Using Yoga and Art to Support and Empower Marginalized Teen Girls
*Please note, we are currently revising the format of the training. Details will be posted here, and on our FaceBook page soon.
At The Art of Yoga Project we specialize in working with marginalized girls offering trauma-informed and strength-based programming. This training is for yoga teachers who want to expand their knowledge in working with at-risk girls in their own communities, or with other organizations that work with this specific population. Participants will learn about The Art of Yoga Project’s integrated approach to teaching yoga in juvenile detention, therapeutic treatment and alternative school facilities, the value of integrating creative expression into yoga classes, and tips and techniques for understanding and effectively handling issues specific to teen girls caught in cycles of trauma and abuse.
Course covers:
The Art of Yoga Project’s gender-responsive, strength-based, culturally-sensitive and trauma-informed programming approach;
How to effectively partner with juvenile justice, therapeutic treatment, and school facilities;
Issues facing teen girls and how they manifest in the classroom (such as substance abuse, developmental trauma, sexual trafficking and mental health disorders);
Tips and techniques for teaching yoga to this specialized population and how to effectively manage behavioral problems and other classroom challenges; and
How and why to integrate art and writing into yoga classes with girls and a sample lesson plan based on The Art of Yoga Project’s Yoga & Creative Arts Curriculum.
Quick Fact
Among female delinquents, an estimated 70-90% have a history of sexual abuse.
(Center for Gender and Justice)
From 1994 to 2003, the juvenile arrest rate for aggravated assault increased by 17% for girls and declined 15% for boys.
(Snyder, 2005)
Females accounted for 59% of juvenile arrests for running away and 69% of arrests for prostitution.
(Snyder, 2005)
Quotes from Our Girls
When I am focused I feel relaxed.
AYP Participant
What is balance?
Both parts are equal, one not bigger nor heavier than the other. Both come together in peace & serenity.
AYP Participant
I tell myself to just calm down & breathe. When I’m angry I get away from everyone & be by myself until I calm down.
AYP Participant
If there is one thing that yoga does for me that is good, it\’s that it makes me feel. And I know I need to do that.
AYP Participant
I can visualizing myself graduating high school, going to college, getting my masters in law and having a steady job and a house for me and my daughter when I get out someday.
AYP Participant
When I am focused I am at ease. For instance when I draw or write, I block everything out and it’s just me in a whole other world. My world. I breathe more easyer (sic) and just focus. I put my feet flat on the floor and feel the earth.
AYP Participant
When I practice yoga I feel whole, I feel nothing is beyond my reach. I feel beautiful, strong and perfect, and fortunate that I am me.
AYP Participant
I see myself at a hospital wearing cartoon character scrubs with a badge with my name on it talking to a patient. I see myself as a nurse someday.
AYP Participant
I usually see things black and white. But after I do yoga I feel like a new person and I look at things in new ways. I see there is more than just yes or no, more than one choice, more than one path. I like this idea because so far the path I’ve chosen hasn’t been great. I’m ready for a new one.
AYP Participant
To me balance means equal both ways. It also means fairness to me.
AYP Participant
Judges, Teachers and Staff
When we ended, nearly every girl said thank you for the class…it seemed the gratitude had really rubbed off by the end of class.
AYP Yoga Instructor
There was the most beautiful focused Savasana imaginable, brought to you by Sarah\’s wonderful guided meditation.
AYP Yoga Instructor
The mood in class dramatically shifted by the end. The class left everyone in a much more positive mood.
AYP Yoga Instructor
The [AYP] staff are great. They are role-models for our staff and the girls. They are always cordial and they understand safety and security.
Rod Moore, Probation Director, Camp Kemp
Today the girls taught their own yoga class. It was a great experience for me to see my students leading and supporting others. They were so engaged and conscientious. They even helped me try a new pose.
Lisa Politeo, Wright Center Teacher
Nora led them through a beautiful practice! Starting with the breath. Some girls were on their belly some seated, all were engaged and you could see them taking deep breaths. We moved from breath work on the floor to standing side stretches and a few sun salutations and ended with some seated stretches and a peaceful savasana.
Shikha, AYP Aftercare Director
I went to Girls Court last Wednesday and realized 3 of the girls there had current yoga mentors—one of which told the judge she loved yoga, that it calmed her and made feel better. And yesterday, my own new mentee told me the same.
Mary Lynn Fitton, AYP Founder and Program Manager
It was a very productive day at the school. The girls were quick to join the circle and get ready to begin our session. They loved the art project and are really starting to open up and share more about themselves with us.
AYP Yoga Instructor
The meditation really met the girls where they needed to be supported.
AYP Yoga Instructor
Thank you for the amazing work you do. And for the support you’ve provided for the young women at the center… Keep doing what you do. I just wish you all the best of luck. It’s really important work. We definitely see the benefits of having you guys here!
