How might we empower sixth through eighth grade girls to grow into the women they want to be?
The Empow[HER] team began their next project by focusing on empowering middle school girls as they transition into high school and a new stage of life. After researching the “Wellness Triangle” and how the various aspects of health (social-emotional, mental and physical) work together to help a person thrive, the team visited seventh and eighth grade girls at South Junior High to gain empathy on which particular aspects of life and health are particularly challenging at this age. With these insights, the planning team set out to create a spring sleepover event called “Overnighter About You.”
In Spring 2019, 19 sixth through eighth grade girls congregated at One Stone for a fun-filled and engaging event led by the Empow[HER] team. Activities focused on promoting each part of the “Wellness Triangle” got participants up and moving as well as connecting with girls they normally wouldn’t have the opportunity to get to know. Favorite activities included a game of Capture the Flag in Ann Morrison Park, practicing vulnerability and letting go of fear with a karaoke party, writing down insecurities on paper and tossing them into a ceremonial fire, and painting ceramic pots for succulents planted in soil mixed with the fire’s ashes. The girls had a chance to engage in small group conversations with the high school student mentors as well as ask questions to a certified counselor about all the ways to stay healthy. After a late night and a lot of laughs, the girls departed feeling empowered to have bonded with each other and see that high school might not be as scary as it seems.
Outcomes:
19 participants in the Spring 2019 Overnighter About You
Parent feedback:
“Thank you and all of the others who spent so much time planning and preparing for Empow[HER]. When I asked my daughter if it was fun she said, “YES! It was too short. I wish it was a whole week!” I love that One Stone wanted to help empower young women! You are all amazing women too!
“I want to pass along a big thank you to everyone at One Stone for doing this. My daughter was all smiles. She loved it and got a lot out of it too.”
Participant reflections:
“The Empow[HER] sleepover helped me grow, learn, and meet new people.”
“I learned how important it is to keep a balanced lifestyle.”
“You are different from others and that is fine. You don’t have to look picture perfect.”
“I learned how to be more confident.”
“You’re never alone. There’s a lot of people to meet in the world.”
“I learned to love myself. The sleepover helped me grow into loving myself for who I am.”
In response to the question, what does “Empow[HER]ment” mean to you, participants reflected:
“Being confident and happy with yourself, and growing as a person.”
“Making sure that everyone has the power to do what they want in life.”
“Being yourself and not letting others control you.”
“Lifting people up, not bringing them down.”
“Empowerment means being confident in yourself and doing what you want in life.”
“To help people believe in themselves, to show others and yourself that you are perfect just as you are.”
Planning team reflections:
“Being able to connect with the girls and see the girls connect with each other and with the topics was truly amazing to see. I loved watching how the girls developed and were able to open up from the moment when they stepped inside the building to when their parents came to pick them up the next morning.” –Rachel Pratt, One Stone member
“The whole experience of being part of Empow[HER] was inspiring for me. I was able to find a sense of empowerment within myself, felt a strong desire to share this with others, and connected with those around me. Empow[HER] fueled me with a desire to go out and continue to empower those around me.” –Chloe French, One Stone member
“Empow[HER] allows me to connect with other young women who are passionate about female empowerment. With this team, I was able to grow as an individual along with watching my peers grow over the year. The event gave me the opportunity to put myself back in the shoes of a junior high girl. I loved being able to spend time with, connect, and see the young girls become comfortable with themselves and the others at the event. It really touched my heart to the impact I had on the girls. Each experience with Empow[HER] makes me more and more excited for the next!” –Kylie Casper, One Stone member
