2Gen PROGRAM
RELEASE THE FEAR’S 2Gen PROGRAM =
2Gen
PROGRAM 2Gen = Bridging communication and understanding together between youth and parents/guardians Focus: Empowering youth and adults, together, to be contributing members of their families and communities.
Duration: one (1) day for four (4) hours Participants: A minimum of 25 parents /guardians and their youth. Max 50 participants.
Goals: To provide tools that will empower parents/guardians and their children to bridge the communication gaps caused by generational differences. Release the Fear’s 2 Generation program focuses on communication tools between youth and parents/guardians. This program helps strengthen and bridge a better sense of understanding for participants of the challenges others may be facing. This is done by assisting participants in communicating feelings and ideas, overcoming doubts and recognizing fears, and often results in participants learning they can achieve their dreams together. By using both verbal and non-verbal activities, participants learn to support each other; work as a team and develop an understanding of each other’s daily lives. Resulting in the discovery that anything is possible, and they matter! “The recent expansion of their “Bridging Possibilities” program now includes both students and parents. This development will further unify Arizona families and unite our communities. Parent involvement in education is so important for the success of students and unfortunately it is often times a struggle to get parents involved. The development of a multi-generational program will provide an additional opportunity to bring students together with their parents in a fun, stimulating environment.” -Anthony Pietrangeli Principal, Kenilworth Elementary.
www.releasethefear.org info@releasethefear.org 602-818-6959
Now I feel like I can talk to my mom – Mike
Grandparents, Parents, single parents, foster parents working together to build confidence in their children - Armando
I loved interacting with other parents, working with other parents I didn’t even know. We build a community and then when we brought in the kids we were open to working together and having full – Melanie I learned that my mom is trying her best - Marcella
This workshop showed me that I can help her explain and express her feelings by working with her to complete tasks – Brandy
What: Release the Fear, a nonprofit health and human-services organization, teaches Arizona’s youth through Character Education. Students discover within themselves the life skills needed to combat the effects of peer pressure, gang involvement, bullying, abuse, and violence in our society. Inspiring and empowering youth with the tools to make better life choices, Release the Fear (RTF) has worked with thousands of at-risk youth and adults in Arizona and around the world, offering experiential programs that help reverse the paralyzing effects of fear and diminished self-worth. Our programs encourage youth to explore safe and healthy lifestyles and to overcome disabilities through the development of leadership and social skills through evidence-based curriculum that meets National Common Core standards. Release the Fear, Inc. has worked with youth in Arizona, nationally, and internationally, in such places as Guam and El Salvador, instilling positive life changes for thousands.
How: These programs stimulate whole-brain thinking and develop metacognitive-thought processing by utilizing new applied-knowledge teaching methods. These programs demonstrate options that awaken a creative consciousness and expose the unlimited potential of critical thinking and problem solving to help participants develop better cognitive behavioral skills. Our trained facilitators guide participants through interactive creative activities and analytically explore the connectedness to their lives. Release the Fear utilizes inquiry-based-learning experiences, an educational practice where the facilitator uses controlled questioning to serve as a learning guide in order to move students toward new understandings. Educational research shows that student retention increases when new learning is discovered through inquiry practices as the student is able to take ownership of new findings. The facilitator must act as guide while being an expert questioner, thinking of the end objective at all times and posing questions to allow students to reach objectives on their own. When this is done, students are able to create new thought patterns that connect and build on their applied knowledge and personal life goals. Without these essential life skills, the still-maturing minds of school students and detained youth view their futures as bleak, with no hope for a “normal” life.
Approach: At the onset of setting up the program, students create the expectations for the workshop as a group. Facilitators guide them through inquiry based learning skills, to create a safe space while empowering and embracing their ability to make constructive and respectful choices about personal behavior and social interaction. Based on awareness of ethical standards and social norms, of the consequences in their actions, and of the wellbeing of self and others. They, as a group, set up guidelines and choose consequences as a way of controlling impulses and a means of motivating themselves, creating an environment for achieving personal and academic goals while empowering a sense of confidence and optimism. Through these experiential programs, we encourage participants to develop valuable core life skills, better critical problem solving, and a healthy sense of understanding of self and others. Through RTF programs, participants discover that anything is possible and that they have a purpose in life. They see why they do matter—to the world, to the community, and most of all to themselves.
Transformation: Through one of many quantitative studies, Maricopa County Juvenile Probation Office released a 2010 report demonstrating the value of Inside-Out Bridging Possibilities© workshops on 357 of their juvenile population. Thirty percent of incarcerated youth recidivate—meaning three out of ten will again find themselves in conflict with law and society and back behind bars. For the incarcerated youth who participated in just one Release the Fear workshop, that recidivism figure dropped to 23 percent. For those who were able to benefit from multiple workshops, it dropped to 16 percent—nearly half. That is an impressive impact on any child’s future as well as the community in general.
Create a better future. Focus, working together. Helping other people. – Kathy One skill I be learned was to respect them, motivate them to believe in themselves – Maria
Communication and listening to them because they can express their feelings, Be able to maybe talk about things or express their feelings. Because I can see there are another ways to solve the problems and I’m not the only one. – Tom Work with people to help each other, get along with others. Knowing that we have friends to trust - Jenna
INSPIRING AND EMPOWERING INDIVIDUALS WITH THE TOOLS TO MAKE BETTER LIFE CHOICES . .
.
. INSPIRING AND EMPOWERING INDIVIDUALS WITH THE TOOLS TO MAKE BETTER LIFE CHOICES
=2Gen
November 9, 2017
Release the Fear, On behalf of Desert Mirage Elementary I want to thank you for the terrific opportunity of 2GEN - Release the Fear. Watching the parent participation and transformation as the day progressed was amazing. When the students joined their parents for the second half of the day, I was even more amazed as the day went on. The interactions between your staff to parent and parent to child were invaluable and set the tone for "bridging" relationships. The participants, both students and parents loved the event! As the day concluded, I was asked multiple times, "when will we have this again? It was so much fun!" Opportunities and programs like 2GEN-Release the Fear are equally as important and influential as academics. The content helps empower not only our students but the parents as well. If you have any more programs, please include Desert Mirage. Thank you! -Matt Williams Principal Desert Mirage Elementary
To whom it may concern,
We began our partnership with Release the Fear in 2016 with their Release the Fear’s Character Education programs. Through these programs our students have learned how to develop valuable core life skills, better critical problem solving and a healthy sense of understanding of self and others. These student developments have encouraged PCA to expand our partnership with Release the Fear. Utilizing their newly developed “Bridging Possibilities two Generation program” we are able to assist our community in the growth of their children. Bringing parents into an active role in the students’ academic developments and expanding the connection many students have with their parents. Release the Fears programs utilize creative processes of art, music and communication students guiding students to learn essential cognitive behavioral skills. Participants learn how to respect themselves and in turn respect others. PCA is excited about our partnership with Release the Fear and what their programs will bring to the community we serve.
Akshai J. Patel CEO Phoenix Collegiate Academy
Email pca@phxca.org | Phone 602.551-6594 | Web www.phxca.org | 5610 S. Central Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85040
Super Cool Kenilworth School 1210 North Fifth Ave. Phoenix, AZ 85003 (602) 257-3889 www.phxschools.org/Kenilworth Mr. Anthony Pietrangeli Principal
To whom it may concern, For many years Release the Fear has impacted Arizona’s at-risk, disengaged and disconnected youth with interactive, inspiring Character Education and anti- bullying programs. The recent expansion of their “Bridging Possibilies” program now includes both students and parents. This development will further unify Arizona families and unite our communities. Parent involvement in education is so important for the success of students and unfortunatley It is often times a struggle to get parents involved. The develoment of a multi-generational program, will provide an additional opportunity to bring students together with their parents in a fun, stimulating environment. Release the Fear programs have been a part of Kenilworth’s ciruculum for many years. Through these programs our students have learned about cultural diversity and how to use their leadership skills to resolve conflicts not only in school but in all environments. Students have learned social skills that will help them be successful in school and life. I applaud Release the Fear and their efforts to shift the lives of disadvantaged, disengaged and at-risk youth. Involving parents in the their evidence-based programs will benefit the entire Arizona community. We look forward to continuing to work with Release the Fear in the future. Please do not hesitate to contact me directly with any questions. My office number is 602257-3890 Thank you
Anthony Pietrangeli Principal
RESULTS
Thanks to ACF/IDA, 21 young lives and 19 Parents from Desert Mirage experienced their Possibilities. This workshop took place on November 8th, 2017 - #3 of 15 Opening up possibilities for the young minds of Arizona’s youth for a brighter tomorrow.© “Bridging Possibility” workshops. Through stories, activities and artwork, Release the Fear’s Workshops will help students to: Draw One’s Fears and Awaken Hopes and Dreams Stimulate Creative Listening and Communication+ Bridge Understanding Discuss How Color Affects Us and Our Environment Senses Heighten Visual Awareness of Our Environment Turn Pain into Possibilities into Purpose. Participant Responses Participants are asked to reflect on several of the activities and then share with the group. These responses are written in their words without edit. The students are asked to reflect on the following question: How do you think this activity could help you in your daily life (In School, Out of School, or In Your Career)?. Creative Storytelling: Kids - Creativity, inferencing, trust, teamwork. Help someone in need. Looking the problem in a different perspective. Doing chores, getting organized. / Teamwork, group activities, stand up, communicate. / Teamwork, class project. Stand up for another. Jobs. Through the Hoops: Kids - Trust, creativity, assistance. Trusting in teacher, creativity in art, tutoring someone. Help from adults and teachers. Making choices, help with classwork, relationships. / Trust, confidence, teamwork. Helps working together and trusting people. To help break barracks. To not judge by their looks. / Trust, teamwork, stability, touch, empathy, help others. You can help people, trust your friends. Defend someone. Bring people together. Ask help, reiterate, protect others, being aware of others. Community support, accomplishing goals, perspective. Drawing One’s Fears, Hopes and Dreams and Sharing: Parents - Confidence, visual, honesty. Truth, not cheating, helping others, standing up and speaking, striking up and not being afraid, sharing your feelings with children, setting goals, prepare / Brain, Imagination, confidence. Thinking, homework, creative. To be able to do the work assigned. Confidence that we can do it. Wrong from right, change to outcome. To stand up to a bully. To make right choices, be creative to make different aspects of life. / Humble, vulnerable, open minded. Sharing, acceptance, compassion, other’s feelings. Accept differences in all. Fear of continuing cycle of abuse. Stay humble, perspectives. Understanding expectations setting boundaries. %Male %Female
Kids 47 Adults 84 Kids 53 Adults 16
Rate this statement: You feel comfortable speaking in front of others. Kids Pre % Yes, Always 14 % Sometimes 14 % Not at All 19 Kids Post % Yes, Always 33 % Sometimes 57 % Not at All 10 Rate this statement: You feel comfortable speaking in front of others. Parents Pre % Yes, Always 42 % Sometimes 53 % Not at All 5 Parents Post % Yes, Always 33 % Sometimes 54 % Not at All 13 Rate this statement: You believe your friends and family support you Kids Pre % Yes, Always 76 % Sometimes 19 % Not at All 5
Funded By: ACF/IDA Location: Desert Mirage
Date: November 8, 2017
Rate this statement: You believe that self-confident parents/guardians raise self-confident children? Parents Pre % Yes 74 % Not Sure 26 % No 10 Rate this statement: Do you feel that you have learned effective ways to help you child feel more confident? Parents Pre % Yes 93 % No 7 Which tools, why? : Communication / Understanding / Trust and Respect / Extra communication – connection / Communication and listening them because they can express their feelings / Look in mirror exercise, bonding teamwork / Stepping away from the people to see a little clearly / Teamwork, patience, trust / Confidence, teamwork / Able to maybe talk about things or express their feelings / Using the hoop shows trust and touch which children need / Because I can see there are another way to solve the problems and I’m not the only one / Understanding. Complete this statement: I am trustworthy and see myself as a __. Follower, Equal, Leader Kids Pre % Follower 5 % Other 10 % Leader 85 Do you think it’s easier to complete a task alone or with help? Kids Pre % Alone 53 % With Help 47 Kids Post % Alone 33 % With Help 67 Thoughts Shared: I don’t feel comfortable / Sometimes I don’t know what to do / Because they’re different opinions / Cause they will say you’re wrong / Because you can work better alone with no distractions / Because two is better than one / I like having silence and having control / Because it is easy / Because you get things faster / Because it helps when we talk about it / Because I don’t play/work well with others / Because it helpful / It’s more fun with two people / I will help people if they need help because I think those people would do the same for me. Do you feel comfortable asking adults for help? Kids Pre % Yes 39 % Sometimes 47 % No 14 Kids Post % Yes 76 % Sometimes 14 % No 10 Rate this statement: I believe I can make my hopes and/or dreams come true. Kids Pre % Not at all 5 % Sometimes 62 % All the Time 33 %No Answer 0 Kids Post % Not at all 5 % Sometimes 28 % All the Time 62 %No Answer 5 Do you believe that you communicate effectively with your child? Parents Pre % Yes 80 % Sometimes 80 % Not at All 13 Parents Post % Yes 80 % Better 80 % About the Same 13 Do you believe that you communicate well with your parent/guardian? Kids Pre % Yes 76 % No 24 % No Answer 0 My most important hope or dream (If you do not have one please say so) Kids Pre % Yes 81 Thoughts Shared: Kids – Is to threw live well and always have good vibes / I have nothing / Be a soccer player / To be a successful worker / One day I would like to be a leader like my Nana / To get to know one of my celebrities / Mt dream is to be a construction worker / I want to follow my dreams / To entertain and help people / To live with my whole family / Me and my sister get along / Is to become an FBI agent / I want to be a surgeon / A sister / I don’t have one / To be a comic writer / Is to have a job.
My most important hope or dream for my child is Parents Pre % Yes 100 Thoughts Shared: Parents – To be successful in life / To be himself, happiness / They can find the way to be happy / They are happy and follow your dreams sky is the limit / To continue growing in the Love of Christ / Believe in their self / To be happy whatever she do trust herself / Comic writer / They love by self the most important thing for a good change is the love / A good education / Be herself and himself / To raise a good little man / For all of my 3 children to achieve all of their goals / To be a good citizen with a good heart / To have him believe in himself the way I believe in him / Happy, good member of society / That she feels she is worthy and can do anything she puts her heart to / He is successful in what he wants to do in life / He is loved and successful. Did you learn skills that will help your child achieve their dreams/goals? Parents Post % Yes 93 % No 7 % No Answer 0 Thoughts Shared: Parents – Listen more / Have a better communication with my kids / Participating together with him / Working together more and achieving a task / One skills can be learn them to respect, motivation, believe inself / Trusting in others and having self confidence / It is easy to achieve goals working in team / I can help her better explain and express her feelings / Learned a different approach in asking / I hope I can help him feel more confident in himself / To be more confident / Being more understanding of them. What do you hope to learn from this workshop? Parents Post % Yes 89 Thoughts Shared: Parents – Teamwork / I want to learn how to communicate better with my kids / Anything new that can be helpful / Insight on my kid / To be myself / Support my son in whatever he wants to do / Love me really I need it / Something new / I want to learn how to be a better mom / Different learning skills as a parent – more parental skills / To learn how to better communicate with my child / How to talk to my son and make it better / To connect better with my child / How to communicate and support my daughter more / Bonding and going through son’s puberty easily / Understanding my children better. Did you learn something new about your parent/guardian that you didn’t know before the workshop? Kids Post % Yes 62 % No 38 % No Answer 0 Thoughts Shared: Kids – Citizenship / That she talks a lot / She is a good actor / That they could act / That they are doing their best / I learned she is good in a group / That people can be trusted / That my mom said that my dad was her hero / That my parent likes to enjoy life too. What was your favorite workshop activity? Kids Post % Yes 81 Parents Post % Yes 100 Thoughts Shared: Kids – Through the hoop / Getting all together / The skits / The play. / I liked the hool hoop thing/games / I liked the hoop game / Hoops / Skits / Acting / Hoops and the last one. Parents – Through the Hoops / The 3 drawings / Acting Out / The Hula Hoop / Obstacle / All of them / The Hoops / Skit / Act with my daughter / Dream-Fear-Memory. Would you recommend this workshop to others? Kids Post % Yes 67 Parents Post % Yes 100 Thoughts Shared: Have parents tell little story on how they deal with uncooperative kids / Sure, great activities to learn from / This was a kind to be in touch with them. Yes of course / Definitely /Totally.