2017 Watts Long Final Report

MIKE AND CINDY WATTS 2017 REPORT .

AND JOHN F. LONG FOUNDATION

RELEASE THE FEAR'S BRIDGING POSSIBILITIES =

Thanks to the foresight of Mike and Cindy Watts, and the John F. Long Foundation for supporting the efforts to make a positive impact for youth, their families, and ultimately the entire West Valley Community. An insightful participant stated, "We realize in the workshop that we can Release our Fears and see that our Hopes and Dreams are Possible." This statement reflects how the creative processes utilized by our trained facilitators enlighten the youth who participate in a Bridging Possibilities Workshop, our character education program. This report reflects the importance of empowering youth with the essential tools necessary to make better ife choices while discovering their gifts. This allows them to lead a more meaningful, productive life. You will find within, the results of the positive impact your generosity has made on 122 young lives.

Inspiring & empowering kids with the tools to make better life choices

.. .

"It amazes me how each one of the individual canvases come from created different people from different backgrounds, different eccentricities. Yet we were able to come together and bring them together and create something beautiful as one understanding one masterpiece, almost like a metaphor for what we can do as a community,.. As a new world."

M .B. age 16

W

hat: Release the Fear, a non-profit health and human services organization, teaches Arizona’s youth the

life skills needed to combat the effects of Peer Pressure, Gang involvement, Bullying, Abuse, and Violence in our society and to make better life choices. Release the Fear (RTF) has worked with thousands of at-risk youth and adults in Arizona and around the world, offering experiential programs that help reverse the paralyzing effects of fear and diminished self-worth. Our programs encourage youth to explore safe and healthy lifestyles and to overcome disabilities through the development of leadership and social skills through evidence-based curriculum that meets National Common Core standards. Arizona Department of Education, accredited Release the Fear program as a Character Education program

H

ow: These programs stimulate whole-brain thinking and develop metacognitive thought processing by utilizing

new applied-knowledge teaching methods. These programs demonstrate options that awaken a creative consciousness and expose the unlimited potential of critical thinking and problem solving to help participants develop better cognitive behavioral skills. Our trained facilitators guide participants through interactive creative activities and analytically explore the connectedness to their lives. Release the Fear utilizes inquiry-based learning experiences, an educational practice where the teacher/facilitator uses controlled questioning to serve as a learning guide in order to move students towards new understandings. Educational research shows that student retention increases when new learning is discovered through inquiry practices, as the student is able to take ownership of these findings. The teacher/facilitator must act as guide while being an expert questioner, thinking of the end objective at all times and posing questions to allow students to reach objectives on their own. When this is done, students are able to create new thought patterns which connect and build on their applied knowledge and personal life goals. Without these essential life skills, the still- maturing minds of detained youth view their future as bleak with no hope for a “normal” life.

A

pproach: Through experiential programs, we encourage participants to develop valuable core life skills, better

critical problem solving, and a healthy sense of understanding of self and others. Through the RTF programs, participants discover that anything is possible, that they have a purpose in life. They see why they do matter to the world, to the community, and most of all to themselves.

T

ransformation: The Maricopa County Juvenile Probation Office released a 2010 report demonstrating the value

of Inside Out Bridging Possibilities workshops on 357 of their juvenile population. Thirty percent of incarcerated youth recidivate—meaning three out of ten will again find themselves in conflict with law and society and back behind bars. For the incarcerated youth who participated in just one Release the Fear workshop, that recidivism figure dropped by 23 percent. For those who were able to benefit from multiple workshops, it dropped by 16 percent - nearly half. That is an impressive impact on any child’s future as well as the community in general..

Release the Fear, Inc. has worked with youth in Arizona and internationally, in such places as Guam and El Salvador, instilling positive life changes for thousands.

Comparison of Recidivism Rates of RTF Workshop Particpants to All Juveniles in ADJC Care 68% 70%

57%

60% 43% 50% 32%

40%

Recidivated No Recidivation

30% 20% 10% 0% ADJC Recidivism Average 2011 to 2013

Release the Fear Workshop Participants 2012 to 2015

"In the Bridging Possibilities workshop we learned that you have to believe and go through a few hoops, to achieve your dreams." . John D

I

In ai and a

Comparison of Recidivism Rates and of RTF Workshop Particpants to in All Juveniles in ADJC Care 68%

70%

57%

60% 43% 50% 32%

40%

Recidivated No Recidivation

30% 20% 10% 0% ADJC Recidivism Average 2011 to 2013

Release the Fear Workshop Participants 2012 to 2015

Average of 450-500 Arizona youth per year have found themselves in secure care or behind the fence at Arizona Department of Juvenile Corrections (ADJC) Out of that a three year longitudinal study was conducted 2012-2015 on 928 youth that participated in the Release the Fear program.

Above (left) percentages display the ADJC recidivism average from 2011- 2013; The percentages on the right are based on youth who have attended one or more RTF Character Education “Inside-Out Bridging Possibilities� programs either in secure care or while on parole within the community

For ten years, Release the Fear has had the opportunity to interact with over 9,500 disadvantage and at-risk youth; these youth now know they have a life purpose. They know their wishes and dreams can come true. They know they are worth it and that they matter!

Our evidence-based curriculum has helped troubled kids in schools, jails, detention, and treatment centers. Through the creative processes of art, music, and communication, we teach kids cognitive behavioral skills to build self-esteem. They learn tools to help them succeed in school, conflict resolution, and to address peer pressure, and bullying.

Between the years 2007 and 2016, Release the Fear has shown constant improvement upon youth’s pre- and post-reporting’s learned about perceptions of themselves.

In addition, during the years of 2012 and 2016, Release the Fear has contributed to an overall improvement of youth’s self-reported willingness to assist another if bullied. Despite a decline of reported learning’s about proactive options to prevent being bullied, their learning consistently remained over 78 percent.

RTF-Youth/Yr. # of Students

2500 2000 1500 1000 500 0

TM

(2016) (2015) (2014) (2013) (2012) (2011) (2010) (2009) (2008)

Female:

921

697

452

256

295

185

170

221

259

Male:

1054

791

764

560

495

398

370

394

229

RELEASE THE FEAR 2017 RTF Pre/Post Survey Results

Watts-Long OVERALL PERCENTAGES 122 Students (7 BP Workshops) Male 57% Female 43% – Youth Ages 12-17 87.6% discovered something new about themselves 91.3% discovered something new about classmates and friends.

Pre 59.4% compared to Post 75.1% realized that they are not alone in their fears.

Pre 89.4% compared to Post 94.9% realized that they can make their dreams a reality.

83.4% learned something to help them deal with bullying.

91.1% stated that they would do something if they saw someone being bullied.

Individual Workshop Percentages 1. August 8-10, 2017 Durango Probation 12 Students (1 IO-BP Workshops) Male 0% Female 100% – Youth Ages 14-17 89% discovered something new about themselves 100% discovered something new about classmates and friends.

Pre 78% compared to Post 100% realized that they are not alone in their fears.

Pre 89% compared to Post 100% realized that they can make their dreams a reality.

78% learned something to help them deal with bullying.

100% stated that they would do something if they saw someone being bullied.

2. August 24-25, 2017 Adobe Mountain Juvenile Center 16 Students (1 IO-BP Workshops) Male 100% Female 0% – Youth Ages 14-17 94% discovered something new about themselves 94% discovered something new about classmates and friends.

Pre 25% compared to Post 37% realized that they are not alone in their fears.

Pre 87% compared to Post 84% realized that they can make their dreams a reality.

94% learned something to help them deal with bullying.

75% stated that they would do something if they saw someone being bullied.

3. August 24-25, 2017 Adobe Mountain Juvenile Center 11 Students (1 IO-BP Workshops) Male 100% Female 0% – Youth Ages 16-17 100% discovered something new about themselves 100% discovered something new about classmates and friends.

Pre 83% compared to Post 100% realized that they are not alone in their fears.

Pre 100% compared to Post 100% realized that they can make their dreams a reality.

100% learned something to help them deal with bullying.

100% stated that they would do something if they saw someone being bullied.

4. September 19-21, 2017 Peoria Accelerated High School 29 Students (1 IO-BP Workshops) Male 34% Female 66% – Youth Ages 15-19 74% discovered something new about themselves 96% discovered something new about classmates and friends.

Pre 65% compared to Post 74% realized that they are not alone in their fears.

Pre 86% compared to Post 89% realized that they can make their dreams a reality.

81% learned something to help them deal with bullying.

92% stated that they would do something if they saw someone being bullied.

5. October 3-6, 2017 Alfred F Garcia School 20 Students (1 IO-BP Workshops) Male 70% Female 30% – Youth Ages 13-14 82% discovered something new about themselves 88% discovered something new about classmates and friends.

Pre 65% compared to Post 82% realized that they are not alone in their fears.

Pre 76% compared to Post 94% realized that they can make their dreams a reality.

82% learned something to help them deal with bullying.

88% stated that they would do something if they saw someone being bullied.

6. October 17-20, 2017 Alfred F Garcia School 24 Students (1 IO-BP Workshops) Male 52% Female 48% – Youth Ages 12-14 74% discovered something new about themselves 61% discovered something new about classmates and friends.

Pre 52% compared to Post 70% realized that they are not alone in their fears.

Pre 88% compared to Post 87% realized that they can make their dreams a reality.

61% learned something to help them deal with bullying.

83% stated that they would do something if they saw someone being bullied.

7. October 21, 2017 Franklin Police and Fire HS 10 Students (1 IO-BP Workshops) Male 63% Female 37% – Youth Ages 14-17 100% discovered something new about themselves 100% discovered something new about classmates and friends.

Pre 50% compared to Post 63% realized that they are not alone in their fears.

Pre 100% compared to Post 100% realized that they can make their dreams a reality.

88% learned something to help them deal with bullying.

100% stated that they would do something if they saw someone being bullied.

Inspiring & empowering kids with the tools to make better life choices

.. .

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"Bridging Possibilities" Workshop Budget Our Character Education Program - State Accredited - Arizona Department of Education

1 Workshop

7 Workshops

Instructional Programming: Program Supervisor/Trainer

$ 680.00

$4,670.00

Co-Facilitator / Trainee

$ 300.00

$2,100.00

Reporting and Evaluations: Pre/Post Inventories Final Report

$ 150.00 $ 70.00

$1,050.00 $ 490.00

Art & Printed Supplies / Snacks Recognition for Students, Postage, Mktng

$ 90.00 $ 60.00

$ 630.00 $ 420.00

Internal Coordination, Support & Workshop Preparation Travel Expenses – Average

$ 300.00

$2,100.00

$ 50.00 $1,700.00

$ 350.00 $11.900.00

Supplies Other Workshop Exp:

Services Included:  Pre/Post Student Survey Analysis  Teacher Survey Analysis\  Final Analytical Report Workshop Contributors: Mike and Cindy Watts Foundation $10,000.00 John F. Long Foundation

$2,000.00

Release the Fear’s mission, since 1996, is to counter the effects of violence in our communities by turning fear, anger, and hate into acceptance, hope, and self empowerment, bridging endless possibilities through the creative process.

Thanks to Watts-Long,12 young lives from Durango Probation experienced new Possibilities.

This workshop took place on August 8-10 2017 - #1 of 7 Opening up possibilities for the young minds of Arizona’s youth for a brighter tomorrow.© “Bridging Possibility” workshops.

Through stories, activities and artwork, Release the Fear’s Workshops will help students to:  Draw One’s Fears and Awaken Hopes and Dreams  Stimulate Creative Listening and Communication  Bridge Understanding  Heighten Visual Awareness of Our Environment  Turn Pain into Possibilities into Purpose.

The students are divided into groups or teams that they remain with throughout the workshop. In their small group, the students may be asked to complete an activity, to share responses, or to reflect on an exercise. Often times these groups can have students with different beliefs, various backgrounds, and even opposing gang affiliations.

The workshop will end with a group created painting to be displayed for the public.

Participant Responses Participants are asked to reflect on several of the activities and then share with the group.

These responses are written in their words without edit.

The following responses are from the students who range in ages from 14-17.

How do you think this activity could help you in your daily life (In School, Out of School, or In Your Career)?

Who am I? : Similarities. Don’t be afraid, don’t judge a book. Life is tough. Don’t judge peers or teachers. Speak up. Speak up and help. There are fears in life, you will fail but keep trying. / Being honest. Not being judgmental.

Shows bounders for others and shows respect. Being truthful. Helps, stand up for self and others. Being openminded. Show respect, committed, opens up more opportunities. / To be honest with ourselves and others. Don’t cheat yourself and learn for yourself. Trust yourself to be independent.

Creative story telling: Six character counts. Considerate of others. Think about other people. Being equal to everyone. / Trust people in different ways. Help make connections, loyalty, comfortable. Life lessons drugs. Speak up and help in some kind of way.. You can depend on others or others to you rely and not have to worry. / Character counts. Paying attention to detail. Good visual examples of how each trait is used in everyday life. How to use both sides of bullying. Real world problems; have to remember and apply these counts.

Reflective Take Away Assignment: Being self-aware, knowing what people value, strengths. Confidence, how much of an impact people have on each other; dedicate. Know who you are. Morals. Know that you can impact someone’s life; just like your hero has done for you. / Caring for what other people say and courage to speak up for what you have to say. Helping others or getting help from others and active listening. Stand up for others and yourself. / Everyone has emotions. Care about other people’s feelings. Remember that everyone deals with their emotions in different ways. Being there for your loved ones.

Mirrorwork: Look at Yourself in the eyes (ONLY) and tell yourself that you love or like yourself just the way you are. Write in a couple of words, how does it feel? It makes me feel confused and sad. / I love myself it makes me feel wonderful. / This makes me feel happy, content, it isn’t very hard for me to say it or do it because I do love myself. / My kind soul and intuition makes me feel awkward. / Upsetting, triggering, and reminders. / Awkward. / Makes me feel positive, thankful, blessed I’m alive and being who I am. / Neutral. I love myself just the way I am no matter what anyone says. / It feels awkward usually when I look into the mirror I never look into my eyes I look through my eyes. .

Hero: My hero is my mother. She is my everything, my best friend, my dad, etc. I love her so much and would never let anything happen to her. / My dad. He’s a great dad. He never loses hope in me. He’ll see something in me that no one else in my family can see. Respect, caring, seeing good in everything. / Music and mom. She always cared and wanted me to good no matter what. Music always is there and helps. Trust and caring. / She raised me throughout all obstacles. Trustworthiness, responsibility. / Mom. I look upon her, she’s supportive, loving, makes me feel wanted. Positivity, happy, supportive, respect, confidence. / My dad. They’re the only one that never judges and loves me for who I am. / Mom because she inspires me to be better than her. A helper, caring, loving person, a life changer. / My hero is my mom even though I’ve stressed her out a lot. She’s always given me everything and more than what I’ve needed. She is important to me because she shows me the character count responsibility is important. / My mom. She was a very honorable person and well respected. I felt safe with her. She was a strong woman. Trustworthy, honest, protective, brave, courageous.

Seeing beyond: skills or tools learned: Thinking twice and asking questions. Teamwork. Science because you can use it in class, math always thinking. Teamwork. Ask questions and try to figure it out. Taking your time. / Creative thinking and description. Writing; using your creative thinking skills. Not being afraid to ask questions. / Trust and senses and knowledge. Science, because you talk about the elements of an object. Teaches senses and look at life like a game of chess you got to figure out every angle.

Through the Hoops: Skills or Tools Learned: Teamwork, cooperation. You have to watch and learn from others. You have a support team. You have to be there for others and family and work with others you might not particularly like. Communication, movement. Teamwork goes a long way and the more you apply the more likely you are to succeed. Stand up for the people around you. Life is a game just play to survive or win so that the people around you will do the same. No matter how many times you fall, just know you’ll get back up. Trust yourself and others. By accepting other’s help. Not rejecting others just because they’re different. Look for the good in people.

Drawing One’s Fears, Hopes, and Dreams and Sharing: Honesty, insight, creativity. AZCIS. You can give someone hope. You never know who’s listening. Everything happens for a reason. / Intuition, honesty. Being able to speak up for help. No judging stand up for others and yourself. Go for what you want. / Even though you have fears you can accomplish dreams. Keep going despite obstacles. Before you bully remember everyone has fears.

Look into the future if the present seems hopeful.

Describe a time when you had an experience that you perceived (thought/saw) as a negative, but through time or something you did, perceived (thought/saw) the experience as a positive one: One time when I was younger I stole a lip gloss from Walmart. My mom found out and she gave me a whopping. For a long time I was angry but years later I was thankful for it. is looking doesn’t mean you can do what you want like something wrong.

To be responsible. talking I made all the friends I had at my old school. / When me and my dad got into a fight he sent me to a hospital (psych ward) but when I was there it helped me and my dad relationship grew so much. I feel like he’s my best friend. / I didn’t like my group home but I met someone that’s always there for me. / The person did drugs I thought it was good so I started doing drugs . Then I got hooked so now I’ve been sober for six months. changed my mindset I saw it as an opportunity. At first I planned to run but then I realized going to Mingus is better than staying in Durango until I’m eighteen. / Getting locked up right now I was mad at myself and everyone but I realized that it was good for me because if I wasn’t locked up right now, I’d be doing the same thing I was doing.

Mad wanted to scream and smoke. Sober priorities straight going to be successful. / A negative time for me was coming to Durango but when I get released I get to live with my sister. I have had time to realize my mistake and think of how to be better and realize that you have strength to do better and show love to family because they’re the ones there for you. I’ve had time to really think about things.

Reflective Take Away Assignment: Self-awareness, observant, decision making confidence. Following rules and directions. Knowing and learning from mistakes. / Honesty, strength, confidence. Being focused on what you want. Reach your goals. Setting priorities straight. What to get into and what not to get into. Helping yourself know right from wrong. Things are meant to happen. / Everybody goes through tough times but something good always comes out of it in the end. If you’re not good at something or fail don’t get discouraged. Try to see from other people’s perspective

Funded By: Watts-Long Location: Durango Probation %Male 0

%Female 100

Date: August 8-10, 2017 Ages 14-17

Do you think others (Kids my age, older & younger, Adults) have the same Fear as I do?

Pre %YES 78 %NO 22 %Other 0 Post %YES 100 %NO 0 %Other 0 Rate this statement: You feel comfortable speaking in front of others.

Pre % Not at all 11 % Sometimes 78 % All the Time 11 Post % Not at all 23 % Sometimes 44 % All the Time 33 Rate this statement: I believe I can make my hopes and/or dreams come true.

Pre % Not at all 12 % Sometimes 44 % All the Time 44 Post % Not at all 0 % Sometimes 33 % All the Time 67 Rate this statement: I respect my own decisions even when dealing with peer pressure.

Pre % Not at all 12 % Sometimes 22 % All the Time 66 Post % Not at all 0 % Sometimes 56 % All the Time 44 Complete this statement: I am trustworthy and see myself as a __. Follower, Equal, Leader Pre % Follower 0 % Equal 44 % Leader 56 Post % Follower 12 % Equal 44 % Leader 44 Have you ever been bullied? % Yes 66 % No 34 % No Answer 0 Have you ever seen someone being bullied? % Yes 100 % No 0 % No Answer 0 Did you do anything? % Yes 78 % No 22

% No Answer 0

Did you learn something in the workshop that will help you deal with bullying?

Post % Yes 78 % No 11 % No Answer 11 Thoughts Shared: Have confidence. / Stand up. / We all have our own strong hopes and fears. / To stand up. / Remember that we are all equal. / Know what brings you down.

After attending the character education workshop and learning about compassion, if you saw someone being bullied, would you do something?

Post % Yes 100 % No 0 % No Answer 0 Thoughts Shared: Tell somebody. / Speak up and do what’s right. / Yes when I see it speak up. / Yes I’d help stop it. / I would speak up. / Nobody deserves to feel less than. / Treat others how you want to be treated.

Did you learn any skills, such as respect or responsibility, to help you make your own decisions not based on Peer Pressure?

Post % Yes 67 % No 33 % No Answer 0 Thoughts Shared: I learned not to be scared and be strong. / I learned how to see worth in everything. / Be myself. / Come up with my own answers. / I didn’t really learn any. / I make my own decisions no matter what.

Release the Fear, Inc. TM

PO Box 3815 Phoenix, AZ 85030 www.releasethefear.or

Which Character Count Trait would you most like the workshop to help you improve on? %Fairness Pre 0 %Responsibility Pre 56 %Citizenship Pre 33 Post: 0 Post: 33 Post: 22 %Trustworthiness Pre 11 %Caring Pre 0 %Respect Pre 0 Post: 0 Post: 11 Post 33 What is one thing you would do to make the world a better place?

Thoughts shared: Treat everybody with kindness. / Help out homeless people. / Succeed to improve people.

I’ve got to improve myself. / Help sick and homeless people. / Be kind. / Care for others. / Pick up a piece of trash, make the world clean. / No cancer, no racism, no hate.

What do you think about color?

What % gave more thought and shared them about color.

Pre 89% Post 100% Thoughts shared: Pre: Grateful I like different colors. / Moods. / A rainbow. / Color is beautiful. / I think it’s cool to see color. / Blue. / I don’t understand./ It’s creative and expressive. / Green.

Post: I’m grateful for it./ Color is something you see every day. / It helps seeing expression. / It’s diverse. / Color can change./ Blue / Color brings out things and others. To express yourself. / Expresses your emotions /feelings.

My most important hope or dream is. . .

What % gave more thought to their Dreams becoming reality.

Pre 89% Post 100% Thoughts Shared: Pre: Live past eighteen./ To be an ultrasound technician. / Succeed / To get through this bump in the road I’m facing. / To succeed in life./To help others. / Open a salon with my sisters./ Becoming successful and happy.

Post: Making my family proud./ To reunite with my family./ To be happy and make people proud of me. / Being successful. / To succeed in life/ Be successful./ To take care of my dad / Is finishing high school./ Becoming successful and having my family.

One thing I learned in workshop that will help me reach my dream is: Post 100% discovered something new in the workshop.

Thoughts Shared: Confidence and honesty / Is to not give up./ Don’t give up./ Be honest with myself./ Stand up. / Obstacles can be overcome./ I learned how to be open and honest./ Confidence./ To respect myself and others.

What did you learn New in the workshop about yourself, that you did not know before?

Post 89% discovered something new in the workshop about yourself: Thoughts Shared: Being strong / I am shy in front of others./That I’m capable of everything./ I can be patient./ I can do it./ I’m insightful /That I have what it takes to accomplish what I want.

What did you learn New in the workshop about a classmate or friend?

Post 100% discovered something new about classmates or friends in the workshop Thoughts Shared: I never thought that they would say that or have gone through it. That they are all caring and fair / They have similarities./ They have gone through similar things. / They are worth it / People that are strong cry too. / That they have some things in common with me./ That they’ve seen shootings and someone getting shot. / Everyone is different but have similar unexpected things.

Statements: Always know who you are. Know that you aren’t alone and know your worth. Hold on to hope if you feel like nothing is going right / I learned to be aware of your surroundings and also never give up because you know un ever know what you’ll miss out on. / We are like mood rings many different colors and different feelings.

Thanks to Watts-Long, 16 young lives from Adobe Mountain Juvenile Center experienced their Possibilities.

This workshop took place on August 24-25 2017 - #2 of 7 Opening up possibilities for the young minds of Arizona’s youth for a brighter tomorrow.© “Bridging Possibility” workshops.

Through stories, activities and artwork, Release the Fear’s Workshops will help students to:  Draw One’s Fears and Awaken Hopes and Dreams  Stimulate Creative Listening and Communication  Bridge Understanding  Discuss How Color Affects Us and Our Environment Senses  Heighten Visual Awareness of Our Environment  Turn Pain into Possibilities into Purpose.

The students are divided into groups or teams that they remain with throughout the workshop. In their small group, the students may be asked to complete an activity, to share responses, or to reflect on an exercise. Often times these groups can have students with different beliefs, various backgrounds, and even opposing gang affiliations.

The workshop will end with a group created painting to be displayed for the public.

Participant Responses Participants are asked to reflect on several of the activities and then share with the group.

These responses are written in their words without edit.

The following responses are from the students who range in ages from 16-17.

How do you think this activity could help you in your daily life (In School, Out of School, or In Your Career)?

Who am I? : Similarities, differences, and stereotypes. Knowing people’s differences. Help understand others and help encourage others. How to use my communication skills. Being able to connect with each other. / Don’t judge. Visual appearances. Don’t down n someone you don’t know. You won’t know what someone is going through until you converse with them. It can help me not judge others.

Creative story telling: Verbal communication and body language. I can be more creative in story or explaining myself. To know when to step in and when not to. To see what’s going on before engaging into a negative situation. / We learned the Six Pillars of Character. I will apply respect towards my peers. This will help avoid bullying. I will have to use these pillar to be able to succeed.

Mirror work: Look at Yourself in the eyes (ONLY) and tell yourself that you love or like yourself just the way you are: Conceited and wonder who the lucky woman is that will say the same. / I have looked at myself in the eyes and I have said to myself I deeply love myself. It makes me feel really happy and confident. / Looking at myself makes me feel blessed. / Confidence with this of being handsome. .

Hero: My mommy because she’s always there with me packing the juve chains and the cuffs through the pain she gives me love. / I am my own hero. I know I am important because only I can control my behaviors. I would look at the Six Pillars of Character. / My cousin is my hero because he has turned his life around. / Two Pac he has inspired me in my music I write. He influences me verbally to do better. He leaves a positive message.

Inspiring & empowering kids with the tools to make better life choices

.. .

Reflective Take Away Assignment: How to show appreciation towards myself. Think about how I will be stereotyped. I am me. I can voice my understanding. No matter what people think I am perfect. / The essence of who you are. Be yourself be open express your personality. If you know who you really are, you won’t have a problem saying. Do what you’re good at and enjoy it because being who you are is real.

Seeing Beyond: Skills or Tools learned: Questions can help more than what we think. Math because you need steps to figure out the answer. I can ask more questions to gain more knowledge. / Work other’s minds. Poetry.

Conversations. Always think of something as much as possible in different ways.

Through the Hoops: Skills or Tools Learned: Learning new obstacles. Patience, teamwork is important.

Applied in school by having patience in finishing work. Can help work things out with bully. Being able to work with others. / Teamwork, patience, effort. Being open to work with people. Work with people you do not know.

Confront how you come at your problems.

Drawing One’s Fears, Hopes, and Dreams and Sharing: Relation. Teamwork. Won’t feel insecure. Everybody gets dreams. / Even with your non-favorable conditions, dreams are still reachable and real. Hope. Dreams in school so you can excel in those goals. Knowing you have plans. Reading in negativity won’t help you reach these goals. By putting it in to action for a positive outcome even though negative feelings and fears will be there through always a way to release your fears.

Describe a time when you had an experience that you perceived (thought/saw) as a negative, but through time or something you did, perceived (thought/saw) the experience as a positive one: I thought when I got locked up it was a bad thing. Now I look at it as a good thing. / I thought about drug dealing, robbing houses and stores was bad but then I look at it positively when I was high because it took the feeling being worried away. I grew up in a poor family and large amounts of money gave me good vibes. / I felt angry when the cops turned on their lights and started chasing me. After the incident I heard one of my brothers got shot at a party. I was driving. / When I came to Adobe, I was mad. Now I accept it and look at it as a learning experience. / Sentenced to Adobe I felt mad and hurt but being here living with those emotions and I hated it so I actually learned some coping skills and put them into action and got a positive outcome.

Reflective Take Away Assignment: To make a negative a positive. I don’t like math but it will help me in the long run. Look at multiple perspectives that will change your negative thoughts about any situation. / The change of mindset. I realized that turning a negative into a positive can make up for things you have missed out on. Can be applied at school. Make your life by accepting a better living.

Release the Fear, Inc. TM

PO Box 3815 Phoenix, AZ 85030 www.releasethefear.org

Funded By: Watts-Long Location: ADJC %Male 100

%Female 0

Date: August 24-26, 2017 Ages 16-17

Do you think others (Kids my age, older & younger, Adults) have the same Fear as I do?

Pre %YES 83 %NO 17 %Other 0 Post %YES 100 %NO 0 %Other 0 Rate this statement: You feel comfortable speaking in front of others.

Pre % Not at all 0 % Sometimes 67 % All the Time 33 Post % Not at all 0 % Sometimes 25 % All the Time 75 Rate this statement: I believe I can make my hopes and/or dreams come true.

Pre % Not at all 0 % Sometimes 33 % All the Time 67 Post % Not at all 0 % Sometimes 0 % All the Time 100 Rate this statement: I respect my own decisions even when dealing with peer pressure.

Pre % Not at all 16 % Sometimes 17 % All the Time 67 Post % Not at all 0 % Sometimes 50 % All the Time 50 Complete this statement: I am trustworthy and see myself as a __. Follower, Equal, Leader Pre % Follower 0 % Equal 33 % Leader 67 Post % Follower 0 % Equal 0 % Leader 100 Have you ever been bullied? % Yes 83 % No 17 % No Answer 0 Have you ever seen someone being bullied? % Yes 100 % No 0 % No Answer 0 Did you do anything? % Yes 83 % No 17

% No Answer 0

Did you learn something in the workshop that will help you deal with bullying?

Post % Yes 100 % No 0 % No Answer 0 Thoughts Shared: I can teach kids not to bully. / I learned to ask more questions in order to know how to figure more things out. / Being you having differences, realizing your fears the right way. / Help them show their inner self.

After attending the character education workshop and learning about compassion, if you saw someone being bullied, would you do something?

Post % Yes 100 % No 0 % No Answer 0 Thoughts Shared: Stop them or talk to them. / Yes, it was necessary. / Yes, because the person might deserve being bullied. / I would tell the other kid to stop bullying the other one.

Did you learn any skills, such as respect or responsibility, to help you make your own decisions not based on Peer Pressure?

Post % Yes 100 % No 0 % No Answer 0 Thoughts Shared: It helped me improve my skills. / Six Pillars of Character. / I learned to breathe more. / I am my own man.

Which Character Count Trait would you most like the workshop to help you improve on? %Fairness Pre 0 %Responsibility Pre 50 %Citizenship Pre 33 Post: 25 Post: 25 Post: 25 %Trustworthiness Pre 0 %Caring Pre 33 %Respect Pre 0 Post: 0 Post: 50 Post 0 What is one thing you would do to make the world a better place?

Thoughts shared: I will help the communities to make the world a better place. / Teach kids right from wrong. / Leave my knowledge behind. / Music. / Tell them there is always hope.

What do you think about color?

What % gave more thought and shared them about color.

Pre 67% Post 100% Thoughts shared: Pre: It gives a lot of definition. / Yes colors are amazing. / It means something. / Amazing.

Post: It makes things more vivid. / It matters and has a meaning. / Colors represents things. / I think color shows who you really are.

My most important hope or dream is. . .

What % gave more thought to their Dreams becoming reality.

Pre 100% Post 100% Thoughts Shared: Pre: Military. / To be by myself again. / My most important dream is to join the military. / To be a professional barber or a rapper. / Change lives through lyrics. / Be a non-rapper.

Post: That you can say anything you dream of. / Joining the military. / Being a music artist. / Famous for changing people’s lives.

One thing I learned in workshop that will help me reach my dream is: Post 100% discovered something new in the workshop.

Thoughts Shared: Mindfulness. / Confidence. / Patience is a virtue. / Is how to be patient.

What did you learn New in the workshop about yourself, that you did not know before?

Post 100% discovered something new in the workshop about yourself: Thoughts Shared: I learned kids have the same things as me. / Six Pillars of Character. / I’m smarter than I think. / Help is important.

What did you learn New in the workshop about a classmate or friend?

Post 100% discovered something new about classmates or friends in the workshop Thoughts Shared: They relate. / They have similar goals. / Their dreams. / We all have a lot in common.

.. .

Inspiring & empowering kids with the tools to make better life choices

Thanks to Watts-Long, 11 young lives from Adobe Detention Juvenile Center experienced their Possibilities.

This workshop took place on August 24-25th, 2017 - #3 of 7 Opening up possibilities for the young minds of Arizona’s youth for a brighter tomorrow.© “Bridging Possibility” workshops.

Through stories, activities and artwork, Release the Fear’s Workshops will help students to:  Draw One’s Fears and Awaken Hopes and Dreams  Stimulate Creative Listening and Communication+  Bridge Understanding  Discuss How Color Affects Us and Our Environment Senses  Heighten Visual Awareness of Our Environment  Turn Pain into Possibilities into Purpose.

The students are divided into groups or teams that they remain with throughout the workshop. In their small group, the students may be asked to complete an activity, to share responses, or to reflect on an exercise. Often times these groups can have students with different beliefs, various backgrounds, and even opposing gang affiliations.

The workshop will end with a group created painting to be displayed for the public.

Participant Responses Participants are asked to reflect on several of the activities and then share with the group.

These responses are written in their words without edit.

The following responses are from the students who range in ages from 14-17.

The students are asked to reflect on the following question: How do you think this activity could help you in your daily life (In School, Out of School, or In Your Career)?

Who am I? : Working with others, honesty, independence. Gym class, work with others while spotting. Be yourself, don’t fall into negativity. Being honest will get you further in life. / Respect, honesty. Not talk back to teachers. If I respect, I’ll get respected. Respect all people. / Honesty, respect. To pass my teachers and pass my classes. Give everybody a chance. Respect everybody to be respected. / No conocimos major a las personas. Aprendemos a diferenciar. No pelear y hablar con las personas. Nos ayuda a distinfuinos de los otros. / Express emotions. Working hard. Helping victims. Helping those in need.

Creative Storytelling: Acting. Get a job as an actor. Pretend it doesn’t faze you. Be able to have a game face through life’s trials. / Honesty, trustworthy. Be honest with teachers and trust others to bring your stuff back if you lose it. Report to someone you trust. Trust people and be honest and you’ll be trustworthy. / Responsibility. You have to turn in your work. Help with stopping it. Help you be successful in life. / Justicia. Cuando alguien no tenea dinero compartirle. Ayuda a que lo reporte. Ayudar a las demas personas. / Learned how to present in front of a group. By participating in a presentation. By expressing yourself better. To learn how to be a better person.

Reflective Take Away Assignment: Trust and respect. Do your homework in school. Say that you don’t wanna do what they say. Respect all people. / Self-esteem, role models. Can be a good role model for your peers. Not bullying people. Be a good role model. / Queierse asi mismo. Querer lo major para ti y pasar las clases. No molestando nadie. Tener affection para las demas y preocuparte por otros. / Te sientes bien contigo mismo. Te sientes mas confiado. Pensar en lo que dice tu heroe. Acordandote de los consejos de tu heroe y confiar en las personas. / Aprendimos una practica para confiar en nosotros mismos. Para confiar en los maestros. Le Podemos ensenar esta practica. Lo podieramos usar para una major comviviemos. Trabajar en equipo – batallando.

Through the Hoops: Having trust in one another. Helping each other. If you trust someone, you don’t mistreat them. Cause you can use these skills. / Teamwork. You can get your work done quicker as a team. You can team up to stop it. Work as a team to achieve goals. / Trabajo en equipo. Acabar tareas. Hablo en grupo recacionado con la precion de la persona en tu trabajo y escuela. / A confiar en las personas. Confidando en los profesores. Contandole a los demas. Confiando en las personas que encontrare. / Struggles – teamwork.

Working together fater – trabajando rapido. To help each other – convivir con los demas. Siempre nos teneemos que ayudar.

Mirror Work: It makes me feel better and lets me have a better day. / A good person, happy. / Proud, happy, good. / I feel good, happy. / Good. / Makes me feel good. / Makes me think of where I’m at right now and how I can change my negative ways. / It makes me feel good. / Proud happy good! / Normal. / Me siento muy bien porque estoy guapo. / Me siento muy bien porque estoy guapo. / Lo que me gusta de mi cara y me dientes y porque estoy guapo. / Pues me siento querido y confiado de mi mismo. / Yo me amo cuando me miro a los ojos y me siento muy bien y me gusta los mismo. / Pues yo me siento bien conmigo mismo porque me acepo tal y como yo soy gracias a dios. / I think I can change myself. / It makes me feel good. / Me siento bien por ser como soy. / Que yo me quiero y que no hace falta que me digan cosas par sentirme bien. / She raised me and she makes me feel happy.

Hero: My best friend Makail. He’s always there for me. Cause he helps me when I’m having problems. A leader someone that doesn’t cause trouble. / Kodak Black. He motivates me. Honest, fair. / Best friend. Never showed that she was fake. Caring, respectful, loving. / My mother. My mother because she supports me and helps me. / She’s a good person. Personality, caring. / My mom. She is always there for me. Helpful, understandable. / My dad and my two sisters. Because they’re my family and care for me and help me to change my bad ways. Help, respect, trustworthiness, love, caring, honesty. / She raised me. How they act. / My mom!

She takes care of me! Caring, respectful, loving. / Porque me erreron. Si. Responsible y honestad. / Porque me erreron. Responsibilidad y honestidad. / Porque me erraron. Responsibilidad y honestidad. / Mis heroes son mi mama y mi papa. Porque siempre estan para lo que yo ocupo. Que sea Buena persona y que le guste ayuadar a las personas. / Mi mama. Mi mama porque me ariviana si ando amitad. Pues que me ayuda en un problema grave. / Mi papa y mi mama. Porque son los mejores. Que me opolle y mide animo al corto. / Mis heroes son mi padre y mi madre. Aceptarme como yo soy. Que te aceptan y te apollas en todo tiempo. / Cause they raise me in good environment. Their driving skills. / Batman. They saved Gotham. Responsible and respectful. / Mi familia porque me ayudan con mis problemas. / Mi mama. Porque me trajo al mundo. Que me comprenda y que no se muera. / My mom. She raised me and didn’t leave me with anyone else. Trustworthy, caring.

Drawing One’s Fears, Hopes, and Dreams and Sharing: Be honest. If you are honest, you will get use to it.

Tell the truth about bullying. So people can trust you. / Honesty. Tell the truth to get use to telling the truth.

Telling the truth instead of lying about bullying. To earn trust / Que tus suenos son importantes para cumplir los metas en la vida. Teniendo en mento lo que quiero para mi escuela. Hacer un plan o estrategia para detener el bullying. Cumplir tus metas para alcanzar tus suenos. / Todos temenos el mismo miedo. Compartiendo con los demas. De hacer un plan para que deje existir. Que Podemos complir nuestros suenos. / Que todos temenos diferente suenos. Conviviendo con mis companeros. Te ayudar estar mas abierto con los demas. Es una manera de compartir nuestros suneos y memorias feas y malas.

Inspiring & empowering kids with the tools to make better life choices

.. .

Funded By: Watts-Long Location: ADJC %Male 100

Date: August 24-25th 2017

%Female 0

Ages 14-17

Do you think others (Kids my age, older & younger, Adults) have the same Fear as I do?

Pre %YES 25 %NO 75 %Other 0 %No Answer 0 Post %YES 37 %NO 57 %Other 0 %No Answer 6 Rate this statement: You feel comfortable speaking in front of others.

Pre % Not at all 25 % Sometimes 75 % All the Time 0 Post % Not at all 6 % Sometimes 82 % All the Time 12 Rate this statement: I believe I can make my hopes and/or dreams come true.

Pre % Not at all 6 % Sometimes 69 % All the Time 25 Post % Not at all 0 % Sometimes 37 % All the Time 63 Rate this statement: I respect my own decisions even when dealing with peer pressure.

Pre % Not at all 0 % Sometimes 50 % All the Time 50 Post %Not at all 0 % Sometimes 31 % All the Time 69 Complete this statement: I am trustworthy and see myself as a __. Follower, Equal, Leader Pre % Follower 0 % Equal 63 % Leader 37 Post % Follower 0 % Equal 63 % Leader 37 Have you ever been bullied? % Yes 6 % No 94 % No Answer 0 Have you ever seen someone being bullied? % Yes 76 % No 12 % No Answer 12 Did you do anything? % Yes 50 % No 44

% No Answer 6

Did you learn something in the workshop that will help you deal with bullying?

Post % Yes 94 % No 6 % No Answer 0 Thoughts Shared: So I can show them that we are all the same / Respect / Fairness treat people fair / Not sure what to do in that situation / A conocer a los dumas / A respecter / To help stop bullying / Everything / Que no todos somos comoatros y no tenimos que a ser bullying / Everything / Treat people with respect / To help stop bullying by respecting others.

After attending the character education workshop and learning about compassion, if you saw someone being bullied, would you do something?

Post % Yes 75 % No 25 % No Answer 0 Thoughts Shared: Ayudar / I mind my own business / No es mi problem / Voy ayudar a la persona afectada / Just would / Stand up for that person / Tell someone incharge.

Which Character Count Trait would you most like the workshop to help you improve on? %Fairness Pre 0 %Responsibility Pre 37 %Citizenship Pre 37 Post: 12 Post: 44 Post: 6 %Trustworthiness Pre 6 %Caring Pre 12 %Respect Pre 6 Post: 0 Post: 0 Post: 31

Did you learn any skills, such as respect or responsibility, to help you make your own decisions not based on Peer Pressure?

Post % Yes 88 % No 6 % No Answer 6 Thoughts Shared: No dejarme por todos / I can be responsible with my own decision / No determe lleven por otros / Respect / Everything / Respectar / Respect, trustworthiness.

What do you think about color?

What % gave more thought and shared them about color.

Pre 81% Post 81% Thoughts Shared: Pre: Color is important because the world would be boring / I love it / Que se mira suave y que les color a la vida / I thought that color could describe who you are / They’re cool / Que sirve por pintar / Esta colorido / That is pretty / I don’t care about color / No me gusta el rojo / Yes / That is pretty.

Post: That we are the same / Que le don color ala vida / Nothing, I don’t understand the question / It resembles moods / Que ledo color a cosas gris y es bonito / Que es para pintar / Le dan esperanza a la vida / Que tiene que ver mas sentimentos / Que pode mas sabercana no sentimos para color / Color is life / Que Podemos saber comonos sentimos por el color / Nothing / Que tienen que ver con mis sentimientos / It is important / Different colors have different meanings.

What is one thing you would do to make the world a better place?

What % gave more thought to making the world a better place.

Pre 81% Thoughts shared: Pre: Treat others the way I want to treated / Do good things to help the community / Finish parole / Que todos as personas fuedan limpias y que no hulera narcoeafico / Recycle / Not sure / Gente mas resetosa / Gente mas resptuosa / Using more respect / Be a good citizen / Respectar / Pick and clear it / Using more respect.

My most important hope or dream is. . .

What % gave more thought to their Dreams becoming reality.

Pre 87% Post 94% Thoughts Shared: Pre: To design clothes / Is to be successful in life / Is to go to college / Casarme y tener hijos / Finish parole successfully / Tener un buen trabajo y salir de aqui / No volvera laer al bote / Get out / Salir de aqui / Buy my mom a house / Be successful / Salir de aqui y meterme de military / Buy my mom a house / Get out.

Post: Is to join the army / Hope / Be a basketball player / To be successful / Esperanza / Hope / Salir de aqui / Ser un salde de lavarine / Success / Ser un soldado de la marina / Football / IDK / Salir de aqui / To get my GED / Becoming a radiologist.

One thing I learned in workshop that will help me reach my dream is: Post 94% discovered something new in the workshop.

Thoughts Shared: Is Money / Responsibility / Respect / A restiarme y respect / Respecto / Responsibilidad / Aprenda expresarme major / Tener esperaza / Fairness, Responsibility, Citizenship, Trustworthiness, Caring, and Respect. / Tener esperanza / Respect / Aprendi a expresarme major / Going to school / Citizenship, respect, and responsibility.

What did you learn New in the workshop about yourself that you did not know before?

Post 94% discovered something new about themselves in the workshop.

Thoughts Shared: That I can succeed / Mis miedos y suaves / How to be fair / Make my own decisions, respect / A motivarme y comprendar a lo gente / Que puedo ser respectuoso / Metados y suenos en la vida / Que no era tan serio / Que puedo perbeve do de abier / I’m caring / Que puede perder el miredo ablar / That I love myself / Que no era tan serio / That others have same as me / That I have good respect.

What did you learn New in the workshop about a classmate or friend?

Post 94% discovered something new about classmates or friends in the workshop.

Thoughts Shared: That they respect me / Sus miedos / Some people have the things I gone through / They’re kind / Que todos temenos zorinos / Que saben pintar / A que todos tienen / Su forma de ser / Que ser lavan mas ese r los problemos / Nothing / Que somos igualres en los problemes / They are like me / Su forma se ser / They are the same / They have different hopes and dreams.

Release the Fear, Inc.TM PO Box 3815 Phoenix, AZ 85030 www.releasethefear.org

Thanks to Watts-Long, 29 young lives from Peoria Accelerated High School experienced their Possibilities.

This workshop took place on September 19-2,1 2017 - #4 of 7 Opening up possibilities for the young minds of Arizona’s youth for a brighter tomorrow.© “Bridging Possibility” workshops.

Through stories, activities and artwork, Release the Fear’s Workshops will help students to:  Draw One’s Fears and Awaken Hopes and Dreams  Stimulate Creative Listening and Communication  Bridge Understanding  Discuss How Color Affects Us and Our Environment Senses  Heighten Visual Awareness of Our Environment  Turn Pain into Possibilities into Purpose.

The students are divided into groups or teams that they remain with throughout the workshop. In their small group, the students may be asked to complete an activity, to share responses, or to reflect on an exercise. Often times these groups can have students with different beliefs, various backgrounds, and even opposing gang affiliations.

The workshop will end with a group created painting to be displayed for the public.

Participant Responses Participants are asked to reflect on several of the activities and then share with the group.

These responses are written in their words without edit.

The following responses are from the students who range in ages from 15-19.

How do you think this activity could help you in your daily life (In School, Out of School, or In Your Career)?

Who am I? : Respectful, honest. Being respectful to your peers. Letting your emotions out instead of holding back. At work, family, life and friends. / Honest, respect, courage, open-minded. Good life skills. Stop the problem.

Step up. Become a better person in and out. / Open-minded. Be willing to get to know someone before you judge.

Being more open to stop bullying. Don’t judge; be willing to work with others. / Being open-minded. Respect, honesty. Doing the best you can for others. Prevent. Expand opportunities. / Communication. Asking for help.

Standing up for the victim. Talking to people.

Creative story telling: Fairness. Yes, speak up for yourself. How to deal with people’s shit. Following the laws. / Respect, fairness, caring. We learned that people have different ways of being nice. By everything we just demonstrated and put it into practice. By caring for others and being respectful. Being respectful, kind. / Realness.

Being yourself. Talking it out rather than jumping to conclusions. Shows how life actually is. / Communication, teamwork. Helping others with what they need. Come together and talk it out. You need communication to do anything in life. / Realness, communication. Talking to others, developing social skills. More up front with the bully, getting your point across. Have healthy relationships with people around you.

Mirror work: Look at Yourself in the eyes (ONLY) and tell yourself that you love or like yourself just the way you are: You’re as sexy as hell. / I love that I am working on my attitude. / Makes me feel ugly and nothing. / I felt nothing. / Wow. / Lucifer. / Makes me feel good about myself. / I feel confident and obsessed / Okay. / It makes me feel okay. / Very sad. / It helps me be confident. / It helps motivate yourself and confidence. / Weird. / It makes me feel like a liar. / Empowered. / Feels good. / It makes me feel good about myself. / Empty. / Goofy. / Makes me feel like I’m lying to myself. / Weird. / Decent. / Nice beard. Good, healthy, confident. / Tired but hopeful. / In denial. / It makes me feel good. / I already like myself. I’m amazing. / Makes me feel good about myself.

Hero: My twin. She made a difference not only in herself but also in my life. / Mr. Cohen. He motivated me to further my education. / Myself. / My brother is my hero. He’s my hero because without him I wouldn’t be where or who I am today. Leader, trustworthy, caring, outgoing. / My parents because they gave me life and they do everything to make my life easier. / My dealer because they make me happy (him and his merchandise). If they make me happy. / My great grandfather. Only because he believes in me more than anyone that knows me. / My mom she takes care of me when I’m upset. / MY mom is my hero because even at her lowest she manages to get by. Strong. / My sister. She’s brave and always there for me. Leadership, trustworthy. / My mommy because she teaches me. They teach me new things. / Myself because there is more to life than hot rods and girls. / My hero was my best friend. She helped me shape who I am and she was very encouraging. / I have no idea. Superman. I don’t know I just liked the movie. / Lea Micheal. She is important to me because she helps me go through the day and never give up on my dreams. / Music because it helps me to express myself. / Deadpool because he is goofy, amazing. / My mom she is important because she’s alone a lot for me and I know she’ll love me no matter what. / Mom. She does everything for me. / My dad. We both struggled when we were younger and came above our struggles. / Because they inspire others. Confidence. / My hero is Xanax. I would be someone I don’t know without it. / Music helps me deal with things and helps me feel better. Do they help? Make you feel better? / Myself because I try to be my own person. Caring, kind, independent, teamwork. / Music because when I’m sad and depressed it brings out the mood I’m in and I feel more relaxed. Confidence, being strong, and independent. / My hero is my three legged dog Bitsy. She is my best friend and I can talk to her about anything. (She’s really good at keeping secrets.) Listening, understanding, caring. / Kanye West. He is confident in the way he dresses and does not care what people think. Because if you don’t like yourself you don’t like others. Respect, professional, caring, smart, passionate.

Reflective Take Away Assignment: Confidence. Be confident in who you are. Be confident in who you are. Be confident in who you are. / How to have confidence, help, teamwork. Not to let your pride get in the way. You don’t give into peer pressure. When you go through changes you can deal with it better. / Confidence. Achieve our goals. It will help us not. Get through the day and not give up on your goals. / Confidence, bigger ego boost. You take criticism and turn it into something good. Makes us less prone to giving up. You’re more prepared for life’s challenges. / Confidence gain, scaly lizard. Bring your pot to school day, make new friends. Confidence in your decisions and life choices. Building friendships in workplace and better family relationships.

Seeing Beyond: Skills or Tools learned: Communications, patience. All subjects because patience is important for difficult situations. Communication is necessary wherever work, family, friends. / Self-awareness. Knowing your potential and having all your goals in your mind. All subjects. / Third eye, self-control. Math. Self-control when you work. / Guessing now to use third eye. To see if people have good intensions for you. To help you see who is really there for you. / Think outside the box. Art because you need your imagination and math because you need to use full effort. You can see life in many different perspectives.

Through the Hoops: Skills or Tools Learned: Trustworthy, confidence, happiness. You get to see the true colors of people. It will prevent it. You can reach your goal. / Teamwork. Asking for help from teachers and peers.

Having people to back you up. Having people to help you through life and struggles. / Working with each other, self-love. Working on team projects in school. Having friends by your side, the words bullies say wouldn’t hurt because you have self-love. When you get a job, you work smarter not harder. / Trust. To trust yourself and your teachers. To put trust within yourself as a helper. To trust people even if you don’t know them to possible make a new friend. / Teamwork, trust. Work better with people. Sticking up for one another. Helps to achieve your goals.

Drawing One’s Fears, Hopes, and Dreams and Sharing: Keep your goals in sight. Don’t let fears control you.

You’ll be more focused and determined. You won’t worry about what they think about you. You’ll stay focused and makes you work harder for what you want and where you want to be. / Respect and trusting people. By respecting your teachers so you can work with them. Not fighting back talking it out with respect. Respect people or don’t last in the real world. / Keep goals in sight. When you get irritated, feel like giving up remind yourself of your goals. Not let anybody else’s opinions affect you because you know who you are and what you want. Keeping your goals in sight and having a constant reminder will help you achieve them and live contently. / Confidence. Projects,

essays, speaking, helping peers. Standing up to them for yourself and others. Public speaking, jobs, interviews. / Don’t judge a book by its cover, trust, confidence. Be yourself. Stop it. Just be you.

Describe a time when you had an experience that you perceived (thought/saw) as a negative, but through time or something you did, perceived (thought/saw) the experience as a positive one: My house got raided but they went to prison but they’re clean now. / My breakup with my girlfriend was unpleasant but that gave me an opportunity to meet someone better. / I was sad at first then I was happy when my dad found out that he was having a baby. / I was sad then happy. / When I lost my grandpa but now he is in a better place. / I saw myself in heaven and nearly gave up on life. / My mother passes away. I will do better in school. / The time my grandma died in the hospital but it was positive because I went to her funeral and said goodbye. / Me and my ex broke up, I felt lost but then I thought about the positive because I felt freedom. / I went to rehab and was pissed. I was in there for almost seven months. I hated it but I got clean. / I don’t want to share. / I had a dog and it died and the positive is I got another dog overtime. / Not having parents present in life it made me more independent. / When my grandma died that was really tough but I got over it. / My sister’s death but I realized she’s at peace. / I thought of my grandma dying but now I saw it as a positive because she isn’t in pain anymore. / My mom getting pregnant with my baby sister. / Once I saw going back to school as negative. I thought I couldn’t do it. Now that I’m back it turned positive. / Probably when I got suspended long term from high school but then I took that experience and changed how I acted. / Locking myself in my room and thinking that it would be better to shoot myself. Then finding my place with my loved ones and friends. / I moved to a new school and I was angry because I had to leave my friends. During this block, I made new friends and realized it is not horrible at all and I like it a lot. / I broke my arm, lost contact with my family, lost everything but while being alone I learned that only myself can I be great alone. I felt like crying, now it is bearable. / A time I left campus to go to the store but when I came back I got in trouble but at the end I really got in trouble because I didn’t know.

Reflective Take Away Assignment: Respect, be humble, responsible. To treat others better. To be true to. / To let go. Fighting people “let it go”. When people die. / Be positive, trust. Positive about the day, friends, for good experience . Positivity is the key to success. You need to be able to trust people to confide in them. / Letting go and trusting people. Let go of all the stuff you go through for a few hours. Let go all the bad things and trust new people. / Let go. Don’t let a bad situation get to you. Move on. Don’t dwell on the past.

Release the Fear, Inc. TM

PO Box 3815 Phoenix, AZ 85030 www.releasethefear.org

Funded By: Watts-Long Location: Peoria Accelerated High School %Male 34

%Female 66

Date: September 19-21, 2017

Ages 15-19

Do you think others (Kids my age, older & younger, Adults) have the same Fear as I do?

Pre %YES 65 %NO 31 %Other 3 Post %YES 74 %NO 18 %Other 8 Rate this statement: You feel comfortable speaking in front of others.

Pre % Not at all 28 % Sometimes 48 % All the Time 24 Post % Not at all 23 % Sometimes 44 % All the Time 33 Rate this statement: I believe I can make my hopes and/or dreams come true.

Pre % Not at all14 % Sometimes 48 % All the Time 38 Post % Not at all 15 % Sometimes 52 % All the Time 33 Rate this statement: I respect my own decisions even when dealing with peer pressure.

Pre % Not at all 3 % Sometimes 38 % All the Time 59 Post % Not at all 4 % Sometimes 48 % All the Time 48 Complete this statement: I am trustworthy and see myself as a __. Follower, Equal, Leader Pre % Follower 10 % Equal 52 % Leader 38 Post % Follower 11 % Equal 52 % Leader 37 Have you ever been bullied? % Yes 69 % No 31 % No Answer 0 Have you ever seen someone being bullied? % Yes 83 % No 17 % No Answer 0 Did you do anything? % Yes 62 % No 17

% No Answer 21

Did you learn something in the workshop that will help you deal with bullying?

Post % Yes 81 % No 15 % No Answer 4 Thoughts Shared: To stand up. / I already know. / Respect others. / To get help. / Respect. / Confidence. / Help someone that is dealing with this. / Have respect in yourself enough to not listen. / Don’t let people get to you, let it go. / To stand and help each other. / Just don’t react. / I already know. / Be more spoken. / To walk away. / Respect yourself. / Don’t mind what people say about you.

After attending the character education workshop and learning about compassion, if you saw someone being bullied, would you do something?

Post % Yes 92 % No 4 % No Answer 4 Thoughts Shared: People matter as much as anyone. / Yes, I would. / Help them out and talk to them and go stop the bully. / I don’t tolerate b.s. / Always do. / I would tell them to stop. / I’m a monster who kills monsters. / I’d be there for them. / I never want anyone to feel sad. / I would stand up for them and to the bully. / Tell a teacher. / I would talk to someone. / Defend the person. / Because I have had to deal with a bully.

Did you learn any skills, such as respect or responsibility, to help you make your own decisions not based on Peer Pressure?

Post % Yes 70 % No 26 % No Answer 4 Thoughts Shared: Because I already do my own thing. / No because I make my own decisions. / To think before I act. / To listen more. / Responsibility. Be responsible for my own decisions. / Don’t give in to what other people say. / Help others, be kind. / If you don’t want to do anything. / Responsibility it keeps me in my place. / Respect others decisions and your own.

Which Character Count Trait would you most like the workshop to help you improve on? %Fairness Pre 14 %Responsibility Pre 21 %Citizenship Pre 3 Post: 19 Post: 7 Post: 11 %Trustworthiness Pre 14 % Caring Pre 31 %Respect Pre 17 Post: 22 Post: 33 Post 15 What is one thing you would do to make the world a better place?

Thoughts shared: Be there for someone who needs it. / Make everyone love everyone. / No violence.

What do you think about color?

What % gave more thought and shared them about color.

Pre 96% Post 93% Thoughts shared: Pre: I always think about color. / Colors are cool. / It’s pretty. / Color equals mood. / I love color, without it life would be dull. / It’s bright and amazing because there’s so many. / It’s cool. / I think color was for people to have hope and relate to things and each other. / No, and I wear black only. / It’s pretty. / I love color. / It makes things pop. / When I think of colors I think of rainbows. / I’m color blind. / I love colors. / I like color. / I like colors. / It is interesting and confusing. / I don’t care about race. / Color is cool. / I don’t discriminate. / Color is color I see it every day. / It’s wonderful. / I love the colors pink and green. / Color has that feeling to make you change moods. / Color is cool but I don’t really like wearing bright colors. / I don’t think I can improve in any of them. I’m really good at these characteristics.

Post: I think the same. / Colors represent a lot. / Colors can have many meanings. / Cool colors makes everything look better. / Color can be anything. / Even the ugliest things can be beautiful. / I think color is feelings. / It gives emotions. / Color is life. / Color equals moods. / It’s a beautiful thing. / I still don’t discriminate. / It’s everywhere. / I like color. / It’s bright. / I like color. / It’s everywhere. / Same. / Reflects on you. / Color blind. / It brightens my day. / Can be beautiful. / I love color and it brightens things. / Color is still the same. / That color is nothing to me.

My most important hope or dream is. . .

What % gave more thought to their Dreams becoming reality.

Pre 86% Post 89% Thoughts Shared: Pre: That I can get married and start a family and still go to my church and graduate early and go into real estate. / My relationships last. / Graduate high school. / Be happy. / To make a better life. / To graduate high school. / To have a 24k gold tooth (canine). / Finish college. / Have a family. / To be on Broadway. / Make my mom proud. / My dream is to be a forensic. / I hope to have a good future. / Making money. / To become a registered nurse. / Is to become a model or actress. / Graduate. / To go far in life. / To go into the military. / To be rich. / To succeed in life. / Is going to college. / I want to go to Japan and become a Manga artist. / My most important dream is to get somewhere in life.

Post: Forensics. / To complete my dreams. / Graduate early, real estate, marry a girl of my dreams start a family. / Help people with my tech. / To find love. / Family. / Money. / Be happy. / Find true love. / Having a family. / Being rich and having an amazing family. / A child. / To be a doctor. / To be a famous piercer. / To count. / Going to college. / To work hard. / Be a good sister and graduate. / Be an actor. / Broadway. / Famous singer/pianist. / My dream is to make my parents proud. / To have children. / Become a bestselling author. / Live my life with the people I love.

One thing I learned in workshop that will help me reach my dream is: Post 81% discovered something new in the workshop.

Thoughts Shared: Respect my decisions. / Stay determined. / Don’t give up keep on going. / To be myself. / Trust. / Never give up. / Keep trying. / Be confident. / Confidence. / Trust. / Be open-minded. / To talk to people. / To always be confident. / Stuff. / Confidence. / Never give up. / Confidence. / To be caring and responsible. / Trust. / Work on my attitude when I get upset. / Self-worth. / Hope.

What did you learn New in the workshop about yourself, that you did not know before?

Post 74% discovered something new in the workshop about yourself: Thoughts Shared: That I can really be open. / I’m a leader not a follower. / That I was someone to look up to. / I am scared to speak in front of others. / That I’m creative. / I’m more talkative. / Bringing anger out. / I am all alone. / Third eye. / Be more confident. / Think things through. / I’m more emotional than I thought. / I can be a better me. / I can be confident. / It’s hard to be open. / I’m not alone. / That I need to respect myself more.

What did you learn New in the workshop about a classmate or friend?

Post 96% discovered something new about classmates or friends in the workshop Thoughts Shared: We are all different. / Sister’s death. / Dealer. / A lot. / People have some things worse than me. / That they need help and love sometimes. / They have similar fears. / That they have been through the same things as me. / People are not always what they seem. / Everybody is very different. / A lot of people go through things that make me cry. / We are similar. / Everyone has problems. / They’re fun. / We can relate to each other. / Trusting people. / People have seen people shot. / Other people have it worse. / That they have the same fear as me. / That everyone is not like him. / She has done terrible things to get to where she is. / That everyone is scared of something. / Some people have it worse than it looks, you don’t know what goes on behind closed doors.

Release the Fear, Inc. TM

PO Box 3815 Phoenix, AZ 85030 www.releasethefear.org

Thanks to Watts-Long, 20 young lives from Alfred F Garcia School experienced their Possibilities.

This workshop took place on October 3-6th, 2017 - # 5 of 7 Opening up possibilities for the young minds of Arizona’s youth for a brighter tomorrow.© “Bridging Possibility” workshops.

Through stories, activities and artwork, Release the Fear’s Workshops will help students to:  Draw One’s Fears and Awaken Hopes and Dreams  Stimulate Creative Listening and Communication+  Bridge Understanding  Discuss How Color Affects Us and Our Environment Senses  Heighten Visual Awareness of Our Environment  Turn Pain into Possibilities into Purpose.

The students are divided into groups or teams that they remain with throughout the workshop. In their small group, the students may be asked to complete an activity, to share responses, or to reflect on an exercise. Often times these groups can have students with different beliefs, various backgrounds, and even opposing gang affiliations.

The workshop will end with a group created painting to be displayed for the public.

Participant Responses Participants are asked to reflect on several of the activities and then share with the group.

These responses are written in their words without edit.

The following responses are from the students who range in ages from 13-14.

The students are asked to reflect on the following question: How do you think this activity could help you in your daily life (In School, Out of School, or In Your Career)?

Who am I? : Honest. Teacher trust us. Tell what people are saying to the student. Grocery store. / We have a lot in common and have many similarities. Feel more comfortable in a group. Stand up for one another. That we all have each other’s back and support each other. / We learned that we have similarities and differences. We get to make new friends. We can stop bullying and become friends. They help other people. / We have differences, similar.

Creative Storytelling: Teamwork. Helping others playing basketball. When they’re playing basketball and fighting. / Public speaking. Teamwork. You get the confidence. Volunteering with people. / Public speaking, teamwork. Dealing with bully. Teamwork, respect. Trustworthiness, teamwork. / Teamwork, respect. You can work together. You can respect a person and you won’t bully. You can respect a person.

Reflective Take Away Assignment: Confidence and bravery. You got confidence to learn at school and bravery to make new friends. They can’t make you do it. You need confidence to be by yourself. / Everyone gets peer pressured. We all have different heroes. Make our heroes proud. You’re not alone. We all mostly get peer pressured. / We learned that majority of the people felt confident about themselves. We don’t think there is a reason for this to apply in school. Helps you become more confident about yourself. Higher self-esteem. / We all have self-confidence. We could focus on school. It will make us do the right choice. It make life better.

Through the Hoops: Trust, teamwork, communication, observation. Helping each other in school.

Communication. Helping at home. / Trust, teamwork, communication, observation. Help others out.

Communication with the bully. Helping at home. Trust, teamwork, communication, observation. / Trust, teamwork, communication, observation. Help others out. Communicate with bully or teacher. Helping at home. /

Truth, teamwork, communication. Teamwork you can help friends. Communication you can tell the teacher.

Helping at home.

Mirror Work: Confident, encouraged, happy / It makes me think about my future / Sad / I am nice to people.

Cool, nice, respectful / I feel good and feel happy for the rest of the day / I feel lovely but I feel happy too at the same time. Sad, love, ugly, pretty / I like the way I am. I like my hair and my eyes / It makes me feel good about myself. / I felt strange looking at myself in the mirror and I thought I could do what I said when I looked in the mirror. / It gives me a little more confidence. / Really different. When you look at yourself / That we’re all beautiful and we’re all the same believe all do not look the same. We don’t need plastic surgery to look good. / I felt weird.

Hero: My mother. I think she’s important because she’s loving, caring, and hardworking / Spud Webb. Because he is short and he doesn’t care and he is in the NBA / Mom. Because she’s been there for me every time I’m down / Messi 10 because I am good in soccer / My dad is important for me because he helps me with everything and he is my god. / Superman – hero – tv show funny. Because they are heroes and funny. / Dad. For me, my dad is my hero because he has brought us forward, despite the obstacles that have come before us / My heroes are my dad and aunt because she brought me over here and my dad let me so I can learn English because I am born here. I think that they are important because they are my family and because if it wasn’t because of them I would not know English now / Neymar. He is one of the best players in the soccer and I want to be like him. / My mom because she never puts anyone above me and she always boosts my confidence and believes in me. / Superman. Because is hero / My hero is my mom.

Write about a time when you were trustworthy or caring and helped someone else in a positive way. How did it feel afterward? I help someone. / I felt good and responsible and caring. I gave a man that’s sick some money. The man is paralyzed from his waist down. / It felt so good that I want to do it again but I had no more money so I had to leave him alone. / A time I been trustworthy is when I took care of my two nephews and it make me feel good because they trust me. / I felt so good when I gave some money to the poor. I felt special. / When I help someone with their things that they fell. / I helped an old lady with her groceries to the car. It felt good.

Release the Fear, Inc.TM PO Box 3815 Phoenix, AZ 85030 www.releasethefear.org

Funded By: Watts-Long Location: Alfred F. Garcia School %Male 70

%Female 30

Date: October 3-6th 2017 Ages 13-14

Do you think others (Kids my age, older & younger, Adults) have the same Fear as I do?

Pre %YES 65 %NO 35 %Other 0 Post %YES 82 %NO 12 %Other 6 Rate this statement: You feel comfortable speaking in front of others.

Pre % Not at all 6 % Sometimes 88 % All the Time 6 Post % Not at all 6 % Sometimes 88 % All the Time Rate this statement: I believe I can make my hopes and/or dreams come true.

Pre % Not at all 0 % Sometimes 71 % All the Time 29 Post % Not at all 0 % Sometimes 76 % All the Time 24 Rate this statement: I respect my own decisions even when dealing with peer pressure.

Pre % Not at all 0 % Sometimes 59 % All the Time 41 Post %Not at all 35 % Sometimes 59 % All the Time 6 Complete this statement: I am trustworthy and see myself as a __. Follower, Equal, Leader Pre % Follower 6 % Equal 47 % Leader 47 Post % Follower 0 % Equal 47 % Leader 53 Have you ever been bullied? % Yes 47 % No 53 % No Answer 0 Have you ever seen someone being bullied? % Yes 59 % No 35 % No Answer 0 Did you do anything? % Yes 59 % No 35

% No Answer 6

Did you learn something in the workshop that will help you deal with bullying?

Post % Yes 82 % No 18 % No Answer 0 Thoughts Shared: I learn a lot / To help others / I can help other people when they are being bully / Helping others / Telling the bully of why he thinks bullying is good and that bullying is wrong.

After attending the character education workshop and learning about compassion, if you saw someone being bullied, would you do something?

Post % Yes 88 % No 6 % No Answer 6 Thoughts Shared: I will tell the teacher / Because it is mean not doing nothing / Because if I was bully maybe they could help me / I’d help them / I will tell the teacher of the principal. I would stop it.

Which Character Count Trait would you most like the workshop to help you improve on? %Fairness Pre 12 %Responsibility Pre 24 %Citizenship Pre 0 Post: 12 Post: 24 Post: 12 %Trustworthiness Pre 12 %Caring Pre 12 %Respect Pre 24 Post: 0 Post: 18 Post: 30

Did you learn any skills, such as respect or responsibility, to help you make your own decisions not based on Peer Pressure?

Post % Yes 76 % No 18 % No Answer 6 Thoughts Shared: A lot / Because I always have a choice / To respect others / When we did the activities.

What do you think about color?

What % gave more thought and shared them about color.

Pre 82% Post 94% Thoughts Shared: Pre: There are nice colors / They are nice colors / I think of blue / Color makes everything more interesting / I never thought about color / I think color is a very beautiful thing / Blue / Color is just a color / I thought of blue / Nope / I think about color is that it kinds explains how some feelings like if they always use black then that might mean the stuff are happening to them or something / Red, blue / Red / What I think about color is that it’s a very beautiful thing to see on many objects and images. Yes. I have thought about color.

Post: I think of blue / Blue and red / Blue / I think color explains someone / That we all have some similarities / Color is a color / I think color is Amazing. / Rainbows / Well I think that color explains someone / It’s cool when you mix them together / I learn not to be shy / What is one thing you would do to make the world a better place?

What % gave more thought to making the world a better place.

Pre 82% Thoughts shared: Pre: Get rid of violence / Helping people in the city / Helping people and working so hard / I would stop the bullying / Recycling would make the world better / Get rid of weapons / To preserve wildlife and protect endangered species / No Trump family / Help everybody in need / No more violence and drugs / One thing is no more violence and drugs / I would stop war / Not to bully others / For people not to bully kids that are special / One thing I would do to make the world a better place is treat people fairly and help clean our planet and make our world a better environment.

My most important hope or dream is. . .

What % gave more thought to their Dreams becoming reality.

Pre 76% Post 94% Thoughts Shared: Pre: I don’t have one yet / My dream to be a basketball player or a doctor / To make it to the NBA and put my mom in a mansion / Don’t want to tell / I hope for a world where people would love instead of hate / I don’t / My most important dream is to buy a house for my parents and buy them a car. And make lots of money and give my kids and my beautiful wife a good life. / My most important dream is to go to the NFL / I would like to be a soccer player / To have a job / To help my mom / My most important dream is to grow up have a beautiful life / I want to go to high school / My dream is for my cousins to be able to walk again / My most important hope or dream is to be safe when my lord comes. Another one is to become an architect or an electrical engineer.

Post: I want to own a fried store / To have money saved / Is to be a soccer player / Basketball player / To finish high school / Is to buy my parents house and help people out / My most important hope or dream is to have a job / NFL player / Doctor / Engineer / My dream is nothing / My most important dream is to make animation for kids / Go to college and be a doctor / Family / My most important hope is to study and have a good job / My most important dream is how to learn English /

One thing I learned in workshop that will help me reach my dream is: Post 82% discovered something new in the workshop.

Thoughts Shared: One thing that I learned is to follow my dreams / To help others / That we have to respect / Painting / Being responsible / Is to help others and work hard / To always help others and work hard / Science / Is color / One thing that help me is to never give up on your hopes and dreams / Teamwork / I don’t know / To talk in front of people / What did you learn New in the workshop about yourself that you did not know before?

Post 82% discovered something new about themselves in the workshop.

Thoughts Shared: I learned about myself that is that I am Respect / I didn’t learn anything about myself / I am a good painter / Be responsibility / That I like green / That a lot of us have the same similarities / That some of us are similar / That we all have differences / Math / The painting / I learn that I can be trustworthy to everyone I know. / Learned that we should not care how we look / Nothing / That I have some things in common with other people / I learn about the words like respect.

What did you learn New in the workshop about a classmate or friend?

Post 88% discovered something new about classmates or friends in the workshop.

Thoughts Shared: I learned that my classmates are friendly / That they have different feelings / That there are people how do bad / We do teamwork / A lot of my classmates like red / Some of us have a lot in common / That most of us have differences and similarities / We have a difference / I learn about the language English / I learned that Edgar actually wanted to learn English / Be respect / I learned that if you can be a great person, everyone can be your friend / That we should not bully / Nothing / That we have a lot of similarities / About honesty.

Release the Fear, Inc.TM PO Box 3815 Phoenix, AZ 85030 www.releasethefear.org

Thanks to Watts-Long, 24 young lives from Garcia experienced their Possibilities.

This workshop took place on October 17-20th 2017 #6 of 7 Opening up possibilities for the young minds of Arizona’s youth for a brighter tomorrow.©

“Bridging Possibility” workshops.

Through stories, activities and artwork, Release the Fear’s Workshops will help students to:  Draw One’s Fears and Awaken Hopes and Dreams  Stimulate Creative Listening and Communication  Bridge Understanding  Discuss How Color Affects Us and Our Environment Senses  Heighten Visual Awareness of Our Environment  Turn Pain into Possibilities into Purpose.

The students are divided into groups or teams that they remain with throughout the workshop. In their small group, the students may be asked to complete an activity, to share responses, or to reflect on an exercise. Often times these groups can have students with different beliefs, various backgrounds, and even opposing gang affiliations.

The workshop will end with a group created painting to be displayed for the public.

Participant Responses Participants are asked to reflect on several of the activities and then share with the group.

These responses are written in their words without edit.

The following responses are from the students who range in ages from 12-14.

The students are asked to reflect on the following question: How do you think this activity could help you in your daily life (In School, Out of School, or In Your Career)?

Who am I?: Honesty. Stay out of trouble. Tell an adult. So people can trust you and open opportunities. / Honest. Honest because we can tell the truth. The bullies can tell the truth. To help you succeed in life. / Courage. I have courage in school every day. Walk away or tell an adult. I have courage to live a good life. / Honesty. Be held responsible. You can stand up to them. You’ll get over it faster. / Honesty. Being honest when you get in trouble. Tell someone/get help. Gives you a good reputation.

Creative story telling: Communication, body language. You can communicate with your teacher. You can communicate with a friend. So you can communicate for a job/career. / Creativity. We can be more creative to help us in school. I can think of creative ways to get to get back at the bully. It can help in the life during times we need to use our heads. / Creativity. Develop more ideas. Different ideas to deal with bullying. Make life interesting. / Teamwork. Group work. Work against your bully. Working together on a job. / Teamwork.

Working together to figure problems out. teaming up to stop a bully. Helping others to do better communicating.

Through the Hoops: Trust. Helps communicating with others. Your friends will help you. It helps get you a job/career. / Teamwork. Work together. Gang up on the bully. Help do nothing alone. / Teamwork. Help each other. Some friends will help you stand up to a bully. To get a career. / Teamwork. Helps with group worth.

Help resolve conflicts. Helping others and working together in a job. / Trust. Trust your teacher. Trust an adult to tell. Trustworthy.

Reflective Take Away Assignment: Self-confidence. Answer questions. Make your own decisions. Say what you need to say. / Imagination. We can visualize what will happen. You can always picture people differently to ease the pressure. It can help play out plans and ideas. / Confidence. You can speak up. I won’t be a problem to speak. Life will be easier. / Self-confidence. Help when working in groups. Makes you do better. Help get a job. / Heroes are important. To have someone to look up to. So you won’t give in. To have a goal.

Mirror Work: Look at Yourself in the eyes (ONLY) and tell yourself that you love or like yourself just the way you are: It made me feel good and a little weird. / It made me feel normal. / Good, nice, happy. / Happy/ / It makes me feel good about myself. / Good, awesome. / Good. / It makes me feel good about myself. / Confident about myself. It makes me feel nice in a way. / It makes me feel cool and happy. / It makes me feel kinda hurt. I feel kinda beautiful in my own way. / It makes me feel good looking in the mirror. / It makes me feel awesome and love myself. / Pretty normal. / It makes me feel good I guess.

Hero: Who is Your Hero and Why do you think are they important? What characteristics or qualities, would you or do you, look for in a Hero?: My hero is David. I think he is important because he raised me. / My sister. She moderates me. / Liza Koshu. They made a dent in the world. / My mom is awesome and nice.

She is important to me because she is my mom. / My dad. He watches over and protects me. / David Dobrik, my brother. / Bruno Mars, Guava Juice, Roi, Right twix. He is awesome. / NaNa. She takes care of us. / My sister. I believe she can achieve her dream. / Batman. Just cuz. / A pianist named Yiruma. When I listen to his music it makes me feel released and inspires me to do what I dream of being. / My parents because they really support me. / They are important to me because they are my parents. / Leo Cortez. He is cool. / My sister, she will always have my back and be by myself. She is the only sibling I have. / Ms Coates. She teaches me a lot. / My mom. She is an amazing person also she beat cancer. Captain America. He is a hero and is amazing.

Write about a time when you were trustworthy or caring and helped someone else in a positive way. How did if feel afterward? Describe the experience below. Then draw a picture on the back of what the experience looked like: I help my friends when they’re sad and they me with their feelings. / I was trustworthy and caring on fall break for my friends and family when they were in a tuff time. / I helped Alexis when she was being really emo. / I gave a homeless man some food. / A time I was trustworthy is when I don’t snitch my sister out and a time. When I was caring was when I did my sisters chores when she was sick. / It made me feel happy and caring and helpful. / A time I was trustworthy is when I had to take responsibility. / I was caring about my fish. It felt ok. / I babysat my little baby sister. / When my sister had to go to the store and no one to babysit my nephews. I babysat and felt good after and I got money. / When I babysit my siblings my mom grows trust in me. / When I was helping my sister with the room. / My mom had surgery and I helped her a lot. / My mom came home from hard work so I told her to sleep and I’ll clean and make dinner. And she trusts me that I would not burn the house down. / When I helped my mom when she was sick. / I was trustworthy to my brother and I’m caring to my brother. / My little Cousin was crying and I was caring to help her cheer up. So I also took the responsibility to help her. / One time I was with my brother and he was very hungry so I gave him my food. / I was trustworthy when I kept a secret for my friends. / When I took care of my little brother. / When I was babysitting my nephew. / I locked the front door. / Once I took care of my dog. / A time when I was caring is when my cousins got mad at his football game and he wanted to quit hit I really talks to him and he never wanted to quit again.

Release the Fear, Inc.TM PO Box 3815 Phoenix, AZ 85030 www.releasethefear.org

Funded By: Watts-Long Location: Alfred Garcia %Male 52

%Female 48

Date: October 17-20, 2017 Ages 12-14

Do you think others (Kids my age, older & younger, Adults) have the same Fear as I do?

Pre %YES 52 %NO 48 %Other 0 Post %YES 70 %NO 30 %Other 0 Rate this statement: You feel comfortable speaking in front of others.

Pre % Not at all 28 % Sometimes 55 % All the Time 17 Post % Not at all 30 % Sometimes 70 % All the Time 0 Rate this statement: I believe I can make my hopes and/or dreams come true.

Pre % Not at all 21 % Sometimes 34 % All the Time 45 Post % Not at all 13 % Sometimes 52 % All the Time 35 Rate this statement: I respect my own decisions even when dealing with peer pressure.

Pre % Not at all 10 % Sometimes 57 % All the Time 31 Post % Not at all 13 % Sometimes 48 % All the Time 39 Complete this statement: I am trustworthy and see myself as a Follower. Equal, Leader Pre % Follower 7 % Equal 66 % Leader 28 Post % Follower 17 % Equal 48 % Leader 35 Have you ever been bullied? % Yes 28 % No 69 % No Answer 3 Have you ever seen someone being bullied? % Yes 31 % No 69 % No Answer 0 Did you do anything? % Yes 21 % No 41

% No Answer 17

Did you learn something in the workshop that will help you deal with bullying?

Post % Yes 61 % No 35 % No Answer 4 Thoughts Shared: Just stand up for yourself. / Creativity. / Stand up to them.

After attending the character education workshop and learning about compassion, if you saw someone being bullied, would you do something?

Post % Yes 83 % No 17 % No Answer 0 Thoughts Shared: Call somebody. / Someone needs to do something. / I will tell them to stop. / I would feel bad if I didn’t. I will help. I would stop it. / It is always the right thing to do.

Did you learn any skills, such as respect or responsibility, to help you make your own decisions not based on Peer Pressure?

Post % Yes 70 % No 30 % No Answer 0 Thoughts Shared: I learned how to respect more. / I learned responsibility. / Respect. / I don’t feel like I need permission. / I learn to respect people.

What do you think about color?

What % gave more thought and shared them about color.

Pre % 48 Post % 78

Thoughts Shared: Pre: I don’t have much of an opinion since I only wear black and white. / Color describes what mood you are in. / Color is very pretty. / Green is nice. / It is pretty cool I guess. / I think colors are beautiful and is important in life. / It is really bright and makes drawing colorful. / Colors are cool. / Colors are bright. Colors are creative. / I think of color as being fun because without color everything would look dull. / Red makes me think of Deadpool. / Blue. / The color blue.

Post: Colors can say a lot about a person. / Color may represent emotions. / Color is creative. / It is just a color. / Color can show a brighter side to things. / Color is cool. / Expressing yourself. / Color is cool. / Color and misc. are a good combine. / Blue. / Color can mean more than just color. / It is a creative thing. / Color is cool now. While listening to music you can imagine colors. / Something is pretty. / You can see color in music. / Color is emotion. / I still don’t really like them but I am more fond of purple. I learned to love all colors.

What is one thing you would do to make the world a better place?

What % gave more thought and shared them about making the world a better place.

Pre 90% Thoughts Shared: I would probably want to help kids in need or people in need. / Everyone eats right twix. / End the use of fossil fuels and bad chemicals. / Pick up trash. / A better president. / More recycling. / Help people. / Backlash. / To stop all this fighting. / I could dedicate my job towards it. / I think peace would make this world a better place. / Recycling. / Not litter. / Pick up trash. / Give everyone an equal amount of rights. / Stop animal cruelty. / Stop pollution. / Help the homeless more. / Help clean up the streets. / Not dump trash in ocean. / No homework. / I would do something about animals. Give them homes and feed them and also water. / Helping a lot of other people. / Do good things like donate and volunteer. / Help homeless people. / Help the homeless.

My most important hope or dream is. . .

What % gave more thought to their Dreams becoming reality.

Pre % 83 Post % 96 Thoughts Shared: Pre: To be successful. / Working for right twix company. / Go to high school. / Go to high school. / Go to college. / Being a cosmetologist. / To live the right way with no drugs and have a good life in the future. / Play baseball. / Set this world free. / To graduate without dying. / Being a doctor. / To go to college and have a good life. / I love to do lots of different things. / To finish my education and find a stable job. / NBA. / To be a better person. / To become a pianist. / To have a big house. / To become a cosmetologist. / To have a good future. / My most important hope is if we have war my brother to come back safe. / To graduate college and become a doctor. / To make it to the NBA. Post: Make it through high school without dying. / To live a better life. / Becoming a cosmetologist. / To go to college. / Football. / Sleep all day. / Pass college and live my life. / My most important hope is if we have war is for my brother to come back safe. / Being a doctor. / Become a pianist. / Go to high school. / Teacher. / My fishy stays alive. / Go to college. / To be a leader. / To be successful. / Make it to the NBA. / To finish my education and start a career. / To follow them. / Build a business. / To be successful. / To play football.

One thing I learned in workshop that will help me reach my dream is: Post 83% discovered something new in the workshop.

Thoughts Shared: I am not the only one who is afraid. / Staying in school and making better choices. / To have respect. / To never give up. / It’s boring. / Respect. / Be responsible. / To be confident in myself. / Responsibility. / Faith. / Be happy. / Painting. / How to be respectful. / Responsibility. / To believe in myself. / To follow them. / Creativity. / To be confident. / To do teamwork.

What did you learn in workshop about yourself, that you did not know before?

Post 74% discovered something new in the workshop to improve:

Thoughts Shared: I am a very salty person. / I did not know citizenship. / I am not the only one who is afraid. / Realizing how special I am and many more. / I can be creative. / I like sleeping. / I learned to be more confident. / I learned a lot. / I am not alone. / To trust. / To take responsibility. / Tat I am even more pretty. / I listened. / I am creative. / I may have problems. / To follow them.

What did you learn New in the workshop about a classmate or friend?

Post 91% discovered something new about classmates or friends in the workshop Thoughts Shared: Some kids have some of the same problems as me. / My classmates have issues. / Their mother hurt. / That they have sensitive emotions. / That they are emotional. / The dark past. / They support me. / I learn to work together. / That she is not the only one to cry when they are down. / Understanding their creative person in reality. / That they are very trustworthy. / They like sleeping too. / That many of us share the same problems. / They are cool. / They have things as common as me. / To trust them. / People are not the same. / They are nice. / How to communicate. / They might have family problems. / That they are brave.

Inspiring & empowering kids with the tools to make better life choices.

. .

Thanks to Watts-Long,10 young lives from Franklin Police and Fire High School experienced their Possibilities.

This workshop took place on October 21-23, 2017 - #7 of 7 Opening up possibilities for the young minds of Arizona’s youth for a brighter tomorrow.© “Bridging Possibility” workshops.

Through stories, activities and artwork, Release the Fear’s Workshops will help students to:  Draw One’s Fears and Awaken Hopes and Dreams  Stimulate Creative Listening and Communication  Bridge Understanding  Discuss How Color Affects Us and Our Environment Senses  Heighten Visual Awareness of Our Environment  Turn Pain into Possibilities into Purpose.

The students are divided into groups or teams that they remain with throughout the workshop. In their small group, the students may be asked to complete an activity, to share responses, or to reflect on an exercise. Often times these groups can have students with different beliefs, various backgrounds, and even opposing gang affiliations.

The workshop will end with a group created painting to be displayed for the public.

Participant Responses Participants are asked to reflect on several of the activities and then share with the group.

These responses are written in their words without edit.

The following responses are from the students who range in ages from 14-17.

How do you think this activity could help you in your daily life (In School, Out of School, or In Your Career)?

Who am I? : Communication, honesty, self-reflection. Communicating in groups, with friends. To stop bullying by communication. To learn from past and self-reflect. / Communication, group consciousness, honesty, selfawareness, reflecting on self. How you make friends and how you act in class. You can talk things out. Learn from your past and fix your way of being.

Creative story telling: Teamwork, sportsmanship, integrity, making the world better. We work with others, we report anything wrong. You will live by integrity and help them out. When you work you will be working with others. / Teamwork makes the world better. Character. Know how to treat others. Imagination. Know and prepare for future bullying. To know you are not alone.

Mirror work: Look at Yourself in the eyes (ONLY) and tell yourself that you love or like yourself just the way you are: It made me feel weird because I’ve never done this before. / Normal I guess. / It makes me feel uncomfortable. / Shy I guess due to the fact that I am with people I don’t know. / It makes me feel good about myself and how much different I look. / Empowered, confident, loved, important, brave, strong. / It makes me feel weird, because I never had self-esteem. / It made me proud of myself and it made me feel confident and it made me feel that I can change who I am.

Hero: Because the person helped me through depression. A person who saves someone through what they deal with. / Selena Gomez because she is like a motivator. / Mother. She provides everything for me. She provides food, shelter, clothing, and love. Without her I would have nothing. / My grandpa. He’s shown me no matter what you see in life, death, love or fear, we can all come out of it and be stronger. First I see is he is respectable, then view his advice and past experience, last but not least, is himself. / I consider my hero Yoo Hye-Jung (Park Shin Hye) and Olivia Benson (Mariska) from a Korean dram and from Law and Order SUV. Because after what they have been through, they still fighting for their dreams and others. That is kind, brave, good at any self-defense,

really serious, have a sense of humor, independent, helps people. / Superman. I think because I want him to save and I want to be like him. / My hero is a basketball player from the Phoenix Suns. His name is Devin Booker. I would like to be in the NBA and play for the Phoenix Suns. They are important because most people would like to end up like them and they are their inspiration.

Reflective Take Away Assignment: Higher self-esteem, motivation, help with presentation. Have a motivation to be better. Be more self-confident when presenting in front of others. When you have a higher self-esteem you trust the decisions you will make. Motivation to choose a career, to help people. To learn from others and your mistakes. / Higher self-esteem, reflect, help with presentations, motivation, good example. It helps you to do better in school when it comes to speaking in front of people. Self-esteem.

Through the Hoops: Skills or Tools Learned: Teamwork, trust each other. Use your senses, communication, helping others, influenced by others, obstacles. You can help people and you can be the reason they do better.

People who go through bullying will get over the problem either with the help of someone or themselves. People will face obstacles but will get over it themselves or with the help of someone. / Teamwork, trust each other, hoops, obstacles, communication, helping others. Influenced by others. Fun. Tests, teamwork, obstacle course. To know you’re not alone. Even though there are obstacles in life you can go through the hoops.

Release the Fear, Inc.TM PO Box 3815 Phoenix, AZ 85030 www.releasethefear.org

Funded By: Watts-Long Location: Franklin Police and Fire High School %Male 63

%Female 37

Date: October 21-23, 2017

Ages 14-17

Do you think others (Kids my age, older & younger, Adults) have the same Fear as I do?

Pre %YES 50 %NO 50 %Other 0 Post %YES 63 %NO 37 %Other 0 Rate this statement: You feel comfortable speaking in front of others.

Pre % Not at all 0 % Sometimes 37 % All the Time 63 Post % Not at all 0 % Sometimes 50 % All the Time 50 Rate this statement: I believe I can make my hopes and/or dreams come true.

Pre % Not at all 0 % Sometimes 50 % All the Time 50 Post % Not at all 0 % Sometimes 37 % All the Time 63 Rate this statement: I respect my own decisions even when dealing with peer pressure.

Pre % Not at all 0 % Sometimes 75 % All the Time 25 Post % Not at all 0 % Sometimes 25 % All the Time 75 Complete this statement: I am trustworthy and see myself as a __. Follower, Equal, Leader Pre % Follower 0 % Equal 37 % Leader 63 Post % Follower 0 % Equal 25 % Leader 75 Have you ever been bullied? % Yes 63 % No 37 % No Answer 0 Have you ever seen someone being bullied? % Yes 100 % No 0 % No Answer 0 Did you do anything? % Yes 100 % No 0

% No Answer 0

Did you learn something in the workshop that will help you deal with bullying?

Post % Yes 88 % No 12 % No Answer 0 Thoughts Shared: Standing up. / I learned to talk stuff over. / Everyone can over-come. / Communicating.

After attending the character education workshop and learning about compassion, if you saw someone being bullied, would you do something?

Post % Yes 100 % No 0 % No Answer 0 Thoughts Shared: Always. / Say something. / I would talk it out with him. / With or without the workshop I would do something. / Yes, I would because I’ve done it before. / Yes, because that will help.

Did you learn any skills, such as respect or responsibility, to help you make your own decisions not based on Peer Pressure?

Post % Yes 88 % No 12 % No Answer 0 Thoughts Shared: Not following anyone’s path and be my own leader. / Responsibility. / Trustworthiness, trusting myself. / I learned how to be even more respectful.

Which Character Count Trait would you most like the workshop to help you improve on? %Fairness Pre 13 %Responsibility Pre 26 %Citizenship Pre 13 Post: 13 Post: 0 Post: 0 %Trustworthiness Pre 13 %Caring Pre 0 %Respect Pre 26 Post: 26 Post: 26 Post 39 What is one thing you would do to make the world a better place?

Thoughts shared: I would like to end world hunger. / Help everyone in need. / Try to spread wisdom amongst people. / Help those in need. / I would be respectful to the environment and to keep it clean. / I would not add on to the pollution. / Peace. / Join the Marines.

What do you think about color?

What % gave more thought and shared them about color.

Pre 88% Post 100% Thoughts shared: Pre: I think color shows what or how someone’s feeling. / Color is the way people see things. / Yes. / I think color makes life more enjoyable. / Color is an expression for what your mood is. / Is full of life. / Color is a characteristic of traits different color different trait.

Post: I still think about it showing emotions. / Bright and yellow. / Color is meaning. / It’s a convo. / Expresses something. / Describes moods. / Colors are pretty cool because they’re awfully pretty. / Color is a way of speaking.

My most important hope or dream is. . .

What % gave more thought to their Dreams becoming reality.

Pre 100% Post 100% Thoughts Shared: Pre: Joining the Marines then doing Border Patrol. / Get to be a police officer. / My dream is to be a clothing designer. / To become a lawyer and help people. / Have a couple but to be able to support my kids. / To become a forensic scientist. / My dream is to become a police officer. / To become a police officer.

Post: Is to play in the NBA. / Support and being ready for my kids. / Becoming a police officer. / Becoming a Marine. / To be a lawyer. / To be a clothes designer. / Is to go to the NBA. / To become a forensic scientist.

One thing I learned in workshop that will help me reach my dream is: Post 100% discovered something new in the workshop.

Thoughts Shared: Self-esteem and teamwork. / Is that to have self-confidence. / To not be afraid. / To ask others for help. / Release your fears. / Talk if front of people. / Patience and caring. / Is to do the right thing when no one is looking.

What did you learn New in the workshop about yourself, that you did not know before?

Post 100% discovered something new in the workshop about yourself: Thoughts Shared: To follow the expectation. / That I am worthy. / I’m shy saying I love myself in front of new people. / I can get through my obstacles. / I can tell my past. / I could feel normal. / That I’m joyous no matter what.

What did you learn New in the workshop about a classmate or friend?

Post 100% discovered something new about classmates or friends in the workshop Thoughts Shared: That we can relate somehow. / They have similar stuff to me. / That more people depend. / They have dealt with depression. / To not be spoken. / Trustworthiness. / They are here for a reason. / That to be really good with each other.

Thank you for Believing.

. .

Robert J Miley CEO/ Founder

Office- 302 W. Monroe- in Downtown Phoenix Mailing-332 W. Lynwood Phoenix, AZ 85003 info@release the fear.org