The widely successful “Sister-to-Sister” Program is hosting its fifteenth summit for female-identified students in 6th, 7th, and 8th grade on Saturday, November 9 from 9:00 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Middlebury College’s Kirk Alumni Center.
“Sister-to-Sister” brings together students from
Bristol, Middlebury, and Vergennes with female-identified Middlebury College
students. In a one-day summit on November 9 and monthly follow-up events during
the rest of the school year, the students try out new things outside of the
classroom (a-capella singing, hip-hop dancing, yoga, journaling, etc.).
“Sister-to-Sister” also focuses on discussions of such topics as body image, relationships,
and identity. A national program originally conceived by the American
Association of University Women (AAUW), “Sister-to-Sister” works to develop
strategies that support female-identified students. The program recognizes that
in addition to teachers and textbooks, achievement is affected by what happens
in the hallways, between classes, and outside of school. “Sister-to-Sister” strives to make a positive
difference by giving a voice to the needs and interests of 6th, 7th,
and 8th graders.
The program provides a “safe space” to talk about the challenges that female-identified
students face in this day and age. It enables them to develop friendships with
other students, even if they don’t go to the same school. The program is
supported by roughly 100 volunteers and financial sponsors such as Chellis
House, Middlebury College’s Community Engagement Center, and the local branch
of AAUW. “Sister-to-Sister allowed me to get involved in the Middlebury
community by connecting me with fellow students, faculty, and staff members,
volunteers and most importantly, middle schoolers,” says Grace Giles, a Middlebury
College graduate, who was involved with the program for three years. “Every
generation represented in our sisterhood is experiencing the environment we
live in through a different lens. When we communicate our perspectives, our
lives become so much richer.”
All events are
free. Sister-to-Sister provides breakfast, lunch, and snacks. Please let us
know of any food allergies. To register and reserve your attendance pack,
please call Karin Hanta at 443-5937 or email khanta@middlebury.edu.