How to Start a Girls Empowerment Group in Your School or Community in 2026

If you have been thinking about starting a girls empowerment group in your school, community, church, after school program, or even your own living room, 2026 is the year to make it happen.

Girls are craving spaces where they can:
• feel supported
• build confidence
• make real connections
• talk about what is going on in their world
• learn skills that help them thrive at school and beyond

And the best part is that you do not need years of experience, a teaching degree, or a huge budget to lead something truly meaningful.

All you need is the desire to make a difference and a simple structure that helps you bring it to life.

Let’s break down exactly how to start your first girls empowerment group without feeling overwhelmed, underprepared, or unsure where to begin.

1. Start with the Why. What Is the Purpose of Your Group?

Before you choose activities, session themes, or how often to meet, get clear on why your group exists.

Most leaders I work with want to help girls:
• develop confidence
• build healthy friendships
• navigate school pressures
• manage stress and emotions
• learn leadership and communication skills
• feel like they belong

There is no one right purpose. What matters is clarity, because it shapes everything you create.

Ask yourself:
Why this group? Why these girls? Why now?

Your answer becomes your anchor.

2. Decide Who Your Group Is For

Girls groups work best when they are designed for a specific age range or stage.
A group for Grades 5 and 6 looks very different from a group for Grades 8 and 9.

A few ways to think about it:

• Elementary ages 8 to 11: confidence, courage, kindness, friendships

• Middle school ages 11 to 13: social dynamics, self esteem, emotions, resilience

• Early teens ages 13 to 15: leadership, identity, communication, stress, boundaries

Choose the group you feel most drawn to. That is usually where you will shine.

3. Choose Your Group Structure

A clear structure turns “I want to start something” into “I can do this.”

Here are simple options:

6 Week Group (Most popular)

Meets once a week for 60 to 75 minutes
✔ predictable
✔ easy to promote
✔ enough time for transformation
✔ schools love it

4 Week Mini Series

Great for after school clubs or community centers.

Monthly Meetups

Perfect for ongoing support or leadership focused groups.

One Day Kickoff

A fun way to introduce empowerment themes and build momentum.

If this feels overwhelming, keep reading. There is a way to make this incredibly easy.

4. Choose Themes That Matter to Girls Right Now

Girls in 2026 need support in specific areas.
Based on current trends, these are the themes that make the biggest impact:

• Confidence and self esteem

• Friendship skills and navigating drama

• Digital wellness and screen time pressures

• Stress, emotions, and resilience

• Leadership and courage

• Body image and self compassion

• Kindness and creating inclusive communities

Pick four to six themes and you are ready to go.

5. Plan Activities That Are Fun, Meaningful, and Easy to Lead

Great girls groups mix:

✔ quick icebreakers
✔ simple hands on activities
✔ journaling or reflection
✔ guided discussions
✔ team building moments
✔ confidence boosters
✔ kindness challenges
✔ opportunities for connection

You do not need to reinvent the wheel.
You simply need activities that feel purposeful, age appropriate, and easy to facilitate.

6. Create a Safe and Supportive Environment

This is the heart of everything.

A few simple ways to build trust from day one:

• Create group agreements together
• Encourage sharing without pressure
• Celebrate every voice
• Model vulnerability and kindness
• Keep everything judgment free
• Maintain a consistent routine
• Make every girl feel seen

When girls feel safe, they open up. That is where the transformation begins.

7. Choose a Program or Curriculum. This Is What Makes Everything Easier

Here is the truth.

Most leaders get stuck here. Not because they lack passion or skills, but because planning a six week program from scratch is a major undertaking.

You need:
• weekly themes
• activities
• discussion questions
• a flow that makes sense
• printables and worksheets
• a clear start to finish structure
• a way to measure impact

That is exactly why I created IGNITE.

It is a complete six week girls group program designed for schools, educators, coaches, counselors, youth leaders, and first time facilitators who want to make an impact without spending hours planning.

You receive:
• a full facilitator guide
• weekly sessions with step by step scripts
• worksheets, activities, and icebreakers
• Canva slides and printables
• marketing materials
• everything you need to run your first or your fiftieth group

You show up and IGNITE takes care of the rest.

8. Promote Your Group. Here Are Simple Ways to Fill It

You do not need a large audience. You only need to reach the right people.

Here are easy ways to spread the word:

• Share a simple flyer with schools

• Email teachers, counselors, or parent groups

• Post in local community or parenting groups

• Share it on your social media

• Partner with youth centers or libraries

• Connect with dance studios, sports clubs, or after school programs

• Ask a local business to sponsor materials or snacks

Girls groups often fill faster than you expect. Parents are actively looking for this kind of support.

9. Start With Heart. You Do Not Need to Be Perfect

The most impactful girls groups are not led by perfect people.

They are led by women who care.
Women who show up.
Women who believe in the next generation.

If that is you, you are already qualified.

You can absolutely do this.
And the girls in your community need what you have to offer.

Ready to Start Your First Girls Empowerment Group?

If you want a clear path and a ready made program that removes all the guesswork, IGNITE gives you everything you need:

• six weeks of curriculum
• weekly step by step sessions
• worksheets and activities
• Canva slides and printables
• group agreements, parent letters, and more
• designed for ages 10 to 14
• perfect for schools, after school programs, community leaders, and new facilitators

👉🏼 You can learn more about IGNITE and get instant access here.