The University of Utah College of Social Work has been traveling to local schools to administer a program that helps girls build confidence in themselves. Called the Dixon Girls Forums, the school-based programs help girls in grades 3-12 learn about and develop a range of leadership skills. The curriculum was developed based on the findings from the Leadership Skills Inventory by researchers Frances Karnes and Jane Chauvin, who classified the skills necessary for leadership development into nine categories: written communication, speech communication, character building, decision making, group dynamics, problem solving, personal and planning. The Dixon Girls Forums bring together young women with leadership potential at a school, including those elected to student government, girls who ran for an office and were not elected, girls appointed to or elected to head social or activity clubs, captains of sports teams and more informal leaders as identified by school administration. The Forums provoke ongoing discussion by the girls, heighten their awareness of what type of leaders they are, and help them identify which skills need improvement. (Learn more here.) Media is invited to observe the program and interview participants by attending a Dixon Girls Forum at Hillcrest High School on the afternoon of Friday. Dec. 18 from  8 to 9:30 a.m. Check in at the office of the school, 7350 South 900 East, Midvale.
*For questions, contact Jennifer Nozawa, public relations specialist, University of Utah College of Social Work, 801-585-9303, Jennifer.nozawa@socwk.utah.edu.