So, we talk a lot about the issues but the big question is: What can you do about it? There are tons of different ways to get involved with Because I am a Girl, like signing the e-petition, Text to Give, or starting an awareness campaign.

Another way is to start a Because I am a Girl fundraising campaign.  The Girl Fund helps educate girls, give them nourishment, health care, and protection so that they can flourish and go on to improve the lives of those around them.

1) Because I am a Girl Photo Shoot

Halloween isn’t the only time for dressing up!  For this event you’ll need a digital camera, a home-made backdrop (see if the art department can help!), and lots of costume options (get classmates/teachers to each bring in a different item).  Each day for a week, set up the backdrop and costumes during lunch hour in a place where you’ll get lots of foot traffic.  Individuals or groups can choose their costumes, and a student photographer will take their picture against the backdrop for a fee (try $1).  The pictures can be printed over night and the students can come and pick them up the next day.  Make sure to keep track of who’s photo is who’s!

2) Because I am a Girl Change Drive

Those small cents add up.  Change Drives can raise a lot of money in a small amount of time and they’re lots of fun.  When I was in high school, I set a date for a Penny Party a couple of months in advance.  I told my friends that the entry fee would be as much change as they could collect between now and then.  I arranged for my friend’s band to play, and also got hundreds of coin rolls donated by the local bank (just go in and ask!).  When everyone arrived, they dumped their change into a huge pile in my living room, and we took turns rolling it all!  In the end, we made $500 in that one night.  The next year, I planned another party, but this time I made papier mache piggy banks so that everyone had a reminder and somewhere to store their change.

3) Because I am a Girl Movie Night

Turn your auditorium into a movie theatre!  You’ll need to get permission from your school for this one — I always find it helps if you get your favourite teacher to support you.  The movie night can happen right after school, or later in the evening.  One week before the movie night, hold a school-wide vote to see which movie everyone wants to watch (provide five options that they can vote for).  A couple of days before, start selling tickets to the event.  Any price will be better than paying the prices at regular cinemas!  On the day of the screening, you can also have a refreshment sale to boost your fundraising.  (Bonus: show a movie that highlights issues that matter to girls!)

Check out tons more fundraising ideas here.  If you’ve got any questions, or have some great ideas that you’ve tried, let us know in the comments!