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New! Hear Margaret Bernstein's interview on Jan. 27th, 2010 on Mamapalooza Radio HERE

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Duanesburg School District News Release:

SAFE through the Arts Program raises student's awareness of domestic violence, program to culminate with free community concert on March 20

March 17, 2009 – Duanesburg seventh- and eighth-graders learned the facts and myths associated with domestic violence during the first day of a week-long program, SAFE through the Arts, sponsored by

Through hands-on activities, homework assignments and a collaborative group project, students are gaining the tools they need to better appreciate themselves and understand the problems surrounding domestic violence. They are also learning how to recognize and potentially prevent engagement in abusive relationships.

“We’re learning about life-skills and ways to handle situations in a positive way through really good hands-on activities,” said eighth-grader Maddy Kenyon. “I think it’s really fun.”

The program is based on three key components—self-affirmation, financial independence and education.

“A lot of people get into abusive relationships because they’re not feeling strong enough somewhere inside of themselves,” said Margaret Bernstein, who created the program. “The more they know about taking care of themselves emotionally, physically and financially the more likely they’ll be able to enter into a healthy relationship.”

Bernstein is a New York State certified educator, singer, songwriter and musician, who established the program to bring prevention, awareness and education of domestic violence to the general public through the use of music, multi-media and other forms of art.

“The arts are an important tool for self-expression and creative problem solving,” said Bernstein. “I believe the arts are an effective and powerful vehicle for communication and transformation.”

Throughout the week of March 16-20, students are participating in a variety of activities during their regularly scheduled English class. These activities include dramatic role-playing, journal writing, drawing and collage making. They are also reviewing a handbook filled with valuable information, exercises and worksheets pertaining to the three key components, as well as resource information.

“If I’m able to prevent one child from getting into an abusive relationship that’s great,” said Bernstein. “But hopefully everyone will take away something from the program.”

Free community concert set for March 20
The program will culminate with a performance by Bernstein and her band, “The Bricks in the Wall,” on Friday, March 20, featuring music educating the public about the lesser known aspects of domestic violence. The Schenectady YWCA will also be on-site to share valuable information and resources.

The free concert is open to the public, and will kick off at 7:30 p.m. at Duanesburg Middle/High School.