Beautiful Empowerment -- Young Ladies of Lucasville

Interview

By Dorothy Parker, Copyright 1926 and renewed 1954

The ladies men admire, I’ve heard,

Would shudder at a wicked word.

Their candle gives a single light;

They’d rather stay at home at night.

They do not keep awake till three,

Nor read erotic poetry.

They never sanction the impure,

Nor recognize an overture.

They shrink from powders and from paints ...

So far, I’ve had no complaints.

Record numbers of women are making their voices heard in Congress. 75 million women are now in the U.S. workforce. Women are better educated than ever before; they are earning more than ever; and they are starting business and philanthropic empires that are changing the world.

You've come a long, long way, baby … but women have more work to do to change perceptions and ensure gender equality for future generations. The young ladies of America are fighting for change. Their combined voices are one of the most powerful forces of the 20^th century, capable of uplifting every American community.

And, these ladies are doing their empowerment work right here in Lucasville.

Through efforts such as the Miss Bicentennial Pageant and the Lucasville Oral History Project, the Lucasville Area Historical Society is working to empower young women in our community. Part of our mission is to help young girls and women have a stronger voice and achieve their full potential. The ladies involved in these activities represent many of the most strong, reliable assets of the population.

Although women are still stereotyped even in Western countries, they excel in all work and social domains. We must strive to offer young women endless opportunities to succeed, and we must put them in positions to showcase their various talents. There is no substitute for their vigor and their stamina. We must help shatter detrimental gender stereotypes. Our group remains committed to working hand-in-hand with all our youth.

How Can We Help Empower Young Women?

* We can help build their communication skills.

The voice of young women must be heard. Girls must be taught to express themselves articulately to build their presence so that they can claim a more active role. We want to help these ladies achieve by giving them opportunities to express their good writing and speaking skills.

* We can help build their decision-making roles.

Young women have important views on all issues such as governance, allocation of resources, equality, and the environment. An educated girl knows her rights and recognizes her responsibilities. We want to make young ladies participants in the decision-making processes that affect their present and future lives.

* We can help provide leadership space.

Of all the activities for women’s empowerment, this may be the most important. Allowing for this space to allow young leadership not only instills confidence but also raises young women to a level where they can better empower others. We hope to assist these youth as they become young, active leaders in our modern society.

* We can provide the best protection available.

Approximately one-third of U.S. women have suffered physical or sexual violence. Nearly half of all women in the United States have experienced psychological aggression by an intimate partner in their lifetime. This means we must better prevent violence before it happens by engaging men and boys and also by harnessing new technologies.

The Charge For Our Young Ladies

Is is imperative that a progressive community invests in empowering young women. This requires a community to educate, mentor, and provide strong youth engagement programs. And, of course, this charge means that the adults, and yes, even the seniors, step up to the plate and positively impact the young. That means significant investments of money, time, and sweat. The costs may be high. However, these investments will pay endless dividends and build a stronger, more-unified community.

Valley Local Schools feature such a talented administration, staff, and student body. The tradition of excellence in education is deeply ingrained there, and it continues to inspire and serve local youth. Still, let us not forget that a community is more than just its schools. It also incorporates all the other residents, businesses, service clubs, and government entities of the area. The proper attitude presented to the youth is instilled at every place they frequent. Every positive word and attitude can contribute to success.

The Lucasville Area Historical Society is overwhelmingly comprised of confident, intelligent, dedicated women who work tirelessly to better a community in which they take so much pride. I hope the young women of the community feel more empowered by the efforts of this group. I know the rewards of working together can be very great. I have been so impressed with both groups – the young women of Valley High and the ladies of the Lucasville Area Historical Society. May they continue to foster positive growth in Lville. 

"I love to see a young girl go out and grab the world by the lapels. Life's a bitch. You've got to go out and kick ass."

– Maya Angelou