To paraphrase Tina Turner, what’s gender got to do with it? Are women still second-class citizens? Come out to the Feb. 20 Speech Trek speech contest and hear what today’s teenagers say about it.
The competition will be held at the Valley Hi-North Laguna Library community room, 7400 Imagination Parkway, Sacramento, 95823. This program is open to the public.
In early November, Speech Trek Committee members Ann Arneill-Py, Shari Beck, and Liz Jordan visited nine Elk Grove Unified School District high school campuses, providing informational workshops to interested students. The workshops provided students with a discussion of the topic, the details about the contest, and some resources for writing and delivering an original 5-6 minute speech. As a part of the outreach program, the committee members also give students and teachers information about AAUW and our history of working to end gender bias and inequality.
This year the complete topic question asks: What is gender bias and inequality? What is its impact on people? Why should organizations such as AAUW continue to work to change its practice? The contest lasts until noon, when student winners are awarded cash prizes: $100 for 3rd place, $200 for 2nd place, and $400 for 1st place. Typically we host about 10 contestants.
This year is the ninth annual contest held by the Sacramento Branch of AAUW. Members attending past contests say they feel energized and hopeful by the experience. They have watched and listened to young women and men exhibiting the leadership skills needed to contribute to our society. To prepare for the contest, student speakers analyze human behavior, research evidence, and coherently write about that analysis. They practice public speaking delivery skills and bravely deliver their speeches. Are these the young people who will create that society where gender has nothing do with opportunity or expectations? The Speech Trek committee invites you to join us for the possibility.
Speech Trek Contest
Saturday, February 20, 2016
9 a.m. –noon
Valley Hi-North Laguna Library Community Room
7400 Imagination Parkway, Sacramento (Off Bruceville Road and across from Cosumnes River College)
Liz Jordan, 916-354-9608, lizjord@msn.com
Shari Beck, 916-451-5143, gsbeck@surewest.net
Ann Arneill-Py, 916-942-9227, ann@arneill-py.sacramento.ca.us
Mary Ann Fleming, 916-688-3417