Raising Girls’ Voices: Guiding Girls to Listen, Trust, Share, and Use Their Voices

By Lindsay Sealey M.A. Ed.

Lindsay Sealey learned early in life that her voice was her secret power. In using her voice, Sealey gained confidence and an authentic sense of self. In a collection of photographs and interviews with everyday girls, Sealey provides young women with relatable stories, solid advice, and inspiration that will help them find the strength and courage to raise their own voices. Sealey’s diverse subjects share insight into how they view themselves, what makes them feel strong and powerful, what they worry about, advice they have for younger girls, and their opinions on friendship, social media, and school. Through the powerful conversations, other girls will learn that their voices matter and to use their voices in the best possible way—to create and shape the world for the better. Raising Girls’ Voices shares a collection of interviews with strong and confident girls that will empower and enlighten other girls to use their voices to create positive change.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lulu Publishing Services
• Release date: Nov 3, 2018
• ISBN: 9781483492292

Book preview

Ed.

Copyright © 2018 Lindsay Sealey, M.A. Ed.

Interior Image Credit: Lexa Bergen (unless otherwise stated; all permissions granted)

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced, stored, or transmitted by any means—whether auditory, graphic, mechanical, or electronic—without written permission of the author, except in the case of brief excerpts used in critical articles and reviews. Unauthorized reproduction of any part of this work is illegal and is punishable by law.

This book is a work of non-fiction. Unless otherwise noted, the author and the publisher make no explicit guarantees as to the accuracy of the information contained in this book and in some cases, names of people and places have been altered to protect their privacy.

ISBN: 978-1-4834-9230-8 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4834-9229-2 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2018912249

Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Getty Images are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Getty Images.

Lulu Publishing Services rev. date: 10/22/2018

Praise for Raising Girls’ Voices

"To be seen, to be understood, and to be loved are the most powerful gifts we can offer one other. Raising Girls’ Voices does this by creating a platform for girls’ true stories, and allows readers to recognize a bit of themselves in each story and feel connected through our similarities. This book is a gift of love, honour, and camaraderie."

—Paulina Cameron, bestselling author of Canada 150 Women:

Conversations with Leaders, Champions, and Luminaries

"Raising Girls’ Voices is a guiding light in a confusing world filled with endless buzz and stimulation. It is an inspiring book of real-life stories, encouraging young women to listen to their inner voice of empowerment that is all too often drowned out by the loud fear-ridden voice of conformity. Lindsay gently yet profoundly encourages us to remember the truth of who we are in a world that often tries to tell us otherwise."

—Amanda Beisel, founder of Forget Beauty

Lindsay has created a powerful resource for our girls, one that is built on authenticity and relatability. This is exactly what they need right now, to know that they are brilliant and worthy of anything they can dream up—they just have to go get it!

—Shelby, owner of gracie’s gals

"Once again, Lindsay Sealey has written a timely, relevant, and inspiring book, not just for girls, but for anyone who cares about raising girls to be confident, strong, and brave. The girls and young women interviewed in Raising Girls’ Voices are a testament to the power of walking alongside girls during their most formative and critical years. Sealey’s questions and resources are helpful not only for girls, but for any woman who’s lost a little of her voice as she makes her way in a world that may try and silence her. I will be putting this book in my own daughters’ hands as well as recommending it to both women and parents of the girls with whom I work."

—Milissa Ewing, pastor of Family Ministries, Tenth Church

Dedication

For my readers: I sincerely hope this book gives you the inspiration, motivation, and confidence you need to find your voice and know its power.

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Photo credit: Mathieu Champagne

Your voice is like no one else's.

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Introduction

When I was young, I was not shy about sharing my voice. I grew up with three brothers so if I didn’t speak up, I wouldn’t get the school snacks I wanted; if I didn’t speak out against injustices, they’d get away with excluding me from wrestling matches held on the trampoline. My voice was my secret power.

When I played with the girls in my neighbourhood, we all used our voices. We cooperatively took turns inventing games and deciding who would play what role. In this case, I was a natural leader. But I was also comfortable following the leader.

As I grew up, my leadership skills were interpreted as being bossy, and my peers didn’t hesitate to tell me so. Instead of understanding their comments were a reflection of their own insecurities, I concluded there must be something wrong with me. How dare I be so bossy! So I silenced my own voice: I became quieter and smaller. I held back.

It took me a long time to find my voice once again and to believe in myself enough to use it. The little voice in my head saying, who are you to speak up? got quieter as the voice, telling me that my opinions held value, grew stronger.

When I started using my voice, I noticed two changes. One, my voice became more clear and confident. Two, instead of speaking to gain the approval of others, I spoke because I believed I already had self-worth. My bravery overtook my fear.

In my work with girls, I use my voice to educate and empower them to be authentic and confident. I encourage them to share their thoughts and feelings, to stand up for themselves, to stand up for others, and to speak out for causes they believe in. At the same time, I remind them that speaking up requires a balance between asking for your desires and waiting for what you really want. As I continue to use my voice—even when it’s hard—I teach girls to do the same. My story of once silencing my voice has become my story of now listening to my voice.

Every day, I use my voice to ask questions and tell stories. I use it when I write and when I sing. I use my voice when I set boundaries and say, That’s not okay with me. I shout for social justice, and exclaim, That’s not right! Sometimes, I choose to quiet my voice, not because I’m afraid to speak but because sometimes it’s better to listen.

I take the time to hear what my inner voice tells me. I let my voice guide me and I use it when I need to speak. Know this: my voice matters and so does yours!

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This book emerged from the experiences and insights I have gained from working with girls. I have seen countless girls use their voices at first, only to give them up