Participants believe in program
Local participants in the Regional Change Agents believe strongly in the program. Taylor Brookings, a youth member of the Fayette County team, said, “I enjoy being a part of the Women and Girls Foundation because we are so devoted to making a difference in the lives of women and girls in Fayette County. Having the opportunity to work with incredible women who have come from different backgrounds allowed us to share our ideas and concerns about the women and girls in Fayette County. Every person has a different story and a different struggle. By showcasing the positive women and girls in our community, we can overcome the plain black-and-white world.”
“I like the fact that they are teaching us new things and giving us opportunities to make a difference by showcasing women as role models and to make a difference in the area,” said Katie Chambers, another youth member of the Fayette County team.
Kara Curry, a youth member of the Greene County team, said, “The Women and Girls Foundation has made me aware of the issues presented to the female gender. We are stereotyped in such media as music, television and government so frequently that we have begun to believe it is normal behavior. The Regional Change Agents program has given us the means to work with girls and women of all ages to create a better living environment. We have learned many skills that allow us to become leaders in our own communities and on a larger scale.
“Our county project is ‘Greene Going Green’ where we hope to retrofit our local school buses to lower the diesel emissions. This will in turn improve the air we breath and our health,” Curry added.
Adult members are as enthusiastic as the youths.
Eboni Ramsey of the Fayette County team said, “I think the Women and Girls Foundation is an organization that more women in our community should know about. As a Regional Change Agent, I hope that our efforts in developing this campaign will both raise the awareness of strong women in our community, and spark empowerment in women and girls to achieve great things and be all that they can be. I am very pleased to have been a part of it.”
Gina Jones, another adult member, said, “During my employment at YouthLINK, which is a project of Goodwill of SWPA, I was introduced to the work of the Women and Girls Foundation. At that time, the foundation was hosting some events in the Pittsburgh area. Those events focused on empowering women and girls.
“Specifically,” she said, “I knew of their ‘Girlcott’ project where the girls participating in the first Change Agents program boycotted Abercrombie and Fitch. A&F produced and sold several T-shirts that demeaned women and girls so the Change Agents decided to boycott the shirts/company. The boycott became a national event where the girls and Heather Arnett (executive director) were interviewed by CNN, Today show and others. The experience and lessons learned from that program sparked the idea for a Regional Change Agents program. I was contacted by Clara Pascoe and was more than happy and excited to oblige.”
Pascoe is executive director of the Community Foundation of Fayette County.
Marian Chambers, another adult member, said, “I absolutely love the opportunity to work with positive role models from throughout the region and learn from them. It’s inspiring. We’ve met some incredible women and incredible girls.”