The new online platform School of Doodle wants to revolutionize how teen girls learn and engage with the world.
by Joanna Demkiewicz
In April, the coolest school for girls launched — and that’s “girls” with a big pair of quotation marks; School of Doodle’s model is to be as inclusive to its members as possible, which makes sense, considering its mission to offer teenage girls the opportunity for unfettered expression, creative agency, and professional development.
Co-founder Molly Logan conceptualized the idea to create an online school — complete with “lockers” and “test”-like challenges — after feeling frustrated with the defunding of arts education across the United States. In an interview with Teen Vogue in 2014, Logan attributed the seed of School of Doodle to an influential high school teacher who helped her realize that her creative ideas had power.
“I believe that creativity is the best way to build confidence,” Logan told me. “Which is something we all need, but especially teen girls.”
Part of the school’s mission, after all, derives from the idea of “Being Loud,” which is “demanding to be seen and heard…[and] embracing every part of you — the messy and the neat.”
On School of Doodle, girls create a Locker, which is where they can collect and create content, as well as interact with other girls’ Lockers. Color-coded categories like “feminism” and “art” are flush with collages submitted by Doodlers, interviews with advertising executives, and original essays. “Challenges” are much more thrilling homework assignments, and girls can learn how to write lyrics with Kim Gordon or start an online dance party with Yoko Ono. And workshops are available for some IRL Doodling (check ‘em out in Portland, the Bahamas, Vancouver, and more).
As of this summer, Logan is running the school with the help of 23 on-staff girls, who live in Tokyo, Ankara, Mumbai, London, Vancouver, New York City, Los Angeles and Paris. More than 18,000 girls visit schoolofdoodle.com on a monthly basis, and like the staffers, they are positioned in almost every corner of the world. I spoke with five girls who Doodle about sheroes, being loud, and debunking crusty stereotypes.
BROOKE MCBRIDE, 18
::: Brooke is an actress, singer, filmmaker, and writer based in Los Angeles. She is the Teen Community Manager at School of Doodle and has been working with SOD for the past two years.
Why do you Doodle?
I Doodle because I just have to connect and collaborate — it’s who I am! I’ve always been someone who feels best when I’m being creative. Whenever I get anxious or have nervous energy, I have to remind myself to exercise my brain artistically, and School of Doodle is my perfect playground to learn and challenge myself endlessly!
What does the “Be Loud” revolution mean to you, and how do you do it?
The Be Loud Revolution to me is an inclusive, collaborative team of world-changing women and girls. I create revolution the way my incredible momma taught me, through my passion of making people feel confident about themselves! When girls support each other and fight for each other instead of against each other, there is nothing we can’t do!
Who is the most underrated sheroe of today?
Soooooo many! How could I ever chose one?! I’m always obsessing over Leandra Medine (Man Repeller) and Tatiana Maslany. I love them! Also! Katherine Smith, the first female coach in the NFL. *heart eyes*
NADYA OKAMOTO, 18
::: Nadya is the Founder and Executive Director of Camions of Care, a youth-run global nonprofit that manages and celebrates menstrual hygiene worldwide through the global distribution of feminine hygiene products and the engagement of youth leaders through campus chapters.
Why do you Doodle?
I Doodle because I reflect on experiences, interactions, and sources of inspiration, and I want to share those thoughts with others in hopes of that others may relate or be inspired themselves.
Outside of anything on the internet or digitally-related whatsoever, what makes you feel most powerful?
The moments after I step off the stage from giving a speech reflecting on facing adversity and fighting for social change, and encounter others who are excited to share their stories or gratitude for my making myself vulnerable in front of an audience, are analog interactions that make me feel most powerful.
What does the “Be Loud” revolution mean to you, and how do you do it?
The Be Loud Revolution means to speak your mind, share your opinion, fight for what you believe in, and amplify your passion and creativity through your voice, without stressing about what others may think of you or what social constructs tell you to conform to. I am loud by asking questions, sharing my story, and advocating for menstrual hygiene (something many are usually not comfortable speaking up about), regardless of how I may be judged.
JULES SPECTOR, 16
::: Jules is the founder and author of teenfeminist.com, which she began in late 2013. She is an intern for the Harnisch Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to investing in girls and women everywhere. In her free time, she loves to perform in the theatre and write poetry.
Who is the most underrated sheroe of today?
Angelica Schuyler — she was the smartest person basically ever and essentially guided Alexander Hamilton, her brother-in-law, in a lot of his political decisions. She was also a huge feminist.
What does the “Be Loud” revolution mean to you, and how do you do it?
The “Be Loud Revolution” is the movement for more girls to speak out! The world is finally realizing the potential and power that young girls have to offer, and the revolution is about empowering them to be loud, because people will listen to what they have to say. I do it by blogging about feminism and inspiring more girls to also be loud.
What do you wish anyone who is not a teenage girl knew about teenage girls?
TEENAGE GIRLS ARE GOING TO CHANGE THE WORLD. *mic drop*
TANYA NASIMIYU, 17
::: Tanya is originally from Africa and now lives in Texas. She is a member of her school’s choir, newspaper, and also competes in UIL journalism for her school’s team. On the side she founded a creative collective called Lavender Hills.
Who’s the most underrated sheroe of today?
The Buttress is an underrated sheroe; her music can be quite obscure but her lyrics are literally poetry. She has a way with words and has a flow like a ‘90s rapper, which makes her even more intriguing to listen to.
Outside of anything on the internet or digitally-related whatsoever, what makes you feel most powerful?
Reading by far makes me feel powerful, as cliché as it sounds. I use it to escape because there is nothing more beautiful than getting lost in the world created in someone else’s mind. It’s like taking a break from all the mess in my life, and after reading I come back feeling refreshed and brand new.
What do you wish anyone who is not a teenage girl knew about teenage girls?
Teenage girls aren’t one-dimensional creatures. We have interests, goals, and determination. We’re all different from each other and not just a basic archetype.
CAMERON LAWRENCE, 17
::: F is for Feminism, Cameron’s self-illustrated guide to all things feminist, will be published in 2017. She is active in a number of organizations that address diversity and racial equality. She was featured in Teen Vogue’s ‘Power Girls’ issue.
Why do you Doodle?
I Doodle because I find it is the most fluid way to express my innermost thoughts and feelings. Sometimes I find it difficult to precisely articulate my emotions — words may come out, and they can occasionally be messy or misinterpreted. Doodling is liberating. I find that Doodle can say so, so much without being restricted by sentences and definitions. Not to mention, it’s fun.
Outside of anything on the internet or digitally-related whatsoever, what makes you feel most powerful?
I am very passionate about educating the next generation. I feel most empowered when I am working at summer camp. It sounds wildly corny, but being surrounded by young campers, and especially young girls, who consider you a leader is not only flattering, but the perfect opportunity to analyze yourself and your own needs, as well as think about how you can inspire, create, and encourage happiness for your campers.
What do you wish anyone who is not a teenage girl knew about teenage girls?
Everything is not what it seems! Not every teenage girl is vapid, and we aren’t only concerned with makeup, male celebrities, or other “shallow” topics. Don’t box us into a Mean Girls cliché.
Joanna R. Demkiewicz is The Riveter‘s cofounder and editorial director. She works as a book publicist for Milkweed Editions. Find her on Twitter @yanna_dem and Instagram @yannademkiewicz.
