About Us
About Girls Empowerment Network
Originally called The Ophelia Project, GENaustin (the Girls Empowerment Network) was created in 1996 by 12 concerned mothers raising adolescent girls in Austin, Texas. These mothers met after reading Reviving Ophelia, a book by Dr. Mary Pipher, to address an increasing trend among middle school aged girls - a systematic decline and sometimes permanent loss of self-esteem, the outcome of which can be devastating: epidemic levels of anorexia/bulimia, selfmutilation, depression, low academic achievement, teen pregnancy, and drug abuse.
Our Mission
GEN’s mission is to support and guide girls to make wise choices as they navigate the unique pressures of girlhood.
Our Vision
Our vision is that girls involved with GENaustin’s programs will be better able to address the challenges in their lives.
GENaustin girls will
Identify important values in their lives and make decisions that are right for them
Support and feel connected to other girls
Value and take care of their bodies
Think critically about the media and the messages it sends to girls
Believe in themselves
Have a voice and be advocates for self and others
Ask for help when they need it
Have skills to communicate productively
GENaustin girls are
Confident
Leaders
Allies to other girls
Comfortable with who they are
Successful
Healthy
Non-judgmental
Our Values
In all our dealings with our stakeholders, GENaustin is dedicated to the following principals:
Individuality
GENaustin reveres the uniqueness of each person and encourages each girl to be true to herself
Diversity
GENaustin promotes open-minded understanding of and respect for individual differences.
Inclusiveness
GENaustin provides an environment where all girls feel welcome.
Unbiased
GENaustin provides a balanced perspective, refraining from espousing a particular ideology.
Holistic
GENaustin facilitates all aspects of individual development, including social, emotional, cognitive and physical growth.
Self-knowledge
GENaustin inspires each girl to be a creative and critical thinker about what is right for her.
Engagement
GENaustin fosters peer-to-peer learning by encouraging each girl to express her opinion, contribute ideas, and provide active support and leadership.
Community
GENaustin enlists families and others in a network of volunteers working to create positive, synergistic impact on girls’ lives.
Empowerment
GENaustin helps girls realize their personal power to make courageous, responsible choices and stand by their choices with confidence and dignity.
Annual Report
Download the GENaustin 2008-2009 Annual Report (.PDF 11.5 MB)