Self Esteem 101: Girl Scouts host college-style experience offering degree in girl-power

     Release Date: February 8, 2007
     Press Contact: Lori Sullivan
     Office: 954-739-7660 ext. 219
     
     DAVIE, FL --- Girl Scouts of Broward County has partnered with Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz and uniquely ME! the joint Girl Scouts and Dove Self-Esteem Fund program to create a one-of-a-kind experience for girls in grade 6-9 called, “uniquely U.” Set on the Davie campus of Florida Atlantic University on Saturday, March 3 from 10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., girls will participate in this ultra-cool, collegiate-themed event and get their “degree” in girl-power!
     
     Offering a “major” in self-esteem and self-confidence, “uniquely U” courses will emphasize healthy living for body and mind. Girls will work-out with three-time Olympic Champion and Olympic Gold Medalist Dominique Dawes; learn how to become a powerful advocate for themselves and their issues with Congresswoman Wasserman Schultz; and hear about the spirit of competition mixed with a journey to true inner-beauty from 2006 Miss Florida Allison Kreiger. Other “classes” include stress management, self defense, healthy eating and a discussion bursting the bubble of female images in today’s misleading media.
     
     Created by the Girl Scouts of the USA and the Dove Self-Esteem Fund to address the critical nationwide problem of low self-esteem among adolescent and pre-adolescent girls, the uniquely ME! program is designed to foster positive self-esteem among girls, ages 8 to 17. The “uniquely U” event is designed to mirror the classic college experience – but won’t have any stale auditorium lectures. Rather it will offer hands-on, interactive workshops.
     
     Congresswoman Wasserman Schultz will lead the “Express It!” portion of the day where girls will learn about advocacy and their personal power to work for change for themselves, for their friends and in their community. Girls will find out first hand how to advocate for what they think is important and how to get their thoughts and messages into the hands (and ears) of those who can help them make positive change. "This is a wonderful opportunity to work with and empower America's girls so that they become confident, intelligent and successful women," said Wasserman Schultz. “Self-esteem is an integral part of a girl's development, a foundation upon which her future decisions and life choices are made. I am delighted to participate in such a positive event for our nation's young women."
     
     “Low self-esteem is pervasive among pre-adolescent and adolescent girls in the United States,” said Girl Scouts of Broward County’s CEO Leslie Roth. Research conducted by the Girl Scout Research Institute and other organizations demonstrates that risky behavior such as smoking; drinking, eating disorders and others are often associated with low self-esteem. “We are excited to bring together this dynamic group of women and offer girls an opportunity to find the power that lives inside of them - as well as a unique approach to discussions on self-esteem and self-confidence. That’s what Girl Scouting is all about: building girls of courage, confidence and character who make our world a better place! “
     
     "Dove is proud to be a part of this exceptional program to help educate girls, inspire a broader definition of beauty and provide confidence-building tools and resources.” said Kathy O'Brien, Dove marketing director. "We are thrilled to be working with Congresswoman Wasserman Schultz and the Girl Scouts of the USA to make a real difference in the lives of young girls across the country."
     
     The Girl Scouts “uniquely U“event is open to all girls in grades 6-9. Cost is $10 per girl and includes all program materials, t-shirt, patch, goodie bag, diploma, lunch and afternoon snack. Pre-registration and pre-payment is required. Download the registration form at www.browardgirlscouts.org or contact Pam Orth at 954-739-7660, ext. 214.
     
     ###