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To the Editor:

What does it mean to be a girl in today’s world?

For many young girls, growing up today means navigating a constant stream of noise. Thanks to smartphones placing endless content directly in their hands, children find themselves inundated with outside influences. For girls in particular, many of these messages are increasingly toxic – negatively affecting how they view themselves, their worth, and their place in the world.

I find myself dismayed at the sexist messages that pervade our society, and quite frankly enraged at those in power who seem to take pleasure in promoting them. Thanks to the wonderful Parent Leadership Training Institute (PLTI), I was able to shift my perspective from “What is wrong with the world?” to “What can I build within it?” It reminded me that meaningful change begins locally – in libraries, on walking trails, and through conversations and relationship building within our community.

My community project, Adventure Girls, was born from that idea.

This project is about gathering once a month and creating opportunities for girls to feel seen, capable, and brave enough to try something new. Whether traversing Trout Brook Trail or wandering Westmoor Park, Adventure Girl activities are designed to encourage girls to build confidence, nurture friendships, and practice leadership through real-world connection and shared experiences. My goal is simple: help girls feel grounded in who they are and empowered in who they are becoming.

If you or a girl you know could benefit from a group that centers on kindness, connection, and exploring what it means to be a girl in the world, please reach out to me at [email protected]. Adventure Girls will officially kick off this August, with more details to come soon. I’m incredibly excited to begin sharing Adventure Girls with the Connecticut community, and I hope something rooted in friendship, adventure, and just a little bit of magic.

Hannah Joy Mason
Newington resident and participant in PLTI program in West Hartford