A Binghamton University student group, Smart is Cool, whose goal is to break down female stereotypes, is organizing the fourth annual Girls Take Charge leadership conference for next semester.
The members of Smart is Cool are organizing the event, along with the Continuing Education and Outreach program at BU, to promote positive self images for local girls in grades seven through 12.
Girls Take Charge will take place from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 30, 2010, at the University’s Downtown Center and costs a registration fee of $59.
“Girls now look up to celebrities like Paris Hilton and Britney Spears, who aren’t strong role models,” said senior English and global cultures major and Smart is Cool representative Katie Richards. “Girls Take Charge will help them understand that it is alright for girls to be intelligent and still be able to get attention from guys.”
At the conference, girls can participate in a “Project Runway” activity where they will be divided into groups to design T-shirts.
Participants will also be given a chance to meet New York City designers Erin Darby and Ana Henao as well as keynote speaker Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo, the first female elected to represent New York state’s 126th assembly district.
“I am excited for this year’s Girls Take Charge conference and I hope with the newly chartered Smart is Cool movement on the Binghamton campus, we will continue to make an impact on these young girls’ lives,” said Beth Mooney, founder of Smart is Cool.
According to Richards and senior Alexa Klorman, Smart is Cool campus director, they first encountered the movement from David Archer, an adjunct lecturer of education at BU.
“He told us that his daughter, Beth Mooney, was starting a women empowerment movement across campuses nationwide,” Richards said. “I wanted to take part in this movement because I firmly believe that women have come far and we still have a long way to go.”
Archer previously served as mayor for Endicott and is co-director of Learning to Lead, a nonprofit organization that trains young individuals to excel in their schools and communities.
“Growing up, especially with my father who always encouraged me to break the glass ceiling, I wanted to start a movement that will not only empower college women but give them this sense of confidence. It’s derogatory how the media portrays women,” Mooney said. “Smart is Cool will be a way for women on campuses to form a community and come together to change the way women are seen.”
“We try to spread our message through the sales of our T-shirts, apparel and tote bags on our Web site [sicmovement.com]. Part of the profit goes to fund the Girls Take Charge conferences,” Klorman said.
Members of Smart is Cool serve as mentors to the conference participants.
“It truly is a wonderful feeling to know you’re making an impact on these girls’ lives in a positive light,” Richards said.
“The Smart is Cool movement is always looking for strong role models to spread the message. We’re in need of event planners, journalists and anyone who wants to make a difference,” Mooney said.
According to Mooney, Smart is Cool is in the process of getting a book proposal as well as working to revamp their Web site.
Klorman hopes to hold a general interest meeting for the group before Thanksgiving break. For more information, please contact her at alexa@sicmovement.com.