Girls Inc. has grown tremendously and in various ways during this past year. One project I’ve had the opportunity to see expand is our speakers bureau. In 2010, this group of girl participants and board members shared their story and the impact of Girls Inc. with 12 groups in greater Indianapolis. From the initial training to the follow up with our girl participants, I discovered that I’ve gained from the program in these three ways:

1. Connecting with groups committed to youth development. This program has given me the opportunity to get to know various greater Indianapolis groups that work to increase graduation rates, encourage youth service, and broaden the horizon for all children in our community.

2. Gaining wisdom and insight from board members. Having worked at Girls Inc. less than a year, the speakers bureau also gave me the opportunity to hear the unique perspectives of three of our Girls Inc. board members. They remind me of the “big picture” and the scope of what Girls Inc. accomplishes.

3. Learning from five new girl participants. Each of our girls shares from their own Girls Inc. experiences. For example, Elizabeth attended our math and science summer camp where she designed, constructed, and painted flower boxes for community organizations. Jourdann was a Girls Inc. girl from our club days and has built on those experiences to shape her leadership skills today. Jade transitioned from a dedicated summer camper to an enthusiastic junior counselor this past summer. Interacting with these girls made me realize that although I love the opportunities to share the Girls Inc. mission with others, the best part about this program is seeing the ways these girls have developed their speaking skills and self-confidence. These girls are on their way to becoming the articulate women of our future.

As we prepare for our 2011 training session with Butler University’s Speakers Lab, I’m encouraged by the small ways this program can impact our community and has already impacted me.

To hear from these girl speakers and further develop their speaking skills, request a speaker for your next event or meeting.