The Coalition on Urban Girls is collecting 1,000 voices from girls (ages 12-19) to inform Chicago's first Quality of Life Plan for Girls. With schools closed today due to extreme cold, this is a perfect time for girls to participate from home. Our MLK Day of Service campaign (extended through Presidents' Day, Feb 16) asks one question: What are your top 5 quality of life priorities? Their answers will directly shape: ✓ Communities of Practice launching in March ✓ Resource allocation and...

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...

The Coalition on Urban Girls (CUG) hosted a successful Special Session on the "Are the Girls Well?" White Paper and Prioritization Process at GirlForward in Chicago. This event brought together stakeholders to discuss urban planning strategies addressing social determinants of girls' well-being, including education, health care, and youth development. ​ ​ Event Overview Held on Tuesday from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at GirlForward (623 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60654), the session focused on...