Girls’ conference set for Aug. 5

— By PATRIC FLANNIGAN

Staff writer

The second annual “I am a Champion Girls Empowerment Conference" for 6th-12th grade students will be held from 9:30 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. on Aug. 5 at the Charles O. Ross Center, 764 California St. in Camden.

The event will be presented by Arnetta Brunson’s SHeBridges, Inc. organization. Brunson started SHeBridges because she said she has always had a desire to sponsor an event that will mentor girls in the area. The word "Bridges" in the entity's title is an acronym for "building responsible individuals deliberately guiding expecting success."

Brunson stated that it is important for girls to register as soon as possible so the materials for the event can be ordered and ready for the attendees.

In 2016, the group offered a full day of encouragement for local girls, and this year the event will do the same but be more “personal,” Brunson revealed.

"We want to make it more relatable for the girls here,” Brunson said. “This year, we will have two journalist that will be there to share their experiences and encourage the girls.”

Adrianne Toney of "Be Darling, Full of Grace: Pedigree, Protocol and Leadership," and Tara Shephard of "Who Am I: A Girls Guide to Thinking it Through" are both published authors who are scheduled to speak at the event.

Brunson stressed how the area is full of great young women that are full of potential, but that they just need someone to point them in the right direction.

She also explained that statistics have shown that Arkansas is one of the states with the most girls in the juvenile system, and Brunson shared her optimism that the statistic can change by being active supporters in the live of area youth. She also emphasized how important it is for children to see the people they look up to carry themselves in an appropriate manner.

“We have to stop saying how bad they are and start helping,” Brunson said. “You can’t be what you can't see. All of us (adults) have to realize they are looking up to us. It may not be my mother or grandmother who says or does something that inspires me. It could be a nurse or a teacher. Every encounter with our young people is important. The young girls are watching, and we have to show them as well as tell them.”

The event will feature various presenters, a live DJ, door prizes, breakfast and lunch. In addition to the activities, there will be free backpacks, books and school supplies for the attendees.

“It’s hard to expect a child to succeed if they don’t have what they need,” Brunson said. “We understand that their are a lot of kids who want and can learn, but they may have problems with getting the equipment they need in school.”

Registration is available at www.SheBridges.org, or can be completed by contacting Brunson at 675-0496.

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