POWERR
POWERR PROJECT POWERR is an innovative program developed by WORLD that is community-driven, peer led, and evidence-based. Based on principles of gender empowerment and social network theories, the POWERR project relies upon the three key factors of participation, control, and critical awareness to engage girls and promote the possibility of taking control of and changing one’s life and relationships. POWERR is funded through the GENERATIONS: Strengthening Women & Families Affected by HIV/AIDS Initiative, a project of the National AIDS Fund and Johnson & Johnson. POWERR stands for: Prevention Outreach with Women Empowering Risk Reduction The POWERR project is a seven-part workshop series that empowers young women of color to protect themselves from HIV and other STDs. The curriculum uses creative activities to explore the social and political context of girls lives, particularly with respect to gender roles, communication, and vision for the future, and how these play out in our sexual and intimate relationships. POWERR also emphasizes communication and negotiation skills as tools for increased self-efficacy. POWERR is designed for implementation in an urban setting, with 14-19 year old African-American girls. Session Overview: Session 1: What is POWERR & how does it work? Exploring Sex & Gender in our culture: What does it mean to Act Like a Lady? What does it mean to Act Like a Man? Session 2: Media and Gender: How does the media impact gender roles and relationships? Creating our own Definition of Womanhood. Session 3: HIV Knowledge, Transmission & How to Protect Yourself Session 4: HIV: Who gets it? How and Why? Personal story from HIV+ facilitator Session 5: Stages of Relationships, Sexual Readiness and Assertive Communication. Session 6: Body Mapping and Social Networks: Knowing What We Want and How to Get There Session 7: POWERR Wrap-Up & Graduation Each workshop is co-led by two female facilitators: one youth Peer Health Educator and one adult ally living with HIV. For more information about POWERR and how to get POWERR to come to your school or organization, contact WORLD's Youth Outreach & Prevention Educator at 510.986.0340.
