© 2025
Donate
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations
Fifty-One Percent
51%

Teaching 'emotional literacy' and body safety for kids

By Jesse King
Published August 7, 2025 at 8:00 PM EDT
Erin's Law Foundation and Girl Scouts of Northeastern New York
Erin Merryn and Brenda Episcopo

On this week's 51%, we learn about a Girl Scouts program that aims to teach young girls how to identify their emotions and talk about their mental health. Brenda Episcopo, CEO of the Girl Scouts of Northeastern New York, walks through how the “mental wellness patch program” helps girls Grades 4-12 build their emotional literacy and self-soothe in times of stress. We also speak with the woman behind “Erin’s Law” about how teaching kids body safety helps prevent child sex abuse.
————

Guests: Brenda Episcopo, CEO of the Girl Scouts of Northeastern New York, Erin Merryn, executive director of the Erin's Law Foundation

This episode contains a discussion about child sex abuse. If you or someone you love has been impacted, Childhelp has counselors available 24/7 by calling or texting "HELP" to 1-800-422-4453. 

51% is a national production of WAMC Northeast Public Radio in Albany, New York. Jesse King is our producer and host. Our associate producer is Madeleine Reynolds, and our theme is "Lolita" by the Albany-based artist Girl Blue. This episode also contains the track "Debora" by Jangwa.

Tags
51% Brenda EpiscopoGirl Scouts of Northeastern New YorkErin's Law Foundation
Jesse King
See stories by Jesse King
Related Content
  • Fifty-One Percent
    Shani Adess on domestic violence law
    Jesse King
    On this week's 51%, we speak with Shani Adess, vice president of the New York Legal Assistance Group, about the importance of providing sound legal advice to survivors of domestic violence, and what people should know if they bring their abuser to court.
  • Katie Simon is the author of "Tell Me What You Like."
    51 % The Women's Perspective
    Katie Simon on 'Tell Me What You Like'
    Jesse King
    On this week's 51%, we speak with journalist Katie Simon about their new book "Tell Me What You Like: An Honest Discussion of Sex and Intimacy After Sexual Assault." For years, Simon has researched the impact of sexual assault on survivors’ relationships and sex lives. "Tell Me What You Like" shares some of their stories, and how they moved from trauma to healing.
  • Fifty-One Percent
    Heather Lothrop of the Domestic Violence Project
    Jesse King
    On this week's 51%, we speak with attorney Heather Lothrop of the Urban Justice Center about what immigrant survivors of domestic violence should know as they're planning to leave an abusive partner or bring them to court. We'll also discuss how the Trump administration's deportation efforts are impacting such cases, and learn about a bill in Congress that would expand childcare options for police officers.
  • Mary Ziegler and "Personhood."
    51 % The Women's Perspective
    Mary Ziegler on 'Personhood'
    Jesse King
    On this week’s 51%, we speak with UC Davis law professor Mary Ziegler about her new book, Personhood, and what she sees as the future of the abortion rights debate.