Self-Esteem and Gangs Facilitated by a member of the faculty and/or staff at KEYS Academy and Options HS

Your Presenter… A member of the faculty at KEYS Academy or Options HS Internationally Certified in Life Skills through the ARISE Foundation

Rules for Training Participation is crucial No wrong/stupid answers Respect one another No talking while others talk, No rude comments or noises Wait until you’re called upon Self-Esteem

Why we’re here… Because we have to be To learn some skills that will carry over into adulthood To learn more about ourselves

How we’re going to do it… Discussion Everyone participates Some, very little lecture Activity or activities Some Conclusions

Questions?

Ice Breaker What is an ice breaker? Definition of an ice breaker: An activity used to lighten the mood and or get participants warmed up to the idea of interaction

Ice Breaker!!!!

Topic of the Day: Self-Esteem and Gangs What is self-esteem? How does joining a gang affect your self-esteem?

Definition of “Self-esteem” According to Merriam Webster’s Online Dictionary, self-esteem is: A confidence and satisfaction with oneself Synonyms include: Self-respect Self-conceit Love yourself

Why Children May Join Gangs A family member may be in a gang already For protection against rival gangs Pressure to join a gang is very strong To fit in Out of boredom or too much time on their hands Any others?

Which of the following could cause a child to join a gang? Negative view of life Perfectionist attitude Mistrusting others – even those who show signs of affection Blaming behavior Fear of taking risks Feelings of being unloved and unlovable Dependence – letting others make decisions Fear of being ridiculed

How Can You Raise Your Self-Esteem? Try this. Replace the message “I made a stupid mistake, and I am no good at this job,” with “Yes, I made a mistake but I have learned from it, and now I can do a better job.”

How Can You Improve Your Self-Esteem? (con’t). I respect myself and others I am lovable and likable I am confident, and it shows I care about myself I am creating loving, healthy relationships I am a good friend to myself and others I accept myself just as I am I look great Life is good, and I like being a part of it

Things that affect self-esteem Your value as a person The work you do How you view your own achievements How you see yourself in connection to the rest of the world

Things that affect self-esteem How you believe others see you Your ability to take care of problems or situations on your own Your purpose in life or your potential for happiness/success in the future Any others?

Activity: Grateful List Create a grateful list and share with the class.

Conclusions So how can we help someone with low self- esteem from joining a gang?

Additional Resources: http://www.violencepreventioninstitute.com/ youngpeople.html https://www.ucdmc.ucdavis.edu/hr/hrdepts/a sap/Documents/Self_esteem.pdf http://www.self-esteem- experts.com/cultivating-gratitude.html