“What choice can you make today that will have a positive impact on your life?”

That was just one of the leading questions Najiva Timothee with the Girls Dig Deeper Initiative (GDDI) – one of our Macon Violence Prevention (MVP) partners – posed to a group of teenagers at a meeting of the Middle Georgia Regional Library’s Teen Advisory Board. She is meeting with the Board every fourth Saturday of the month to discuss topics related to Leadership Values.

The second session will focus on ‘character’ and is being held on April 27 from 2:00-3:00 p.m. at the Middle Georgia Regional Library (1180 Washington Avenue). It is open to any teen ages 13-17.

“The girls were engaged and given the opportunity to share their experiences, and how they handle everyday situations based on the topic of the lesson,” said Ms. Timothee of the first meeting, which happened in March. “They also learned and understood the benefit and the concept that choice is a gift they have.”

“We feel that leadership training is fundamental to providing the access to information and launch pad for our young talent,” says Jennifer Lautzenheiser, Middle Georgia Regional Library Director. “Our Library is here to improve the lives of our community, connecting them with our services, materials, and programs. We want everyone to have the tools they need to be successful.”

GDDI has received $15,500 in grant funding from Macon Violence Prevention. In the first round of funding, they received $5,500 and in the second round this year, they received $10,000 to offer leadership development programs designed to help young girls overcome barriers such as childhood poverty, chronic absenteeism, poor academic achievement, disability, adverse childhood experiences and community violence. 

To read more about the session in March, click here.