On Friday, April 1, Soroptimist International of Cypress and members of the Boys and Girls Club of Cypress’ SMART Girls Program toured City Hall and Council Chambers with Mayor Mariellen Yarc and Councilmember Stacy Berry. The girls experienced firsthand how City Council meetings are held and enjoyed sitting on the dais, taking turns sitting in the Mayor’s chair. Mayor Yarc spoke about serving on Council and answered questions posed by the girls. “This is a wonderful way to expose these impressionable young women to local government and public service.
On Friday, April 1, Soroptimist International of Cypress and members of the Boys and Girls Club of Cypress’ SMART Girls Program toured City Hall and Council Chambers with Mayor Mariellen Yarc and Councilmember Stacy Berry. The girls experienced firsthand how City Council meetings are held and enjoyed sitting on the dais, taking turns sitting in the Mayor’s chair. Mayor Yarc spoke about serving on Council and answered questions posed by the girls. “This is a wonderful way to expose these impressionable young women to local government and public service. My hope is they came away seeing their potential as future leaders in their community and the importance of giving back,” shared Councilmember Berry. SMART Girls is short for Skills Mastery and Resistance Training, and is a program of the Boys and Girls Club. Cypress Soroptimist sponsors and volunteers as mentors for this yearly spring program. Soroptimist member Donna Kastner organizes the provided 10 week curriculum which includes discussion, favors and snacks. Topics include self-esteem, healthy eating, exercise, hygiene and healthy friendships. Soroptimist International is a worldwide volunteer organization working to improve the lives of women and girls by supporting programs leading to social and economic empowerment. We meet bi-monthly; the second Wednesday at noon and the fourth Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. at the Cypress Courtyard by Marriott. Join us and see what we do for the community! For more information go to www.CypressSoroptimist.org or email us at sicypress@soroptimist.net.