Oasis Blog

Oasis For Girls Seeking New Executive Director

2010-06-10T23:52:00.000-07:00

Dear Oasis For Girls Community,

Hope that everyone is enjoying spring! Oasis For Girls, a project of the Tides Center, has an immediate opening for an Executive Director. The organization is seeking one who has a track record as a successful fundraiser and at least four years of non-profit leadership experience . Please forward to anyone you know who might be interested. This position will be full-time and has excellent, comprehensive benefits. Have any interested candidates contact advisoryboard@sfoasis.org by June 25th.

Click Here For Job Announcement and Description

Thank you!

Let's Get It Started!

2010-06-02T15:47:00.000-07:00

Our summer programs are about to kick off on Tuesday, June 15, 2010. This summer, girls from all over San Francisco will participate in our Leadership Institute and RISE Life Skills programs.

We'll have special guest Traci Kato-Kiriyama kick things off and the summer will end with Oasis girls leading a final event in August.

Check back for more news!

Scholarship and Summer Applications Are Here!!!!

2010-04-13T18:23:00.001-07:00

Apply now for the Future Fund Scholarship!

To promote educational equity and leadership development, Oasis began distributing the Future Fund Scholarships in 2001 to support the educational advancement of Oasis alumnae.

We are pleased to announce that thanks to generous support from PowWow (http://powwownetwork.org/), we are able to offer two scholarships to motivated young women this year. Pow.wow is a networking group for creative, dynamic and business savvy women who seek to support the success of its members by creating a supportive and positive learning environment, empowering through education and exchange of ideas, increasing the visibility of its members, and giving back to the Bay Area community of women.

Applications are due Friday, May 7th!!!

Download the application here!

*******

Oasis For Girls Summer 2010:

No summer school this summer????

Here's an opportunity for you to apply to Oasis For Girls summer programs!!! Wooohooo! Last year girls from throughout the City worked together in our arts, leadership and life skills programs and successfully put on an amazing collaborative, culminating event held at Brava Theater.

Join Oasis and put your ideas into action! Apply now...Applications are due Wednesday, May 5, 2010. Download here O4G Summer 2010 Application

Summer's Around the Corner

2010-03-30T11:52:00.001-07:00

Stay tuned for information about our upcoming summer programs.

Congrats to the RISE girls for completing the spring session. Hope to see you this summer!

TELL IT! Spring Break with Oasis For Girls and HIFY

2010-03-09T12:54:00.000-08:00

ArE U a youNg wOmAn? Do U LivE in FrIsCo?
GeT oUt oF tHe HouSe & CoMe TELL IT!

In collaboration with Health Initiatives for Youth (HIFY), Oasis For Girls bring you--TELL IT, an innovative digital storytelling program for 15 middle school girls ages 11-14. YOU will learn basic editing and sound recording skills to create YOU own digital story with poetry, spoken word, or hip-hop.

The FREE program will take place during Spring Break...

Orientation:THIS FRIDAY , March 26th from 4-6 pm @ Oasis
TELL IT: Digital Storytelling Program: Monday, March 29th-Friday, April 2nd from 1-6 pm @ HIFY
Final Screening: Friday, April 2nd from 7-8 pm @ Oasis

Applications are due on Monday, March 22nd! Hurry...we only have space for 15 young women. Slots will be filled on a first come first serve basis. Applications can be faxed to our office at: (415) 701-7991 or mailed to: 245 11th Street, 3rd Floor San Francisco, CA 94103.

Oasis Spring Break Forms

Search and Support Oasis For Girls

2010-03-08T15:40:00.001-08:00

Search for Oasis!

Use GoodSearch.com to search the Internet. Every time you search, funds will be donated to Oasis For Girls at no cost to you. Goodsearch.com is powered by Yahoo!, so you'll get the same quality search results that you're used to. What's unique is that they have developed a way to direct money to Oasis For Girls with every click. So, visit www.goodsearch.com and enter in Oasis For Girls in the "Who do you Goodsearch for? ..." box when you begin all your internet searching!

Thanks to our January and February 2010 supporters to date:

The Kim Family
Julia Eden Ris
Stephanie Wickum
La Toya Boyd
Alison Covarrubias
Jennifer Donnellan
Timothy and Eileen Noonan

Measuring Up at 10 years old.

2010-02-16T11:55:00.000-08:00

Did you know....

82% of participants in Oasis's Arts Apprenticeship Program felt that the program helped them be more in control of their own bodies;
83% of participants in Oasis's RISE program felt that the program helped them gain leadership skills;
32% of Oasis girls would like Oasis to offer technology training.

Those are just some of the findings revealed by Oasis's Measure Up evaluation project, conducted in 2009. The nine-month initiative was developed with two objectives in mind: 1) to determine the needs of girls in San Francisco, and 2) to evaluate the effectiveness of Oasis's programs.

Measure Up was conducted by Oasis alumni, working with Oasis For Girls staff and Youth in Focus (YIF), which supports youth-led action research, evaluation, and planning to advance social justice. Through YIF's Stepping Stones package, the Measure Up team received intensive training, coaching, and program development support.

The project sought to examine two primary questions:

"How do girls ages 13 to 21 feel about the accessibility of health, safety, and girls' programs in their neighborhood and surroundings?"

"How has Oasis made a difference in the lives of girls they've served and what are some of the ways to change Oasis?"

From December 2008 to February 2009, the Measure Up youth staff conducted interviews, focus groups, and online surveys. They then spent two months analyzing the data they collected; in May 2009, they wrote, produced, and published a summary report of their findings.

The evaluation report confirms the importance of Oasis' emphasis on girl-focused youth-development programs, which were widely praised by the study's respondents. It also reveals several unmet needs, including the desire for additional programs in technology training, tutoring, and mentoring.

Today, Measure Up is already affecting things at Oasis: many of the girls' recommendations are now being developed into pilot programs and the organization has aims to begin Measure Up/Phase II, to help us develop an enhanced array of programmatic evaluation tools.

We offer our heartfelt thanks to all of those who helped make this project possible; Measure Up has exceeded our expectations, enhanced our understanding, and will inform our work for years to come.

READ THE REPORT IN IT'S ENTIRETY: MeasureUpEvaluation2009.pdf

RISE!!!!

2010-02-09T05:58:00.001-08:00

This week marks a special week as 16 girls join the newest cohort of RISE, Oasis For Girls life skills education program for high school aged youth and slightly beyond.

Girls representing the South of Market and neighborhoods throughout the City, will participate in the program through April learning about themselves, about each other, and will engage with adult allies to address topics around Self Esteem, Body Image, Stress Management, Healthy Relationships, Safer Sex, Educational Options, Career Planning, Mental Health, Nutrition, Sexual Harassment, and Self-Defense.

Congratulations to the new Oasis For Girls crew!!!

RISE applications are available for Spring 2010! DUE DATE EXTENDED: Tuesday, January 26!

2009-12-14T12:06:00.000-08:00

Are you a young women between the ages 14-17 living in San Francisco?

Apply now for our RISE Life Skills Education program:

RISE Program Information and Application

RISE is a FREE life-skills education program for a diverse group of 15 young women between the ages of 14 and 17. Focusing on mental, emotional, and physical well-being, RISE fosters appreciation of personal care and positive behaviors to live healthy lives. Girls receive a $300 award for participation and successful completion of the program. Girls are expected to share what they have learned with their communities and how their new knowledge will impact their future, including what specific actions they will take to realize their visions. Specific topics include: 1) exploring different identities; 2) self esteem and body image; 3) mental health; 4) stress management; 5) eating well for better health; 6) educational options; 7) career planning and resume building; 8) sexual harassment and protecting yourself; 9) sex and safe sex practices; 10) substance abuse and harm reduction; 11) sexism, racism, homophobia and 12) social justice.

Who is RISE for?

Young women ages 14-17. African, Arab, Latina, Native, Asian and Pacific Islander, low-income, immigrant, transgender and queer women are strongly encouraged to apply. You must be committed to attending the entire ten weeks of program.

Girl 2 Girl Performs at Intersection for the Arts This Weekend!

2009-12-08T15:06:00.000-08:00

Saturday, December 12th, 2 pm

We are so excited about our new Girl 2 Girl collaboration with Intersection for the Arts! This fall, through theater activities and discussion, International Studies Academy middle-school girls explored a range of topics central to their own lives. Now these young artists have developed a performance expressing their inspirational discoveries, and we invite you to join us at 2 PM on Saturday, December 12th for the premiere! The event is free and open to everyone.

For more information, please contact Jessica at: jvantuyl@sfoasis.org.

San Francisco Memorial For So-Youn Kim

2009-11-27T09:50:00.000-08:00

Oasis For Girls will be attending the San Francisco memorial for former staff and friend, So-Youn Kim. We will also be meeting at Oasis on Monday, November 30, 2009 from 5:45-6:30 to plan a short memorial piece to share at the ceremony. The Oasis community is invited to plan and participate.

So-Youn's memorial will be held at:
San Francisco Korean United Methodist Church
3030 Judah Street
San Francisco, CA 94122
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
7pm - 9pm
Please, no black attire.

Remembering So-Youn Kim

2009-11-19T10:51:00.000-08:00

Oasis For Girls has lost one of its own. So-Youn Kim, our former, beloved BAYAC/Americorps Middle School Program Coordinator, passed away on Monday, November 16, 2009. She fell ill while serving in the Peace Corps in Morocco.

So-Youn passionately and vibrantly played an integral role in the lives of many girls in the South of Market and the city at large while at Oasis from the fall of 2007 through the summer of 2008. From coordinating anti-homophobia and sexual harassment workshops for the entire student population at Bessie Carmichael Middle School, to bringing high school girls for a campus tour of her alma mater, Stanford University with a special Jamba Juice treat, So-Youn brought endless amounts of energy, joy and passion with her every day.

She had an unending commitment to the girls, to activism and to social justice. Up until the day she left, even after her service ended, she was emailing staff to continue to share resources for girls.

So-Youn will be dearly missed and fondly remembered.

http://joyinmorocco.blogspot.com/2009/11/so-youn-kim.html

http://www.peacecorps.gov/index.cfm?shell=resources.media.press.view&news_id=1507&cid=rssnews

DATES WITH OASIS IN DECEMBER

2009-11-17T16:38:00.000-08:00

December Dates With Oasis For Girls!

Girl 2 Girl
Join Oasis girls from I.S.A. as they share their work at Intersection for the Arts. A group of dedicated girls have been working with Oasis staff and Intersection interns throughout this semester to bring you an afternoon of words and inspiration shared from an amazing group of middle school girls. Join us and celebrate this wonderful accomplishment!
When: Saturday, December 12, 2009
Time: 1pm
Where:
Intersection for the Arts
446 Valencia
San Francisco, CA 94103

Want to combine good work and great fun?

Join us on December 4, 2009, from 7-11 PM,
at Hotel Frank, 386 Geary Street in San Francisco.*

From the hotel's ritzy penthouse to the bubbly VIP reception and live jazz, this party will be the cat's meow!

SWANK's sponsor, Pow.wow Network, is a professional organization of over 400 local business women. Like Oasis For Girls, Pow.wow Network is committed to supporting and fostering the development of women and girls.

Last year, the SWANK event raised over $5,000 for Oasis and our Future Fund Scholarships.

So come join the party! Enjoy a fabulous evening of cocktails and dancing! And for what better cause than supporting the empowerment of San Francisco's next generation of young female leaders!

VIP tickets, at $100, include a VIP-reception at 7 PM;
general admission tickets at $40 each
grant you entree to the main event, beginning at 8 PM.
All proceeds will benefit the programs of Oasis For Girls.

To reserve your tickets now, click here.

2009-10-20T15:52:00.000-07:00

Thank you to our supporters who came to our
10th Anniversary Open House Celebration!
We look forward to building the next generation of girls and young women with your continued support!

photos courtesy of D Samuel Marsh Photography

10th Anniversary Open House TONIGHT

2009-10-13T01:01:00.000-07:00

Rain or shine, it's on!!

Join us for our 10th anniversary celebration and open house tonight--Tuesday, October 13, 2009.

245 11th Street between Howard and Folsom 6pm to 7:30.

Highlights include:

tour of our new space
words from our co-founder
excerpt from this summer's arts apprenticeship
light food and refreshments
learn about our programs and mix and mingle with Oasis girls and staff

JOIN US!

Open House Next Tuesday, 10/13

2009-10-09T10:31:00.000-07:00

Oasis is celebrating 10 years! Join us in our amazing new space on Tuesday, 10/13 @ 6pm.

Oasis For Girls offers rare opportunities for young women to engage, learn and have fun in a safe, supportive, and girl friendly spot! Imagine a space where girls can gather to freely express who they are, expand their world view, and discover their leadership abilities.

Free of the harassment from boys, the pressure to travel down a dark path, and the challenges of inner-city, low-income urban life, Oasis girls have a real chance to determine and take action toward becoming who they want to be. And now we have a great, new home to help make it happen!

The Open House is a FREE event and will include light snacks and refreshments, a tour of our new space, words from co-founder Ly Nguyen, and the presentation of the Oasis
Leadership Award to graphic designer, Gloria G. Galang. Oasis girls and staff will be on hand to share their experiences and to celebrate their creative, bold, and breathtaking spirits!

Join us!

10th Anniversary Celebration and Open House

2009-09-21T22:35:00.000-07:00

Celebrate 10 amazing years of arts education, leadership development and life skills education program for girls and young women.

Join our community of supports, girls, volunteers as we celebrate our 10th anniversary. We're also in a new space so we're having an open house-warming, too!

Tuesday, October 13, 2009 6:00pm to 8:00pm

Join us for light refreshments, a special program with special guests and a tour of Oasis For Girls.

2009-09-01T05:18:00.000-07:00

Oasis For Girls 10th Anniversary / Open House

Join us to celebrate our 10 Year Anniversary providing crucial Arts & Arts Education, Life Skills Education, and Leadership Development programming for Bay Area young women!

Enjoy our beautiful new space, performances and artwork by Oasis girls, and refreshments!

Tuesday, October 13th at 6 pm
245 11th Street, 3rd Floor
San Francisco, CA 94103
(415) 701-7991

***
RISE Life Skills Education Program: Application Due TODAY--September 14, 2009

The program is 10-weeks long and meets 2-3 times per week.
STARTS Monday, October 5
Meets every Monday and Tuesday from 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM
(additional dates and times to be announced)

WHAT'S THE APPLICATION PROCESS?
You can download applications here: RISEF09Application
Once your complete application is received, we will contact you to set up an in-person interview. APPLICATIONS ARE DUE MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 14. We will notify you of your status by September 28.

GOT QUESTIONS?
Contact Jocyl Sacramento at 415-701-7991 or jsacramento@sfoasis.org.

Oasis For Girls: Open House

2009-08-25T18:12:00.000-07:00

Save the date...Tuesday, October 13, 2009.

Save the time...6pm

Save the address...245 11th Street, Third Floor

See you there!

Stay tuned for more info...We hope to see you at our open house event. Come check out our new space and how we've grown over the last 10 years!

TODAY: Back To School with Oasis For Girls

2009-08-14T18:15:00.000-07:00

You're invited to come to our
TODAY!
Back to School Party
Friday, August 21st, 2009
5pm-7pm

Win prizes playing wii games, card games, mafia, board games, icebreakers, and more! We will also have pizza and ice cream!

Please e-mail Jah'Torri at jbettis@sfoasis.org or call 1-415-701-7991 to RSVP by August 19th. Thanks!

Jah'Torri Bettis
Youth Staff
Oasis For Girls

***

SAVE THE DATE: TUESDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2009 FOR OASIS FOR GIRLS' OPEN HOUSE: 6PM

Summer of Sisterly Love

2009-07-31T17:44:00.000-07:00

Oasis for Girls...quality arts education, leadership development and life skills programs for girls and young women

2009-03-11T10:04:00.000-07:00

Oasis for Girls is Moving

2009-02-16T16:30:00.000-08:00

We are moving from the bright red building to the big, tall green building Tuesday, February 17, 2009.

You can find Oasis for Girls at its new home:
245 - 11th Street, Third Floor
(btwn. Folsom and Howard)
San Francisco, CA 94103
Phone: 415-701-7991 Fax: 415-701-0131

We will have 1839 square feet with:

Two large program, community rooms with natural light...
Two programs in one day for middle and high school aged girls beginning in March '09...
A spot easily accessible by public transportation located in the South of Market reaching girls-city wide...
A kick-back, lounge space...and more!

Our phones might be down for a day, but we'll be back up and running in no time!

Special thanks to Advisory Board Emeritus, Lupe Garcia and the GAP Foundation's Founder's Award, Valerie Concello, Hans Hanson, Veronica Leiva and Westside Community Services Board of Directors, Staff and Management Team for making it possible!

Congratulations Girl 2 Girl at Francisco Middle School for a Job Well Done!

2009-01-22T14:06:00.001-08:00

READ ALL ABOUT IT!!

The Girl 2 Girl Life Skills Education program put on an excellent show at the Little Theater of Francisco Middle School on Friday, January 16th. The girls truly showed their talent and expressed their opinions about teen pregnancy--a topic that they have seen or been touched by at their young age.

The night started off with tasty snacks and good company. Girl 2 Girl/Oasis staff Julia and Jah' Torri kicked things off. From the opening of the curtain to the catchy "clinic" song, the girls on stage showed how some girls have both things that work against them (in their show it was a clinic staff that wasn't supportive and friends) and those that work with them for success (again, friends and family and open communication). The show ended with each participant receiving flowers from both Oasis and Francisco Connect staff. Julia and Jah' Torri shared affirmations with each girls describing how each one is unique, special, and appreciated.

Way to Go Girl 2 Girl!

Girl 2 Girl will be at Bessie Carmichael School's middle school campus from February 2009 through June 2009. Stay tuned for more up news on up and coming talented leaders!

RISE Application: Due January 16th

2009-01-05T08:49:00.000-08:00

The RISE Life Skills/Education program is a safe forum to talk about and get information on physical, emotional, and mental health needs of young women. Girls will be awarded $400 upon completion of this 8-week program!

Interactive Skill Building Workshops Include:
Self Esteem, Body Image, Stress Management, Healthy Relationships, Safer Sex, Educational Options, Career Planning, Mental Health, Anti-oppression, Nutrition, Sexual Harassment, Self-Defense, and more.

Who is RISE for?
Young women ages 14-20. African American, Arab, Latina, Native, Asian and Pacific Islander, low-income, immigrant, transgender and queer women are strongly encouraged to apply.

What is the schedule?
The program is 8 weeks long and meets 2-3 times per week.
STARTS Monday, February 9th, 2009
ENDS Wednesday, April 1st, 2009
Meets every Monday and Wednesday (and some Fridays) from 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM (additional dates & times to be announced)

Where is Oasis for Girls?
1129 Folsom Street (off 7th Street)
San Francisco, CA 94103
Near MUNI bus lines: 14, 12, 19, 27, 47, 49, 26, 21, 6, F, J, K, L, M, N, Civic Center Bart Station

What is the application process?
THE APPLICATION IS DUE JANUARY 16, 2009. You can download the application here: riseapplication09.doc. Once your application is received, we will contact you to set up an in-person interview. We will notify you of your status by January 28, 2009.

How do I turn in my application?
You can mail it, fax it, email it, or turn it in to our office:
1129 Folsom Street (off 7th Street), SF 94103 / ATTN: Jocyl Sacramento
Fax: (415) 701-0131 or Email: jsacramento@sfoasis.org

What they say...
"During RISE...the most valuable part of this program was being able to be myself."

"The new knowledge I got and the new friends and people I met were definitely the most valuable part of this program."

"The most valuable part of this program was finding and meeting new people that I have learned to love and respect."

Got questions?
Call (415) 701-7991

The mission of Oasis for Girls is to provide a safe space where girls and young women are inspired and empowered to become strong and creative leaders in their communities. Oasis for Girls provides culturally relevant and gender specific arts and arts education, leadership development, and life skills education programs that support the growth of low-income and immigrant young women in urban communities.

2008-12-19T13:22:00.000-08:00

The Season of Giving, The Season of Joy
This holiday season, join Oasis for Girls dedicated community of supporters

Every year we touch the lives of over 160 girls and young women who find a home and find themselves at Oasis.

I can't imagine how my life would be different if I hadn't joined Oasis for Girls. [Without you,] I wouldn't have met my tutor/mentor. Without Oasis, I think I would have been too afraid to apply to colleges [outside] of San Francisco. But you made sure that I wouldn't settle for less than I was worth. Thank you giving me the chance to become a leader in my community. -Cindy, 19 now attending UC Santa Cruz

Please make a donation today at www.sfoasis.org. Or if you prefer to mail a check, postmark and date it by 12/31/08 to insure a proper tax-deductible donation.

Calling All Frisco Girls: Join the next crew of RISE life skills education learners.

Oasis for Girls RISE Life Skills/Education program provides a safe forum to talk about and get information on physical, emotional, and mental health needs of youth women. Girls will be awarded $400 upon completion of this 8-week program!

Skill Building Workshops Include:

Anti-oppression, Self Estemm, Body Images, Stress Management, Healthy Relationships, Safer Sex, Educational Options, Career Planning, Mental Health, Nutrition, Sexual Harassment, Self-Defense, and more.

Who is RISE for?

Any young women ages 14-20. African American, Arab, Latina, Native, Asian and Pacific Islander, low income, immigrant, transgender and queer women are encouraged to apply.

What's the application process?
THE APPLICATION IS DUE FRIDAY, JANUARY 16, 2009. You can download it here:

riseapplication09.doc. Once your application is received, we will contact you to set up an in-person interview. We will notify you of your status by January 28, 2009.

How do I turn in my application?
You can mail it, fax it, email it, or turn it in to our office:
1129 Folsom Street (off 7th Street), SF 94103 / ATTN: Jocyl Sacramento
Fax: (415) 701-0131 or Email: jsacramento@sfoasis.org

Got questions?
Call (415) 701-7991.

RISE APPLICATIONS NOW AVAILABLE

2008-12-18T11:14:00.001-08:00

Calling All Frisco Girls: Join the next crew of RISE life skills education learners.

Oasis for Girls RISE Life Skills/Education program provides a safe forum to talk about and get information on physical, emotional, and mental health needs of young women. Girls will be awarded $400 upon completion of this 8-week program!

Skill Building Workshops Include:
Anti-oppression, Self Esteem, Body Image, Stress Management, Healthy Relationships, Safer Sex, Educational Options, Career Planning, Mental Health, Nutrition, Sexual Harassment, Self-Defense, and more.

Who is RISE for?
Any young women ages 14-20. African American, Arab, Latina, Native, Asian and Pacific Islander, low-income, immigrant, transgender and queer women are encouraged to apply.

What's the schedule?
The program is 8 weeks long and meets 2-3 times per week.
STARTS Monday, February 9th, 2009
ENDS Wednesday, April 1st, 2009
Meets every Monday and Wednesday (and some Fridays) from 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM (additional dates & times to be announced)

Where is Oasis for Girls?
1129 Folsom Street (off 7th Street)
San Francisco, CA 94103
Near MUNI bus lines: 14, 12, 19, 27, 47, 49, 26, 21, 6, F, J, K, L, M, N, Civic Center Bart Station

What's the application process?
THE APPLICATION IS DUE FRIDAY, JANUARY 16, 2009. You can download it here: riseapplication09.doc . Once your application is received, we will contact you to set up an in-person interview. We will notify you of your status by January 28, 2009.

How do I turn in my application?
You can mail it, fax it, email it, or turn it in to our office:
1129 Folsom Street (off 7th Street), SF 94103 / ATTN: Jocyl Sacramento
Fax: (415) 701-0131 or Email: jsacramento@sfoasis.org

Got questions?
Call (415) 701-7991.

GIVING THANKS...

2008-11-24T03:59:00.000-08:00

Oasis wishes to thank our community of supporters, families and girls during this season of thanks. You are invaluable to us and we wish you well!!!

Thank you Parents and Families!

Oasis welcomed a group of 30 girls and their families to Family Night at Oasis on November 17th. Parents gave great feedback about what they see for Oasis' future as well as how we can continue to provide quality services to more girls throughout the city. Girls from our Girl 2 Girl program at Francisco Middle Schoo, RISE, and Measure Up represented.

Swank Holiday Party
Missed out on our 4th annual fundraiser? Don't despair! Come to the Swank Holiday Party benefiting Oasis for Girls presented by the Powwow Network. Tickets for this Thursday, December 4th event can be purchased online now.

The Powwow Network of women entrepreneurs has partnered with Oasis since 2006 and have done everything from host holiday parties that benefit Oasis to provide done-in-a-day, volunteer career mentors for our RISE Career Networking Night to treating participants to a scrumptious meal from Buca di Beppo Italian Restaurant in San Francisco. Thank you Dava and the Powwow crew for all you do!

***

Flourish

RISE Career Networking Night volunteer, Ann Marie Engel, caught the Oasis bug too and is supporting us through her company's event.

Join Ann and the Flourish community of professional women for an evening workshop, where experts will give advice on how to achieve much desired work-life balance. Maintaining stress levels down and keeping you healthy.

Additionally, there will be a cooking demonstration where a nutritionist will teach how to prepare healthy holiday dishes. Come and network with other professional women in the Bay Area, share and have fun!

When: December 10, 2008. From 6:00 to 9:00 pm.

Where: Avalon Mission Bay. 255 King Street@4^th St. 19^th floor. San Francisco, CA.

Cost: $60 – includes workshop, food, wine and a holiday surprise.

*15% of the ticket price will go to Oasis for Girls: a non-profit that provides a safe space where low-income girls and young women are inspired and empowered to become strong and creative leaders in their communities (www.sfoasis.org).

To register and learn more about the event, please visit: www.flourish.eventsbot.com

It's Not Too Late for 2008!

2008-11-04T15:05:00.000-08:00

Although the end of the year is rapidly approaching, Oasis still has so much news and events to share. Join us and end your year on a high note.

Calling All Artists
Oasis for Girls is seeking a collaborative partner for its summer 2009 Arts Apprenticeship. Artists/representatives are asked to submit project ideas in writing to Jessica Van Tuyl, Program Manager at jvantuyl@sfoasis.org by December 15th, 2008. Join an amazing group of young women in making our 10th anniversary year a memorable one! Past artistic collaborators have included Anne Bluethenthal and ABD Productions with Kharyshi Washington and Alyah Baker, community artist and muralist Ana Fernandez, Marisa Jahn and the Clarion Mural Alley Project, Jo Kreiter and Flyway Productions, and Maria del Carmen Carrion with New Langton Arts. Find out more here Artist Call Out or contact Jessica directly. Thanks!

Seeking graphic design volunteer
Oasis is seeking a graphic design volunteer. This is a great opportunity for an Oasis alum, a college-aged student or a designer looking to help fulfill nonprofit needs for an amazing non-profit--US! Read here for details.

Sistah Healing Circle
Join youth staff Maddy and Jah' Torri for Oasis membership event on Friday, November 21 from 4:30 - 6:30. With the many unfortunate events that have been going on, we are having a Sistah Healing Circle. This is open to girls and young women to come together in a safe space to share stories of struggle and paths to survival on a personal and local level. We will be lighting candles for those we want to remember and respect and provide a list of resources girls can use if they need extra support. Please contact Maddy or Jah' Torri for more information at 415-701-7991.

Swank Holiday Party
Missed out on our 4th annual fundraiser? Don't despair. Come to the Swank Holiday Party benefiting Oasis for Girls presented by the Powwow Network. Tickets for this Thursday, December 4th event can be purchased online now at http://swankbypowwow.org/.

Calling All Oasis Alumni!

2008-10-24T16:37:00.000-07:00

Got a story you want to share? Let us know! We are looking for stories about YOU, what you have been doing since you left Oasis and how you’ve been. Next year is Oasis' 10th year anniversary and we are starting NOW to reach out to all the Oasis alumni out there. Share your stories with us and be in touch. Oh, and send us your picture, too!

Call us at 415-701-7991 or email us at sfoasis@sfoasis.org.

***
Callout to Oasis Girls, Alumni and Friends...

Join youth staff Maddy and Jah' Torri for the first Oasis membership event on Friday, November 21 from 4:30 - 6:30. With all the events that have been going on, we are having a Sistah Healing Circle. This is open to girls and young women to get together and share stories of struggle on personal and local levels.

We will be lighting candles for those we want to remember and respect and provide a list of resources that girls can use if they need extra support. Please contact Maddy or Jah' Torri for more information at 415-701-7991.

***

Thanks for coming to our 4th Annual Fundraiser. Stay tuned for more news about the wonderful event! Here are a few pictures from the event.

Oasis For Girls at SomaFEST TOMORROW

2008-10-10T09:45:00.000-07:00

Come see Oasis For Girls activity table at the 9th annual SoMaFEST 2008 in the heart of the South of Market neighborhood! Other groups include Somcan, United Playaz, the Family Resource Center and many, many more. Come join us for this fun, family oriented festival!

Saturday, October 11th

at the Victoria Manalo Draves Park

on Folsom Street (between 6th & 7th Street)

12noon -1pm

Elementary & Middle School B-Ball Shoot Out (Girls & Boys)

1pm - 4pm

Local Performances

Raffle Prizes

Service Providers info. booths

Youth Job referrals

Games for children, youth, adults & seniors

and MANY MORE!!!!

FREE ACTIVITIES!

SACK RACE
FACE PAINTING
SPIN ART
SILKSCREENING
JUMPER
Health Screening for Children with the Public Health Nurses & UCSF Health Hut

SoMaFEST is an uplifting celebration of the youth, children, seniors, and families. This year's theme is "Healthy 'Hood, Strong Generations" which represents our neighborhood goal of always being unified, growing strong together and not only fighting for our rights, but ensuring the children and youth are part of decision making on how they want to see their neighborhood grow.

****

UPDATE ON FALL PROGRAMS

Congratulations to the young women who have been accepted to the Fall 2008 RISE Life Skills Education Program. This session girls will engage in theme based workshops from self, to self-determination, to identifying struggles and creating pathways to success.

Girl 2 Girl will be gearing up in the next few weeks at Francisco Middle School. If you haven't done so already, sign up for the program. You can learn more through Claudia, our contact at Francisco Connect, or call Julia at 415-701-7991.

Membership...Calling all alumni! It's your time to come back and get involved! Youth Staff--Jah' Torri and Maddy--have a great fall planned. Thanks to those of you who came to the focus group to help create plan!

***

Oasis For Girls Fundraiser: TODAY!

2008-10-09T12:11:00.000-07:00

Oasis for Girls Annual Fundraiser Join Us! \| Celebrate! \| Empower! WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT! Don't forget to buy your tickets or make a donation to Oasis for Girls at http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/41590 Tickets are also available at the door (cash and check only). If you can't join the event, please consider making a donation at www.sfoasis.org.

Oasis for Girls looks forward to celebrating with you.

Please spread the word and encourage your friends to attend!
Parking is available at the Sutter Stockton garage, one block from the event.

Oasis for Girls Fundraiser: This Thursday Honoring Retha Robinson, 2008 Community Leadership Awardee

2008-10-06T12:15:00.000-07:00

Oasis for Girls Annual Fundraiser Join Us! \| Celebrate! \| Empower! Share a special evening with us as we honor Retha Robinson! BUY YOUR TICKET TODAY! Join other donors that are committed to the success and growth of Oasis for Girls. Tickets on sale at http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/41590 and available at the door (cash and check only).

Oasis for Girls proudly announces

2008 Leadership Award Honoree

Retha Robinson
Director of the Koshland Program, The San Francisco Foundation

About Retha Robinson:
Retha Robinson is the director of the Koshland Program, a community development program that is working toward civic unity, leadership development, neighborhood partnerships, and encouraging civic participation and celebrating unsung community heroes. Under Ms. Robinson's guidance, each year the Koshland Program chooses a neighborhood in the Bay Area and makes a five-year commitment towards improving the quality of life. Ms. Robinson has been with the Foundation for two decades, working primarily in community building efforts throughout Bay Area neighborhoods. For more information about Retha, click here: http://www.sff.org/programs/koshland-program/KoshAbout-Retha_story.pdf

Come and celebrate Retha's contributions and accomplishments.

Making Things Happen at O4G!

2008-08-27T15:54:00.001-07:00

The summer was sizzlin' and the fall has got it going on! Come check out everything that is Oasis For Girls!!!

Rise Fall 2008 Application NOW available. Calling all high school aged girls in Frisco! Live, learn and lead a healthy life style in Oasis' life skills education program. Join up to 20 other girls from throughout the city to learn about the power of being a girl, self defense, standing up for yourself, planning for your future, staying strong and much, much more.

Girl 2 Girl goes to Francisco Middle School this fall! Check out this amazing after-school theater and life skills program for 8th grade young women at Francisco. Girl 2 Girl young women will learn theater to explore themes like cultural diversity, community, self-esteem, homophobia, health & sexuality, sisterhood and immigration--topics that came up from the girls at our sister, neighborhood middle school at Bessie. Oasis will be at Bessie in the spring. Girl 2 Girl ends with a final performance in January 2009!

Measure Up Kicks Off in September! A new youth staff crew has been hired to lead a community assessment to measure how we are keeping true to the values and needs of girls and young women from throughout the city. Our current youth staff, Jah Torri and Maddy are joined by returning girls--Amani, May, Cheriee and Fio.

Powerful Summer Events at Oasis

2008-07-31T15:22:00.000-07:00

This summer, our amazing team of young women have been learning, making a difference in our communities, becoming leaders, and raising awareness within the communities that we represent. Read on and mark your calendars for events you don't want to miss!

***
The Young Women's Leadership Institute presents: Women Rising Up Against Poverty
Meet the team of young leaders who will show the many woman who have strived to reach their goal by rising up out of poverty. Watch the video and learn from the young women as they raise their voices on issues that affect all of our communities.

Tuesday, August 12, 2008, 6pm to 8pm at the Bayanihan Community Center 1010 Mission Street (cross street at 6th). This event is free! Light food and beverages will be served.

"Truth Tellers: Dances for Newspapers, Scales and Lady Justice" a collaboration with Jo Kreiter/Flyaway Productions and Oasis for Girls
Young women artists and leaders have been working at CounterPULSE studio this summer and have used dance, aerial dance, and specially designed apparatus to engage in a creative process about truth and lies in political culture. Come to the show to witness the Flyaway repertory and dance-making by the girls.

Wednesday and Thursday, August 13th, 2008. 7pm at CounterPULSE 1310 Mission Street at 9th. $5-10 (youth 14 and under are free: no one turned away for lack of funds) reservations: 1-800-838-3006 or brownpapertickets.com.

RISE: Career Networking Night
This summer's RISE girls got a glimpse of the working world from six amazing women who talked about life in the military as a woman, to the need for more women representation in government, to the ups and downs of being a woman owned business and knowing your self and knowing your industry to help companies grow to reach a wider audience.

Oasis welcomed: the amazing and inspirational Audrey Enriquez--Account Manager at KRON 4 TV, Terry Nagel--former Mayor of Burlingame and now City Council Woman, artist extraordinaire Kharyshi Wiginton, Caryn Moore of Caryn Moore IT Consulting, Dava Guthmiller of Noise 13, and Melissa-Ann Nievera--a fierce Pinay who's getting her Ph.D.! You go girls!

Volunteers Rock! A big shout out this summer to our Taproot volunteer team--Deepak, Nicco, Matt and Hank. You'll make our lives SOOOO much easier. Thanks for helping to build Oasis' technology capacity.

Summer News at O4G!

2008-07-17T14:59:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Our Event Sponsors...
Save the Date for our upcoming fundraiser on Thursday, October 9, 2008, at the Hallidie Building. This event is sponsored by AIA San Francisco, a Chapter of the American Institute of Architect and Symyx Technologies, Inc. to date. We appreciate your support in the leadership development of girls and young women!

Young Women's Leadership Institute:
Save the Date
The young women in this summer's Leadership Institute will be presenting a video about poverty in families. This will be the culmination of exploratory research and interviews conducted by this passionate group of young women leaders. Stay tuned for more information and save the date for the video premiere--Tuesday, August 12, 2008.

Oasis Receives Recognition at International Gala Awards Night
Oasis for Girls was recently awarded and recognized at the eWomenNetwork Foundation's International Femtor Awards Gala in Dallas, TX. Funds from this supportive group of women business owners will benefit the Rise Life Skills Education program that addresses the issues of health, wellness and safety for young women ages 14-20. Thank you to the San Francisco chapter of eWomenNetwork for this award!

Hearts of Gold, Fists of Fury Mural Appears in SF Bay Guardian
Take a walk along Clarion Alley in the Mission and you will see Oasis' Hearts of Gold, Fists of Fury mural. Erected in 2004, the mural resurfaced on the cover the SF Bay Guardian SCENE insert this summer. This mural was the creation of the summer 2004 Arts Apprenticeship Program. The mural addresses historical feminist leadership through contemporary pop iconography.

This summer's Arts Apprenticeship is a collaboration with Jo Kreiter and Flyaway Productions. Girls will be performing an aerial dance and share their findings around "Truth Telling." Check out two nights of performances on Wednesday, August 13 and Thursday, August 14 at CounterPULSE Studios at 9th and Mission Street in SoMa.

Check your email boxes soon for our latest and greatest e-newsletter!

O4G Gives a HUGE Thank You to Women Collectives Who Have Helped Us Further Our Mission

2008-06-16T22:54:00.000-07:00

Spark builds a community of young, global citizens who are invested in changing patterns of inequality that impact women throughout the world. Spark generously awarded $5,000 for O4G's Future Fund Scholarships to college bound girls. With their support, O4G recently awarded four Oasis participants $1250. Congratulations Su Ping, Ashley, Julia and Carolyn!

Pow.wow Network: We give major props to Dava Guthmiller and the Pow.wow network, a collective of women entrepreneurs. In 2006, O4G attended one of their signature events supporting up and coming small women business owners. Since then, the group has helped us recruit women of color for Rise Career Networking night, held their annual holiday benefit in our honor at Notori Studio in SOMA. Dava is also volunteering on our fundraising committee this year!

eWomenNetwork: The San Francisco Chapter of eWomenNetwork awarded $6,000 in support of our Life Skills Education program. One year ago, O4G met arts aficionado and member Laurel Winzler of Laurel Designs who became our ambassador. O4G was invited to an Ewomennetwork event, learned marketing tools from Edith Yeung, had a vendor table and had our youth staff Maddy represent. O4G will go to Dallas, TX in July to receive the award in front an audience of 3,000 members.

Thanks to all of you for volunteering your time and your amazing efforts to help us realize our vision of cultivating generations of strong and creative young women leaders who realize their potential, live healthy lives and make a positive impact on their communities.

Summer at Oasis: Flyaway, Rise, and Leadership Institute!! Due Date Extended to June 2, 2008.

2008-04-23T14:42:00.000-07:00

Apply now for Oasis For Girls' 2008 Summer Performance & Activism Project, the RISE Life Skills Education Program, and the Young Women's Leadership Institute. Early applications are highly encouraged.
(Please note: these are three separate programs.)

Summer Arts Apprenticeship Application
Summer Rise Application
Young Women's Leadership Institute Application

2008 Summer Arts Apprenticeship
Oasis For Girls joins forces again with Jo Kreiter and Flyaway Productions to bring a summer performance and activism project that brings together 17 young women from the Bay Area for eight weeks. The theme for this year is "Truth Telling." Young women will come together to:

Get hands on experience in contemporary and aerial (off the ground, in the air) dance
Earn $400
Create original dances for a final performance
Learn and perform professional dance repertory with working dance artists
Research and carry out an activism project in your community
Connect with young women across neighborhood, school, ethnicity, sexual orientation

Join Oasis For Girls and Flyaway Productions for an amazing summer experience.

Flyaway Productions is a professional dance company that performs off-the-ground dances. We experiment with height, speed and gravity, dancing on steel objects that are both architectural and fabricated. We place dancers anywhere from two to one hundred feet off the ground. We offer performance as a medium for social commentary and choose projects that advance female empowerment in the public realm.

2008 Summer Rise
Rise is a stipend life-skills education program for a diverse group of 20 young women between the ages of 14 and 20. Focusing on mental, emotional, and physical well-being, RISE fosters appreciation of personal care and positive behaviors to live healthy lives. Girls are awarded a $400 stipend for participation and successful completion of the program. Girls are expected to share what they have learned with their communities and how their new knowledge will impact their future, including what specific actions they will take to realize their visions. Specific topics include: 1) exploring different identities; 2) self esteem and body image; 3) mental health; 4) stress management; 5) eating well for better health; 6) educational options; 7) career planning and resume building; 8) sexual harassment and protecting yourself; 9) sex and safe sex practices; 10) substance abuse and harm reduction; 11) sexism, racism, homophobia and 12) social justice.

2008 Summer Young Women's Leadership Institute
The Young Women's Leadership Institute brings together 15 young women for 8 weeks and focuses on defending the rights of poor and low-income families in San Francisco.

Build leadership skills: from defending your point of view to meeting with local politicians!
Connect with young women and work together to implement a positive action!
Learn different ways to make an impact on the issues that affect your communities!
Earn $400

Preference will be given to applicants who have completed a program at Oasis for Girls or another youth leadership program. African American, Arab, Latina, Native, Asian and Pacific Islander, low-income, immigrant women, and LGBT women are strongly encouraged to apply.

***

Click here for current job openings at Oasis For Girls.

Join the Oasis Crew

2008-04-15T17:01:00.000-07:00

Do you have a passion for social change? Are you an experienced youth worker who wants to apply your skills and knowledge to creative, young women leaders in San Francisco?

Share your knowledge and apply. We have two exciting opportunities with Oasis For Girls.

Join us to realize the vision of cultivating generations of strong and creative women who realize their potential, live healthy lives and make a positive impact in their communities.

Part Time Office Coordinator

Part Time Program Coordinator

FUTURE FUND SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS NOW AVAILABLE

2008-03-30T20:50:00.000-07:00

Calling all seniors! Are you a past Oasis participant? You may be eligible for Oasis for Girls' $1,000 Future Fund Award.

Oasis began distributing the Future Fund Scholarships in 2001 to contribute to the educational advancement of young women. 2008 marks an exceptional year, in that we are able to offer five $1,000 scholarships to motivated young women thanks to the generous support from Spark (http://sparksf.org/) whose mission is to build a community of young, global citizens who are invested in changing patterns of inequality that impact women throughout the world.

So if you are:

Between 17 - 20 years old,
Have been involved with at least one Oasis program or activity,
About to be a high school graduate or received her G.E.D.,
And plan to attend a college or university in the summer or fall...

THEN APPLY! Applications are due Friday, Friday, April 25. Download it now and send it in!

Oasis Creative Leaders Take The Stage...This Thursday, Friday & Saturday

2008-03-26T21:52:00.000-07:00

Support Oasis leaders as they strut their stuff in the final three nights of performance as part of Anne Bluethenthal Dance Company's world premiere of Carino: Economy of the Heart. The Oasis Theatre Leadership Institute Project has been working hard for the past two months creating an original piece that highlights the power, insights and brilliance of young women. Don't miss it and please spread the word!

What: Carino: Economy of the Heart
A World Premiere

Conceived and choreographed by Anne Bluethenthal, this world premiere explores in movement, text, music and visual art, the cultural and global dimensions of caring. Featuring collaborations with Ajayi Jackson, Mama CoAtl, Judy Grahn Melanie DeMore, and Nadine Gay. Performances also by OASIS FOR GIRLS.

Dates: Performance opened last week, but you can still catch the show! March 27 - 29 (Thurs. - Sat.)
Arrive early to see Oasis for Girls' pre-show performance at 7:40pm.
Main show starts at 8:00 pm.

Venue: Project Artaud Theatre in SF
450 Florida St. (at 17th St.) in SF

Tickets: $25, $20 students/senior, $10 children under 12. CASH ONLY at the door.
Thurs. March 27 is pay what you can night.

Tickets: http://www.brownpapertickets.com or at Modern Times Bookstore, 888 Valencia Street, in SF
Video Clip: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TwFguKO66GM
Info or to Usher:sonya@counterpulse.org or 415/ 706 -9535
Website: http://www.abdproductions.org

Project Artaud Theatre is wheelchair accessible.

***
FUTURE FUND SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS AVAILABLE ONLINE NOW!

Are you a high school senior applying to college? Are you an Oasis past participant? We have a SCHOLARSHIP opportunity for you. The Future Fund $1,000 Scholarship will be awarded to FIVE fabulous young women thanks to generous support from Spark. Applications are available online now and are due Friday, April 25. Inquiries can be directed to Program Manager Jessica Van Tuyl at 415-701-7991.

THIS WEEK: Oasis for Girls Takes the Stage and Spring Break

2008-03-20T11:37:00.001-07:00

Come out to support Oasis leaders as they strut their stuff in six nights of performance as part of Anne Bluethenthal Dance Company's world premiere of Carino: Economy of the Heart. The Oasis Theatre Leadership Project has been working hard for the past two months creating an original piece that highlights the power, insights and brilliance of young women. Don't miss it and please spread the word!

What: Carino: Economy of the Heart
A World Premiere

Conceived and choreographed by Anne Bluethenthal, this world premiere explores in movement, text, music and visual art, the cultural and global dimensions of caring. Featuring collaborations with Ajayi Jackson, Mama CoAtl, Judy Grahn Melanie DeMore, and Nadine Gay. Performances also by OASIS FOR GIRLS.

Dates: March 21 - 29, 2008
March 21 - 23 (Fri. - Sun.) / March 27 - 29 (Thurs. - Sat.)
Arrive early to see Oasis for Girls pre-show performance at 7:40pm (except Sunday 3/23 starts at 6:40pm)
Main show starts at 8:00 pm (except Sun. March 23 starts at 7:00 pm)

Venue: Project Artaud Theatre in SF
450 Florida St. (at 17th St.) in SF

Tickets: $25, $20 students/senior, $10 children under 12. CASH ONLY at the door.
Fri. March 21 & Thurs. March 27 are pay what you can nights.

Tickets: http://www.brownpapertickets.com or at Modern Times Bookstore, 888 Valencia Street, in SF
Video Clip: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TwFguKO66GM
Info or to Usher:sonya@counterpulse.org or 415/ 706 -9535
Website: http://www.abdproductions.org

Project Artaud Theatre is wheelchair accessible.

***
Also, Oasis for Girls is open for SPRING BREAK next week March 24th - March 28th. Call the office for more information to participate in ALL FREE, ALL FUN activities for girls of all ages 10 and older. Forms also available here!
ParentConsent.doc
Crissy%20Fields%20parent%20consent.doc

March Madness at Oasis

2008-03-07T17:04:00.001-08:00

Ok...Ok...So Oasis is not playing basketball, in but we do have a lot of great things going on this month.

Theater Leadership Performance: Oasis for Girls young women creative leaders are at it again! Join Youth Staff Elizabeth as she and her co-participants take you through the journey of Carino. ABD Productions and Oasis for Girls are partnering this season.

Participants have been working hard to learn new skills and hone in on the special talents. They have an inside look at the creative process of Anne Bluethenthal and her company of amazing artists, dancers and performers. Oasis girls will be featured at 7:30pm on the lobby stage as well as be part of the main show. Be sure to save the dates and buy your tickets at www.brownpapertickets.com or 800-838-3006. We look forward to seeing all the arts and leadership aficionados who have supported us!

Spring Break of Arts with Oasis for Girls:
All Fun....All Free...Snacks Provided...All Ages 10-20...Times are 1pm to 6pm
Call us to sign up or drop by to save your spot. Some trips can accomodate only a certain number of people, so please call today or sign up with So Youn at skim@sfoasis.org.

Monday, March 24: Scavenger Hunt and Movie Day
Tuesday, March 25: Field Trip to the Exploratorium
Wednesday, March 26: Jewely Making with Local Artisan, Lisa Juachon
Thursday, March 27: Chrissy Field Park and Make Your Own Belts and Bags
Friday, March 28: Cooking, Arts and Party

Words....

2008-02-21T17:43:00.000-08:00

A sister community member was honored last year at our annual fundraiser, Moving Beyond Boundaries. Although she could not attend the event due to youth violence in the neighborhood, she shared these words in spirit...

"I am extremely humbled and thankful that Oasis nominated me for this award and I am so sorry that I cannot be there with you tonight. If anything, we community members should be honoring Oasis for all the important work that they do for girls. In this world of Paris Hilton’s and Lindsay Lohan’s it is vital for young women to have a place like Oasis for Girls to feel safe, to experience sisterhood and to interact with strong female role models. As a Mother of two daughters, organizations like Oasis for Girls give me hope. Hope that when my daughters feel assaulted by all the stereotypical images of what women are or should be, there will be a place for them to go where they will feel honored, valued and empowered. Young women are the Mothers of Society and everyone knows that we do not need more mothers like Britney Spears. Thank you Oasis for nominating me for this award but more importantly thank you for all that you do for the young women of San Francisco – our future Mothers, our future leaders, our future! Please support Oasis for Girls so they can continue their vital work for the young women of San Francisco."

Misha Olivas is the Director of Programs for United Playaz, a city-wide leadership and violence prevention program. United Playaz and the South of Market Youth Task Force is spearheading the movement to build a youth and family center in the neighborhood to provide services not only for South of Market residents, but those who access the plentiful resources that our community provides to San Francisco residents citywide.

Girl2Girl: Valentine's Day Party!!!

2008-02-12T17:06:00.000-08:00

Wednesday, February 13, 2008 After School 3:30 to 5:30 PM At the Oasis for Girls Space 1129 Folsom St. (near 7th St.) Come Hang Out!!!

ALL Middle School Girls are Welcome!! GIRLS ONLY!!! C'mon Ladies! Let's spend some time taking care of ourselves! Join us in...Cookie Decorating Friendship Bracelets Facial Masks Nail Painting with Rhinestones Making Valentine's Day Cards and LOTS of Food and Drinks!!!

QUESTIONS? Call us up at (415)701-7991 or email us at skim@sfoasis.org We're in a safe space; the RED building with the gate.

Save the Date: March Brings the Theatre Leadership Project

2008-01-28T18:29:00.001-08:00

It's that time again...Oasis for Girls young women creative leaders are at it again! Join Youth Staff Elizabeth as she and her co-participants take you through a journey of Carino. ABD Productions and Oasis for Girls are partnering this season.

Participants gain an inside look at the creative process of Anne Bluethenthal and her company of amazing artists. Girls will be a featured performance as well as part of the main show. Be sure to save the date and buy your tickets at www.brownpapertickets.com or 800-838-3006. We look forward to seeing all the arts aficionados who have supported us!

**Did you know that Oasis stood for Offering Arts to Sistahs in Soma? In the early 1990's we changed our name to reflect the diversity and reach of our programs.

Oasis Welcomes New Staff

2008-01-09T17:57:00.001-08:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!

We are pleased to share that Oasis for Girls has FOUR new amazing staff who started this January and THREE of them are young women. Stay tuned for more news about all the amazing work they will be involved with.

Here's a little bit about them....
Jah torri is a new youth staff at Oasis for Girls. She was in the 2007 Leadership Institute and liked it because it was a very comfortable environment. This is not her first job, but this is her favorite job so far. Jah torri was born and raised in San Francisco, California. She loves her new job and she encourages every and any female to take a stand.

Elizabeth is a youth staff at Oasis for Girls. Last summer, she was in the Leadership Institute. The program was so fun she couldn’t leave! This is her first job and is so glad to work at a place that feels like home.

Jessica Van Tuyl has over 6 years experience in the youth development field and is the new Program Manager. She has worked primarily with LGBTQQ youth- supporting youth organizing efforts, leading anti-homophobia trainings for school personnel, and providing case management services at the Richmond Village Beacon, GSA Network, and the Gay, Lesbian, Straight Education Network. In addition, Jessica has worked in the youth employment field, coordinating city government internships at San Francisco YouthWorks. Jessica holds a Bachelors degree in Women’s and Gender Studies from Macalester College and a Masters degree in Social Work from the University of Southern California. She is honored to join the Oasis team and is committed to increasing Oasis’ capacity to provide empowerment programming for young women throughout San Francisco!

Maddy----Check back soon for the updated info about Maddy!!! Read about her in our past Winter newsletter. She highlighted as the Youth Spotlight.

Apply Now to Oasis Programs

2007-12-12T14:23:00.000-08:00

Scroll down at the bottom of this page (on the right side) to apply to Oasis for Girls Spring Programs that begin in January and February 2008. Don't miss out!

Spring Theatre Leadership Project starts in January 2008!
RISE Spring 2008

***
Girl 2 Girl for Frisco's Middle School Girlzzzz
Beginning Wednesday, January 30thth, Oasis for Girls Middle School Program--Girl 2 Girl-- will be on site from 3:30-5:30pm. Girl 2 Girl is our middle school life skills education program. Each Monday will bring different themes and activities from movie day to homework help encouraging teamwork and friendship. Past Girl 2 Girl participants put on a theatre performance and created a zine. Come hang out on Wednesday afternoon! Each Monday of the month will have a different theme and project!

***
Take Our 2007 Community and Youth Survey.
Dear Community of Oasis Supporters,
Thanks to those of you who completed our survey by the end of November. We're still looking for more input in realizing our vision of cultivating generations of strong and creative leaders! Since Oasis was founded in 1999, many positive changes and organizational growth have taken place. We are setting future goals for Oasis, and would like public opinion and feedback in the planning process. Please take a moment to complete our survey. We encourage your response by Wednesday, Decemeber 28, 2007.
Thank you for your support!

Winter 2007 Community Survey
Winter 2007 Youth Survey

***
Please note: We will be closed from 12/24/07 to 1/1/08. Looking forward to seeing you in the new year!

Oasis: Where is she now?

2007-11-26T23:14:00.000-08:00

In a recent callout to Oasis past participants, Jennifer shared the following. We are proud of her and the many other young women leaders paving the way to a better future for us and the communities they live in, learn in and lead.

Hello, I am Jennifer and I graduated from John O'Connell High School. I'm going to graduate next year in May from the University of California Berkeley, with a B.S. major in Environmental Economics & Policy and a minor in Chinese Language. Oasis for Girls has truly impacted me into becoming a stronger and wiser leader. During my time in Oasis for Girls, I participated in Oasis for Girls' Rise Internship and the Clarion Alley Mural Project. These programs cultivated my life and art skills, in addition to having an enjoyable time with my new friends. I am taking my leadership to the next level now by working as a part-time Cal Prep math tutor for middle school kids. I know how hard it is for a woman to excel in a math/technical career, because those areas are mostly dominated by men. By tutoring minority girls and boys in Oakland, I want to improve their math skills early on and be a role model to them.

Stay tuned for more updated news and event information on this page. Jennifer continues to be involved with Oasis and one of the projects she may be taking on for 2008 is to help update this section of our webpage. Check out her blog called Independent Woman, jennifertse.blogspot.com.

***

The Fall Brings Good Things to Oasis for Girls

2007-10-30T15:09:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the new girls in the Rise Life Skills Education program! We are pleased that Jah Torri form this summer's Leadership Institute is at Oasis in a new role as Rise participant/co-facilitator. Welcome back Runa, too. Runa participated in this summer's Arts Apprenticeship Sacred Hands with artist Ana Fernandez and joins girls from Gateway High School, John O'Connell, and the MET School in Oakland to name a few. You are all special and welcome to Oasis! Next week, advisory board member, Meeta will be leading the girls in a stress reduction workshop and doing yoga!

Big shout out to Lupe Garcia, Oasis Advisory Board Emeritus. Thank you for your support and dedication to Oasis for Girls throughout the years. Lupe and Oasis were recently awarded a $25,000 grant from the Gap in support of our initiative Room to Grow which will help us move into a larger rental space. Thank you also to Valerie Concello who has graciously devoted her time to help us find new space in the South of Market community which we continue to grow in and love!

Leadership Institute: Save the Date

2007-09-28T11:18:00.000-07:00

On Monday, October 22, 2007, the young women in our Leadership Institute will be presenting their video on teenaged pregnancy. The event will take place at the Bayanihan Community Center at 1010 Mission Street @ 6th from 5:30-7. The entrance is on Mission Street.

About the Leadership Institute:
The objective of the Leadership Institute is to strengthen the leadership and commitment of San Francisco young women to powerfully transform their own lives and communities.

Through the Institute, Oasis aims to:
1) Train at least fifteen young women in basic leadership skills and a human rights framework.
2) To engage in a local issue for youth through advocacy and/or peer education.
3) To foster unity, support and understanding between young women from diverse communities.
4) To have participants for further involvement in Oasis for Girls, through hiring Institute participants as youth staff and drive membership activities.

3RD ANNUAL FUNDRAISER TODAY, September 27th!

2007-09-26T05:11:00.000-07:00

Thank you to those of you who have purchased your tickets for this Thursday's 3rd Annual Fundraiser: Moving Beyond Boundaires: Celebrating and Empowering Girls and Young Women. We are excited to see you.

TICKETS WILL BE AVAILABLE AT THE DOOR!

The night brings an enjoyable line up of food, networking and the honoring of Oasis inaugural Community Leadership Awardees--Kim Shree Maufus, Misha Olivas and the Women of the South of Market Community Action Network.

5:30 p.m. Doors open. Mingle & Network.

5:45 p.m. Dinner served.
Teriyaki Chicken Skewers
Flat Iron Steak
Garlic Prawns
Gyoza
Julie’s Short Ribs
Steamed Rice / Mashed Potatoes
Sauteed Vegetables

6:30 p.m. Welcome, Thank You & Oasis For Girls Introduction

6:35 p.m. Community Leadership Award / The Oasis Experience

6:50 p.m. Closing remarks

7:00 p.m. DJ Music & Networking

8:30 p.m. Fundraiser officially ends.

This event is made possible by our sponsors:
Venue Sponsor: Julie's Supper Club
Platinum Sponsor-Trinity Property Group
Gold Sponsors-van Loben sels/Rembe Rock Foundation and Kenwood Investments, LLC
Silver Sponsor-Bay Area Bootcamp

And in-kind supporters:
Steve Maller Photography
Eileen Fisher Company
Kahrobaie Meeting and Events
Square Z Consulting LLC
Architectural Resources Group
Spicey Productions
San Francisco Camerawork

And amazing event committee:
Danielle Tomkiel
Meeta Arcuri
Claire Kahrobaie
Elizabeth Misner
Rachel Paras
Tracy Wood
Heather Zona

3rd Annual Fundraiser: Moving Beyond Boundaries

2007-08-27T22:54:00.000-07:00

Buy tickets now at

Join Oasis for Girls on Thursday, September 27, 2007, for Moving Beyond Boundaries. This 3rd annual fundraiser brings together our community of supporters for our inaugural Community Leadership Award recognizing women leaders that have made a difference in their own lives and communities living our mission. Representatives in attendance include volunteers and donors comprised of business professionals, nonprofit and community leaders, activists, students and artists from the City and County of San Francisco that are committed to the success and growth of Oasis for Girls. Oasis for Girls is a project of the Tides Center.

This festive, lively event featuring appetizers, cocktails, music, and art will be held at Julies Supper Club in the heart of SOMA.

Thursday, September 27, 2007
5:30pm - 8:00pm
Cocktails / Hors doeuvres / Music / Art / Awards

Thank you to our event supporters and sponsors including Julie's Supper Club, the van Loben Sels Rembe Rock Foundation, Aquarium of the Bay, Eileen Fisher Company, Architectural Resources Group, Square Z Consulting LLC and Kahrobaie Meetings & Events, Bay Area Bootcamp, Kenwood Investments, LLC, Steve Maller Photography http://stevemaller.com and Spicey Productions.
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Upcoming Events at O4G

2007-07-24T15:35:00.000-07:00

Moving Beyond Boundaries: Celebrating and Empowering Girls and Young Women

Celebrate our inaugrual Community Leadership Award at our 3rd annual fundraising event on Thursday, September 27, 2007. Buy tickets now at

Come Check Out Our Mural

Save the Date:

On August 9th 2007 from 6pm to 8pm, young women from the summer Arts Apprenticeship will be exhibiting their mural called Sacred Hands at the Bayanihan Community Center at 1010 Mission Street. Come celebrate and learn about the work and the process that these talented young women have created.

Thank you to artist Ana Fernandez for sharing you knowledge and skillzzz!!!

Oasis' Leadership Institute Begins

2007-07-05T22:23:00.000-07:00

After receiving over thirty applications and conducting interviews, fifteen young women are diving head first into The Young Women’s Leadership Institute for an exciting summer! From late June to the end of September participants will be building community across neighborhood, ethnicity and a wide spectrum of life experiences to make a collective plan of action on an issue that impacts young women in San Francisco. Program Manager Ly Hoang and Program Coordinator Tina Bartolome will work closely with participants to facilitate a supportive learning space that nurtures both personal and social transformation. The combination of workshops, skills building and field trips will expose participants to the basics of making social change, local youth organizing efforts and opportunities to flex their own power and voice. Workshops include: Public Speaking 101, Understanding Sexism and How to Identify an Issue. Field trips include attending the Youth Empowerment Conference, Girl Fest Bay Area and visiting youth organizations such as The Center for Young Women’s Development, Youth Making A Change and the Youth Commission. The Young Women’s Leadership Institute will cultivate a new generation of youth leadership and marks an exciting time of growth. In the fall, Oasis will hire youth staff from this pool of trained young women to launch a youth membership initiative as we move to a true youth empowerment model that supports the collective power of young women as decision-makers and agents of change in their own lives and communities. Congratulations to the next generation of strong and creative leaders!

Save the Date!!!

2007-06-14T12:19:00.000-07:00

UPDATE: Save the Dates and Oasis for Girls Now Recruiting Summer Interns

2007-05-03T16:54:00.000-07:00

SAVE THE DATE
Thursday, September 27th, 2007
Oasis for Girls Annual Fundraiser
Check back soon for more details...

*****
Join us on Thursday, May 31st, 2007
to honor Oasis for Girls: Past, Present and Future

The Past: Ly Nguyen, Lupe Garcia and Megan Wilson Three amazingly dedicated women who have given their heart and soul to Oasis
The Present: The "Tutoring Crew"
The inspirational crew of girls who have stuck with us through thick and thin
The Future: Future Fund Award Recipients
The ambitious, young women on their journey to college

***
5:30pm Mix and Mingle
5:50pm Welcome
6pm Presentation
6:30pm Celebrate and Congratulate

Bring your good spirits and bright smiles to celebrate
these women!

Light snacks and beverages will be served.
(This is not a fundraising event. Thank you.)

Oasis for Girls is seeking 15 Arts Apprentices and 15 Youth Leaders for our summer programs!

Who is it for?
Apply for the Arts Apprenticeship if you are a young woman age 14-20 who is strongly interested in or already developing as an artists.
*Make Art
*Make Friends
*Make $300

The Leadership Institute is for young women ages 14-20 who are serious about developing themselves as leaders. Preference will be given to applicants who have completed a program at Oasis for Girls or another youth leadership program.
*Build your skills
*Make positive change
*Make friends
*Earn $375

Applications are due on Monday, June 4th. Please scroll down. Applications are downloadable at the bottom, right hand side of this page.

Thank you for your interest!

artwork by rini templeton

Happy Birthday: Oasis for Girls Celebrates 8 Amazing Years

2007-04-08T22:29:00.000-07:00

Oasis for Girls turns 8 years old this month! Over the past eight years, Oasis for Girls has rapidly grown at an average annual rate of 26%. During its first year in 1999, Oasis provided offsite arts programming to 52 girls at community organizations. Today, Oasis for Girls touches the lives of over 400 girls annually throughout San Francisco and brings young women from the East Bay, too. We provide engaging and effective year-round programming in the Arts, Leadership Development and Life Skills Education.

Thank you to the many funders, individual donors and volunteers who have effortlessly given their time and resources to support Oasis and the young women who come through our doors.

1999: Oasis (then Offering Arts to Sistahs in Soma) becomes a project of the Tides Center and establishes a 150 square foot office space in the basement of a South of Market neighborhood single resident occupancy (SRO) building.

2000: Oasis holds its first self-defense class giving girls the tools to protect themselves against violence Today, self defense workshops are held in our Life Skills education program, the Rise internship and have included collaborations with Girl Army and Destiny Arts Center.

2001: Oasis for Girls young women create The Simple Strength of Femininity, a resource guide for San Francisco young women and girls. The guide included resource information to address the needs of girls, including: discrimination, drug addiction, health, rape/abuse, pregnancy, stress, jobs, and school year activities. In addition, the guide included poetry and artwork by Oasis girls.

2002: Young women from the Leadership Circle (now called the Leadership Institute) completed a Youth-Led Girls Needs Assessment and Organizational Evaluations. This was followed up again in 2004.

2003: Oasis changes its name to Oasis for Girls as participants represent not only the South of Market, but other San Francisco neighborhoods including the Mission, Bayview Hunters Point, the Sunset and more.

2004: Oasis for Girls, in collaboration with the Clarion Alley Mural Project, unveils the mural project Hearts of Gold Fists of Fury The mural was developed and painted by eight young women ages 16 thru 20 during an 8 week summer paid Arts Apprenticeship Program; the mural addresses the historical concerns of feminist leadership through contemporary pop iconography, a political adaptation of the 1976 Charlies Angels film and features Rosa Parks, Mother Theresa, Emma Goldman, Phoolan Devi and Every Woman.

2005: Oasis for Girls awards the Future Fund Scholarship at its 6th anniversary celebration. The $1,000 award goes to a college bound young women for expenses, including college tuition and school supplies. Since 1999, Oasis for Girls has awarded over $15,000 in college scholarship funds and in support of young women in the arts. Applications are available now and are due on April 27th!

2006: Oasis for Girls participants conceive the idea for a middle school life skills program and submit and write a proposal to CHALK/BARC Youth Funding Youth Ideas initiative resulting in the successful pilot of Girl 2 Girl. The pilot session culminated in a packed house, performance at Bindlestiff Studio. The performance interwove the including what it means to be a good friend, conflict resolution, girls in media and stereotypes (hip hop music and the industry), and cultural identity. They also created and distributed a community zine.

2007: Oasis for Girls continues to fulfill its mission of providing a safe space for girls and young women to become strong and creative leaders in their communities. We hope you continue to support the leadership of girls and young women.

GeT oUt oF tHe HouSe & CoMe kIcK iT…

2007-04-02T13:13:00.000-07:00

It's Spring Break! Oasis for Girls is offering a week of fun & free Spring Break activities for young women ages 10-20. Details below. Please spread the word and come through...

Spring Break
with Oasis for Girls
April 2-April 6, 2007 * 1-6pm daily
ALL FUN * ALL FREE * SNACKS PROVIDED * AGES 10-20

Monday April 2
Songwriting 101 w/ Marcus Shelby’s “Harriet Tubman and Jazz” project & Movie
Tuesday April 3
Jewelry Making w/ Lisa Juachon & Movie
Wednesday April 4
Breakdancing 101 w/ Sisterz of the Underground (DefEd)
Thursday April 5
Papel Picado Art w/ Carmen Lomas Garza
Friday April 6
Makeup & Hairbraiding

HOW DO I SIGN UP?
1. Check out what’s goin on for the week.
2. Call or email us to sign up for any or all
of the days you’re interested in. (415)701-7991//arts@sfoasis.org

WHERE IS OASIS FOR GIRLS?
1129 Folsom St (between 7th & 8th St)
Near MUNI bus lines: 14, 12, 19, 27, 47, 49, Civic Center Station

WHAT IS OASIS FOR GIRLS?
The mission of Oasis for Girls is to provide a safe space where girls and young women are inspired and empowered to become strong and creative leaders in their communities. We offer both free and paid programs in arts, life skills and leadership for young women ages 10-20. We are located in the South of Market. Oasis for Girls is a project of the Tides Center. www.sfoasis.org

QUESTIONS?
Call us up at (415)701-7991 or email us at arts@sfoasis.org

In Honor of Cindy...

2007-03-22T17:18:00.000-07:00

Cindy is making her way through the college application process and was recently admitted to four colleges/universities. That's just the beginning! She has been involved with Oasis for the past 2 1/2 years starting as a participant in the Keynote program (now called Rise). Just this week, she participated so eloquently and with such passion in a site visit with a potential funder. Cindy, you truly are an inspiration! Cindy shares the following which is from something she put together for a recent scholarship essay...

***

Oasis for Girls is a safe place where girls and young women are inspired and empowered to become strong and creative leaders. Being an intern at Oasis for the Keynote program inspired me to help young girls who are in need or who have limited resources. The Keynote program is a paid 10-week course study in Leadership Development and Women's Studies. I feel especially driven to help teach girls about body image and about how they can be proud and confident in their own skin because Oasis' workshop taught me that true beauty comes from within us. Oasis also provided me with a personal math tutor and mentor who supported me through the college application process. The Oasis Mentorship Program has been a supporting backbone for me throughout my years of high school.

Working at Oasis for Girls has been most meaningful because it gave me the opportunity to become an independent woman and learn how to be confident within my skin. Without Oasis I wouldn't have met my mentor and tutor, who has become an inspiration and a close friend of mine. In being an intern there, I learned that I should not give up despite my many hardships because there are people who care about my well-being. I discovered that my future goal was to help young girls as well. I feel that it is important to support non-profit programs such as Oasis because it is for a good cause and it provides girls a safe place to stay after school. Oasis has been more than that just a work experience; it became a home to me in which I felt I belonged for the first time.

One of my best attributes is that I am genuinely concerned about the well being of the people in the world. I feel a certain calling to work with others who come from a challenged background, because I have had similar experiences living in a low-income neighborhood and having grown up in a low-income family. I want to give guidance to those who are less fortunate or disadvantaged and who do not have the courage to stand up for what they believe in. To achieve this goal, I will create a club where girls of any economic status, race, or religion can travel to third world countries and do community service during the school breaks.

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Oasis for Girls would also like to recognize our recent ANONYMOUS donor. Your amazing contribution is MOST appreciated. Thank you tremendously!

In Honor Of...

2007-03-09T16:44:00.000-08:00

We are pleased again to share the successes of our young women with you in honor of Women's History Month.

Amani and Madeline (aka Maddy) are two extraordinary young women who are actively continuing their work with Oasis and creating their own history. They are two strong and creative leaders who are making a positive impact on their communities.

Read about them in our February 2007 newsletter here.

We would also like to recognize our "virtual" volunteer Meredit Burke. Meredith came to Oasis for Girls a couple of months ago to volunteer. She ended up getting a job, but was still passionate about our mission and wanted to help. We kept in touch and since then she attended our Community Connection Night in February and agreed to work on a project. Meredith completed a huge data entry project for us, but because of her work, we have a database of information from 2000 to present! We are SO grateful, Meredith! Thank you for supporting Oasis for Girls! Click for photos of the evening courtesy of D. Marsh Photography.

A Special Shout Out to the New Girls of Girl 2 Girl @ FEC/Galing Bata and to Rise 2007!

This Month: Honoring Oasis' Participants

2007-03-05T15:07:00.000-08:00

In recognition of Women's History Month, we would like to recognize the work and accomplishments of Oasis for Girls current and past participants. Please check our blog for updates.

Jennifer...

Jennifer was the recipient of our annual Future Fund Scholarship in 2004. She attended John O'Connell High School and graduated with honors. The Future Fund Scholarship was established to honor South of Market woman owned business owner, Carmel Sanger. In the spirit of providing opportunities for young women to further their passions and to support their educational goals, the Future Fund awards three $1,000 scholarships to college bound young women for expenses, including college tuition and school supplies.

Jennifer recently shared the following with us.
"Yes, I am studying abroad in Hong Kong for one semester. Since I attended Oasis For Girls during high school, I went to UC Berkeley for college with a scholarship from Oasis for Girls. I wanted to study abroad in Hong Kong, because my minor is Chinese Language so I want to improve my Mandarin and Cantonese speaking skills in Hong Kong. Oasis For Girls caused me to become a more independent woman. I don't feel pressure to find a boyfriend quickly and enjoy being single and having time to spend with my friends.

Hope Oasis for Girls is still helping other girls further their education by providing resources like scholarships to them."

To learn more about the Future Fund, please visit http://sfoasis.org/scholarships.php.

(Pictured: 2005 Future Fund Recipients)

Spring Break at Oasis for Girls

2007-02-09T17:41:00.000-08:00

Got plans for spring break? Join Oasis for Girls for a week of making jewelry, breakdancing, songwriting, movies and more...

Oasis for Girls will be open Monday, April 2 - Friday, April 6, 2007 from 1pm to 6pm. The week is all free, all fun and snacks will be provided. Check our program calendar for updates or contact arts@sfoasis.org.

A special shout out to...
PG&E Women's Network Employee Association for your visit and supporting Oasis for Girls!
Dava Gunthmiller and the Powwow Network for selecting us as your new Sister Partner!
HIFY for your year long support with the Rise Life Skills Education internship program--always!
SOUL for your infinite wisdom. We love learning from you!

***

Welcome to our 2007 Youth Leader Interns:
Peatrix Yael -- G2G Youth Leader with on site program at Bessie Charmichael/FEC Middle School with Galing Bata
Sheefteh -- Rise Leader for the Saturday program
Maddy and Amani -- Youth Assessment Interns
Angelic -- MYEEP Intern. Thanks Tai!

NEWS AT OASIS FOR GIRLS

2007-01-22T23:31:00.000-08:00

UPDATE:
The RISE program is full. Thank you for the overwhelming response to our Saturday Rise program this session. The application due date has passed and all slots are now full. We will be conducting another session this Summer. Check back with us and please do continue to be in touch.

OASIS FOR GIRLS at BESSIE CHARMICHAEL/FEC MIDDLE SCHOOL
Oasis for Girls is pleased to begin working with the the Galing Bata after school program. Middle school girls will take part in Girl 2 Girl and attend workshops that address issues such as cultural identity, community, self-esteem, health, safety and sexism through art, dialogue and team building.

TUTORING TUESDAYS AND THURSDAYS
Calling out to all of you who have requested homework help and tutoring. Oasis for Girls staff and committed volunteers are available to help you with your homework on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:30-6pm. Come on in or drop us a line to let us know you are on your way.

SNEAK PEEK
Not sure what to do this Spring Break? Check the calendar in late March to find out more about our Spring Break Week of Arts for girls and young women.…

CONGRATULATIONS!
Congratulations to the Moving Stories middle school girls for a fabulous performance at Global Youth and Media Program of World Savvy. Excellent job!

Congratulations to Rise internship alumni--Victoria and Shanya-- for your acceptance to the Young Artists at Work program of the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts.

Support Oasis for Girls and the Arts

2007-01-10T12:20:00.000-08:00

On Friday, January 12th and Saturday, January 13th, Oasis for Girls members who have been participating the Arts Apprenticeship: Moving Stories, since October 2006, will be performing at the Global Youth Media and Arts Festival this weekend at the Zeum, a collaboration with World Savvy.

Oasis for Girls middle school aged members informed the script and actively participated in creating an original theatre piece through theater games, poetry, field trips and educational workshops that explored the themes of immigration and identity.

If you would like to support our Arts and Arts Education program like these, please click How to Help to make a donation.

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A Special Thank you to our 2006 Holiday Campaign Individual Contributors You helped us fund a diverse set of Arts and Arts Education, Leadership Development and Life Skills Education programs to nurture strong, creative young women leaders: Maw Shein Win, Mary Grace Laforga, Amy Berk--in honor of Josh Knox and Brita Dempsey, James and Dorothy Hunt, Jill Pfeiffer, Timothy Lyons, Alison Seevak, Paula Thomas, Raymundo and Julieta Paras, Tom Alber and Julie Nye, Barbara H. Clothier, Yoriko, Ari and Rena Yamomoto--in honor of Aviva and David Salomon, Mike Salomon, Sharon and Dan Krause, Kate Shaw and Dav Rauch, Maki and Matt Gilman, Ako Hisa, Pam and Rod Merrill, Cheryn and Shawn Eakins, Susan Belau and Jon Crosby

Happy Holidays

2006-12-19T01:30:00.000-08:00

Dear Oasis for Girls Friends and Family:

When you invest in Oasis for Girls, you cultivate generations of strong, creative leaders who in return enrich their future and that of their respective communities. This holiday season we extend an ardent and sincere thanks to all of you who continue to support the growth of Oasis for Girls. This year, we celebrate:

New Staff, Advisory Board members, and Executive Volunteers.
Studio Oasis presented Being Art, Being Girls a 2D art exhibit displayed as part of the San Francisco International Airport Children Museum.
Summer Arts Apprenticeship, Seeds, Grains and Other Dances with Flyaway Productions. Girls also designed and carried out an advocacy project informed by the Organic Consumers Association.
Girl 2 Girl, a Girl-led initiative for middle school girls that culminated in a performance at Bindlestiff Studio to an audience of over 40 community members.
Inaugural Girls Networkin Nite with a lively group of 18 girls and 18 adult volunteers as part of the Rise Life Skills Education internship program.
Self-identity Zine about taking action towards promoting a healthy and informed lifestyle, produced by the Leadership Institute interns.

Your generous contributions moved us forward as we fulfilled our mission and vision, touching the lives of over 150 girls in 2006. Help us continue educating, nurturing, and inspiring even more girls in 2007 with your holiday gift donation.

Oasis for Girls wishes you peace, harmony, and a healthy family and community this holiday season.

December Events: Support Oasis for Girls

2006-12-09T21:06:00.000-08:00

Wednesday, December 13, 2006
The young women in our Rise life skills internship program graduate, celebrate and teach the community what they have learned or were inspired by. Join us at the Bayanihan Community Center at 1010 Mission Street (cross street 6th) from 5:30-7.

Saturday, December 16, 2006: TWO EVENTS!

Entice Boutique and Oasis for Girls will host a lovely "Shop Soiree" from 11:30-3:00PM. Vendors (TBA) will include local jewelers, clothing designers, and other goodie creators. Wine and cheese will be served during the first hour. Vendor fees will go directly to the organization. Bring all your friends for holiday shopping!!

The U.N.I. Collective December party will benefit Oasis for Girls. U.N.I. is a Bay Area underground collective with the primary focus of making change in the community and giving local artists a platform to express their political/social views. U.N.I supports all artists who want to be part of a progressive movement to make change in the world one rhythm, note or scale at a time.
Space 180 (180 Capp St.)
dj Nomadeeq
Flavor Group / Beleza / U.N.I. Collective : brazillian . reggae . latin flavor. somethin' nice Johnny Venetti Sidewalk Development : Hip Afro Soul Hop
$5 cover | Doors open @ 9pm | 21+

Oasis for Girls: Young Women on the Move

2006-12-01T12:08:00.000-08:00

Even after girls and young women go through our programs, they continue to be involved in not only the Oasis community, but the community at large. Read below to learn how girls and young women are active and taking on leadership roles at Oasis and throughout San Francisco.

Miluska and Tracy are two very individual and strong young women have become spokeswomen for Oasis for Girls. They have both actively participated in Oasis' fund development by participating in site visits and leading potential funders on a neighborhood tour. The girls have participated in many Oasis for Girls programs throughout the years including the arts program, Studio Oasis, and the life skills program for middle school girls, Girl 2 Girl. They also read original creative writing pieces to an audience of 100+ at Oasis for Girls spring 2006 fundraising event.

Amani has been with Oasis for Girls since 2004. She was the recipient of the Future Fund Scholarship and a participant in the 2006 Leadership Institute.In 2007, Amani will be working with a team from the Filipino American Development Foundation, youth from United Playaz and other youth from the South of Market on a youth-led, action research project assessing the neighborhood's needs.

Maddy recently came to Oasis and will soon join the 45+ alumni of this year's Rise life skills internship program (formerly Keynote). Congratulations to Maddy! She is a new member of the Girls Committee of the San Francisco's Commission on the Status of Women.

Oasis for Girls and Health

2006-11-03T13:13:00.000-08:00

How does Oasis for Girls stay healthy? Well, we do this in many ways and on many levels. These are just a few---

1) La Cocina de Oasis is a workshop within our Studio Oasis arts program. La Cocina explores food, nutrition and culture. This summer for example, girls went to the local farmers market at Civic Center and shopped for healthy ingredients to make crepes for all the girls one day. Girls cooked together, ate together, and shared a meal with Bay Area author e-fierce. Spirits were high, stomachs were full and conversation about the book, "the sista hood on the mic" was off the hook!

2) Oasis for Girls gives and receives support from other community based organizations in SoMa like groups who are part of the South of Market Youth Task Force. Organizations in the task force have provided us with space for performances (thanks Bindlestiff Studio), girls for programs (thanks Embarcadero YMCA, Bessie Charmichael and FEC) and resources (thanks FADF and SOMCAN). Collaboration keeps us healthy and able to successfully fulfill our mission and vision.
3) We value health and well being throughout all our programs and for the girls in the Arts and Arts Education, Leadership Development and Life Skills Education. This fall, the Rise interns will have workshops on harm reduction, nutrition, stress relief, healthy relationships to name a few. Girls will be sharing what they have learned in a community teach out on Thursday, December 14th. Watch our website for more on this event.

Check out our website to learn more about what we do to keep Oasis for Girls as an organization and our girl healthy.

A Sister Shares

2006-10-11T12:20:00.000-07:00

We are pleased to share that from January through August, Oasis for Girls has directly served 120 girls through programs and workshops. This is an increase of 23% from the same time frame compared to last year. We are more pleased that girls are returning to Oasis to continue to use us as a resource. Mandy from this summer's Arts Apprenticeship continued her involvement by advocating for Oasis. She wrote the following recommendation in support of a grant that was submitted to the San Francisco Arts Commission...

"My name is Mandy. I am 16 years old. I go to Abraham Lincoln High School. This summer I joined a dance group at Oasis for girls. I experienced so many things and had so much fun, that I could say a thousand words for it. I am so lucky that Oasis gave me this oppartunity to work with the Flyaway Production. Working with Jo, the dancer, was a wonderful experiences I had. She introduced me to aerial dancing that I never in counter before. And also telling me about the bad of genetic engneering foods. I learned so much from her that during the days I am with her, my confidences and the feeling of myself was stronger and better. It was amazing to know that how we girls had no idea of what aerial dancing was, and turned it around to a great performance. This summer was truthfully a optimum one I had. Meeting new people, learning new things, and getting to perform in front of people; was remarkable. All thanks to Oasis to open this door for me, or else I wouldn't be the person I am today."

Welcome to the Fall!

2006-09-25T19:45:00.000-07:00

Oasis for Girls will be kicking off it's fall programs in the Arts and Life Skills this October. If you haven't done so already, call Ly or Tina to participate in the paid Rise internship for high school aged girls or the Arts Apprenticeship for middle school aged girls. Applications are due NOW!

***

We were glad to welcome 40 guests to the Oasis for Girls community during the Fall Open House. Parents, girls, and potential mentors participated in an icebreaker, watched an Oasis for Girls video by local filmmaker Johnny Cabaddu which will soon be linked to our site, and picked up program information. Stay tuned for information about our next community event...

***

Our summer review newsletter will be distributed by the end of this month! You can also read past newsletters here . Read the news that recaps our summer of Girl 2 Girl, the Rise internship and the Arts Apprenticeship!

Update: Oasis for Girls: Open House

2006-09-12T20:32:00.000-07:00

Join us on Wednesday, September 20th @ 5:30. Meet Oasis girls, staff, board, and volunteers.

Check out our space. Pick up the Girl 2 Girl summer zine. Read our newsletter and see us on Current TV. Learn about our fall programs in the Arts, Life Skills and our Hot Fridays for girls ages 10-20. Hear one of our girls special reading from this summer's Girl 2 Girl program. Our fall program schedule and applications will be available.

Check out Oasis on these other dates:
Wednesday, September 20th @ 5:30: Fall Open House
Saturday, September 30th @ SomaFest at the Gene Friend Recreation Center
Tuesday, December 5th: Girls Networkin' Nite, Too
Sunday, January 14 @ Zeum: Arts Performance

A Special Thank You:Thank you to poet Anh-Hoa Thi Nguyen of Pomelo Press for conducting the Creating Legacies workshop during Rise Summer 2006. A special thanks, also, to Grace Loh Prasad and the women of VBN Arhictects who contributed their services: Anita Berry, Ellen Gordon, Idalia Larsen, Jennifer Anderson, Joanna Paek, Juli Abbot, Lyrinda Snderman, Mabel Yeung, Nancy Scott, Pat Chanlakha, Pinky Khatri, and Edie Voit.

Oasis for Girls Summer Celebrations

2006-08-04T10:50:00.000-07:00

Oasis for Girls, Girl 2 Girl program will culminate in a closing celebration: An Evening of Performance, Poetry and Appreciation at Bindlestiff Studios. Girls have been working and playing hard this summer and will share their powerful presence and creative minds with their family, friends and neighbors. Girls will be acting, reading poetry and will be recognized for their amazing growth over the summer.

Girl 2 Girl is a new leadership project that came out of a need for programming that engages the minds, bodies and spirits of girls ages 10-13. From workshops on cultural identity, sexism and hip hop to field trips, cooking meditation and theater, participants have had opportunities to express themselves, build community and work together as a team in a positive and supportive environment.

Oasis for Girls Arts Apprenticeship girls will be performing their self-choreographed dances at CounterPULSE at the end of August. Girls have been getting a physical workout challenging their stamina and taking on the affects of genetically modified foods on their bodies and in their communities. This summer's arts and activism project, "Seeds, Grains and Other Dances" is a collaboration with Flyaway Productions, directed by Jo Kreiter with Damara Ganley.

Thank you to all of Oasis for Girls summer partners and special workshop guests! Cator Shachoy of Youth Yoga Dharma, HIFY, Hill Chau, Carrier Robertson, Joanne Tong, CUAV Love and Justice Project, Miriam Warren, Bindlestiff Studios, My People Are, Girlsource, Author Elisha Miranda, the many women of the Rise Internship Girls Networkin' Nite and to the many other supporters...We appreciate you!

Summer in Motion

2006-07-09T22:31:00.000-07:00

Girl 2 Girl Brings New Middle School Girls to Oasis
Girl 2 Girl is a new, leadership project created by young women of Oasis ages nine to thirteen. Girls have participated in discussions addressing cultural identity, sexism and racism, hip hop and the music industry and team building. They are learning about families and their cultures; have participated in theatre, meditation, and Kirtan singing workshops. Girls go to Bindlestiff Studios every week for performance workshops and movie matinees watching movies examining gender and cultural stereotypes. Girls have also attended field trips to the Museum of African Diaspora, the slides at Yerba Buena Park, hula hooping and hanging out at the Gene Friend Recreation Center and going on the Chinatown Alleyway Tours.

Seeds, Grains and Other Dances
The summer arts apprenticeship has literally taken off the ground at CounterPULSE Studios. Young women ages 14-20 have begun a summer Arts and Activism Intensive in collaboration with Jo Krieter and Flyaway Productions. Girls will be examining their physical strength and affects of genetically modified food on themselves and in their communities. The project will culminate in a self choreographed, aerial performance on Wednesday, August 23, 2006 at CounterPULSE Studios.

On the Rise...
Girls have been selected for the summer Rise, life skills internship. From June 26th through August 26, girls will be learning and participating in workshops on healthy relationships, career building and financial management, ism workshops, sex and sexism and more. The program culminates in a poster session, celebration where girls are honored and share what they have learned with the community.

Oasis for Girls Welcomes...
Ebony, who came to Oasis in February through our Leadership Circle, joins us as the Girl 2 Girl youth intern. Pamela joins us from UC Santa Cruz and brings experience in the performing arts. Congratulations, on delivering your graduation speech. We are glad you are with us as our summer coordinator. Hannallene is interning with us through the South of Market Community Action Network Resident Organizing Leadership Program. Thanks for your hard work and we are glad you are with us to share your skills and knowledge!

Girl to Girl

2006-06-15T12:39:00.000-07:00

New Program Begins on June 19th

Oasis for Girls' summer program Girl to Girl will begin Monday, June 19th and
runs through August 11th.

Girl to Girl is for middle-school girls
(ages 10 - 13) to specifically address the
needs of this transitional period in their
lives. Topics that will be covered include:
1) what it means to bea good friend and
how to deal with conflict; 2) talking to
parents; 3) identifying adults who can be
trusted, and how to avoid those who could
be harmful; 3) understanding their bodies
and the changes that are happening;
4) understanding how to identify, avoid,
and report internet predators;
4) media and stereotypes; cultural identity;
5) healthy activities; and 6) self-esteem,
especially in relation to dating.

Funds for the program were raised by our
middle-school girls themselves through the
C.H.A.L.K. Foundation!

Please contact Program Manager, Ly Hoang
at 415-701-7991 or emailher at
lhoang@sfoasis.org for more information.

2006-05-16T13:24:00.000-07:00

Spring, Spirits and Inspiration:

Thank You!!

Thank you for joining us at our 2nd annual fundraising event held at the Aquarium of the Bay. We are glad to grow the Oasis for Girls community. Applause to the Advisory Board of Directors and Staff for working behind the scenes to make this event a success. A special thanks to our sponsors, silent auction contributors, guest performing artists--DJ Zita and Shailja Patel--and to the girls for sharing their words--Miluska, Daisy, Maricela, Tracy, Shirley, Linda and Victoria. You all were magnificent!

"It was nice to be hanging out in a space where it was all girls. I had never heard about an all-girls program. Oasis is so comfortable. On my first day, i already felt like I could express myself and be myself."--Tracy, age 11.

"After the 9 weeks of learning the girls said their goodbyes and returned across the sea and back to the "real" world where other girls aren't comrades, where other girls rolls their eyes at you, but these two friends were not returning as normal girls but as well educated young women, ready to confront imbalances and call out injustice."--From Victoria and Linda, graduates of the Keynote Program for girls ages 14-20

"I think Oasis should get money to get new things and to support all the girls that go there. My friends told me tha I should go to Oasis becuse it's fun and you learn a lot."--Maricela, age 11.

SUMMER OPPORTUNITIES: GIRL TO GIRL

Oasis for Girls' summer program will begin Monday, June 19th.

Now Accepting Applications for our Summer Arts Apprenticeship and Keynote Program: Calling out to girls ages 14-20. We are currently accepting applications for the Arts Apprenticeship ($200 paid apprenticeship) and Keynote ($300 paid internship). Applications are due at the end of May. Early applications get 1st priority. Click on the link at the right to download application.

We are offering a special summer program for girls age 10-13. Workshops include: cultural awareness, zine making, youth issues, ageism and sexism to name a few. Contact Program Manager, Ly at 415-701-7991 for more information.

New(s) at Oasis!

2006-04-13T13:46:00.000-07:00

YOU ARE INVITED to Spring, Spirits and Inspiration 2006, a benefit cocktail event in support of Oasis for Girls

Hello Oasis Community!

We hope you can join us for an evening of live entertainment, cocktails, gourmet cuisine and a silent auction to celebrate and support the awesome young women of Oasis for Girls. Invite your friends who are as inspired by the mission of Oasis so our community of supporters will grow!!! Please go to sfoasis.org/spring for event details. See you there!

JUST FOR GIRLS: Summer Arts Apprenticeship and Keynote Program

Are you a girl between the ages of 14-20? Looking to meet other girls from the city, learn and gain skills this summer? Oasis for Girls is now accepting applications for the Arts Apprenticeship ($200 paid apprenticeship) and Keynote ($300 paid internship). Applications are due at the end of May. Early applications get 1st priority. So hurry and come down to Oasis for Girls to pick up an application or call Ly at 701-7991!

Welcome to Oasis For Girls Blog

2006-03-29T20:23:00.000-08:00

Hi! Welcome to our new Blog and revamped Website -- Thank you very much to David Lawrence for all of his work on this!! You can learn a lot about our center, programs, and the amazing girls and young women that make up Oasis For Girls on this site. You can also check back regularly for ongoing updates and news on our Blog.

Current exciting updates to report on include:
Oasis For Girls is thrilled to announce the arrival of our new Executive Director Rachel Paras. Rachel comes to Oasis with a wealth of experience in the nonprofit sector as well as youth programming and development. Prior to Oasis For Girls, Rachel was a unit director at the Mid-Peninsula Boys and Girls Club in San Mateo. She also served as the girls' day coordinator and program director for South Hayward's Intel Computer Clubhouse. She attributes the affirmation and burgeoning of her youth development career to the knowledge activists and fellow founding members of Project PULL Academy, a summer leadership challenge and college preview for Pilipino American high school students. Rachel was a founding team member and the summer 2000 program director for Project PULL.

Rachel has lived in the Bay Area since 1989 with the exception of a two-year hiatus in which she implemented a community based, art and technology program for youth working at Brown University's Swearer Center for Public Service in Providence, Rhode Island. She is committed to working with creative and educational programs in urban communities. Rachel hopes to inspire and enable the young women and girls of Oasis to achieve aspirations through reinvigorating programs and building the community of Oasis supporters. Rachel has a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from the University of California at Berkeley and a Master in Public Administration from the University of Southern California.

We are also very happy with the recent addition of our Program Manager, Ly Hoang. Ly is a Chinese immigrant who grew up in Los Angeles, the oldest of sixteen grandchildren. Ly values family, community, and culture. She received her BA from Mills College in Media Studies. Following graduation she completed two years of AmeriCorps service. Her first year was spent working as a teacher in Oakland Unified school district and her second year was spent as the Volunteer Coordinator with East Bay Habitat for Humanity.

Oasis For Girls is currently in full swing with our spring programming. Please check out our calendar for specific dates and times. Our programming section provides more detailed information on each program.

Also, please note that we are currently restructuring a few of our programs and we'll be updating these over the next couple of months, so you'll being seeing changes on the site as this transition is in process.