Day of the Girl

Just two years ago, the UN declared October 11 as the International Day of the Girl Child to raise awareness about all issues concerning gender inequality around the world.  It’s a day when activist groups come together under the same goal to highlight, discuss, and take action to advance rights and opportunities for girls everywhere.

October 11 is not just a day; it’s a movement.

A worldwide revolution.

We want ourselves, and girls everywhere, to be seen as equals, in the eyes of others and in our own eyes.

I am so proud to be involved in this movement.  I am absolutely delighted with our Eugene/Springfield team.  I've met so many wonderful, caring, creative people, and really look forward to our workdays.  This has been an amazing couple of years--we've created and donated hundreds of kits.  We've made connections, formed friendships and educated ourselves about conditions challenging women in other areas of the world and how we can contribute to changing them.  And we've improved the lives of all the girls and women who have received our kits.

Our Eugene team meets on the THIRD Sunday of the month, so we're celebrating the International Day of the Girl as a team a week late.  But I love doing this stuff, so I will celebrate privately on Sunday--probably sewing a bit.

If you too would like to do something on your own to celebrate The Day of the Girl on the 11th, here are some suggestions:

• Find some fabric in your stash that would make beautiful bags, shields or liners
• Buy some flannel at JoAnn's (65% off through the 12th, plus an additional 20% off entire order--in mailed flyer) or other quilt/fabric shop.  Remember--darker, busy stain-hiding colors and patterns. 
• Wash, dry and iron fabric
• Buy something else--polyester thread, Ziploc gallon Freezer bags, colorful washcloths, undies, etc. (the list is in an earlier post).
• Make a donation.  Days for Girls is currently in 4th place in the Revlon Challenge.  Winning the million dollars would certainly expand our ability to help girls and women in impoverished areas of the world.  Your donations purchase our team's supplies and help our organization's chances of winning the big prize.
• Post the Fundraiser info and link on your Facebook page 
• Post a link to this blog on your Facebook page
• Spread the word--most of our contacts with new volunteers and requests for kits have started with a simple conversation.  If you know somebody who loves to sew, you might mention Days for Girls.  If you know somebody who has a connection in a Third World Country, tell them what we do and why.  I'm also looking for people traveling to Munich in the next few months who could take some PUL (for kits going to the refugees).

I sincerely appreciate all of you who contribute in so many ways.  Thank you all for your interest, generosity, hard work, travel hours, ideas, various amazing donations, friendships and abundant support.  You make it so rewarding!