Latest Survey Results: Advocacy and Activism Summary

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Report on Advocacy and Activism

Smart girls decide for themselves™.

258 girls and 6 boys responded to the survey. The average age of respondents was 14 years old, with half of the respondents being the oldest child. The respondents mainly came from the USA and the UK, but there were also respondents from Canada, Nepal, Australia, New Zealand, Mexico, Singapore, Italy, Ireland, Finland, and Scotland and the majority of respondents came from a big city, suburb, or town.

Do you consider yourself an activist?

SmartGirl asked, "Why or why not do you consider yourself an activist? Here are what some SmartGirls had to say:

I do oppose a lot of things and do speak out for my opinions, but I'm not sure if I am a real activist because sometimes I don't practice what I preach.

I have very strong opinions and like to fight for what's right.

When I feel that there is an injustice I will speak up and not let it go unnoticed.

I write letters to Congressmen about animal/environmental issues, work for a more enlightened portrayal of women in the media, and support several human rights causes.

There aren't any causes I feel passionately enough to speak up for.

Because I’m strong-willed, determined and want everyone to be given their rights and to be treated fairly.

I try to take a stand on issues and give reasons why I feel or think that way. I believe activism is having a view on something, not just riding the fence.

Even though I know that there are a lot of things that are happening around that someone should try to help but that’s not really my thing. I really can't do anything about it so I don't try to.

I love to be involved. I love to help in anyway I can. I can’t just sit down and do nothing, I have to get up and do something!!!!

I'm not really brave enough to do anything. And I don't know how I can make a difference.

I enjoy speaking out for what I believe is right. There is a lot of deception and immorality in the world and its up to people who recognize it, to spread the word.

What issue are you most passionate about?

What/who made you passionate about this issue?

SmartGirl asked, "Are you involved in an advocacy organization?" Here are what some SmartGirls had to say:

Are you involved in an advocacy organization?

Some of the organizations that SmartGirls are involved in include:

Amnesty International

Girl Scouts/Guides

Save the Manatees

Feminist Majority Foundation

Ozone House

Humane Society

Anti-Pornography League

Planned Parenthood

Children's Charities Club

Gay/Straight Alliance

Awana

Right to Life Association

Habitat for Humanity

Red Roof Retreat

Vegetarian Society

Royal Canadian Sea Cadets

Free Market Network

SmartGirl asked, "What do you do as an advocate for your issue?"

What do you do as an advocate for your issue?

SmartGirl asked, "Do you have your own advocacy organization? If yes, what is it called and what does it do?" Here are what some SmartGirls had to say:

S.S.S.C.- Society for Suppression of Sexist Conduct

Y.B.W – Young Black Women: It is to empower black women and all women in school, home, work, and other areas and not to allow us as women to take harassment or abuse from any one mentally or physically.

G.A.E. - Girls And The Environment: We clean up trash, Build Bird Houses, etc.

TOAST - Ticked Off At Stupid Teachers: This is just something my friends and I started to keep teachers from disrespecting students and teaching in ways that are ineffective. We basically try hard to protect students rights, most of the teachers are on a constant power trip that we don't deserve to deal with.

All That and a Bag of Chips: Presents issues to teens

Why do you advocate/volunteer?

How do you feel while your are advocating/volunteering?

	count	percent
feeling	count	percent
happy	63	23.42
sad	1	0.37
angry	8	2.97
empowered	43	15.99
helpless	1	0.37
scared	1	0.37
proud	43	15.99
No Answer	84	31.23
other	25	9.29

SmartGirl asked, "What would you say to someone who was thinking about becoming an advocate or volunteer?" Here are what some SmartGirls had to say:

Go for it. Maybe eventually earth won't be a hellhole.

DO IT!!! It not only makes you feel good about yourself but it also shows that all of today’s youth are not disappointments…

Do something that you truly believe in. It makes all the difference in the world if you are working for something you think is right.

There are so many opportunities out there to make a difference. Do a little research and you can find the perfect way to express your opinion!

Find something that matters to you, a group that is involved in that something, and say the magic words "How can I help?"

If you think you are too small to make a difference, spend the night in a room with a mosquito.

You go girl!

Make sure you know what you are fighting for.

If you believe it, go for it! Just don't shove it down people's throats, and be respectful of personal space and opinions.

Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts with us!

Please remember that all web-based polls are not scientific because the pollsters cannot randomly select the respondents to participate in the surveys.