By Bridie Bereza
School News Network
Seventh grader Sharnique Walton is concerned about police brutality.
Hunger relief is an issue that eighth grader Aryanna McCrary would like to work on.
Eighth grader Nazaria Spears wants to bring awareness to the ways society objectifies women.
All three girls are members of Girls for Change, a Godwin Middle School group that helps girls develop skills to create social change. They meet twice a week to learn about big social problems and to work on solutions.
On a recent Monday, members spent the morning creating a public service announcement at West Michigan Center for Arts and Technology. The message: Don’t body shame girls and women.
“We all feel strongly about abuse, objectification and judgments toward our gender,” said Aryanna.
The girls settled on the message for their current project during a brainstorm session at one of their recent meetings. It will be shown in school and posted on social media.
A Commitment to Justice
“If we provide the space for girls to learn and explore these topics, they know how to handle them, they know how to think critically through them,” said Adviser Margie Muñoz, community school coordinator for Kent School Services Network.
Muñoz secured grant funding from the YWCA to start a Girls for Change chapter in her building. To be involved, girls had to fill out applications. As a condition of participation, they have to be on track with grades, attendance and behavior. They give up one lunch period and one advisory period per week to participate.
Sharnique said Middle School Principal Bradley Tarrance suggested she join the group. She says it’s a good way to learn about issues like human trafficking and to develop leadership skills.
“We want to change the world,” said Sharnique.
Muñoz said the experience has been enlightening and empowering.
“They’re fully committed, and now they are working on developing social justice skills and speaking up for what they care about,” said Muñoz. “They’re amazing. They’re super-powerful, and I’m really impressed by them.”
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