FAQs for Adults

Girls Inc. Online is a secure private girls only community that is accessible exclusively through membership. The membership program has been designed to enrich girls’ lives, create a strong sense of community, increase self-expression and self-esteem and build confidence with Internet technology. This is a place where girls can have fun learning new things, connect with other girls, and discover ways to succeed and reach their dreams.

Yes. Girls Incorporated is a nonprofit organization that inspires all girls to be strong, smart, and bold. With local roots dating to 1864 and national status since 1945, Girls Inc. has responded to the changing needs of girls through research-based programs and public education efforts that empower girls to understand, value, and assert their rights. In 2002, Girls Inc. reached 685,000 girls through Girls Inc. affiliates, our website, and educational publications. Girls Incorporated developed the online membership to reach more girls with the type of successful educational programs that are delivered at Girls Inc. centers.

The goal of the nine-month pilot is to test the ability of the membership program to enrich girls’ lives. Girls will be participating from communities in Los Angeles, Bronx New York, Northern Virginia, Indiana, and New Orleans. If the pilot is successful, girls will have the opportunity to continue their membership after the pilot period and participate in expanded program areas. If the pilot does not meet its goals, we will gradually close down the program. We will give members advance notice and provide sufficient time for a transition.

Girls will be able to express themselves through fun activities like creating an avatar, word portrait, or even a comic strip. Educational programs will help girls learn more about health and relationships, the economy and money management, and career opportunities. Girls will be able to learn from each other and professionals with unique careers by participating in live online discussions. By actively participating members can earn credits and become eligible for the Motivational Awards Program. The number of credits earned determines the award a member is eligible to apply for; awards include tools that can help girls succeed, such as digital cameras, electronic keyboards, and even scholarships. Eligibility level, quality of participation in Girls Inc. Online, and an application essay will be used to select the awardees. The guidelines for the Motivational Awards Program can be viewed online at www.girlsinc-online.org/demo. Participation in the Motivational Awards Programs is contingent on signing and submitting a release agreement, which you have received with your registration materials.

The registration process requires parental consent and also third party verification—from the girl’s school, a local Girls Inc. partner or a notary public. The process was designed to ensure a secure environment for girls only. These security precautions require processing time, therefore the applicant process may take up to four weeks.

After completing the five easy steps below, a User ID and password will be e-mailed to the applicant.

1. Get an application and consent form from a local Girls Inc. partner site

2. Girl fills out the application

3. Parent or guardian signs permission and consent form

4. A third party verifies the identity of applicant. (This can be a school authority, Girls Inc. partner, or notary public.)

5. Mail or fax registration application and consent form to Girls Inc.

Attention: Girls Inc. Online

Girls Incorporated

120 Wall Street, 3rd Floor

New York, NY 10005

The fax number is (212) 509-8794, Attention: Girls Inc. Online

The application will require the girl's first and last name, address, date of birth, e-mail address, and school name and address. Information required from parents/guardians includes first and last name, address, phone number, and e-mail address. We also need the signature of a third party, such as a school guidance counselor, teacher, or principal; the coordinator at the Girls Inc. partner; or a notary public, verifying the applicant's identification.

Only Girls Inc. and the local Girls Inc. Online partner from whom you received the application materials will have access to information on the application/consent form. We only use that information to administer your child’s membership in Girls Inc. Online, in accordance with our privacy policy. We will never share or give out your application information for marketing purposes. We invite you to review our website privacy policy for details on how we handle personal information.

The Girls Inc. Online membership has gone beyond the requirements of and is in compliance with COPPA (the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act). Requiring third-party verification and correctly identifying the members will protect the members. In addition, Girls Inc. Online is a members-only community. People surfing the web will not be able to access Girls Inc. Online. Encryption is used to ensure user information is not intercepted by unauthorized entities. Girls are asked to be responsible for helping to keep the website safe and are required to sign a Code of Conduct that specifies acceptable online behavior. Community features, such as Internal Messaging and discussion boards are spot monitored by Girls Inc. staff and content filtering tools will help maintain control over the content on the site and monitor language and behavior.

Participation in the pilot of Girls Inc. Online is free of charge!

A generous grant from the SBC Foundation is making this pilot possible.

If you have other questions, just e-mail them to [email protected]. Someone will answer you as soon as possible.