In Warren, a crowd of girls ages 8-13 runs a 5-kilometer course with race bibs proudly pinned to their lavender shirts. Every bib has the same number: 1.
In Dundee, girls line up at the start of a summer 5K in funny hats they decorated themselves, with prizes going to the largest, the smallest, the silliest.
In Holland, hundreds of girls in bubblegum-colored shirts pour into the Wondergirl 5K, creating a wave of pink that splashes across the starting line.
Across Michigan, young girls are discovering athletic talents they never thought they had — and learning a lot about how to handle schoolyard pressures along the way. They’re part of Girls on the Run… More…
So begins an article by Heather Newman in the Detroit Free Press that I just came across about Girls on the Run and the impact it is having on girls in Michigan. Girls on the Run is a non-profit prevention program that works with girls (from 8 to 13) to encourage them to build healthy lifestyles fueled with self-respect. Participants come together twice a week for 75 minutes for 10 weeks to train for a 5k and to discuss issues like body image, self-esteem, relationships, and being in community. It was founded by a fabulous woman, Molly Barker.
When Hijas Americanas was released, it was important to me to use the opportunities I had to talk about body image, beauty perception, and ethnic identity to support an organization that was championing those ideals. Girls on the Run was a natural fit and a dear friend came up with the design of the byoo-tee tee. All of the proceeds go to benefit Girls on the Run.
Across North America, Girls on the Run will start another semester of programming this fall, and I would love for them to start with all the funds possible from the sale of the byoo-tee tees. The t-shirts cost $20 (this include shipping and handling) and are fair trade, sweat-shop free tees. The fitted natural ones are made of organic cotton. Three fits remain (while quanities last). In the natural, fitted style, there are 4 small, 7 medium, 3 extra large tees available. In the natural loose style, there is 1 xxxl tee remaining. In the grey vneck, there are one medium, 9 large, and 9 extra large tees remaining. Want to place an order? Send me an e-mail letting me know which shirt and how many you want to hijasamericanas@gmail.com with BYOO-TEE ORDER in the subject line, and we’ll work out the details.
I’ve given the tees for birthday and holiday gifts, and my friends have really loved them. The fit is great. The cotton is really soft. And the message is spunky and positive. A school teacher told me this past week that she and one of her best teaching friends wear their t-shirts on Fridays (dress down days) to send their students a message. I loved that story! Let’s get the message to redefine beauty out everywhere while helping a great effort that is doing exactly that!
these are cool!