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Imagine nearly 90 girls from middle and high schools across Blount County entering Preservation Plaza in downtown Maryville early on Nov. 1. Then imagine their identifying critical issues during the day and at the end of the day constructing a Plan of Action to address these issues. This was the task mastered by the young women attending the seventh annual Sister-to-Sister Summit hosted by the American Association of University Women Maryville Branch.

S2S participants began the day in chat rooms exploring issues identified by girls on registration forms. The problems explored this year were “Relationships,” “Substance Abuse,” and “Pressure: School, Home, and Peer.” In the final chat room, girls articulated action steps and messages to other girls and adults. With a final vote, the group approved a Plan of Action for sharing with the community. Student facilitators led the open discussions and Summit rules dictated that what was talked about remained confidential.

The goals of the Sister-to-Sister Summits are to:

Develop leadership skills in girls by learning to plan and execute an event.

Develop leadership skills that help girls learn to facilitate discussion and form an action plan.

Strengthen girls’ ability to exercise choices and practice improved self care in daily life.

Develop a Plan of Action to affect change in the community.

‘Finding your voice’

Jamie Blythe and Kathie Shiba, Ph.D., organized this year’s event sponsored by AAUW Maryville Branch and the Women’s Equity Foundation. A growing group of community volunteers, businesses, and agencies assisted them.

Rebecca Durbin, emcee for the day, first attended S2S as a high school freshman. Now a freshman at Maryville College, she continues to volunteer her time. “I see other girls empowered and see the energy that they can pass on,” she said. “At the beginning of the Summit they have little to say, but as the day progresses so do their voices. That is what this is all about — finding your voice.”

The Rev. Wendy Neff, pastor of Highland Presbyterian Church, was the keynote speaker. Neff noted that people wear masks that allow them to pretend to be what they are not. “Some masks enable us to demonstrate and manipulate emotions. It can be scary to remove the mask and recognize who we truly are,” she said. Neff went on to say that friends and family can help to keep us honest and allow us to be ourselves, making it possible to celebrate life and have the courage and self confidence to imagine all our possibilities. “Overcoming the challenges of hiding behind a mask can uncover the beautiful, talented sisters that can collectively change the world that hides their true selves.” Neff encouraged girls to take control of their lives, remove their masks, let others see them as they are and be true to themselves.

Afternoon activities led by community experts provided a break from analysis. Activities included basic self defense with Blount County Deputy Sheriff Rhonda Burger, and a group art project led by Vandy Kemp, Maryville College vice president and Dean of Students. Teri Bradshaw of Heritage High School provided quick and easy-to-implement health activities; Brenda Sutherland, president of Senior Care Consultants Inc., presented healthy ways to handle stress; and Mountain Challenge, directed by staff from Maryville College, encouraged communication and teamwork. A writing unit led by Malinda Taylor, Maryville College student, created a group writing project.

Crowning the day, young women from across Blount County gathered as friends and not mere acquaintances. Placing handmade coronets on their heads acknowledged the extraordinary nature and beauty of each girl. Together they were empowered to speak out and educate the public about effective strategies and activities that promote healthy outcomes for women and youth.

About the American Association of University Women (AAUW) advances equity for women and girls through advocacy, education, and research.

Founded in 1881, AAUW is a national organization of 100,000 members and 1,300 branches. AAUW Maryville Branch, founded in 1943, has sponsored activities promoting the advancement of women and girls throughout its history. Recent projects include the annual Sister-to-Sister Summits for middle and high school girls and the Crystal Award, honoring individuals actively promoting education and empowerment for women in Blount County. Further information about AAUW and the Maryville Branch is available on the national Web site at www.aauw.org and branch Web site at www.discoveret.org/aauwmvil.