Katie Carlson
Multi-Program Facilitator
Choosing to Volunteer at Girls Inc.
“Politics is a traditionally male-dominated field, and sometimes it can be overwhelming! Strong female mentors have been vitally important to my career, and I try my best to help lift up other young women around me. Girls Inc. seemed like an excellent opportunity to extend that same support to a younger generation of girls. I think that Girls Inc. instills such positive messages to girls that in everyday life they have the power to make smart decisions and to become the best person they can be.”
Best Part of Facilitating a Program
“I always wished that I had taken an economics class in college, so I had fun teaching ‘supply and demand.’ It was fun to revisit those theories through the eyes of a 10-year-old.”
Teachable Moments
“While facilitating ‘Dollars, Sense and Me’ I had a girl in class who often seemed disinterested and could be distracting to the rest of the group. One day we were drawing pictures of what we would like to be when we grew up and she was not drawing anything. Slightly frustrated, I asked her if she needed help and she asked me in a whisper, ‘How do you draw one of those hats you wear at graduation?’ I thought I was going to melt, and by divine intervention drew a fabulous mortar board. ‘Teachable moments’ are frequently mentioned in training for Girls Inc, but there is no way to describe how rewarding they really are.”
Change in the Girls’ Behavior
“The differences noticed in the girls were small but significant. You have to count the little victories, like the girl who wouldn’t talk very much in the first session asserting an opinion in the last session. I also liked to pay attention to who the girls were sitting by, and enjoyed watching them form new friendships.”
Benefits of Volunteer Training
“I had several months in between my training and my first session, so I felt a little bit rusty, but the materials and boxes that are provided to the facilitators are so organized and self-explanatory that I was able to feel confident going into each session.”
A Tip for Volunteer Facilitators
“Just sign up to do another session. Your schedule may be full, but the girls need you.”
Learn more about ways you can volunteer with Girls Inc.!
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