For the Benefit of Young Women: A Proposal

Mission Statement: Young women and girls in America are coming of age in a sexualized and media-saturated culture, which with puberty may leave them disoriented and confused, with few places in which they may be protected and nurtured. What is more distressing is that many young women have no knowledge of the cultural picture in which they find themselves, but rather assume this to be the way the world works. Studies show that in adolescence, girls’ IQ scores drop, along with their self-esteem. They become less assertive and energetic and more deferential and appearance-oriented. In order to combat the problems of growing up female in America, the Young Women’s Discussion Group and Resource Center seeks to point out the larger cultural inequities influencing girls, and offer coping strategies. By encouraging open and frank discussions and making information resources available, the program hopes to transplant more realistic ideas of what it means to be a woman, and to raise girls’ self-esteem. By doing so, we hope to provide young women with the tools to avoid drug use, eating disorders, and the host of other adolescent illnesses.

Purpose: As a subsection of the FuzzBox Teen Center, this program seeks to establish a safe and nourishing environment in which to allow young women to examine the social, cultural, and media influences on their lives; to present information and allow for group discussions; to provide opportunities for young women to talk to peers and trusted adults; to encourage young women to make intelligent life choices.

The Young Women’s Group/ Resource Center will consist of:

*Weekly group meetings to discuss events in the lives of the young women members, topics of interest, etc.

*Occasional presentations by outside speakers on important topics.

*A Resource Center containing pamphlets and books as well as appropriate hotline numbers and local support groups.

*Opportunities to speak with adult women at set times during regular Teen Center hours or as needed.

Topics to be covered may include (but are not limited to):

*Portrayal of women in advertising and other media,

*Cultural standards of beauty,

*Peer pressure, drugs, and alcohol,

*Self-esteem issues,

*Rape, date rape, sexual assault and incest,

*Self-defense strategies,

*Sexual harassment,

*Domestic violence,

*Eating disorders,

*College and career planning,

*General health and wellness.

The program will offer:

*Journaling and art as means of self-expression

*Opportunities for community outreach

*Chances for social activism

Staff and Resources Required:

*Adult volunteers for chaperoning and discussions

*Use of FuzzBox Teen Center one weekday evening/week

*Pamphlets and books on various topics

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i think it's gonna happen. wish me luck kids! write me with suggestions for what to name this baby.

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