Youth Advisory Program

 

The Youth Advisory Program trains and mentors urban high-school girls to participate in outreach activities with their peers in Boston and surrounding communities. The program is based in the Resource Center, at the Center for Young Women's Health in Children's Hospital Boston. The mission of this innovative peer leadership program is to positively influence and improve the health and well being of adolescent girls. Our presentations and events are offered to community groups at no cost. We use our blog to document our events and experiences.

 

 

 

What are the presentation topics?

The topics are based on four key areas: Safety, Emotional Health, Fitness, and Nutrition & Osteoporosis Prevention. Upon request, presentations can be developed on additional topics.

 

Here's a short introduction to some of our presentations:

 

Self Esteem and the Media

• Break the cycle! - Cycle of high and low self esteem and ways to stay positive
• Media and body image - Activities and movie clip critique
• Get Real! - Role plays and suggestions for ways to deal with negativity

Staying Safe in Cyberspace - This very informative interactive presentation for middle-high school girls utilizes a learning tool created by the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force as well as activities created by The Center for Young Women’s Health.

• True Stories - How internet predators find their victims/CD-ROM
• Staying safe - Important tips on Chat rooms, MySpace and AIM
• Your best defense - How to report someone who is harassing you

Teen Safe Series

• Healthy relationships
• Safety in relationships
• Safety on the street

Calcium Counts - Osteoporosis Awareness and Prevention

• “Got dairy?” - Calcium rich foods
• Building your bones
• Exercise facts and fitness

Fun Fitness

• Stretch and flex exercises
• Muscle works - Strengthening and toning
• “Go Girls” - aerobic action exercises

Healthy Girls - “Fueling Your Body for Good Health”

• Pyramid power - new recommendations for optimal health
• Fast food facts - how to make healthy choices
• Making sense of nutrition facts & labels

Smoking Cessation

• What the tobacco companies forgot to tell you
• How smoking effects your body
• Ways to quit and resources
  

How long are the presentations?

We can usually accommodate your program by adapting our presentation to your time frame. Generally, the programs are 60 minutes of interactive discussion and activities, followed by 30 minutes of questions and wrap-up. We will also ask your group to complete a brief evaluation form.

 

How do I book a presentation?

Contact Phaedra Thomas at the Center for Young Women's Health.

Phone: 617-355-7712

Email: phaedra.thomas@childrens.harvard.edu

 

In order for us to adapt our presentation to your group, we will ask you for specific information such as the age, gender, grade level and number of girls who will be attending the presentation.

 

How far in advance should I book a presentation?

It’s best to call at least one month in advance to secure the time and date. This will also allow time to provide your group with an activity to prepare for our program.

 

Thank You to our Supporters!

The Youth Advisory Program has been funded by the AOL Foundation, the Cabot Family Charitable Trust, the Children's Hospital League, the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Women's Health, the Maternal Child Health Bureau, and the Junior League of Boston.