COEUR D’ALENE — The more tools young adults have to advocate for themselves and pursue their dreams, the better. 

That’s the guiding principle behind a Soroptimist International of Coeur d’Alene’s “Dream It, Be It” event.

Girls from eighth through 12th grade are invited to participate from 9:15 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Saturday at the Kootenai County Fairgrounds.

The group believes firmly in the power of mentorship in growing minds and resources for girls and young women as they enter the transitory phase in their lives where they can start going after their goals.

District 3 Soroptimist Director Angie Comstock said the event empowers girls to imagine what their future could look like and what they want to achieve.

Mentors will share stories about resilience, personal or societal barriers they have encountered and how to become a self-advocate.

“When we’ve encountered obstacles, it feels like all of that obstacle is negative, but looking in a rearview mirror, you can create opportunity and positive change from obstacles. We’re all going to face barriers but we continue to move forward and pick ourselves up,” Comstock said.

The focused program will give participants tools and resources to empower themselves and connect with peers.

“Gaining education is a way to combat a whole host of issues in the world. It can really impact the trajectory of where girls lead themselves,” Comstock said.

Registration is free. Individuals can sign up at sicda.org.

The Dream It, Be It program is one of the two major annual Soroptimist events, the other being the Live Your Dream Award for women who are pursuing education.

“Through educating women and girls, they can become independent and feel like they don’t have to be small and wait for someone to call on them. They can control their future,” Comstock said.