Brave Events Give Teen Girls a Sense of Hope, Love, Value and Purpose

Throughout Ontario this spring, Salvation Army Ministry Units are holding Brave events to empower young women and instill them with confidence, dignity, and self-worth.

Individual Brave events, organized by The Salvation Army’s Women’s Ministries, will run between late March and early June at Salvation Army Ministry Units across the province. Brave is a fully inclusive program for girls between the ages of 12-18. Girls from the community are welcome to participate and join in the fun.

“This is the third consecutive year The Salvation Army in Ontario has held Brave events, and we’ve seen it grow in scope and impact each year. In the spring of 2023, we anticipate nearly 20 Brave events to host over 500 teen girls, letting girls know that they are seen and that they matter,” says Captain Laura Van Schaick, Divisional Secretary for The Salvation Army Women’s Ministries in Ontario.

The day-long Salvation Army Brave session includes a keynote address from Dr. Janet Munn, author, speaker and former Director of the International Social Justice commission. Dr. Munn speaks on the need for worldwide equality for girls and shares inspiring stories of hope and triumph over pain and suffering.

“Brave is the initial connection to create a relationship in a fun, safe, engaging and empowering setting and supporting these girls in being an important part of the community,” said Rebekah McNeilly, Resource and Social Media Specialist with The Salvation Army Territorial Headquarters.

Events include panel discussions and video segments on what it means to be a Brave woman. Education is through visual artists, dancers, self-defense experts, spoken word poets and community leaders who have lived through adversity and come out stronger because of it.

“Through these energizing events and the intentional follow-up activities, girls are equipped with leadership skills through intentional mentor relationships, support groups and discussion circles,” Captain Laura says.

Following the event, organizers will reach out to participants with an opportunity to join Brave Circles, which are small group mentoring sessions based around a Brave interactive journal that helps girls with goal setting and achievement. These sessions could include discussion of the Christian faith and God.

More information on The Salvation Army Brave events is available at www.salvationist.ca/women-s-ministries/events/brave-2023.