Saying No!

The program, titled "Saying No!", aims to empower children with the skills and confidence to assert their boundaries and make informed decisions about their bodies. The program begins with an introduction, where participants are asked to form a circle and read a statement out loud. The statement emphasizes the importance of saying no to anything that makes a person feel uncomfortable or scared. It also highlights that a person's body is their own and that they do not have to do anything they do not want to do. The participants are then divided into groups of four and given instructions on how to practice saying no in different scenarios. The scenarios include situations where a person is being touched or asked to engage in a physical activity without their consent. The participants are encouraged to take turns practicing how to say no in these situations, using phrases such as "no", "no thank you", "stop", and "I don't want to". The program also emphasizes the importance of mutual agreement and consent in any type of physical contact. It highlights that getting mutual agreement is an important responsibility and that a person's silence or lack of resistance does not mean they are consenting. The participants are then asked to form a circle and discuss the following questions: how they felt when they practiced saying no, what they will remember to say if they are in a situation where they want to say no, and how they can know if someone agrees with them. The discussion aims to reinforce the importance of saying no and the skills and confidence gained through the program. The program concludes with a statement emphasizing that sex is not something that can be bought with any currency and that a person's decision to engage in a physical activity is their own. The participants are then asked to make a commitment to share one trusted adult that they know they can talk to if they are ever in a situation that makes them uncomfortable. Throughout the program, the emphasis is on empowering children with the skills and confidence to assert their boundaries and make informed decisions about their bodies. The program aims to create a safe and supportive environment where children feel comfortable saying no and seeking help when needed.