|
“Why Girls?”
November 5, 2009
Just because girls and boys are separated for a class or program does not mean the program is a “gender specific program.” This session will review major components of designing gender specific programming and give tools on how to do so. In this interactive workshop attendees will walk away with an overview of how gender specific programming can positively affect girls (and boys!). Participants will learn a format for how to design and implement gender specific programming.
The National Women's Law Center has researched that every year, an estimated one in four girls drops out of high school — and this rate is even worse for girls of color. Female dropouts face particularly steep economic consequences. Compared to their male peers, female dropouts have higher rates of unemployment, earn significantly lower wages, and are more likely to rely on public support programs in order to provide for their families. This panel will highlight a new study by the Women's Foundation of Colorado and talk about the risk factors for girls who do not finish high school. The session will explore what is going on in Colorado to address the issue of rising attrition rates.
Girls of color do not distinguish “being a girl” from “being a Latina” or “being an African-American girl.” Our culture will often oversimplify the “girl experience” and ignore that this experience is remarkably different according to a girl’s racial and ethnic background. This interactive workshop will discuss race, racism, and how to approach these topics with girls. Attendees will walk away with a framework of how girls from a variety of racial and ethnic backgrounds experience “being a girl” and how to discuss racial issues with girls.
Girls face a variety of challenges as they transition into womanhood. Situations such as familial instability, sexual pressure, choices around drugs, exposure to violence, involvement in systems of care, homelessness, mental illness, etc., all have the potential to damage a young woman’s sense of self-worth and ability to succeed. This session will explore how to recognize when girls are at greatest risk to these pressures and when they are most vulnerable to making damaging decisions and becoming victims. Attendees will learn how they can identify a girl at risk and how to positively intervene in order to empower girls to reach their full potential!
More and more girls are identifying at a younger age as lesbian, bisexual or trans gendered. There are complex needs to address for girls who are facing their sexuality. Providers must understand the different pressures girls face and effective ways to offer support as girls navigate through the discovery of their sexual preference. This session will provide participants with education on a myriad of GLBTQ issues from policy and legal rights to advocacy and sexual health.
Gender differences run much deeper than the learned behaviors we adopt by watching our parents, these differences stem from distinctions in the way each gender processes information. Scientists have discovered that some of the behaviors, which differentiate boys from girls, are the result of differences in the way our brains develop and operate. In this session panelists who represent various learning environments will share their experiences of how girls learn best.
Eating disorders are a serious problem for young women and ethnic identity plays a role in how girls struggle with body image. This session will cover diagnostic criteria for eating disorders in girls, referral options available in our community, and activities to help girls improve their body image. Attendees will gain comprehensive knowledge about eating disorder prevention, development, assessment, and treatment. Mindful activities will be included in the session to help attendees understand body awareness and grasp the social pressures, which contribute to body hate.
This session is designed for youth-serving professionals who want to sharpen their skills in talking with youth about sexuality and sexual health. Participants have the opportunity to explore their own values around sexuality in a safe and non-judgmental environment. The workshop will explore how to respond to difficult questions about sexuality as well as how to use teachable moments to plan and engage in an effective conversation with a young person.
Who better to ask than girls themselves as to the importance of having caring adults in their lives? A group of young women from El Paso County who have faced variety of difficult life situations (Foster Care, DYC, Probation, Teen Court, and struggling in school) will share the factors that helped them overcome their obstacles. Come hear the stories of these incredible young women and learn from their experiences. A time for questions and answers will be included in the session.
The indirect forms of relational aggression historically used by girls are increasingly escalating into physical altercations. What is going on with girls? What theoretical explanations are useful to understanding girls' aggression? How do girls explain why they fight? This session will offer an overview of girls’ violence and explore the factors that contribution to a girl’s aggression. Examining girls' assaults in Colorado, the session will offer a concentrated look at Colorado Springs and their rate of violent crimes committed by girls. Attendees will learn the implications for programming that teaches girls and their families alternative ways of expressing their needs and protecting themselves from harm.
As a nation we continue to hear an increased call for public service and community involvement each year. This call to action has engaged both adults and youth. More and more girls are becoming involved in their local communities through non-profit and political organizations. This session will help attendees learn how to engage girls in the political process, encourage them to be involved in their local community, and empower them to make their voices heard.
Do I look fat in these jeans? I really shouldn’t eat that. I’m so stupid. …When did we become our own worst enemy? When did we start letting everybody else decide how we should feel about ourselves? Join us in an interactive workshop to explore the different factors that play into one’s self-image and how to combat negative influences. Explore how to help adolescent girls think, feel, and act healthy by modeling those same behaviors. Attendees will learn activities and discussions to use with adolescent girls when exploring self-image. The session will cover becoming aware and taking control of negative self talk as well as how to navigate the negative messages of our media.
|
