Our Mission

DC Girls’ Coalition (DCGC) works to elevate and amplify the voices of young women, girls, femmes, gender non-conforming, and young women/girls of the color of trans experience in the District of Columbia. DCGC, composed of youth-serving and advocacy organizations, will adopt and fight for the implementation of policy recommendations that centers their leadership and addresses their needs.  

 
 
 
 
 

Vision

DCGC believes that in order to generate solutions that are affirming for all girls, including non-conforming, young women and girls of trans experience, we must see them as they are: multi-faceted, multi-dimensional, and dynamic.

We envision a city in which youth within these groups are at the table identifying solutions that will work for the issues they face every day. The DCGC strives to reduce the criminalization and adultification of girls of color, by uplifting girls as leaders and building a network of organizations dedicated to advocating with the youth of color and adopting policies and practices that center around their needs.



 

Values (option 1)

 

Youth Centered

Centering the youth voice in all aspects of the work. Ensuring that youth are guiding the work of the collective coalition. Uplifting the voices of youth with lived experiences by creating  result-based action steps for issues they face.  Allowing the mission and vision of the coalition to guide the work of each member which at its foundation is youth driven work. Making sure that all our outcomes are reflective of the diverse backgrounds and experiences of youth of color by rooting their voices in our work. Serving as an adult support arm for youth power and action.


Inclusive Leadership

Ensuring that decisions are made in an inclusive, community-based environment. Upholding the importance of collective responsibility by ensuring that roles, expectations and outcomes are clear and transparent for all members. Creating an open space in which all worldviews are respected, considered, and welcomed while understanding and highlighting the voices of youth of color in marginalized communities specifically. Practicing active and intentional forms of listening and sharing information.



OUR VALUES

(option 2)

  • Centering the youth voice in all aspects of the work. Ensuring that youth are guiding the work of the collective coalition. Uplifting the voices of youth with lived experiences by creating result-based action steps for issues they face. Allowing the mission and vision of the coalition to guide the work of each member which at its foundation is youth driven work. Making sure that all our outcomes are reflective of the diverse backgrounds and experiences of youth of color by rooting their voices in our work. Serving as an adult support arm for youth power and action.

  • Ensuring that decisions are made in an inclusive, community-based environment. Upholding the importance of collective responsibility by ensuring that roles, expectations and outcomes are clear and transparent for all members. Creating an open space in which all worldviews are respected, considered, and welcomed while understanding and highlighting the voices of youth of color in marginalized communities specifically. Practicing active and intentional forms of listening and sharing information.

  • Displaying a true and authentic version of one’s self and organizations. Showing integrity, empathy, and respect for other opinions while also expressing your own. Being transparent about the viewpoint you represent both individuals and for organizations. Sharing openly your connection with the youth of color and the work you are doing with them.

  • Acting with intentions that are clear and easily recognizable. Acknowledging the intersection of various experiences and how they might impact one's view towards certain outcomes. Willingness to receive feedback and complete assigned tasks. Accepting responsibility for actions, statements, and creating a productive and inclusive space for members as well as youth of color.

  • It is our obligation to always center the most marginalized group in our work. It is our commitment to always work at the intersection of race and gender identity.

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