uniquely ME!—Two Years Old and Going Strong

April 13, 2004

By Marion F. Swan, staff writer

	Students from the Gallistel School enjoy uniquely ME! activities.
	WHAT ARE KIDS SAYING ABOUT SELF-ESTEEM? Too often adults are convinced that they know exactly what kids are thinking. Unilever and Girl Scouts of the USA believe that the best way to know what kids are thinking is to ask them. The Unilever/Girl Scout Self-Esteem study conducted this past year by Roper ASW showed that tweens and teens are not so worried about having cool friends or wearing cool clothes. Harder homework, making their parents proud, and getting good grades top their list of concerns.

Aimed at teens and tweens across the country and in Puerto Rico, uniquely ME! The Girl Scout/Unilever Self-Esteem Program integrates volunteer support of corporate employees to reach youth at the grassroots level. Now in its second year, the program focuses on underprivileged communities and is proving to be a great success. Using English and bilingual English/Spanish activity booklets, uniquely ME! participants take part in exercises that address recognizing one's strengths, dealing with peer pressure, healthy eating habits, hygiene, general wellness, and understanding one's core values and personal interests.

Personal Growth in New Jersey

Brittany, a fifth-grader from Bergen County, New Jersey, has been a Girl Scout for about five years. Although Brittany felt good about herself before uniquely ME!, now she feels great. Crediting the personal journal activities, Brittany now feels she knows more about herself and can improve in areas she needs to work on. Ten-year-old Valerie, Brittany's fellow Girl Scout, proudly states, "I didn't know how to hold my temper before this program started. Now I am more confident and calm."

Gabby Comes Out of Her Shell in Illinois

According to Janelle Urban, Membership and Program Specialist of the Illinois Crossroads council, "Gabby, a 12-year-old Latina, has given a whole new meaning to the phrase 'coming out of your shell'." When Gabby joined the uniquely ME! group over a year ago, she was a shy, withdrawn youngster who would only hang around with a couple of girls. Today, Gabby is co-leader of her group and keeps busy by initiating projects, starting discussions, and hanging out with all her new friends.

uniquely ME! Expands its Hispanic Outreach

uniquely ME! recently sponsored special one-day programs for Hispanic children through four Girl Scout councils. In Chicago, students at the Gallistel School participated in workshops that targeted issues such as healthy eating and how to resolve conflicts peacefully. Latino middle school students and their families from San Fernando Valley, California, attended an introduction to Girl Scouting and participated in a three-hour workshop utilizing activities from the uniquely ME! The Way to Be activity book. In Houston, Texas, The Girl Scouts of San Jacinto sponsored a one-day conference for girls and their parents. Activities were based on the uniquely ME! Inside and Out focus book. And in Florida, Hispanic middle school students participated in an interactive workshop on positive self-worth and self-esteem.

Coming Soon: uniquely ME! Making Smart Choices

Making Smart Choices was designed to empower kids to choose safe and fun activities during their summer months. The program's goal is to help build self-esteem by empowering young people to recognize the pitfalls of behaviors like smoking, drinking, and drug use—all linked to low self-esteem. Kids will participate in a variety of interactive activities and receive a special Making Smart Choices kit filled with a childprint® ID and fingerprint kit, hygiene products, and tips on building self-esteem, personal safety, fire safety, cycling/traffic laws, healthy eating habits, and general wellness. In addition, each child will receive a handy keychain flashlight.

The uniquely ME! Curriculum

The uniquely ME! curriculum is comprised of three booklets and an adult guide containing newly developed, creative, age-appropriate resources and activities. One of the booklets, uniquely ME! The Way To Be, is targeted to girls ages 8-10. The other two booklets, uniquely ME! Inside and Out, and uniquely ME! The Real Deal, are for girls ages 11-14. These English and bilingual English/Spanish booklets are available to the public.

To learn more about uniquely ME! and its resources, visit the uniquely ME! section of the STUDIO 2B Web site, or contact your local Girl Scout council.