Are the Girls Well? Why Listening to Girls Is the Most Powerful Act of Service This MLK Day

On January 19, 2026, the Coalition on Urban Girls is inviting Chicago to honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy not just with words—but with action rooted in listening.

This year’s MLK Jr. Day of Service centers on one powerful question:

Are the girls well?

Because the well-being of our girls tells the truth about the health of our city.

Why This Question Matters

Girls—especially Black and Brown girls—experience the city differently.

They navigate schools, neighborhoods, public spaces, and systems that are often designed without their voices in mind.

Dr. King believed justice requires shared responsibility and moral courage. That courage begins when adults are willing to listen—truly listen—to young people and allow their lived experiences to shape decisions, policies, and priorities.

This MLK Day of Service is about doing exactly that.

What We’re Asking Chicago to Do

We are calling on churches, families, youth programs, community organizations, sports teams, and neighborhood groups to host girl-led prioritization sessions.

These sessions create safe, affirming spaces where girls (ages 12–19) can name:

• What affects their well-being

• What they need to feel safe, supported, and seen

• What changes would most improve their quality of life

Every session—whether it includes 5 girls or 50—contributes directly to Chicago’s Quality of Life Plan for Girls, a citywide effort to align policies and resources with the real needs of girls.

Who Can Host

Anyone who cares about girls can participate.

✔ Churches & faith communities

✔ Youth & after-school programs

✔ Community & cultural organizations

✔ Sports teams & clubs

✔ Families & neighborhood groups

You do not need to be an expert. You simply need to be willing to create space and listen.

How to Participate (It’s Simple)

1. Download the “Are the Girls Well?” White Paper

   This provides context, data, and grounding for the conversations.

   
   

2. Download the FREE Hosting Toolkit

   Includes session guides, prompts, and facilitation tips.

   
   

3. Host a girl-led session with girls ages 12–19.

   
   

4. Submit priorities by January 19, 2026 so girls’ voices are included in the citywide analysis.

📥 Toolkit & White Paper available at CoalitionOnUrbanGirls.org

Our Collective Goal

This is a citywide listening effort—and every voice counts.

🎯 1,000 girls engaged across Chicago

🎯 1,000 white paper downloads

Together, these voices will help paint an honest picture of how girls are doing—and what it will take to support their futures.

Honoring Dr. King Through Action

Dr. King reminded us that injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.

This MLK Day of Service, we honor his legacy by:

• Centering those most impacted

• Listening without defensiveness

• Committing to action, not just awareness

When we ask girls how they are—and believe their answers—we take a meaningful step toward a more just, healthy, and thriving Chicago.

Join Us

📅 MLK Jr. Day of Service | January 19, 2026

📥 Toolkit & White Paper: CoalitionOnUrbanGirls.org/arethegirlswell

A partnership between City of Chicago and the Coalition on Urban Girls.

Because when girls are well, communities are stronger—and the future is brighter.