Happy National Women’s History Month!

It’s March, and that means it’s National Women’s History Month! NWHM was started in 1987 to acknowledge and recognize the amazing accomplishments of women with a goal of inspiring girls and women to recognize their own limitless potential and giving boys and men a full understanding of the female experience.

The theme for this year’s NWHM is Women Taking the Lead to Save Our Planet, and the women being recognized include scientists, engineers, business leaders, writers, filmmakers, conservationists, teachers, community organizers, religious or workplace leaders or others whose lives show exceptional vision and leadership to save our planet.

Learning about women who have triumphed against negative forces and have had an effect on many people in their lifetime and after can be inspirational. Here are some suggestions, courtesy of the National Women’s Month Project and Alex Glanz–Berger (Newton North H.S.), to help you be creative while learning.

• Imagine doing anything, then narrow down the list to the more manageable ideas.
• Use local resources. Start with your school faculty and librarian and other people you know, and then the people they know.
• Don’t be shy. Call any organization or person the least bit related to your topic. If they can’t provide appropriate resources or speakers, they may be able to suggest another source. Remember, not many high school students plan programs themselves, and most people will be thrilled that you called.
• The internet offers a plethora of ideas. Women’s organizations offer a lot of on–line information through their web sites. Ask for their help, too.
• Contact the local media. Your program will be of interest to local newspaper readers and television viewers, and you merit the attention.
• A few of your classmates may react in an immature or insecure way. Choose the battles you want to fight and don’t take things personally. Plan your reaction and do the best you can.

How much do you know about the famous women in history who made important contributions to the world? Take the National Women’s History Project quiz and find out!