Emphasis is placed on distinguishing between healthy and abusive intimate relationships, and the importance of making good decisions and affirming people who may be involved in abusive relationships. Involved reviews the concepts of abusive relationships and discusses the actions that can be taken to prevent and intervene in rape situations and abusive relationships. Students discuss the issues related to being a bystander to abusive relationships and rape and learn skills for creating safety plans for themselves and others. Physical Safety teaches tools for protection against physical attacks, such as listening to instincts, understanding the strategies of an assailant, and creating safety plans. This class focuses the situations young men often encounter and explores the dynamics of group attacks, and differentiates between muggings and assaults.
Students learn practical skills for verbal self-defense.
Homophobia and Myths of Masculinity is designed to eliminate destructive myths of masculinity by drawing parallels between racism and homophobia. Apologies explores the connection between masculinity and difficulty in apologizing and forgiveness, from the basketball court to intimate relationships. Self Acceptance creates an opportunity for students to reflect on the their values, personal behavior and standards for themselves, friends, and intimates. This class provides time where the students can end the course sharing their thoughts and feelings. The Empower Program has an extensive array of classes teaching girls about the relationships between gender, girls' social hierarchies, and their vulnerability to perpetrate, witness, or be the target of violence through skill building and boundary-setting.