What is BOOST?
BOOST is a monthly club providing books, projects, toys and interactive activities to Black girls in need of support (ages 7 to 10). We provide creativity, community and empowerment to counter racism, poverty, addiction and other adversity. Our goal is to make a meaningful difference in Black girls’ lives – for themselves and for the key they hold to our better future. BOOST is a program boosting Black girl love in every way: Our love for them and their love for themselves, for each other and the world.
How does BOOST work?
- MONTHLY GIFT PACKAGE. The pilot project empowers 3 Black girls living in Wilmington and Baltimore, sending them a monthly gift package rotating through (1) an inspiring book, (2) a creative project or (3) a fun toy. At the end of one year, the group will graduate and help launch another circle of girls.
- MONTHLY ACTIVITY. The girls will receive a monthly fun or introspective activity to inspire their creativity, self-understanding, compassion and confidence.
- LETTER WRITING & ZOOM. The girls will write letters to each other (like pen pals) and receive letters from our community of Boosters (see below). They will share artwork, stories and insights learned. Privacy for all is maintained by using first names only and channeling all communications through BOOST staff.
Become a Booster!
A Booster is like a sponsor, only our model is community-based, not one-to-one. For example, a letter or story from a Booster will be shared with all the girls. Through the sharing of letters, artwork and stories, Boosters and Black girls will enlighten one another in heartfelt ways that transform the girls’ lives and our world, too.
As a Booster, you can support Black girls in several different ways:
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- Donate money to our upcoming GoFundMe campaign. Currently, we are starting with a generous $1,000 seed donation from an anonymous source.
- Write letters and share stories of hope and inspiration (shared with all the girls, first-name basis only, all communications channeled through BOOST staff).
- Promote BOOST in your own network of friends, family and colleagues. Simply copy the address of this webpage and share via social media, email and word-of-mouth.
Our Guiding Principles
- Center the needs of Black and Brown girls
- Get guidance from Black women
- Welcome support from everyone
Supporting Black Businesses and Artists
BOOST will do its best to source and buy items that are: (1) Black-character rich and (2) sold by Black-owned businesses and Black artists. As part of the welcome package, each girl will get a beautiful journal from Black-owned The Trini Gee.
Be brave in your journey! Hold your head up high and keep moving forward. — Stephanie Lahart (author, poet and youth motivational speaker)
As you grow older, you will discover that you have two hands, one for helping yourself, the other for helping others. — Audrey Hepburn (actress and humanitarian)