GENERAL DESCRIPTIONMission and VisionThe mission of Girls Inc, as stated on its website, is “to inspire all girls to be strong, smart, and bold” (girlsinc.org, 2014). This mission statement is visible on almost every public post and image, it has remained at the heart of the organization and continues to be a driving force for the future of the organization. Girls Inc’s vision is “empowered girls and an equitable society” (girlsinc.org). Girls Inc. also developed a Girls' Bill of Rights, which states that girls have the right to: "1) be themselves and resist gender stereotypes, 2) express themselves with originality and enthusiasm, 3) take risks, strive freely. , and be proud of their success, 4) accept and appreciate their bodies, 5) be confident and secure in the world, and 6) prepare for meaningful work and economic independence” (girlsinc.org ).History Informally, Girls Inc. was established in 1864 in Connecticut, for girls from factory working families (girlsinc.org, 2014). This club was an informal gathering place, a bright spot in girls' lives during the Great Depression, where they could learn sewing skills, make friends, and connect with mentors (girlsinc.org). It was feelings of belonging, increased self-esteem and a home away from home that were the driving force behind the effort to bring together 19 clubs in the New England area to become the Girls Club of America in 1945, a name that would last ten years. years (girlsinc.org). In the 1960s, Girls Inc. focused on homemaking skills, hoping to develop girls into exceptional young women. Then, in the 1970s, a new executive director arrived and took a critical look at the organization's mission to educate girls middle of paper......in an effort to be transparent about who finance. the organization and how the money is spent.PolicyWhile we have not been able to access information about how public policy affects Girls Inc.'s programming and what government regulations they must comply with, it is well known that the organization continues to be at the forefront of advocating for policies that affect the populations they serve (girlsinc.org, 2014). When it comes to changing legislation that directly affects the lives of women and girls, Girls Inc. works for many causes. Some of the initiatives they have been involved with include bills addressing sexual assault on college campuses, funding for after-school programs (S 1796), sexual assault in the military (S 967), human trafficking and improving the juvenile justice system for girls. (HR 1833) (girlsinc.org, 2014).