Julia, one of the members of our Speakers’ Bureau Dream Team (as I like to call it) knows exactly why she joined the Because I am a Girl movement:

“It is more than just getting the government to sign a piece of paper and assigning Sept 22nd the day of the girl. It is about getting the message out there and speak for the voiceless and help the weak. Through the Plan State of girls publications, I realized that our sisters on the other half of the globe have their rights taken away, living in poor conditions and we who live in Canada is enjoying our lives often without a care for the world.”

From this statement, you’ve probably guessed already that Julia knows how to stand up for girls, and she’s also pretty good in English class. But, she tells me, economics and math are her favourite subjects. And when she’s not busy with volunteering and participating in extra-curriculars, she’s into the age-old girls’ pastime of shopping.

After having done tons of presentations to schools and universities about the Because I am a Girl campaign, I asked Julia if she’s got any tips for those of use who get nervous in front of crowds (like me). Before the big day, she suggests to having your speech checked over by your mentor and friends, so they can tell you what’s hot and what’s not about it. When its speech time, “Speak your heart out,” says Julia. “Just be yourself and relaxxxxxxx!” If that’s easier said than done for you, she recommends pretending that you’re talking to your best friend!

Julia gives us a good reason to get up and get over our stage fright:

“We have two hands that are blessed to us, why not use them? We have the  freedom of speech given to us, then why aren’t we using it either? I joined this movement because I want to change the way other girls my age see the world and tell them what they can do to change it.”