Rtf murphy school district and 21st century grants summer 2014

SUMMER 2 0 1 4 REPORT

Through 21st Century Grant Youth can Create a New Future. . .

RELEASE THE FEAR = Inspiring & empowering kids with the tools to make better life choices.

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

Thanks 21st Century Grant and the foresight of

Murphy School District. This is the final report from two different workshops held during the summer of 2014. Through this support Release the Fear was able to provide life altering skills to 49 youth in Kuban Elementary and Sullivan Elementary Schools. Our evidence-based curriculum uses the creative processes of art, music and communication. Thanks to your support we were able to teach these youth valuable cognitive behavioral life skills on conflict resolution and how to build self-esteem. They also learned tools that will inspire them in school, combat peer pressure, bullying, anger, and violence of any kind. These are life skills that will help them break the chain of fear, self-doubt and violence, and empower them to strive for a productive future.

These workshops were delivered June 2014.

TURNING PAIN INTO POSSIBILITIES, POSSIBILITIES INTO PURPOSE . . .OPENING YOUNG MINDS FOR A BRIGHTER TOMORROWŠ 332 W. Lynwood Street Phoenix Arizona 85003 602-818-6959~info@releasethefear.org ~ www.releasethefear.org

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hat: Release the Fear, is a non-profit health and human services organization, teaches Arizona’s youth the life skills needed to combat the effects of peer pressure, bullying, abuse and violence in our society and learn to make better life choices. Release the Fear has worked with thousands of at-risk youth in Arizona to decrease the enticement of gang involvement by 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 meeting Arizona education standards.

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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. Inquirybased learning is an educational practice where the teacher/facilitator uses controlled questioning to serve as a learning guide in order to move students toward 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 experiences 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.

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pproach: Through experiential programs, we encourage participants to develop valuable core life skills, better critical problem solving, and a healthy sense of understanding self and others.

Through the RTF programs, participants discover that anything is possible, that they have a purpose in life, and why they matter to the world, to the community, and most of all to themselves.

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ransformation: The Maricopa County Juvenile Probation Office released a 2010 report demonstrating the value of Inside Out: Bridging Possibilities workshops on 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 46 percent—nearly half. That is an impressive impact on any child’s future.

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.

June 2014

RELEASE THE FEAR 2014 RTF Pre/Post Survey Results 21st Century OVERALL PERCENTAGES 49 Students (2 PB Workshops) Male 49% Female 51% – Youth Ages 11-14 78% discovered something new about themselves 93% discovered something new about classmates and friends.

Pre 39.5% compared to Post 69.5% realized that they are not alone in their fears.

Pre 63% compared to Post 95% realized that they can make their dreams a reality.

90% learned something to help them deal with bullying.

82% stated that they would do something if they saw someone being bullied.

Kuban Elementary School – 20 students Sullivan Elementary School – 29 students Individual Workshop Percentages 1. June 16-19 2014 PM Sullivan Elementary School 29 Students (1 IO-PB Workshops) Male 55% Female 45% – Youth Ages 11-14 75% discovered something new about themselves 92% discovered something new about classmates and friends.

Pre 29% compared to Post 58% realized that they are not alone in their fears.

Pre 63% compared to Post 96% realized that they can make their dreams a reality.

92% learned something to help them deal with bullying.

83% stated that they would do something if they saw someone being bullied 2. June 16-19 2014 AM Kuban Elementary School 20 Students (1 IO-PB Workshops) Male 40% Female 60% – Youth Ages 11-14 81% discovered something new about themselves 94% discovered something new about classmates and friends.

Pre 50% compared to Post 81% realized that they are not alone in their fears.

Pre 63% compared to Post 94% realized that they can make their dreams a reality.

88% learned something to help them deal with bullying.

81% stated that they would do something if they saw someone being bullied.

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

For nearly seventeen years, Release the Fear has had the opportunity to interact with over 6,500 troubled 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 2013, 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 2013, 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.

RELEASE THE FEAR 2013 -2014

Program Budget: RTF Character Education Bridging Possibilities: Proposed Budget Per Workshop Instructional Programming: Program Supervisor/Trainer Co-Facilitator / Trainee Reporting and Evaluations: Pre/Post Inventories Final Report Supplies and Other Workshop Exp Art & Printed Supplies / Snacks Recognition for Students, Postage, Mktng Internal Coordination, Support & Workshop Presentation Travel Expenses – Average TOTAL FOR 1 WORKSHOP

$680.00 $300.00

$1,360.00 $ 600.00

$150.00 $ 70.00

$ 300.00 $ 140.00

$ 80.00 $ 60.00

$ 160.00 $ 120.00

$260.00 $ 50.00

$ 520.00 $ 100.00 . $3,300.00

$1,650.00

Murphy School District 21st Century Grant

$ 3,300.00

Cost Breakdown per workshop with average of 22 youth each: Average cost per daily session: $550.00 Average cost per youth per session $25.00 Per Capita cost per youth workshop:$75.00

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

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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 processes.

Thanks to 21st Century, 29 young lives from Sullivan Elementary School experienced their Possibilities.

This workshop took place on June 16-19, 2014.

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  Awaken Senses  Heighten Visual Awareness of Our Environment  Turn Pain into Possibilities into Purpose.

The students are divided into four 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 11-14.

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? : Ask questions, observing. Testing, names, learn more about them. Get to know people, communication. Making friends, being nice, respectful. / Smart, kindness, helpful, thoughtful. Participating, work together. Prevent gossip, bullying. Face things together. / To get to know each other, make friends. To see if they have something in common. So others won’t be lonely. Find a job, meet new people. / Typing and interviewing. In computers. Different common.

With other people.

Creative Storytelling: Remember, listen, patience. Helps us remember what matters. Listening in the problems, help them. When you go to work you listen to the instructions. / We were creative and we listened to each other. Paying attention and working and learning together. Have courage to not let yourself down and protect yourself. To never give up on your goals and dreams. / Listen, communication, patience, memory. Communicate in class, listen to teachers. Speak up.

Talking to others, open up to people. / Teamwork. Cuz you would help your team. People would listen to what you say. Help you get a job, education.

Through the Hoops: To trust, teamwork, perseverance. Remembering teammates, get to know new people. To help the people that ever been bullied. Work together, persevering, good feeling. / Teamwork and trust. Trust others to help you. Tell them to stop bullying. In a job and family. / Confidence, trust in one another, teamwork. Trusting your teacher, trusting partners. Knowing who to tell, having confidence to tell teacher. Knowing who to trust in your job, or assignment. / To

trust your teammates, teamwork. It will apply because it will help in team building. Others will trust each other not to bully. Your team will help you out with problems you have.

Reflective Take Away Assignment: Have confidence, satisfied, happy. Keep going in life, try harder. Help you be good about your life. Accomplish goals. / Trust yourself and confidence. Get good grades. Not get embarrassed or shy. Be a better person. / Not to be shy, having confidence. Talking to friends, giving ideas to teacher. Having enough confidence to say “no!”.

When you get a job interview, you’ll have to be confident to speak in front of people. / Learned things that are new from others. It will help you learn new things on new kids. Because you won’t get pressured if you know them. If you believe in yourself you will believe.

Mirror Work: Look at Yourself in the eyes (ONLY) and tell yourself that you love or like yourself just the way you are.

Good, happy, normal, and confident. A little weird. / Good, confident, ok. / Confident. / It makes me feel confident. / Confident and proud. / Happiness, loving, kind. / It makes me feel confidence and it makes me feel hope in myself. / It made me feel good and confident about myself. / It made me feel good and confident about myself. / It made me feel confident in myself. / Happy, nice, cool, fun. / Happy, good, proud. / Normal, happy. I feel happy. / Happy. / It find to look at my face. / It find. / Happy. / It makes me feel happy. / It makes me feel nice. / Makes me feel happy. / I feel happy. / I feel happy. / I feel happy and I love myself. / I feel happy. / Friendly, honest to others, respectful, responsible, happy, normal.

Hero: Who is Your Hero, Someone World-Famous or Someone You Know, or anyone in between?

Why do you think are they important? What Characteristics or Qualities, would you or do you, look for in a Hero?

My older brother Iziek. Because he gives me advice when I need it. He knows how to give the right advice. / Jared Leto. He went through rough times but still went to become a great singer. Good humor, good looking, intelligence, caring. / Parents. My parents are very important to me because they care about me.

They put food on the table and they put a roof over my head. In a hero, I look for kindness, caring, trust, respect, honesty, and loving. / My friends. I think they are important because they are good people. / I think they are important because they could help us. / My cousin Brianna. Because she is a good person and she influences me. They have to be nice, funny, fun, and I wanna be able to tell them anything. / Lionel Messi. I think he is important because without him, his team wouldn’t be the best team. Responsible, respectful, honest, never lies, active, nice. / My hero is my mom because she takes care of me. I think that my mom is important because she is always giving me advice. What I look for in a hero is to care of me and led me to good choices. / My hero is my best friend because she is always there for me and she’s loyal and she understands me. I think she’s important to me because without her good guidance, I’ve would’ve of done the wrong things. I would look for trustworthiness. / My hero is my best friend because she is always there for me when I need her. I think she is important because she is trustworthy. / I think my mom is important to me because she takes care of me. / Will Smith. He is famous and is an actor. Brave, smart, fearless. / They are important to me because they’re funny. They care about me. / Me. Because I’m smart, strong. / Paul Walker. He was make me get more funny. Yes I do think of that. / Chavo de 8. Yes I do. / My uncle because he fights cancer. That he is care. Bravery. / Mr. Ramos. Because he teaches us. To be smart. / My brother in law. Because they are an example for me. Good characteristics. / Thor.

Because he can save life. Super strong, smart, he can fly. / My mom. She takes good care of me.

Respect. / My mom. They help the people of you. Caring. / My mom and the firefighters are important to me because when I am in danger, they rescue me from being in danger. / My mom is my hero. They are important because they take me places. / My hero is my best friend Millie. Cuz she was there for me every time I needed her. Someone who help others.

Seeing Beyond: To use senses, teamwork, and to learn to ask questions. In science because you could ask questions and use senses. To work with other people and ask questions. / Teamwork and to have fun and get smart to do your dreams. To your dreams and life. / How to

listen, ask questions, teamwork. In reading because students have to listen and ask questions.

This skill will be used in life when a person tries to get a job. / Learning to work in a group and when the telephone call learn to explain what learn. My team thinks that you can ask questions and work in group in science it will help a lot. Building hope on our career. This skill can build character in life.

Drawing one’s Fear’s, Hopes and Dreams and Sharing: To share fears with friends. To communicate. To share without fighting. To share thought/dreams. / Make dreams better. Help your grades improve. Talk to the teacher or back up. Accomplish things. / To compress your fears so they can’t scare you. In school you won’t get scared. To overcome the bully. To accomplish your dreams. / We used our memory. We also learned how to use our imagination.

To reach our goals. To stop bullying. We need to go through our fears to reach our goals.

Reflective Take Away Assignment: To accept the fact that it happened. To think negative. To think not everything is a negative. / To help with your dreams. To help go to high school or college. To accomplish dreams. / Use thoughts, getting rid of fear. Not scared of tests or work.

Overcome bad things. / Confidence, perseverance, help each other. Trust others, get better grades. Reach all of our goals.

Describe a time when you had an experience that you perceived (thought/saw) as negative, but through time or something you did, you perceived (thought/saw) the experience as a positive one.

When I did now how to swim I thought it was a bad thing but it turned out it was a good thing because other people didn’t how too. / What I thought was negative was when I didn’t have real friends but then I realized I had truth friends. / I got made and I found $100. / I went to eat pizza and I didn’t like it. Now I like it. / A time something that happen that was negative but come out as a positive was when I did a audition. I didn’t make it but I try out something else and I made it. I am happy because I try something new. / At first I thought being an uncle was going to be bad. At first I thought that everyone was going to forget about me but then I noticed it was actually good and that he liked me. But at the end it ended up being good and everyone cares about me. / I didn’t know that knowing new people was fun. / One day my mom told me that I was moving from Avondale to Phoenix. It was sad because I made so many friends and then I was leaving, but then I made more friends. / I felt good to shout out my paper to the class. / What I thought was negative was when we got taken away from my mom. My tia got custody of us. I was mad and sad. Now I’m happy because we have a roof over our head thanks to my tia! / One experience was when my grandma died in front of me. I was really sad and mad. Then I realized she’s in a better place. So now everything is okay. I’m no longer angry that she died. / I felt nervous when I was gonna present to everyone, then everyone was doing it. I felt confident to share to other people. / One experience that I had was when I moved schools. I used to go to Wilson Elementary and moved her to Sullivan. I had a lot of friends there, but then they told me we were moving. The first week at Sullivan I was sad cuz I missed my friends but later on I met new friends.

I soon realized it was a good thing because I met awesome new friend and cool teachers like Ms. Shipley, Ms. Tuley and Ms. Powers. / I was walking and I fell and I was ad but I saw a quarter on the floor. / The first time when my dad cut my hair, I felt sad. 4 years later, I didn’t care that much anymore.

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Release the Fear, Inc. ® PO Box 3815 Phoenix, AZ 85030 www.releasethefear.org 602-818 6959

Funded By: 21st Century Location: Sullivan Elementary School %Male 55

%Female 45

Dates: June 16-19, 2014

Ages 11-14

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

Pre %YES 29 %NO 63 %Maybe 8 Post %YES 58 %NO 38 %Maybe 4 Rate this statement: You feel comfortable speaking in front of others.

Pre % Not at all 8 % Sometimes 84 % All the Time 8 Post % Not at all 8 % Sometimes 75 % All the Time 17 Rate this statement: I believe I can make my hopes and/or dreams come true.

Pre % Not at all 8 % Sometimes 50 % All the Time 38 %No Answer 4 Post % Not at all 0 % Sometimes 54 % All the Time 46 %No Answer 0 Rate this statement: I feel comfortable making my own decisions even when dealing with peer pressure.

Pre % Not at all 8 % Sometimes 58 % All the Time 30 %No Answer 4 Post % Not at all 13 % Sometimes 58 % All the Time 30 %No Answer 0 Complete this statement: I see myself as a __. Follower, Equal, Leader Pre % Follower 0 % Equal 59 % Leader 48 Post % Follower 8 % Equal 50 % Leader 47 Have you ever been bullied? % Yes 46 % No 54 Have you ever seen someone being bullied? % Yes 90 % No 10 Did you do anything? % Yes 54 % No 38 % No Answer 8 Did you learn something in the workshop that will help you deal with bullying?

Post % Yes 92 % No 8 % No Answer 0 Thoughts Shared: When you see someone being bullied, help or do something. / I learned how to step away or go around them. / By respecting other. / Because I wasn’t her. / Step out or go around. / I could help others that are being bullied. / Because I learned to face fears and be confident. / We didn’t really talk about that today. / Well it kinda help cause I already know how to deal with it. / Yes to walk away. / Learning how to feel confident to speak up. / Just walk around them. / Because there been other people bullying. / I can help others. / To not judge a person how they look. / Walk away. / Standing up to the bully. / Yes because it will help you to ignore them. / Because bullying is not ok. / Because bullying is not ok. / Yes I did I learned how to work together. / Yes because if I don’t help the person they may suicide.

Now, after attending the workshop, if you saw someone be bullied, would you do something?

Post % Yes 83 % No 17 % No Answer 0 Thoughts Shared: Yes. / I help the person being bullied. / I would tell them to back off. / To tell an adult. / I will tell one teacher. / Watch the fight. / Help others. / I would help the victim of

bullying. / I don’t like when people bully. / I would stand up for them. / Yes tell him to walk away. / I would speak up for him/her. / I would tell them to back off and if they don’t, me and the bully are going to take it further. / Tell the teacher away. / Because bullying is wrong. / Because one day you might be bullied and no one would do anything. / I will help. / I would tell a teacher what is happening. / Yes because yes tell the teacher. / To tell the teacher. / I would do something because what if something bad happens and I didn’t help. / Yes because everyone helps someone in need.

Did you learn any skills to help you make your own decisions not based on Peer Pressure?

Post % Yes 67 % No 33 % No Answer 0 Thoughts Shared: Yes. / IDK. / I didn’t learn anything. / I don’t now. / I didn’t put attention. / Yes because I can be confident on my decisions. / I learned to make my own decisions to decide on what I want. / I always make my own decision. / Yeah just like take deep breath and other stuff. / To breath good. / To breath slowly and relax. / To take a deep breath and relax. / Cuz other people been bully. / I don’t know. / I learned to do what I want to do. / Yes to go with my gut. / I learned how to stand up for myself. / Yes because not everything is based on our own decisions, maybe on peer pressure.

What do you think about color?

What % gave more thought and shared them about color.

Pre 33% Post 92% Thoughts Shared: Pre: I think of a rainbow because it has many colors. / I do not understand this question? / I like the color red. / Rainbow. / What I think about color is rainbow. / No. / I like red. / I don’t understand this question. / I think everyone should be equal. / I don’t understand this question. / Blue, red, orange, yellow, green. Rainbow. / Rainbow. / I don’t care about color. We’re all the same. / I don’t care about the color. You are we’re all the same. / I think of them as equals and human being. / I don’t care than other people think. / I think color is like how you feel. My color is red and black. / No. / I have no problem with other colors. / I think that color doesn’t really matter. We’re all the same. / No I have not thought about color. / That it for color palette. / I don’t know. / No. / IDK. / IDK. / IDK. / I don’t know.

Post: Different kind of color like music. / It is colorful. / I learn that sound has color. / A rainbow. / A rainbow. / Yes that you can found something when you are coloring. / No. / I learned that there is a lot of color. / Color is the way you see something. / Color means more than I thought. / I learned that it’s the way you see something. / Color could make you happy. / Colors can be used to express music or yourself. / Color is in everything, sometimes we may not know it. / That everyone should have confidence in their selves. / Color is like different music themes. / That colors could be anything you want it to be. / I think color is a way to show feelings. / Color is a wonderful thing. / I learned that everything has color. / How you take sense of scary or calm. / It is good and bad. / No. / I think is cool. / It is many colors to pick. / I thought they were just colors, now they’re more. / I think is cool. / No. / I learned that sound has color. / I learned that all colors are so creative.

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

My most important hope or dream is. . .

What % gave more thought to their Dreams becoming reality.

Pre 63% Post 96% Thoughts Shared: Pre: My most important dream is to graduate school and be an animal doctor. / My most important to go to college and be a doctor. / IDK. / To help my mom. / My most important dream is to be with my family at Mexico. / I do not have a dream. / My most important hope or dream is to study hard and become a nurse or veterinarian. / To have a house. / My dream is to graduate high school and college and get a nice job. / Is to help people and be a lawyer. / To pass college. / Go to Brazil and be an engineer. / To pass school. / My hope is people bond and go to MexicoChihuahua. / Worldwide peace. / My dream is to be a soldier. / To become a veterinarian and go through all my college and high school year. / I don’t have one. / I do not know. / This is at my home. / I think so. / I think I still don’t have a dream. / My most important dream is to become a soccer player. / My most important dream is to be a successful student and have a nice career. / My most important hope is to become a doctor and go to college.

Post: My most important is hope because hope is more important for me. / Is to be a soccer player. / Be in the NFL. / Be in the NFL. / To help my mom. / My dream is soccer. / My dream is to play soccer. / Go to university and graduate. / My dream is to be someone in life. Who studies and work hard for what they want. / My dream is to graduate from college. / To graduate college and become a doctor. / My dream is to become successful or show effort in everything I do. / Is to become successful in life and how we are not gonna stay in life forever. I wanna create something that is gonna last. / My most important dream is to be a doctor. / Is to one day be a electronic DJ or a rock singer. / My dream is to finish school and get rich and have my own family. / Is to become a fashion design in cloth of drawing. / Don’t have one. / To have kids and a good life. / My most important hope and dream is to become a great doctor. / I want to help people. / My dream was to win the FIFA World Cup. / To be a war engineer and go to college. / Is to be in the NBA Spurs San Antonio because they win and that is my favorite team in 2013. / To get more in the future. / To see my future. / To be an engineer. / Go to college. / My most important dream is to be a engineer. / Is to be a player of basketball. / Is to go to the Army. / My most important dream is to become a lawyer. / Is to accomplish high school and college because I want to have a nice job.

One thing I learned in workshop that will help me reach my dream is: Post 92% discovered something new in the workshop.

Thoughts Shared: To be confident in myself. / Help others, be nice. / Get good grades. / Get good grades. / To make new friend. / One thing that help reach my dream is to do this active together. / Is that never give up. / To follow your dreams. / To be confident in my dreams. / Is to believe and to be confident. / To never give up. / To go around life, not go through. / To keep up my work. / Always believe you can do it. / Walk around life not through it. / Is by telling everyone that they’re not alone. / Communicate, teamwork. / To not care what others think. / One thing I learned is how to work with others and talking in front of the class. / Do not let anything in my way. / To know who to tell the dream to. / To believe in our dream. / To tell people to stop bullying other people. / That you can reach the dreams. / Confidence. / Nothing. / Learned about it. / One thing I learned was that there are people listening to help. / I think yes. / Is to believe myself. / One thing I learned that will help me with my dream is to get education. / One thing tht will help me reach my dream is help each other in good or bad days.

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

Post 75% discovered something new in the workshop.

Thoughts Shared: That if you see bullying, go tell a teacher or an adult. / I didn’t learn nothing. / Color make sound. / I learn the workshop help me learn. / I learn who am I and my friend and I learn new thing in the workshop. / Nothing. / What I learned about myself s that I’m scared of dogs. / That I can be confident. / That I can believe and be confident in myself. / I dunno my first day, possibly confidence. / Well I think I did learn nothing new about me. / Not to be shy. / Nothing. / I can accomplish anything I want or can do. / Talking to other people, to communicate to others about your answer. / Nothing. / That I don’t have to be scared to talk in public. / I learn that I am very powerful leader and make everyone else feel good. / I am a smart kid and I should use my smarts. / That whatever happens, I will stand up to the bully. / Color like music piano light. / They you can stare in the mirror. / How learning is fun. / Yes. / To help. / I learned that I could speak in a crowd. / I don’t know. / Nothing. / I learned that I’m not the only one that is scared of heights. / I learned to communicate and participate with others.

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

Post 92% discovered something new about classmates or friends in the workshop Thoughts Shared: That they have different things and some the same. / That they could help you. / They can be great friends. / To make friends. / That I became friend with classmate. / That I get to know new friends and teachers. / To respect my classmate and friends for they can respect me. / That they’re fun. / I learned about their life. / I learned about my friends dreams and fears. / That they are friendly and nice. / That they are cool to talk to. / Friend have the same fear. / Some classmates have the same fear as me. / They are nicer than I thought they were. / That everyone have great potential in their own way never matter what. / Some were shy and some were confident. / I learned a lot because I don’t go to this school. / I never met anyone but I learned so much about them. It’s fun meeting new people. / I learned many of my classmates fear. / I learned about that everyone has a fear and that they can face it. / How to work together. / To believe in yourself and your dream. / It helps you to do stuff. / Their fears, their childhood and dreams. / No. / Help and respect. / I learned what my classmates and friends are afraid of. / Yes because is important. / To be nice. / I learned that they have things in common with me. / Something new of my friend is that she’s quiet and smart in things.

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

Thanks to 21st Century, 20 young lives from Kuban Elementary School experienced their Possibilities.

This workshop took place on June 16-19, 2014.

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  Awaken Senses  Heighten Visual Awareness of Our Environment  Turn Pain into Possibilities into Purpose.

The students are divided into four 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 11-14.

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? : Being honest, know each other. People will trust you. Know them, speak to them.

Being a better person. / Learning about each other, paying attention. Know each other more, get good grade. Don’t judge a book by its cover. Getting a job. / Relating to the subject. To learn more about people. To ask the person questions before you judge. To become a better person.

To be responsible. / How to be honest. To be positive. How to be respectful. Have to tell the truth. Making judgments by their looks. Don’t say anything bad. It would build character because people might not judge you by how you look.

Creative Storytelling: Memorize, imagination. Working on projects, studying. Having more confidence. Get your job done, enjoy life.

Through the Hoops: How to communicate. By working together. Go to the teacher. Being able to speak in public. / Help each other, working with each other. Help others that are different from you. Stand up for others when they’re dealing with something. Trust more. / Trusting people and depending. To believe in other people. To stop them. To help other people. / Trust, being honest, community, how to work together. Work together and release your fears. To not be afraid and just stand up for yourself. Getting prepared for life to communicate.

Reflective Take Away Assignment: Responsibility. Listen, pay attention, behave. Making correct choices. Make healthy choices. / You could fear more stuff that they teach you. Safer.

Trust them more. Confident, more helpful, trustworthy. / To be a hero, to be a great person.

Confidence. To be nice to others. We believe that we are going to make it. Trustworthy in our life. / Giving yourself confidence, with great power comes great responsibility. Bringing your own supplies, accountability. Think for yourself. Job, success, people take you serious, memories.

Mirror Work: Look at Yourself in the eyes (ONLY) and tell yourself that you love or like yourself just the way you are.

Confident, wonderful, trustworthy, kind. / Shy, weird. / How it makes me feel is happy because I like the way I am. / It makes me feel good, happy, confident, and there is no one like me. I feel nice, pretty. Those are some ways I feel. / Sexy, good. / Happy, wow, creepy. / Happy and good. / Happy and amazing. / It makes me feel confident about my life. / Weird. / Beautiful and cute. / Awesome. / Cute, good. / Shy. / Weird. / Good IDK nice. / Good, wonderful, nice. / I’m normal.

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?

Someone I know: my dad. He gave his life for me and cares for me. / Dad cause he does everything for me. / My hero is my mom because she has taught me good to have a good future. / My hero is Anna Palova. I think this person is important because she always believed in herself and is always happy. / My cousin. I think they are important because they tell me to don’t give up on anything. She is always excited.

She gets what she need to be done. / Dad, mom. They are important to me because they’re my parents and I love them. / Mom. Because she helps me. / My sister. Helpful, kind. / Capitan Mexicano. / Batman. / My hero is my dad because he is always there when I need him. He showed me to play soccer, but then he told me about his father and how he was goalie then I found out he was goal so then I turn into a goalie. / I don’t know. / Bruno Mars. He is important to me because his music is wonderful. It makes me think of things. / Spiderman. / Batman. Because he jumps buildings and he know to fight. / Mom. Give life to me. / Workers. They work hard and get a lot of money. / Sarah because she my love. / Mom and dad. / My mom. Because she take care of me. / My dad. He helps me in everything.

Seeing Beyond: To imagine, describe. Giving good directions in writing. When driving, when helping others but not giving the answers. / Senses, description. Writing, science, math, reading.

Trust you more, try more stuff. / Asking questions, describing. In science because you make hypothesis and figuring things out. To be a better person in life. / Five senses, description, think, guess, work with tea. Science, math, reading because you think, asking questions. Ask for directions.

Drawing one’s Fear’s, Hopes and Dreams and Sharing: How to accomplish our goals. By others helping you. By doing the right thing. Do what is right. / Help go through life. Keep on trying. Never give up. Stand up for self and people. Be better person. / To not be afraid to talk.

To encourage other people. To encourage the bully to stop. To achieve my dreams and to not be afraid to achieve them. / To not be shy by showing your fears. To be confident in yourself. Don’t let people be bullied, stand up, communicate with others. Being able to communicate with workers and bosses.

®

Release the Fear, Inc. ® PO Box 3815 Phoenix, AZ 85030 www.releasethefear.org 602-818 6959

Funded By: 21st Century Location: Kuban Elementary School %Male 40

%Female 60

Dates: June 16-19, 2014

Ages 11-14

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

Pre %YES 50 %NO 44 %Other 6 Post %YES 81 %NO 19 %Other 0 Rate this statement: You feel comfortable speaking in front of others.

Pre % Not at all 12 % Sometimes 76 % All the Time 12 Post % Not at all 6 % Sometimes 76 % All the Time 19 Rate this statement: I believe I can make my hopes and/or dreams come true.

Pre % Not at all 25 % Sometimes 50 % All the Time 19 %No Answer 6 Post % Not at all 0 % Sometimes 57 % All the Time 31 %No Answer 0 Rate this statement: I feel comfortable making my own decisions even when dealing with peer pressure.

Pre % Not at all 31 % Sometimes 50 % All the Time 12 Post % Not at all 12 % Sometimes 69 % All the Time 19 Complete this statement: I see myself as a __. Follower, Equal, Leader Pre % Follower 0 % Equal 56 % Leader 38 %No Answer 6 Post % Follower 0 % Equal 64 % Leader 31 %No Answer 6 Have you ever been bullied? % Yes 56 % No 44 Have you ever seen someone being bullied? % Yes 69 % No 31 Did you do anything? % Yes 62 % No 38 % No Answer 6 Did you learn something in the workshop that will help you deal with bullying?

Post % Yes 88 % No 12 % No Answer 0 Thoughts Shared: To stop them. / To step back and tell a teacher. / Yes, just walk away. / Be confident. / Stand up. / By standing up for people/yourself. / It’s not nice and you have to do the right thing. / Because I learned to deal with it. / Tell a adult or teacher.

Now, after attending the workshop, if you saw someone be bullied, would you do something?

Post % Yes 81 % No 19 % No Answer 0 Thoughts Shared: Not to be shy. / Fight. / Tell go tell a teacher. / I would stand up for them. / Tell a adult. / I’ll tell the teacher. / I would defend the guy who is getting bullied. / Help them tell an adult. / Tell the teacher. / I would call for help. / I would tell a teacher or adult.

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

Did you learn any skills to help you make your own decisions not based on Peer Pressure?

Post % Yes 75 % No 19 % No Answer 6 Thoughts Shared: To speak with no shyness. / To be responsible and respect people. / I don’t know. / Walk away and tell a adult. / Help others. / Helping others. / Do what is right. / Talk to others. / To be responsible.

What do you think about color?

What % gave more thought and shared them about color.

Pre 44% Post 94% Thoughts Shared: Pre: I never thought about a color. / I never thought about a color. / Everything. / Color is everything. / Emotion. / No. / No. / I don’t know. / No. / No. / No. / When I think about color, I think everything. / Yes because everything have some color in it. / It’s awesome. It describes many things. / Everything. / I never thought about it. / I never thought about it. / I think color is a way to show how you feel and express your feelings and who you are. / I like pink. / I have never thought about color.

Post: Cool. / Color have something to do is something happy for me. / Yes. / Cool. / It’s the same. / Colors have something to do with how you feel happy. / Color has meaning of something. / No. / That colors are in music. / I learned that color can be in music too. / I never thought about it. / Don’t judge the book by its color. / Red. / Colors have different meaning. / Is cool. / Blue. / IDK. / It means a lot. / That they are not right or wrong cause. / Negative and positive.

My most important hope or dream is. . .

What % gave more thought to their Dreams becoming reality.

Pre 63% Post 94% Thoughts Shared: Pre: I never thought about it. / Is being a police. / Play video games all day. / I hope to graduate college and have a job when I’m grown up. / To have kids and a family. / Go to LA and party. / I don’t know. / To be a police. / No and no. / I don’t got one. / Go to Los Angeles and party. / To get a good paying job and help my family out. / I dream that I have a pretty house. / I don’t know yet. / Everything. / Haven’t thought about it. / My dream is to go to college. / My most important dream is to be a doctor that will find a cure for cancer. / To become a singer. / My most important dream is to either join the NBA or NFL. Post: A NBA player. / I want to be a nurse. / To help people. / Not to be shy. / To become a famous singer. / Teacher. / To become the best basketball player in history. / Is to be a lawyer. / My most important dream is being a police. / My most important dream is to be a professional NBA or NFL player. / Is to go to college. / Finishing school. / Nope. / Is to be in the Army or the Air Force. / Have a good dream. / Play sports. / To go to the Marines. / Making money. / Become a teacher. / That it came true. / Is to become a police.

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

Thoughts Shared: About to reach my fear. / Speaking out loud. / Not to be shy. / Is not be afraid. / To work with others. / Not to stop and keep going to reach your goal. / Was to believe in myself. / Never give up. / To tell other people so they can help me in life. / Be honest and never give up. / Don’t be afraid. / To trust others. / Be respectful to others. / To never give up. / Respect others the way you want to be treated. / Color. / Be have fun. Not to stop and keep going.

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

Post 81% discovered something new in the workshop.

Thoughts Shared: That do not be shy with other people. / Talk in front of others. / Not to be shy. / I learn that I can speak easily in front of a group. / I learn to talk to people more than I used to. / There’s right or wrong answer. / I don’t know. / That I am comfortable to talk in front of a group. / There is not a right or wrong answer. / That am shy to talk. / None. / Be respectful. / I would stand up for myself and others. / To communicate with others. / Not to be shy. / Creative. / They they are no right or wrong answer. / Release your fears.

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 all my classmate were so helpful. / People have fears. / That they are not shy. / To be friends. / That all the girls were nice to me and that I fit in. / I learn some friends are scared of something. / To not be shy. / Sometimes they’re nice. / I learned that you can learn about a friend’s life. / Their favorite colors. / They have fears like me. / Nope. / To talk to a new friend or classmate. / They will stand up for people. / To be a good role model. / They have fear. / No right or wrong answer. / That some are scared of something.

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

Release the Fear, Inc. 速 PO Box 3815 Phoenix, AZ 85030 www.releasethefear.org 602-818 695

Thank you Murphy School District and 21st Century Grants from our hearts and the hearts of those we serve for believing in our mission and vision, that each and every child is deserving to be inspired and empower with the tools to make better life choices today are able to find their gifts they have to share with the world around them.

Most sincerely, Robert J Miley CEO and Founder Office- 302 W. Monroe in Downtown Phoenix Mailing-332 W. Lynwood Phoenix, AZ 85003 info@release the fear.org www.releasethefear.org 602-818-6959