A Letter from our President

It's August already. School will be back in session, summer is winding down and it is time for the 2014 Campaign Kickoff.   The kickoff this year will be at the Booker T. Washington Community Center in Hamilton, Ohio. We are very excited to have Dr. Clarence G. Newsome, President of the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center as our Key Note Speaker. The mission of the Freedom Center is to "reveal stories of freedom's heroes, from the era of the Underground Railroad to contemporary times, challenging and inspiring everyone to take courageous steps of freedom today." You won't want to miss Dr. Newsome's motivational and inspiring message.

Since we are embarking on a new school year it seems appropriate to talk about education. Education is a cornerstone for success in school, work and life. And it benefits the whole community: high school graduates earn more and contribute more to their local economies, are more engaged in their communities, and are more likely to raise kids who also graduate. United Way is about more than short-term charity for a few; we're about lasting solutions that build opportunity for all. We look at the big picture: what resources are lacking or need strengthening, and how we can address those gaps to keep kids on track to graduation.

Butler County United Way is one of nearly 1,800 United Ways making a difference in 41 countries and territories. We are part of a worldwide movement bringing millions of people together to solve community problems.

Also part of the kick off will be introducing John Venturella, CPA, and JD, of Clark Schaefer Hackett as the 2014 Campaign Chair. John will be sharing his vision for the campaign and announcing our goal. We are grateful to have John give up his valuable time to help grow our campaign. His background and leadership skills are an invaluable asset to Butler County United Way.

We hope you join us on August 28th and invite you to give, to advocate, or to volunteer-only by working together can we envision a community where all individuals and families achieve their potential through education, income stability and healthy lives.

Warm regards,

Mag

Girl Scouts of Western Ohio         

Building Leaders

By LaRonda Essien

Some of you may have grown up with a person that you looked up to and always asked for advice. However, many young girls don't have that, or need extra encouragement, in addition to what she had at home and at school. But, no worries, your daughter has an opportunity to learn skills that would better their lives and others.

Girl Scouts of Western Ohio's mission statement is "Girl scouting builds girls of courage, confidence and character, who make the world a better place." In Girl Scouts- girls partner with adults and participate in the Girl Scout Leadership Experience through three processes; girl led, cooperative learning and experiential learning(learning by doing) which involves planning activities, working as a team, and reflection.   These processes help girls develop social emotional skills like problem solving, conflict resolution and team work and, and also encourage progression from each level in Girl Scouts making the experience valuable for girls ages 5-17.

The Girl Scout Leadership Experience provides the girls with the courage to take action to make the world a better place by discovering self and connecting with others. The Girl Scouts serve over 3,000 people in Butler County positively affecting many lives.

Erin Horsley, shared a success story that shows the impact of this program:  

During spring break day camp at Garfield Middle School in Hamilton, Ohio girls in kindergarten through sixth grade worked with staff a week long experience where girls connected with one another, while also participating in   self- esteem activities sponsored by Dove.. Girl s were broken into age groups and in the first and second grade group on one of the girls registration forms stated that she was hard to understand. The girl was never embarrassed to participate and had plenty to say and while it was very difficult to understand her she was given the platform to express her feelings and that freedom helped her come out of her shell and feel confident.. The best part of this group was that while the leaders were concerned about how the other girls would treat her, there was no reason to fear because each girl in the group gave her their full undivided attention and by the end of the session were helping the adults know what she was saying showing true caring, and respect for one another.

Another girl in the group had lost her sibling and every day ensured that she mentioned her little sister either through story or through art. On the last day of camp the camper expressed to a staff member that she felt responsible for her sister dying.     The leader of the group had to make sure that the girl knew it wasn't her fault. Afterwards, that girl no longer blamed herself; all she needed was someone to let her know that she was not to blame for her sibling's death. This girl found the courage to speak out and was confident in knowing she could express herself.

Information about this program can be found at:

www.girlscoutsofwesternohio.org