Strong Girls 3-Hour Curriculum
This program explores dating and friendships, pressures, insecurities, goals and aspirations, all within a Jewish context. The goal of the program is to help equip young women with the self-confidence and self-knowledge to make healthy relationship choices and to understand the importance of surrounding themselves with strong support systems. This engaging and interactive program provides a safe place for teens to talk and think about the important relationships in their lives.
It is composed of three one-hour girl-only sessions and should be led by a female facilitator. If a group is co-ed, the boys and girls should be brought together prior to beginning the program and then again at the conclusion of the program - ideas for a co-ed discussion can be found in the facilitator’s guide.
- Session One: The Language of Relationship helps participants develop a vocabulary to talk about dynamics of relationships. Participants will consider the elements of power, status and equality in both friendships and dating.
- Session Two: What Is a Teenage Dating Relationship? asks participants to discuss what "dating" means today, and to vocalize messages and pressures from others (friends, family, pop culture/media, etc.) that they might experience.
- Session Three: What does My Inner Voice Tell Me? helps participants articulate the ways in which they enjoy spending their time. The underlying premise is that when girls are clear on what activities make them happy, they can seek out others who share these interests, or appreciate their passions. Participants will explore the idea of trusting their intuition or "inner voice" to guide them in making healthy choices.
Listen to Dr. Shira Epstein, curriculum writer, discuss why the Strong Girls programs are important and how to use them.
While the girls are taking part in Strong Girls! the boys should be in their own complementary program, Good Guys! Partnership and Positive Masculinity.
Strong Girls, Healthy Relationships is made possible through generous support
from The Hadassah Foundation.