Access for Young Women

Just wanted to spread the word about an organization I read about this morning. I'd also like to learn about more local orgs like this one as I am doing research and also looking for a place to volunteer this Fall. I guess this is more like posting an event, but here it goes:

Access for Young Women (AFYW) is a program of Queens Community House aimed at promoting gender equity and leadership in girls ages 12-18. Groups meet once a week for two hours starting the week of October 6th until late May and are held at sites in Forest Hills, Jackson Heights, and Newtown and Hillcrest High Schools.

AFYW provides an intensive 20-week leadership development curriculum that includes training in communication skills, problem solving, goal setting, and critical thinking. The young women who participate in the program also address important issues affecting their lives such as gender discrimination, self-esteem, body image, identity, and global issues. The program culminates with an Annual Youth Leadership conference organized and facilitated by the young women to educate their peers and spread awareness on issues of importance to them.

AFYW is now in its 15th year of providing valuable leadership opportunities to young women residing in Queens. The program has demonstrated proven results in increasing participants self-esteem, academic performance, leadership skills, and knowledge of gender issues. If you or someone you know would be interested in joining Access for Young Women please contact Tara Devineni, Director of Counseling and Leadership at 718-592-5757 ext. 252 or email her at tdevineni@queenscommunityhouse.org.