How to Give Back at Your Wedding w/ Clay Dunn of Vow for Girls

Weddings are a time of celebration and love, but they can also be an opportunity to make a meaningful impact. In a recent podcast, Alyssa spoke with Clay Dunn, CEO of Vow for Girls, about how couples can incorporate philanthropy into their special day. With a mission to empower girls globally, Vow for Girls is dedicated to combating child marriage and ensuring that every girl has the right to make choices about her own future.

Child marriage is a pressing issue affecting millions of girls each year. Clay highlighted that globally, around 12 million girls are married before the age of 18—often against their will. This isn’t just a distant problem; it happens in the United States too, where child marriage is still legal in many states. Vow for Girls seeks to change this narrative by raising awareness and funding local organizations that support girls’ rights, education, and health.

Vow for Girls addresses the root causes of child marriage by empowering girls through education and community support. Programs funded by Vow help girls stay in school, develop leadership skills, and gain vital health information. By keeping girls in school, the likelihood of early marriage decreases significantly. Clay emphasized the importance of educating girls about their rights, enabling them to stand up against practices that threaten their futures.

In one inspiring story, a girl in Nepal used her knowledge of the law to resist her parents’ pressure to marry at a young age. This empowerment not only protects her future but also sets an example for others in her community. Vow for Girls believes that when girls know their rights, they can advocate for themselves and inspire change.

Alyssa and Clay discussed various creative ways couples can incorporate giving back into their weddings. Many are choosing to forgo traditional wedding favors in favor of donations to Vow for Girls. Others set up donation pages on their wedding websites, encouraging guests to contribute in honor of their special day. One couple raised over $2,600 for the organization, showcasing how weddings can amplify support for important causes.

Additionally, couples can host fundraisers instead of bridal showers or ask for donations instead of gifts. This not only helps a worthy cause but also allows couples to create a more meaningful celebration.

A key reason why Vow for Girls is an ideal partner for couples looking to give back is its commitment to transparency. Clay explained that 100% of donations go directly to local programs supporting girls, thanks to other donors covering operational costs. This assurance allows couples to feel confident that their contributions are making a real impact.

Ultimately, Vow for Girls represents a powerful movement toward gender equality and empowerment. By partnering with couples on their wedding journeys, the organization aims to create a groundswell of support for girls around the world. Clay’s vision emphasizes that collective action—where many people contribute little—can lead to significant change.

For couples planning their weddings, incorporating philanthropy can not only enrich their celebration but also contribute to a cause that resonates deeply. To learn more about Vow for Girls, make donations, or explore ways to give back, visit vowforgirls.org. Together, we can create a world where every girl has the opportunity to choose her own path.