Exploring and Building Healthy Relationships Symposium
The Diversity Committee comprised of 12 volunteer faculty members planned a host of activities during Women’s History Month in March 2009. A school assembly featured a series of speakers to talk about healthy relationships, dating and domestic violence. A presentation was made by Teens Against Abusive Relationships (T.E.A.R.S.), an organization to educate the community about teen dating violence, different types of abuse, patterns of abusive relationships, as well as hear personal stories about teenagers and college-age students experiencing dating violence. There was a multi-media presentation by representatives from the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office, to inform students about domestic violence and laws surrounding reported incidents. A representative from Woman Space, a non-profit agency, gave information on an array of services for women experiencing domestic violence, and information about gender issues and available services for victims. A student performer recited original poetry, and a local performer sang and played the guitar. The performing arts theme titled, It’s About Beauty, was based on self-esteem, hope and confidence. Following the symposium, students voluntarily attended lunch sessions for a debriefing with counselors and teachers. Lunch was sponsored by local businesses.