October 6, 2009

Save them from bullying.

The Women’s Fund presented best-selling author Rachel Simmons, nationally-recognized expert on bullying among girls.

Bullying among girls hurts today and impacts tomorrow. That is why The Women’s Fund brought to the Capital Region Rachel Simmons, New York Times bestselling author of Odd Girl Out: The Hidden Culture of Aggression in Girls (2003) and the new The Curse of the Good Girl.

This important three-part event was both a community service to help middle and high school girls who struggle with bullying every day and a fundraiser for The Women’s Fund. We reached nearly 1000 people, including high school girls, parents, and over 100 educators. More than 500 people attended the evening program at the Troy Savings Bank Music Hall. The Women's Fund offered free tickets to families who could not afford to purchase evening tickets, available through principals of area public schools, directors of non-profits, and leaders of faith-based organizations. We are pleased to have given out almost 200 free tickets.

Here are some comments we received about Rachel's presentations:

I just wanted to tell you what a wonderful event that was yesterday morning. The girls were very enthusiastic about what they had seen and heard and Rachel Simmons was an engaging and dynamic presenter. We look forward to following up with the students in smaller groups. Many thanks to you and the Women's Fund for such a memorable time.

– Mary Convertino, Academy of the Holy Names

Thank you! It was definitely a worthwhile event! Helen, our guidance counselor, and her daughter (a middle schooler) attended the evening session and found it to be very good as well. Helen was one of our chaperones in the morning. She has actually shown Rachel’s film to her health class in years past and had the opportunity to tell that to Rachel. Helen is actually going to send her a handout that she uses with the girls after they view the film. Isn’t that great?!

I thought the event was terrific and we were very pleased to be a part of it. Thank you for organizing it.

– Ann Wendth, Albany Academies

Our teachers said the afternoon session was superb, as well. Rachel got rave reviews for both content and presentation style. Thanks for including us!

– Trudy Hall, Headmistress, Emma Willard School