The “Girlafesto” comes courtesy of the Girls Circle Association, the leading provider of gender-specific, research-based programs for girls which offers training for facilitators dedicated to improving the lives of girls ages 9 – 18. I completed the two-day training course and look forward to beginning my own Girls Circle in my community, likely with a focus on body image. Girls Circles offer adolescent girls a safe space to share their feelings and experiences and to build positive relationships.
Research has shown that Girls’ Circles help decrease alcohol use and other self-harming behaviours, and increase girls’ self-efficacy and attachment to school. In addition, girls who participated in Circles revealed improvement in six areas including: feeling good about their bodies. That one alone is worth the price of admission. If you are interested in training to be a Girls Circle facilitator or want to find out more about this wonderful organization, visit the website.
