On December 17th, Girls in Action graduated its second class of 2009. This eight-week program ran right into the winter months, extending BNB Youth Programs later into the year than ever before. The 11 Girls in Action participants, the numerous Youth Instructors and volunteers enjoyed group rides as long as possible before coming indoors for activities, workshops and bike-building.

Throughout the program the group participated in a wide range of activities- from a YWCA workshop on self-esteem to a collaborative biking advocacy event with NOAH’s EC3 youth group in East Boston. They explored topics of environmental justice with ACE and family issues with True Story Theatre.

As a final project and graduation presentation, the girls explored the question “why don’t more girls bike?” through a skit that was directed by BNB Youth Instructor and Girls in Action graduate Zacorah Jackman. They determined that many girls are afraid to bike because it’s not seen as cool, and they decided to prove otherwise with a ‘bike fashion show’ at the end of the skit.

Ashley Leary, another BNB Youth Instructor, has been involved with Girls in Action since 2008 and she’s excited to see how it’s evolved. "I think this program is great. I remember when I was young and I can see how this program is going to change these girls, and change their lives."

See info on the next session of Girls in Action at http://bikesnotbombs.org/girls-in-action