Teen Advocacy Council (TAC)

Girls Inc. of Chicago is thrilled to announce our participation in the Girls Inc. National Teen Advocacy Council (TAC) initiative! This program empowers middle and high school girls to lead advocacy efforts, identify issues in their communities, and create impactful solutions through sustained action.

The TAC is a girl-led leadership body focused on advocacy, which involves engaging decision-makers, building public awareness, and driving change on issues that matter to girls. Guided by trained Girls Inc. staff and issue experts, the council works to:

• Amplify the voices of youth who are committed to achieving systemic change in their neighborhoods.
• Identify challenges girls face in their schools and communities.
• Learn from and collaborate with existing advocacy initiatives.
• Plan and implement advocacy projects at the school, local, state, or national levels.
• Participate in advocacy efforts across the Girls Inc. Network.

Participants build advocacy and leadership skills by completing at least one advocacy project, engaging with stakeholders, and participating in workshops featuring guest speakers and advocacy partners such as She Votes Illinois, ACLU of Illinois, and the Illinois Collaboration on Youth.

What will the TAC accomplish?

• Develop and execute community-focused advocacy projects.
• Build leadership and advocacy skills through Girls Inc. programming.
• Collaborate with other TACs nationwide to amplify impact.
• Establish sustainable systems for future advocacy efforts.

The TAC empowers girls to lead meaningful action, ensuring advocacy efforts are trauma-informed and supported by a full-time mental health counselor and trained staff. This program positions Girls Inc. of Chicago as a leader in girl-led advocacy, amplifying youth voices and driving systemic change.

Join us in championing girl-led advocacy and making a difference in our community! For more information or to get involved, contact us at community@girlsincofchicago.org.