[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 57 (Monday, May 2, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E768]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   CELEBRATING THE LEAGUE OF BLACK WOMEN'S ``BRING A GIRL INTO YOUR 
   WORLD'' MENTORING PROGRAM AND EIGHTH ANNUAL LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. ALCEE L. HASTINGS

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                          Monday, May 2, 2011

  Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 
extraordinary efforts of the League of Black Women on their annual 
leadership conference that commences on May 17, 2011. The conference 
will commemorate the amazing work this organization continues to do in 
order to equip women with strong leadership skills and invaluable life 
experiences.
  The League of Black Women was founded in the 1970's by Dr. Arnita 
Young Boswell, and in the intervening years it has set itself apart as 
a powerful vehicle for lasting impact by evolving to fit the needs of 
its membership as they navigate a world in flux. Indeed, our globalized 
society is anything but stagnant, and neither is the League. With 
nearly 10,000 members worldwide, each decade has ushered new service 
themes for the organization. From a higher education and community 
service focus, to career development, to networking, to its current 
concentration on leadership research, education, and joyful living, it 
takes a pervasive approach to promoting leadership and success amongst 
its membership.
  Mr. Speaker, I am most impressed with the League's efforts to reach 
youth through its ``Bring a Girl into Your World'' mentoring program. 
This initiative pairs middle school girls in low-income, at-risk school 
districts with league members to help broaden their minds, horizons, 
and visions for the future. So many young people underperform through 
crucial high school years, because they have not been challenged to 
consider the reality, let alone the opportunity, of their future career 
paths. Through their strategic focus on this age group, the League 
provides young girls with this invaluable insight at a critical 
juncture in their lives.
  I am firmly committed to serving the underserved and to promoting 
diversity in all avenues of society. This program falls perfectly in 
line with those objectives by opening doors for African American girls 
to reach their full potential. Our society has so much to gain from the 
unique talents and perspectives of these remarkable young women, and I 
offer my heartfelt gratitude to the League for their enduring work to 
raise their chances at leading full, successful lives.
  Important initiatives like the ``Bring a Girl into Your World'' 
program facilitate the League's goal of achieving global impact and 
leadership through the development of strong, genuine interpersonal 
relationships and networks. This aim is showcased in the theme of its 
eighth national strategic leadership conference entitled ``Black Women 
2011: New World Power . . . When Your World Is Not Enough.'' This 
conference will be held in May 17-20, 2011 in Tampa, FL and promises 
the continued empowerment of the League's membership through nuanced 
and expert guidance in a host of vital topics that address both 
professional and personal betterment.
  Again, congratulations to the League of Black Women on their strides 
toward bringing equality and opportunity to the disadvantaged youth of 
this nation, and on this year's conference. Your efforts are truly 
inspiring.

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