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Curating Change
Pros: An abundance of positive female role models make this a great spot for girls (and everyone else) to discover how they, too, can make a difference.
Cons: There are no catchy incentives for less mature teens, who might need an extra push to explore the site in-depth.
Bottom Line: Kids and adults will be inspired by stories of ordinary women who do extraordinary things and pave the way for others.
Teachers can link to the Education section from the IMOW main page to find classroom activities, podcasts, and multiple links to related information about the issues and organizations. Each link provides an opportunity for kids to find out more about the ties that bind women all over the world. Whether kids choose to get involved or not, the women who tell their stories -- from American teen moms to African entrepreneurs -- are positive role models for everyone.
Editor's Note: Curating Change is no longer available.
Curating Change is a unique website. It may take a little time to get into, but make that cup of tea and dig in. Part of the virtual International Museum of Women (IMOW), the site features women from all parts of the globe who are changing the world, each in their own way, one step at a time. Their stories demonstrate how activism comes in all shapes and sizes, each piece of the puzzle fitting into the overall frame of progress in gender equality.
There's no shortage of information, and the site features "guest curators," accomplished women who have had an impact on women's issues from human rights and social justice to maternal health and nontraditional jobs. Each curator provides links to stories about these women from around the world and their challenges, accomplishments, and contributions, showcasing their work and related organizations. From each link, you jump to an individual spotlight where each woman explains how she decided to take action and what came of her decision.
Some teens will find the information interesting and then will move on and go back to their daily routines. Others will find inspiration and may get drawn in to effect change.
The inspiring stories are good reads, but just as important are additional links to the myriad ways kids can connect with an issue. From simple actions like signing a petition to volunteering to adding their perspective with a blog or comment, teens can find meaningful ways to take action. But kids also can just read the stories to learn about the issues and how they're expressed in art, in politics, and in the everyday lives of women.
Videos, podcasts, and printed materials are available for those who want to delve more deeply. Interaction is limited, but this is not run-of-the-mill, static text. Also, though it's not always apparent where links will lead, part of the surprise is discovering another section to explore.