Conversation was at the root of electing the first-ever female head of state on the continent of Africa. The country was Liberia and their newly elected President - Ellen Johnson Sirleaf – spoke at the inaugural NC Conference for Women in 2006.

During her remarks, she recalled that it was the often poor and sometimes marginalized market women who elected her. Fed up with the country’s current conditions and ready for change, Sirleaf’s election started with these women speaking with each other, exchanging views, and sharing information. Simple conversation turned into transformation of historical proportions.

After Sirleaf’s remarks at the conference, conversation ensued the rest of the day—and months after— about women in politics. And through that, an idea was born.

Here we are, three years later. The idea – Girls Rock the House – is now a national program to encourage 8th grade girls to learn about, and be a part of, the political process. Check it out at www.girlsrockthehouse.org.

Perhaps you’ve had a conversation that’s sparked an idea or changed your life.

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