11:38 PM, Mar. 3, 2012
Article from lohud.com
SPRING VALLEY — Imparting the skills necessary for young women to feel good about themselves and to create a positive future will be the focus of a special program this month.
The 10th annual “What’s Cool” conference will address the topic of “What’s Cool? What’s Not Cool?” and is open to all Rockland girls in grades 7 through 12.
Participants will learn about making positive decisions, creating successful futures and building and maintaining self-esteem, said organizer Marcella Amorese, director of the Rockland Success Team.
“We want them to have a lot of fun while finding out that believing in themselves is really one of the keys to success,” Amorese said.
Today’s young women face many challenges, including pressure to live up to media stereotypes seen on television, in magazines, in the movies and in music videos. Many are also confronted by peer pressure to behave or look a certain way, and some have been victims of bullying, including cyberbullying.
Conference organizers hope to provide a place where participants can speak openly about the issues while also learning how to address them in a positive way, Amorese said.
The program will include skits to help the young women make positive decisions regarding drinking and driving, drug use and the importance of continuing their education.
The idea for the annual conference emerged after an AAUW study called “Violence in the Hallways,” which focused on bullying in the schools, Amorese said.
Over the years, the conference has also focused on materialism, sexual harassment and teen dating violence, among other issues.
Refreshments will be served, and each girl will receive a “goodie bag.” Community service credit will also be given.
Space is limited to the first 100 arrivals and Amorese suggested arriving at the March 24 conference by 11:30 a.m. The program is free, and no registration is required.
The event is sponsored by the Rockland Success Team, part of the Mental Health Association of Rockland County; the Rockland chapter of the American Association of University Women and Pow’R Against Tobacco.
Amorese is also assistant director of family services for the Mental Health Association.
Article from lohud.com