We coach teen girls and guys, adults and advocates to boost self-respect, relationship respect and respect for all.
- About Respect Rx
- Get the best-selling book that started it all: RESPECT
- Book a Respect Rally
- Register for a Respect Rally Leader Training
- Coaching for advocates
- Respect Basics
- Outcomes + Testimonials
- Respect Rally Kick Off
- The Girl Effect
- Community College Scholarship
- Prom Time
- Slut Rumors
- Boys Are Ruling Gym Class
- Archives
- The Respect Basics
- Your Rights
- for GIRLS
- for WOMEN
- for girl and women ADVOCATES
- Quizzes!
- Got a Dilemma? Get ADVICE
- Abuse + Harm + Violence (13)
- Advocates (54)
- Authors (1)
- Body Image + Health (26)
- Boundaries (6)
- Bullying + Sexual Harassment (5)
- Courtney's Blog (6)
- Equal Rights (3)
- Family (9)
- Featured (1)
- Follow Your Passions (1)
- Friends + Sisterhood (13)
- Girl Stats + Studies (1)
- Girls (40)
- Help! (12)
- Journaling (4)
- Kit (3)
- Media (14)
- Parents (15)
- Partners (4)
- Programs (21)
- Quiz (4)
- Relationships (9)
- Respect Makeover (5)
- Respect Role Models (5)
- Respect Rx Groups (2)
- School (9)
- Self-Defense (2)
- Self-Respect + Self-Esteem (20)
- Sex (15)
- Social Change + Activism (24)
- Special Events (15)
- Teachers (5)
- Women (16)
- Tao of the Defiant Woman by CJ Golden
- Girls Inc. Presents: You're Amazing!: A No-Pressure Guide to Being Your Best Self by Claire Mysko
- All Made Up: A Girl's Guide to Seeing Through Celebrity Hype and Celebrating Real Beauty by Audrey D. Brashich
- Perfect Girls, Starving Daughters: The Frightening New Normalcy of Hating Your Body by Courtney E. Martin
- Women Warriors by Teena Apeles
- Packaging Girlhood by Sharon Lamb & Lyn Mikel Brown
- The Price of Privilege by Dr. Madeline Levine
- Do I Look Fat In This? and A Very Hungry Girl by Jessica Weiner
- The Real Truth About Teens and Sex by Sabrina Weill
- The Body Project by Joan Jacobs Brumberg
- 101 Ways to Help Your Daughter Love Her Body by Brenda Lane
- Dads and Daughters by Joe Kelly
- Branded: The Buying and Selling of Teenagers by Alissa Quart
- GLBTQ: The Survival Guide for Queer and Questioning Teens by Kelly Huegel
- Deal With It! by Esther Drill, et al.
- The Beauty Myth by Naomi Wolf
- Don't Give It Away! by Iyanla Vanzant
- 33 Things Every Girl Should Know About Women's History edited by Tonya Bolden
- Phenomenal Woman by Maya Angelou
- Perfectionism: What's Bad About Being Too Good? by Miriam Adderholdt & Jan Goldberg
- Reviving Ophelia by Mary Pipher
- Revolution from Within by Gloria Steinem
- Schoolgirls by Peggy Orenstein
- Odd Girl Speaks Out by Rachel Simmons
- Grassroots: A Field Guide for Feminist Activism by Jennifer Baumgardner & Amy Richards
- To Be Real: Telling the Truth and Changing the Face of Feminism edited by Rebecca Walker
- What Are My Rights? by Thomas A. Jacobs
- When Nothing Matters Anymore: A Survival Guide for Depressed Teens by Bev Cobain
- Adios, Barbie by Ophira Edut
- 101 Ways to Help Your Daughter Love Her Body by Brenda Lane Richardson & Elane Rehr
- Queen Bees and Wannabes by Rosalind Wiseman
- The Teenage Liberation Handbook by Grace Llewellyn
- Be True to Yourself: A Daily Guide for Teenage Girls by Amanda Ford & Shannon Berning
- Blue Jean: What Young Women Are Thinking, Saying, and Doing by Sherry S. Handel
- Life Lists for Teens by Pamela Espeland
- Meeting at the Crossroads by Carol Gilligan & Lyn Mikel Brown
- Perfectionism: What's Bad About Being Too Good? by Miriam, Ph.D. Elliott, et al.
- Real Girl Real World: Tools for Finding Your True Self by Heather M. Gray, et al.
School
Advocates, School, Special Events, Teachers
Respect Rally Kick Off
by Jen Uribe, Respect Rx Programs Assistant
September marked the launch of our new program: The Respect Rally, which inspire girls to change their worlds—inside and out.
After holding a Rally in Salem, OR., we led a Rally for Notre Dame High School San Jose, CA. As our volunteers, teachers and other supporters of Respect Rx were coming in and helping us out in the gym we could not wait to meet the 600 high school girls! As time flew by, it was finally time for the first slide of our rally, and the climate of the room could not have been more empowering.
There were 600 pairs of beautiful eyes staring onto stage, waiting to hear what the Rally leaders (Courtney, Respect Rx founder, and Jennifer Davidson, founder of Reality Check Coaching) were all about. Well it did not take long for them to fall in love with both of these empowering women and just seeing how both their positive energies work together. Once the Respect Rx team got the crowd going these girls were dying to speak out. The girls sat in pods of 12 and did activities focused on building respect in three categories: Myself, My Relationships and My World. After each activity, lines with more than 20 girls would form when we asked to come up and speak to their classmates. At one point girls even spontaneously broke into dancing around the gym in a big train to the song "Unwritten."
We could not have been more thrilled with how things went. It was all of our dreams come true. We could tell the girls were learning and yearning for more, which made every activity even more exciting. These girls were not only taking in all of our information but they were also teaching one another the core concepts of respect from their own unique experiences. This was incredibly inspiring both to the girls themselves and the Respect Rx team because this is exactly what we are all about: girls teaching girls!
We had girls write up their "Respect Promise" and here's what a few said:
To respect myself more, I will:
Appreciate and embrace what I have, take care of myself better, and think more positively about myself.
Accept myself for who I am, and not what others want me to be.
Look at myself everyday and tell myself I am beautiful on the inside and outside and no one can undermine me.
Overall, the day was spent with a variety of emotions from a variety of sources, but we can all agree that the rally was a huge success! We want to thank all of our supporters and we can't wait for our next rally, because we want to reach out to as many girls as we possibly can.
Advocates, Programs, School, Social Change + Activism
The Girl Effect
Advocates, School, Special Events
Community College Scholarship
This is what can happen when a group of women get together to empower each other. I started ChicksWhoClick more than six years ago (before we had myspace and facebook to play with!). It's a private network of creative and powerful women who know people. And this year, we launched a scholarship! The winner will get cash for college and be invited to the network. Check it out and spread the word! We're hoping to support one ambitious young woman's first year of community college. We needed this kinda support when were starting out and we're only happy to pay it forward.
ChicksWhoClick Scholarship
Are you a young woman between the ages of 17 and 20 who will be entering community college for the 2008-2009 academic year? If so, you may qualify for the ChicksWhoClick (CWC) scholarship!
About CWC
ChicksWhoClick is an international private network of women in media, creative arts, communications and girls' & women's advocacy. CWC was founded in 2002 and consists of an email list, social networking web site and offline networking events. Members of CWC share inside lines on job and project leads, publicize their work, get career advice and contacts, collaborate and support each other's work and goals.
About the scholarship
CWC believes in supporting young women in reaching their potential. We've created a privately funded scholarship to help one young woman pay for her community college education in pursuit of a career in media, journalism, creative arts, communications, or girls' & women's advocacy.
The winner will receive:
• A cash gift-card in the amount of $1,150 to be applied toward your college education
• A membership invitation to CWC to introduce you to a network of mentors and peers who can support you as you pursue your education, future job opportunities and creative paths.
How the winner is chosen:
A CWC panel will review applicant submissions. By July 1, finalists will be contacted for proof of community college enrollment and a brief phone interview. The panel will choose the winner based on a majority vote. Winner will be announced in August 2008. Applicants will be judged on the strength of their essays and the idea those essays contain. Finalists will also be evaluated on interviews.
Qualifications
To qualify, the applicant must:
• Be a young woman between the ages of 17-20 living in the United States.
• Be attending a U.S. community college in fall 2008 or winter 2009.
• Be intent on pursing a degree or career in communications, journalism, new media, creative writing or women's studies.
• Agree to send an update to CWC after the conclusion of the 2008-2009 academic year describing how your education is evolving, how the scholarship has supported you and what's next for you.
• Be prepared to provide proof of enrollment for fall 2008 or winter 2009 semesters.
How to apply
Only electronic submissions will be accepted.
DEADLINE: MAY 1, 2008
Please submit the following materials to Tara Swords, CWC moderator, via email (tara@taraswords.com) by the deadline:
o An essay of 700-800 words telling us your intended field of study, why you are drawn to it, and how this scholarship and support from CWC can help you achieve your goals.
• The following personal information in the body of your email:
o Name, age, mailing address and telephone number
o Name, city and state of the community college you plan to attend and when you will enroll
o Your intended field of study
Good luck!
Media, School
Prom Time
Ah, prom night. Nothing has changed since I was a teen except, uh, that now there's not just Seventeen and Teen prom issues—there are tons of entire magazines and Web sites devoted just to the big dance. And now the cost of some dresses could buy you a car or a semester at college. And the parties? Can you say "Cancun Spring Break" preview?
So how can you be yourself, not buckle under the pressure to spend boatloads of money AND make self-respecting choices after prom when the real party begins?
First, a confession: I went to four proms during my high school career. I think I spent more time thinking about prom, angling for dates for prom, working to save money to buy stuff for prom (my parents were po'), and getting ready for prom than I actually did studying. For real. I spent so much time planning and primping just so I couldn't (umm…) look like, act like, and have fun being, well, the real me.
Like I spent hours:
…putting on Lee Press-Ons.
…getting a perm for one prom (after BEGGING my mom) because my hair was naturally straight.
…finding the perfect dress to stand out and look better than everyone else.
…binge dieting and exercising to lose weight before prom.
…doing my makeup.
…waiting in line to get my photo taken.
…crying when the photo didn't look perfect.
…worrying about whether I would get pressured into a thing or two after prom.
…doing that thing or two and regretting until it I was at least 25.
Time spent having fun at prom: ZERO (honestly)
OK, but I want the girls of the world to have fun at prom (and every other day of your life). To dance in a circle like you do at the regular school dances with big smiles on your faces and not caring who's looking at you. To not spend your college fund or lose your self-respect to impress at prom.
Self-respect is all about being yourself, at all times, period. Prom presents some challenges to the repect-o-sphere, though. That's why I don't want you to follow my lead from back in the day. Instead follow these do's and don'ts:
DO take action and get involved in planning the event so it's a fun-respect-filled night for all (including affordable, safe, funky, and inclusive!)
DO be yourself.
DO go as yourself just glammed up (if you like) but not made over or in disguise.
DO have fun.
DO create great memories w. your friends not empty celeb red-carpet photo ops.
DO treat your body with respect. Don't starve, abuse, poison or put you in harm's way for prom. (It's supposed to be fun not a war zone!!).
DON'T go if you don't feel like it.
DON'T feel like you need a date—you can go with your girls.
DON'T spend more time or money getting ready than you will actually spend dancing, laughing, or feeling fabulous!
DO dance.
DO have a plan for after-prom parties so you can stick to your boundaries. Use the buddy system so you don't get stuck somewhere or with someone scary.
DO take fun camera-phone pics or Poloroids. If you like, skip the long line, cheesy backdrops, stiff smile and hefty price-tag for the professional prom photos.
DON'T lie to your parents about your prom doings and risk losing other privileges that you value more than one little night like graduation/grad night, summer fun or their trust and respect.
DON'T feel like you need to hook up with anyone. If you're not ready for kissing or having sex—or anything in between—with your date: don't. And let him/her know it ain't happening ahead of time. If that's his/her requirement for a date, tell him/her to email me for some schoolin! Or just say: "It's a dance, not an arranged marriage." Remember, when it comes to sex/hooking up, check out The 7 Questions so you can always put you and your self-respect first.
DON'T measure your worth based on your prom get-up/plan. Your are so amazing, talented, and have so much in store for yourself—can one dance really define you? Only if it's the happy dance you do every morning of your life because you're Ms. You!
DO be aware of what could be driving your prom fantasies. Kate Pavao, senior editor at one of my favorite sister sites, Common Sense, has this to say about prom media madness:
Talk about a mixed message: The April edition of Teen Vogue features a big article on out-of-control proms, which blames the media—specifically movies—for the increased pressure on teens to buy expensive dresses, snag hot dates, have extravagant after-parties, and make prom night the best night of their lives.Of course this article is just part of the magazine’s prom package, set among pages of prom dresses—one of which costs over $400—and even an article about getting skin in perfect dance-night condition, starting a month ahead of time.
True, there are dresses at lower price points, and the magazine does show girls bargain shopping or going vintage. But teen magazines’ prom packages make it obvious that it’s not just the movies building the prom pressure, setting up the big night to be a big disappointment—and a big expense.
Now we're not saying to boycott prom and every magazine spread that comes with it. Instead, filter your media so you aren't manipulated into disrespecting yourself by not being yourself. Common Sense says to ask yourself (or your daughter) these questions. Time to break out your journal:
• Is prom an important enough event to warrant so many magazine pages? What do these packages do to your expectations for the night? Do you think the reality can ever live up to the fantasy that magazines present?• How do you feel about yourself after seeing teens model glamorous prom dresses and fancy hair styles? Do you notice yourself thinking about your own body or looks more after reading these packages? Does it leave you wanting to spend more money on makeup and accessories to make the night perfect? (This might be a good time to talk about how magazine models have stylists -- and are airbrushed, too.)
• If you were editing a teen magazine, and putting together a prom package, what, if anything, would you do differently? If an editor was really concerned about out-of-control proms, is it enough to write an article about it, or would you feature some other content?
• What do magazines have to gain by promoting lots of prom-related products? Can you find any crossovers between products that are mentioned in editorial and those that are in the advertisements?
• Thinking beyond magazines, what are some other ways that we build up prom in our culture? Do you think children's fairy tales like Cinderella, or even more modern princesses, like Dora the Explorer, are also responsible for building expectations? What are some other ways girls are encouraged to fantasize about being the belle of the ball?
(Parents for more help dealing with prom, check out another fave sister site, Daughters.org for some tips.)
More Info >
RESPECT Chapter 4: Your Media IQ
What's your plan for prom? How will you keep the respect booming? OR tell us your past prom horror story and what you would do differently now. First five commenters WIN a free RESPECT baby-T.
Bullying + Sexual Harassment, Girls, School
Slut Rumors
A girl at school is telling everyone that I'm a slut because I'm going out with her ex-boyfriend. It feels like everyone is turning against me.
Rx: First, let's break down the anatomy of a "slut" rumor, which we all know is one of the top weapons girls (and guys) use to take someone down. Usually when a girl is called a slut or "ho," it’s, uh, not meant as a compliment. And the rumors (like that a girl has given the whole football sexual favors, has diseases or does threesomes) can be damaging beyond the classroom.
So is spreading slut rumors just girls being girls? No way. It's disrespect taking over when our self-respect has gone into hiding (we've all been there!). When a girl calls another girl a slut, numerous fear factors could be at work, like:
Taboo sexuality. A girl’s sexuality has long been a hush-hush topic. Some have been brought up to think that a girl should stay pure or hold out until marriage, and they label girls sluts as punishment for not being virgins or for simply being viewed as desirable. Society also seems to get uncomfortable with the fact that females do have desire. And that’s why attacking a girl by calling her a slut can be considered such a slam. Whether girls are sexually active or not, if someone thinks sexuality/sexual thoughts are bad then calling someone a slut is the same as saying you're WAY bad, wrong, dirty or worthless. See how that works?
Insecurity and competition. Some girls are afraid that sexy or pretty girls will take all the guys and so they make the first defensive move by tarnishing the girls' reputations. Some are afraid their boyfriends will dump them for a so-called slut because it's a common belief that all that boys want is sex and more sex. It's not always true. But that's what movies, videos and TV shows (and the actions of some of the boys we know) tend to make us believe. If a girl doesn't want to "give it up" but another girl does so freely, then sometimes the logic follows that the boyfriend will dump the virgin for the sexually experienced girl. Then jealousy takes over and rumors fly.
There are also the girls who call girls sluts for revenge for one thing or another, throwing the name around for reasons that have nothing to do with sex at all. A girl might be different from the in-crowd or dress in a revealing fashion or in a way that calls attention to her. Or maybe a girl’s body filled in when all of her female classmates were still shopping in the little girl’s section. She might be confident in herself and her talents, which girls with low self-respect find intimidating and so they label her a slut. Girls admit that they spread nasty rumors when they are feeling insecure and competitive.
Judgment. So you know for a fact—you have witnesses and sworn testimony—that a girl in your history class has slept with five guys in five days. That makes her a card-carrying slut in your book. Before you start gossiping or hurling insults, stop and ask yourself: If it were true, why would she do that anyway?
Although a girl's sexuality is her business, numerous studies show that teen girls who have frequent sexual encounters that lack trust and real intimacy are more likely to have been sexually abused as children, have low self-worth and are in more danger of getting STDs or becoming pregnant. So before you get all superior, remember that a girl could be labeled a slut because she’s misunderstood or being unfairly judged. Or she could be hurting or confused so don't kick her when she's down. (Remember, she's your sistah by another motha!)
If any of these scenarios sound familiar, here's what you can do to burn down the rumor mill:
Build your self-respect. When you care about yourself, have goals, do stuff you love, don't talk down to yourself, have supportive friends, and know you're super special *just* because you are here on planet Earth—you are stronger in the face of bad situations. You are less likely to live up to a nasty rumor, take it to heart, or to take bad treatment without fighting for your rights. And you're really less likely to need to hurt other girls to make yourself feel better.
Is your self-respect running low? Make a list of all the amazing things you want to do with your life and time. Now get started! Or answer this question: I respect myself because: (list 10 reasons). RESPECT also offers tons of ways you can invest in you. Keep thinking of your self-respect like a bank account. If you don't make deposits then you'll be too broke to pay your respects to yourself and others.
Set those boundaries. If you're sick of being the star of the "rumor of the week," go to the source if you feel comfortable. Tell the person how the rumor is hurting you, like: "We used to be friends, and it hurts my feelings that you're saying stuff behind my back. I want you to stop, and for us to work things out." And keep believing in yourself and hanging out with people who know the real you and who will set the record straight when the rumor comes their way.
Get help. If the rumors don't stop and you're afraid to go to school, talk to your parents or another trusted adult (like a school or helpline counselor at 1-800-839-4ERA) about your options. If the situation is totally out of hand, do you want to report it? (Trust your gut, but please do report it!) Do you need support in making new friends? Are you being physically threatened and need protection right away? Do you want to switch schools? If you're in danger or are shutting down, again, trust your gut and reach out for help.
Report it. If your school receives federal funds it has to have an anti-harassment policy (and sexual rumors are a form of harassment). If the person doesn't stop or is still harassing others, get ready to report it. Sexual harassment won't stop unless we all take a stand against it. Take these steps to report it.
Spread respect. Have you ever spread a rumor or watched girls fight at school? How about spreading some respect instead. Whenever you don't like what's going down in your world—change it and change yourself for the better!
• When you gotta problem with someone, be real and tell her how you feel. Give your friends a chance to improve before you cut them off and out of your group.
• Don't call others names like "slut," "ho," "bitch" or anything degrading—it sends the message to the world that it's OK to disrespect girls and it's not.
• Get together with other kids and make your school's anti-harassment policy known. Set the tone for how you want your school (world) to be by holding a Respect Day. This might sound cheesy, but you can fight for equal rights by raising awareness. Read more about the civil rights movement if you're not yet convinced:).
• If your school doesn't have a harassment policy, lead the charge to create one just like these teens.
• Start, join or promote after-school programs that give you and your friends skills and boost your self-respect. Ask for more mentoring programs. Invite cool speakers to your school. In other words, help build everyone's self-respect (especially the "mean" girls!).
And the last step to help end the rumor mill (and all the drama that comes with it) practice using the F-word…(it's not what you think!).
More Info >
Help!
RESPECT Chapters 11 and 12
RESPECT co-author Andrea Vander Pluym contributed to this post.
Girls, School
Boys Are Ruling Gym Class
I really like gym class but the boys are too competitive and nasty that I get nervous when we play games. How can I tell them to stop acting like that?
Rx: I just had a flashback to the fat lip I got in Little League, when one of my teammates (all guys) was so amped up he threw a ball right at my face to try and get me out at first base. We were in T-ball, people! It was an accident. Still, I admit I didn't sign up for baseball again. But I don't want you to settle for sitting on the bench.
Sure, the guys might be pushing you too hard, or leaving you out, because they're *into* it a bit too much. Or it could be something deeper. Did they learn that guys are athletes and girls should limit their involvement to cheering from the stands? Well we all watch the Olympics, so we know that's just an old-school (and sexist) way of thinking. Girls got game. And studies show that girls who play sports—even just for fun—have more self-respect and confidence.
Remember, you're entitled to a fair and equal education and you have a right to get yours in gym class and in school sports programs. Try these tactics to talk it out:
Tactic No. 1: Try speaking up so gym class will be fair game for all. If you feel comfortable, ask the guys directly to tone it down and tell them what you want without yelling, like "Hey, can you guys pass the ball. We want to play too." Or GBF suggests approaching the least aggressive guy who will hear you out (when you want to make changes, it's important to gather allies). Be calm and assertive and tell him what you see going on, how's it making you and the others feel, and ask him if he will back you up in getting the guys to give you and your friends equal time on the clock.
Tactic No. 2: Sometimes athletes only like to play with people who are at their level—or better—so they can improve. At the same time, people love teaching other people how to do stuff because it makes them feel smart and appreciated. Is it possible, to ask the guys to help you build your skills and confidence on the court? Like if you're intimidated because they've all played sport X since kindergarten and you're just starting out, maybe you can ask them show you some moves so you feel more comfortable getting in the mix. If they mentor you, they'll be more likely to include you and less likely to give you hard time at game time. (I'm not suggesting you bat your eyes and act helpless to get their attention, or that if you already know your stuff to pretend you don't.) Getting help is a Respect Basic. Ask for what you need.
Tactic No. 3: If you tried to ask the guys to take it down a notch and they laughed it off, talk to your gym teacher about what's going on. Along with other girls, set up a meeting with the teacher. Let him/her know that you want to improve your skills and have fun but the guys are intimidating you. Your gym teacher should help you level the playing field and set some new ground rules so everyone can participate without getting steam-rolled. If the gym teacher doesn't back you up, go to the next level: talk to your principal or Title IX coordinator (get the scoop on Title IX here).
I can't tell by your question, but if the guys are calling you names that could be sexual harassment. Or if your school isn't supporting girls' sports at the same level as guys' sports that could be a Title IX violation. When SH is going down, I don't want any girl to ignore (then it just spreads like wild fire burning down girls' self-respect and potential). Report the SH by taking these steps.
Bullying + Sexual Harassment, Girls, Quiz, School
Quiz: Flirting or Hurting?
Take a look at the following scenarios. Do they sound like unwanted sexual harassment or harmless flirting? Keep score in your journal and then click the the next page for the answers.
1. During lunch, your crush tells you he likes your outfit.
Harassment or Flirting?
2. A guy tells his friends he’s "gotten some" from you and now they ask for "some of that" when you walk by them, which totally embarrasses you.
Harassment or Flirting?
3. You wear your favorite shirt, which happens to be low-cut, to turn heads at school.
Harassment or Flirting?
4. A teacher who you really admire—and who you might even have a crush on—tells you that he "likes" you too.
Harassment or Flirting?
5. You always try to hug a boy you like at school or send him sexually suggestive notes even though he’s told you he’s not interested.
Harassment or Flirting?
Answers
Nos. 1 and 3: Flirting. When you want sexual or romantic attention from peers, it’s not harassment. Still, if you’re trying to get too much sexual attention at school, think about whether school is the time and the place—and if you're interrupting others' learning experiences. To build your self-respect, always check yourself when it comes to needing a lot of outside attention to feel validated. You want to make sure that you’re taking advantage of the educational opportunities at school to make yourself a strong, smart girl who's a leader. You’re not there just to study up on dating and mating, right?
Nos. 2, 4 and 5: Harassment. If sexual attention, such as comments from other students, makes you uncomfortable or violates school policiy, it’s harassment. If a teacher makes a pass at you or flirts with you—even if you like how it feels—it’s harassment. Sometimes girls admit that when they’re at school, overt sexual attention or even rude comments from other students or adults feels good. Girls say it makes them feel pretty, desirable or noticed. That might be true, but this is the unhealthy way to get validation (a.k.a. confirmation that you're a valuable person). You should be acknowledged in a courteous and respectful way—not through degrading harassment, inappropriate suggestions, cat calls or "hoochie hollas."
If you're being harassed at school, take action.
Advocates, School, Teachers
10 Ways to Use RESPECT In the Classroom
RESPECT was written for girls, but the book can teach all teens (and adults) how to build mutual respect. Here's how to use the book in the classroom or workshops for teens:
1. Build Self-Respect
Use The 7 Respect Basics to show teens how respect is connected to everything—from their choices to how they feel about themselves to their future success.
2. Foster Mutual Respect
Help students set higher standards for how to give and get respect using the do's and don'ts in Chapter 1. Also, work with students to create respect pacts for their classrooms (see Chapters 6 and 11).
3. Encourage Healthy Choices
Mentor teens about how to make self-respecting choices that honor their values, gut instincts, and boundaries. Chapters 1 through 3 and 8 are perfect for class discussions on how the mind-body connection contributes to a teen’s overall success and sense of self-worth.
4. Teach Media Literacy
Have a class discussion about media myths and stereotypes that fuel disrespect and gender inequality. Use activities from the "Take Back the Media" section in Chapter 4.
5. Promote Equal Rights
Advance equality and self-respect starting with a discussion of "Your Rights" and "Inside the –isms" (see Chapter 1). "REtroSPECT" sidebars throughout the book are also handy civil rights summaries that are great for kick-starting broader discussions.
6. End Sexual Harassment and Bullying
Set the tone for mutual respect by discussing with students the effects sexual harassment and bullying. Inform students about your school’s anti-harassment policy. Chapter 11 offers steps students can take to report harassment and to promote a safe learning environment for all.
7. Raise Awareness About Abuse and Dating Violence
Use the clear definitions and examples of abuse in Chapter 9, to discuss the effects of abuse and how students can get help, report crimes, or support a friend. Also discuss the difference between disrespectful and healthy relationships as described in Chapters 5 and 7.
8. Sponsor Self-Defense
To decrease violence, bullying and abuse, help teens learn how to de-escalate situations, how to defend themselves, and how to get help. Share the tips and strategies in Chapter 10. Also use the evidence presented to lobby your school to teach self-defense techniques in P.E. class.
9. Inspire Political Action
Using Chapter 12, you can show teens how to take action to spread respect and become future leaders. Teachers can supplement government and history lesson plans with activities listed in "Make Your Voice Heard" such as how to write letters to lawmakers or start a campaign for change.
10. Advocate Getting Help
Referencing "Help!" sidebars throughout the book, you can encourage teens to get help when it comes to dating violence, eating disorders, abuse, harassment, or everyday dilemmas they're going through. Teach students how to find reliable support and resources using the "More Info" section (page 204) as a guide.
To learn more about school workshops, go to >
Events + Workshops
llustration by Catherine LePage © Free Spirit Publishing Inc. 2005
Help!, School
Help! School + Learning
ORGS + WEB SITES
American Association of University Women (AAUW)
800-326-AAUW (800-326-2289)
www.aauw.org
Promotes equity, lifelong education, and positive societal change for all women and girls.
Girlstart
www.girlstart.org
This non-profit organization created to empower girls to excel in math, science, and technology.
Ms. Foundation for Women
212-742-2300
www.ms.foundation.org
Funds projects that nurture girls' leadership skills, including Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day.
National Center for Learning Disabilities
212-545-7510
www.ncld.org
Information on learning disabilities and what help is available.
The Safe Schools Coalition
1-866-HF-ZONE-1 (Crisis Phone)
206-632-0622 (business phone)
www.safeschoolscoalition.org
A public-private partnership in support of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender youth. Offers resources as a starting point for educators, parents/guardians, and youth. The Crisis Phone is available 24/7.
Transitions Abroad
802-442-4827
www.transitionsabroad.com
Learn all about studying- or volunteering- abroad programs for teens.
BOOKS
Gutsy Girls: Young Women Who Dare
by Tina Schwager and Michele Schuerger
Meet 25 girls who are brave, determined and passionate. They share their stories of success, from breaking records in sports to traveling the world.
The Teenage Liberation Handbook: How to Quit School and Get a Real Life and Education
by Grace Llewellyn
For the motivated girl who doesn't like learning in the school environment, this inspiring classic has everything you need to know to "unschool" yourself and take charge of your education, including tips on how to talk to your parents about changing your education and Web resources that support your self-schooling adventure.
The Teenagers Guide to School Outside the Box
by Rebecca Greene
How to explore non-traditional education experiences from internships to volunteering to studying abroad.
Where Do I Go from Here?
by Esther Drill, Rebecca Odes, and Heather McDonald
From the creators of Gurl.com, this book discusses the many different types of post-high school experiences—from college, to volunteering, to taking a year off—to help you figure out where you might be happiest and alternative ways to learn.
Look It Up: Web Search Terms
"alternative education" + teen
"study abroad" + teen
"volunteer abroad" + teen
"independent study" + teen
llustration by Catherine LePage © Free Spirit Publishing Inc. 2005








