"Challenging Peer Violence" is a three part, in-school program (sponsored by a grant from Kaiser Permanente and the Family Planning Council) addressing the themes of teen sexual respect and abuse as well as healthy and unhealthy relationships and violence prevention skills. In the classroom portion of this program, 9th and 10th graders discuss the challenges of sexuality, dating, boundaries and decisionmaking in the 90's while learning and practicing important abuse prevention and assertive communication skills. Challenging Peer Violence also gives twelve selected students from these classes the opportunity to participate in an unusual after-school workshop which continues the theme of healthy relationships and violence prevention using the catalyst of footbag.
What does playing footbag have to do with healthy relationships, sexual respect and violence prevention?
In fact, this unique, subcultural kicking game actually offers us a versatile living laboratory to model, illustrate and practice effective teamwork, communication, inter-dependence and healthy relationships!
1.) We break the ice with footbag making, which is a fun, teachable, sociable craft with quick gratification, a valuable end product and an uncanny knack for engaging rebellious youth. If a person makes their own footbag, not only will they be more likely to play the sport, they'll also be transformed by the creative process. They may remember it forever.
2.) Afterwards we teach and practice the sport of footbag. Intrinsically, playing footbag reinforces respect, mutual goalsetting and cooperation as well as clear boundaries, all important ingredients in successful relationships. We explore how being assertive, at times and yielding, at others can contribute to good relationships, both in and outside the circle. Playing the game naturally encourages and rewards collaboration and effective feedback. It becomes a graphic illustration of all the best and worst of society and all our relationships. The built-in reinforcement of fun and challenge (plus a dash of aerobic high) compels people to continue playing the game. The after school program also includes videos, didactic curriculum and group discussion about relationships, communication, sexuality and respect. Oftentimes the group format allows for more personal and extensive sharing than the in-class component. The youth who end up taking the after-school program are often "high risk" teens for whom these issues hold immediate and personal relevance. When successful the cooperative bonding experience facilitated by footbag carries over into the sharing and discussions. Therein lies the great magic of footbag education.
Session I: "Sexual Facts and Myths" is an introductory class designed to build a positive context for discussing sexuality and sexual health. This class also presents a body of basic information and vocabulary about reproductive anatomy, sexually transmitted diseases, gender, communication, sexual boundaries and abuse.
| * Norms, Safety in the Group | * What are "boundaries", "consent"? |
| * What is a "healthy sexuality"? "sexual respect"? | * What is "Relationship Abuse"? |
| * What teens should know @ sexuality - quiz | * Myths & Facts about Sex, Gender and Abuse |
| * Lessons from AIDS epidemic | * Do's and Don'ts Dealing with Abuse |
Session II: "Healthy and Unhealthy Relationships" explores the realities of respect, abuse, and consent as they play out in
teenagers' lives. How does one build healthy relationships in a society
where abuse and violence are so prevalent? Students will be presented with
three tools which encourage respectful communication in relationships.
| * Healthy/Unhealthy Relationships; what, why, and how to avoid... | * Power and Control vs. Sharing Power |
| * Abuse/ Respect Continuum; identification | * What's so Good About "Sexual Respect"? |
| * Skills to promote Respect in Relationships | * Passive/Aggressive/Assertive Response |
| * Warning Signs of Dangerous Relationships | * Tips for Healthy Love Relationships |
| * Video clips demo healthy relationship skills | * assertive communication/active listening/fair fighting. |
"Communication Skills Can Prevent Violence"
| * Set limits clearly | * Confront abuse or violence |
| * Resist peer or sexual pressure | * Fight fairly, apologize when appropriate |
| * Name feelings without blame | * Ask for help when needed/accept help |
| * Negotiate and compromise | * Take care of self - "positive self talk" |
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