Workshops

In 2002 a study showed that during adolescence, teen girls’ self-esteem dropped about twice as much as boys' – when self-esteem drops so does self-respect and the downward spiral can continue to promiscuity, drugs, alcohol, self-injury and suicide.

My workshops empower girls (ages 7-18, in age appropriate break-downs) with an understanding of the true meaning of self-respect and the character traits that will nurture it. In a cozy 2+-hour slumber party-style atmosphere, core traits such as Courage, Integrity, Assertiveness, Confidence and Restraint are covered in ways that incorporate art, music, writing and other media.

Methods:
In the workshop the girls make journals that celebrate their unique qualities and celebrate their individuality. Role playing and activities that illustrate the proper remedies to nurture self-respect are the biggest part of this event. Writing prompts followed by quiet writing time in their new journals encourage the girls to script appropriate responses to difficult situations. The tools they are given during this workshop can be applied to the many life situations they will encounter.

Workshops:

The Me I'm Meant To Be (ages 7-11)
This workshop gently touches on issues that unfortunately are filtering down to even our youngest girls. Subjects such as Bullying, Being Popular, Mean Girls and, my favorite, Hands Off! bring to light the situations that many moms are losing sleep over. Imagine the beauty of a heart unscathed by these travesties as it enters the chaos of middle school. This workshop is free of any discussion of sex.

Scripting Your Boundaries (ages 11-18)
This workshop is so empowering! Sometimes teen girls just follow the crowd because they think that is their only option. Through activities that will help them set concrete personal boundaries, prepare appropriate responses to uncomfortable situations and become secure in the notion that following the crowd is NOT the "Easy Button" girls will be given a sense of who they are to become and how to get there safely. If you could script YOUR life, what would it look like? If you don't have a plan, how will you get there? This workshop will touch on the subject of sex through a 'purity and dating' discussion.

The Media and Your Self-Esteem (ages 11-18)
A study done at The University of Michigan found the typical child sees 20,000 TV commercials in one year? It is ridiculous the messages that our girls are bombarded with. We have seen the Victoria Secret commercials, do we want out daughters to compare themselves to these women? Of course not. This workshop dives deep into the secrets behind marketing schemes. Girls are given the inside scoop on HOW and WHY media is used to sell things. A video of the extent Photoshop is used before a photograph is printed is part of this workshop. We want our teens to be discerning of the information they are given; the goal of the fun activities will be for girls to become more MEDIA LITERATE.

For churches:
When bringing the workshop to churches, the message will be based in God’s truths;  

Philippians 4:13 – I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

Romans 12:2  - Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

1 Corinthians 6:20  - For you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.

About the Book:

My Real “Net” Worth: Every Girl’s Guide to Catching Self-Respect & Keeping It

Michelle Kemper Brownlow’s juxtaposition of self-reflective journaling and art, true accounts from real girls and stories from her 20+ years of mentoring teens makes this book something a teen girl will hang onto like she did her ‘blankie.’  This book is a lifeline. Through a revelation of  what’s on her ‘inside’ and the permission to demand respect on her ‘outside,’ Brownlow teaches each girl how to take the one biggest gift they have been given and use it to help her be the powerful, productive, beautiful creature she was intended to be.

For more information or to book Michelle for your next event, please email her at michellebrownlow@yahoo.com and put SPEAKING in the subject line.