How might we increase confidence and encourage a positive self-image amongst middle school girls?
A team of One Stone students were shocked to discover research reporting that young girls are more afraid of becoming fat than they are of nuclear war, cancer or losing their parents. This data point, along with their own recollection of middle school, inspired them to design embrace, a weekend of self-esteem building, confidence creating, kindness cultivating GIRL POWER! The One Stone girls led games, creative activities and random acts of kindness, all designed to instill positive self-image amongst 20 8th grade girls.
The girls culminated their two-day, overnight experience by sharing what they learned from each other, deciding how they could take some of their experience back to their school, and writing a personal letter to a role model. The final celebration of the event ended with a color chalk throw signifying how they had all rubbed off on each other – creating lasting, and maybe a little messy, memories.
Outcomes
100% of the students surveyed said the program helped them:
Develop a positive self-image
Change the way they talked to themselves
Appreciate their inner beauty
Identify positive role models and mentors
Share kindness with others
And in their own words:
“I learned that smiles are contagious, everyone has flaws and no one is perfect.”
“Everyone has their own story that shouldn’t be judged.”
"This has been the best day of my life. I thought this might be cheesy but I am so glad I came, and can we come back next year?"
