What is a Women's History Breakfast?

In short:

IT IS A LOOK AT THE PERSONAL HISTORIES OF WOMEN IN YOUR COMMUNITY WHO’S LIFE JOURNEYS MIRROR THE STRUGGLES AND SUCCESSES OF WOMEN ALL OVER THE WORLD AND WHO’S SHARED EXPERIENCES CAN INSPIRE THE YOUNG WOMEN IN YOUR SCHOOL TO REACH THEIR POTENTIAL AND TO ACHIEVE THEIR GOALS.

Why hold a Women’s History Breakfast?

As educators, we know that the forces at work in a young woman’s life are complex. Her values and choices affect and are affected by her life in school, at home, and by her friends. As a young woman learning about herself, she may be fearful of the future, unsure of her place in it, or unaware of the choices she could be making in preparation for her future. The professional women who have attended our breakfasts have shown our students that there are many opportunities for women in the workplace. They have shared their experiences, good and bad, including how they overcame roadblocks and setbacks along the way. They model the qualities that can take a person from youth to a successful, productive and happy future. Without knowledge and guidance, a young woman may decide that it is easy to give up, easy to follow the crowd, or to choose the same road as the women in their own families because that is all they know. This is the primary goal of the Women’s History Breakfast. Each year we plan for an eye-opening and inspirational gathering, and so far our students and guests have not been disappointed. Networking among the women and students has also been a positive outcome of the breakfast. Business cards are often exchanged along with the encouragement for future contact.

Our guests have included women from the FAA, stockbrokers, CEO’s, school principals and teachers, salon owners, pilots, policewomen, lawyers, doctors and midwives to name a few. Our teachers often drop in when they have the time to witness for themselves just what the students are talking about. We are all truly amazed and moved!

If you think that you would like to hold a Women’s History Breakfast in March 2008 and you need assistance or advice, please call the Social Studies Department at Oakcrest High School at 609-909-2628, or email sforeman@geh.nj.k12us.com, skane@geh.nj.k12us.com, or msimpson@geh.nj.k12us.com.