Minnow Tank is all about opportunity, ideas, community

We Create Here was an initiative within the Gazette Company to develop evolving narratives and authentic conversations throughout Iowa's Creative Corridor. read more 

Guest post: Aren Buresh is a high school student and musician, rediscovering her hometown through the Iowa Big School, and our de facto high school correspondent for We Create Here. Shout out to her on Twitter!

The idea: Minnow Tank is a 'Shark Tank' style pitch competition to provide a platform for young girls to share ideas and gain resources for their community based projects. Teams will present their ideas to a panel of judges to earn funding and mentors.

The SuccessSHE team at Iowa BIG has been working in partnership with the Girl Scouts of Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois (GSEIWI) to plan this event. After talking with the team, I gathered that the core purpose of the event is really to encourage girls to be ambitious and confident. It's about helping girls realize that what makes you different is what makes you valuable, and that their ideas matter.

'I think it's important that girls feel like they have a voice in their community and that they can make a difference,' said team member Taylor Volesky.

Minnow Tank is also about giving participating teams the resources to carry out their projects. By providing mentors and funds to the projects pitched, Minnow Tank seeks to give girls the support they need to succeed. Minnow Tank is also allowing attendees to pledge money and time, so that the community help provide resources, too.

'It's amazing what can happen when you give girls the opportunity,' said Maxine Webb, the development manager at GSEIWI.

At Iowa BIG, students like myself, and the members of the SuccessSHE team, get to work on projects focused in our passions and rooted in our community. Through Minnow Tank, that type of opportunity is being handed down to middle school girls, which is really exciting to see as a BIG student.

Joining BIG has completely transformed the way I look at my community, and the way I look at myself. Taking on real responsibilities and diving into the world outside of high school has made me realize that I'm more capable than I ever thought. It's given me such a strong sense of purpose and self confidence. I feel like I'm more aware of the needs of my city, and how I can make a difference here.

It's hard to imagine myself feeling that motivated and secure in middle school. To imagine middle school girls feeling that way today, however, is truly incredible.

The event will be held on April 23rd, from 4:30-6:30 p.m. at Mt. Mercy University's Graduate Center. Visit the SucessSHE website for details.

Meet the teams! Get a glimpse of the projects you'll see pitched at Minnow Tank.

• Funding Fido: Yay for puppies! This project is centered around preventing animal abuse and connecting stray animals with happy, healthy, homes.

• Regina Gaga Ball Pit: This project aims to bring a little 'pit' more fun to school playgrounds by installing large ball pits.

• The Mighty Air Cleaner/MAC: This team is looking to the sky to seek change by creating a device that will clean polluted air in our city.

• JAE Fittness: The goal in this project is to install fitness centers along the trail near the Tiffin soccer fields.

• The Hidden Book Reading Garden: This project is working to make all bibliophiles' dreams come true by creating a peaceful environment for readers of all ages to enjoy. Their number one goal is to encourage people to read and make sure everyone has access to a good book.

• Operation Labyrinth: This project is the fairy god mother of vacant lots, turning them into parks for the community to enjoy.