HGHW : News & Events

Join us for Hardy Days on July 23rd and 24th!
We are thrilled to present the 2nd annual summer session for girls entering 2nd-5th grades. See descriptions of events below or download our registration brochure, fill it out, and return to us. We look forward to seeing you there!

Friday July 23
8:30 Drop-Off
8:30 Trip to Colby College
8:30-10:00 Seeds of Summer
Where does our food come from? Can you tell the difference between a tomato and potato plant? Meet Meg Kruithoff, student and environmental studies major and gardener extraordinaire! We'll go on a plant scavenger hunt, pick wild blueberries and plant our own container garden!
10:00-11:30 Trip to the Art Museum
Take a walk through the art museum of Colby College then try your hand at making your own creations out of every day house hold supplies! Recycled art!
11:30-1 Billena Nal the Science Gal:
Meet women of daring who are pursuing their dreams in the ever changing world of science. What happens to food when you dip it in liquid nitrogen? Can you pull iron out of your cereal? Playing with gasses and liquids has never been more fun!
1:00 -1:30 Return to Hardy Girls for Snack and Parent Pick Up!

Saturday July 24
8:30 Drop-Off
8:30-1:30 Art and Wildlife Management Workshops
Kit Munroe-Myers:Self-Portraits Using Symbols In this workshop girls will learn painting techniques and will get to think about the things in their lives that truly represent them.
Bugs and Rocks
Serena Sanborn, Natural Scientist from the LC Bates Museum will be leading workshop on etymology (bugs) and geology. We'll go on hikes, look at specimens, create our own collections and learn about Maine women who have pursued these passions and how they can use these skills to make the world a better place.

Somerset County Adventure Girls
Hardy Girls Healthy Women, in collaboration with Community Health and Counseling Services and the Somerset County Coalition of Hardy Girls Supporters, is hosting a summer series of Adventure Girls in Somerset County. Generously funded by the National Science Foundation, Adventure Girls is a unique, interactive program for girls in grades 2nd-6th gives girls the opportunity to meet once a month with women who are defying gender stereo-types and challenging notions of what a girl or woman "should" do or be. Adventures will be held from 1-3 pm on Saturday afternoons and are $10 per event. Group rates are available for sign-ups of three or more (i.e. Girl Scout troops or groups organized from one town that travel together) and scholarships are always available for events and the full season! Parents and guardians are welcomed and encouraged to participate with their daughters! To register, please download, fill out and return a brochure.

August 7 Fire Fighting as only a Fire Chief can!
How does fire fighting create safe communities for all, and why is it so adventurous and daring? Julie Costigan, Fire Chief of Starks, will talk about fire fighting techniques, introducing girls to the equipment and team that fight fire with water, wits and strength! Girls will have the opportunity to explore the Fire Station, trucks, gear, and what it takes to be a fire fighter and a leader. Location: Skowhegan Fire Station.

August 21 Herbal Remedies and Natural Healing!
Meet Gail Faith Edwards, community herbalist and owner/curator of the Blessed Maine Herb Farm and her female herb grower and gatherers as we explore the natural world of herbal medicines. We'll adventure through Gail's herb gardens and the fields and woods to learn about common local herbs that have traditionally been used for nourishment and healing. This adventure will focus on botany and plant identification skills, traditional medicines as well as some pharmacy, and the girls will have the opportunity to make their own lip balm from what they have found. Come join us to learn about the natural world of healing herbs. Location: Blessed Maine Herb Farm, 257 Chapman Ridge Road, Athens. (From Route 150 in Athens turn onto Shadagee Rd. Take immediate right onto Chapman Ridge Rd. Travel about two miles. Turn right at mailbox 257 onto earthen drive).

September (Date TBD - dependent on fall harvest) Orchards, Apples & Maple Syrup Galore!
Meet Heather Hanson of Cayford Orchards where we'll learn how to cultivate the land sustainably, getting our hands dirty and, most definitely, sticky by adventuring through the orchards and forests that produce Maine's great apples, berries and, of course, maple syrup. Learn the exciting skill of tree tapping for syrup, and what it takes to combine caring for the land with becoming one's own business woman by providing one's community with delicious and wholesome food. Location: Cayford Orchards, 99 Hilton Hill Road, Skowhegan. Contact Marissa@hghw.org to reserve your spot so we may contact you when a date is selected!

Powered by Girl (PBG)
is an online and on the ground media literacy and media resistance movement that capitalizes on teen girls' love of satire and humor, their desire to be seen and heard, and their passion for social media. The campaign is designed to connect girls with one another, and with the information, tools, and resources they need to analyze, talk back, and create their own version of media as a way to raise awareness of the unrealistic representations of girls and women in pop culture. PBG is brought to you by Hardy Girls Healthy Women and a coalition of powerful sister organizations and their allies. Stay tuned for more information!
Do you know a teen girl media critic (ages 13-18) you'd like us to invite on to our Ning beta site? Email info@hghw.org and let us know. This is the space where it's all happening!

Join the HGHW team this summer!
We are now accepting applications for the summer Programs Intern and Powered By Girl (PBG) Intern.

Girls Rocked, Alright!
It was, to put it mildly, a FABULOUS weekend and we are so grateful to all those that showed up to celebrate and of course, to those who made it happen-our dedicated sponsors, volunteers, and staff. You all rock! On Friday we packed Colby College with over 220 girls at Girls Unlimited!, where girls made their own positive music videos, examined stereotypes, and learned about awesome careers they could pursue (animal husbandry, anyone?) On Friday night, at the Holocaust and Human Rights Center in Augusta, not a soul who had the privilege of listening to the speeches of the five AH-MAZING girls and one woman honored at the Girls Rock! Awards left with dry eyes and un-goosebumped arms. Honestly, the work these girls are doing is nothing short of revolutionary, and we hope you'll take a moment to read about them below. Saturday brought an absolutely packed house for That Takes Ovaries! at the North Star Cafe in Portland, and several brave souls hopped on stage to delight us all with the stories of their own brazen, ovarian acts. Brava! Finally, we closed out the weekend on Sunday at Jorgensen's Cafe back at home base in Waterville, where girls and women alike took to the mike to share stories, poetry, and even song. It was truly the best Girls Rock! Weekend ever, and we know we'll ride the feeling of a united community celebrating girls for the rest of the year.

Girls Rock 2010 Award Winners

Entrepreneurship: Kayla Scheimreif, 16 Waldoboro
Kayla is a self-starter, passionate about homesteading, self-sustainability, and citizenship. You can find her beeswax candles, bee balm, pressed flower bookmarks, and products made from natural materials at the Common Ground Fair each year. Since she began selling, she has seen a 33% increase in sales and now has a license to sell her candles from home. She offers a summer camp at her home to teach children about homesteading, she's given a talk at the Common Ground Fair on "Common Weeds," and writes a bi-monthly column in the Lincoln County News on self sufficient living. Kayla combines her respect for the earth and her passion for her work which is why we are celebrating the role model she provides for other girls.

Title IX - Mariah Jones,17, Hope
Mariah learned her seafaring skills at Station Maine, in Rockland. Before she could become a Senior Watch Captain Mariah was the only female rower on the crew. According to her coach, Mariah never seemed to notice, nor did she allow the boys to treat her differently just because she was a girl. Determination, considerable training and skill has enabled Mariah to become a responsible leader for her crew and, eventually qualify as a Senior Watch Captain which means she has the skills needed to handle both a power and a sail boat safely off shore. In her position she has the respect of not just the girls but also the boys who join the rowing team making her a great role model for all seafaring youth.

Against the Odds - Danielle Lorrain, 17, East Boothbay
Danielle knows that it takes a lot of positive encouragement and support for girls and boys to achieve their fullest potential. That's why she is an advocate for the Search Institute's 40 Developmental Assets in her community and within her school. Dani understands that the more assets young people have, the less likely they are to engage in a wide range of high-risk behaviors, and the more likely they are to thrive. Despite two disabilities that interfere with her vision, Dani travels around the state to health and youth conferences encouraging communities to begin building the 40 Developmental Assets in their communities. She doesn't let her eyesight interfere with her vision for vibrant school and community support for young people in Maine. We applaud her work and the example she is setting for both youth and adults.

Community Organizer - Winnie Ogweta, 16, Portland
Having survived the horror of the conflict in Sudan, Winey inspires others through her story of perseverance in the face of adversity. Mourning the loss of family and friends, Winey found the strength and courage to share her own story after the loss of a fellow classmate devastated her school. Founding a support group for girls, Winey inspires others through empathy and compassion. She has created a space at her school in which intercultural understanding flourishes and has organized to create positive change in her community.

Health Advocacy - Stephanie Knight, 17, Acton
Deeply committed to preventing violence towards women, Stephanie volunteers at her local domestic violence shelter where she babysits children so their mothers can attend support groups and counseling. Inspired to act, Stephanie has sought to help young people develop respect for each other and themselves by founding YADA, Young Adults Against Dating Abuse, at her school. YADA educates her peers to recognize the signs of abusive relationships. Working to create safe spaces, Stephanie is a true health advocate!

Girls Rock 2010 Co-Creator Award Winner - Julia Clukey, 24, Augusta
An Augusta native, Julia Clukey first tried the sport of luge when she was 12 years old, sliding down the streets of Portland, Maine on a 1997 stop by the USA Luge Slider Search Program. She immediately fell in love with the speed, adrenaline, and challenge the sport offered her. She placed 4th in the 2008 World Cup and 5th place in the 2009 World Championships. She finished second in the U.S. National Championship this past year, which earned her a 2010 Olympic berth. Julia has sacrificed a lot for her sport; she's overcome injury, personal loss, and financial constraints that come with training and traveling. Off the luge sled, Julia is equally amazing. She's studying for a degree in civil engineering, and makes time to be a role model for determined girls with big dreams everywhere. As Julia wrote for a 2010 calendar of women Olympians, "I dream of a world where girls don't calculate what the mirror can show but rather create and build a body of strength, power, and work." We share your dream, Julia!

Hardy Girls wins Governor's Award for Excellence
In a ceremony at Colby College on April 1st, Hardy Girls Healthy Women was presented with the Governor's Award for Nonprofit Excellence.

One of three nonprofits and six businesses recognized, Hardy Girls Healthy Women took first place in the small size division for achieving significant results by combining ingenuity with sound management practices and principles. "The Awards Selection Committee was impressed with Hardy Girls' high level of stakeholder engagement and their vision to move their programs into the national arena," said Maine Association of Nonprofits Executive Director Scott Schnapp, one of the organizations presenting the award along with the Governor's office at the April 1st ceremony. "All award winners represent excellent examples of organizations that are adapting to the challenging funding environment currently facing nonprofits. They utilize innovation and ingenuity to achieve a greater social mission impact."

In her acceptance speech, HGHW Executive Director Megan Williams said "In our ten years of working alongside girls, we've found that when you trust girls, when you provide opportunities for them to connect with one another, and when they have access to strong, smart role models, girls thrive. That's our story. Girls aren't the problem, they're the solution." (Read Megan's acceptance speech here)

Tobi Schneider, Hardy Girls' board president and recently named Central Maine Philanthropist of the Year, was there to accept the award as well. "We're just thrilled to have Hardy Girls Healthy Women's work recognized this year. We are one of the few organizations that, thanks to creative collaborations and coalitions, has been able to expand programming this year despite the economic climate," she said.

Portland Symphony Orchestra and Health Access Network in Lincoln were also honored with Governor's Awards for Nonprofit Excellence along with Gifford's Ice Cream, Maine Manufacturing, Old Town Canoe, Sprague & Curtis Real Estate, and Yankee Marina & Boatyard for Business Excellence.

"There is so much work still to be done and we'll continue to do it alongside the girls of Maine - a group that has so much untapped potential, but is no doubt Maine's future," said Williams as she wrapped up her remarks at the award ceremony.

Bangor Adventure Girls
We are pleased to announce that a beloved Hardy Girls program, Adventure Girls, is taking root in Bangor this Spring. Download the brochure to learn more!

Check us out on Facebook!
Join our fan page community.

Check out Lyn Mikel Brown's piece featured in the PTA online magazine!
Hardy Girls is overjoyed to share another insightful article by Lyn Mikel Brown, who challenges and critiques the media's influence on children and youth. This piece, "Taming the Media Stereotypes that Make Kids Aggressive," is featured in the December 2009/January 2010 edition of the PTA online magazine. Click here to read the article.

HGHW responds to the Maine election results and their impact on youth.

As you know, yesterday was a big day here in Maine. With a slim majority, Mainers voted to repeal the law that granted the right to same-sex couples to marry. One of our first thoughts here at Hardy Girls was how this news, and Campaign messages on both sides, have impacted Maine youth and their sense of community and safety. I think we can all agree that the security, support, and wellbeing of our youth are core concerns. For that reason, we are including a few resources to support your new, ongoing, and renewed work to protect and support all youth. Download tips sheets, resources, and discussion questions at the Ugly Ducklings and Hardy Girls Healthy Women websites

As we learned from the Ugly Ducklings National Campaign to Reduce Bullying and Harassment of LGBTQ Youth, the importance of safe, supportive communities for all youth cannot be understated. According to the 2007 GLSEN National School Climate Survey:

-86.2% of LGBT students reported being verbally harassed, 44.1% reported being physically harassed and 22.1% reported being physically assaulted at school in the past year because of their sexual orientation.

-73.6% heard derogatory remarks such as "faggot" or "dyke" frequently or often at school.

-More than half (60.8%) of students reported that they felt unsafe in school because of their sexual orientation, and more than a third (38.4%) felt unsafe because of their gender expression.

- 31.7% of LGBT students missed a class and 32.7% missed a day of school in the past month because of feeling unsafe, compared to only 5.5% and 4.5%, respectively, of a national sample of secondary school students.

The statistics are staggering but they highlight the need for all of us to continue to fight for environments where all youth can thrive: in families, schools, and communities free of bias-based harassment and violence.

Whether or not the state recognizes same-sex marriages does not diminish the impact that this election has on Maine families, and in particular, children. We encourage you to please reach out to the young people in your life and encourage conversation about how we can all work to create an ideal environment where all youth can grow up free of harassment. Now, more than ever, it's important for young people to know where they can turn to for support, information, and allies.

For all our friends and allies, we recommend the following resources for reducing bullying, harassment, and violence.

Safe, Fair and Responsive Schools

Hardy Girls' Exec makes Mainebiz Top Ten List
Each year Mainebiz releases the Next List, a list of ten people shaping the future of Maine's economy. This year, we're excited to announce that Hardy Girls' executive director Megan Williams is among the distinguished group of 'Nexters'. Read the full article here

Join a Hardy Girls Coalition
Coalition groups in Piscataquis, Washington, Aroostook and Somerset Counties are working to implement Hardy Girls programs in their areas, including film series, Girls Coalition Groups, and Adventure Girls programs. Learn more about these groups at the Piscataquis County, Washington County, Aroostook County and Somerset County webpages.

Groups are also forming in Oxford and Franklin Counties. For more information about the work being done in these counties, or to join a coalition, contact Marissa.

Girls Membership Program Launched
Every girl everywhere can now join the Hardy Girls community through our new girls membership program.

Members will be kept up-to-date on all Hardy Girls projects and programming and receive a free subscription to G-WAVE - a 'zine created by girls for girls! Check out a sample of our last edition by clicking here!

All members also get the following benefits: personalized membership card, 20% discount on all programs, 10% discount on all HGHW products, a pack of 4 HGHW greeting cards, and a quarterly newsletter and G-WAVE subscription.

Join today and receive 40% off your purchase of Get Out of My Grill: Skewering Stereotypes-Hardy Girls Style.

Sign Up Now!

Let's Go: No Makeover for Dora!
She's been a bilingual world explorer and a problem-solver extraordinaire. She's shouted, "Let's go!" and set off with her compass, backpack, and sidekick monkey. She's been a brave, adventurous, resourceful girl. Now,she's being madeover to be a lipstick wearing 'tween. Marketers are giving Dora a complete makeover, and this time, her accessories include eye shadow rather than a map.

For young girls, Dora was a good role model. For that reason, Hardy Girls Healthy Women has launched a petition drive aimed at convincing Mattel to Let Go of Dora! The "Let's Go: No Makeover for Dora" campaign wants Mattel to recognize the truth that girls don't need one more doll telling them the point of their lives is to attract boys.

Read Packaging Girlhood's blog on the subject and Mattel's Press release to see for yourself what Mattel and Nickelodeon have in store for Dora.
Sign the petition and say "Let's go. NO MAKEOVER!"

Volunteer with Hardy Girls as a Muse
Have you ever thought about working with youth in the Greater Waterville community? Want to put theory into practice and gain practical skills facilitating groups with girls? Hardy Girls Healthy Women is looking for female students who are interested in working with elementary and middle school girls (5th-8th grade) to help them develop media literacy skills, practice social action and develop a sense of empowerment through connection with other girls. All those interested are encouraged to follow the link listed below for a full description of the position and submit the application attached to that description. All accepted applicants will be trained in girls' development and group facilitation, how to be a "muse" to girls (versus being a mentor) and how to create a safe space or hardiness zone.

Download the Job Description and Application Instructions Here.

For more information on the positions, call Jackie Dupont at Hardy Girls: 207.861.8131 or email info@hghw.org.

Hardy Girls is an American Psychology Association National Resource for Girls!
The American Psychological Association Task Force on the Sexualization of Girls cites Hardy Girls Healthy Women as a "National Media Literacy Resource," along with other great organizations doing media literacy work all over the country! The APA report notes that parents and girls can work for change, and our efforts to empower girls to challenge norms earned us this recognition. We are so happy to share this news with you!

Girls Advisory Board Seeks New Members!
We know you want your voice to be heard and who doesn't love making new friends, planning fun projects and events, and helping other girls? If this sounds like you, please apply to be a GAB girl today!
Requirements: No experience is necessary. Applicants must be within the grades of 8th and 12th, be able to work cooperatively as part of a team, and be committed to the group with general interest in the mission and vision of Hardy Girls Healthy Women. Click here to apply.

Requirements: No experience is necessary. Applicants must be within the grades of 8th and 12th, be able to work cooperatively as part of a team, and be committed to the group with general interest in the mission and vision of Hardy Girls Healthy Women. Click here to apply.

Please do not hesitate to email with any questions!

Check Out New Adventure Girl Events
Adventure Girls has continued its program this season to offer 12 new events, bringing you more opportunities to meet amazing women of daring! All upcoming events are listed below. Please note: astricks indicate that an event is also being offered to Girls scouts in seperate sessions to work towards their patches.

Sept. 12 Sound the Alarm!
Meet Vicki Schmidt, a Maine State Fire Instructor. and Brittany Corey of the Waterville Fire Department as we explore the Fire Station, trucks, gear, and what it takes to be a fire fighter. Location: WFD 7 College Ave, Waterville

*Oct. 10 Jane of All Trades
Meet the women of Women Unlimited who will teach us about women in the fields of carpentry, construction and more. In this adventure girls will also learn how to build their own tool box to take with them the next time something needs fixing! Location: Hardy Girls, 14 Common St. Waterville

*Oct. 24 Horse Handler
How does body language affect the horse on and off the ground? Jacqui Byron, owner of the Treasure Equestrian Center and rider will talk about techniques. You'll also learn how to control movement and establish yourself as a leader. Location: 238 Prescott Rd. Manchester, Maine 04351

*Nov. 14 World of Woods
Meet Erica Block and the women of the woodsmen team. We'll learn the differences between a bow saw and a cross cut saw among other fast paced exciting wood chopping and axe skills. Demonstrations in speed fire building. Location: Woodsmen Field, Washington St. Colby College, Waterville

Dec. 5 To Her Own Beat
Drums come in all shapes and sizes and you don't need to be in a rock band to make some noise! Everyone is a musician. In this workshop we'll meet Phyllis Capanna who plays the frame drum and learn different rhythms, beats, and songs. Location: Hardy Girls, 14 Common St. Waterville

Jan. 10 Sea Trek
Let's go kayaking! Meet kayakers Dana and Murielle DiBiase of the Penobscot Paddle and Chowder Society and learn basic paddle techniques as well as how to properly flip over in your kayak! We'll also try our hand at racing and swamping. Location: Alfond Youth Center, 126 North St., Waterville

*Jan. 23 Stick it to 'Em
Pucks, slapshots, and frosty fun await the adventure girl who comes out to meet Samantha Gillies, Colby Women's Ice Hockey player. Learn the game and find out what all those pads are for! This event is for all skill levels. Location: Johnson Pond, Colby College, Waterville

*Feb. 6 Lab Laughs
Who says that chemistry has to be all work and no fun? Adventurers will meet Chemist Lisa Miller who will show us how to make chemical reactions, discover what's in everyday foods and conduct other experiments in the lab. Location: Keyes Building, Colby College - Mayflower Hill, Waterville

*March 20 Women Who Weld
What's a job that's fun, makes a lot of money, and lets you travel? Meet Edie Bentinnen of D&E Metalworks to learn the art of using a torch to make everything from sculptures to fences. Participants will get to keep their pieces. Location: D&E Metalworks, 1270 Rome Rd., Mercer

*April 10 Lumber Jane
How do you get out of the forest without a trail? Meet Barrie Brusila of Mid-Maine Forestry. Barrie will show us how to read a map, tell how old a tree is, use a compass, identify trees and do some detective work in the woods. Location: The Arboretum, Colby College - Mayflower Hill, Waterville

*May 8 Farm Frenzy: Animal Detective
Meet Linda Hartkopf owner of Hart to Hart Farm. Who makes their home in the pond, field and woods? What's an ecosystem? Girls will track animals, learn how farming effects the environment and learn about different Maine animals. Location: Hart to Hart Farm, 16 Duck Pond Lane, Albion

May 22 Leap Frog and Peepers
Not all science is done indoors. How many frog sounds can you make? What exactly is a salamander? Meet biologist Cathy Bevier as we track wood frogs and spotted salamanders through the woods. Location: Admissions Building, Colby College, Mayflower Hill, Waterville

Don't miss your chance to meet these amazing women! Sign up today!

Free Ugly Ducklings Community Action Kits
Thanks to a generous grant from the Bingham Program, Hardy Girls is offering free Ugly Ducklings Community Action Kits to every school district in Maine! Click here to download an application for the free Kit (PDF: 54K). Or, visit the new Ugly Ducklings website for more information on the project.