WHAT WE DO

We help girls find their voice & talk about tough issues through art, music, writing, role playing and sharing.

THE WORKSHOP

Middle School girls gather daily for a week-long program from 9:00 am – 3:00 pm. Small groups of girls work with facilitators (College and High School young women) who create a safe place for open sharing. Both large group and small group interactions occur. Outside professionals lead the group in yoga, dance, self-defense, exercise and outreach activities. Different colored T-shirts identify each separate group. During the week leaders address tough issues through art, music, writing, role playing and sharing.

 

WHAT WE DO:
  • Find their VOICES
  • Make FRIENDS
  • Write STORIES AND POEMS
  • Create ART WORKS
  • Learn DANCE FORMS
  • Train in SELF-DEFENSE
  • Practice YOGA
  • Share STORIES
  • Reach out to OTHERS
  • Engage in outreach for GIRLS IN POVERTY

WORKSHOP COMPONENTS

ART

The creative arts provide a way for the girls to express their inner self through artistic expression This results in psychological and emotional learning and healing.

MUSIC

Music is a whole body experience where every part of the body responds: feeling the beat, hearing the sounds and rhythm, and interpreting the words. Music can alter the girls’ mood, provide relaxation, stimulate energy and create an avenue for expression.

WRITING

Writing is a powerful tool to examine oneself through prose, poetry, or metaphor.

This activity expands the mind and allows the girls to reflect on their thoughts and activities, which helps uncover meaning in their experiences.

SHARING

Giving voice to something written is a pathway to being authentic.

The girls are able to share themselves in an accepting and loving environment,. Small groups allow trust to be more easily built. Once trust occurs, the girls feel comfortable in being themselves.

MOVEMENT

It is important for the girls to move their bodies as exercise is so important for good health.

The girls dance, run, practice yoga, and walk.  These activities keep the girls balanced and energetic.

ISSUES COVERED

  • Sort out confusing messages
  • Recognize unattainable body images
  • Prevent and deal with eating disorders
  • Build self-esteem
  • Deal with cyber-bullying
  • Handle peer pressure
  • Use technology appropriately
  • Identify and  wisely express emotions
  • Hold on to their voices
  • Tell their unique stories
  • Stay true to themselves
  • Make healthy choices
2024 Dates:

Madison, Wisconsin:

June 10-14: 9am - 3pm

Bozeman, Montana:
July 22-26: 9am - 3pm

Locations:

MYArts
1055 E Mifflin Street
Madison, WI 53703

Thrive
407 S Ferguson Ave
Bozeman, MT 59715

 

The week-long program was launched in the summer of 1999 in Madison, Wisconsin, and has evolved into a quality program that challenges girls to explore themselves and their voices, their friends and families and then to reach out to offer their fits and knowledge to their community and the global world.