On February 7, Body Electric awarded our eighth annual Athletic
Scholarship to Katie Levien, a senior at San Marcos High School. The $1,000 scholarship is administered by the Scholarship Foundation of Santa Barbara and awarded annually by Body Electric in honor of National Girls and Women in Sports Day.

Ms. Levien plays both softball and basketball at San Marcos. She is also a member of the National Honor Society.

Ms. Levien plans to major in Political Science at UC San Diego, and has committed to play on the softball team there.

Congratulations, Katie!

NEW CALIFORNIA LAW FOR GENDER EQUITY

The slogan "Girls Play Here" on a banner outside the Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks' facilities captures the movement for gender equality in youth sports programs.

California's new law (Chapter 852, Government Code, Section 53080) prohibiting discrimination against girls in community athletic programs is the first in the nation. Darrell Steinberg authored the bill and Governor Schwarzenegger signed, making it a law on September 28, 2004.

Into effect January 1, 2005, this law bans gender bias in youth athletics programs throughout California. Girls will be given equal rights to facilities and resources such as fields, courts, restrooms, advertising, prime play/practice time slots, and all other expenses associated with youth athletics.

Girls living in low-income areas without the money or opportunity to participate in private leagues will
especially benefit from this new law.

Because the law requires opportunity to be comparable for both sexes in "quality and scope," new athletic options targeting the interest of girls will most likely be implemented.

A model for the law comes from the "Raise the Bar" program initiated in response to a series of lawsuits made by the California Women's Law Center (CWLC) and the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Southern California, beginning in 1998, concerning inadequate facilities for girls’ softball teams.

The settlement required the building and improvement of new and old softball facilities. "In developing the Raise the Bar Program, we have designed a model gender equity program that can become a showpiece for the rest of the nation," comments Paula Pearlman, representative of the CWLC.

Through "Raise the Bar," Los Angeles Recreation and Parks encourages and provides opportunity for youth participation in sports; addresses the equal representation issue of boys and girls in sports
activities; and works toward increasing the number of females represented in the administration of the
recreation programs, as well as the number of female mentors and coaches.

Title IX, federal legislation passed in 1972, prohibits discrimination based on sex in all educational programs or activities receiving federal support. This revolutionary amendment that has improved gender equity in the areas of education and sports on campuses nationwide does not, however, cover state, county, and city programs.

These programs include Parks and Recreation programs, where most youth sports are played; these programs also coincide with the most crucial developmental period for young girls.

Increasing the number of girls involved in youth sports during this period will further increase their continued involvement throughout high school, college, and the rest of their lives. This new law is a spectacular step in optimizing the opportunity young girls deserve.

According to research done by Team-Up for Youth, an organization dedicated to improving the development of low-income young people through the expansion of after school sports programs, the benefits of youth involvement in sports and recreation are overwhelming.

Girls who are active at a young age develop healthy lifestyles that they sustain throughout adulthood. Girls who participate in sports have higher self-esteem and a decreased chance of succumbing to drugs and engaging in underage sexual activity.

Involvement in sports is also correlated with better school performance as well as the development of
employment and leadership skills necessary for career success. With athletics, girls gain interpersonal
experiences, and development of character and strength, as well as the opportunity to belong to a team environment. It is crucial to have confidence to take a risk, to deal with a loss, and to celebrate success.

A little motivation, a little drive, a little competition, and a little encouragement can mold a child in amazing ways. We want all youth to experience positive environments, healthy surroundings, and optimistic mentors. We want their eyes to see the world with wonder, excitement, and hope.

This new law is an essential start in recognizing the need for equality at an age when personality, work ethic, and dreams are being shaped. With this support, California girls will be warming up for their real game, race, or performance: their future ­ their life.

See these websites for more information:

www.aclu.org
www.teamupforyouth.org
www.avca.org
www.laparks.org
www.ci.la.ca.us

By Desiree Leek

ELLEN'S JOURNAL

Part two and the second in a series, the following is an excerpt of the journal of Ellen Durham, a woman who works full time, volunteers for Body Electric, and is starting a new business on the side.

With our journal series we bring you the challenges and accomplishments of an average woman: someone who, like all of us, balances a life full of work, play, friends, family and occasional struggle.

We hope you find inspiration in their daily endeavors, and perhaps decide to try something new and challenging yourself!