Lady Gaga and her mother, Cynthia Germanotta, announced today that Born This Way Foundation (BTWF) is preparing to launch an unprecedented youth-led initiative that will begin with empowering youth to name their own movement.
These localized groups of supporters will be dedicated to affecting change in their homes, schools, and local communities. In addition to connecting BTWF supporters, this grassroots effort will serve as the perfect tool for anyone who wants to bring the Foundation’s pillars of safety, skills and opportunity to their own community.
“I don’t have the answer,” Lady Gaga said to a group of youth during the BTWF launch event at Harvard University. “You are the answer; know that, and go home, and take with you that you are the future.”
Beginning at the start of the back-to-school season, youth throughout the country will work together to impact the world around them in ways that work best for each individual community. The Foundation will supply youth with a toolkit outlining activities and events to help provide infrastructure while also empowering them to identify and solve issues that are unique to their local groups. Further details and actions will be announced throughout the summer.
“Through these youth-driven organizations, we can continue building the kind of world my daughter and I dreamed of when we started Born This Way Foundation, and we are excited to continue to engage youth to help shape their movement,” said President and Co-Founder Cynthia Germanotta. “Together, with our youth, we can create a kinder, braver world where everyone is accepted for the person they were born to be.”
BTWF is asking supporters to help decide on a name for the groups by voting online for one of the following names or suggesting their own:
- Born Brave Hubs
A more modern take on the word ‘clubs,’ groups are youth-led with youth at the center of each ‘Hub.’ - Born Brave Nation
This name reflects the fact that we are creating a brand new, borderless nation that celebrates kindness and bravery. - Born Brave [City]:[personalization] (e.g. Born Brave Chicago: Superstars)
Allows each group to personalize their name to make it uniquely their own.
Born Brave ______
Don’t like any of these suggestions? Let them know if you have a more appropriate name that’s in line with BTWF’s mission and they’ll take it into account.
To sign up to become a founding member of a group in your area, please visit http://bornthiswayfoundation.org/namethatclub. Additional details about the clubs will be announced in the months ahead.
About Born This Way Foundation
Led by Lady Gaga and her mother Cynthia Germanotta, Born This Way Foundation was founded in 2011 to foster a more accepting society. The Foundation is dedicated to creating a safe community where individuality is celebrated by connecting youth with the skills, resources and opportunities they need to build a braver, kinder world. BTWF, a non-profit charitable organization, will address issues like self-confidence, well-being, anti-bullying, mentoring and career development through research, education and advocacy. Please Visit www.bornthiswayfoundation.org and join the youth-powered movement to build a braver, kinder world.
