Elements of a Good Program

The process is more important than the result – the girls must learn that they can have an impact on their surroundings and that they are important. It is important to have different activities or examples with which the girls can identify, to have activities and links with the surrounding community, and to have facilitators and adults involved that think differently and aren’t all white. Make meetings regular and on time, always at the same place, same hour to create routine and security for the girls (and their parents).

~ Geneviève Morand,

Magazine Authentik, a magazine by and for girls in Montreal

Based on our experience working locally and within a national network, we know that girls’ programs are innovative and fill a gap in services for girls and young women. We also know that girls’ programming takes planning, hard work, and intention. In our experience, it is important that the kind of program we want to offer is reflected in how we organize our programs.

We ask ourselves:

• What kind of role do we want to play in the community?

• What kind of a difference do we want to foster in the lives of girls in the program?

• How will our program be responsive, relevant and have an impact in the lives of girls?

• What kind of a space do we want to have?

• Will the program target girls who are 9 or 14 or 16?

How you answer these questions will help guide the decisions you make in setting up your program.

A good girls’ program promotes self-advocacy and skill development. In order to effectively reach these goals, a program should be:

• Grounded in girls’ realities

• Reflect the context of the community

• Be supported by the community, including: local leaders, artists, activists, women mentors, community service providers/agencies, faith communities, parents, teachers, school administration, etc.

• Be well-coordinated to bring people, resources and education together in an organized manner

Designing and implementing a good program involves:

Program design skills

Create workshop activities that are meaningful and exciting in order to motivate and engage the girls involved.

Access to resources

Staff, a location/space for meetings, and equipment are important resources.

Creativity

Imagination will inspire girls and help with any challenges you may face along the way.

Responsiveness

Adapting the program as it unfolds, to respond to emerging issues or topics that evolve in the community or amongst the girls involved.

Follow-up

Ensure participants leave with knowledge, skills, and the tools needed to feel empowered, enact change, or deal with issues that have come up in the program.