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Eleanor Roosevelt's leadership lives on via program
Eleanor Roosevelt is widely considered to be one of the greatest leaders and role models of all time. Every summer for the past 16 years, the Eleanor Roosevelt Leadership Center at Val-Kill has drawn from her leadership legacy to instill the skills and mindset necessary to become principled and socially conscious leaders to young women, ages 14 to 17.
Girls' Leadership Worldwide is an international leadership development program for girls entering their sophomore or junior year in high school. The program truly reflects the center's mission to inspire and empower individuals and organizations to use their time, talent and resources to build a just and sustainable world. In other words, to not just become consumers of what's in the world, but to actually contribute to its well-being.
We had the opportunity to once again accomplish our mission this summer when we welcomed our largest group yet of 72 spirited young women to Hyde Park. It's truly global program; 15 of the participants came from the Hudson Valley; seven from the United Kingdom, Jordan, Greece, France and Germany; and the remainder from across the United States. Coming from different social, economic, political, religious and cultural backgrounds, the girls served as an example of diversity at its best.
During the nine-day residential program, the girls engaged in workshops and activities designed to build self-awareness, foster empowerment and motivate action. One of the highlights of the program was the two-day trip to New York City arranged by Eleanor's great granddaughters, Wendy Roosevelt Fahy, Nina Roosevelt-Collmer and Christina Roosevelt, where the girls connected with and were inspired by women leaders from different industries.
Other highlights included workshops called: Leading in a Diverse World; The Challenges of Being a Leader; Human Rights & Savvy Activism; The Practice of Leadership; Self Expression & Social Change; and Finding Your Passion & Purpose.
How successful was the program in building the confidence and self-awareness that every great leader needs to engage others to take action? In the words of some of the participants:
"I learned how truly skilled and confident I am when I build genuine relationships. I find that all people want is to be heard and feel important ... I see a drastic improvement in my confidence." - Amalia Driller-Colangelo, Highland
"The best leaders need to know themselves before they can help others." - Anonymous
"People from completely different places and social backgrounds can be the greatest of friends." - Bemedy Burgos, New York
"In order to make a difference in the thing you are passionate about, you must do something about it; speak up!" - Sahar Aftab, Newburgh
"We need each other to become great." - Arielle Coq, Hopewell Junction
"I learned that even though I am one small person, I can make a difference, and a small action can go a long way." - Maddy Sandler, Fly Creek
"Making mistakes is OK. Whether it's while you're working at a Wall Street law firm or being a 'messy leader' or having an awkward moment, own it, fix it, move on." - Liza Stambaugh, Newburyport, Mass.
Whether advocating for world peace, women and children or sustainable environments, the confidence our graduates have gained will enable them to use their leadership skills for the good of others and themselves. Through their ambassador projects, Eleanor Roosevelt's leadership legacy will be in action as they serve as catalysts for change within their communities and as citizens of the world.
We are very grateful to the many individuals and organizations that support Girls' Leadership Worldwide, with special thanks to Best Buy, Dyson Foundation, Louis Greenspan Foundation, Ethel B. Mayo Scholarship Fund, and the Giving Back Foundation. And of course, our heartfelt thanks to the parents and the girls who continue to inspire us.
Kathleen Durham is the executive director of the Eleanor Roosevelt Leadership Center at Val-Kill. Applications for the 2013 leadership program will be available in December on its website - www.ervk.org.
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