Encourage Positivity with Go Girls! Healthy Bodies, Healthy Minds

“Big Sisters of BC Lower Mainland has been providing vulnerable girls between the ages of 7 and 17 with positive, female mentors for over 50 years,” says Go Girls! Healthy Bodies Healthy Minds coordinator and SFU student Emily Gordon. 

The group mentoring program, which takes place over a two month period, encourages physical activity participation, healthy eating choices, and the development of a positive self-image among girls ages 11-14. The most important goal of the program is to positively shape the lives of girls by helping them build a positive self-image – setting them on a path to reach their full potential.

Two mentors co-facilitate the program for a group of 8-10 girls and the sessions are two hours long, held after school in select Burnaby, Coquitlam, and Vancouver middle schools. Each session is structured around themes of physical activity, healthy eating, self-esteem, and communication skills.

Gordon herself has coordinated seven sessions. She began her eighth session this January.

“I learned about Go Girls online,” says Gordon. “I knew I wanted to give back to the community in some way, and the more I read, the more I knew it would be a great fit for me. The goals and focus of the program align with what I strive for in my personal life – I love sharing the values of confidence, self-esteem, positive relationships, and healthy lifestyles with our amazing participants.”

When asked what she likes most about the program Gordon answers, “I love so many things! It is awesome to watch the group develop over the eight weeks we are together. Hearing the girls uplift and support each other, be comfortable enough to challenge themselves, and grow with the group is really amazing to see! It creates a safe and non-judgemental environment that is all about empowering girls and helping them to become confident, happy and healthy individuals!” 

Big Sisters is looking for Go Girls! volunteer mentors ages 19-25 for its upcoming Spring sessions, taking place in Vancouver, Burnaby and Coquitlam Schools.

More information on Go Girls! can be found here or call Go Girls! Program Coordinator, Carolyn Fernie at 604-873-4525 ext. 311.

Interested in applying? Find the application form here!

Guest Post by Vanessa Woznow, Manager of Marketing and Communications with Big Sisters of BCLM