Plan's Because I am a Girl Initiative Visits Seattle to Spread the Word about the Power of Investing in Girls

SEATTLE, Aug. 23, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Plan International USA's Because I am a Girl team is hitting the streets of Seattle during the month of August to talk about how investing in girls can change the world. Because I am a Girl is Plan's global initiative that creates sustainable projects in developing countries to give girls access to clean water, food, healthcare, education, and protection from violence and exploitation.

"We picked Seattle as a destination city because we know that the people of Seattle take a strong interest in being engaged members of their international community," said Tessie San Martin, Plan International USA President and CEO. "Visiting Seattle gives us a unique opportunity to personally share the stories and challenges of girls in developing countries in a meaningful way, and encourage citizens to get involved."

In conjunction with street teams interacting with residents around the city, Because I am a Girl will participate in this year's Bumbershoot festival -- Seattle's annual music and arts festival – and partner with Star 101.5 to celebrate the power of girls.  Plan will host booths where visitors can enter to win prizes, score some free swag, and learn how Because I am a Girl is helping 4 million girls out of poverty.

When:     September 1-3, 2012
Where:    Seattle Center, 305 Harrison Street 
               11:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.

               September 1-2, 2012
               Fisher Plaza, 140 4th Ave N (between Denny Way & Broad St.) 
               11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

About Because I am a Girl
Girls in developing countries face overwhelming odds from the moment they are born. They are more likely than boys to suffer from malnutrition; be subject to violence; be forced into early marriage; be trafficked, sold, or coerced into the sex trade; or become infected with HIV. Often denied access to education and healthcare, girls languish behind their male counterparts.

But Plan, in partnership with ambassadors like Freida Pinto, is working to change the lives of girls and their families around the world. By 2015, Because I am a Girl will reach:

• 4 million girls directly through girl-focused programs;
• 40 million girls and boys through gender equality education and transformative programs; and
• 400 million girls through working with country governments to ensure equal access to education, healthcare, and opportunity. 

About Plan International USA
Plan International USA is part of a global organization that works side by side with communities in 50 developing countries to end the cycle of poverty for children and their families. Plan works at the community level to develop customized solutions and ensure long-term sustainability. Our solutions are designed up-front to be owned by communities for generations to come and range from clean water and healthcare programs to education projects and child protection initiatives. For more information, please visit www.PlanUSA.org.

SOURCE Plan International USA