Daughters of the Struggle
Rising Together
Daughters of the Struggle (DOTS) is a community-driven organization dedicated to empowering young girls by fostering leadership, resilience, and a commitment to social change. We provide a safe and supportive environment where girls can learn, grow, and develop the confidence to overcome challenges. Through mentorship, education, and community engagement, we equip our members with the tools to advocate for themselves and their communities. Rooted in strength, sisterhood, and service, we strive to create a generation of young women who are not only aware of the struggles around them but are also prepared to lead and inspire change.
Our Mission
“To empower young girls in the Black community by fostering a supportive environment that promotes cultural pride, personal growth, and community involvement. We aim to nurture future leaders through mentorship, education, and enrichment programs that inspire confidence, resilience, and a commitment to making a positive impact in their communities.”
Our Core Values
• Leadership – Encouraging young girls to take initiative and inspire others.
• Resilience – Teaching the importance of overcoming obstacles.
• Community – Strengthening ties between youth, families, and the city.
• Empowerment – Giving girls the tools to advocate for themselves and others.
Meaning Behind “Daughters of the Struggle” (DOTS)
1. A Legacy of Strength and Resilience
The term “Struggle” refers to the ongoing fight for equality, justice, and freedom, which has historically been a significant part of many communities, particularly within the African American community. The “Daughters” represent the next generation—the girls who will continue to rise and push forward, carrying the legacy of those who fought before them. The name speaks to the idea that these young girls are inheritors of this legacy of strength and resilience, and they have a role in continuing to work toward progress.
2. Empowerment and Ownership
“Daughters” isn’t just a reference to family or lineage—it’s about empowerment. These young girls are not just passive recipients of the struggles of their predecessors but active participants in shaping the future. They are daughters of this struggle, which implies a deep connection to their community and an understanding that their voices and actions can bring about change.
3. DOTS as a Symbol of Connection
The acronym DOTS also suggests connection, as dots on a page or map connect to form a larger picture. This symbolizes how each girl, each mentor, each volunteer, and each family member is a dot in the larger mission. Together, they make up a collective force of change. It speaks to unity, teamwork, and the importance of every individual contributing to the bigger picture.
4. A Beacon of Hope and Progress
The name has a forward-looking perspective. While “struggle” acknowledges challenges, it also implies an ongoing effort. “Daughters of the Struggle” indicates that despite these challenges, there is hope, and this next generation is equipped to continue moving forward. The girls in the program are not defined by adversity—they are defined by their strength to face it, learn from it, and ultimately overcome it.
5. Legacy and Leadership
The name positions the girls as the future leaders in their families, schools, and communities. They are part of a long-standing struggle for justice, equality, and opportunity, and they are positioned to carry the torch forward as leaders. The organization provides a space for them to develop these leadership skills and take ownership of the future they wish to create.
Programs
Community Engagement and Civic Awareness
This initiative within DOTS focuses on empowering young girls to actively participate in their communities, understand civic structures, and become engaged citizens. The program is designed to build leadership skills, foster meaningful relationships, and equip the girls with knowledge to advocate for positive change.
Leadership Development and Educational Empowerment
Teaching girls the basics of teamwork, responsibility, and being role models. Fostering curiosity and a love of learning through fun and interactive activities. Helping girls recognize their unique strengths and encouraging self-confidence at a young age.
Mental Health & Emotional Wellbeing
Encouraging girls to recognize their worth, embrace their potential, and take control of their futures.Promoting mental, physical, and emotional health while fostering a positive self-image.
Charm Bracelet Promotion
Unique way to celebrate the growth, achievements, and milestones of our young members. Each girl receives a pink and white charm bracelet, symbolizing her journey within DOTS. Through this program, every girl’s journey is honored and celebrated, fostering a sense of pride, unity, and purpose within the DOTS sisterhood.
The Pink and Blue Alliance
Emphasizing partnership between young girls and law enforcement to build unity trust and collaboration. Focusing on bridging gaps, fostering mutual respect, and creating positive interactions between the girls, police officers, and the community. This program will include activities like community dialogues, mentorship opportunities with officers, role-playing interactions, and service projects where both DOTS members and police officers work together.
Pearl and Poise
Finishing program designed to empower young girls (ages 7-14) with the skills, confidence, and grace needed to navigate life with purpose and poise. Rooted in the values of self-respect, leadership, and sisterhood. With symbolic elements like pearls, peonies, and the pink robin, this program nurtures young girls into poised, confident, and well-rounded individuals, prepared to lead and uplift their communities.
Meet Our Founder
Our founder is a visionary leader whose personal journey of overcoming adversity fuels her passion for empowering young women. Amidst her own challenges, she discovered early on the transformative power of resilience, education, and community support. Her unwavering belief that every young woman deserves the opportunity to lead and create change is the driving force behind Daughters of the Struggle.
With a heart dedicated to service and a spirit forged in the fires of her own experiences, she established this organization as a sanctuary where girls can grow, learn, and build the confidence to face any obstacle. Her leadership is not only defined by her accomplishments but also by her commitment to nurturing a future generation of resilient, empowered women ready to transform their communities.
Through her inspiring journey and tireless dedication, she continues to lead by example, reminding us that every struggle carries the seed of strength and that together, we can create lasting change.
Kuna Winding
Founder
Frequently Asked Questions
Contact us
Thank you for your interest in D.O.T.S! Feel free to reach out to us with any questions or inquiries through the contact form below.
🌟 Join as a Member – Open to girls in elementary and middle school.
🤝 Become a Mentor – Help guide and uplift the next generation.
💖 Support Our Mission – Donate or volunteer to keep DOTS growing.
Why Choose DOTS?
🔹 Safe & Supportive Environment – A sisterhood of growth and encouragement.
🔹 Empowerment Through Education – Hands-on learning experiences.
🔹 Real-World Impact – Making meaningful contributions to the community.
Location
D.O.T.S
Chicago, Illinois , United States