As you continue to recover from your weekend festivities, think not of how much you regret shooting confetti cannons indoors or using the nice champagne flutes instead of the plastic ones. Instead reflect on the fresh start of the coming year and the many opportunities for making greater Indianapolis a better place to be a girl. Consider making a New Year’s resolution to be a girl advocate with these suggestions for success:

1. Stay informed about the issues affecting girls. If you’re reading this, you already do! For daily updates on the latest girl news and research, follow us on Twitter or like our Facebook page. While you’re there, connect with other relevant individuals and organizations.   
2. Set a good example. Encourage positive attitudes and behaviors by modeling positive attitudes and behaviors in your own life. Inspire girls to be strong, smart, and bold; inspire boys to support and respect strong, smart, and bold girls. 
3. Make your voice heard! Communicate with decision makers and leaders in your community about the issues affecting girls. If you oppose a particular policy at your girl’s school, start a conversation with school officials. Call your elected official to discuss proposed legislation and your priorities as a constituent. Address the community at large by writing a letter to the editor.  
4. Make a direct impact in the lives of girls by volunteering to lead a Girls Inc. program. Our need for volunteers is always growing! For help identifying the right volunteer opportunity for you, contact Mollie Hicks, volunteer partnership coordinator, at 317.522.2610.
5. Invest in the future of girls by making a donation to Girls Inc. Gifts from supporters like you help us to serve a growing number of girls in greater Indianapolis.
6. Spread the word! Tell your friends and family about Girls Inc. and your resolution to be a girl advocate.

How will you be a girl advocate in 2012 and beyond?