Submitted by Mary Ellen Jones, for Fisher Jones Family Dentistry
Recently, I attended a showing of the newly released film, Girl Rising. At the time I accepted a friend’s invitation to purchase a $10 ticket, I knew little about the film. It was described to me as a must see film about girls and education. I trust my friend and dutifully bought a couple of tickets, gathered with a few friends before the movie and arrived promptly on time. It is a groundbreaking film, directed by Academy Award nominee Richard Robbins. It tells the stories of 9 extraordinary girls from 9 countries, written by 9 celebrated writers and narrated by 9 renowned actresses. Girl Rising showcases the strength of the human spirit and the power of education to change the world. Explore the film in detail at www.girlrising.com. This film is inspiring and a call to think, share, discuss, and act.
An organization called 10×10 has partnered with Gathr, a new web-based service that enables people to request and attend theatrical screenings of a movie that otherwise would not play locally. Gathr will unite you with Girl Rising, right in your neighborhood.
Anyone can host a local screening with global impact. All captains pledge to rally their communities by filling local theaters – the more ticket requests you secure, the bigger the audience, the greater the attention.
I know there are upcoming shows scheduled in the greater Olympia area. I agree that this movie is a must-see for every woman, girl, man and boy in our community. We are truly a global community and education, empowerment and equal treatment will benefit every person whether living in a third or first world nation.
We own a business, Fisher Jones Family Dentistry, and decided years ago, that we wanted to give back to our community by directing our charitable dollars to support families and education in our local community.
Our focus has been primarily on public education programs that support the kids and families most in need. Giving to the programs established through the Olympia School District Education Foundation and the North Thurston Education Foundation have the most local impact on helping kids come to school ready to learn and helping teachers and administrators provide the very best educational experiences.
It hit particularly close to home to find myself sitting in a theater with other local women, girls and a few men and boys watching and listening to the stories of girls from around the world in their struggle for access to education. Suddenly my view broadened beyond Thurston County in recognizing the needs of so many for the very educational privileges we often take for granted.
Our Fisher Jones Family will continue to support families and education but now with a greater awareness of the global impact of supporting education for all kids. As we dedicate funds for our children here in Olympia, Lacey and Tumwater, we keep in mind the fact that the educational opportunities enjoyed in the United States and other first world nations are not available for children elsewhere. Our world can only become a better place when the right to be educated is offered to every child, boy and girl.
There is a movement happening around us – a movement bringing women and men together to support education for all. It is the reality that the girls of this world are those with the least opportunity. In so many countries, girls are being oppressed, exploited and neglected. We must fight for them. They are our path to a world built on value for every person and equal opportunity regardless of gender or national origin.
I encourage you to see this movie. It will only take a few hours of your time but its words, images and message will likely stay with you for a very long time. Maybe it will be one of us, here in Thurston County, who will make the difference for these girls, for every child’s access to education and to a world that empowers all to follow their dreams.
For more information, visit www.girlrising.com.
