I can’t imagine how tough it would be to be a girl today. We’re slowly suffocating the next generation of female leaders with a steady stream of insidious, confidence-sucking media poison. It’s never been easy, but imagine growing up now with reality TV (keep up with those Kardashians!), commercials the likes of Go Daddy (some ‘too hot for TV!”) and a vitriolic political environment with women being used as a punching bag in the middle.  I don’t know how our girls are getting out of bed every morning thinking they’re anything but ‘less than.’

It’s our responsibility to start talking, and keep talking, to the girls in our lives about what it means to be a woman and a leader and about how to spot and understand the messages being directed their way that are subtle yet powerful in their ability to distort reality. A great place to start is the documentary Miss Representation, by Jennifer Siebel Newsom. You might also read Ashley Judd’s wonderful post together about speculations surrounding her appearance and the larger implications of the hub bub.  You could even sit down and participate in the ‘puffy face moments’ movement Judd started.

If you haven’t done so already, get the girls in your life involved in on our own Go Girl Project. This month we’re holding MoxieFest events across the country because we know that ‘if you can see it, you can be it’. We want girls to see smart, successful REAL women in action and believe that they, too, can walk in those shoes.

Finally, let me share what’s become somewhat of a running joke in our house. When I see something that just isn’t right, I point it out. I don’t harp, moan or hop on a soap-box, I simply call it as I see it. And you know what? It’s working. Here was a recent exchange between my son, daughter and I as we were watching a movie at home. Before I could even say anything about the scene (in which the actor was climbing a water tower in 4 inch heels, a push up bra and a skin tight dress while her scene mate was in jeans and running shoes) my daughter spoke up, “Mom, we GET it. Women are objectified by the media.” “Yeah, it’s wrong, we know. Very unfair,” said my son.  Happy dance! They noticed it- they SAW what usually slips past unnamed yet high impact. They’re paying attention and knew it was twisted. I’ll take that over silence every day!

As long as I have a voice, I’m committed to pointing out the garbage that’s poisoning our girls. When I stop, I’ll be dead. Maybe I’ll pre-record some messages that can be played when I’m gone… Or maybe, if we’re ALL talking, things will be better. Please add your voice to the mix, or if you’re already started, keep talking, sister!

What a great day! The “you go girl” bracelets have arrived and are ready for purchase at the ‘shop’ area of the website. They’ve passed the 14 year old daughter test (she loves them) and the middle aged woman test (everyone who sees them has loved them). We are ready to start funding scholarships! I can’t quite announce it yet, but we’ve selected a dynamite organization to deliver the training, so we’re truly off to the races. Please consider gifting the bracelets for the holidays, or for the heck of it.

There’s already a great story associated with the bracelets. Two women in Colorado who didn’t know one another were watching their girl’s soccer practice and one noticed the other’s bracelet. She said, “You must be a part of Moxie” and another business connection was formed!

Let’s get our Moxie on!

I received some great news on Friday. I learned that the bracelets for The Go Girl Project have arrived! I’m pretty fired up about the possibilities these little bracelets hold. I love the idea of women and girls around the country wearing the bracelets knowing that in buying them they’ve helped fund scholarships for girl’s to attend leadership training. I like to think about a girl wearing our bracelet and using it as a reminder that she can do anything. Maybe she’ll be able to give that speech with her knees shaking just a little less, or maybe she’ll try something new instead of holding back. Whatever the occasion, I hope her bracelet gives her just a little bit of extra confidence and power. We’re not talking Wonder Woman’s bracelets here, but close!

The rock stars at Alexa’s Angels did an amazing job designing them for us and they turned out great. They say “you go, girl!” and come in black, green and blue. I’ve never been great at describing things, so we’re excited to get photos up on the website so you can see what they look like and – we hope – purchase them!

I’ll let you know when we’re ready for you to help us make a difference!