Girl's Group Program

This is our most recent program. Its primary goal is to empower teenage girls, from a feminist perspective, to take action toward increasing their personal safety and that of other girls in their schools and larger communities. It began in 2007 and is offered in the summertime only in order to accommodate the busy schedules of many girls during the school year. Currently, the program has two separate formats, and we alternate the formats from one year to the next. The program is advertised through public and private schools across the North Shore as well as through the newspapers and community agencies.

 

Strong Choices, Real Power

“Strong Choices, Real Power” is an awareness-raising peer group focusing on healthy relationships and safety for girls aged 15-17 years old. Topics include violence and abuse, self-defence, boundary setting, communication and conflicts, women and media, body image and awareness, self-esteem, sexual health, legal rights, feminism, forms of oppression and social change and leadership. These topics are addressed through presentations, discussion, individual sharing, theatre, art, games, movement, journaling, music and other creative tools. A contracted facilitator who has experience working with teen girls of this age leads the group. It meets during the evenings for 3 hours once a week over 6 weeks and includes dinner. At the conclusion of the group, a joint project is developed such as a poster or ‘zine that can be circulated through schools and community groups.

This format was offered during the summer of 2007. There were 7 participants. At the conclusion of the program, a ‘zine was created filled with their poetry, stories, statements and art. Several of the girls from that group are still in contact with each other today.

 

Girls Who Know It

“Girls Who Know It” is a one-week summer day camp (including lunch) for girls aged 13-15 years old. While its goals are similar to “Strong Choices, Real Power” the content is designed for a younger group. The days are structured with a check-in and then morning and afternoon workshops on different topics. The emphasis is more on activities and exercises to maintain interest, with workshops on topics such as self-defence, Safeteen, health and the environment, decorating a journal, body image, etc.  An overall facilitator leads the group through the week, while various facilitators with expertise in different areas offer the individual workshops. In the summer of 2008, this format had 12 participants.