Today is the International Day of Happiness, a United Nations observance celebrating the power of joy and laughter in our lives. And since it falls in the middle of Women's History Month, it makes it a great time to spotlight Stand Up! Girls, a nonprofit using the power of comedy to change the trajectory of young women's lives.
Research shows that laughter isn't just fun, it's a proven driver of happiness and wellbeing. For girls growing up in underserved communities, having a safe space to find their voice, be heard, and make people laugh can be genuinely transformative. Stand Up! Girls offers free after-school and weekend comedy workshops for girls ages 12–17 across four New York City boroughs: Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx.
Each semester, participants meet weekly for one-hour sessions where they learn basic comedy techniques, write and share jokes with peers, and craft and refine their own routines, with support and feedback from instructors and seasoned comedians. The program culminates in two live performance showcases; one at a NYC comedy club and one for fellow Stand Up! Girls where friends and family cheer them on as they take the stage for the first time.
The results speak for themselves. As one participant put it: "When I first started telling my stories in the group, I didn't realize they were funny, and when everybody was laughing, I was like, 'Okay… I can do this.'" You can watch their sizzle reel to see the girls in action.
If you'd like to support Stand Up! Girls, there are many ways to do so. You can make a donation and amplify their message on social media. Follow Stand Up! Girls on Facebook, Instagram or LinkedIn and share their stories of laughter and empowerment with your network.
Happy International Day of Happiness! 😄
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