There is just something about a little girl in a frilly pink dress, isn’t there? And yet you can’t help but picture her growing up and making her way in the world and pursuing her dreams, whether they involve family, a career, travel, or some combination of all her interests.  Heck, maybe she’ll become a powerful CEO, who comes home from time to time to remember her carefree days in a frilly pink dress.

Last week I was invited to attend the Women’s Foundation of Colorado luncheon to listen to Lisa Ling.  The Women’s Foundation focuses on advocacy and change to help women be economically self-sufficient, for many noble reasons.  As Lisa Ling spoke about drop out rates for women, the conditions many women live in around the world, and similar issues that tugged at my heart, I inevitably felt thankful for all of the opportunities my daughter has and hopeful that I will guide her to a happy, successful life, however she ends up defining it.  Also important was the motivation Lisa Ling provided to be involved, whether it be financially, or with time, on either a national, state or local level.

Sometimes, we hear daunting and discouraging statistics about negative things that are hard to listen to.  But Lisa Ling did an excellent job of reinforcing what we all know in our hearts – It’s real and there is something YOU can do about it.  Lisa ended her powerful presentation by quoting Oprah Winfrey, who said:  “Once you know about it you can’t pretend that you don’t.”

So, what is your issue of concern? And do you have tips for how to take action, rather than just listening and trying to pretend you don’t know about it?  Lisa Ling mentioned Maria Shriver’s most recent book, Just Who Will You Be? : Big Question, Little Book, Answer Within, as a good resource for thinking about who you are and what you will do to satisfy not just yourself, but to play an important role in facilitating change on the issues or problems that are important to you.   I have not yet read it, but intend to, and welcome any ideas or suggestions any of you have for getting involved and taking action.

If you’re looking for inspiration or places to start, check out our weekly “Do Good” Challenges or The Girl Effect.