Mothers, Daughters, and GreenGirls
Wouldn't it be great if we all grew up in a learning environment where individuality and demonstrated intelligence were completely supported? Unfortunately, many women today were educated in schools where peer pressure and trying to be like everyone else, maybe even downplaying one's intelligence just to be popular, was considered the norm and a measure of one's success. Who knows what the world would look like today if during those early years in school we were all given frequent opportunities to shine, to be unique, to ask many questions, and to pursue curiosities and dreams?
Imagine a world where our leaders make protecting our planet's precious natural resources a top priority. That world appears to be coming, and women will be crucial in bringing it about. Women inherently understand the connection between the health of our children and the health of our planet. All that may be missing is how to raise our awareness of how our daily choices can make all the difference in what we create and what we leave behind.
We are just beginning to reach out to mothers and daughters who would like to get connected, educated, and inspired around this topic, how we can use precious resources more wisely to live lightly on the earth and preserve it for future generations.
I recently learned about Girls School of Austin, a local private school for girls (grades K-8), through a mother of one of the girls attending the school. I told her a little about GreenGirls.net, how our group had adopted a street and was planning a cleanup event. She expressed an interest in involving her 10-year old daughter more in volunteer activities related to the environment. She also suggested that I contact the school to discuss how the girls could be more exposed to green principles, ideas and examples, and how mothers and daughters might be involved in GreenGirls.net events in the future. To learn more about the school, I watched GSA's video download at http://www.thegirlsschool.org/ and was inspired by girls speaking on camera.
Soon thereafter I met with the head master for Girls School of Austin as well as one of the teachers. We talked about what the school was already doing in the way of environmental education and activities. We also talked about possible topics for guest speakers in their classrooms. For example, a worm composting workshop would be ideal for launching a live, hands-on science classroom project. Or a talk that educates and inspires girls to think a little differently about how powerful they can be as consumers, citizens, and leaders in their community. Or maybe an introductory talk about what it means (and how it feels) to be green. Our group can also be helpful by inviting young women and girls to speak to our group, to share their ideas, inspire others and practice their leadership skills. The possibilities are endless.
Over the past several years, our group has been blessed by the expertise and passion of women speaking on various topics related to the environment. We will continue to have guest speakers at many of our breakfast meetings. Whenever possible, let us consider how we can bring mothers and daughters together to learn new things, do fun things, and take action together. We need each other to be successful.
This is an exciting time for the green movement. Let's continue to be creative, share our talents and passions, and inspire each other!
