Teen Women in Action (TWA)
Teen Women in Action (TWA), launched in 1992, is a program that builds, supports and empowers teen women in the District of Columbia high schools. Through program modules (self and group awareness, reproductive health mental and physical health, self advocacy and project development), TWA trainers provide up-to-date information, skills, and support to help teens make healthy, positive and informed choices. Through TWA, teens also learn how to effect positive change in themselves, their families, schools, and neighborhoods.
TWA meets each week and features a wide range of activities interactive trainings, including games, group discussions, peer and individual support, role-plays, field trips, guest speakers, and much more. Trainings cover such topics areas safer sex, body image, oppression, HIV/AIDS, goal setting, acquiring good study habit, time management and money handling skills, communication, dating and internet violence, self-esteem, nutrition, conflict resolution and many more issues facing today’s teen woman.
TWA participants receive community service hours and dollar incentives (stipends) for regular attendance, as well as the opportunity to become teen staff during the summer at Young Women’s Project. Teens also have the opportunity to become teen trainers and teen board and staff advisory members.
TWA also offers the opportunity for those teens interested in the performing arts or peer education to become a part of PEEPS (Peer to Peer Players) a program that performs and conducts workshops for other teens on TWA program areas. Teens also have the opportunity to continue on with TWA by joining the TWA Alumni Club that meets once a month year round.
Accomplishments
During the 2007-2008 school year, TWA:
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Served over 125 teens at six school sites
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Completed a total of 3,348 training hours
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Completed seven school projects, including: Safer Sex Kits for Prom at Dunbar SHS, Anti-Stress Workshop-“Chop It Up” at Wilson SHS, and Video Campaign against domestic abuse at Anacostia SHS.
How to Join TWA
We are no long running the TWA program, but it remains a big part of our history and continues to have an impact on the young women who participated.
