Facts:

• Forty workshops were performed between the two days. The workshops focused on self-esteem/creativity, critical issues, skill development, and girl's health.
• 418 girls and 100 adults registered for the conference
• 35 professional women shared their stories with girls regarding careers and educational opportunities

Results from the 2006 Believe in New Mexico Girls Conference Survey

During the 2006 Believe in New Mexico Girls Conference, the Commission asked the girls, what do YOU want to talk about? A list of 75 topics was presented, with room for girls to write in their own ideas too and they ranged from Sexual Assault to Poetry, Skin Care to Street Smarts. Here is a list of what the girls stated THEY wanted to see at future conferences/workshops. (*note: none of the workshops were described, the girls only chose from the topic title itself)

Teen Depression – 47% ; Teen Suicide – 44%; Teen Rights – 43% ; How Music Defines Us – 42% ; Teen Pregnancy – 40% ; Good Relationship with Boys; Basic Beauty Tips; Fitness/Exercise; Dealing with Peer Pressure; Skin Care; Smoking and Teens; Yoga; Decorating Your Bedroom/Your Space; Dating Violence; Anger Management; Girl Power; Safe Sex Practices; Child Abuse; Handling Stress; Teen Girls Around the World; Birth Control; Communicating with Parents; Stalking; Substance Abuse (Drugs); Teens and the Importance of Sleep; Poetry; Does Sex Equal Love?; Substance Abuse (Alcohol); Gangs and Gang Violence; Journaling; School Violence; Street Smarts; Cutting/Self-Mutilation; Teen Parenting; Sexual Assault & Date Rape; How to Pay for College; Eating Disorders; Sexism/Discrimination; Sexual Harassment; Bullying; Family Issues/Stepfamilies; Nutrition; Good Manners; Definition of Beauty; Tai Chi; Values: Making Good Choices; Volunteering; Goal Setting; Internet Safety; Achieving Your Dreams; Feminism for Teen Girls; Women's Folklore/Mythology; Girls and Technology; Organizational Skills; Female Stereotypes in the Media; Teen Gambling; Learning about Credit Cards; Survival Techniques in School; Taking a Risk; Title IX: Girls and Sports; Lesbian Issues; Breast Health; Abstinence; Appearance Health; Herstory – Women's History; Making Budgets; Menstruation; Time Management; Mentoring; Making Priorities; Handling Divorce; Non-traditional Careers for Girls; Parental Expectations; Character Education; Reproductive Health

The Believe in NM Girls 2006 Conference was a success - and doubled in size since 2005! The girls evaluated the conference with high accolades!

Special Thanks to our Partnering Organizations:

• Girl Scouts of Chaparral Council
• Linda Simon Consulting
• NM Coalition Against Domestic Violence
• NM Division of Vocational Rehabilitation
• NM Teen Pregnancy Coalition
• NM MESA
• Office of African American Affairs
• Peacemakers Consulting
• Soroptimist International of Albuquerque
• University of New Mexico Women 's Resource Center

"I really loved the 2006 girl's conference. I had the best experiences with teens on what they are really interested in. I really love it when they speak for themselves" --adult educator

"I am very happy my students were able to participate in such a worthwhile young women's conference" - adult educator

"Great job! My daughter really enjoyed herself. Thank you for giving her a great opportunity." - Albuquerque mother

"This was a great girl's conference and I learned a lot that I never thought a girl could do!!" - 16 years old, Bernalillo

"It was loads of fun and I made a lot of new friends" - 14 year old, Albuquerque

"I had fun, the workshops were great. I met new people from different cultures and backgrounds" - girl participant, Maxwell

"I want to come back next year - this was awesome. Thanks for everything" - girl participant from Gallup