When Katelyn Skiles, sophomore, noticed the lack of a safe space for girls at MHS, she and Addison Risenhoover set out to start a new club: Girls United.

Girls United Club held its first meeting on Monday, Jan. 22, in Room 294 with Jennifer Shipp, language arts teacher, as its sponsor. Their first meeting covered introductions and had 15 attendees. 

“It’s a club for girls by girls,” said Skiles, co-founder of the club. “We hope that Girls United can be a place for girls to feel safe and less alone in their experiences with misogyny.”

The club’s main goal is to expand and cultivate inclusion at MHS. The club is open to all students, but Skiles said it will mainly cater to girls’ experiences. Skiles said the club will hold discussions, play games and bond through shared experiences and feelings. 

Shipp said her personal goal as sponsor is to help the group get their message out. She wants to provide a welcoming space to allow students to create a tight-knit community where acceptance is a core value. 

“Despite its name, the club is open to anyone who shares the same ideas,” Shipp said. “[The club’s] goal is to support all women regardless of race, color, religion or sexual orientation.”

Inspired to start the club due to the sexism and misogyny she sees daily at MHS, Risenhoover said the club plans to fundraise and volunteer around the community for less fortunate young women.

“[You] should join because we will provide a safe and fun space,” said Risenhoover. “To join, simply show up.” 

The next Girls United Club meeting will be held on February 5 during Mod 2 in Room 294, where the club will be discussing sexism in the classrooms and at school. The club typically meets every other Monday.