Lady Gaga performs at the BOK Center in this April 4, 2011, file photo. MICHAEL WYKE/Tulsa World file
This isn't local, per se. But it just might impact Oklahoma lives.
Lady Gaga today announced the birth of the
Born This Way Foundation.
The nonprofit, charitable organization will focus on youth empowerment and equality by addressing issues like self-confidence, well-being, anti-bullying, mentoring and career development and will utilize digital mobilization as one of the means to create positive change, the group's official website says.
Visit the official website at
tulsaworld.com/bornthiswayorg.
"My mother and I have initiated a passion project. We call it the Born This Way Foundation. Together we hope to establish a standard of bravery and kindness, as well as a community worldwide that protects and nurtures others in the face of bullying and abandonment,"
Gaga said in a press statement.
Led and directed by Gaga and her mom
Cynthia Germanotta, BTWF will partner with the
John D. & Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation and
The California Endowment, which are both ranked among the top foundations in the country, to focus on unique aspects of youth empowerment.
The foundation will also partner with the
Berkman Center for Internet & Society at Harvard University, one of the most cutting edge institutions in the country focusing on the power of the internet as a means to promote change.
An advisory board will also be appointed and announced soon, officials said.
“This is a time of potential transformation in how young people learn, socialize, and engage in civic life because of digital media,” said
Connie Yowell, PhD, Director of Education for the
John D.& Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation.
“With new tools come new responsibility and sometimes painful unintended consequences such as bullying and challenges to safety.”
Added
John Palfrey,
Harvard law professor and
co-director of Berkman Center for Internet & Society at Harvard University: "It seems Hollywood launches foundations all the time, but I can't recall an artist of Lady Gaga's reach or caliber who has done the months of due-diligence and behind-the-scenes meetings with the experts before they've launched such a foundation.
"If this dedication and thoroughness is any indication of what is to come when this program launches, the Born This Way Foundation has the potential to transform the foundation community the same way Lady Gaga is transforming the music industry."
The official launch will happen in 2012, with more announcements coming soon.
Take the pledge and learn more at
tulsaworld.com/bornthiswayorg.
