American Girl -"I can" campaign promotes Roe

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Just checked back into this thread and have to offer a big HURRAH! to everyone who hs taken the time to make a statement by phone or e-mail to AG/Mattel or other concerned pro-life friends about this issue. I think the campaign is getting some legs…:dancing:
 
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Arlene:
I was visiting with a friend last night and was going to tell her about all this, but she already knew, she got an email from ONE MILLION MOMs. they have American Girl as their current issue for action.

www.onemillionmoms.com

isn’t it awesome the power that generates from standing together? Didn’t we “warn” American Girl that there would be a ground swell of protest?

Arlene
I sent an email to One Million Moms when I started this thread, Oct 3 or 4, but never got a reply from them. I am so glad to see they are involved! Perhaps more than one of us sent an email to them and they realized what a big deal it is? I am hoping to get a reply from EWTN and Feminists For Life, I also haven’t heard from Couples for Christ, and a few more… Any day now… If anyone sees any more references post them here.
 
1ke,

What fabulous letters! I can only hope I can state the issue as eloquently as you have! 👍

Might I make just one small suggestion…perhaps sending the letters via certified mail with return receipt. Just another way to track reciept of your letters, and in the case of them ignoring or the letters “getting lost”, you have someone’s name and a date to follow up with. Just my :twocents:
 
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patricklappert:
Thank you for posting this. I have e-mailed the American Girl Doll company (which has a pile of my money since I have 3 daughters). I have also forwarded the info to Laura Ingrahm for her radio show. I recommend we forward to as many people as we can. Perhaps we can get them to rethink this horrible position.
Did you hear anything from Laura Ingrahm radio show?
 
auppie said:
1ke,

What fabulous letters! I can only hope I can state the issue as eloquently as you have! 👍

Might I make just one small suggestion…perhaps sending the letters via certified mail with return receipt. Just another way to track reciept of your letters, and in the case of them ignoring or the letters “getting lost”, you have someone’s name and a date to follow up with. Just my :twocents:

Very good idea about sending them certified mail. I truly think this is more effective than emails to American Girls. I bet they are getting quite a few emails and letters now, and might begin to let them pile up, and they obviously send canned email replies, as we have experienced.
 
Ok, taking the basis of 1ke’s letters, I’ve revised them to my situation, which is that I’ve always admired American Girl products, but haven’t yet become a customer…1ke, please review these letters–I will not send them should you feel offended or put out.
-------------------------- # 1 -----------------------------
Ellen L. Brothers
President, American Girl – Mattel
8400 Fairway Place
Middleton, WI 53562
Dear Ms. Brothers:
I am a mother of a 10 year old daughter who gets so excited when the American Girl catalog arrives in the mail. For the longest time, she has been wanting to order something, and it was this holiday season I was going to make that a reality. However, I a disturbed by some information that has come to my attention, which is that American Girl has a monetary relationship with Girls, Inc. I learned that American Girl is giving money to Girls, Inc. through both grants and the “I Can” line of products.
This is very troubling to me. Girls, Inc., supports radical, anti-family and pro-abortion causes and programs. Their philosophy permeates all of their programs aimed at pre-teen and teen girls. This is not the message that I want my children, nieces, and friends’ daughters to learn from Corporate America. Although I haven’t become an American Girl patron as yet, I was impressed with the quality of products American Girl carries. Because of this disturbing news, I will be unable to purchase any products from your company until such time as you cease your relationship with this offensive organization.
American Girl trades on its image of wholesomeness. First, American Girl proclaims on the savegirlhood.com website that girls are growing up too fast at the “expense of their innocence”. Next, American Girl funds an organization that seeks to destroy that innocence through programs teaching “reproductive freedom” and an unfettered “right” to abortion on demand. There seems to be a conflict of interest here, one that Corporate America couldn’t care less about because it brings in the almighty dollar.
From other concerned parents, I have learned that American Girl has tried to play down the relationship with Girls, Inc., claming that it only funds specific programs. What American Girl fails to understand is that consumers are smart people, and we are tired of being cast as lazy, stupid, and “we’ll believe anything you tell us” Consumers are smart enough to know that there is no dividing line between these programs.
Additionally, American Girl cannot deny that they link directly to the Girls, Inc., website where young girls can be exposed to this offensive material without parental consent.
Once the relationship between American Girl and Girls, Inc. is terminated, I will gladly become a regular customer of American Girl, and I will encourage all my friends and family to be come patrons of American Girl as well. Until that time comes, I however, will extol the information that has been brought to my attention to anyone and everyone, and encourage all to do the same.
It is important that companies show responsibility to their consumers. American Girl is a highly respected company, and I hope that this relationship has only been a grave misjudgment on someone’s part at your company. If you do continue this relationship, one can only assume that your company’s executives share the philosophy of Girls, Inc. A very bad business decision indeed.
cc:
Bob Eckert, Chairman Mattel
Susan Jevens, Public Relations, American Girl
-------------------------- # 2 -----------------------------
Bob Eckert
Chairman, Mattel, Inc.
333 Continental Boulevard
El Segundo, CA 90245-5012
Dear Mr. Eckert:
Enclosed please find my letter recently written to Ms. Ellen Brothers at the American Girl division of Mattel. It is come to my attention that American Girl is donating money to an organization, Girls, Inc. that promotes an anti-family and pro-abortion agenda. It is not appropriate for a company whose target market is young pre-teen girls to be associated with this organization.
Be assured that my friends and I will not purchase American Girl products until such a relationship ceases. My family and I have enjoyed Mattel products for many years, but I fear I will have to terminate my relationship with Mattel should the relationship with Girls, Inc. continue.
Mattel, as the parent company, is ultimately responsible to its consumers and shareholders. I hold Mattel equally responsible for this serious lapse in judgment of the corporate giving department.
Christmas is just around the corner. My daughter and nieces on my list will not be receiving any American Girl or Barbie products unless there is immediate and decisive action taken regarding this Girls, Inc., situation. Step up and make the right decision today.
 
This may seem a little odd. I am not a Catholic. I am, however, a Christian, and a huge American Girl fan. I homeschool my kids, and have even used American Girl books, dolls, and accessories for my daughters as a launching point into the exciting world of American History.

After receiving an email from the American Family Association on this subject yesterday (and copies of it from all my closest friends), I started doing research on the “I Can” campaign. As a part of that research I discovered this thread.

I think you guys started all of this, and I wanted to say, “THANK-YOU!”

I would not want to support a pro-abortion, pro-homosexual organization.

I wrote an e-mail to AG this morning telling them of my shock in discovering this connection. I also informed them I will not be making my usual purchases for my daughters’ birthdays or Christmas unless their association with Girls Inc. is ended. Between my purchases, my daughters’ own saved money, and other relatives and friends that would be buying for my kids, I know this will cost American Girl over $600 between now and January 1.

My daughters will be extremely upset by this decision. Our American Girl collection has become a mother/daughter pasttime, and a regular part of our history lessons. However, my conscience will not let me do otherwise.

I wanted to let you know that your efforts ARE making a difference! Keep up the vigilence!

👍
 
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auppie:
Ok, taking the basis of 1ke’s letters, I’ve revised them to my situation, which is that I’ve always admired American Girl products, but haven’t yet become a customer…1ke, please review these letters–I will not send them should you feel offended or put out.
Fine with me… go for it. Barbie is already on the ropes-- too much competition from Bratz. They won’t want to see their flagship brands threatened. I predict victory.
 
I think they will give this prompt attention. I don’t think they want to see Joe Scheidler and the PLAL show up at their flagship store in Chicago with a picket during the busiest shopping time of the year. Bye-bye Christmas revenue. This could put a huge dent in AG revenue, and I made sure Mattel knew Barbie was in my cross-hairs too.

Pro-lifers have every right to be outraged.
 
I made a copy of the Issue Details (of the American Girls campaign) from the One Milloin Moms website. I thought of going to Kinkos and making tons of copies to distribute, but then I wondered if I’d have to get their permission… :hmmm:
 
From the one millionmoms.com email distribution:

October 11, 2005

American Girl teams with pro-abortion group

Possibly some of you have daughters who play with the American Girl dolls or read their books. You may even be thinking about buying a doll or books for Christmas. Well, it turns out American Girl (owned by Mattel) is partnering with a group called Girls Inc. to sell a bracelet, the “I Can” band, which financially supports Girls Inc. Seventy cents of every purchase goes to Girls Inc. The band is sold on the American Girl webpage with a large ad and a link to the Girls Inc. webpage. In addition, the webpage says American Girl is giving $50,000 to Girls, Inc.

The problem here is that Girls Inc. has on their webpage a statement saying they particularly support abortion and a girl’s right to abort an unwanted baby. They were quite clear about their support for Roe, so there is no mistake or room for confusion on that count. Additionally, Girls Inc. supports contraceptives for girls.

They also support and offer resources encouraging lesbian and bi-sexual lifestyles, actually offering resources for girls. One of their publications states, “The emergence of a lesbian identity is an ongoing process, rather than an event.”

Of course, American Girl itself is a separate company, unrelated to Girls, Inc. except now by webpage and the seventy cents on every bracelet. I checked out the Girls, Inc. website, and it is exactly as I have told you. Below are some direct links, so that you can see them for yourself.
  • American Girl website offering "I Can" band to benefit Girls Inc.
store.americangirl.com/shop/ican.php
 
Well, I have been hoping for a good response from Feminists for Life and I finally got one this morning! I was a little disappointed. I though this would be something they would be concerned about since it affects young girls…but Oh well, that’s OK. I guess the early indoctrination of girls to a pro-choice mentality doesn’t fit the criteria, or perhaps they focus on a smaller part of the abortion issue. I guess I thought this would be something Feminists For Life would want to do something about.
Melissa—
Thank you for sending the information. This issue falls outside the scope of our mission. You may want to address your concerns to American Girl directly.

Thank you for your encouragement and support! Together we are working to eliminate the root causes that drive women to abortion, because women deserve better.

NOTICE:
Feminists for Life’s new address is
P.O. Box 20685
Alexandria, VA 223


Feminists for Life of America

www.feministsforlife.org

“Abortion is a reflection that we have not met the needs of women. Women deserve better than abortion.”

REFUSE TO CHOOSE® WOMEN DESERVE BETTER
 
I sent a reply email to Feminists For Life, thought I would share:
Feminists For Life,

In your response to my email you suggested :
"Thank you for sending the information. This issue falls outside the scope of our mission. You may want to address your concerns to American Girl directly."
If you actually read my email you will learn that contacting both American Girls and Girls Inc. was my very first step, which I took on Oct. 3, 2005. I called them, sent letters and spoke with the appropriate representatives on that day. Since then, I have contacted many Pro-life and Family organizations who all had a supportive response toward me and, after their own investigations on the matter, have joined in alerting parents of American Girl’s alliance with Girls Inc.

I thought this would be an issue of grave concern to Feminists For Life.

American Girl is contributing money and support ($ .70 per dollar purchase of an armband as well as $50,000 to Girls inc. which, among other things, promotes abortion to high need girls without giving them all the facts and donates money and support to Planned Parenthood. I thought Feminists For Life would have a grave concern toward finding a way to protect these vulnerable girls from early indoctrination into the pro-abortion mentality.

I am surprised and disappointed that this doesn’t fall into the scope of your mission. The American Girl company has a huge influence over the future women of America.

Please read my email again, It is obvious by your suggestion that you did not even read the first paragraph, where it mentions how I contacted the appropriate people at American Girl and at the DC and NYC offices at Girls Inc. to speak with them about their curriculum and exactly what they teach about abortion, and their contribution to the Pro- choice agenda.

I wanted Feminists For Life to have the opportunity to be aware of this information.

Thank you in advance for taking the time to read my email.

Melissa
 
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1ke:
Fine with me… go for it. Barbie is already on the ropes-- too much competition from Bratz. They won’t want to see their flagship brands threatened. I predict victory.
Thanks 1ke…they are in the mail today 🙂
 
Peace-bwu,

Thanks for responding to Feminists for Life’s email. The response you received from them just shows us that some people just don’t pay attention for whatever reason. If we all give up after receiving such an email, then they feel they won’t be bothered with us again.

Sending a response such as yours, however, will keep them on their toes, and finally see that we will not go away. 👍 Good luck!
 
jus pass'n thru:
This may seem a little odd. I am not a Catholic. I am, however, a Christian, and a huge American Girl fan. I homeschool my kids, and have even used American Girl books, dolls, and accessories for my daughters as a launching point into the exciting world of American History.
This isn’t odd at all! Christ brings us to the right place at the right time to meet the right people under the right circumstances.🙂 I was also a huge fan of American Girl for the same exact reason you posted (Until Oct 3, that is :crying: )
After receiving an email from the American Family Association on this subject yesterday (and copies of it from all my closest friends), I started doing research on the “I Can” campaign. As a part of that research I discovered this thread.

I think you guys started all of this, and I wanted to say, “THANK-YOU!”
You are welcome, our whole intent was to get the word out to inform parents and grandparents like ourselvse. When I first contacted American Girl they said

"We are surprised to hear a complaint about Girls Inc. we haven’t had any complaints… "

but they also failed to give the whole story of what Girls Inc. does, when soliciting for donations and touting the praises of Girls Inc. in their catalogues and website! No doubt they are getting plenty of complaints now! Thank you so much for being willing to take the time to try and make the world a better, safer place for precious women and children. You did a very good thing by voicing your concerns.

We can all praise God for this. I had the feeling I should investigate this for a few months, but finally the “tricky wording” just got to me. A few other parents said they wondered, but like myself, were waiting for an opportunity to look into it. It is God’s Grace that inspires us to action and God’s Grace that brings us together. This is a wonderful example of how Christians and people of other faiths, who are Pro-life and Pro-Family can work together for positive change, and to inform and support one another
I would not want to support a pro-abortion, pro-homosexual organization.

I wrote an e-mail to AG this morning telling them of my shock in discovering this connection. I also informed them I will not be making my usual purchases for my daughters’ birthdays or Christmas unless their association with Girls Inc. is ended. Between my purchases, my daughters’ own saved money, and other relatives and friends that would be buying for my kids, I know this will cost American Girl over $600 between now and January 1.
Good for you! You will get a canned reply (see above posts of the typical American Girl email reply) But don’t let that discourage you. AG may be reading and counting every comment on this issue, but they are probably getting so many that they can’t reply individually to each one!
My daughters will be extremely upset by this decision. Our American Girl collection has become a mother/daughter pasttime, and a regular part of our history lessons. However, my conscience will not let me do otherwise.
I can fully understand this. Hopefully you can enjoy the dolls you have and perhaps American Girl and Mattel will make some changes.
I wanted to let you know that your efforts ARE making a difference! Keep up the vigilence!
;
Thank you for taking the time to post and for your kind support. If you check in from time to time and touch base or post your experiences with this issue, it would be great to hear from you! I hope you are not “just passing through” but if you are I hope you pass through again.

May the Peace of Christ Be With You!
 
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auppie:
Peace-bwu,

Thanks for responding to Feminists for Life’s email. The response you received from them just shows us that some people just don’t pay attention for whatever reason. If we all give up after receiving such an email, then they feel they won’t be bothered with us again.

Sending a response such as yours, however, will keep them on their toes, and finally see that we will not go away. 👍 Good luck!
I hope you are right. It was one person reading the email, so that one person making the decisions, not the entire organization. Perhaps another person will read it, or take it seriously enough to read it. I have to admit it made me wonder if I fully understand Feminists For Life 's misison as clearly as I thought. :hmmm:
 
I have to just say

YOU ALL Living on the Rock…

well, you just ROCK!!!

:clapping:

When I read through this thread and see how everyone has been motivated to action, and all of us are just doing our part wherever we can, from our own stations in life…

**It just makes me smile! **
 
I have skimmed over all these messages and I think I got the main point to what is going on.

Of course, if you are all offended by the AG campaign, by all means send your letters, e-mails, phone calls and don’t support their efforts and don’t buy their products.

We live in the United States where our ancestors came for freedom of religion and speech, etc.

It seems like ‘to me’ that all the posters want a Catholic view on such matters. The United States is not Catholic or any other ‘religion’… rather it shouldn’t be.

What I don’t like is a group of ANY belief system that complains about any sort of situation such as this.

Again, write your letters and refrain from buying their products. But to want to stop someone else’s opinion and message is wrong.

As parents, we will teach our children what we believe and hope they will accept and learn what we believe is true.

But to have a mindset to try and stop a whole company such as AG and their campaign for whatever reasons is wrong.

Of course, this is my opinion.
My daughter, when younger, also loved AG dolls and has all the “stuff”.

She isn’t into it much at all now, but is bombarded with other messages from magazines, t.v., movies, friends…
and alot of these messages are pro abortion, contraception, sexual activities, etc.

I talk with her all the time about all these issues.
Living in a free country, she will always hear other views.
My husband and I are doing our job as parents to educate her to issues such as these and we give her the facts.

She is 14 and I feel comfortable with our relation ship and we, her father and I, believe we are doing a good job. We know she will hear and see and read about other ideas.


**Anyway… **
 
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