Men As Peacemakers

Girls Restorative Program (Central High School Girls Group)

Girls Group began in the 2006-2007 school year at Central High School in Duluth.  This innovative approach to helping at teens consists  of weekly group meetings, circles, activities and one-on-one meetings with the female coordinator .  The purpose of this program is to reduce problem behaviors of at-risk female high school students, increase long-term capabilities of these girls to function positively in school and the community at large, and encourage the girls to graduate high school.  The Girls Restorative Program creates an inclusive, confidential space where girls develop authentic, supportive relationships while exploring their identities and building resiliency. 

“I learned how to speak up for myself and how to do it in a positive way…without disrespecting people.”

- Girls Group Participant

We coordinate community outreach workers to present educational materials related to substance use prevention, sexual health and pregnancy prevention, sexual assault, domestic abuse, violence prevention and healthy relationships.  Girls in the group are introduced to community resources that are available to assist people with these issues.

“ We learn lots of things people need to know, but never get told.”

–Girls Restorative Program  participant

Activities

One goal of the Girls Restorative Program is to become involved in and help foster a relationship between community and the girls.  A variety of hands on activities are used to enhance the process. The girls have participated in Take Back the Night and attended the Teen Leadership Summit in the Twin Cities where they were able to speak with the Minnesota Legislators about the importance of programs in Duluth that keep women and children safe.  Utilizing creative ways of self expression is key to helping build relationships between girls that may have otherwise not been in contact and promote healthy female relationships.  After school activities and community events provide useful and safe ways to spend spare time and offer leadership opportunities to the girls involved.

2010 Mask Making Project

“I wear a mask so people won’t judge me or play with my feelings. I don’t want people to run all over me if I don’t wear it” - 2009 Group participant

“I walk around looking mean, I only look that way sometimes cuz I don’t want nobody to start something with me or look at me weird.” - 2009 Group participant

 

2009 Girls Group T Shirt Making Project

“It makes you feel good and better about yourself, knowing other people have the same problems you do and that they are going through the same stuff you are.” - Girls Restorative Program participant

“I don’t come home so stressed when I am able to talk. We could just be ourselves around an adult that trusts us.” - Girls Restorative Program participant