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Our
Success
Since 1995 Powerful Voices has been improving the lives of adolescent
girls in Seattle through innovative evidence-based programs in public
middle schools and in and out of juvenile detention. The organization
was formed to address issues at their root, by instilling leadership skills,
fostering the development of critical thinking, and promoting the individual
potential in adolescent girls. Our mission is firmly rooted in our belief
that strong girls become strong womene anticipate that each girl who participates
in our programs leaves with a greater sense of self-respect, ability and
confidence. And our mission is firmly rooted in our belief that strong
girls make strong women.
Since completing
its first assignment in 1995 – a county-wide needs assessment on
behalf of the King County Women’s Advisory Board – Powerful
Voices has been recognized for its valuable work in supporting adolescent
girls during a crucial period in their lives. The organization has been
spotlighted on the front page of the Seattle Post-Intelligencer; in 2000
it was a recipient of a National Juvenile Justice Award and in 2004 was
recognized as an exceptional organization by the City of Seattle.
Measuring
our Success
We anticipate that each girl who participates in our programs leaves with
a greater sense of self-respect, ability and confidence. And our mission
is firmly rooted in our belief that strong girls make strong women. Defining
program effectiveness begins by combining national best practice research
on youth development and prevention science with contextual forces such
as the amount of time a girl spends with us, the larger circumstances
of her life and her own readiness. Over time, these definitions are shaped
by lessons learned from girls, instructors, volunteers and others who
participate in our programs. Our outcomes are aligned with Mayor Greg
Nickels' Children and Youth policy focused on two main areas: academic
achievement and school readiness and; providing a safe, secure environment
for children and youth.
We use principles from the Search Institute's Developmental Asset Model
as well as the Communities that Care model that focus on avoiding high
risk behaviors and promoting positive attitudes and behaviors. This intensive
investment by communities and schools provides children with the building
blocks they need to navigate adolescence.
Measurement tools
We employ a variety of methods to measure program effectiveness. We use
survey data, self-reports, interviews and behavioral outcome tracking.
Our ultimate goal is to identify the ways in which girls in our programs
change and grow. We look for specific changes including greater access
to resources, changes in attitude regarding health and sexual decision-making,
lowered risk for victimization, greater sense of personal safety, increased
job readiness, increased peer and adult support, and increased skills
in self-expression, critical thinking, cultural critique, and activism.
We also measure the ways that girls transfer learning from our programs
to other places and relationships in their lives.