Dates, Locations, and Time:

• Saturday, December 16 @ The Well Collective: 11:00AM-1:00PM
• Saturday, January 20 @ The Well Collective: 10:00am-3:00pm
• Saturday, February 2 – Sunday, February 3 @ Gloucester Institute (Retreat)
• March: Field Training at multiple middle schools (dates and times will vary)
• Saturday, April 20 @ The Well Collective: 10:00am-3:00pm
• May: Mental Health & First Aid Training (Date and Time tentative)
• June: End-of-program retreat (Date TBD)

“Empowerment Through Mindfulness: A Mindful Life & Community Fellowship in Schools” is a groundbreaking initiative launched in partnership between Girls For A Change and BareSOUL Yoga & Wellness (BSY). Designed specifically for high school-aged girls in the Metro Richmond area, this program spans the 2023-2024 academic year. It combines the principles of self-care and community care to focus on the mental well-being and healing of young Black girls. As “Peer Advisors,” participants undergo a multi-faceted training regimen that covers restorative justice, mindfulness, conflict resolution, and sisterhood.

Commitment and Schedule:

• Academic School Year: Runs from October 2023 to June 2024
• Saturdays: Monthly sessions held from 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM at varying locations
• Overnight Retreats: Two immersive retreats for a deeper understanding of the curriculum
• Field Work: Implementation phase in middle schools starts in March
• Stipends: Provided for each session and upon program completion

Training Components:

• Self-Care Practice: Deepen individual wellness rituals through guided exercises
• Community Care Methods: Techniques to build and sustain well-being in your community
• Restorative Justice: Discussion and activities focused on justice and reconciliation
• Mindfulness Techniques: Exercises to develop presence and awareness
• Sisterhood and Conflict Resolution: Tools for fostering dialogue and communal bonds
• Fieldwork in Middle Schools: Real-world application as Peer Advisor Facilitators
• Leadership Development: Skills training for future community initiatives

Certification:

Participants who complete the training and fieldwork will receive a certificate from BareSOUL Yoga and will be considered for ongoing roles in youth-focused spaces.

Eligibility:

• Exclusively designed for High School students in the Richmond Metropolitan Area
• Geared toward students interested in personal and community empowerment through mindfulness and restorative justice

Limited Availability:

This program has only 10 slots, making it an exclusive opportunity for dedicated individuals.

Location and Dates:

• Various dates and locations, including The Well Collective and Glouster, among others
• Field training at multiple middle schools in March
• Omega Training and Mental Health & First Aid Training to be announced

Info Sessions:

You can learn more about this innovative and restorative program at our information sessions two additional days before registration closes.

How to Join:

Registration is open. Space is limited, so we recommend participating in the Open House for detailed information. Reserve your spot today and join us in empowering young women to contribute to individual and communal well-being.