Yahoo reports that Girl Scouts' CEO Anna Maria Chávez and the Healthy Media Commission launched The Report and Recommendations of theHealthy Media Commission for Positive Images of Women and Girls at the
Geena Davis Institute’s Third Symposium on Gender in Media in Los Angeles,
California. This report outlines recommendations that support a more positive
and gender-neutral media environment for women, and promotes the healthy
development of a girl’s social, emotional and physical well-being. Girl Scout’s of Greater Los Angeles CEO,
Lise Luttgens and several of her girls participated in the launch event.
Recognizing
the need for gender balance and positive portrayals of women and girls in the
media, Girl Scouts of the USA, along with National Association of Broadcasters,
National Cable & Telecommunications Association, The Geena Davis Institute
on Gender in Media, and The Creative Coalition hosted the Healthy Media for Youth Summit
in the U.S. Capitol, in October of 2010.
At the Summit, a broad cross-section of stakeholders gathered to explore
this subject and chart a course to promote healthy media for the benefit of all
young people. Participants at the Summit
recommended that a commission be formed to more deeply explore these issues,
identify emerging and best practices, and create a sense of shared obligation
and commitment to promoting gender balance and positive portrayals of women and
girls. The Healthy Media Commission, which grew from an idea proposed at the
Summit, comprises more than fifty leaders from the media industry, academia,
youth-serving communities and the creative community. Girl Scouts of the USA
has been a leader in the work of the Healthy Media Commission and the
development of The Report and
Recommendations of the Healthy Media Commission for Positive Images of Women
and Girls.
The
Healthy Media Report is unique and innovative because it provides a detailed
blueprint of recommendations and strategies for four different categories of
stakeholders who impact the media culture. From the media creators themselves,
to parents, educators, and youth – the belief is that each player has an equal
role and responsibility in facilitating change.
For each category, recommendations are organized and tailored to empower
individuals with the ability to LEARN and to be aware of the depiction of women
and girls in the media, to CHOOSE media that uphold high standards, and to
EDUCATE others on the importance of the issue. This report is the crucial first
step in creating a more positive media environment for women and girls. It
identifies emerging best practices, and establishes a climate for change. To
access the report and learn more about how you can make a difference, visit
www.Girlscouts.org/HealthyMedia