Leading From Here: Girls Putting Character Into Action
What does it take to be a leader? At Girls Inc. of Greater Indianapolis, we believe leadership begins with knowing who you are, recognizing your strengths, and having the confidence to make a difference.
This fall, Girls Inc. Indy participated in Lead From Here: Character in Action, a nationwide Girls Inc. initiative designed to help girls strengthen the character traits that empower them to become strong, smart, and bold leaders.
Through hands-on activities, meaningful conversations, and reflection, girls explored six essential character elements: confidence, critical thinking, emotional intelligence, kindness, respect, and self-advocacy. Together, these strengths help girls better understand themselves, build healthy relationships, navigate challenges, and recognize their potential to lead.
Building Confidence and Finding Their Voices
Throughout the campaign, girls explored what these character elements look like in their everyday lives and how they can put them into practice.
During the My Self, My Personal Power activity, girls created their own “power packs,” identifying the unique strengths that make them who they are and discovering how they can use those strengths to advocate for themselves and uplift others.
Girls also practiced critical thinking through the Be a Green Light Leader activity. Using the stoplight method, participants evaluated different leadership traits to determine which actions deserved a green light for strong support and which warranted a red light for holding others back.
These activities encouraged girls to think about the choices they make, the values they hold, and the impact they can have on those around them.
Leadership Starts Here
One Girls Inc. Indy participant shared that being strong, smart, and bold means believing you can empower the people around you, whether that’s a teacher, sibling, or friend.
It’s a powerful reminder that leadership doesn’t always require a title or a position of authority. Sometimes, it begins with speaking up for yourself, showing kindness, listening to others, or having the courage to try something new.
Through Lead From Here, girls explored how these everyday actions reflect the character strengths they already possess and can continue developing as they grow.
While the campaign has come to a close, the lessons extend far beyond a single activity or month. By helping girls recognize their worth, understand their values, and practice leading with confidence and compassion, Girls Inc. Indy is supporting them as they become leaders in their schools, relationships, and communities.
Help Girls Lead From Here
Every girl deserves opportunities to discover her strengths, find her voice, and recognize her potential. With your support, Girls Inc. Indy can continue providing experiences that empower girls to lead with confidence, courage, and purpose.
