Written By: Sterling Ta’Bon, Healthy Schools Manager & National Cadre Coordinator
Cairn Guidance had the privilege of hosting our Dove Self-Esteem Project Cadre Trainers for our annual Dove Self-Esteem Project Retreat. Cadre Trainers from across the country arrived at Louisville, KY’s Hotel Genevieve, greeted with hugs, smiles, and of course local cookies provided by the Cairn Guidance team. Our retreat, themed “A DSEP Nation,” focused on delivering our cadre trainers the opportunity to enhance their knowledge of programs, the culture of the Dove Self-Esteem Project, and build collaboration among trainers who share these impactful programs.
As we welcomed our crew in, we enjoyed a rooftop dinner on the top of Hotel Genevieve, as the sunsets on the Big Four Bridge. This was a great opening as cadre trainers and friends communed together. Our two days spent together were intentionally designed so that our country’s brightest educators and professionals could not only hear about the amazing work but engage with the programs through activities led by their peers and energizers that kept everyone on their feet.
The implementation of brain breaks like DSEP Music Bingo, provided moments of laughter and fun. Cadre Trainers led many activities such as a “This or That Game,” that got us moving across the room based on our choices. As a nod to our theme, “A DSEP Nation,” Cadre Trainers were tasked with providing a presentation that showed off their region’s culture, food, music, people, or items that makeup how they view body confidence and self-esteem. This unique opportunity to learn about other cadre trainers’ states and regions led us to line dances from Texas and Louisiana, eating pecans and peach rings from Georgia and South Carolina, and walking the red carpet like we were on the runway at the Met Gala in New York. The addition of the regional presentations provided a deep appreciation for the diversity of our cadre and further strengthened our connection.
As we progressed through our time together, our cadre was intentional about creating spaces that allowed the work to speak to our own lives and goals. Activities from Confident Me, My Hair My Crown, Proud To Be Me, and Celebrandome further demonstrated how educators can find intricate ways to instill confidence and support within their school communities. Although our cadre trainers are well-versed in presenting these activities, the emotions and genuine care for others poured out as we collectively agreed that these resources are impactful. The Dove Self-Esteem Project’s annual retreat continues to be a remarkable experience, and kick-starts a deeper passion for instilling hope and resources that benefit school communities across the nation!
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