Alliance for Girls* has set a 5-year goal: to create an imagined community** in the Bay Area where girls and gender-expansive youth, particularly those of color, are valued, respected, and safe. By working together, we can turn this vision into reality. Central to this vision are the State of the Bay Area Girl Initiative (SGI) County Profiles. These SGI County Profiles are designed to be more than just data—they are a cornerstone of AFG's effort to center the lived experiences of girls and gender-expansive youth of color through actionable youth-led data made up of both current and aspirational indicators for measuring their well-being across all nine Bay Area counties. Through this, we aim to position these young people as experts and solution builders, benefiting the entire community.

To develop these profiles, on September 19, 2024 from 4:30-7:30pm, Alliance for Girls and Girls Inc. of Alameda County will be co-hosting the first in-person Plática for the State of the Bay Area Girl Initiative at Girls Inc. Simpson Center for Girls in Oakland. The literal translation of pláticas is “talks;” however, pláticas are more than talks—they are family and community gatherings where powerful conversations occur in a warm, friendly environment. 

In the Plática, expect to:

• Receive a nourishing dinner and sweet treat to feed our souls.
• Be led by youth facilitators from Girls Inc. of Alameda County
• Dive deep into the heart of what makes up the County Profiles with an enhanced focus on Alameda County. 
• Contribute to systemic change and building a future that reflects your aspirations, and meet like-minded people along the way.
• Be an active part of decision-making processes and ensure your vision for the future is heard.

By engaging in this collaborative process, we will, county by county, hone these SGI profiles together, strengthening community bonds and enriching our imagined community with diverse perspectives and collective wisdom. This approach ensures that every voice is valued and contributes to our pioneering efforts in youth-led advocacy and community-driven research.

​​We hope to see you there!

Dinner and a $25 travel stipend will be provided to all participants. Please disclose any allergies and dietary restrictions in the notes of your registration. Doors open at 4pm; we encourage participants to arrive early to allow time for the check-in and COVID testing process, detailed below.

COVID Precautions - Testing and KN95+ Masks Required

All participants, regardless of vaccination status, must provide proof of a negative COVID test taken within 8 hours prior to the start of the event. Proof can be presented to a staff member at check-in by showing lab results or a clear photo of the negative test with a timestamp included. KN95/KF94/N95 or higher-rated masks will provided and required at all times except for in designated eating areas. Free rapid tests and a variety of masks will be provided at the event for participants who cannot access them before arrival. Please note that the in-person plática will be sharing space (including hallways and bathrooms) with others in the Girls Inc. building who will be there for Girls Inc.-specific work or programs and may not be masked or tested. Any questions, please reach out to nia@alliance4girls.org. We thank you for keeping each other safe!

Childcare

Childcare will be available at limited capacity and reserved on a first-serve basis for participants until we reach capacity. Parents and caregivers must supply proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken within 8 hours of the event's start for all children 3 years and older. Please fill out this short form to opt into childcare during the event.

A dedicated nursing/pumping room will be available for use.

Accessibility

Please include any access and accommodation requests in the notes of your registration form. We will follow up with you to confirm whether we can meet your requests or explore alternatives. The event will be hosted in person at Girls Inc Simpson Center for Girls, a building accessible for mobility assistance device users.

Please contact Kailin at kailin@alliance4girls.org with any questions, requests, and additional access needs.

*“Girls and gender-expansive youth” refers to cis girls, trans girls, non-binary youth, gender non-conforming youth, gender queer youth, and any girl-identified youth.

**"Imagined Communities" is an influential concept drawn from Chandra Mohanty's scholarship. It challenges dominant and oppressive universal truths that often erase or distort marginalized communities. An Imagined Community is one that starts by collectively gathering knowledge and sharing it for the benefit of all. It aligns and brings together coalitions and solidarities among women* of diverse communities and identities, transcending borders and conceptualizing power as fluid and evolving.