Newsletter 4, June 1, 2006

Welcome to GIF's Electronic Newsletter!

In this issue, you will find updated information about the International Girls Summit taking place this July in St. Paul, Minnesota. You will also meet the Nigerian team and learn about volunteer opportunities at the Summit!

Meet the Nigeria Team

Great news - the Nigerian Team has obtained their travel visas! The girls are looking forward to the Summit as they continue to prepare their action plan to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS through theater. Read on to meet the individual members of the Nigerian Team!

KELECHI, 16, believes that the world can be changed through our young girls, and she wants to take part in that vision for the future. She enjoys helping empower other girls in her community to make positive personal decisions and use their talents. She is passionate about upholding human rights. Kelechi is eager to bring lessons home from the summit to help lead future generations of stronger, empowered girls. She enjoys making creative art and eating jollof rice.

GERALDINE is dedicated to stopping gender-based discrimination and violence, and achieving equal rights. She is looking forward to learning new information and skills at the summit that she can use back in her community to enlighten other girls on the issues and problems of her community and the world. She hopes to help her peers improve their lives and make changes to achieve a better future. She enjoys reading, singing and traveling.

CHISOM, 14, lost both of her parents at a young age, and is determined to excel against all odds. She would like to become a physician and work to improve the health care of girls in Nigeria.

HUSNA, 13, wants to work towards improving public schools in her Nigerian community. Husna's goal is to establish a women's training center where women would be empowered through education and vocational training.

EZEH, 13, is from eastern Nigeria. She is determined to "re-write" her own story by getting a good education. Ezeh would like to become a mentor to other girls in her community and inspire them to commit to their education, too.

At the Summit: Platform for Action

At the Summit, each team will "build" one "plank" in the Girls' Platform for Action. The girls have been working to develop their team's plank. They started by reflecting on the needs of girls in their country under the umbrella themes of education, health, human rights, violence and economic empowerment. Each plank will include background information on the issues of girls in their country, their short-term and long-term goals, and their vision for the future. Teams will create specific plans of action for achieving these goals. We can hardly wait to see all the plans for positive change that will come together in the Platform this July!
Mother's Day Reception - A Success!

Our Mother's Day Dessert Reception took place on a lovely afternoon at a beautiful home on Summit Avenue in St. Paul. The desserts were delicious and our guests were excellent company. Thank you for honoring the important women in your lives by giving a gift that will go a long way toward making our work a success. Together we are making a difference!
Updates and Opportunities

Summit Leaders' Update
Girls, ages 12-18: Get involved! Help us welcome our international delegates, and have a great volunteer experience by becoming a Girls Summit Ambassador! Download the Ambassador application and look forward to a unique summer opportunity.

Also, attend Global Girls Day on Friday, July 14 at Macalester College. Join individuals and teams of girls from around the world to participate in workshops on issues ranging from leadership and fundraising to HIV/AIDS and girls' education. Click here to download the Registration Form.

Women of all ages: Find the volunteer opportunity that works for you. From assembling gift bags before the Summit, to helping with logistics during the Summit week, to helping at Global Girls Day or the Closing Ceremonies, find out how you can get involved!

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