Sessions

Failed female relationships – many educators see the drama play out on a sometimes daily basis in the form of bullying and relational aggression. Psychologically speaking, the female brain is hard-wired to try to identify others’ emotions and feelings, and to respond with appropriate emotions in the hope for a connection. With girls’ increased sensitivity to relationships, an increased understanding of “self” is vitally important.

Studies by leading researchers have shown that culturally relevant gender-specific groups can have a lasting impact on girls’ well-being. The evidence also reveals that girl-on-girl relational aggression often occurs as a result of low self-esteem, correlating with nationwide increases in discipline rates with minority girls due to negative media influences, environmental factors and low academic scores. A Dove Global Survey (2010) found that 6 out of 10 girls will stop doing something they love or something that will benefit them because they feel negatively about how they look. A World Association study (2013) of women and girls from 70 countries found that 45 percent of respondents think girls are held back from taking on leadership positions because of low body confidence. Girls need to realize society does not define them!

In the insightful professional development  facilitated by SistaKeepers Founder and Family Therapist Tracie Berry-McGhee will disclose innovative restorative justice strategies for creating social emotional learning spaces(SEL), and gender specific mentoring wellness circles creating a society of young women who are able to make educated choices, be assertive, practice teamwork and be true to self – displaying self-discipline, increased self-confidence and improved relationships with others.

Ms. Berry-McGhee will use her 15 years as a consultant and facilitator within inner-city, charter, private and alternative schools to pinpoint the strong disconnect that occurs when caring professionals try to resolve this crisis. Using a biblio-therapy poetry model, this session will explore and identify negative educational/societal trends, provide fresh strategies and enhance facilitation skills to help girls to be their best selves.

Learning Objectives:

• Define communication barriers that promote low self-esteem and increase relational aggression
• Incorporate a biblio-therapy model – utilizing tools that promote self- awareness through music, poetry and journaling
• Understand culturally relevant social-emotional/non-verbal cues to be able to model social supports in a group
• Consider critical “do’s and don’ts” when responding to girls in crisis
• Break down gender identity development and how to counter the loss of social identity due to body image factors
• Create a safe space that allows for a sense of belonging where open disclosure will be validated

About the Presenter

Tracie Berry-McGhee founded the SistaKeeper Empowerment Center in St. Louis 12 years ago with the mission of empowering, inspiring and developing the mind, body and spirit of young women. SistaKeeper has since spread to other locations within the United States, as well as to Europe, Africa and the Caribbean. 

Tracie also continues to serve the community via her private counseling practice, which specializes in women and teen girl issues. She is often called upon to speak on topics such as conflict resolution, dealing with low self-esteem and bullying. She is the recipient of numerous awards including the Delta Sigma Theta “Power of 22 Award,” the African American Professional Organization of Women “Women of Distinction Award,” the Girls Scouts “Women of Distinction in Social Services Award,” the NAACP “Hometown Champion Award” and the University of Missouri “Outstanding Achievement and Meritorious Service to Education Award.” Tracie is the author of SistaKeeper Poetry for the Soul, I’m a Keeper and OWN your NOW.