Leadership Council

Leadership Council

Leadership Council is a space for young leaders (8th-12th grade) from across the Pacific Northwest to explore their passions, engage in civic dialogue with peers about critical issues, meet local leaders, and develop advocacy skills such as public speaking & research. Leadership Council members use the power of their voice to create meaningful change within their own communities with the support of peers, Girls Inc. staff, and community partners. This multi-year program adapts and changes each year according to members’ interests and our ever-growing understanding of the issues that face our communities. Leadership Council is open to 8th-12th graders anywhere in Oregon & Washington.

KNOW A STRONG, SMART, BOLD YOUTH INTERESTED IN USING THE POWER OF THEIR VOICE?

Applications are closed for the 2024-2025 school year. Fill out an interest form here to be notified when applications open again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible to apply?

Youth who are entering 8th-12th grade anywhere in Oregon or Washington are eligible to apply. Girls Inc. is committed to providing a pro-girl and girl-centered environment. Our programming is designed for those who identify as girls regardless of their assigned sex at birth, those who are exploring their gender identity or expression, and/or those who are gender non-conforming or non-binary.

How much does the program cost?

There is no cost to participate in Leadership Council.

When are the program dates? 

September 2024-June 2025. Council meets virtually throughout the year. The exact program dates will be determined according to participants’ schedules.

Can participants return each year?

Yes! Participants are encouraged to return for multiple years as long as they are still in 8th-12th grade. The program changes each year based on feedback from participants and their interests.

YOUTH ADVOCACY PROJECTS

Throughout the season, Leadership Council members follow Girls Inc. National’s Taking Action Toolkit and work on individual/small group advocacy projects which focus on a topic that they are passionate about, as a means of leading and facilitating meaningful change in their communities. some of the topics explored throughout the 20-21 session included: Anti-Asian violence, mental health resources in schools, text banking, and community advocacy.

Two Leadership Council members, Rita and Anna, created a powerful project titled STOP ASIAN HATE. (Content warning: Anti-Asian violence and graphic images.)

HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT THE COUNCIL?

For more information, please email leadershipcouncil@girlsincpnw.org.