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OUR HISTORY

Girls Inc. was founded in 1864 to serve girls and young women who were experiencing upheaval in the aftermath of the Civil War. Across the decades, we adapted to meet the specific environmental challenges facing girls and young women, always working in partnership with schools and communities, and guided by our founders’ fundamental belief in the inherent potential of each girl. Woven into those early girls’ clubs are the same core values of Girls Inc. today: the importance of creating a safe gathering place for girls to learn and to share in a sisterhood, and a strong premise that each girl can develop her own capacities, self- confidence, and grow up healthy, educated, and independent.

Girls Inc. of the Island City HISTORY

In April 1964, a group of concerned citizens founded a program for girls and incorporated it as Alameda Girls’ Club. The doors officially opened October 28, 1964. Since then, there have been many milestones to celebrate.

Here are some of the highlights:

1964-1973, A Place to Call Their Own
At the time, there were no opportunities for girls in Alameda similar to those offered to boys. The Girls’ Club responded to this need, fostering the character development of all girls through a program of educational, vocational, health, social, and recreational activities.

1974-1983, Preparing Girls for Bold Futures
In response to the powerful challenges of the civil rights movement, the women’s movement, the flood of women entering the workforce, and the adolescent turbulence of the time, activities changed to prepare girls for very different adulthoods.

1984-1993, Going Places
For the first time, groundbreaking, research-based National programs were implemented to ensure that the organization was the best equipped to address girls’ issues.

1994-2003, Best Foot Forward
In addition to innovative programs, Girls Inc. provided girls with new opportunities to grow and gave them the tools they needed to avoid or overcome obstacles to their success.

2004-Present, Positioned for the Future
As we look to the next 50 years and beyond, our goal is to make sure that every girl in Alameda has access to our enriching programming and support services.

Girls Inc. Bill of rights

Although the times and programs have changed, Girls Inc. always has been, and always will be, all about the girls. With a continued commitment and dedication to making a measurable and lasting difference, Girls Inc. is a strong advocate for girls and honors the Girls Inc. Girls Bill of Rights.

View Bill of Rights PDF

1

Girls have the right to be themselves and to resist stereotypes.

2

Girls have the right to express themselves with originality and enthusiasm.

3

Girls have the right to take risks, to strive freely, and to take pride in success.

4

Girls have the right to accept and appreciate their bodies.

5

Girls have the right to have confidence in themselves and to be safe in the world.

6

Girls have the right to prepare for interesting work and economic independence.

I struggled internally for a long time, but through Girls Inc. I learned that my body is a resource, not an object. I began to love and embrace my body.

Briseida