Blueprint For Womanhood

Culture & Leadership Development Program for Girls

Rites of Passage (ROP) is a unique leadership development program specifically designed to prepare adolescent females, ages fourteen to seventeen, for a successful transition into womanhood. The program places an emphasis on cultural, mental, emotional, and spiritual development. ROP is culture and gender specific with classes tailored to meet the needs of girls of color. The curriculum is designed to address each girl's unique characteristics and the challenges young women face in today's society.

Parental Involvement

The parents are the driving force behind ROP. They are encouraged to talk to their daughters about what they have learned in their classes and to assist them with homework assignments. Special parent classes are available to give them the opportunity to learn along with their children. Classes are designed to (a) strengthen parenting skills, (b) create open communication between parent and child, (c) increase cultural awareness, and (d) provide information and referral resources for the family. Monthly talking circles are scheduled for parents and participants.


Council of Elders

The Council of Elders is made up of ROP instructors, staff, and selected members of the community. The Council is called in the event of issues or challenges that may occur within the program. The Council also works with Executive Director in designing classes and determining volunteer opportunities.

Educational Sequence

Each ethnic/cultural art and education class is two-three hours long. Traditional dance classes lasts for one hour each week. Classes take place once a week on Saturdays.

Volunteers, who are professionals in their respective areas, are recruited to instruct the classes. All instructors are women of African Heritage and Latinas, respective of the program.

The basic Rites of Passage classes include and are subject to change based on the make-up of the class:

Legacy : Stories of accomplishments and contributions to world history are explored in addition to  genealogical concepts and techniques for discovering the facts about their culture, family history and roots. The goals are to increase the knowledge of the family using the oral tradition and historical essays researched by participants; increase the awareness of the participants place, responsibility, and importance in the family, community, and culture; increase skills in designing and conducting genealogical interviewing, data gathering and report writing.

Values Clarification: Participants learn about traditional and family values and how family, school, church and work integrate values into one's life; how they are used to determine one's actions; future planning and making personal and career goals and plans.

Self-Esteem and Self-Worth: Ways to enhance congruence between the inner and outer selves are taught. Emphasis is placed on the individual's unique characteristics and talents.

Sex and Sexuality: Dysfunctional attitudes and behaviors about sex are explored; lessons on STDs, functions of the human body, and the body as a sacred temple are discussed with participants.

Anger Management: Participants learn how to recognize signs that trigger negative reactions and behavior and alternatives to dealing with potentially uncontrollable situations.

Cultural Art: Each participant's inherent talents and gifts are discovered through the freedom of self- expression. Classes can include quilt making, creating family banners, mask making or creating mosaics.

Health, Fitness and Nutrition: This area focuses on the physical health of the individual and what is necessary to keep it in optimum condition. Topics covered include: healthy eating habits; herbs used for healing; weight fitness vs. weight control; positive body image.

Sacred Body Care: This interactive class teaches participants to make their own natural skin care products, fragrances, and aromatherapy oils. Techniques in the healing arts (i.e. yoga, naturopathy)  Personal care, hygiene and the natural cycles of change are also explored..