In a world of disheartening conflicts, it’s easy to get swallowed by self doubt, surrounded by continuous world or local events, and feeling as if there is a lack of hope to enable resolving these disputes. Whatever the dilemmas may be taking place across the globe, it’s said by many social activists that individuals shouldn’t fear vocalizing their concerns on a widespread scale, no matter how large the problem is. High school students in particular may succumb to the narrative that they’re “too young” and uneducated to facilitate change. However, NHS sophomore Kingsley Southard, defies this narrative and is taking action to defeat domestic dating violence on a local level.
Starting in 8th grade, Southard found a great desire to make a difference. After losing her cousin Sara to teenage domestic dating violence, Southard decided to take a stand and fight back by founding the Safety Awareness Respect and Action Foundation (SARA). The foundation was created in honor of her cousin, and serves to educate people about dating violence in hopes of preventing more lives from being lost.
“My organization just recently got turned into a nonprofit. This is a huge step because I can now get grants and do a lot more fundraising things, but the process has not been small,” said Southard .
Beginning with things like handing out water at preschools and posting on social media, Southard began seeking out ways to expand her organization. That’s when she found the Miss America’s teen program, an organization that encourages teens to compete in local and state pageants and promote causes close to their hearts.
“I wanted a platform to really uplift my foundation…so I started competing at the local level and from there I gained so much traction with my organization and so much incredible support from all the women,” said Southard.
She is now “Miss Central Indiana’s Teen” and continues to spread the work of her nonprofit throughout the state, hoping to inspire others in the process. However, her progress did not come without its fair share of obstacles. Just like other teens, Southard still faces the social dilemma regarding her age when trying to spark change on a major issue.
“Because I am 16, and I am not a certified mental health advocate, I usually [focus on] just listening to the person, listening to what they need. Sadly, a lot of teens don’t realize they’re even experiencing dating violence. Because I’m not able to personally help them… I just lead them to domestic violence hotlines or dating violence hotlines, and I also connect them with the shelters I work with around the central Indiana area,” said Southard.
Despite her young age, Southard continues to do all that she can to help the cause, including spreading the word through her method of outreach and her connections to prominent figures.
“I would say on average, I email about seven to ten people a day, and this is from… [Indiana State Senator Scott] Baldwin, to house representatives, to Senator Todd Young, to Governor Mike Braun,” said Southard.
Southard is not only inspiring the people she works with through her nonprofit, but also those she encounters everyday, like her friends and teachers. Sophomore Jenna Barratt, who’s known Southard since 2023, admires Southard’s dedication to the SARA foundation.
“Kingsley’s hard work and determination is seen in everything she does. She is an extremely committed person who is always working towards her goals. Apart from that she’s a great friend who is always there for me,” said Barratt. “She is always trying to get involved in community activities, as she truly wants to help impact others.”
Southard’s Algebra II teacher, Brian Hanawalt, also recognizes and appreciates the young activist’s determination and persistence.
“Kingsley is a dedicated and passionate student and person. When Kingsley commits to a goal, she will always give her absolute best. The best thing that I can say about her is that she is an exceptional human being, which is exemplified by her caring and kind nature shown towards all people,” said Brian Hanawalt.
Although the passion required to facilitate a change towards a particular conflict may be intimidating and a tedious process, Southard wants to set an example for those who have similar ambitions. She does this by taking small actionable steps that will continuously grow into prosperity.
“[In the beginning] I had no clue what dating violence was or domestic violence. I didn’t know how to get upon stage and talk. I didn’t know how to send an email. I didn’t know how to write a proclamation. I really knew nothing about making an impact in my community and the steps it took so, you know, starting out small [has really made me into who I am today],” said Southard.
Southard’s schedule is filled to the brim with work, meetings, and visits to help promote her cause and help gain awareness as well. From delivering hundreds of valentines to nursing homes, to visiting Indiana government buildings, she does not stop in her determination to help her community and educate people about the dangers of teen dating violence.
“In this world you’ve just [got to] be a trailblazer,” said Southard
It may take work and it may take sacrifice, but Southard is trying to set the stage to empower teens so that they can do great things if they put their mind to it, no matter their age.
“As teens in the future we are going to replace the [older generation] in legislation in community outreach and owning nonprofits. So it is our job to get into the community. Our community needs it,” said Southard.
Southard’s method of building her cause helped her reach more and more people so that a small action transformed into a large-scale difference.
In the words of Southard herself— “I, as Miss Central Indiana’s teen, live by the words ‘Acta non verba’, which means deeds not words.”
