Encouraging Words
Written by Sharon Cecil
Words have power. Everyone needs to hear words of encouragement. Unfortunately, sometimes words are used to inflict pain.
We Survive was part of a health and wellness pilot program developed by Girl Scout USA called Growing Up Female. In 1996, I met with Girl Scout Troop 1472. Emphasizing the importance of a positive ATTITUDE, I presented a message on health while introducing ways for the girls to feel comfortable knowing their own bodies.
The young ladies in the troop were 11 years old, so I wasn’t sure that they were really hearing the message. When one of the leaders called me and said that the “girls” wanted to take the information they learned and had already started planning a way to create a Silver Award project, I realized that there was power in that presentation.
Girl Scout Troop 1472 produced an educational video along with materials for handouts, which was formally presented at a Women’s Luncheon, which opened the door for a discussion on health and wellness with a focus on breast cancer. This program became We Survive’s Women Offering Wisdom (WOW).
Brittany Zinsious-Kinder and Nikki Sherrard (Arielle Sherrard Corbett) continued with the WOW program, after the Girl Scout Troop members received their Silver Award, until they graduated from high school.
WOW made it possible for valuable information to reach young women while offering opportunities for young women to serve their community with the support of adult advisors.
In leadership roles, Brittany and Nikki planned, promoted and presented programming while being the creators and educators of health and wellness events. Brittany and Nikki assembled a team of presenters for programs and events.
Asking if they could learn more about event planning, Brittany, Nikki and several other young ladies on the team met with Linda Surbeck founder of Master of Ceremonies.
Linda was more that willing to act as an advisor to this group of young ladies. Linda inspired them with her creativity and diversity. They could see the passion Linda had for her work.
“Positive Powerful Promotional Words,” a book Linda authored, was given to the group. With book in hand and carrying the inspirational words in their heart, these young ladies left the meeting realizing their hopes and dreams were attainable. Linda Surbeck gave meaning to the power of words and presented them with the “Power of the Dream.”
“There never shall be one lost good. All we have willed or hoped or dreamed of good shall exist.” —Robert Browning
With Compassion, Courage and Collaboration, the WOW Girlz gave voice to young people through a radio talk show, magazine, book and creative health and wellness programs, events and a resource center located at Jefferson Community and Technical College where they could meet and mentor their peers. “Having a special peer mentor had a significant effect on these young women’s lives.”
“How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world.” – Anne Frank
Linda, THANK YOU for your continued support!!
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