November 2024 Dispatch

In the last few months, we have been flooded with sexist and racist memes, media about sexual assault, anti-trans comments, and patriarchal messages of every kind. We are a nonpolitical, nonpartisan organization – but we exist to nurture curiosity and critical thinking, and to help girls and nonbinary youth challenge the status quo through a feminist lens. That work has never felt more meaningful, or more important. 

As we move forward, we will continue to center the youth in our community as the heartbeat of our work. We know that building intergenerational connections, creating safe spaces for them to grow their own ideas, and giving them the tools to be changemakers – not just tomorrow, but today – is the most powerful antidote we have to fear or fatigue. 

And while the girls and nonbinary youth we work with bring us so much joy and hope for the future, we aren’t just leaving the work to them. We, as the adults at Hardy Girls, are working hard to make sure they know that we will fiercely defend their right to make their own choices for their lives and futures. We celebrate their brilliance, and we dare adult allies to join us. 

Our new cohort of Feminist Action Board (FAB) members kicked off the year with an incredible start! On a sunny day that set the perfect tone, FAB members gathered in our new office space for a day of team-building, goal-setting, and collaborative planning. Within the first 30 minutes, the group naturally organized, with Catherine stepping up to facilitate the agenda—a strong example of the leadership we aim to cultivate.

The day was filled with great energy, inclusivity, and kindness. We’re thrilled to see new friendships forming, and everyone embracing the spirit of FAB. The group developed their mission statement and some shared norms to encourage safety and inclusivity.

This year’s FAB is already making a positive impact, and we look forward to watching them grow together, build coalitions, and lead with purpose. The individual FAB cohorts will be meeting in their three regional groups once per month all of this school year. FABers are currently making decisions about the types of workshops they’ll put together for the Be You Boldly conferences that will happen in the spring.

We’re excited to announce the launch of our new Training Institute curriculum, currently being piloted over the course of four weeks at North Yarmouth Academy! This program is designed using evidence-based research and aims to foster the next generation of women and gender-expansive leaders, with sessions on how to be impactful change makers and “respectfully cause a ruckus.” Available in 2- or 4-part formats, the curriculum is aligned with Maine learning standards and grounded in research. By empowering youth with a voice, the Training Institute boosts mental health and self-confidence, ensuring students feel seen and heard.

If you’re interested in bringing the Hardy Girls Training Institute to your school or community center, we’d love to hear from you and can answer any questions you may have on follow-up.

 

Thanks to your support, Hardy Girls worked with over 1,500 girls and nonbinary youth over the last year. Read more about our efforts and the work ahead in our 2023-24 Annual Report!

Sarah Ward

Sarah Ward

Sarah Ward

After growing up in Harpswell and deciding to raise her children in Maine, Sarah currently resides in Lewiston with her two children, and partner Kyle. She became deeply invested in Hardy Girls after attending conferences with her daughter and seeing first hand the impact the organization can have. She currently serves as Director of Constituent Services in the Office of the Governor. Sarah revels in her time spent camping and fishing with her family, and while reading or working in the garden.

Five Questions with Sarah

Favorite book: Home Now: How 6000 Refugees Transformed an American Town by Cynthia Anderson
Woman (dead or alive) to have dinner with: Marlene Dietrich
Favorite feminist anthem: You Are The Problem Here by First Aid Kit
Favorite place to go on a feminist rant: At concerts
Perfect day (in one sentence): Early fall day spent on the water with my family.

Talia Judson

Talia Judson

Talia Judson

Talia recently moved to Maine where she has embraced the magic of the four seasons, hiking in the fall, skiing in the winter, gardening in the spring and sneaking in as many beach days as possible in the summer. Prior to the move, Talia lived in San Francisco and worked in brand marketing at consumer goods companies including Banana Republic, Peet’s Coffee and PopChips. She received her BA in Sociology and Anthropology from Middlebury College and her MBA from the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth. She is thrilled to be part of the team at Hardy Girls causing a Ruckus!

Five Questions with Talia

Favorite book: I could never choose just one!
Woman (dead or alive) to have dinner with: Jane Austen
Favorite feminist anthem: Just A Girl by No Doubt
Favorite place to go on a feminist rant: Squam Lake, my favorite place for everything.
Perfect day (in one sentence): A bluebird winter day spent skiing fresh powder with my family.