GE T I N VO LVE D
BUFFALO GALS BY KINSEY GUSTAFSON
South Dakota is known for the Black Hills, rolling plains, and
women’s past, present, and future in Western South Dakota and
many buffalo. A new type of buffalo is being associated in South
the broader world,” she recalled. “Inspired by these women, we
Dakota, though, with the arrival of the Buffalo Gals organization.
then gathered to identify community issues that would benefit
Laura Mounce is a founding Buffalo Gal, and explains exactly what it means. “Buffalo Gals is a group of gutsy gals with grit
from our collective energy and skills. The 2017 International Women’s Day Celebration will be April 2-4, 2017.”
and grace who meet every month to support one another in our
To become a Buffalo Gal, a woman just has to declare herself a
personal and professional endeavors. As diverse as the grasses of
part of the herd. There are no membership fees involved with the
the South Dakota prairie, we are varied in professional background
organization. Buffalo Gals meetings are organized by volunteers
and age, but share a common vision of supporting each other and
and the costs are paid for with the help of sponsored meeting
by extension our community.”
spaces and refreshments, as well as free-will donations.
She says Buffalo Gals was started like many grassroots endeavors.
A huge benefit of being involved with Buffalo Gals is that women
A group of women noticed a need and decided to fill the need. In
are given the opportunity to connect with other women in an
the case of Buffalo Gals, they wanted to create a place for women
inclusive and encouraging environment. Mounce says that women
to go beyond the typical “networking” and instead build a group of
with all skills and abilities are welcomed and needed.
women who support one another, encourage women to be leaders, and use their voices and skills to change the community.
Ultimately, Mounce says that the goal of Buffalo Gals is to create communities where women are a driving force for connections
Buffalo Gals hosts monthly meetings bringing together 60 to 80
and who cultivate change to make the world a better place for
women, typically featuring a local nonprofit. Attendees will learn
all. Buffalo Gals is seen as a change agent, seeking to build better
about the featured organization and how it plays a role in their
communities to benefit all. “We add women’s voices to our
community. They are able to offer a free-will donation to support
community’s important conversations."
the nonprofit if they would like. In addition to regular meetings, Mounce says the Buffalo Gals hosted nearly 400 women of vision and energy for two days in early March.
Meetings are held on the fourth Tuesday of every month from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. The May meeting will be held at Tails N Training in Black Hawk on May 24. The June meeting is being
“We also recently hosted our first annual International Women’s
held at The Knuckle Saloon in Sturgis on June 28. For more
Day Celebration where speakers addressed topics relating to
info, visit buffalogals.us.
40 // MAY 2016