uniquely ME! is uniquely Unilever
Designed to address the critical nationwide problem of low self-esteem among adolescents and pre-adolescent girls in underprivileged communities, the program aims to reach thousands of girls in its first three years.
What's self-esteem got to do with it?
The problem of low self-esteem is pervasive among young girls in the USA. Research conducted by the Girl Scouts Research Institute found that girls who demonstrate risky behavior such as eating disorders, depression, unsafe sexual behavior and substance abuse are often suffering from low self-esteem.
In partnership with Unilever, the Girl Scouts developed a core program curriculum of three bilingual activity booklets that guide girls through simple exercises that help them understand and build self-esteem. The booklets, aimed at girls ages 8-14, cover topics such as body image, friendship, stress reduction, and peer pressure.
Committed to you
Since its inception, Unilever has donated almost $3 million and committed significant employee volunteer time to the program. Unilever's support has given uniquely ME! the girl scout/Unilever self-esteem program the ability to reach more than 30 000 youths to date. They are taught the skills they need to meet life's challenges through a curriculum of materials, activities, and events involving employee volunteers. Unilever employees contribute to the program through mentoring activities with community organizations, participation in annual community service events, and other volunteer activities.
Unilever's Baltimore plant partnership with Sandy Plains Elementary School - on-going mentoring program
The plant reaches out to young girls by sponsoring a girl scout troop at the school. It also invites the students to the plant for career days, to teach them how a plant operates and the different jobs available to them. Scouts also have the opportunity to job shadow employees for the day, to learn more about what they do.
Unilever's Greenwich office – award-winning mentoring program with Boys & Girls Club of Greenwich & Community Centers, Inc.
Employees participate in self-esteem building activities with the children and help them to understand the importance of working together, self-confidence, and friendship. Ali Ostrover, a Unilever employee who volunteers in the Greenwich office, commented on her role in the program: "I got a real sense that many young girls don't have the luxury of regular interaction or attention from adults," she said. "It was gratifying that I could in some way fill an important role by interacting with the girls."
Unilever’s Jefferson City plant - annual winter retreat for girls in the community
The girls spend the weekend participating in self-esteem building activities such as teamwork and body image. Each girl leaves the retreat with a better understanding of self-esteem and a stronger friendship support base to help her through the tough times.
Unilever's Clinton site – support for local Girl Scout Council in their "Girl Scouts beyond bars" project
Girls aged 6-15 visit their incarcerated mothers twice a month to build stronger relationships in extremely challenging circumstances.
Additional sponsorships
Unilever has also provided additional funding to bring the uniquely ME! program to the Hispanic communities of Miami, Houston, Chicago, and Los Angeles. Unilever has funded girl scout councils and their respective area junior high/middle schools for the purpose of creating uniquely ME! workshops during the school year.
Real beauty is unique
Unilever's Dove brand adopted the uniquely ME! program as part of its campaign for real beauty. Dove believes real beauty comes in many shapes, sizes, and ages and is working through the Unilever U.S. Foundation and Girl Scouts to bring their vision or real, vital beauty to life.
