Dear Grace, Why An Advice Column?

You already know Galvanize USA has identified millions of women who share our vision for an America that works better for everyone, but don’t always use their civic power to bring that vision to fruition. We’ve been getting to know them even better through our research this summer, and are so excited to share how we’ve translated this deep understanding into impactful programming! 

But first, who is our audience and what do they need to fully align their civic choices with their hopes for a better America? The women in our community aren’t all alike. They share some things—like being in the moderate middle on their views—but they differ in other ways.

• Traditionalists, who tend to be middle-aged, caregivers, and more religious, strongly prefer to stay within the bounds of their community and its traditions. This is especially true when it comes to discussing differences in beliefs. Their interviews helped us see that these folks need support to step outside of their village and see past the divisive narratives that we’re all inundated with.
  
• Our youngest audience members, Individualists, are skeptical about government and uncertain about many of the big issues that impact our lives. Many of them told us they are still trying to figure out who they are and what makes them happy in life. They need validation, safety, and some joy in order to get out there and participate in civic life.
  
• Many of the older, less-religious women we’ve dubbed “Trusters” can see the good in other people and in our society’s institutions; they are trusting! These women showed us they are strong and resilient, but some are seeking a greater sense of accomplishment and many want to build deeper connections with people. 

Across all walks of life, women are telling us they feel alone in their beliefs, they struggle to say what they think when it comes to the big issues, and they are unsure of how to make a difference in the world. That’s why we made Dear Grace, an advice column that tackles the topics women are already thinking about. It positions “Grace” as a supportive figure who dispenses sisterly advice with honesty, humor, and absolutely no judgment.

Dear Grace is uniquely designed to respond to the questions women tell us they struggle with, creating a trusted place women can turn to for help making sense of our rapidly-changing world. Take a look at how Dear Grace engages readers with topics like reproductive freedom, caregiving, and democracy. Don’t you just want to click to read more?

Dear Grace takes our proven approach to connecting with our audience on the issues that matter most and packaging it in a format that readers can enjoy and stick with over time. Grace isn’t just providing solid advice, she’s helping our audience of lurkers test out new ideas and make their voice heard in a way that doesn’t feel like conflict. Our audience votes on whether they agree with Grace or not, sends in their own thoughts, and even asks Grace questions from their own lives, like this one: 

Dear Grace. . .how do you stop worrying over your grown children?

And super real questions like this one, too:

My boyfriend, who I have two children with and have been with him for 10 years, has this girl he’s been “friends” with since they were kids but she talks mad sh*t on me and I personally don’t like her at all. But every time we get on to the subject of her he always defends her and it just pisses me off and makes me feel attacked and unwanted. What should I do?

Anxious in Auburn

Dear Grace is a fun way to connect with other women by putting yourself in their shoes several times a week. Sorting through life’s complexities together sets us all up to stay engaged, feel supported, and ultimately play a role in creating the America we seek. Take a look and see what our community is asking Grace!