Empowering Chester County's Future: The Fund's CivicG+ Fosters Civic Engagement to Advance Women and Girls
West Chester, PA (September 11, 2023) – The Fund for Women and Girls launched its newly rebranded civic engagement youth program, CivicG+, formerly named GirlGov Chester County. This program provides 20 high school students from Chester County with an opportunity to learn firsthand about civics, government, advocacy, policy and leadership.
With the support of West Pharmaceuticals, Aqua Pennsylvania, an Essential Utilities Company, the Germeshausen Foundation, Chester County Solid Waste Authority, and CCRES, CivicG+ will expand its services to additional youth participants through partnerships with youth-serving organizations throughout the county. The Fund’s CivicG+ will host youth civic engagement workshops throughout the 2023-2024 school year.
“We are incredibly grateful to West, Aqua, and our other funders for their commitment to empowering girls and youth in our community,” said Kim Andrews, Executive Director at The Fund for Women and Girls. “Their contribution to our CivicG+ program will strengthen our efforts in creating a more inclusive and equitable society, where women and girls are empowered to lead and drive positive change.”
The CivicG+ program, an initiative of The Fund for Women and Girls, cultivates the leadership potential of girls and gender-expansive youth in Chester County, providing them with the necessary tools, resources, and support to make a positive impact on society through civic engagement. The program focuses on nurturing the skills and confidence of participants, preparing them to be influential voices in public and civic affairs.
CivicG+ members conduct in-depth research into issues such as reproductive rights, the environment, and mental health to identify ways they can catalyze positive change. These research projects are informed by expert speakers who visit the program, connecting with elected officials and other government employees, and engaging with nonprofits in Chester County.
Program members participate in service projects and in two speed networking events where they meet face-to-face with state and local officials, nonprofit and business leaders, and other influential women in the community.
The program is generously supported by a variety of organizations, including West Pharmaceuticals and Aqua Pennsylvania, an Essential Utilities Company, who will also provide valuable mentors for the program.
“We believe in the power of education, and by increasing access to programs like this, we can help create future leaders who will join us in building better communities,” said Aqua President Colleen Arnold. “In addition to enhancing gender equity, the CivicG+ program aligns with our goal of improving the quality of life for our customers, and we are delighted to partner with The Fund for Women and Girls to amplify the impact of their important work.”
The renamed program reflects The Fund’s focus on welcoming and including all girls and gender expansive youth into its programming. The program has made a significant impact in empowering young participants to become confident leaders and advocates for change. Through this innovative program, girls are provided with a platform to voice their opinions on important social issues, learn about the legislative process, and engage in public policy discussions. Impact extends beyond the individual participants, as it fosters a sense of support, creating a network of like-minded young leaders dedicated to making a positive difference in the world. This inspiring initiative has proven to be a catalyst for change, amplifying the voices of young women and cultivating their potential to be influential agents of progress in society.
Through its inclusive and community-driven process, The Fund continues to lead and unite the community through philanthropy and advocacy to ensure that women and girls have resources and opportunities to thrive.
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The Fund for Women and Girls: Igniting Change in Chester County leads and unites the community through philanthropy and advocacy to ensure that women and girls have resources and opportunities to thrive. Learn more at www.thefundcc.org. It released its “Fourth Edition Blueprint Report: Lighting a Path” in September 2022, which is available at www.thefundcc.org/research.