The goal, within the twelve weekly sessions, is to challenge negative cultural messages toward girls and prevent, through developing stronger and more healthy relationship skills, the adolescent loss of self-esteem. The Girls' Circle is a model of structured support groups for girls from 9-18 years old. Each or every other week, a group of six to ten girls of similar age and development meet with a facilitator for a couple of hours. During this time the girls take turns talking and listening to one another about their concerns and interests. The girls can express themselves further through creative or focused activities such as role playing, drama, journaling, poetry, movement, drawing, collage, clay, etc.
Girls are free to share at their own pace.
Through listening and respect for themselves and others, participants can reflect on and express their own thoughts and feelings. The Girls' Circle does not aim to provide answers or advice, but encourages girls to share experiences that are helpful to one another. It is believed that this empathic mirroring provides a healthy context for self-growth that leads girls to trust themselves. When girls voice their ideas and opinions in a safe environment, it strengthens their confidence and encourages them to express themselves more fully. Girls gain greater awareness of their options and strengthen their ability to make choices that are consistent with their own values, interests, and talents.