2009 Workshop Descriptions
Girls’ Literacy: What’s Good for Girls to Read, and What Isn’t
Speakers: Dr. Rachelle Washington, Sandy Leach
How can parents, educators, and the public become more informed about which books contain positive role models and messages, across ethnic and cultural norms, for girls in our communities? Of Charlotte’s Web, Harriet the Spy, and Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone which is the best book to recommend? Is there a place for the Twilight series? Explore the codes and messages related to gender and specifically its role in children’s and young adult literature. Learn useful criteria for the selection of books for girls and a list of resources to help challenge girls’ roles in society and literature.
Voices for the Voiceless: A Framework for Working with Girls Victimized by Sexual Trauma
Speakers: David Kiehn, Noelle Slagel
Many girls have been dramatically impacted as a result of their experience with sexual trauma. Unfortunately, this is not only an issue which deeply impacts girls in South Carolina and the U.S., but can also be characterized as an international crisis, dramatically illustrated by the millions of women and children internationally who have been enslaved in the commercial sex trade. Learn the impact of sexual trauma on girls both at home and abroad, and gain a practical framework for helping girls in the healing process.
Girls and Relationship Violence: Can We Break the Cycle?
Speakers: Rosalyn Moses, Veda Pickett Neal, Kentica Copeland
Learn what relationship violence looks like and its prevalence in society. Gain information about the nature of violence in relationships and hear a mother and daughter tell powerful stories of their real-life journey from victims to survivors. Participate in an open dialogue about what steps can be taken to empower girls to build healthy relationships.
The Impact of Nutrition and Fitness on Girls: The Journey From Healthy Bodies to Healthy Lives
Speakers: Dr. Katherine Cason, Kim Hein
Obtain current information about girls’ nutritional health, trends in eating patterns and gender-specific programs and strategies for working with girls to help them achieve and maintain nutritional health. Featured will be two innovative programs which promote healthier lifestyles for girls: Girls on the Run, a 12-week/24-session curriculum-based fitness program for girls ages 8-15 designed to reduce the potential of at-risk activities like adolescent pregnancies, eating disorders, depression, suicide, substance abuse and confrontations with the juvenile justice system; and Zest Quest, a school-based initiative designed to educate and inspire children to live healthier lifestyles through interactive, curriculum-based educational mentorship programs.
Career Development for Girls: What Can Girls Be When They Grow Up?
Speakers: Sherry Williams, Tiffanie, Twana and Victoria Williams
Self-awareness and career awareness are two tools to assist young women in planning for the future. Learn when to begin career education, resources to assist with career education including non-traditional female careers, and how career education should be different for females. Hear the success story of three teenage girls who created, developed and manage their own award-winning business, Drive Safe.
The Impact of Social Technology on Girls: Cyberbullying, Sexting, Identity Theft and More
Speaker: Don Cantrell
One of the greatest desires of today’s teen is to “belong” and feel a part of a group. Many girls are finding a place to belong in Cyber communities (MySpace, Facebook, YouTube, cell phones, etc.). Understand the benefits as well as the dangers these online social networking communities present to girls. Learn interesting facts, warning signs and tips for adults and youth during this multimedia presentation.
Girls of Color: Designing Empowering and Effective Programs to Transform their Lives
Speaker: Dr. Meridith Gould
Understand the dynamic experience of girls of color in regards to conflict, self-image, body image, violence prevention and empowerment. Explore "best practices" in designing and facilitating programs and workshops that address the needs of girls and learn how to create programs that highlight their strengths and triumphs while also addressing the challenges they face.