1900 Pico Blvd

Santa Monica, CA 90405

(310) 434-4850, wingpower@aol.com

The Best Practice:

The practice was developed out of the recognition that there were a number of women

who were returning to school, many late in life, with low self-esteem and limited career

planning skills. Many had never spent the night away from their husbands or parents,

made decisions on their own, or supported themselves. Physical abuse and an

unwillingness to confront it were present as was the lack of faith in change. The

instructor's background was in physical education and counseling. From these two areas

she knew that self esteem and self confidence frequently originated in physical successes.

The goals of the practice are to:

• To build self-awareness and self-esteem in the participants

• To facilitate career planning

• To stabilize the lives of women as they emerge from transition

A class was developed to combat low self-esteem and lack of career direction and

planning. Approximately 50 students per semester enroll. These individuals are invited

to join the "Women in Transition Club" started by the instructor. Other students are

invited to join via a flier that includes interviews with past participants. Presentations are

also made to on-campus classes as well as to women's groups meetings. Others hear of

the club through word of mouth. Upwards of 200 women are in the program. The club

encourages the women’s participation in physical events by taking the women camping,

rock climbing, and encourages their participation in foot races including marathons.

From the women’s participation in five marathons, they have raised over $20,000, which

was used as scholarships for other women.