Girls United MN

A message from GUMN Executive Director - Jessica Melnik

Girls United MN members and supporters, 

We are living in a very strange time. Many of us did not expect to find ourselves in the positions we find ourselves in today. Girls United MN is a non-profit organization which strives to empower and inspire the next generation of female leaders. We currently have one chapter at Hopkins High School in Minnesota, and are looking to expand!

I am feeling inspired by the working of the Hopkins Girls United MN chapter and the work they did this school year. They led a school-wide staff training on gender-based violence and Title IX, advocated for a bill to create a statewide Title IX coordinator at the capitol, and continued to make meaningful connections with allies at their school. The next generation of Girls United MN leaders is rising and we are feeling so lucky to be a part of that journey. 

I am asking for your support of our programming. Many of us were not sure what Girls United MN would look like once the original youth advisory board graduated for college, would we remain as a club? Would we continue our legislative work? Would we expand to other schools? My peers and I have been pondering these questions for over a year and we are excited to inform you all that we plan to continue full steam ahead! 

This summer, we plan to launch two virtual leadership/advocacy institutes for middle school and high school students. Over the years, girls from different high schools and middle schools have been wanting to create chapters of Girls United MN at their schools and we are so excited to have an opportunity to support them through their participation in the leadership institute. Each participant will receive a Girls United MN chapter guide and continued support from the past leaders and various community supporters. 

I hope you consider contributing whatever you are able to at this time. Although we are an organization run by girls for girls, we rely a lot on your continued financial support to empower the next generation of young leaders.

Be safe and well, 

Jessica Melnik

Executive Director Girls United MN