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Programming for Teen Boys
The Teen Boys Programs at Family Matters provide positive friendships and role models for young men. Teen boys programming facilitates personal growth and educational, business and professional development. Brothers Of New Directions (BOND) was founded to encourage entrepreneurship and academic achievement among teen men. Recognizing the significant developmental differences between high school and middle school teens, the young men created Brothers On the Move (BOM) for teen boys between the ages of 12 and 14. BOM engages boys at a time when they are looking for definitions of self and manhood. A total of 24 young men - 12 per program - participate.
On evenings and weekends, participants gain hands-on experience in an entrepreneurial screen-printing business called Eclipse Graphics. They learn about quality control, production values, planning, organizing, communication techniques, public speaking, and cultural awareness. In addition, the young men engage in activities that encourage involvement in the arts, leadership development and volunteerism.
Eclipse Graphics' customers have included Family Matters' Annual Walk-a-thon, Shanti Foundation for Peace, Do Something, the Suzuki Music School, Loyola University C.L.U.B., H.O.M.E., and Evanston/Northwestern Healthcare.
An important programming component for the current year is the BOND/BOM Internship Program. Four young men who form the Leadership Corps of the programs were interviewed and selected through a rigorous process. The interns are evaluated on fulfillment of program requirements, a written application and an interview process. The program requirements include consistent and punctual attendance, participation in group activities and adherence to group policies and procedures like the use of positive language and peaceful conflict resolution.
While all the young men are to adhere to these requirements, it is expected that the interns will set high standards and provide an example for their fellow participants.
The interns will identify program needs and goals, run workshops and assist with minor administrative duties. They are role models who practice the Principles of Leadership in all group activities.
The new Teen Boys Internship Program will be responsible for creating and implementing the Sidewalk Stories project, which will use neighborhood sidewalks to entertain and enlighten walkers with reproductions of paintings by the young men, affirmations, Family Matters' Principles of Leadership, and poems. The goal of the project is for the young men to realize their individual gifts, work together as a team on a collaborative project, and create a body of work the entire community will find uplifting and inspiring. The teen boys will promote the project at a multi-media event in the spring that will include displays of their talents via spoken word, music and readings. Artist and craftsman Eric Evans will be a mentor to the Sidewalk Stories project, advising the teen boys on materials and methods.
Teen Boys Program Director: Dan McNeil
dan@familymatterschicago.org
Programming for Teen Girls
Sisters in Unity (SIU) and Sisters of Struggle (SOS) are Family Matters' leadership and community-building programs for teen girls and young women between the ages of 11 and 18. The programs create a safe space in which girls and young women can develop their potential, celebrate their gifts and interests, and explore their most inspired dreams.
Utilizing Family Matters' Principles of Leadership, SOS and SIU members work in partnership with staff to embrace peaceful conflict resolution; to weigh choices and consequences, and to harness the power of positive thinking and clear, honest language.
The programs encourage members to think critically about the realities and possibilities of growing up a young woman of color in their community and in their world. The teens are encouraged to explore their gifts and their challenges in order to build community, strengthen their leadership skills, and effect positive social change. They are supported in their efforts to cultivate independence, honor communal responsibility, and advocate for social justice.
SOS, for young women between 15 and 18, meets twice weekly on the third floor of Family Matters. SIU, for teens ages 11 to 14, meets three times weekly. At the first meeting of the week, the teens focus on special initiatives such as performance projects, leadership training, and entrepreneurial activities. Since 1989, the teens have operated Infinity, a handmade jewelry business. The name reflects the infinite potential of teen girls. Currently the business provides a focus for exploring socially conscious entrepreneurial opportunities.
On the following days, the teens engage in activities designed to strengthen the group and support the individual gifts and concerns of the young women. These activities include team building exercises, workshops, talk times, field trips, academic support, and discussion of education and career options.
A Leadership Corps comprising a representative group of teen participants directs each program. The Leadership Corps guides each program's goals and evaluations, develops curriculum, and determines policies and procedures. Parents and staff gather each month to celebrate joys and respond to issues that touch their families, children and community.
The programs welcome individuals and groups interested in being volunteer workshop leaders, special guests, interns, and homework coaches. Interested parties should contact Tawanna Brown.
Teen Girls Program Director: Tawanna Brown
tawanna@familymatterschicago.org
© Family Matters 2004. All Rights Reserved.
Planting hope so that joy may abound.
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