EUGENE–Enrolling in middle school can be a confidence shaker for many girls. When girls reach their middle school years, self-esteem goes down, grades drop and many turn to drugs, alcohol and sexual activity in order to fit in, according to a study by the American Association of University Women.

Girls in this age group–and their helpers–can find help in coping with middle school challenges at the second annual "Success in the Middle" conference on Saturday, March 13, at the University of Oregon. Parents, educators and service providers are welcome.

Sponsors include the UO College of Education’s Youth Enrichment/TAG program, Eugene School District 4J, PeaceHealth, the UO Center for the Study of Women in Society and the UO Admissions Office.

A pre-conference "Girls Night Out!" on Friday, March 12, focuses on entertainment and empowerment. Two local theater groups will present special performances designed just for Girls Night Out! The presentations will serve as a springboard for conversations about girls’ issues in the middle years. The Friday event is from 7—9 p.m. in the Ballroom of the Erb Memorial Union (EMU), 1222 E. 13th Ave. Admission is $1 for girls and $3—$5 on a sliding scale for adults.

Side-by-side conferences for girls and adults are set from 9 a.m.—4 p.m. Saturday at the EMU.

Girls in middle school will be able to explore important issues through artistic expression, discussion and group ideas. Ophelia Rising, an all-girl high school theater performing group from Jackson County, will perform.

Lisa Sjostrom, who helped organize the Ms. Foundation’s "Take Our Daughters to Work" campaign, is keynote speaker. Sjostrom will participate in "Girls Night Out!" as well as the Saturday events for adults and girls.

Sjostrom, an expert on eating disorders, will talk about healthy development and will offer suggestions for preventing eating disorders and developing "bullyproof" girls. PeaceHealth is sponsoring Sjostrom’s appearance at the conference.

Tuition, which includes lunch, is $20 for girls and $25 for adults; after March 1, fees are $25 and $30, respectively. The conference welcomes women and girls who are interested in volunteering.

For more information or a brochure, contact conference organizer Jayne Mickles, UO College of Education, (541) 346-5589, or visit http://interact.uoregon.edu/tag/sim.html on the Web.

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