February 28, 2001
Sister-to-Sister summit examines struggles
'It is really comforting to come here and be a girl and be outspoken and fit in'
By Carol South
Herald contributing writer
Worries about body image, questions about how to act with peers and the nuances of social class, appearance and power were discussed fast and furious Thursday afternoon at Traverse City West Junior High School.
The second of three meetings drew 15 girls in eighth and ninth grades for the Sister-to-Sister summit. The American Association of University Women sponsored the summit to help girls work out these concerns and more, both individually and as a group.
Invited to the school by the JASMINE club, which encourages girls to pursue math and science careers, four members of the AAUW facilitated small discussion groups and helped the girls create action plans to be powerful in their lives. In addition, participants drew up an Everywoman's Bill of Rights and discussed how society's expectations and stereotypes may also trap men and boys.
For these girls, at least a generation removed from the height of the women's liberation movement, it was an eye-opening afternoon.
"From my mother, I learned it's OK to be outspoken," said Samantha Ennis, eighth-grade and a member of the JASMINE club. "This week, I learned here that we don't have to be stereotypes; I knew it but it helped to hear it."
The women's history lesson provided much new information to eighth grader Ariel Wheelock.
"I didn't know some of the things women have done, like all the inventions," said Wheelock, a member of the JASMINE club. "Back then, women had to put their inventions in their husband's name. Like the plans for the cotton gin were invented by Eli Whitney's wife."
The issues of media images, academic intimidation and teasing were also hot buttons for these girls. Girls stated they were angry and disgusted that their peers and society rewarded girls for their looks or acting sexy, whereas academic or sports achievements were less valued.
On a similar note, some girls noted they did not feel comfortable taking math or science courses after a certain age and were not sure about pursuing careers in those fields. Others spoke of how rudeness and poor manners were the norm among their peers, especially among young men who seemed to be treated indulgently for this poor behavior.
"Instead of lowering our expectations, I think we should put the pressure on them to raise theirs," said Whitney Miller, an eighth-grade student and member of the JASMINE club. "It is really comforting to come here and be a girl and be outspoken and fit in."
The AAUW promotes Sister-to-Sister summits nationwide to help girls struggling with complex issues at a vulnerable age. The summits began after the association completed a study that indicated girls were being shortchanged in school. Targeting girls ages 12-16, the summit provides a safe venue to discuss issues facing female adolescents today.
Members of the Traverse City branch held the first local Sister-to-Sister summit two years ago with the JASMINE club. They were pleased to be invited back again this year.
"It is not that we think we can solve the world's problems in three hours," said Irene Brown of the AAUW. "But we wanted to get the girls thinking about these issues and give them a chance to discuss them."
In just the intervening two years, facilitator Marilyn Sisk has noticed a change in the girls and their concerns. Even in that short time, she noted that their attitudes seem to be more positive and upbeat, a development she finds very encouraging.
"Two years ago, image was a big issue and this year they seem to be more self-assured," Sisk said. "I just love that."