• go to The Respect Institute

Here's what past clients have to say about our programs for girls, women and advocates:

"After the Respect Rally, our students saw themselves as agents of change and developed ways to begin spreading respect locally and globally. If Respect Rallies happened at all schools across the nation, our world as a whole would definitely be impacted positively."
—Stephanie Payes, Counselor, KIPP (Knowledge is Power Program) San Jose Collegiate School

"Courtney is a phenomenal program facilitator and a true gift to the girls she works with. She is, as she teaches the girls to be, a 'creative, resourceful and whole' woman who truly leads by example. I found her style to be intuitive and organic which created activities and conversations that were inspiring and incredibly impactful for the girls and adults alike. Her energy set such a positive tone, and she created a safe space where everyone treated each other with respect, was open to learning and growing and was encouraged to explore and celebrate their unique strengths and talents. It has been wonderful to work with her on the uniquely ME! program!"
—Leanne Gluck, Project Manger, uniquely ME!, The Girl Scouts of the USA

“I loved that the Respect Rally allowed our 600 students to bond in smaller groups and see that the issue of respect is universal. The language Respect Rx uses is so perfect—it's like the language of teenagers and allows them to express themselves and tap into their power to address issues of disrespect in their lives. The visualization during the Rally was absolutely amazing—to see total silence as they were doing reflection, the girls scribbling while writing their letters, their eagerness to share with the group. The student-run Respect Groups have also been something that girls really resonate with as far as taking control of their lives. The Kit is easy to integrate with girls leading the way.”
—Heidi Rolfson, Counseling Department Chairperson, Notre Dame High School, San Jose, CA

"Courtney embodies what she teaches. Her passion, creativity and confidence in women and girls is contagious. She led the training of our thirty volunteers in a seemingly effortless manner, which combined humor and fun with focus and direction. Her intuition and attention to detail in preparing and catering the training to fit our specific needs was exceptional. She offered us numerous practical tools, which proved invaluable in helping us to carry out our mission, and in building empowerment, tolerance, and respect amongst our volunteers and the girls we aim to serve. One thing that truly sets Courtney apart from other leaders and advocates is her ability to affect individuals and the group at the same time. Courtney not only inspires social change, but she makes it possible."
—Sarah Mehlfeld, Program Coordinator of the Bay Area Girls Rock Camp

"I am sincere when I say that the past week of Respect Rx assemblies for more than 1,500 girls throughout Connecticut was the most enriching week I have ever spent in my 42 years in education. As a result of the program, many of the girls will be empowered to make changes that will help them develop into strong women who are confident, capable and self-reliant. Again, thank you for doing your part in making this powerful program possible; it truly was REAL!"
—Robert Lehr, Connecticut Interscholastic Athletic Conference and Connecticut Association of Schools

“In my 25 years in education, I've never been to an assembly where you can hear the overhead lights buzzing at times that's how engrossed the girls were in the program.” —Deborah Rutigliano, City Hill Middle School Vice Principal

"Courtney is able to connect with young women in a manner that at once opens them up to their most vulnerable selves, and also allows them to identify and stand in their power. Her ability to connect with young women across class, race, and age, coupled with her passion to truly partner with young women to create social change, has made her an invaluable resource."
—Patricia Torres, program director, Girls For A Change

"Courtney Macavinta presented an excellent workshop at our public library that discussed effective ways teens should respect themselves and how that reflects the respect you should get in your personal relationships. Her presentation was interactive and kept our teen audience excited and interested. She connected with the teens immediately and they were really comfortable talking to her during and after the presentation. If you are looking for an outstanding quality workshop that still let's you have fun and express yourself in a comfortable environment, I highly recommend having Courtney come to your library."
—Angie Miraflor, Teen Services Librarian San Jose Public Library

"Courtney Macavinta’s presentation for girls in the Coulee Region really made a huge impact. She bridged the gap that may have existed between these girls and allowed them to see that they had more in common than they thought—mostly the pressures of growing up and becoming independent and liking themselves."
—Erin Behlen, Options Clinic and Coulee Region Schools

More comments from Training participants…
“I respected the safe environment—many wonderful activities to use with my students.”

“It was interactive and transformative.”

“I liked the positive focus on action-based resources and materials. I rediscovered that opening up personally and connecting with kids is how you begin to impact them.”

“The presenters were incredible! I'm inspired to create a similar lesson plan for the students in my school.”

“I'm now inspired to enact changes in my school and to make a DIFFERENCE!”

“We were so excited by the program and the direct impact it can have with the young women at our school. We are already planning to meet tomorrow to summarize what we learned and begin to formulate a plan for our girls.”

The Getting REAL Tour
"Courtney Macavinta and Audrey D. Brashich are a dynamic team of presenters. Their workshop, Getting REAL, was perfect for a college audience. The workshop participants were enthralled by their visual medium and touched by their personal stories. We all walked away both wiser and stronger in resisting media pressure to internalize toxic prescriptions for ideal womanhood."
—Dr. Elena Klaw, Director of the Center for Community Learning & Leadership, San Jose State University

"The Getting REAL tour is an empowering experience for teen girls. Through honest discussion and fun activities girls learn to set boundaries, build supportive relationships, evaluate media hype and ‘get real’ about body image. This workshop is an invaluable learning opportunity for parents and teens."
—Michelle Barrese, Head of Youth Services, Menlo Park Library

"Audrey and Courtney effortlessly inspired more than 500 young women at our Annual Spirit of Leadership Conference to 'Be real!' Their ability to engage each and every young woman in the room was exactly what we had hoped for -- and they than delivered! More than any keynote speakers we have ever had, they became an intimate part of our family. We consider ourselves blessed to have Audrey and Courtney as future partners in empowering young women."
—Ken Druck, founder, Jenna Druck Foundation

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