FISA funds programs to reduce girls bullying

posted May 12, 2008
From all indications, bullying or "relational aggression" are on the rise among girls. Derry Area Middle School (Westmoreland County) took steps to pilot then adopt the Club Ophelia model for its middle school girls. This model is based upon the work of Cheryl Dellagesa. The Tribune Review provides additional information about the program: www.pittsburghlive.com/x/tribunereview/news/westmoreland/s_567035.html.

FISA funds gender-specific programs for girls that promote empowerment, mentoring, health and wellness, issues related to teen pregnancy, and the prevention of and intervention in abuse and violence.

FISA invites you to join the Girls Coalition of Southwestern Pennsylvania!

posted May 12, 2008
FISA Foundation is one of the founders of The Girls Coalition of Southwestern Pennsylvania (an emerging network of providers, funders, and community leaders dedicated to improving the lives of girls in our region). The Girls Coalition brings together people and resources to educate, advocate and network on behalf of girls.

If you care deeply about the future of the girls throughout the region, the Girls Coalition of Southwestern Pennsylvania offers you a unique opportunity to Get Connected to colleagues who share your passionate commitment to the health and well-being of girls.

By becoming a member you will:
* Raise the profile of your organization through a detailed profile in the upcoming Resource Directory of Girl-Serving organizations;
* Post and promote your events on the Girls Coalition website;
* Reach Girls Coalition members with eblasts about your organization's monthly events and special opportunities;
* Learn about the latest information, resources, and trends about girls;
* Receive advanced notice for all Girls Coalition professional development and educational events
* Connect and collaborate with a network of like-minded agencies on projects, and amplify the regional profile of girls and girls' issues

Annual Dues are very reasonable:
$10 Student/low income
$25 Individual/Adult
$50 Organization with budget up to $1,000,000
$100 Organization with budget $1,000,000 and over

Request a copy of the Girls Coalition Membership Application from FISA!

New Links!

posted February 18, 2008
Take a moment to explore the resources highlighted in the "links" section of this website. Some very interesting recent updates include:

A new publication from the Girl Scouts Research Institute that explores girls' perceptions about leadership: Exploring Girls Leadership

Tips on promoting inclusion in children's programs: Including All Kids: Beyond Participation
www.includingallkids.org

And a virtual Museum of Disability History
www.museumofdisability.org

FISA Empowers Young Women to Combat Sexual Assault

posted January 04, 2008
Three young women from Shaler Area High School were shocked by the frequency of sexual assault and decided to do something about it. Together Jackie Betz, Megan Neuf and Erin Drischler started the M-POWERMENT project to engage other students in raising awareness that one in four girls will be raped or sexually assaulted by Thanksgiving break of their freshman year in college.

Initially the group wore and distributed arm bands that displayed the one in four statistic. As the project gained momentum they added other educational activities including a women's conference. Initial seed funding was provided by Girls as Grantmakers, a project supported by FISA, Women and Girls Foundation, Eden Hall Foundation and Jewish Women's Foundation. FISA is honored to award an additional $1,000 to the group in honor of these three young women who are winners of the 2008 Jefferson Award.

www.post-gazette.com/pg/08004/846512-51.stm

Expanding Opportunities for People with Disabilities to Serve on Nonprofit Boards

posted October 10, 2007
While relatively new, FISA Foundation's groundbreaking partnership with Duquesne University's Boards By Design program has already started matching local nonprofits with highly trained board candidates who have disabilities. Chaz Kellem, Account Executive with the Pittsburgh Pirates, has accepted a board position with the Steel City Rowing Club in Verona. For more information see:
www.leadership.duq.edu/pdf/Kellem_Chaz.pdf