Hi - I am going to begin a position as a resident advisor for a summer program. I will be working with groups of girls between the ages of 13 and 18. I really want to use this opportunity to help empower them and raise their awareness of feminist issues. I don't have much time (not to mention money!) to research resources and activities. What are some key books and websites you would recommend? I am especially interested in (free) information on organizing discussion groups and activities as well as age-appropriate topics.

You aren't by any chance going to be at the Girls Leadership School at the Eleanor Roosevelt Center at Val-Kill? I asked because that is a girls program that targets the same constituency with the same goals. Therefore, I suggest you look to them as a model. There is also the Young Women's program at the Eagleton Institute at Rutgers University run by Toby Walker. What each of these programs do that is so valuable is they utilize the resources around them. For instance, the Rutgers Center emphasis in on politics, so the girls go to the state house and learn how to lobby, etc.... They also have politicians and lobbyists come speak to them.

As for the Eleanor Roosevelt Center, they not only shine a light on Eleanor Roosevelt's example, but they also bring in local inspiring women--women in the media, in academics, etc.... They also do recreational activities, like a mini-outward bound.

There is also a book called Susan B. Anthony Slept Here by Lynn Scher, which documents women's monuments around the U.S. Some of this could be woven into your work. Also, if you send me your mailing address, I'd be happy to send you a list of books and organizations all on the subject of girls. This information is actually a part of my forthcoming book - Manifesta: Young Women, Feminism and the Future, which I co-wrote. Some of the books we used were great workbooks for girls. That should be a start.

—Amy