Go Girls Mentoring is a program that pairs female volunteers ages 18-25 with groups of 8-10 girls ages 11-14. The volunteers meet with the girls for 2 hours a week over 7-10 weeks to encourage physical activity, balanced eating, and positive self-image. Currently operating in 29 schools across Peel Region, the program aims to enhance the competence, confidence, and self-esteem of the girls through a structured curriculum. Testimonials indicate the program has made a positive impact on participants.

1. … One Child at a Time! Making a Difference …

2. Go Girls Mentoring (GG) Healthy Minds! Healthy Bodies 8-10 girls ages 11-14 are mentored by 2 female volunteers ages18-25 Meet two hours a week for 7 sessions over a 7-10 week period on school property Encourages physical activity, balanced eating and positive self-image

3. Go Girls Program History Program created by OPHEA in 2001 Trillium provided funding for 3 years and the program was piloted with several municipal recreation programs in addition to BBBS agencies. BBBSC purchased program in 2006 2007 Peel piloted first Go Girls program Currently piloting a similar program for Boys

4. Program Overview Work with both school boards Currently 223 children registered in 29 schools across Peel Region BBBSP coordinates and manages volunteer recruitment, screening, matching and monitoring School Boards identify children Caseworkers provide volunteer support

5. Program Objectives To enhance competence, confidence and self esteem of girls and young women To support participants in choosing to maintain a healthy active lifestyle To provide participants the tools and information they need to make positive decisions and maintain a healthy lifestyle To build leadership and life skills of volunteer mentors and students

6. Program Curriculum Each session structured around three themes of active living, balanced eating and feeling good about oneself. Girls write in weekly journals. Week 1: Setting the Scene Week 2: Developing Positive Group Dynamics Week 3: Understanding influences on Girls Week 4: Towards a New Me Week 5: Taking Control Week 6: Setting Goals and Making Decisions Week 7: Celebrating our Successes

7. Volunteering – Getting Started Volunteers must be 18-25 years old to mentor Complete following forms: Program Application - different from Development application Police Check Confidentiality Agreement Submit references by employer, family and character In person interview takes place that lasts approximately 1.5 hours Talk about personal history, matching process and next steps Process typically takes up to 2 months but dependant on Police Check

8. Volunteering – Training Volunteers receive Child Safety & Go Girls training ( full-day Saturday ) Go Girls Training Introduce mentors to curriculum, activities and group dynamics Provide guidance on how to handle challenging situations and how to adapt the program to the girls rather than forcing the girls to fit the program Training is co-facilitated with past Go Girls mentors who share past experiences

9. Participant Recruitment Group Development critical to the program Girls in Grades 7 & 8 of pre-selected schools watch DVD Caseworker talks about the program Girls identified through self selection recommendations from guidance counselors Try to balance the group

10. Go Girls Testimonial The girls all seem to have benefited from the program. I noticed two girls in particular made profound changes. One girl was a bit of a bully in the beginning and tended to be a bit intolerant of the other girls. However by the end I could see a definite improvement in her interpersonal skills and the way she treated others. I also think she gained a better understanding of herself. Another girl was painfully shy and I am happy to report that she has completely blossomed, has established new relationships and learned to speak up! Teacher

11. Testimonials from Girls “ I did enjoy my time at Go Girls because it helps me express my feelings.” “ I learned to like myself no matter what anybody says. This program taught me things that I will carry for a long time.” “ If I ever get the chance to be a mentor I totally would because it made an impact on me. I want to help people think different in a good way.”

12. Program Costs and Structure Program costs approximately $127,900 Expenses include: Salary for one part-time caseworker Volunteer screening & training costs Occupancy Costs - Office Space, Computer Equipment, Program Marketing Program Supplies and Materials

13. Program Needs - Volunteers High turnover of volunteers because of life changes happening with age group Currently recruiting from post-secondary schools (UTM, Sheridan and Humber) Employers who employ youth aged 18-15

14. Program Needs – In-Kind Healthy Snacks – grocery cards Mentor Manuals - $100 each Girls Journals - $10 each Stereo System for each location Treasure Chests – arts & crafts, skipping ropes, rubber chickens, yoga mats, sports bag

15. How you Can Help Do you know a young female age 18-24 who would like to be a mentor Do you know a company that may be able to donate items for the activity box or snacks Do you know a company that would like to sponsor a group