The Dove Self-Esteem Fund

	Donate to uniquely ME! The Girl Scout/Dove Self-Esteem Program

The Dove Self-Esteem Fund is collaborating with Girl Scouts of the USA to promote uniquely ME! The Girl Scout/Dove Self-Esteem Program, which addresses the important issue of low-self esteem among tween and teenage girls. In 2002, uniquely ME! was started in partnership with Unilever, the corporate sponsor of the Dove Self-Esteem Fund. They continue their support of Girl Scouting as a major sponsor and Green Ribbon Committee member of the 2005 Girl Scout National Council Session/50th Convention.

Research conducted by the Girl Scout Research Institute shows that low self-esteem, a dilemma facing many girls today, often manifests itself in the form of eating disorders, depression, risky sexual behaviors, and substance abuse. The uniquely ME! program supports girls in acquiring and developing the skills necessary to face life's challenges.

Three booklets offering exercises and activities enable girls to build an understanding of self-esteem and how to foster it in themselves and their peers. uniquely ME! The Way To Be is targeted to girls ages 8-10. uniquely ME! Inside and Out and uniquely ME! The Real Deal are for girls ages 11-17. The activity booklets are available in English and bilingual English/Spanish versions.

An exciting component of the uniquely ME! program has been the participation of gymnast and Olympic gold medalist Dominique Dawes, who has served as the national spokesperson. "Girls should know that everyone has to deal with self-esteem issues—even celebrities and top athletes," said Dawes. "I am proud to have the opportunity to reach out to girls through uniquely ME! and hope that we can empower girls to fulfill their dreams and aspirations."

In 2005, America Ferrera joined the uniquely ME! team. America Ferrera was the star of the motion picture, Real Women Have Curves in 2003. She is also the lead actor in The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants (2005). America is a student at University of Southern California and as a proponent of empowering girls, America will work with Girl Scouts to promote the uniquely ME! program.

Dove, one of the world's largest personal care brands, has created the Dove Self-Esteem Fund as an agent of change to educate girls and inspire women on a wider definition of beauty. In the United States the Dove Self-Esteem Fund solely supports uniquely ME! The Girl Scout/Dove Self-Esteem Program.