GIRLS OPPORTUNITY FOR LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT (GOLD)

AAUW enjoys a long tradition of promoting positive societal change as part of our mission. In the spirit of this tradition, the GOLD program was designed in response to research indicating that girls’ confidence and self-esteem drop significantly during the middle school years. The Lansdale branch of AAUW first offered GOLD to eighth-grade girls in the North Penn School District in 1997. Our sponsors include local businesses and community groups. The program is designed for 120 eighth-grade girls per year. The girls are split into small groups that are led by two or more high school girls who serve as core group leaders.

GOLD takes place on a Friday evening. The goal of the program is to positively influence girls through a series of interactive workshops and activities. Workshop subjects have included Finding the Leader in You, Interpersonal Relationships, Handling Peer Pressure, and Saying No to Addictive Substances. Additional sessions in team building, self-esteem, and self-defense are offered, as well as making a craft, dancing, and having snacks! These activities are designed to help girls express their self-confidence and to develop their ability to think for themselves and step up to leadership challenges.

Over the years, hundreds of girls have experienced GOLD. The program consistently receives positive feedback from the eighth-grade and high school girls. Many of the eighth-graders wish they could go back the following year. We feel it is one of the most important programs we offer to young women in our community, our leaders of tomorrow.