Book cover image used by  permission of author, Laurie Halse Anderson

The Inspiration

​
Starting the Conversation is a Girl Scout Gold Award video project created by Girl Scout Ambassador, Amani Ward. The purpose is to bring awareness to the issue of teenage sexual peer pressure, harassment, assault and the emotional impact it can have on teens. The idea was inspired by the book "Speak" written by Laurie Halse Anderson, a young adult novel that tells the story of high-school freshman, Melinda Sordino. Sordino was the victim of a sexual assault that took place during a party the summer before her freshman year in high school. The incident took away her ability to SPEAK UP about what happened which sent her spiraling into a state of depression.
Coming Soon! Starting the Conversation-Part 2 "Your Rights Under Title IX"
As I continue to bring awareness to the issue of sexual assault and harassment, it is important to educate both students and parents regarding their rights under the Title IX Federal Law. Through my partnership with SSAIS (stopsexualassaultinschools.org) in Part 2, we will take a closer look at Title IX and the requirements of compliance.
​10.5% of all HS age girls have been sexually assaulted."
Source: U.S. Centers of Disease Control and Prevention 2012
One in three boys ages 15-17 say they feel pressure to have sex, often from male friends."
Source: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/articles/200305/peer-pressure-and-teen-sex
​Incidents like these often go under-reported but the fact is that misogyny and sexual harassment are stunningly common in young people's lives."
Source: https://www.thelily.com/sexual-harassment-among-teens-is-pervasive-heres-how-parents-can-change-that/
​Teens aged girls 16-19 were three and a half more times likely than the general population to be victims of rape, attempted rape or sexual assault."
Source: National Crime Victimization Survey. Bureau of Justice Statistics, U.S. Department of Justice, 1996


​Parents and other key adults in a young person's life often fall short or fail to address these issues"
Source: https://mcc.gse.harvard.edu/reports/the-talk

The Video

Dedication:
​"I dedicate this video to the people who have been victims of sexual peer pressure, harassment or sexual assault. As a result, you have lost the ability to SPEAK UP about what has happened to you. One thing I want you to know is that it is NOT your fault."
                                                                                                                                                                              -Amani
"Starting the Conversation" video (short version)
To view this video in it's entirety, visit the Starting the Conversation Project YouTube Channel.
Picture
World renowned saxophonist, Ryan Kilgore Click on image to purchase muisc
Original Music courtesy of Professional Saxophonist, Ryan Kiglore

Features selections:
"My Sunshine" and "Romance" from the CD Conversation with Love
available for purchase https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/conversation-with-love/621547795


ABOUT RYAN
A native of Atlanta, Georgia, Ryan Kilgore has been playing the soulful sounds of the saxophone since age 10. Being a fourth generation sax player is just one of the many milestones Ryan has come to accomplish over his musical career.  After playing in the band for four years at Southwest DeKalb High School, Ryan went on to attend Clark Atlanta University and was the first freshman to become drum major, as well as proud member of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Fraternity of America Inc. Ryan's musical inspiration came from his grandfather, Ester Betterson, who was not only in love with music, but also bought Ryan's first horn. Before joining Sol Factor in 2003, Ryan played on the Fighting Temptations soundtrack with vocalist Faith Evans, on the song titled "Heaven Knows", as well as performed on the Walt Disney movie Country Bears. He then continued to work with legendary producers/writers Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis as well as the phenomenal Stevie Wonder. Ryan is also no stranger to the film industry. He has made cameo appearances in 20th Century Fox's Drumline, Paramount Pictures' Fighting Temptations, and Tyler Perry's Diary of a Mad Black Woman. The feelings that he can't express verbally, he can express through his smooth sounds of "Saxuality." Ryan is an exceptional saxophone player who strives to instill in all people the importance of music's role in the enrichment of the human spirit.
​

Disclaimer Statement

​This video is designed to be solely used for informational and educational purposes to all who view it. It is with the understanding that the "Starting the Conversation" creative team is not engaged in producing any psychological, legal, or any professional advice. Furthermore, the content of the video is the sole expression and opinion of the creative director and interviewees and not necessarily that of Girl Scouts of Greater Atlanta or any of its affiliates whom therefore, shall not be held responsible for the content. Neither, the creative director or any of the interviewees shall be held liable for any physical, psychological, emotional, financial or commercial damages, including but not limited to, special, incidental, consequential or other damages. Our views and rights are the same: you are responsible for your own choices, actions, and results. 

Copyright

​Copyright © 2019 by Amani Ward All Rights Reserved.
The contents of this video are copyright protected and registered with the United States Copyright Office. Except with the prior verbal or  written permission of the creative director, Amani Ward, no person by any means may download, duplicate, reproduce, edit, publish, make available or disseminate through whatever means this piece of work or any content contained in this video.

What is the Girl Scout Gold Award?

  • ​The Girl Scout Gold Award is the highest and most prestigious award   in Girl Scouting. ​
  • The Gold Award is presented to girls in grades 9-12 who have planned and executed significant "Take Action" projects in response to pressing community needs.
  • University research indicates that adding the Gold Award to a college application is a critical element in the admissions decision process.
  • ​It can be compared to the Boy Scouts of America’s Eagle Scout. 
  • Gold Award Recipients on average spend one to two years on their projects. The average age of Gold Award Recipients is 17.
  • Since 1916, one million girls have earned the Gold Award or its equivalent.
  • Gold Award Recipients who join the armed services enter one rank higher than   other recruits.
Gold Award Requirements:
  • Complete two Girl Scout Senior or Ambassador Journeys, or complete one Girl Scout Senior or Ambassador journey and have earned the Silver Award.
  • It requires a minimum of 80 hours of work in planning and actually completing the project. 
  • Plans must be developed with the aid of an advisor, then a project proposal must be submitted and approved by the girl's local council before starting the project, and a final report submitted and approved after the project's completion.
Copyright 2019*Amani J. Ward* All Rights Reserved.