About the Project
About Finding Voices
Finding Voices is a Girl Scout Silver Award project — a student-led effort to help peers and educators understand Selective Mutism and build school communities where every voice belongs.
A Girl Scout Silver Award project
The Silver Award is one of the highest honors a Girl Scout Cadette can earn. It recognizes a young person who finds a real need in their community and takes lasting action — this website is that action.
A note from the creator
Hi, I'm [Creator's name], the student behind Finding Voices.
Placeholder: A short, personal introduction goes here — who she is, her grade and troop, and the personal motivation that inspired her to choose Selective Mutism awareness for her Silver Award project.
I created this project because I believe small acts of understanding can change how it feels to walk into a classroom. My hope is that every student who visits leaves knowing one kind, practical way to help a classmate feel welcome.
Why Finding Voices exists
From misunderstanding to inclusion
The problem
Peers and educators may misunderstand Selective Mutism — mistaking it for shyness, rudeness, or a choice. That confusion can increase a student's isolation and pressure at exactly the moments they need support.
The solution
Finding Voices offers practical peer education, ready-to-use teacher tools, and accessible resources — all written in warm, everyday language so understanding turns into real, everyday kindness.
The goal
To create lasting awareness and more inclusive school communities — places where students who communicate differently are met with patience, respect, and belonging.
Built to last
How this project creates lasting change
A Silver Award project is measured by the change it leaves behind. Finding Voices is designed to keep helping long after launch by spreading through the communities that shape students' days.
Schools & classrooms
Sharing the site with teachers and principals so peer-friendly understanding reaches everyday classrooms.
Counselors & support staff
Giving school counselors a warm, ready-to-share resource to support students and families.
Girl Scout communities
Inviting troops and service units to learn, share, and build on this awareness work.
Youth organizations
Reaching clubs and community groups so more young people learn how to include every voice.
With gratitude
Expert advisor feedback & acknowledgments
Placeholder: This section will thank the educators, counselors, and advisors who reviewed the content and offered guidance, along with any expert feedback that helped shape the project. Finding Voices is a student-led awareness project and is not formally affiliated with any medical organization unless noted here once confirmed.
Share your thoughts
Project feedback
Have an idea that would make Finding Voices clearer or more helpful? Share general feedback about the website below. Please don't include health information or personal stories about a specific child.
What this form is for
- Suggestions to improve the site's clarity, tone, or usefulness.
- Ideas for sharing the project with schools or youth groups.
- Kind words or general encouragement for the project.
For support with a specific student, please reach out to a qualified professional or a trusted organization from the resources page.
Every voice belongs.
Thank you for supporting a student-led effort to make schools kinder and more inclusive. Explore the guides and take one small, welcoming step today.