National Skills Institute on Girls Programming
Toronto, Ontario
April 23rd – 25th, 2014
Workshop Proposal
Workshop Title- Setting the STAGE (Strategies Towards Achieving Girl Empowerment)
Organization- Sarnia Lambton Rebound
Description of the workshop- Following a one year evaluation of the STAGE program, an overview of the findings will be shared with participants. STAGE is a 10 week closed group for girls between the ages of 8-11 or 12-15. The emphasis is on issues related to relational aggression, messages from the media, bullying and cyber bullying, communication, stigma and body image with the goal of promoting protective factors such as resilience from ecological and holistic perspectives. The use of mask making creates the foundation for self-exploration and empowerment throughout the weeks. The STAGE program uses volunteer coaches in the role of mentor to the participants. We have former STAGE graduates working in the capacity of Jr. Coaches for a powerful peer impact. Junior coaches are not only amazing role models but can also engage the young girls in lively discussions about real life situations that are relatable and practical.
The other information to be gained by attending this workshop is related to building internal organizational capacity to conduct meaningful program evaluation. The STAGE program has a program logic model, evaluation framework and standardized measures that help to determine the effectiveness of the program curriculum and relevancy in the lives of the youth participants.
Participant engagementand Diversity- The workshop will be interactive and experiential. Participants will have an opportunity to review the findings of the evaluation process including a literature review and recommendations related to the use of standardized strengths based measures to monitor outcomes. A slideshow will highlight the work of the STAGE group members and participants will use their own talents to explore the use of expressive arts during the workshop.
The workshop will be delivered in a conversational manner to create an atmosphere of shared learning, recognizing that many participants will have their own personal and professional experiences to enhance the discussion. Experiential use of the expressive arts as part of the workshop will allow for the creation of a safe space for participants to explore and celebrate the diversity that they bring to the session.
Skills and Knowledge Exchange-
- Implementation of an expressive arts component into programming
- Creation of a program logic model
- Use of standardized measures to assess outcomes
Names of Presenters- Michelle Shelswell and Andraya MacMillan
Biography of Presenters-
Michelle Shelswell is employed at Sarnia-Lambton Rebound where she is currently the Client Services Team Manager and Program Development Lead. She obtained her diploma in Child and Youth Work, a Bachelor’s Degree and is a current Masters in Counselling Psychology student. Michelle has worked in various areas of the field such as residential, school based, corrections and community based organizations. Michelle also works as an adjunct faculty and field coordinator within the Child and Youth Worker Program at Lambton College. Her true passion is frontline work with youth and she is the original creator of the STAGE program.
Andraya MacMillan is a Program Coordinator at Sarnia-Lambton Rebound, previously for the STAGE program and currently delivering a resiliency based program within local elementary schools; she also offers youth individual support for the organization. Andraya graduated from the Social Service Worker program in 2001 and prior to being a proud member of the Rebound team has extensive experience in residential group care.As the mother of two young girls, Andraya has a vested interest in creating a community of equality, respect and opportunity for her daughters.
Experience related to the topic- The STAGE program has been running since 2008. We have 5 years of experience in addressing issues related specifically to female relational aggression. The request for this program originated with our local police services. They were being called to intervene in matters of interpersonal conflict between young females. Fortunately the police knew the solution was not to press charges but wanted an alternative to assist in the development of stronger and more supportive peer relationships. A diversion alternative was requested and Sarnia Lambton Rebound responded to the identified community need. Throughout the years we have broadened the referral base to include both girls who have been bullied and girls who have bullied. Mary Pipher wrote that we “need to work together to build a culture that is less complicated and more nurturing, less violent and sexualized, and more growth producing” (Pipher, 1994). Our experience at Rebound shows that by cultivating an expectation of fairness, respect, equality and value, young women can nurture each other to become bold, dynamic and confident members of our community.
Experience delivering group presentations- Michelle and Andraya each have a long history of group facilitation and public speaking. Michelle designed the original STAGE program in 2008 following extensive review of the literature and her own personal experiences growing up. In addition to her work at Rebound, Michelle is an adjunct professor at the local community college. She was a presenter at the First World Conference in Child and Youth Work in Newfoundland last June and has spoken across the province as a trainer of Rebound programs.
Andraya has refined her presentation skills over the past year as we have engaged in knowledge exchange events related to the use of expressive arts in our work and the outcomes of our program evaluation review of the STAGE program. Andraya delivers programs in both community and school based settings and loves to share about her real life experiences in support of girls in their development.
Primary contact for the workshop- Teri Thomas-Vanos
Phone: 519.344.2841email:
Audiovisual requirements- A/V equipment
Room set up required- tables and chairs