Fostering awareness, promoting healthy choices and empowering boys to be leaders in non-violence.  

Guidelines for Host Schools and Organizations

REQUIREMENTS FOR HOSTING A BOYSTRENGTH PROGRAM

Privacy... Because the issue of sexual assault and relationship violence is so serious and personal, it is essential that the school provides a space that affords privacy to the students participating in the class. For the emotional safety of the students, we also require a school representative to attend all classes. This representative is an active participant in the class, and is available to assist with classroom management or any specific concerns that may arise during a workshop or class. We ask that the organization or school maximize privacy by providing a room with doors that close, and a room that is not a passageway for teachers, parents, staff or the general public.

Physical Characteristics...The spaces that we consider to be most versatile are those that are large enough to accommodate 20 students. Large classrooms and auditoriums, as well as small gymnasiums allow students the personal space they need to practice physical skills. Good ventilation or air conditioning and heat as needed are important to the students' comfort in class. This space must be available for all scheduled classes. As loud yelling occurs, a space away from other classrooms is ideal. If your organization has scheduled a nine-week program, we will also require a space to store the

nine -week program bag. A small space in a closet or room is all we need.    

Scheduling...BoyStrength is a nine-week program that can be divided into two 45 minute sessions per week, or one 90 minute session per week. These classes can be scheduled during school hours or after school hours.  Once the school has committed to the program times and dates, it is essential that the school ensure these dates and times as well as the space are always available.

Class Details…The maximum number of students that can participate in a class or workshop is 20. The minimum number is 10.  We recommend that students be divided by grade or age, but we understand that this is not always possible.  The classes are designed for boys, 10-14 years of age, but we do make exceptions to meet the individual needs of each school or organization. We consider this class to be extremely important for the personal safety of our boys; therefore, we ask that the school be responsible for ensuring that the classes have maximum attendance at all times.

BOYSTRENGTH OPERATING PROCEDURES

Applying for the Program... All program requests are handled by the BoyStrength Director. A request for the program or a workshop can be made by submitting a request form. Request forms are available online at http://www.portlandoregon.gov/police/64726. 

Please note, BoyStrength programs and workshops are generally scheduled six months in advance.

Requests are currently being accepted for  2014-2015 school year