Students Trained in “Circles for Girls” Facilitation

In early spring the CDR trained a dozen Missouri State students to facilitate “Circles for Girls.” Circles for Girls groups are provided for middle-school-aged girls in several Springfield Public Schools as part of a pilot program funded and supported by the CDR. Each 8-week circle group brings together 8-10 girls to learn and share, with each week focusing on a different topic related to the girls’ well-being, such as healthy relationships, communication and conflict, and self image.

The students taking part in the training learned to facilitate “talking circles,” and several later assisted with the facilitation of the circles taking place in the public schools. The CDR will apply for grant funding to expand this pilot program in the schools next fall, offering additional opportunities for students to gain valuable experience by learning the circle process and working with youth while providing a valuable service to at-risk children in Springfield middle schools.