Activity/Program:
SpeakHER – Public Speaking, Confidence-Building, and Media Training

Purpose:
To advance education and support the mental well-being of girls and female-identifying youth by cultivating self-confidence, public speaking abilities, and media literacy, enabling them to express themselves with clarity, courage, and authority.

Description:
SpeakHER is a 10-week structured program delivered 2–3 times annually to youth aged 12–20. The curriculum includes training in speech writing, vocal empowerment, stage presence, and trauma-informed communication. The program concludes with a live or recorded showcase, eventually a TEDx, enabling participants to demonstrate learned skills.

The program includes trauma-informed communication practices to help participants overcome fear, shame, and anxiety about being seen and heard.

Program Details:

The program culminates in a live or recorded showcase, where each participant presents a 3–5 minute talk on a topic of personal importance.
Biweekly workshops (2 hours each) include:

• Confidence and presence-building exercises

• Guest speakers from media, stage, and advocacy sectors

• Group coaching and peer feedback

• Vocal empowerment and embodiment techniques

• Final event production and celebration of youth voices (filmed and shared)
  
  

Beneficiaries & Selection Process:
Participants will be selected via application, prioritizing youth with lived experiences of marginalization or trauma. School boards, shelters, and youth centers will assist with outreach. 

Financials/Legalities: No fees charged.

All content and publishing contracts are overseen by the Foundation. 

Youth sign release/consent forms.

Projected Expenditures: $15,000–$20,000/year

• Facilitator and coach honorariums: $5,000

• Venue/showcase production: $4,000

• Materials, filming, and promotional videos: $3,000

• Transportation, snacks, and accessibility supports: $3,000–$5,000
  
  

Involvement of Employees and Volunteers:

• 1 Program Coordinator (paid)

• 3–4 volunteer mentors and facilitators trained in trauma-informed communication

• All volunteers will undergo trauma-informed facilitation training and criminal record checks
  
  

Partnerships or Intermediaries:  Local media outlets, community theaters, and educational institutions will support venues, exposure, and referrals.

Delivery Method: Hybrid model; Toronto-based workshops with virtual options.

Start Date: October 2025