I recently had the amazing opportunity to host an Action Lab at a conference organized by the Women’s Funding Network.

I was the only teen girl who participated. The room was set up like a fair, where you’re free to move around and visit different tables to learn about things that interest you.

My table was about girls activism and how engaging girls in philanthropy is important and unique.

I talked to women ranging from 20 to 60 years old about the significance of girls activism about many issues including the environment, education, diseases, etc.

It was fascinating that I was talking to women who would usually be giving me advice. We talked about the importance of girls, how to get girls involved, and the training involved with equipping the next generation of leaders.

Why girls? Teen girls are unique. We’re bubbly, passionate, and we’re going to be the next generation of leaders! We should engage in philanthropy now so that we’ll have all of the skills ready to lead the world when we grow up.

Teen girls also have on average 450 Facebook friends, so they can spread the word about causes very quickly! Additionally, adults are more likely to listen to girls because they want to support what young girls are fighting for.

Not only adults, but businesses are more willing to give away items for raffles and events if a young girl asks and impresses them with her poise and dedication to the cause.

Lastly, young girls have amazing ideas. I’ve been told, mostly by my mom, that I throw out ideas left and right without thinking about the costs.

While this may sound like a bad thing, it is in fact very good because young girls have a unique perspective on the world. When we see something wrong and think of a solution, we throw out amazing ideas and there’s no cost or doubt that something can’t be done.

We are optimistic and when we are determined and united, we are unstoppable.

How do you engage girls? Girls are passionate and excited to help causes that interest us. To attract us to the cause, you simply have to show us the facts and make the facts tangible.

I got involved with Girl Up after attending a pep rally and learning that 1 out of 7 girls in the developing world is married before the age of 15. I was shocked and immediately wanted to get involved with Girl Up.

How do you train young girls? You can give us media training, fundraising and event planning skills, etc.

When you teach us, we listen.

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