Non-Profit Organization “This Girl’s Story” Celebrates Anniversary with Support of Community

This Girl’s Story, a teen-led digital literary magazine for girls and those who identify as girls age 13-19, is celebrating its one-year anniversary.

“We’re excited that one year later, our magazine continues giving teen girls a valid platform over social media or their school paper to creatively express themselves.” –Beth Tomas, founder of This Girls Story

WHEATON, Ill. (PRWEB)
April 13, 2023

When Girl Scout leader Beth Tomas launched This Girl’s Story (TGS), a quarterly, girl-led digital magazine for anyone who identifies as a girl, age 13-19, she was reeling from personal tragedy and unsure whether her project would take. One year later, the not-for-profit magazine has found support in the community and in local schools and celebrating their one-year anniversary.

“The motto for TGS is “because girls have important things to say” and that is exactly why girls choose to participate in the project,” said Beth Tomas, director of the 501(c)(3) organization. “Girls are interested in telling their story and expressing their thoughts on social events. TGS gives them a higher, valid platform over social media or their school paper in which to do it.”

The publication contains vetted submissions of literary works and artful photographs from teen girls around the country. The magazine is assembled by an editorial team of nine girls nationwide who gather over Zoom and earn valuable, intern-level professional experience with active mentoring from volunteer professionals from communications and publishing. The first issue was published in June 2022 and Tomas is excited to now be assembling the June 2023 anniversary issue with the theme, “PRIDE. Share YOUR Story!”

Alison Ver Halen, a professional content writer at AV Writing Services, is an editorial team mentor who volunteers her time for TGS. “If something like TGS had been around when I was a teenager, I probably would have read every issue and submitted to all of them,” she said. “When I heard the call for mentors, I could not raise my hand fast enough. These girls are so smart and capable; I offer guidance and support when they need it, but mostly I just love watching these teens be amazing.”

Each issue follows a theme. The sleek, visually enticing, issues contain impressively mature artwork, poignant poems of self-expression, and perceptive essays on topics that are on the minds of today’s girls such as overcoming adversity, faith, friendship, climate change, gender equality, and personal triumphs.

“In my experience I’ve found that if you step out of the way, girls will amaze you. I want the readers of TGS to experience that too,” said Tomas.

Educators are appreciating TGS as well. Dr. Victoria Therriault, Librarian at J. Sterling Morton High School District 201 supports the mission by making opportunities known to her students. “I always encourage my students to use their voice in order to express themselves, and TGS is a great place for them to do that outside of school walls,” said Dr. Therriault. “I’m also impressed how the girls at TGS are now mentoring their peers by offering creative workshops to help others gain confidence in their voice and skills for the future.”

TGS hopes for continued community support as they gear up for their first fundraiser, which is a hybrid in-person and virtual TGS Poetry Slam being held in Aurora, Illinois on April 29. Tickets are now available as is registration to be a participating poet. To support the magazine with a subscription, a donation, or to purchase an individual issue, visit the website at thisgirlsstory.org.

About This Girl’s Story

This Girls Story (TGS), is a non-profit organization and quarterly girl-led magazine with a mission to provide a creative platform where teen girls can express themselves, gain publishing experience, and build confidence. TGS showcases contributions from all who identify as girls, ages 13-19, surrounding a designated theme for each issue. Contributions can include stories, essays, poetry, drawings, comics, photographs, and in the near future, videos, as well as audio. The quarterly publication is available for a subscription of $37.50 a year through the website, thisgirlsstory.org.

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