Social Justice

Go Girl Go Project

Women's Sports Foundation

Barbara Gifford
Curriculum Development Assistant
Lifespan Faith Development, UUA
Boston, MA

"I was made fun of everywhere I went-in my neighborhood and at school."
-- Jeanette Lee, billiards gold medallist, Billiards World Games

"You run like a turkey," my coach would yell, making my teammates explode in laughter."
- Lisa Fernandez, two-time Olympic softball gold medallist.

How many girls have experienced these kinds of painful situations? The Go Girl Go Project was developed as an educational resource for coaches and group leaders who work with girls 10-14 years-old to promote healthy attitudes about themselves. Sports are featured in the program as one way of building self-esteem, but it could be used with groups other than athletes.

The Go Girl Go Guide to Life booklet is a collection of inspirational stories written by young female athletes-including Paralympic athletes (elite athletes with physical disabilities). These women tell their compelling stories about eating disorders, depression, ethnic and racial differences, fitting in, bullying, harassment, and relationships, as well as their attitudes about substance abuse. A list of red-flag feelings and behaviors help readers explore their own issues and begin to do some problem solving.

Free kits include the coaches and group leaders guide and a Guide to Life booklet and journal for each participant. The Go Girl Go Project Official Coaches and Group Leaders Guide can be downloaded from the Women's Sports Foundation web site www.womenssportsfoundation.org. Kits can be ordered by calling 1-800-227-3988 or emailing womsport@aol.com.