REAL PEOPLE: I AM THAT GIRL
Glitter Magazine recently sat down with Em from I AM THAT GIRL to talk about how others can get involved, what inspired her to launch I AM THAT GIRL, and the goals for I AM THAT GIRL in 2015. We’re in love with how many girls I AM THAT GIRL help and think you’ll love them and their cause as well!
GLITTER: What inspired you to start I AM THAT GIRL?
EM: I joined Alexis Jones at the launch of I AM THAT GIRL mostly because I, myself, was so hungry for a community like this, and a space that’s safe for me to be who I am instead of who I think I’m supposed to be. Helping girls connect to themselves and to each other, giving girls permission to be vulnerable and to recognize the strength in that, raising the standard for how we treat each other and ourselves, shifting girl culture as we know it – that fires me up unlike anything I’ve ever felt before.
GLITTER: How can teens get involved with I AM THAT GIRL?
EM: Girls can get involved with IATG through our virtual communities–website, social media–or by joining or starting a Local Chapter.
GLITTER: To start a local chapter how much time does one need to devote?
EM: In terms of a time commitment, it’s usually a minimum of 8 hours a month for the average chapter, but we encourage girls to put as much energy into their chapter as they’re inspired to!
GLITTER: What celebrities have supported I AM THAT GIRL and how?
EM: We are very fortunate to have several celebrities support us. They get it, just like any other girls with fears and doubts and insecurities, and we love having the opportunity to work with such inspiring people with a passion to use their platform for good. Sophia Bush has been monumental in her support with interview mentions, fundraising campaigns, writing the foreword in the I AM THAT GIRL book, and just being a constant voice and role model for girls. She and Emmanuelle Chriqui sit on our board. We did a bracelet collaboration with Kate Bosworth and she remains a supporter as well. Women like Kristen Bell, Maggie Grace, Kristen Kreuk, and Arielle Kebbel and several others are on board and support when they get the call from us. We are very lucky.
GLITTER: What kind of activities do the local chapters participate in?
EM: Girls in Local Chapters focus on building stronger connections to other members in their community while simultaneously learning more about themselves. This happens mostly through the chapter meet-ups. We also encourage our chapters to get involved in their communities through service and outreach after 3 months as a chapter. Our chapters also get involved in our national campaigns and sometimes create their own, especially as it might relate to things going on on their college campuses. For example, our Local Chapter at Elon University participated in a campaign called #LoveMeForMyMind where they posted photos of themselves that emphasized qualities other than looks.
GLITTER: What are your goals for I AM THAT GIRL for 2015?
EM: Our goals for 2015 is to double our chapter growth to 250 chapters and to launch a couple campaigns that will provide the organization with a sustainable revenue model to fund and grow our programs.
GLITTER: What can teens do right now to make a difference with I AM THAT GIRL while waiting for a local chapter to come to their town?
EM: Don’t wait for a chapter to come to your town, reach out to us and launch your own chapter!
Editorial Director | Writer | Tweet me @heatherriccio
