girl Army, for about a year now. And what a year it's been! We are now nearly finished with all the framework and curriculum testing that needed to take place for us to launch nationwide. As a result, we plan to do so in January 2016! 

Once again, to help us raise the money needed to spread across the country next year, a couple generous donors have offered to match all funds raised before the end of 2015, UP TO $30,000! To date, we've raised $5895 so we are on our way. I need your help spreading the word. 

This is my niece, Gracie. She is four years old.

Did you know?

Teen pregnancy facts from around the world

Women work two-thirds of the world's working hours, produce half of the world's food, but earn only 10% of the world's income and own less than one percent of the world's property. On average, women earn half of what men earn.

In order to achieve gender equality, women and men must have equal employment opportunities and receive equal pay.

Gender equality is one of the most effective ways to fight extreme poverty and build healthier, wealthier, and more educated communities.

Studies show that women reinvest up to 90% of their incomes back into their families, a stark contrast to the 30-40% reinvested by men. Statistics also show mothers provide better nutrition, health care, and nurturing time on their children. As a result, investing in women and girls creates long-term social and economic benefits for all individuals, their communities, and the world as a whole.

So why aren’t countries investing more in their young girls?

One of the major obstacles to women’s empowerment, as outlined in the The Millennium Declaration (Adopted by the United Nations in 2000)  are threats and acts of violence against women. The elimination of all forms of violence against women and girls is recognized as integral to development.

According to UN Women, “As many as 7 in 10 women around the world report having experienced physical and/or sexual violence at some point in their lifetime.” Statistics from a United Nations Economic and Social Council report on the status of women indicate that violence against women and girls is a universal phenomenon, irrespective of income, class, and culture.

Changing traditions, stereotypes, fear, and cultures to begin to change the landscape for girls worldwide is a challenge only overcome when people work together to speak for the voiceless women around the world.

Million Girl Army teaches young girls in the developed world what it looks like to be a young girl in another country, inspiring the next generation to use their privileged positions to change the world for the girls who cannot speak for themselves.

Will you join us?

Together we can change the world for girls because ALL GIRLS MATTER!

Did you know?

31 million girls around the world don’t have the opportunity to pursue an education.

Did you know?

Every day, dozens of girls are taken out of school and forced to work or marry.

Did you know?

One out of five girls in the developing world doesn’t complete sixth grade.

Yet most of us know that educated girls and women are healthier; have the skills to make choices about their own futures; and can lift themselves, their communities, and their countries out of poverty.

In fact, even one more year in school makes a difference.

Did you know?

A girl's income increases up to 25% every year she stays in school.

Did you know?

If India alone enrolled 1% more girls in secondary school, the country’s GDP would rise by $5.5 billion.

Did you know?

Girls are an important resource for global development, but those living in developing countries do not reach their full potential because they do not receive a proper education. “Girls and women are often shackled by gender roles and outdated traditions, with male privilege and entitlement ensuring that when educational opportunities are limited, boys will take available classroom space. Gender roles and traditions that keep girls from school contribute an additional barrier to universal education: illiterate mothers,” continues Ascencios, “When we ensure that children have access to a rights-based, quality education that is rooted in gender equality, we create a ripple effect of opportunity that impacts generations to come.”

Did you know?

The world is starting to recognize girls are a key factor in global development. The United Nations is addressing the issue, awareness has increased around the world tenfold, and girls have earned a top spot on the radar of social justice issues.

Did you know?

Million Girl Army works with our partner organizations to get girls in schools worldwide.

Will you join us in playing a part of keeping girls in school?

Your monthly contribution to Million Girl Army could help us keep one more girl in school, changing her life and the lives of girls in future generations.

Consider being one of our monthly partners here at MGA.

https://mga.nationbuilder.com/recurring_donation

One of the greatest joys in my life was teaching my kids to read and hear them read out loud. Watching my children choose books, and immerse themselves into a story, and hear them laugh or feel the suspense of the writing is a priceless gift.  

How I became a globally compassionate person…By Guest Blogger Carly Seifert