“Be the person you needed when you were younger.” This quote sticks with Molly Thompson, a senior at Chino Valley High School and Girl Talk leader. It represents the values of Girl Talk and how those values have forever changed the lives of young women.
Teens Develop Leadership and Life Skills
Girl Talk is part of North Star Youth Partnership, a program of Catholic Charities. It’s a peer-to-peer mentorship program where high school girls develop leadership skills as they run weekly meetings for middle school girls. In return, middle school girls learn the skills they need to navigate their teenage years.
The program addresses topics teen girls want to know about but may not feel comfortable bringing up. The girls discuss common issues like academic anxiety, fitting in and mental health. They also learn how to care for themselves with topics like eating healthy, hygiene and self-advocacy.
A Hands-On Approach to Learning
Girl Talk is also committed to teaching the importance of community service. This year, Girl Talk participants visited residents at a senior living facility, making crafts and singing songs with them during the holidays.
Although education is the core of Girl Talk, it doesn’t mean there aren’t opportunities for fun. Meetings include crafts and games such as making flower arrangements and performing skits. Girl Talk also plans events outside of school so the girls can bond.
Lisa Reinert, coordinator of Girl Talk, says that what’s most important is that participants have something to look forward to each week. They have a sense of belonging, a safe space to share their feelings, and a place to make new friends.
Girl Talk Reminds a Leader of Her Strength and Resilience
It’s Girl Talk leaders like Molly Thompson who make the program a success. They participate in leader meetings and help plan the lessons, crafts and activities.
Molly struggled alone with her self-worth and confidence—something she hoped other girls wouldn’t have to do. Girl Talk provided her with not only a platform for mentoring others but the courage to grow into a leader.
Seeing the younger girls open up reminded her of her own resilience and strength. “The world will try to shape them in a hundred different ways, but programs like Girl Talk help remind them of who they truly are,” she said.
Creating a Safe Space for Younger Girls
Another leader, Mari Holladay, had one goal when she got involved in Girl Talk: to be a safe place for younger girls. She wanted to create a space where they could be open and express their feelings and emotions without judgment.
Girl Talk’s lessons helped Mari just as much as they helped the younger girls. The girls she mentored were a reminder to her to be more compassionate, to listen and to lead with empathy.
“Girl Talk isn’t just an after-school club—it’s a movement. It’s helping to raise a generation of confident, kind and strong young women,” said Mari.
To learn more about Girl Talk, visit North Star Youth Partnership’s page.
