So, I wouldn't normally use the Young People For blog to self-promote, but it's for a good cause: I have a little article in this month's CosmoGIRL! about why Cosmogirls should go blue and become Democrats.

I'm pretty pumped about this article, because my personal conviction is that teen girls are the largest untapped resource in social justice and political organizing.  I think the 11-19 year old set is such an amazing demographic; girls that age are passionate, they're energetic, they're vocal, and many of them are desperately looking for something to believe in... that isn't shoes.  Not only would engaging teen girls mean more team players for progressives, but I think being involved in politics would be even more beneficial for the girls!  I have a book about the pressure on girls to be perfect coming out in March (called SUPERGIRLS SPEAK OUT) and while I was writing it, I found that most girls sensed that they were taught that teen girls are only supposed to care about shopping and the prom and emulating Carrie Bradshaw's amorphous style, but most of them are looking for something more substantial to believe in than taffeta and the Tiffany sterling silver collection. I think that the majority of girls would be extremely receptive to getting involved in politics if it was presented to them.  I've been reading about a lot of mentorship programs and new culture and pop feminism web-sites for girls and I think it's absolutely a step in the right direction.  

Unfortunately, the CG! article isn't online, but the September issue of CosmoGIRL! is on newsstands now.