OUR HISTORY

In 1991, a small group of dedicated professionals serving girls in correctional programs planned a statewide training to address the gaps in services and lack of parity issues for adolescent females. The response was so overwhelming that the one-time event evolved into the annual Minnesota Conference on Adolescent Females. The conference continues to serve as a multidisciplinary training and networking forum for professionals who work with girls in education, social work, health care, mental health, youth programs and corrections.

In 2004, the planning committee for the fourteenth annual conference encountered significant challenges as many girl-serving organizations and programs experienced cutbacks, layoffs and closings. Concerned about dwindling girl-focused services, leaders of the planning committee wanted to create a clearinghouse of resources and information addressing the needs of girls in Minnesota. The Girls’ Coalition of Greater Boston, an organization that has been successfully serving professionals who work with girls since 1992, provided key insights into creating a diverse consortium of organizations and individuals that could work together to encourage the healthy development of girls.

In 2005, a leadership group began the steps to create the Girls Coalition of Minnesota (GCM).

• The Board of Directors was created with support and direction from the Leadership Registry program of the YWCA of Minneapolis and the Management Assistance for Nonprofits program.
• The board attended a retreat in Red Wing, Minnesota and with the assistance of a consultant created a mission statement and developed goals for the organization.
• The group sought and obtained fiscal agent services from the Minnesota Women’s Consortium and developed relationships with other potential collaborators.
• The new board elected officers and activated committees: Program & Membership, Nominations, and Development.

The Board continues to actively recruit a diverse group of community volunteers to fulfill organizational goals carried out by committee. To date, GCM has created and distributed a draft directory of Minnesota programs and services for girls; outlined a membership structure for individuals and organizations; obtained grant money for start-up expenses; established a Girls Advisory Board; and hired a part-time Administration Coordinator. The Girls Coalition of Minnesota is moving forward to expand the organization through membership, an expanded website and events.

OUR GOALS