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Greenwich Family YMCA
Afterschool Program
Hosts Girls, Inc. Media Awareness
Workshop January 18, 2007- "But I love Mott's apple juice, I drink it all the time," said a dismayed Allyson Mays, 8, of Riverside at a Girls Inc media literacy workshop hosted by the Greenwich Family YMCA's after school program. Mays was one of 15 girls ranging in ages from five to ten who participated in a blind taste test to compare name brand items to generic items. Mays and several other girls were surprised to find that they preferred the taste of the generic apple juice to their beloved name brand.
The workshop was selected from the Girls Inc. Media Literacy® curriculum, which is a nationally researched, age-appropriate program which encourages girls to think critically about media messages and fosters their awareness of the scope and power of the media and its effects of girls and women. According to Girls Inc, participants gain media literacy skills that enhance their ability to critically examine and advocate for change in entertainment, news and advertising media.
"One of our goals at YMCA after school is to have fun with math and science. This workshop offered a fun way to bring in money into the equation," said Angela Rende, the YMCA's after school program director. "Some of the girls do go grocery shopping with their parents, so they understand the concept of money and this kind of activity brings money to their level- they can relate to their snacks, something they love. Many of the kids were set on their brand, but a few were open to change and said they would rather get two boxes of the generic cheese snacks than one box of the brand name Cheese-its, because they taste the same," said Rende.
"Girls Inc. of Greenwich is thrilled to have the opportunity to collaborate with the Greenwich Family YMCA to offer our local girls the chance to expand their knowledge," said Jen Kannengeiser, Girls Inc. of Greenwich program director. "The workshop was a success: the girls were enthusiastic participants and really got a different perspective on their favorite snacks. Girls Inc. believes that the ability to respond with thoughtful, informed decisions at home, school and with friends and peers can be a big step toward confident, healthy and fulfilling careers and lives," Kannengeiser
continued. About Girls Incorporated
Girls Incorporated is a national nonprofit youth organization dedicated to inspiring all girls to be strong, smart, and boldSM. For over 40 years, Girls Incorporated has provided vital educational programs to millions of American girls, particularly those in high-risk, underserved areas. Today, innovative programs help girls confront subtle societal messages about their value and potential, and prepare them to lead successful, independent, and fulfilling lives. For more information about Girls Incorporated of Greenwich, please contact Jen Kannengeiser at 203-536-3322.
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Nicole O'Connor and Lindsay Lieberman, both 5, of Riverside, taste the difference between generic and name brand cheese snacks.
Allyson Mays, 8, and Charlotte Lorthioir, 10, of Riverside, mark their favorite apple juice with a star.
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