What is unique about Be Present?

The Personal is Political. Be Present recognizes that the effectiveness of our collective movement is only as effective as the individuals themselves. For change to occur on a larger scale, each woman must first uncover her true self by understanding her past experiences and personal barriers. From self-knowledge, women and girls can make conscious choices, develop a practice of positive change, and work through historical barriers of race, class, religion, geography, and gender, to name the most common, to build partnerships and healthier communities.

Change Begins in Peer-Led Support Groups. In peer-led support groups women and girls explore their life experiences and are affirmed in creating a new, stronger sense of themselves. Here, women make the critical connection between their personal struggles and oppression of women in the larger society. The result is individuals who serve first, as agents for change in their own lives, who can then move out into the world and affect change on a larger scale.

"Participants vs. Clients”: A different organizing model. Many issues are traditionally addressed by “providing services for clients.” In contrast, Be Present structures development in the most inclusive, participatory manner. Those “for whom the work is being done” are the primary contributors and decision-makers, as well as recipients. Our organizational model empowers women and girls, at whatever stage they enter, to develop, enhance and use their leadership capacities in increasingly more personal and public ways, and in partnership with each other.

Developing Girls’ Leadership. Too few programs for girls incorporate relationships with women in which they are both equal contributors to the partnership, effectively isolating girls from some of their most powerful allies. As part of Be Present’s ongoing commitment to developing their leadership, girls voices are reflected in all activities and policies, as well as regional and national development initiatives, and representation on the board of directors.

The Strength of a Nationwide Network. Women and girls receive ongoing support and validation to make the changes they want in their lives and build healthy communities. In addition to developing peer-led support groups, Be Present offers nationwide programs, trainings, and institutes for individuals to come together across historical barriers and continue the process of building partnerships.