Man Up!|My.Life.
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We’re here to help!
We have created some pretty awesome events that are designed to empower upper-level high school teens (sophomores, juniors, and seniors) to navigate the craziness of relationships, sex, and dating. We want to address the specific needs of guys and girls – henceforth why some events (ManUp!) are just for guys, and others (My.Life.) are just for girls.
Here’s what’s going to happen – you (the student!) will be bused by local schools to The Bridge. Then the fun begins! You will be able to attend some awesome workshops addressing real life stuff – stuff about YOU, your life, your relationships, and your future! Students will have an opportunity to text in questions about anything to a panel of amazing adults during “The Rant.” There will be lots of food (I mean, lots!), prizes (good stuff – like iPods and Wiis and MONEY!), and so much more! But perhaps one of the coolest things is that there will tons of amazing adults who care about you there – to just hang with you, to listen, to connect.
This year, ManUP & My.Life. are coming to Joplin, Webb City & Carl Junction Schools. So far, the following dates have been set:
- November 1-4, 2011 – Carl Junction High School
- November 8-11, 2011 – Webb City High School
- March 6-9, 2012 – Joplin High School
So, you attended a ManUP or My.Life. event?
If you’re looking for the answers to the text questions – we’ve decided not to post them online. Sorry for the confusion, but to be honest – there were TOO MANY to do that. We had thousands (literally!). Because of this, it was easier for us to respond directly to the texts. If you did not have your question answered and still need something, please feel free to text us now. The number is always available for you to text – 417-200-INFO (4636).
Also – if you have attended a ManUP or My.Life. event, and you’d like to give us your feedback, you can do so by emailing us at melissaw@lifechoices4states.org. We’d LOVE to hear from you!
Since the first Joplin High School events, we’ve had such an overwhelming response from students and teachers, we’re trying to figure out ways that we can follow up and continue to serve you – students – and help you make the very most of your relationships. If you have thoughts or ideas about that, we want to hear from you. Email us at melissaw@lifechoices4states.org. In the meantime, hang tight – we’re working on it. Check back often to see what we’ve come up with!
What students who’ve attended ManUP & My.Life. have said:
- “I was going to kill myself tonight, but now I’m not. This is the first time anybody ever told me I was worth something. Thanks!”
- “Can you guys do this program again? Me and my buddies really need help to manUP!”
- “How do I get a hold of my mentor – she was amazing! This really changed my life!”
- “After today’s experience at the Bridge with the senior men of 2010, it made an impact on my life to be a protector rather than a predator. I’m taking a stand and mannin’ up!!! Being a leader from now on. Thanks for what you guys are doing!”
- “Thank you, I think this has opened a new door for me and has presented new options. And I really mean that!”
- “I want to thank you guys for what you do and what you did today, I haven’t been through what half of those girls have but it helped me a lot and i know it helped them. You guys are amazing people! I know it’s hard for a lot of people to face the truth, but i know it changed some things for them.”
- “Today made me realize a lot, and I know I can’t do it on my own. Thanks for all the insight today. It means a great deal!”
What school administrators whose students have attended ManUP & My.Life. have said:
- I can’t even begin to tell you how many positive comments I’ve heard about this Life Choices work you and your staff did with our kids. I truly appreciate the innovative approach to a challenging conversation with our teens. Thanks so much!
- Dr. CJ Huff, Superintendent of Joplin Schools
- Teens are navigating a world that did not exist when we were kids. With cell phones, texting, facebook and continuous media influence our teens are bombarded life happens without the opportunity to reflect on themselves and ther relationships. The ManUP and My Life programs allow teens the time to reflect on how their decisions may impact their long term goals and life beyond high school.
- Dr. Angie Besendorfer, Joplin Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum & Instruction
- I have had many very good comments get back to me as a result of the program. The girls are raving about it from what I have heard and the boys believe it was worthwhile too. In terms of the girls outing…I have heard it has raised the understanding of girls being victims, being taken advantage of, and possibly opening up about bad situations which they encounter - learning to and feel better about themselves. Very much needed in our part of the world especially considering the poverty and the way many of our males treat females in the area. The fact that you had area notables present to help and provide a good role model for the boys is very important as well. Good job!
Overall, I am very impressed with the program and believe getting the kids out of the school and in a different environment to discuss very pertinent issues in their lives is important and I am thankful that LifeChoices has taken on this mission. In addition, I really appreciate Dan Mitchell hosting the event and I hope a similar program can be developed for middle schoolers in the future. Thanks for your efforts!
- Dr. Kerry Sachetta, JHS Principal
Or, if you’re a school educator, and you’ve heard about this program and would like to know more about how you might bring it to your school, you can email us as well at melissaw@lifechoices4states.org.
I want to sign up to help!
If you’re interested in volunteering to be a mentor or crew member at one of the ManUP or My.Life. events, click here to download and print the application. You can also learn more about the events and signup to serve – below are the events that have active signups:
