What is GEM?
GEM is all about engaging girls to take the lead to create and implement physical activity programs that meet their unique needs and serve as change-agents to improve the health and wellness of their own communities.
With initial investment and continued support from the Atlanta Falcons Youth Foundation, we are working to increase physical activity, strengthen emotional wellness and build leadership skills in middle school girls by creating supportive girl led physical activity at over 100 sites throughout Georgia.
Girls Empowering Movement is a collaborative initiative led by HealthMPowers in partnership with:
Boys and Girls Clubs of Georgia, Girl Scouts of Greater Atlanta, Girl Scouts of Historic Georgia, and the University of West Georgia.
Girls Leading the Way
GEM groups are formed with 20 to 30 girls participating at each site. Ambassador Leaders initiate the program utilizing online tools and program materials that are provided by GEM including a journal, activity tracker, t-shirts, GEM bracelets, and jump ropes.
All girls have access to the GEM dashboard, an online program toolkit. GEM Program Managers work one on one with Adult Facilitators at each site to provide any needed support throughout the program.
Developing Leadership and Resiliency Skills
Utilizing training and program resources, GEM Ambassadors are empowered to set personal and group wellness and fitness goals, explore different types of physical activities and lead the creation and implementation of physical activity programming at each site based on the groups’ preferences, motivators, and goals. Girls progress through the program’s GEM “mines”, reaching various milestones along the way and developing skills in leadership, communication, advocacy, self-care, and physical activity.
GEM Implementation Partners
GEM Ambassador Leaders
Two girls are selected as GEM Ambassador Leaders to serve at each site. Together with the site Adult Facilitator, they receive in-depth program training, resources and connect with other GEM youth leaders from across the state. During the GEM Statewide Leadership Summit, girls build leadership skills: including communication, safety, etiquette, and emotional and physical well-being.
Making an Impact
GEM groups work together in the “Create A MOVEment” phase of the program to identify a need and create a plan to engage other girls in their community in physical activity. Girls gain skills in project planning, self-assessment, communication, project implementation and evaluation.
GEM Leadership Team
Designed by girls, for girls, GEM brings an innovative approach to getting girls active. The unique GEM programming was developed by HealthMPowers in partnership with Boys and Girls Clubs of Georgia, Girl Scouts of Greater Atlanta, Girl Scouts of Historic Georgia, and the University of West Georgia.
The program partners collaborated with the GEM Leadership Team, a diverse group of middle school girls who worked together over the initial 18 month planning phase to develop the program name, logo, and resources. The Leadership Team continues to provide insight and ensure that the girl voice is heard throughout every aspect of the program.
We make time to celebrate the wins. At the end of the program year, girls plan and enjoy a group GEM celebration to recognize their personal and group achievements.
Through strong partnerships and unique programming, GEM is empowering girls to create physical activity programs, improve fitness levels, promote long term health, and enhance their emotional well-being. Your support today will help us continue to deliver innovative youth-led programming to girls across Georgia.