Ask Elizabeth: empowerment workshops for adolescent girls

“Ask-Elizabeth” is a program which provides self-empowerment workshops for girls ages 11-18. Created by actress Elizabeth Berkley, the Ask-Elizabeth workshops create a supportive, non-judgmental forum for adolescent girls to share and learn about the changes happening in their life and in their body as they transition to adulthood. The themes of the discussions range from body image, fitness and nutrition, self-esteem, goal setting, friendships and relationships. The impetus behind these programs is to address the pressures that adolescent females face in a modern society that often leads to confusion, risky health behaviors and preventable physical and mental health problems.

The workshops are conducted in the style of a “slumber party” and participation is free. Girls gather in groups of variable size, sit in a circle with Elizabeth and respond to anonymous questions. The group discusses the questions and solves the problems as a group. The format of the workshops creates a feeling of a “sisterhood” through which the participants feel safe and secure to share and ask questions on topics that are frequently difficult to discuss. Topics that are emphasized are how to adolescents can open communication between themselves and their parents, how to lose weight healthfully and how to deal with peer pressure. Overall, the workshop is geared to improve the self-esteem and body image of adolescent females. Girls can also ask questions on the Ask-Elizabeth website and engage with peers on forums on the web site. The web site can extend the benefits of the workshops and offer support to girls who have not participated in the workshop. Videos and short films are available on the web site that cover the same topics featured in the workshops.

To empower and support adolescent females and provide a safe forum for girls to ask questions and solve problems.

In 2009, over one thousand girls participated in Ask-Elizabeth. The workshops have been held at over 50 schools and community organizations across the country.