Girls Using Their Strengths (GUTS!) is a unique, community-based leadership and empowerment program designed by and for young women, ages 9 to 18. Part of YWCA Missoula's Leadership Institute for Women & Girls, GUTS! encourages young women to explore their own personal values and discover their strengths through wilderness adventures in the summer, continuing during the school year with after-school groups and community service projects.

In the face of a culture that sexualizes young girls and places more value on external appearance rather than inner strength, GUTS! provides a safe and supportive environment for girls. Our women staff and volunteers help girls build their confidence, explore important issues, develop strong and healthy relationships, practice their leadership skills, learn about the environment and the world, laugh, play, and have FUN!

Sign me up for GUTS!

To join an after-school group or register for a summer outdoor wilderness adventure, call Roe Erin at 543.6691 or email rerin@ywcaofmissoula.org.

Volunteer with GUTS!

Volunteers in the GUTS! program work to provide a safe and supportive environment for young women to discover who they are and what skills and talents they can offer the community. Upon completion of a six-hour training, GUTS! volunteers lead outdoor summer adventures, facilitate action groups through out the school year, and help out with community adventures all year long. For more information, contact program manager Roe Erin at 543.6691 or at rerin@ywcaofmissoula.org.

Interested in becoming a volunteer now? Fill out the GUTS! volunteer application below! The application deadline for the spring 2013 action groups is Monday, February 4th. Training will be held on Wednesday, February 6th from 5:30 pm-8:30 pm and Monday, February 11th from 5:30 pm - 8:30 pm.

Interested in creating a GUTS! group in your community?

GUTS! offers program start-up guides and facilitator manuals and holds community trainings for those interested in implementing girls' empowerment groups in communities outside Missoula. These trainings present opportunities for leaders of western Montana to work together in creating successful and sustainable after-school programs for girls. Contact Erin Barstow, AmeriCorps VISTA volunteer at 543.6691 or ebarstow@ywcaofmissoula.org for more information!