Local Projects that help women and girls

A mentoring program for 9th grade girls at Tahlequah Junior High School started in the fall of 1995. Girls from diverse backgrounds were paired with AAUW mentors. This program is designed to enhance self esteem, interpersonal relationships, leadershiip expertise and learning experiences as well as provide social guidance to junior high girls. The girls explore career options, meet with and observe professionals in their workplace and acquire necessary skills to research other possible careers on their owrn.

In 2000, the program was moved to Tahlequah High School for 10th grade girls and was expanded in 2002 to include 10th grade girls in Stilwell High School and continued through 2004. In 2004, a similar program was begun at the Watts School with 8th grade girls. Emphasis at Watts School is on enhancing self esteem, life skills, interpersonal relationships, leadership expertise and learning experiences, and social skills. The girls present a program to AAUW members near the end of the school year to relate their experiences.

• Some enrichement experiences have been
• Seeing the ballet
• Seeing an NSU play

The Sister to Sister Teen Summits began in February 1998 with Tahlequah Junior High and High School girls. The program gives the girls the opportunity to discuss issues with each other, with the guidance of a leader, that are affecting their lives and are important to them. Issues include peer pressure, sex, substance abuse, violence, and body image.

In 2000, the program was moved from Tahlequah High School to some of the rural schools--Keys, Tenkiller, and Woodall-for 8th grade girls. In 2001, the girls at Briggs School were included. This program continued through 2005. .

Other local projects that help women and girls are supported throughout the year. The branch usually pays for one girl's registration to Oklahoma Girl's State.

The first Woman to Woman Conference was held in 2001 and continues to be a very active event in our community. The purpose is to involve area women of diverse backgrounds together to share their ideas, concerns, and feelings about what is going on in their lives and community. Focused topics have been education issues; health issues; relationships; financial planning; nutrition and health; meaning in life; building healthy communities; joys of giving; breaking barriers; and women change the world through business, volunteerism and public office. Participants hsare their ideas for improvements, and a paper is developed and sent to elected and appointed officials and other appropriate leaders llisting participants suggestions.

• 2006 Conference Agenda ;