We think we care about others, but do we really?
Board Member, Kris Kaull, shares his thoughts.
WE DON’T CARE ABOUT OTHERS.
Listen, I’m a lover. I feel a social responsibility to the world, but when it comes down to it, my day-to-day life takes priority over building water wells or saving girls from human trafficking. It’s difficult to say because that’s not how I want to be. But it’s true. Unless I’m physically living and engaging in that life across the globe, it’s difficult to tangibly connect to the underserved. It’s difficult to connect to those that are voiceless.
When Million Girl Army shares its mission, more often than not, parents connect better with the entitlement and fear of their own children than the depravity of the world.
“I want to daughter to show more appreciation” or “I want my daughter to understand how great they have it at home” are regular comments.
WHILE ANECDOTAL, DATA BACKS IT UP.
At MGA, we recently completed a Facebook marketing campaign. The intent of the campaign was to increase awareness and grow our audience. BY ALMOST 100 to 1, parents were more likely to click on an advertisement that spoke to the entitlement of their daughter than the needs of the world.
This is super interesting. Are we saying, as a society, that we don’t care about others? Hardly. Are we saying that the suffering and sadness around the world doesn’t matter? Hardly.
But, there is a disconnect between our daily lives and the brutal reality of the world.
That’s the beauty of Million Girl Army. MGA transforms middle school girls into globally compassionate teens who combine their resources to change the world.
What’s that mean? Well, it’s two fold ::
FIRST WE, TOO, CARE ABOUT YOUR DAUGHTERS.
They are the next generation world changers. During those formidable middle school years, girls are fearless and want to change the world. Monthly, MGA provides activities and interactive discussions that bring awareness about global issues. At the same time, we talk about concerns they have … like fear, security, generosity, and self-worth.
SECOND, WE CARE ABOUT THE GIRLS ACROSS THE GLOBE.
It’s only $10 to join and 100% of those funds are used to change the world. We’ve vetted groups and those groups are the boots-on-the-ground who know the culture, know the politics and know the barriers that stand in the way of change.
So yeah. When I awake from my comfortable bed and saunter to my hot shower while organizing my to-do list in my mind, the rest of the world is far from thought.
But that’s why we have Million Girl Army -- to remind us that there is a great need around the world. That sex trafficking is at an all time high. That in many countries, girls do not have a voice … or even a chance for education.
And, with one million girls and one vision to change the world, we can do this.
-Kris Kaull, Board Member
