“Renewal”
Renewal
Spring is a wonderful season of the year to focus on renewal with warming temperatures and blooming flowers. It’s so rewarding to see those first buds burst through the soil having started as a small seed or bulb many months ago.
At LEAD Girls of NC, a Winston-Salem nonprofit that encourages and mentors girls to aspire and achieve greatness academically, emotionally, and creatively, we’re incredibly fortunate to walk alongside our LEAD girls as the bloom and blossom all year round. Close to 400 girls in Forsyth County participate in our LEAD programs through partnerships with their local middle schools, weekend programs, summer camps and our annual Expo.
Middle school is a difficult age especially for girls whose resources do not match their limitless potential. When they first engage with LEAD Girls, we ask them to think about their own personal renewal. What are their goals and aspirations? What are their talents and strengths? What are their barriers? Through our own lived experiences, we know that personal renewal and growth begins with self-awareness. LEAD’s evidence-based curriculum and year-round programs strive to support this process of self-discovery by providing the tools and resources our girls need to be successful.
At the start of the recent school year, we established a tool where parents and caregivers could share with us the strides their girls were making in school, at home and in the community. One of those stories felt particularly appropriate for this time of year. Serenity is a 6th grader who serves in multiple clubs at her school, including the Garden Club and Ecowarriors. Through the Garden Club she has learned gardening skills and how to create her own garden. As part of school’s Ecowarriors, Serenity is learning how to take better care of the Earth by recycling, composting, and reducing her carbon footprint. When answering the question about how these girls are exceptional and making a difference in the world, her parent? Wrote, “My LEAD Girl is exceptional in the care she has for others. She is always offering to assist others and offering ideas on how the world can be better.”
When I read these testimonies of how our LEAD Girls are making their schools and communities better, I feel renewed! At our annual Soiree event, held just a few weeks ago on March 10, we recognize the invaluable role these girls play as true Changemakers. Through their hard work and dedication to LEAD, they are making positive change possible. Like Serenity, they are LEADers in their schools and getting involved in activities that have lasting impact on all of us. LEAD, which stands for Learning Everyday Accomplishing Dreams, envisions a world where every girl has the confidence, social skills and leadership ability she needs to become a Changemaker. Throughout the year, whether I’m emceeing the Soiree, meeting new participants at our summer Fashion Camp, sitting in on a classroom activity or introducing a speaking at our Fall Expo, I see renewal in action on so many levels. Interested in getting involved with LEAD as a volunteer or donor? Visit us at www.leadgirls.org.
