Download the registration information at
www.vahealth.org/civp/sexualviolence or www.thecollinscenter.org . for
questions, contact the Collins Center at (540) 432-6430.
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EMPOWER
IT STARTS HERE
2007 TEEN CONFERENCE
HARRISONBURG, V A JUNE 22 - 23
AT JAMES MADISON UNIVERSITY
EMPOWER 2007: "IT STARTS HERE"
Virginia Teen Dating Violence Prevention Task Force's (VTDVPTF) annual
EMPOWER Conference provides youth with the knowledge and skills to
effectively promote sexual/dating violence prevention efforts throughout
Virginia. The VTDVPTF is a collection of local agencies working to eliminate
teen dating violence throughout Virginia. VTDVPTF is based on the belief
that a ground-up peer education model is the most effective means of
promoting healthy relationships in teens. Therefore, the content of the
conference is designed through a collaborative effort between teens and
their advisors, and most conference workshops are facilitated by teens for
teens. This year EMPOWER will also offer specific training for adult
advisors.

Please read further in this document for specific workshop topics for 2007.
EMPOWER 2007 is best suited for Virginia teens and adult advisors who are
involved in teen-focused sexual/dating violence prevention work and show
leadership qualities, or any teens and adults interested in learning more
about these topics. The conference welcomes teens of all backgrounds and
levels of experience with violence prevention, and any adults interested in
doing this work with teens. Registration information and materials are
included in this packet.

EMPOWER 2007 is sponsored by the Virginia Department of Health Division of
Injury & Violence Prevention, The Virginia Sexual & Domestic Violence Action
Alliance, and the Collins Center (Harrisonburg, VA). This year, EMPOWER
will again be providing both adults and teens with leadership workshops on
topics pertaining to sexual assault and dating violence. There will be
workshops geared directly towards adults, workshops and activities directly
geared toward teens, and workshops that both groups will be able to attend.
All activities are meant to provide teens and adults with an opportunity to
learn more from one another while extending their knowledge on the topics.

Keynote
Teens from the Men of Strength (MOST) club will present information
regarding their involvement with the Men Can Stop Rape. The Men of Strength
Club has provided young men in Washington, D.C. and California high schools
and colleges with a safe and supportive haven to connect with male peers
while exploring masculinity and male strength. While exposing young men to
healthier, nonviolent models/visions of manhood, the MOST Club challenges
members to define their own definition of masculinity and translate their
learning into community leadership, progressive action, and social change.
Teen Workshops will include:
. Basic dynamics of sexual assault and dating violence
. Media and violence
. Healthy sexuality
. Consent
. Active bystanders/ intervention
Adult Workshops will include:
. Healthy sexuality
. Organizing teens for social change
. Media and violence
. Mentorship information
. Being an "askable" adult
Several workshops will be offered that give teens and adults a chance to
interact together and learn from one another. This year will feature a panel
employing both teens and adults to speak from their experience on Internet
Safety.

Voices for Interpersonal Violence Alternatives
(VIVA) of Charlottesville will return to EMPOWER to perform the play, I
Never Saw It Coming, one of the highlights of last year's conference.
As always, one of the main goals of the Conference is to have fun and make
connections with other participants across the state. The T.E.A.M. Building
Games, Drumming Workshop, and the facilities of James Madison University
will again create a welcome environment to do so.

The Empower Conference 2007 is best suited for teen leaders and adult
advisors who are interested in learning more about teen-focused
sexual/dating violence through the workshops that will be offered.
This year at EMPOWER: Drumming Workshop with Mike Deaton EMPOWER conference
has contracted with Harrisonburg Drum Instructor Mike Deaton to facilitate a
drum workshop for the musical and inner rhythm of any person. All musical
levels are encouraged to participate and all instruments are provided. Use
this time to learn a new skill, build an appreciation for the team and
community building power of drumming, or just come to have fun.
Back by popular demand: Outdoor T.E.A.M. Building Games JMU's T.E.A.M.
program will offer hour blocks of games and low-challenge obstacle course
activities to foster team building and to just have some fun! The T.E.A.M.
program sessions will run on Saturday, July 15, during the workshops. The
scheduling of the simultaneous workshops on Saturday is designed so that
attendees can participate in both an hour-long T.E.A.M. program and attend 3
of the 4 workshops. All of the hour-long T.E.A.M. program blocks will be the
same format and activities.

Speak to an EMPOWER 2007 representative at the registration table in
Chesapeake Hall to sign-up for the drumming workshop and T.E.A.M. Building
Games.

DIRECTIONS to Chesapeake Hall @ James Madison University
. Take I-81 to Exit 247A and travel east on Route 33/East Market Street. If
coming in from east of Harrisonburg
on Route 33, follow the corresponding directions in the next point.
. From the I-81 Exit, turn right onto University
Boulevard at the second traffic light.
If coming from Route 33 East, you'll instead
turn left onto University Blvd (the
street at the end of the mall's parking lot).
. Continue through two traffic lights. Pass
Ron Martin Appliance Store and Blue Ridge
Hall on your right.
. Turn right onto Carrier Drive and Chesapeake
Hall is in the group of buildings immediately
on your left (in the loop). Registration
will be in the lobby of Chesapeake Hall.
University Blvd
To Route 33
Registration Form
Please photocopy this page as necessary. Each person attending the
conference must complete a separate registration
form. Registrations must be received in the Collins Center office no later
than Wednesday, June 6th. Please use
your business address and phone number if you're attending as an agency
member. The registration fee of $45.00 per
person includes meals and lodging. Emergency contact numbers at JMU will be
provided in the confirmation
materials.
CHECK ALL THAT APPLY:
I am under 18 years of age.*
I am an adult advisor /chaperone of teens attending the conference.
I am an adult interested in doing violence prevention work with teens (and
not an advisor/chaperone).
I do not need lodging at JMU.
*If under 18 years of age, your parent or guardian must sign the release
statement at the bottom of the page.
Name Sex: Male Female
Name of Teen Group or Agency
Agency address
City, State, Zip
Day phone Fax Email
Emergency contact________________________________ Phone
number__________________________________________
Rooms are dorm-style (single beds, sharing a bath) and are doubles (2 people
in a room). If you desire a single
room for an increased cost, please contact trent@.... We
cannot guarantee roommate selection,
but if you have a preferred roommate, please list it here (please list only
one name):
Special needs/considerations (e.g., vegetarian diet, severe allergies, wheel
chair accessibility, etc.):
Please enclose a check or purchase order made payable to The Collins Center
(which indicates your name) for $
Please return this form and payment by June 6th to Trent @ The Collins
Center ; P.O. Box 1473, Harrisonburg, VA
22803. The conference is unable to accommodate refunds after June 6th due to
the need for reserved lodging and
meals.
2007
Release Statement
I give permission for (teens name:) to attend the EMPOWER 2007
conference and participate in all activities described in this packet, June
22-23 on the campus of James
Madison University in Harrisonburg, VA.
Signature of parent or legal guardian Date