Womens Leadership Program @ BCHS:

DIVAS
(Divine, Inspirational, Virtuous, Anointed
Sisters)

DIVAS aims to create an inspiring group of young women leaders who will have the information,
skills and fortitude to foster a positive, supportive and engaged community at Bronx Community
High School through services and projects which focus on increasing knowledge and awareness
around important issues or themes. Ultimately, the hope is that DIVAS will become a strong group
of women who will provide positive role modeling to their peers, and eventually take on more
leadership in the activities and development of the DIVAS chapter at Bronx Community High
School.

Issues, themes, services and projects are selected by DIVAS matriarchs and as a group and are
carried out with the guidance of DIVAS matriarchs. DIVAS matriarchs develop and facilitate a
program of learning, self-awareness and service which nurture DIVAS in their confidence, self-
esteem, self-image, and sense of being and purpose in the world. The program provides an array
of experiences including thoughtful and relevant gatherings, guest speakers, field trips and
community service activities and projects.

TOPICS & METHODS

Creating strong circles for conversation through the sanctuary model
o Effective communication and support skills
Understanding ourselves as women and sisters
o Common struggles and histories
Identity: Defining our roles
Whats your personal history?
o Power, independence, leadership, opportunity
Leadership Development
Effective Communication
Bias Awareness
o Individual self-awareness
True Colors, Leadership Compass, Picture says a thousand, Animal
Recognizing our obstacles and challenges as individuals, women, and sisters at BCHS
o See & Hear, Address, Refer: QPR
Establishing a purpose and commitment to the group
o Defining who we are and why we exist/what we do
o Establishing roles, skills and limits

WORKSHOP SCHEDULE
Opening 1-day Retreat: Hygiene & Body Image & Supporting Each Other
Monday, March 29
Who We Are - What is DIVAS? Identity & History: Sisterhood, What is a woman?
Learn to Love and Respect Our Temple: Hygiene, Nutrition, Body Image
Creating a Collage of Inspiration: Folder Collage
Bra Trip: Understanding Support
Closing Circle

Week One: Self-Awareness

Wednesday, April 7
True Colors/Myers-Briggs
Week Two: Effective Communication, Cross-Cultural Understanding, Bias Awareness
Tuesday, April 13
Bias Awareness, -isms, Culture of Poverty
Thursday, April 15
Project/Trip: Bulletin on Bias Awareness/United Nations Trip/Schomberg Center

Week Three: Leadership & Service

Tues, April 20
What makes a good leader? Leadership Compass
Dynamics of Leadership and Power for Women

Week Four: Leadership & Service

Tuesday, April 27
What is service?
o Historical role models/Movement Building
Thursday, April 29
Trip: Service Project with TBA

Week Five: Managing Your Money

Tuesday, May 4, Guest Speaker
Personal Financial Management
Thursday, May 6, Project: Bulletin

Week Six: Sex & Relationships

Tuesday, May 11
Truth or Myth
Thursday, May 13
Self-Defense

Week Seven: Women Today

Tuesday, May 18, Professionalism/Manners
Thursday, May 20, Panel of Women in the Workforce
Saturday, May 22, Girls Day
Skincare Trip
Clothing Trip: Looking Your Best

Week Eight:
Tuesday, May 25, Personal Commitment Statement & Props (for the 27th)
Thursday, May 27, Closing Celebration
Closing Celebration: one guest

PROPOSED BUDGET

EXPENSE (based on 8 students and 2 matriarchs) ESTIMATED

COST
Bag ($20/person) $200
Journals ($15/person) $150
Toiletry Bag ($20/person) $200
Bra & Panty Set ($50/person) $500
An Outfit you'll love ($100/person) $1,000

Retreat Budget (Food, Materials)($25/person food for two days plus $600
$100 materials)
Food Budget for Workshops ($25 per week) $200
Projects Budget ($25 per week) $200
Closing Ceremony Budget ($50/person food/gift plus $100 cushion) $600
TOTAL $3,650