On November 13, Anna Maria Chávez, CEO of Girl Scouts of the USA, and the Healthy Media Commission released The Report and Recommendations of the Healthy 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 Scouts of Greater Los Angeles CEO Lise Luttgens and several of her girls will participate 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 the National Association of Broadcasters, the National Cable & Telecommunications Association, the Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media, and the Creative Coalition—hosted the Healthy Media for Youth Summit at the U.S. Capitol in October of 2010. At the summit, a 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.