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R E S O L U T I O N
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WHEREAS, Girls Empowerment Network has made a lasting and |
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positive difference in the lives of countless Texas youth; and |
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WHEREAS, Originally called the Ophelia Project, Girls |
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Empowerment Network was created in 1996 by a group of concerned |
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mothers; inspired by the book Reviving Ophelia: Saving the Selves |
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of Adolescent Girls, the women focused on ways to address the issues |
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of increasing teenage pregnancy rates and the growing number of |
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girls experiencing disordered eating, low academic achievement, |
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mental health concerns, and substance misuse; today, the network |
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operates offices in Houston and Austin and continues to equip youth |
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with the tools they need to develop confidence, resiliency, and |
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healthy self-esteem; and |
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WHEREAS, Serving girls in the 3rd through 12th grades, Girls |
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Empowerment Network employs a self-efficacy curriculum that |
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stresses the "Six Cs"--collaboration, communication, confidence, |
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coping skills, creativity, and critical thinking--and its mission |
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is furthered through summer camps and conferences; in addition, the |
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network places a strong emphasis on education, partnering with more |
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than 60 Texas schools to improve outcomes, sponsoring professional |
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development for teachers, and conducting parental outreach |
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initiatives; and |
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WHEREAS, The organization's Spark Change Project is one of |
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its newest programs; launched in 2020 in collaboration with the |
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Excellence & Advancement Foundation, the project serves girls of |
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color, assisting them in becoming advocates for positive social |
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change; as part of that process, youth address local policymakers |
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about such issues as mental health and the need for safe and |
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supportive school environments; and |
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WHEREAS, Girls Empowerment Network is truly deserving of |
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special recognition for its important work, and all those |
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associated with the organization may reflect with pride on their |
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exemplary efforts; now, therefore, be it |
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RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 88th Texas |
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Legislature hereby commend Girls Empowerment Network for its |
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achievements and extend to the group's staff, administrators, and |
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volunteers sincere best wishes for the future; and, be it further |
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RESOLVED, That a copy of this resolution be prepared for the |
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network as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of |
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Representatives. |
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A. Johnson of Harris |
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______________________________ |
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Speaker of the House |
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I certify that H.R. No. 1764 was adopted by the House on May |
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25, 2023, by a non-record vote. |
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______________________________ |
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Chief Clerk of the House |
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