On September 8th, 29 Missouri State women learned how to facilitate “Circles for Girls” at a training provided by the Center for Dispute Resolution (CDR). This training builds women’s group facilitation skills while preparing them to volunteer in one of the CDR’s high-impact community programs.
About Circles for Girls
Circles for Girls is an 8-10 week structured educational group for girls and young women, offered by the CDR for youth in area middle and high schools. It brings together a group of 6-12 girls with trained college-aged facilitators to explore topics relating to social, emotional, and physical well-being. Groups are conducted within area middle and high schools during the school day.
The CDR designed the Circles for Girls program to focus on the development of effective conflict management and communication skills and to help girls realize their strengths, withstand social pressures, and maintain healthy relationships. In each session, facilitators introduce the theme for the week. This is followed by an activity designed to help girls further explore the topic. Each session also includes guided discussions as well as journaling. The structure of Circles for Girls allows girls to receive information and explore topics in a meaningful way.
Since starting the Circles for Girls program in 2010 the CDR has trained hundreds of Missouri State students as facilitators and offered the program to over 650 girls in nearly every middle school and many high schools in Springfield, as well as in other nearby districts.
Reflections of Missouri State Student Facilitators
Kristin Hoffner, a student in the Psychology bachelor’s degree program and in the Undergraduate Certificate in Conflict and Dispute Resolution, reflected on her experience as a Girls Circle facilitator, saying, “Girls Circle has given me the opportunity to impact girls’ mental health in a positive light. Not only have I experienced the joy that comes from watching these girls grow, but I have also grown immensely in my ability to lead, mentor, and connect with others.”
Tina Pham, a Communication master’s student who is also enrolled in the Graduate Certificate in Conflict and Dispute Resolution, shared a similar sentiment. “Girls Circle has allowed me to connect with the young ladies in our community. These ladies have so much to say, and being able to give them that platform to be heard and appreciated has made a difference in their lives. As facilitators we are able to connect with them, and we’ve been able to see them grow over the course of 8 weeks. I am honored to say that I was a part of that process.”
For More Information
The CDR is pleased to help fulfill the University’s public affairs mission by supporting Circles for Girls as well as other programs that meet community needs while offering invaluable experiential learning opportunities for the students. For more information, please visit the CDR website or contact the CDR at 417-836-8831 or CDR@MissouriState.edu.