Submitted by the YWCA of Olympia
OLYMPIA — Thurston County health experts say it’s not uncommon for adolescent girls to experience confusing and potentially dangerous situations as they make the transition from childhood into womanhood. They say bullying, peer pressure to consume drugs or alcohol, and an incomplete diet are all factors that can affect overall health and well-being of pre-teens.
The YWCA of Olympia is offering a free after-school program aimed at giving girls the tools to deal with those situations by using sound judgment and showing them where to find support. The program, called Girls Circle, will meet weekly at 13 middle schools in Thurston County. A facilitator leads topics at each school that focus on finding female role models, self-care, positive body image, self-esteem building, reducing stress and cultivating productive relationships.
Girls Circle is held at hundreds of schools across the US and Canada. Research on other Girls Circle programs has shown that they reduce alcohol use, improve the ability of girls to form healthier bonds with others and promote academic achievement, according to the One Circle Foundation, the national organization that develops curricula for Girls Circle programs. Local Girls Circle organizers say the Thurston County program is already producing similar results.
“Girls Circle provides a safe place for girls to share about themselves and learn from each other’s experiences,” says Kelly Hanson, YWCA Girls Program Coordinator and Girls Circle Facilitator. “It’s amazing how quickly the girls take ownership of the group and how much pride they have in being part of the group. The gender-specific space also allows for growth and empowerment that may not be possible in other areas of their lives.”
The program begins in mid-October and is open to girls in sixth and seventh grades. Girls Circle was introduced to schools in Thurston County in January and was made possible through a $300,000 federal grant from the US Department of Health and Human Services Office on Women’s Health. Registration forms are available at the front office of participating schools. Completed forms must be turned in to school offices by Oct. 5. Space is limited to eight girls per school and participants will be chosen through a lottery process. For more information, contact Hillary Soens at the YWCA of Olympia at 352-0593.
List of Participating Schools:
Nisqually, Chinook, Komacin, Reeves, Washington, Jefferson, Rainier, Tenino, GW Bush, Griffin and Tumwater middle schools; Horizons and Marshall elementary schools.
About the YWCA of Olympia
Established in 1945, the YWCA of Olympia offers responsive programs and services to meet the needs of women, girls and families. We are inspiring a new generation to become strong leaders and advocates for opportunity and equity for all women. The YWCA of Olympia strives to empower women and eliminate racism through education, advocacy, service and leadership opportunities.
The YWCA has worked to change history—from civil rights to women’s rights, from advocacy for women’s health care to an end to violence against women and girls.
The YWCA is the voice for every woman. We speak out and take action on behalf of women and girls. The YWCA and our members and volunteers contribute time, talent, tenacity and financial support for the betterment of all women in our community.
