Running for Reel Grrls

The three of us met while working for a local film festival, and it was through that experience that we bonded over our love of films, good beer and cider, and each other's passions for positive change in this rather distressing world. We  joined the Board at Reel Grrls with different skillsets, for different reasons, but with a similar desire: to shift the current dialogue and direction that mass media has taken by supporting organizations with programs for local youth to create positive social change.  

Why a Half Marathon? We're running Bellingham's Run the Bay half marathon on September 29 to test our own strengths and perseverance and to support positive social change for women in the media by exercising our fundraising power. Running a half marathon can be an independent and straining experience; however, we're all running toward the same goal... 

We're Running For Reel Grrls! Founded in 2001, Reel Grrls was the first media arts center in the United States focused on training girls in media production through hands-on workshops and classes taught by feminist media professionals and educators. Now in 2019, Reel Grrls programs empower young women and gender non-conforming youth from diverse communities to realize their power, talent, and influence through media production. The mission is to support young people to explore, critique, and author media through a feminist lens.

What Your Donation Helps Accomplish
This fall Reel Grrls is:
        -    Expanding our LIT Program  (Learning Immersive Technology) where students are able to explore Virtual Reality game development, audio production, and 360 filmmaking with expert teaching artists. 
        -   Continuing our after-school Media Club at Denny Middle School where 15 students will have the opportunity to use the power of film to tell their own stories.
        -   Partnering with Northwest Film Forum to offer youth filmmaking and social media workshops to develop critical media literacy skills.

Check out the amazing work of Reel Grrls students on Instagram , YouTube , Facebook , and at ReelGrrls.org 

Anna Helland

Growing up in small town Oregon my exposure to positive female role models was limited. Most of them (especially those in the shows and films I watched) seemed to say that I wasn’t skinny enough, pretty enough, or [insert unrealistic standard here]. Finding joy and fulfillment in who I am as I am took critical examination of what I was consuming, questioning why I was told I wasn't enough, and owning the power and voice I already had instead of trying to be like everyone else. Joining the Reel Grrls Board is a promise to my younger self that I will support future generations challenge the status quo and encourage them to see that they're brilliant just as they are.

I was never a fan of running growing up, but in training for this half marathon I have found strength and love for my body and it's capacity for growth. It'll be such a reward to cross the finish line with my incredible friends and to support an organization that helps youth find their power and voice in this world.

Favorite Running M̶u̶s̶i̶c̶ Podcasts*: 
1) KEXP Music That Matters: Runcast episodes
2) Reply All
3) This American Life 

Charlotte Linton

As a former film student, cinema manager, and film festival marketer, I joined the Board at Reel Grrls to help foster a love of the moving image in the next generation of powerful women. In a society that persists in attacking women's rights and attempting to silence our voices, it is more important than ever for girls to see true representations of themselves in the media narrative, and have a hand in telling their own stories. 

Just over a year ago I welcomed my baby daughter into the world and this half marathon will be the biggest physical challenge I have attempted since she was born. I'm excited to run it with two of my favourite females and raise some cash for our amazing Reel Grrls!

Favorite Running Music:
1) I'm Not Okay - My Chemical Romance
2) Dog Days Are Over - Florence and the Machine
3) Gonna Fly Now (Rocky Soundtrack) - Bill Conti

Kelly Erlandson

After working in fundraising for both youth development programs and most recently in the Seattle film world, I joined the Reel Grrls Board to help a cause that combines the two passions that have defined my career thus far—providing all kids with tools to succeed and sharing meaningful and diverse stories through film! As I gain strength through training to run 13 miles—something me at this time last year would never have thought possible—I'm honored to use this opportunity to help empower other young women to gain their strength thru Reel Grrls' crucial programs.

I've loved this journey of becoming a runner and would also love and appreciate any support you can give to this amazing cause! I can't wait to cross the finish line with two women (and one very supportive husband) who have inspired me!

Favorite Running Music:
1) Roar - Katy Perry
2) Shake It Off - Taylor Swift
3) Fight Song - Rachel Platten