BY KAREN BOSSICK
Self-worth. Self-acceptance. Self-value. Self-respect. Self-care.
The reason they all start with “self” is because you cannot find them in anyone else—a healthy relationship starts with you.
That’s one of the pearls of wisdom being offered Wood River Valley residents by The Advocates’ teen interns known as the ETC’s (Every Teen Has a Choice) as we make our way towards the warmth of Spring.
The kids want YOU to come celebrate YOU during their annual open house from 3:30 to 6 p.m. Saturday, March 9, at the Limelight Hotel Conference Room.
The free event with the theme “Self…” will feature free food and live music by the all-youth band Tea in a Coffee Mug, made up of Sam Fauth, Sam Bingham, Jenny Jordan, Will Carney and Isaac Loomis.
The kids will share their art documenting their personal journey to self-acceptance and self-worth. They’ll read some of the poetry they’ve written at 4:45 p.m., and the ETC interns will speak at 5:15 p.m. That will be followed by a showing of the short “Love Yourself” video.
Representatives of several different teen groups will be on hand to discuss what they’re doing to better the community. They include Nosotros United, Planned Parenthood Teen Council, the Bluebirds and Compassionate Young Leaders.
All students who attend will be entered into a raffle to win a $100 Amazon gift card.
“We realize the importance of having self-worth and inner confidence when in a relationship—whether that be romantic, family or friendly and we hope to share this with the community,” wrote The ETC’s interns. “The event will be showcasing artwork, creative writing and poetry from students, promoting that a healthy relationship starts with you. Everyone is welcome in joining us in celebrating our unique selves.”
The ETC’s are comprised of Isaac Loomis, Anabelle Rust, Audra Mary, Ciarra Love, Claire Fisher, Nataley Santacruz, Jessie Lambert, Calvin Geissler and Ethan Hunt.
The open house features works from students from Wood River High School, Sage School, Silver Creek High School and The Sun Valley Community School.
Among them, 11th grade art student Paulina Montenegro.
“When Heidi from The Advocates came to talk to us about healthy relationships, she said that many people don’t really accept themselves. That inspired me to create in my painting the color red as the color of love for the building in the back. I decided to make a strong woman leaving all the negativity behind to give time to herself,” Montenegro said. “She is leaving out all types of relationships. The building as a letter on top that says ‘Myself’ and that’s where she is going in for a while.”
Questions? Contact Heidi Cook, violence Prevention educator at The Advocates at heidi@theadvocates.org.org or 208-788-4191.