STATE OF THE BAY AREA GIRL INITIATIVE (SGI)

How do you measure an imagined community that's yet to be created?

Let's find out together

Alliance for Girls is spearheading the State of the Girl Initiative, focused on creating a sustainable, strengths-based, and participatory commitment model designed by girls and gender-expansive youth of color in the Bay Area.

This initiative is shaped by the voices of these young leaders and supported by the organizations that serve them, ensuring it addresses their unique needs and aspirations for thriving. 

ABOUT SGI

Creating a sustainable, strengths-based, and participatory commitment model designed by girls and gender-expansive youth of color in the Bay Area

We have set a 5-year goal to create an imagined community** in the Bay Area where girls and gender-expansive youth, particularly those of color, are valued, respected, and safe.

Central to this vision are the State of the Bay Area Girl Initiative (SGI) County Profiles, which are designed to be more than just data—they are a cornerstone of AFG's effort to center the lived experiences of girls and gender-expansive youth of color through actionable youth-led data made up of both current and aspirational indicators for measuring their well-being across all nine Bay Area counties.

Through this, we aim to position these young people as experts and solution builders, benefiting the entire community.

**"Imagined Communities" is an influential concept drawn from Chandra Mohanty's scholarship. It challenges dominant and oppressive universal truths that often erase or distort marginalized communities. An Imagined Community is one that starts by collectively gathering knowledge and sharing it for the benefit of all. It aligns and brings together coalitions and solidarities among women* of diverse communities and identities, transcending borders and conceptualizing power as fluid and evolving.

APPROACH

Building a future where every girl and gender-expansive youth in the Bay Area feels seen, heard, and supported

  • The State of the Bay Area Girl Pláticas are warm, inviting gatherings inspired by Latinx and Chicanx indigenous research methods. These events bring together girls, gender-expansive youth, and the organizations that support them for dialogue, reflection, and co-creation. We’ll review and synthesize nine years of youth participatory data and five comprehensive reports, with the hope of including more youth-led research.

    Participants will explore recurring themes and insights from past years, discussing promising practices, solutions, and recommendations from youth. This isn’t just about looking back—it’s about asking, "What do you see in these patterns? What resonates, and where do we go from here?" We aim to collectively elevate these ideas, commit to actionable steps, and build a future that reflects the needs and visions of our youth.

  • The State of the Bay Area Girl County Profiles build on insights from the Pláticas, offering a deeper look into the unique realities of each Bay Area county. These profiles provide a localized view of the conditions, needs, and opportunities for girls and gender-expansive youth, directly informed by their voices. They help stakeholders—from schools to community organizations to policymakers—better understand the dynamics in their areas and how to effectively support youth.

  • Together, the Initiative, the Plática, and the County Profiles are part of a cohesive effort to ensure that youth voices are not only heard but acted upon. They form a cycle of listening, learning, and building that involves everyone—youth, community leaders, and institutions—coming together to create a more just and supportive ecosystem. The value lies in collaboration, transparency, and a commitment to uplifting the powerful recommendations from girls and gender-expansive youth. AFG is committed to keeping this process alive and evolving, ensuring we don't just talk about change, but build it, together.

ATTEND A PLÁTICA

REGISTER FOR AN UPCOMING EVENT

To develop County profiles, we are co-hosting with Girls Inc. of Alameda County a series of in-person Pláticas. The literal translation of pláticas is “talks;” however, pláticas are more than talks—they are family and community gatherings where powerful conversations occur in a warm, friendly environment. 

WHAT TO EXPECT:

  • Receive a nourishing dinner and sweet treat to feed our souls.

  • Be led by youth facilitators from Girls Inc. of Alameda County

  • Dive deep into the heart of what makes up the County Profiles with an enhanced focus on Alameda County. 

  • Contribute to systemic change and building a future that reflects your aspirations, and meet like-minded people along the way.

  • Be an active part of decision-making processes and ensure your vision for the future is heard.

Thursday September 19 2024, 4:30 PM - 7:30 PM

Girls Inc. Simpson Center for Girls
510 16th Street
Oakland, California

Wednesday, October 02 2024, 3:30 PM - 5:30 PM

Online via Zoom

THANK YOU

OUR PLÁTICA SPONSORS