Mike Domitrz to present at PRMS

Sitting in the audience for the recent Merrill High School production of the musical "Grease" it was apparent that people could obviously still relate to the characters in the story as they dealt with teenage life and relationships. Fast forward "Grease" to 2011, update the styles, scenery and wheels, add in technology, and the story could stay the same. That's because, though many of the externals have changed, the social and relational aspects have not… the characters still remind us of ourselves.

And that is a good starting place for talking with youth and teens about relationships. They may think their parents grew up in ancient times when everything was different, and sometimes parents feel that way, too. But there is common ground… we remember what is was like to want to fit in while also wanting to be noticed, to feel left out at times and be included at other times, to "like" someone and hope they liked us back, to make our good and not-so-good choices and what we learned from them, to cover our insecurities with humor or "coolness" or anything that seemed to work, to hope that our friends and/or that special someone really cared about us.

Much of the groundwork for relationships as children grow into teens and then mature into adults happens in the home. Is every person in the home equally valued, respected, loved and cherished? How is communication? Is there listening with the heart, request rather than demand, appreciation, respectful disagreement, negotiation and compromise? Have children internalized values rather than only learned behaviors and skills? Does every person feel they are loved unconditionally? Children who grow up in loving and respectful homes learn to care about others and for others, while developing confidence in making good choices for themselves. This will reflect in their friendships and eventually in their dating relationships and will help them live their own values while respecting other people.

Respect in all relationships is central to our work here at HAVEN and for that reason we are joining with Ministry Good Samaritan Health Center and the Merrill Area Public Schools to present speaker Mike Domitrz in Merrill on April 26. For the past 20 years, Mike has traveled from Milwaukee to places all over the country speaking to public and parochial school students, parents and communities, at colleges and universities, and to the military, about respect in relationships. He is known for his ability to relate in an age appropriate and engaging way about a subject which can sometimes be difficult. His presentation is entitled "Can I Kiss You?" By challenging his audiences to create a culture of respect, Mike provides insight with communication skills and values that apply not only to friendships and dating, but also to his listeners' future relationships in their families, careers and communities. Mike will speak to a student assembly at the Prairie River Middle School at 1:30 p.m. and later give an open presentation for parents and the community at 5:30 p.m., also in the PRMS auditorium. Mike's honest and humorous approach often opens the door for discussion between parents and youth, and among youth and their friends. We invite you to come and participate.

HAVEN is the Household Abuse Victims Emergency Network in Merrill. The 24-hour crisis line is 715-536-1300.