(Note: Where email addresses are available, they can be obtained by selecting the word email or the highlighted name. They are presented in this manner to reduce the unethical use and scanning of email addresses by automatic robots.)
Peer Programs Organized by Category, Setting, or Intended Service Population
John F. Kennedy High School trains high school students as Peer Advocates to provide counseling, mediation and peer education services to their peers. Peer Advocates are recommended by teachers, counselors, administrators, their peers, or by themselves. Approximately 150 students are then interviewed by the Peer Advocates, and once chosen through the initial interview process, teachers, counselors, administrators, and clerical staff weigh-in regarding their capabilities, skills and other necessary details. Once staff members give feedback, the final list is compiled and those remaining students are then personally interviewed by the Peer Resources Coordinator. Out of 150 applicants, 35 students per semester, are chosen to give service to the school. These students represent the entire spectrum of the student body; racially, ethnically, socially, experientially and academically. The students begin their training with a Level One class where they learn basic skills and earn their "Badges" - or credential. This qualifies them to engage in individual peer counseling and peer education. The training curriculum includes: Team Building, Prejudice Awareness & Reduction, Non-Verbal Communication, Open & Closed Questions, Paraphrasing and Helping Others Without Giving Advice ("My Keys Won't Open Your Door"). There is also an Advanced Peer Resources Class each school year that combines all second, third and fourth level Peer Advocates who are trained in Conflict Mediation skills. The Peer Resource classes are considered elective courses. Contact: Hilary Roberts, High School Peer Resources Training, 809 Oakland Avenue, Piedmont, California 94611; Tel: (510) 658-7838; email: haphil@comcast.net
Princeton Center for Leadership Training is an organization that provides a number of programs to train teens to be peer mentors and peer educators. In their peer education and sexual health promotion program for New Jersey high schools, teens enroll in a credit course and are trained to be peer educators who conduct outreach workshops with peers, parents and educators. The Peer Group Connection program trains senior peer leaders (team mentors) through a credit course to assist incoming high school students with transition. Over 20,000 students in more than 100 schools in different states and other countries are enrolled annually in the Connection program. Peer leadership programming at the middle school level works similarly, with older students trained to conduct outreach with younger students on age-appropriate protective factors. Contact: Princeton Center for Leadership Training, 12 Vandeventer Avenue, Princeton, New Jersey 08542; Tel: 609-252-9300; email: princetoncenter@princetonleadership.org
BioBridge is a program that trains high school peer leaders to act as co-teachers for science classes. Teachers also receive training through workshops to develop the lab component of their science classes. The peer mentors help students in labs and receive training in lab planning and leadership skills. Originally developed as a community partnership between the University of California, San Diego, school districts and industry in the San Diego area. The program has been adopted by other school districts and after three years in operation about 200 teachers and about 1,000 students have been trained. Contact: Jeremy Babendure, Director of BioBridge, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, MC0370, La Jolla, California 92093; email: jbabendure@ucsd.edu; Tel: (858) 334-5606.
4-H Natural Helpers Program is a peer-helping program sponsored by Michigan State University 4-H Youth Development. Since 2004, more than 1300 Michigan teens have been trained as Natural Helpers. Natural Helpers¨ is based on the premise that when young people have problems, they often turn to their friends or other adults whom they trust for help and that within every school an informal helping network exists. The program seeks to identify this informal network and provide training and support to young people and adults who are already serving as helpers. The program was developed for use with middle, junior high and high school communities. Contact: Monica Borgman, State Coordinator, Isabella County MSU Extension, 200 North Main Street, Mt. Pleasant, Michigan 48858; Tel: (989) 772-0911 Ext.302; Email: borgman5@msu.edu
Rushfield Consolidated High School Peer Helpers and Facilitators Program has been in operation since 1990. The program is structured as a class offered to junior and senior students for elective credit. Each year about 40 students apply, and a rigorous selection process narrows the participants to 16. Initial training lasts nine weeks, and then the peers are matched with an elementary student. In the second semester, peers are matched with another elementary student as well as a middle school student. The programs benefits the peer helpers and the students they work with, and was voted the best peer program in Indiana by the Indiana Peer Helpers Association as well as achieving Certified Peer Program status from the National Association of Peer Programs. Contact: Kara Scheidler, 1201 Lions Path, Rushville, Indiana 46173; Tel: (765) 932-3901.
Woodlawn High School 100 Strong Male Role Models Program has shown exceptional success in providing the tools to young men in struggling schools to thrive. The program engages youth in community service activities and each participants acts as a mentor to middle school students. In addition, the participants tutor each other to increase academic success. Members of the team participate in a six-week summer camp where they learn mentoring skills and get a start on worthwhile projects to enhance their school and community.
The Longan French Magnet Peacekeepers of the Kansas City, Missouri School District has had their Certified Peer Program status renewed by the National Association of Peer Programs (NAPP). The March, 2007 NAPP "Members Update" described the Longan Peacekeepers as a peer mentoring program that pairs grade five students with students in grade one and kindergarten. The Peacekeepers meet monthly with the younger students, and read to them as well as work with them on how to be successful in school. Contact: Paula Coyote Schaaf, Counselor, Longan French Magnet, 3421 Cherry Street, Kansas City, Missouri 64109; Tel: (816) 418-6425; email: pschaaf@email.kcmsd.k12.mo.us
Denver (Colorado) Center for International Studies EmoSmart Buddies Program - This peer mentoring program connects middle and high school students and focuses on international education and intensive study of world languages. Because of the difficult curriculum, this program currently has a high attrition rate.To increase achievement, the Denver Public Schools has partnered with the YESS Institute to train grade 10-12 students as mentors to work with 6th and 9th grade "Buddies" on improving academics and EmoSmart Leadershipª skills. The older students learn leadership skills while helping the younger students reach their full potential for achievement. The program consists of two weekly sessions, one focused on academic tutoring and one focused on leadership development and the EmoSmartª curriculum. The main goals for the program include: increased academic achievement, reduction of the dropout rate by 50%, and a smooth integration of new students into the school community. For more information about this program contact Rebecca Lipman at 303-951-3013; or email: rebecca@yessinstitute.org.
Temecula Middle School Bobcat Ambassadors is led by Linda Silvasy. She was interviewed in the March, 2007 newsletter of the National Association of Peer Programs. Ms. Silvasy, originally a home economics teacher, has been running different types of peer programs for 14 years. She believes that "Peer programs are equally as powerful for those trained as for those we help...I remember when one of my kids came by to see me after several years at the high school. He wanted me to know that in a very low time in his life, he remembered the lessons of decision-making and decided to put them to use. He felt they literally saved his life. It was one of those 'that's why I do this' moments." The challenges she faces to keep the program running include not having the support of administration with commitment or money. Advice she has for anyone coming into working with students in peer assistance: "Don't give up. The kids really need you." Contact: Bobcat Ambassadors, TMS, 42075 Meadows Parkway, Temecula, California 92592; Tel: (951) 302-5151.
Foley High School - This peer program in Foley, Alabama has been named a Certified Peer Program by the National Association of Peer Programs (NAPP). The school surveyed its students in the spring of 1998 and found that while students were most concerned with stress, depression, self-concept, and career planning, they preferred to talk with a peer rather than an adult about their concerns. Since that time, the school peer helpers have addressed those concerns by training selected students to offer peer mentoring, mediation, and tutoring. Students in grades 10-12 can take a class in how to better help their peers. Life skills are gained through training and practice in communication skills, problem-solving techniques, decision-making strategies, and basic concepts of human behavior as they related to peer tutoring, mentoring, and conflict resolution. After nine weeks of training, students are assigned to work as tutors, mediators, and/or mentors. A Peer Leadership course helps students enhance their skills as tutors, mediators, and mentors through advanced leadership training. Students learn group facilitation techniques, become familiar with various school and community resources, and learn techniques for conducting a needs assessment. They learn to recognize and accommodate the need for additional training of peer helpers as they assist the instructor. Contact: Julia Champion, Foley High School, 1 Pride Place, Foley, Alabama 36535-1199; Tel: (251) 953-2221.
Abraham Lincoln High School Lancer Leaders Peer Mentoring Program - The YESS peer mentoring model has been customized to maximize the potential of primarily grade nine students by integrating them into the school community, increasing their confidence in their abilities and providing them with academic peer support. For more information about this program contact Carlo Kriekels at (303) 951-3011; or email: carlo@yessinstitute.org.
Teens for Humanity - A financially self-supporting and student leadership club where teen members normalize life-saving-help-seeking behaviors for their peers. Teen leaders are outreach specialists who encourage involvement and continued participation in school or community based intervention programs. When teens get help for unresolved issues, they are empowered to create more positive change at their schools offering prevention for the specific problems at your school site. The program also includes Peace Leaders, a series of camps. Youth peace leaders have two years of training in conflict mediation, basic counseling, attending skills, event planning ability, critical incident debriefing experience, day camp facilitation skills, public speaking ability, and a personal commitment to one year of group counseling for their own needs and debriefing. Sponsored In relationship with: Southern Poverty Law Center, National Conference for Community Justice, ADL, Teaching Tolerance, and others. Contact: Jennica Hein, CEO, Teens for Humanity, 355 Lantana., Suite 583, Camarillo, California 93010; Tel: (805) 388-3334; email: jhein@teensforhumanity.org
Jefferson High and Wheat Ridge Middle School Youth Mentor Leadership Peer Mentoring Program - In collaboration with The 21st Century Program, the YESS Institute will continue for its second year (2006) the peer mentoring program at Jefferson County Schools. Jefferson High School students meet Wheat Ridge Middle School students on a weekly basis. The peer role models focus on supporting the Wheat Ridge students in areas of academics, civic leadership and EmoSmartsª. For more information about this program contact Rebecca Lipman at 303-951-3013; or email: rebecca@yessinstitute.org
Red Bird Reader Peer Mentoring Program (Carrollton, Texas) This is an early literacy mentor program targeted at At-Risk and ESL student populations. It's mission is for the kindergarten and first grader who qualifies for the program to receive 30 minutes before school in reading and writing instruction from fourth and fifth graders. The peer mentor students have been trained for 12 days (30-minute lessons) in the best reading and writing strategies and best practices. This training involves how to teach ABC's, teaching high frequency words through letters, flash cards and reading those words in books, modeling reading and asking questions about the book just read, brainstorming an idea for a sentence, and helping in writing a sentence. Within a semester the Red Bird Readers progress, and are on grade level. Prospective mentors (fourth and fifth graders) fill out an application, and then the Red Bird Reader Facilitator, after consulting with the teacher, determines which students will be in the program. The maximum number selected is 20-22. Others who qualify will be put on a waiting list. Over the past six semesters a majority of first graders and kindergartners have reached grade level in reading by the end of the semester. Those that didn't are retained for the next semester. Contact: Beth Sargent. President/CEO. Red Bird Reader. 1923 Camden Way. Carrollton, Texas 75007; Tel: (214) 789-9612; email: bsarg1923@tx.rr.com.
Boissevain School - This K-12 school peer helper program currently operates in the high school with selected students taking part in intensive retreat training at the beginning of each school year. The students then provide outreach services to the high school throughout the year. Senior students are currently training students in grade seven and eight to provide outreach to students in the middle school section of the school. The services provided by the peer helpers include listening and understanding, friendship and support, leadership, coordination of information, and a speakers program. Students can nominate themselves or be nominated by their classmates to qualify for the peer helper program. We currently use as our training manual, The Peer Counselling Starter Kit. Contact: Jill Ransom, PO Box 1030, Boissevain, Mantitoba R0K0E0; Tel: (204) 534-2494; email: email
Dads Make a Difference - This project trains interested high school teens (both male and female) to teach other middle and junior high students about the importance of fathers in children's lives. The primary mission of the project is to promote the positive involvement of fathers and educate youth about responsible parenting. Contact: Jan Hayne, ExecutiveÊDirector, Dads Make a Difference, 161 St. Anthony Avenue, Suite 840, Saint Paul, Minnesota 55103; Tel: (651) 222-1622; e-mail: email.
Adolescents Learning Positive Health Alternatives (ALPHA) - A peer leadership program that uses high school seniors as peer leaders for incoming freshmen. Peer leaders are positive leadership-oriented youth who take a vow of abstinence and present prevention information to younger students through lectures, role plays, games, videos and other experiential means. Peer Leaders are selected by school sponsors and administrators. Candidates submit applications, are interviewed, evaluated, and approved by an administrative committee. The Peer Leaders use the ALPHA Peer leader manual to present twelve weekly sessions. All participating schools are encouraged to send Peer Leaders to a two day conference hosted by FWHS. At the conference peer leaders are introduced to the manual and taught leadership, presentation and class management techniques. Contact: John M. Shadowens, Manager, Prevention Services, Franklin-Williamson Human Services, 1307 West Main Street, Marion, IL 62959; e-mail: email; Tel: (618) 997-5336, ext. 6111; Fax: (618) 993-2969.
Prevention Works - This organization helps local schools create peer education programs that focus on substance abuse prevention, violence prevention, and sexual health. Their programs take place in a variety of settings including community agencies, schools and even the local library. Contact: Danielle R. Sielatycki, Executive Director, 808 S. Westnedge Avenue, Kalamazoo, Michigan 49008; Tel: (616) 388-4200; E-mail.
Natural Helpers Long Island This peer helping program serves several middle school/junior high schools and high schools in the Long Island, New York area. The Natural Helper students represent a cross section of students and school adults identified through an anonymous school-wide survey. After representatives of all the subgroups in the school community are selected, they are invited to participate in the Natural Helpers program which takes place in a retreat, camp-like setting. Natural Helpers then attend Ongoing Training, either in a semester class or in a less structured format, which enhances basic skills and information covered in the Retreat Training, and which explores topics of concern to students, like stress, suicide, eating disorders, and relationships with friends and with family. The Natural Helpers program is designed to meet three basic goals: (1) to teach Natural Helpers effective ways to help their friends (2) to teach Natural Helpers positive ways of taking good care of themselves; and (3) to teach Natural Helpers ways to contribute to a safe and supportive school environment. Several schools in the Long Beach, NY area including Elwood-John H. Glenn High School, Friends Academy, Half Hollow Hills High School, H.S. East and H.S. West, Harborfields High School, Hauppauge High School, and West Islip High School have peer programs. Contact: Anthony Pantaleno, Ph.D., John Glenn High School, 478 Elwood Road, East Northport, NY 11731; Tel: (631) 266.5418; Fax: (631) 368.5038 email.
Pomona Peer Resources - This organization creates, trains, maintains and grows various kinds of peer intervention programs. They are school-based with over 20 programs in operation in the Southern California area. They also have extensive programs that are community-based, including Pomona Peer Theater and Pomona Teen Court. Their goal is to enhance school climate and safety through effective peer intervention. They typically use the term peer helpers, but they also provide programs called: Peer Counseling, Peer Tutoring, Conflict Mediation, CPeer [freshman academic advisement], "Freshman Friends". Enrollment is open, and all students are eligible for one semester of Peer Helping. Students who pass competencies continue. They use materials gathered from many sources and materials created through their own advisors and programs. Contact: Mike Russo, Counselor/Coordinator, Pomona Peer Resources, 1444 East Holt Avenue, Pomona, California 91767; Tel: (909) 397-4711, ext. 3723; E-mail for Mike.
Peer Information Center for Teens, Inc. (PICT) - Created in 1986 to help teens make informed, responsible decisions about their behaviors in order to reduce unwanted teenage pregnancy, substance abuse, school dropout, gang membership, and destructive behaviors. PICT trains high school students to listen to and help peers through one to one discussions, prevention/education workshops, mediations, and referrals. PICT helps coordinate service opportunities for 1600+ Richmond High School students, and program leaders estimate that the cost per student served is around $0.61 per hour.
The program has received several awards including being named 2002 National Peer Program of the Year by the National Peer Helpers Association (NPHA). PICTÕs materials are used in nine other school corporations (including one in Alaska), in peer ministry training, in church adult/adolescent bridging efforts, and in teaching volunteerism in the Ukraine. Peer Helpers at Richmond High School have given over 85,000 hours of service. PICT targets high risk classrooms, Title One Schools, and after school youth groups for prevention education and remediation activities. Data from activity reports, peer helper logs, self reports, teacher feedback show that PICT has resulted in improvement in attitudes, behaviors, or skill levels regarding effective communication skills with both peers and adults, teamwork, school behavior, conflict and anger management techniques, peer pressure, avoiding tobacco and illegal substances, harassment, appreciation of diversity, respect for self and others, wholesome dating relationships, consequences of teen pregnancy, making good decisions, and setting life goals as well as connection to appropriate referral agency or responsible adults, successful mediation agreements. successful one-to-one matches for role modeling, tutoring, socialization, individual attention, behavior, self-concept, coping with a difficult situation, self or teacher or Peer Helper reported reduction in violence; and a reduction in early school dropouts. Contact: Sue Routson, Executive Director, PICT, Richmond High School, 38O Hub Etchison Parkway, Richmond, IN 47374; Tel: (765) 973-3389; E-mail: email.
Peers Assisting Student Success (PASS) - A peer mentoring program, started in 2003, that uses high school juniors and seniors to mentor elementary through junior high school children. It works with the after-school programs at Community Centers and six schools. The peer mentors go through the same background and drug screens as other mentoring programs. Screening includes letters of recommendation from several sources and a panel interview. The mentors receive a minimum of 30 hours of training and are supervised by professional counselors. The mentors assist with tutoring, homework, support activities, volunteer at various events with the mentees, and provide a peer role model for many of the children. They meet with their partners at least once per week and come together weekly in groups to discuss issues with each other under supervision. Contact: Terry Berry, Community Centers Director, Oscar Johnson, Jr. Community Center, 100 Park Place, Conroe, Texas 77301; Tel: (936) 494-3860; email: tberry@cityofconroe.org.
Bearden High School Students Mentoring Another Class - The goal of this high school mentoring program is to provide each incoming freshman with a personal mentor to assist and guide them toward graduation. The mentors provide knowledge, fun, friendship, and confidence to students who are new to high school. The guiding vision is a high school where everyone is capable of becoming their best in a safe and interactive environment. The purpose of mentoring is to assist students in becoming lifelong learners in a global society by taking one confident step at a time. The program has a small grant that funds it. The school has a population of nearly 2000. A freshman class typically has at least 550 students. Each of the students has a mentor. The program provides training and assistance through a student executive board and sponsorship. They are interested in exchanging information with other schools in similar programs. Contact: Angelia G. Ford, Teacher/Sponsor, Students Mentoring Another Class, Bearden High School, 8352 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, Tennessee 37919; email: email.
Arthur Meighen High School has created a peer program where members of the student body nominate those peers who are already recognized as having good communication skills and who most would trust. Staff advisors enhance those skills by offering intensive training once they are accepted in the program. Peer helpers often refer their contacts to the school counsellor and they follow a code of ethics. The primary services they provide are listening to their peers, working as problem solving assistants and mediators, welcoming and touring new students, leading small group and large group discussions, and assisting in grade nine school orientations. Students are chosen to be involved in the peer program based on a sociogram survey and they represent various peer circles. Candidates are interviewed and selected by the program coordinator and staff advisors. The Peer Counselling Starter Kit and other resources are used for training the peer helpers. Contact: Marie Rohleder, Peer Program Director, Arthur Meighen High School, 201 River Road, Portage la Prairie, Manitoba R1N 1Z2; Tel: (204) 857-6838; Fax: (204) 239-5896; e-mail: email .
Parrott Creek Child and Family Services (Girls Today) - A peer mentoring program that matches high school students with middle school students. The focus of the program is self-sufficiency, resiliency, gender-specific challenges, community service, and personal growth. Several high schools and middle schools participate in the program. Contact: Director of Adolescent Programs, Parrott Creek Child and Family Services, Juvenile Delinquency Prevention Projects, 501 Pleasant Avenue, Suite 3, Oregon City, Oregon 97045-2637; Tel: (503) 722-4110; Fax:(503) 655-8145; lwinnett@pcreek.org.
Peer Program for Pregnant and Parenting Teens - This program uses the training retreat as its core approach to providing teen moms opportunities to become peer group leaders, positive peer role models and eventually retreat team members. In the inaugural retreat twenty-eight teen mothers or mothers-to-be participated in the experience. They came from schools in the Bronx, Brooklyn, and Queens area of New York. Contact: Bob Lopez, Peer Support Coordinator, NYC Board of Education, Program for Pregnant/Parenting Teens, 22 East 128th Street, New York, NY 10035; Tel: (212) 427-5060.
Atlantic High School has created a program called T.A.L.K. (Together Achieving Lifelong Knowledge). Students provide peer counseling and peer mediation. Student clients are self referred and referrals also come from the administration and school counselors. Students are trained for one semester (peer counseling I and II) and then at some point when it fits into their schedule are assigned to the TALK Center for Peer III and IV where they primarily engage in peer counseling and peer mediation. They receive a credit for each class. They also go into the classroom weekly and teach classroom guidance units on conflict resolution and sexual harassment. They visit middle schools and teach conflict resolution and an overview of peer counseling. This school has been host to the Florida Peer Helpers Association and has presented programs at county and state levels. The program is seven years old and about 40 students are involved. Contact: 1250 Reed Canal Road, South Daytona, Florida 32119-9106 Tel: (904) 322-5650; e-mail: Treva Enget.
Nogales High School provides a variety of peer programs. Grade 9/10 Peer Helpers are responsible for peer counseling and conflict resolution. They also participate in our Best Buddies program and community service projects. A Community of Caring class is made up of 11th and 12th graders who are split into two groups. Ambassadors are responsible for setting up community service projects, Red Ribbon Week, the Great American Smokeout, Safe Communities Week and our Holiday Toy and Food Drive. The Promoters of Health are responsible for community outreach in dealing with teen health and social issues and are an award-winning, volunteer teen peer helper group that takes peer helper logs and turns them into skits on teen social and health issues. Some of the topics covered are teen pregnancy prevention, drug and alcohol abuse, STDs and AIDS, abusive relationships and child abuse. The Promoters have visited numerous high schools and have appeared in major national conferences throughout the nation. Our service club program has won both the "Magna Award" from the National School Board Association and the "Golden Bell Award" from the California School Board Association. Students meet daily and receive course credit. Contact: Ron D'Alessandro, Peer Program Advisor, Nogales High School, 401 Nogales High School, La Puente, California 91744; Tel: (626) 965-3437; Fax (626) 965-4587; email: email.
Belmont-Redwood Shores School District and the San Mateo County Health Services Agency and the Department of Health Education at San Francisco State University. - These groups have partnered to provide a peer education enrichment program where university health education majors train students at Ralston Middle School in an after-school education program concerning public health issues and careers. These students will, in turn, develop materials and curriculum for grade three students. Contact: San Mateo County Health Services Agency, 225 - 37th Avenue, San Mateo, California 94403-4399; Tel: (650) 573-2582 Fax: (650) 573-2116.
Pomona Unified School District Peer Program - Students provide services as peer counsellors, peer tutors, peer mediators, and other peer services such as tobacco cessation strategies, group leaders and other community service activities. Students also become certified to act as trainers of new peer helpers. Located: 800 South Garey Avenue, Pomona, CA 91766-3325; Tel: (909) 397-4800.
PAL® (Peer Assistance Leadership) - A peer to peer outreach program for elementary, intermediate, and high school students run by the Orange County Department of Education. Their programs have improved school attendance, reduced drug and alcohol abuse, created a positive school climate, increased academic success, responsible behavior, and involvement in community service. Its unique features include a wide network of schools, PAL® Advisors, parents, corporate, and business organizations linked with a common goal of providing prevention and intervention services to students. A manual and video are available. Contact: Elke Shattuck, Manager, PAL¨ Peer Assistance Leadership, Orange County Department of Education, 200 Kalmus Drive, Costa Mesa, California 92628, (714) 966-4458 phone, (714) 662-7891 fax; e-mail: email.
Simle Middle School - This school has for several years had peer helpers and a training program for students grades 7-9. Since 1995 they have added a comprehensive peer leadership program which includes a mentoring, peer tutors/helpers, peer mediation, and peer leaders. The school is eager to exchange any information with other schools. Located: 1215 N. 19th Street, Bismarck, ND 58501-2999.
Souris Valley School Division - Several schools in this Manitoba school division offer peer helping for their students. Location: PO Box 920, Souris, Manitoba R0K 2C0; Tel: (204) 483-2128.
Peer Leadership in the Bahamas - Seventeen public and private schools are participating in peer leadership training programs in the New Providence area.
Hamilton-Wentworth Roman Catholic School Board (Hamilton, Ontario) - Teachers are trained in mediation and in turn train student volunteers to be peer mediators. Training covers the concepts of mediation, modeling the steps of mediation and role playing exercises. The mediators are introduced to the school as a whole at a school-wide assembly, so that everyone is aware of what role the mediators are to play. Peer mediators are usually assigned, if possible, in teams of 8, with one pair of mediators being assigned to each quadrant of the school grounds at lunch and other peak activity periods.
Dale Road Senior Public School - Twenty-five percent of the school population are trained as Peer Assistants and engage in peer listening, peer tutoring and leadership opportunities. Students can request appointments with Peer Listeners and are restricted to 20 minute sessions. Time extensions can be granted by the staff advisor. Peer Assistants also help organize and run an orientation program for feeder schools and well as serve the community through various campaigns. For more information contact Maureen Weekes or Pam Hills at Dale Road Senior Public School, RR #4, Cobourg, Ontario, K9A 4J7; Tel: (905) 372-8787.
Sierra Vista Junior High Student Mediation Program - Started in 1996, this program trains seventh grade students. This website provides the most comprehensive details about the model, resources, and training for student mediators. For more information contact: (805) 252-3113 ext. 2005, or, email: email.
Center for Alternative Education- This school serves at-risk students from three different school districts. At-risk students are trained as peer mediators and students involved in disputes are referred to a peer mediator. The program has reduced suspensions and discipline referrals. For more information contact: Social Worker, 500 North Haugh Avenue, Picayune, Mississippi 39466-3442; Tel: (601) 799-0684; Fax: (601) 799-0325.
Hichingbrooke School Buddy Peer Counselling Group - This is a group of sixth form students who train in basic counselling skills to support students of all ages in school. Training continues for the two years in the 6th form. Part of the group also work with a local young peoples' counselling group to provide information together with a leaflet and data based information service on issues for young people. In 1999 the group were awarded a grant as Millennium Volunteers offering services to young people. Details of their work have been frequently published in the Roehampton Institute Peer Support Networker and in the Rapport Journal (Association for Professionals in the Support of Adolescents). Contact: Pauline Maskell.
Taylor Road Middle School Peer Helper Club - Located in a suburb of Atlanta, Georgia, this program gives kids leadership opportunities at the school. Members of the club are responsible for assisting new students when they arrive at the school, helping with fifth grade orientation and with assisting at parent meetings when student tour guides are needed. The club meets twice a month after school. In addition to assisting other students within the school, the Peer Helpers generally also do one or two service projects for the community each year. Contact 5150 Taylor Road, Alpharetta, GA 30022; Tel: (770) 740-7090
Big People of Little People (Beaufort, South Carolina) This organization provides opportunities for middle school students to work as mentors and tutors with elementary students. The goal of the program is to contribute to the improvement of elementary school children's academic score and behavior/attitude towards school. The student mentors/tutors receive supervision and training, and the students are selected by their interest in education and social services and recommendations from teachers and guidance counselors. Mentors must adhere to requirements on class attendance, dress, and behaviors as befits a role model for others. The school's staff and teachers assist the program coordinator with supervision and tracking of student progress and development. The coordinator transports the middle school children to the elementary school. The mentors are given class assignments and mentees based on their strengths. In the future the program hopes to provide basic first-aid and "baby-sitting" skills as well as training in the areas of social behavior and peer interaction/relationships. Contact: Lorain Tascoe-Bey, Secretary, Big People of Little People, PO Box 8046, Beaufort, SC 29903: Tel: (843( 322-5414; email.
Toms River High School Peer Leadership Club - Members of Peer Leadership are assigned a group of 10 freshmen to guide by means of five meetings once a week lasting one period each. The Peer Leaders help the freshman adapt to the change from middle school to high school and generally feel more comfortable in their surroundings. The groups are also a fun way to enable freshmen to meet each other and find friends they normally would not find. Contact: 1144 Hooper Avenue, Toms River, NJ 08753; Tel: (732) 505-5500.
Kailua Intermediate School Peer Education Program - This peer education program, nicknamed the Healthy Surfer, was created by peer education students working with teen health students. The website zeroes in on topics that include cigarette smoking, harassment, marijuana use, teen pregnancy, and teen suicide. The purpose of the web pages are to teach the students the facts about these topics and encourage them to make positive choices. For more information contact Monica Meyer, 145 S. Kainalu Drive, Kailua, Hawaii, 96734-2999.
North Hargerstown High School Peer Mediation Program - Students, chosen by their peers, identify, negotiate, and develop solutions to conflicts after extensive training in active listening, reflective paraphrasing, and issues clarification. Training for new peer mediators takes place every first Monday of the month. Contact George Cassutto.
Fieldston Schoo - This school has a peer leadership program where students work with younger students. Not surprisingly, the courses for training these students are included in the Ethics Department of the school, including two advanced leadership training programs one for grade seven and one for grade eight students. Other leadership programs include PALS (a homeroom mentoring program for grades 7 and 8) and Peer Mentors (for grade 9). Students in the 11th and 12th grades participate in the leadership
programs on an application and selection basis. They are scheduled into training courses that meet throughout the year once a week. The students receive academic credit in Ethics and also credit in Community Service for their work. There are three faculty members of the Ethics Department who work with the leadership programs. Contact: Fieldston, Fieldston Road, Bronx, NY 10471; Tel: (718) 329-7300; e-mail: email.
East Pictou High School (Nova Scotia) Peer Helpers - Started in1990, this peer Helper program is available in both East Pictou and West Pictou High Schools. Students in grades 9-12 are trained to help other students in a number of ways. Peer helpers have some members on the school crisis response team and the distance education for Special Kids Project. Peer helpers are available to other students at Junior and Senior Lunch hours and in the Jr. High Guidance Office on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Peer Assisted Learning in Orange County Schools (California) - A peer-to-peer outreach program for elementary, intermediate, and high school students. Contact: Vicki Walker, Coordinator PAL Program, Orange County Department of Education (714) 966-4458; e-mail: email
The Justin-Siena Guidance and Counseling Department - Peer helping is used as one of the options to meet student needs. Students are trained to assist their fellow classmates by enrolling in a year-long peer helping course. Some students receive additional training by going into the community to elementary or Junior high schools to help younger students.
Liz Clark's Big Buddy Program - Big Buddies from the local high school are screened and trained to be friends to grade 4 and 5 students.
Glendale High Peer Mediators - A description of the services and personnel associated with Glendale Peer Helping Team, including mediation and AIDS peer educators, peer tutoring, and peer mentors.
Rockwood Summit High School Peer Mentors - A high school program where students engage in many volunteer activities. Located at Rockwood Summit High School, 1780 Hawkins Road, Fenton, Missouri 63026.
Oñate High School Peer Helpers - Peer helpers promote those skills necessary to become effective people-helpers, involve students in school and community service, and promote the growth of positive self-esteem. Located in Las Cruces, New Mexico, (505) 527-9430.
The Health Oakland Teens Project (HOT) - The HOT program educates and trains ninth grade students to become HIV peer helpers for seventh grade students. The peer helpers deliver weekly interactive sessions in seventh grade science classes, focusing on values, decision-making, communication, and prevention skills. The program trains 30 ninth grade peer helpers who in turn teach 300 seventh graders each year. The entire curriculum can be viewed and downloaded at their website. Contact: Center for AIDS Prevention Studies, 74 New Montgomery, Suite 600, San Francisco, CA 94105.
Mentoring Youth Leadership Committee - This is a peer mentoring program which includes all schools in the Prince George's County Public School system. Youth from different schools work with the Office of Youth Development and through their training, they mentor other students in the high schools, middle schools and elementary schools. The mentors take an active part in designing projects and mentors from previous years, currently attending Bowie College act as mentors to the high school mentors. Contact: Zack Berry, Office of Youth Development Programs, 14201 School Lane, Upper Marlboro, MD 20772.
Open High School - Student Services at this school oversees the peer helping teamÑa small group of 6-10 students who help other students through tutoring, mediation, or adjustment problems at home or at school. Mediation is often facilitated by two peer helpers trained as mediators and some peer helpers act as group leaders. Students receive peer training in peer helping course. Contact: W. Davis Draine, Open High School, 600 South Pine Street, Richmond, VA 23220-6501; Tel: (804) 780-4661; Fax: (804) 780-4038.
A driver reported a car as stolen and mentioned that there was a car phone in it. The police officer taking the report called the phone and told the person who answered that she had read the ad in the newspaper and wanted to buy the car. They arranged to meet, and the thief was arrested.
Ontario Provincial Police - Officers trained in peer support counselling provide support to their fellow officers in times of need and provide information on support services that are available in the community. The officers can also answer question about work-related issues, family/relationship concerns and substance abuse. Peer support officers are also trained in critical incident stress (CIS). The training has been expanded to include First Nation traditional healing strategies. Contact: (705) 329-6637.
San Francisco Police Department - Made up of nearly 200 trained peer support members, the Behavioral Science Unit of the SFPD provides peer assistance to every officer and civilian employee through whatever crisis he or she may be experiencing. Begun originally as the Peer Support Program, in 1983, to support women and minorities who were being actively recruited and hired, the program has expanded into the current unit to provide counseling and resources for every member, sworn and civilian. All peer support members use basic skills, particularly active listening and problem solving, but the object is to help individuals think through problems themselves, to devise their own responses and to use available resources. Contact: Dr. Al Benner, Director.
Bobbie to Bobbie Rey Carr listens to a fellow officer discuss his career options.
Vets4Vets - A non-partisan peer support organization for Iraq and Afghanistan veterans. They provide support to each other to heal the negative impact of service and war. They provide a number of free weekend workshops around the USA that allow participating veterans to discuss their experiences and hardships in a confidential setting with fellow service members who understand and may have shared similar experiences. To locate local groups, register for a workshop or learn more about the services provide visit the website, call (520) 319-5500, or email: info@vets4vets.us
LifeRing - A non-religious, peer-based pathway to abstinence from alcohol and other drugs of abuse. Group meetings typically occur one hour per week and begin with "how was your week?" then move to topic discussions. Members are encouraged to design their own personal recovery programs, and a 300-page workbook ("Recovery by Choice") is available to build the recovery program in a structured way. Participants are encouraged to engage in conversation ("cross-talk") with each other, but personal drinking/drugging stories ("drunkalogues") are discouraged. Meetings are available in various cities throughout North America. There is no cost, but a donation basket is passed at each meeting. Contact: LifeRing Service Center, 1440 Broadway, Suite 312, Oakland, California 94612; Tel: (800) 811-4142; (510) 763-1513: email: service@lifering.org
The Westside Senior Peer Support Program - As part of the Kitsilano Neighbourhood House in Vancouver, British Columbia, this program offers confidential, no-cost peer counselling and support services to older adults. Trained seniors play key roles in the community as advocates, resource people, and leaders. They assist other seniors who are feeling lost or isolated, depressed, or lonely as a result of their living situation, family circumstances, bereavement, or health concerns. For more information contact Claudine Claridge, Kitsilano Neighbourhood House, 2325 West 7th Avenue, Vancouver, British Columbia V6K 1Y4; Tel: (604) 736-3588, ext. 46; email: claudinekitshouse@gmail.com
Southern California Critical Incident Stress Management Team - This organization provides both professional psychological services and a peer support program for sworn and non-sworn members of police, fire, corrections, probation and other emergency personnel located in the San Bernadino, California area. Peer supporters are trained to intervene with a variety of different types of problems, including bereavement, emotional and physical health maintenance, divorce, retirement, disability, finances, substance abuse and religious issues. They are available on a 24-hour basis and provide a confidential service. For more information contact Bonnie Spitzer at The Counseling Team, 1881 Business Center Drive, Suite 11, San Bernadino, California 92408; Tel: (909) 884-0133; Fax: (909) 884-0133; e-mail: email.
San Francisco Sheriff's Department - This law enforcement agency provides a Peer Support Program (PSP) that serves as an informal network of resources and intervention voluntarily staffed by your fellow deputies. Members provide S.F. Sheriff Department staff with a confidential, objective, and non-judgmental resource to which they may come voluntarily for support, advice and assistance in resolving job-related problems which can seriously impair their efficiency. The program is voluntary and confidential for all employees. Peer support staff members are trained to be effective listeners, provide feedback, clarify issues and assist the employee to identify options for their own problem resolution. Peer support staff are not therapists. When problems appear to require specialized assistance, referral information on professional psychologists, etc. will be made available. The program also provides a number of personnel trained in Critical Incident Stress Debriefing to administer emotional first aid to critical incidents such as a Death-In-Custody, homicide, suicide, needle sticks or bodily fluid exposure, riot, assault, sexual assault, officer involved shooting or other traumatic incidents. Contact Sgt. K. Paulson, Coordinator, e-mail: email.
Central Florida Police Stress Unit - This organization, which is not affiliated with any police department, was established to help law enforcement officers and their families and is staffed by a director and peer-support volunteers who have a variety of training and life experiences. Professional help is available through a collaborative effort with the Catholic Counseling Center of Orlando, a program of Catholic Charities. Services are provided by Licensed Mental Health Counselors, Marriage and Family Therapists, Clinical Social Workers, and a consulting Police Psychologist. Contact: PO Box 5773, Winter Park, Florida 32793-5773; Tel: (407) 658-1818; Fax: (407) 282-2891.
Illinois State Police - Provides a peer support program that includes a network of trained people who confidentially provide assistance to co-workers experiencing personal and professional difficulties.
Chicago Police Department Peer Support/Employee Assistance Program - Officers who have experience with trauma help other officers and their family members who are in need. Contact: 2150 North California, Chicago, Illinois 60647; Tel: (312) 744-8290; email.
Dayton Police Department - This team is staffed exclusively by Dayton Police Officers and selected civilian police employees. Team members receive 40 hours training in basic and proper support methods and continuing education is provided. Strict confidentiality is maintained between the peer support person and the person seeking assistance.
Louisiana Law Enforcement Family Support- Established in 1995 this program provides assistance to law enforcement officers and their families across the state of Louisiana. Services include peer support, counselling, family support and other crisis related services. Contact: Program Manager, 200 Laurel Street, Baton Rouge, LA 70810; Tel: (225) 295-9450; Fax: (225) 344-8559.
A police officer had a perfect hiding place for watching for speeders. But one day, everyone was under the speed limit, the officer found the problem: a 10 year old boy was standing on the side of the road with a huge hand painted sign which read "PHOTO RADAR AHEAD." A little more investigative work led the officer to the boy's accomplice, another boy about 100 yards beyond the photo radar van with a sign reading, "TIPS" and a bucket at his feet, full of change.
New York City Fire Department and EMS - The Peer Support Team is both an intervention and prevention vehicle designed to help members, their families, and others significant in their everyday lives. Volunteer team members receive five days of training as well as continuing education. Contact: Tel: (718) 371-0310; Fax: (718) 371-0318.
Milwaukee Police Department - Since November of 1986 the Milwaukee Police Department's Police Officer Support Team (POST) has been serving members of the department and their families. POST consists of fifty volunteers who have been trained to offer peer support and assessment and referral to professionals in the community. POST members have received specialized training in active listening skills, grief, chemical dependency, stress management, critical incident stress, post shooting trauma, suicide prevention and intervention, and peer support techniques. Contact: Police Officer Support Team, 6680 N. Teutonia Avenue, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53209; Tel: (414) 352-5125.
Cop 2 Cop - This free and confidential 24-hour hotline provides assistance to New Jersey law enforcement officers and their families to help deal with personal or job related stress and behavioral healthcare issues. The phones are staffed by retired and trained police officers.
Vermont State Police - The Vermont State Police Peer Support Team offers assistance and appropriate support resources to employees and their families when personal or professional problems that effect their work performance, family unit or self, including critical incident debriefing. Assistance is confidential, providing it does not violate any law or Department regulation. Contact: (800) 862-5402; e-mail: email.
California Police Chiefs Association - Provides a peer support network for members. Contact: California Police Chiefs Association, 1455 Response Road, Suite 190, Sacramento, California 95815; Tel: (916) 263-0545; Fax: (916) 263-6090; E-mail: email.
Fresno Police Department - Provides a peer support program to assist peers in emotional stress. Team members receive training to help with critical incident debriefing. Contact: 2326 Fresno Street, Fresno, California 93721; Tel: (559) 498-2516.
Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department - Provides peer support training for officers to assist others struggling with life problems on and off the job. Contact: 11515 South Colima Road, Whittier, California 90604; Tel: (562) 946-7062.
Riverside County Sheriff's Department - Provides peer support especially for colleagues involved in shooting incidents. Contact: 3423 Davis Avenue, Dept A., Riverside, California 92518; Tel: (909) 486-2800.
St. Vincent's Hospital Peer Support Program - The Division of Nursing at this Sydney (Australia) hospital has initiated a peer support program aimed at reducing stress resulting from critical incidents and cumulative stress and accelerating the return of hospital workers to normal personal and professional functioning. Colleagues complete specific training for providing support.
Oregon Criminal Justice Association This organization sponsors a critical incident debriefing and peer support network for public safety professionals. They service a variety of police organizations including Portland Police, Multnomah County Sheriffs and the Oregon State Police.
Metropolitan Nashville Police Department - The Peer Support Program offers assistance and appropriate support resources to employees when personal or professional problems effect their work performance, family unit or self. Peers provide emotional support and referral during and after times of personal or professional crisis to other employees and their families, including family tragedies, illness or injury in the line of duty. Peer support members attend a five-day training and mandatory on-going updates. An advisory committee, selected by current peer support members, helps provide program guidance and direction. All interested employees of the department who choose to volunteer as a peer supporter must be nominated by their peers, be interviewed and if selected, submit their request to serve through their chain-of-command to the Behavioral Health Services Division Manager. The Behavioral Health Services Division Manager recommends candidates suited for appointment as a peer supporter to the Chief of Police and the Sheriff for final approval. Communication between the peer supporter and a person is considered confidential except for matters, which involve danger to self, danger to others, suspected child abuse, narcotic offenses, domestic violence, or factual elderly abuse. A general principle for peer supporters to follow is inform the person, prior to their discussion, what the limitations and exceptions are regarding the information revealed. Contact: Peer Supporter Coordinator (615) 862-7887.
Oklahoma City Police Department - This peer support program provides assistance to police department employees following a time of crisis within their lives. They provide critical incident response and peer support without any cost or obligation. Contact: CHAPPs, Oklahoma City Police Department, 701 Colcord, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73102; Tel: (405) 297-1717; Fax: (405) 297-3699.
Dousman Police Department - Trained volunteer officers provide support to fellow officers whether it be everyday stress or a response to a critical incident. Contact: 118 S. Main Street, Dousman, WI 53118: Tel: (262) 965-4262; Fax: (262) 965-4286; e-mail: email.
Canadian Paraplegic Association Ontario - Peer support groups led by persons who know first hand what it is like to live with a disability. They also provide an employment resource centre. Contact: CPAO, 520 Sutherland Drive, Toronto M4G 3V9; Tel: (416) 422-5644; Toll-Free: (877) 422-1112.
PeerZone - A peer-based service to assist persons with spinal cord injuries and other physical disabilities to achieve independence, self-reliance and full community participation. Contact: Stephanie Cadieux, Provincial Peer Coordinator, British Columbia Paraplegic Association, Tel: (604) 326-1203; Fax: (604) 326-1229; email: email.
P.H.E.N.O.M. - This web-based service, the Public Health Expertise Network of Mentors (P.H.E.N.O.M.) is a group of public health practitioners with degrees in public health who volunteer to provide peer career and school advice to anyone interested in the field. Peer mentors can be contacted by e-mail or telephone and details about each mentor as well as contact information are listed on the service website. Contact: Betty Jung email.
Doctors Without Borders Canadian Peer Support Network - This volunteer organization provides peer support for doctors returning from or preparing for field work in various countries, often countries experiencing severe health difficulties brought on by war, poverty, draught and epidemics. The organization also provides support for families of the doctors. The volunteers are typically doctors who have had experience in the particular country. Contact: Étienne van Steenberghe, Doctors Without Borders Canada, National Coordination, 294 Carré Saint-Louis - bureau 104, Montreal, QC H2X 1A4; Tel: (514) 845-5621; Fax: (514) 845-3707; email.
Interactive National Peer Support Network - Provides no-cost training materials, hosted chat sessions, the use of chat rooms/news groups and support for on-line peer groups to benefit disabled and health affected Canadians in a variety of social settings. Publishes a newsletter and their website provides cyber support for disabled persons using the web. Contact: Duane Hoffman, Workers with Disabilities Project, 200-661 Burnside Road East, Victoria, BC, V8T 2X9.
Association for New Canadians - This organization has created two important publications both based on Peer Resources work: Guide to HIV/AIDS Peer Education for a Multicultural Society, and New Canadian Teen Peer Education Substance Use/Abuse Prevention Agency Project Guide. Contact the Volunteer Coordinator, Association for New Canadians, PO Box 2031, St. John's, NF, A1C 5R6; Tel (709) 722-1772; Fax: (709) 754-4407; e-mail: email.
CARES (Community AIDS Resources and Education Services of Southwest Michigan) - Among their several programs, CARES provides a Friends Educating Friends program that combines trained peer educators with professional staff to reduce further transmission among men of AIDS. the project provides HIV counseling, testing without needles and health education/risk reduction. Contact: CARES, 629 Pioneer Street, Kalamazoo, Michigan 49008-1801; Tel: (616) 381-2437.
Bissell Centre Hepatitus C Peer Support Program - This free, non-profit organization provides one-to-one post-diagnosis counselling and education about Hepatitus C and promotes harm reduction. Funded by grants from Health Canada. Coordinator: Sylvie Seguin, Bissel Centre, 10527 96 Street, Edmonton, Alberta T5H 2H6; Tel: (780) 423-2285, ext 257; email..
Seniors Serving Seniors - Provides volunteer peer counsellors who help seniors undergoing lifestyle changes, loneliness and difficulty in solving problems and making decisions. These volunteers are among 500 trained counsellors of Senior Peer Counselling of British Columbia. Contact: 28-454 Morison Avenue West, Parksville, BC V9S 2M6; Tel: (250) 248-9747
Vancouver Women's Health Information Centre Provides help information line that offers volunteer peer counselling, answers questions about women's health, health information research and referrals to other affiliated services and support groups. Also provides a therapist directory with listings from surgeons to naturopaths. Tel: (604) 736.5262; located at 1625 West 8th Avenue, Vancouver, British Columbia. Limited hours.
South Vancouver Island Family Planning Society Trained volunteers provide confidential and supportive one-on-one pregnancy testing and counselling on all pregnancy options and provide referrals to other agencies, services, or professionals as appropriate. Tel: (250) 388-2201; Fax: (250) 388-2249; located at1947 Cook Street, Victoria, BC V8T 3P8.
The Victoria Persons with AIDS Society (VPWAS)-Provide peer support programs for infected individuals, HIV treatment library, a life enhancement program (to increase social contacts and improve quality of life for individuals with low income), a newsletter, and opportunities for treatment education.Ê1:1 peer counselling to incarcerated people; focus is on health promotion, improved ability to manage health; programs offered to anyone infected with HIV/AIDS. Contact: 541 Herald St. Victoria, British Columbia V8W 1S5; Tel: (250) 382-7927.
National Kidney Foundation of Hawaii - Patients receive information, referral and peer counseling services and learn about treatment options, funding, resources, and even information about healthy meals associated with being involved in dialysis. Contact: 1314 S. King Street, Suite 305; Honolulu, HI 96814; Tel: (808) 593-1515.
Humboldt State University Community Companions Program - Volunteers learn about mental health consumers and the issues surrounding the mental health system. The goal of Community Companions is to reduce stigmas and misconceptions about mental illness. Volunteers form a friendship with consumers through learning, activities and one-on-one interactions. This program works with adolescents eighteen years old or younger. Volunteers can earn one unit of academic credit through the College of Professional Studies. E-mail: email
Mental Health Association of Onondaga County - A peer support program that matches volunteers with persons living in the community who have a history of involvement with the psychiatric system. Located at 3049 East Genesee Street, Syracuse, NY 13224, Phone: (315) 445-5606; Fax: (315) 446-5789
Niagara Injury Prevention Program - Includes a peer education component designed to reduce injuries for residents and visitors to the Niagara (Canada) region. For further information contact: Regional Niagara Public Health Department, 573 Glenridge Avenue, St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada, L2T 4C2; Tel: (905) 688-3762; Fax: (905) 688-3762.
Brain Injury Association of Kentucky - A Peer-Mentoring program, run by a Volunteer Coordinator, serves those with "milder" injuries. Peer-mentors make a one-year commitment to a comprehensive program which involves a monthly training session and regular contact with an assigned "PAL" (Peer At Living). Peer-Mentoring is designed as a way to involve a broader spectrum of people with brain injuries. Contact: (502) 899-7141 or 1-800-592-1117.
The New Hampshire Brain Injury Association - Support groups for survivors, family members and friends are led around the state by volunteers. A Peer Support Telephone Network is staffed by volunteer survivors and family members. Contact Information: 2 1\2 Beacon St. Concord, NH 03301; Tel: (603) 225-8400; Fax: (603) 228.6749; E-mail: email.
Myasthenia Gravis Foundation Peer Support Program - A voluntary health organization that provides, among other things, peer support to victims of MG. Contact information: P.O. Box 26873, Albuquerque, NM 87125; Tel: (505) 897-0932.
Disability Resource Center of Southwestern Michigan - Based on the philosophy (and fact) that persons who have "been there" can best understand what someone else is going through, this project involves bringing peers with disabilities together to share thoughts, feelings and concerns while they deal with issues associated with independent living. Contact: (269) 345-1516.
Lesbian Mothers Support Service - An Alberta, Canada organization that provides information on Lesbian adoption, health, alternative fertilization, links, bibliographies, organizations, children's resources, parenting, pregnancy, and peer support. (Services ceased in 2002)
Fort Wayne Women's Bureau Peer Counseling Service - Peer counselors offer supportive listening and assistance in sorting out life's problems, helping clients to develop the ability to make their own decisions, provide job search and career planning information, as well as information on credit, legal rights, harassment, education, and more. Services are free. Contact: 303. E. Washington Blvd., Fort Wayne, Indiana 46802; Tel: (219) 426-0023.
Breastfeeding Initiative Program - Trained peer counselors provide women with breastfeeding knowledge, encouragement and encouragement and support. The peer counselors are available to visit new mothers in the hospital, at a clinic or in their own home. There is no fee for eligible clients. According to their website, studies show that when limited income families have this kind of support, a greater percentage begins breastfeeding and breastfeed longer. Makes home visits to moms who are breastfeeding or who are planning to breast feed upon birth. Client visits are on an as-needed basis to encourage the continuation of breastfeeding. Client contacts are made by phone or letter. The peer counselor is on call to clients with 24 hour pager. Contact: (269) 383-8830.
The Womens Centre of Hamilton Wentworth - Provides peer counselling, information referrals, support, friendship groups, and self-help groups. Located at 75 MacNab Street South, 3rd Floor, Hamilton, Ontario L8P 3C1; Tel/TTY: (905) 522-0127; Fax: (905) 522-7220; E-mail: email.
Pacific Center for Human Growth - A volunteer-based center with two California locations in Berkeley and Walnut Creek, the Center provides drop-in peer support groups, sliding-scale counseling for individuals, couples, and families, and therapy groups, HIV services, youth services, educational community outreach, and workplace sensitivity training.
Mouth-to-Mouth - An HIV/AIDS peer education program, located in San Jose, California, (408) 293-2747.
New Jersey Buddies - One of New Jersey's largest volunteer education and support networks for people affected by HIV/AIDS, with over five hundred members. Thousands of individuals with HIV/AIDS, their families, and loved ones have benefited from assistance provided by New Jersey Buddies. Affiliation with New Jersey Buddies does not imply sexual orientation or health status. All services are confidential. Located at 149 Hudson Street, Hackensack, NJ, 07601; Tel: (201) 489-2900; toll-free in New Jersey: 800-508-7577.
Stepping Stone Peer Support and Crisis Respite Center - This Claremont, New Hampshire consumer run community helps peers who have been involved with the mental health system an opportunity to move through crisis without an increase in medication, replace destructive behaviors with healthy alternatives, and form lasting relationships that offer an opportunity for continued growth. Tel: (603) 543-1388; Email: email
Another Day Ministries: Extending a Helping Hand to all Victims of Trauma - A free service outreach program founded by a former police officer and PTSD victim. The goal of Another Day Ministries is to provide assistance to all victims of trauma by way of peer support, education and empathy. They provide help to those who have suffered from mental trauma from a variety of situations including accidents, crimes, and disasters. Another Day Ministries has entered into a partnership with the Living With PTSD website to form the National Center for Police Officers with PTSD. More information is available at their website.
i2i Peer Support - An organization that specializes in harm reduction engaging people with personal experience using illicit drugs in Canada to help each other through advocacy, education, and peer counselling. Their goals are to promote the health and well-being of people who use drugs, help overcome stigma and discrimination, and promote a humane and dignified approach to drug reform law. Contact: Brian Makenzie, 25-1413 SC HWY, Gibsons, BC V0N 1V5; Tel: (604) 740-4434; email: brandnew1.hotmail.com.
Recovery Mentor Programs (Portland, Oregon) - Started in 1999, this program uses people who are in recovery from addiction disorders to work with newly sober individuals in accessing supports to maintain recovery. The program has grown from three mentors to 20 working in four Oregon counties. An independent evaluation of the program showed that mentors working with recovering heroin addicts increased the overall rate of enrollment in outpatient treatment by 96.4%. Mentored clients engaged in outpatient treatment at much higher rate than non-mentored, and completed treatment at a rate of three times the non-mentored group. Mentors now work with families, people released from corrections facilities and those with serious co-occurring disorders. Mentors are also recruited and trained to work with diverse populations including Hispanics, Native Americans, African Americans and sexual minorities. Contact: Central City Concern, 232 NW 6th Avenue, Portland, Oregon 97209; Tel: (503) 294-1681; cccadmin@centralcityconcern.org
Living Effectively with Anxiety and Fear (LEAF) Peer-Led Group CBT - These groups, available in cities around British Columbia, are for people with mild to moderate panic disorder. LEAF leaders are former anxiety sufferers who received cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) to manage their anxiety. Leaders receive a two-day training about how to conduct exposure to feared situations, how to challenge anxious thoughts, how to manage anxious feelings in the body, and how to use a 10-week program manual. Leaders receive telephone supervision from a professional clinician. Groups are limited to 12 persons and are co-led by two LEAF leaders. Topics in the sessions range from providing factual information about panic disorder, relaxed breathing techniques, and deep muscle relaxation, and as the group develops sessions on fears. Leaders always demonstrate each technique and homework is sometimes assigned that might include reading a book chapter or practicing one of the activities demonstrated. Data collected shows that LEAF successfully has reduced symptoms of panic, anxiety and associated depression. Inconsistent funding has prevented the program being offered on a regular basis. An article about the program is available at http://heretohelp.bc.ca/publications/cbt/alt/1
Bounce Back Community Coaches - This program is available in British Columbia for persons with mild to moderate depression and anxiety, and is delivered through branch offices of the Canadian Mental Health Association. The program includes two parts: a 45-minute DVD titled Living Life to the Full that provides tips and strategies for mood management including a number of cognitive behavioural skills. The second part consists of telephone coaching from paid community coaches who offer guided self-help over the phone. Coaches provide additional support to persons who are working on short-term mood improvement activities. The coaches teach new skills, help individuals stay motivated, answer questions, and monitor progress. Coaching typically includes three to five telephone sessions. The coaches are not mental health specialists and come from a variety of backgrounds including nursing, medical office assistance and social work. All coaches participate in a three-day learning session about cognitive behavioural therapy which is delivered by registered psychologists. For more information call 1.866.639.0522.
Missouri Peer Specialist - This group provides training and certification for people working with peer initiatives in the field of mental health. Their website provides a schedule of training events as well as the details regarding the purpose and content of the training and expectations for the role of the peer specialist. An application is available online as well as an examination for those who wish to qualify as Certified Missouri Peer Specialists (CMPS). The also have an excellent list of links to other peer specialist resources and national, state, and organization based activities related to peer support. Tel: (316) 978-5398; email: peer.specialist@wichita.edu
Wellness Support Network Kingston, Frontenac, Lennox and Addington (KFLA) - This organization operates on the following beliefs:
exchange is the heart of all we do and this is shown with knowledge, insight and compassion
mind and spirit issues are universal
we can draw strength, learn about these issues through each other
to reduce stigma, people are known through their values, beliefs, intentions and friendships, not through their illnesses
helping others helps yourself and this means that peers will provide programs and activities
in being open to sharing, welcoming new people and that will focus on raising the profile of peer supported outreach programs
we are open to the diverse needs of individuals and recognize that each person makes a unique contribution
we are engaged in a variety of activities that people learn by doing/participating
we are committed to respectful relationships, we celebrate and honour the dignity of all participants and do not tolerate abuse
The organization provides support for individuals, and their significant others, age 16+ who have or have had mental health and/or addiction issues, and reside in Eastern Ontario. Services include: one-on-one support, support groups, peer training, social and recreational opportunities, information, resources and advocacy. Program facilitators and volunteer peer supporters are selected through an application process, comprehensive peer support training is provided based on the model developed by Peer Resources. Contact: The Wellness Support Network KFLA has two sites: 105 Wellington Street, Kingston, Ontario K7L 3C6, Tel: (613) 549-4964; and 58 Dundas Street East, Napanee, Ontario; Tel: (613) 354-1690; email: mhunter at laacmhs.ca
National Alliance on Mental Illness - This organization is a grass-roots, advocacy group dedicated to improving the quality of life for individuals with severe mental illness and their families. They provide a peer-to-peer recovery curriculum for people with any mental illness who are interested in establishing and maintaining their wellness and recovery. The course, which is free, consists of nine two-hour units taught by a team of trained peer mentors, experienced at living well with mental illness. Topics include stigma, discrimination, relapse prevention planning, types of disorders, story telling, language, emotions, addictions, spirituality, medication, coping, relationships, empowerment, advocacy, and advance directives. Mentors also receive a week long training, and, in turn, help participants in the peer-to-peer sessions develop a relapse prevention plan to help identify clues to feelings, thoughts, behavior and events that warn of impending relapse. The curriculum focuses on mindfulness, survival skills, and working with service provides. Courses are available in 24 states in the US. (Note: Peer Resources has been contacted by individuals who believe NAMI is sponsored by drug companies and takes a medication approach to treatment. There is some skepticism expressed that NAMI is "recovery friendly.") Contact: NAMI, 2107 Wilson Blvd., Suite 300, Arlington, Virginia 22201-3042; (703) 524-7600 or (800) 950-6264
Ontario Peer Development Initiative (OPDI) - A non-profit organization funded by the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care that supports Consumer/Survivor Initiative organizations (CSI's) and affiliates, building on skills and capacities to maximize individual opportunities and be full citizens in their communities. Peer Advisors provide tailored workshops in cooperation with CSI's self-identified needs in their organizational development and capacity building. OPDI furthers networking opportunities to promote a strengthened consumer/survivor provincial voice, while working within the context of the MinistryÕs mental health reform process. Additional contact information: Shawn Lauzon, Executive Director, Ontario Peer Development Initiative, 1881 Yonge Street, Suite 614, Toronto, ON M4S 3C4; Tel: (416) 484-8785; Toll Free: 1-866-681-6661; Fax: (416) 484-9669; email.
Peer-to-Peer Resource Center -For mental health consumers and operated by the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA), which is funded by the US federal Center for Mental Health Services under SAMHSA. The Center is built on the beliefs that people can and do recover from mental illness, and that every person with a mental illness is unique and needs an individual recovery plan that meets that personÕs special needs. Their website includes a paper for download on the Medical Model versus the Recovery Model. Additional contact information: Peer-to-Peer Resource Center, 730 N. Franklin Street, Suite 501, Chicago, Illinois 60610-7224; Tel: (800) 826-3632 or (312) 642-0049; Fax (312) 642-7243
TrappedMinds.org - (Problems were noted about access to this site in May, 2009). A support and awareness community for all those effected by depressive illnesses and mood disorders. They provide live chat, user feedback, support groups, and communities. Their goal is to ease the burden of depression by helping people cope, manage, and understand. They also strive to raise awareness online about depressive and associated disorders. TrappedMinds.org is run by depression sufferers to provide a supportive community that deals with depressive illnesses the core of which is providing peer support to all groups. They are not professionals and cannot provide a substitute for health care professionals. They were founded in July 2002, and were originally dedicated to teenage depression.
Reliance House - A not for profit agency comprised of several programs serving different populations. Within one program, Goals Development and Advocacy (GDA), the target population is people who have been diagnosed with substance abuse &/or mental illness. Peer Mentor Volunteers are folk who are GDA clients who volunteer with other clients in the community, visiting group homes, doing crafts, lending telephone support or teaching computer skills, among other things. Contact: Case Manager, Reliance House, Inc., 40 Broadway, Norwich, Connecticut 06360; Tel: (860) 887-6536; email: ahers@reliancehouse.org.
Peer Connection, Inc. - A supportive listening line directed and operated by mental health consumers. On line for over ten years and funded by a Dane County grant. They provide supportive listening with open-ended questions without giving advice. Located at 2485 Perry Street, Suite 1, Madison, Wisconsin 53713.
SFV Services - The Mutual Support and Self Help Program provides peer support and professional services to people with a mental illness, their families and friends. Over the years the program has strengthened and diversified and now operates in many regions throughout Victoria (Australia). Contact: 223 McKean Street, North Fitzroy 3068, Victoria, Australia; Tel: 03 0482 4199; Fax 03 482 4871.
Peer Outreach Support Team (POST) - Peer services are delivered by trained mental health consumers and focus on advocacy, support, and socialization. POST staff typically provide services to individuals in their own homes or boarding homes where they may reside. The qualifications for becoming a member of the team include: a personal history of mental illness; ability to talk to clients about their own experience; ability to listen to the client's concerns; interest in the recovery process; tolerant of diversity; completion of Peer Advocate Training Curriculum; and knowledge of the County in which they will be working, including an ability to use of access public or private transportation. This service was created in 1987. Contact: Consumer Providers Association, 1147 North New Road, Absecon, New Jersey, 08201; Tel: (609) 272-1700; Fax: (609) 484-0123.
The Peer Specialist Program - This program trains and employs mental health consumers to become peer counselors (now called peer specialists in order to minimize liability issues). Graduates become part of the peer specialist team and work in the mental health community. The program is possibly the only one in the US where mental health consumers are employed by a managed care organization (Behavioral Healthcare, Inc.). BHI funds mental health centers in the metropolitan area of Denver, Colorado and is in the process of starting a young adult peer specialist team (aged 17-24) to work with adolescents with a mental disability. Contact: Nate Rockitter, e-mail: email; Tel: (303) 839-8590.
Belleville Freedom Support Centre - This organization develops and runs peer-based programs for consumers and family members of people involved with mental health services. They provide referrals and links to local services, peer support, visiting programs, community awareness education, specific work activities for volunteers, liaison with community agencies and hospitals, and telephone support. Contact: 350 Front Street, Belleville, Ontario K8N 5M5; Tel: (613) 969-0122; Fax: (613) 969-1850: e-mail: email.
PEER Center, Inc. - A consumer operated empowerment and drop-in center. Programs include support groups, crisis intervention, sheltered workshops, a computer lab, recreational activities, and a housing assistance program. Operated as a non-profit organization by consumers and survivors with a membership of over 1,000 consumers. Located at 4545 NW 9th Avenue, Oakland Park, Florida, 33309; Tel: (954) 202-7430; Fax: (954) 202-7866: e-mail: email
Ontario Peer Development Initiative - This organization acts as a united voice for consumer/survivor organizations in Ontario, Canada. They value the knowledge gained from experience with the mental health system and work to develop partnerships and collaboration between organizations and agencies dedicated to peer support. Contact: 1881 Yonge Street, Suite 614, Toronto, Ontario M4S 3C4; Tel: (416) 484-8785; or toll-free: (866) 681-6661; E-mail.
Compeer (Rochester, New York) - Compeer is a not for profit organization which matches community volunteers in supportive friendship relationships with children and adults receiving mental health treatment. The term compeer was created to mean a companion who is also a peer or equal-a person who knows the loneliness, failure, fear and loss of self-esteem that are universal experiences in mental illness. Their website includes sections detailing the organization, listing volunteer opportunities, sharing success stories, locating affiliates and documenting program effectiveness.
Mount St. Mary's College Student Ambassadors (Santa Monica, California) - Students at this Catholic school volunteer and are trained to work in their home communities, including their own high school, to be available to youth and act as advocates and resources for going to college as an option in their post-high school life. The students answer questions about college, encourage younger students to complete high school, help students select the right high school courses, complete financial aid forms, complete personal statements for applications, and sort through pamphlets describing different colleges. This program is funded by private donations, community organizations, and education foundations. The 46 ambassadors helped approximately 7,000 students enroll in college each year, and they typically target high school students who are not in the top five percent of their high school class. The ambassadors are expected to work with students for 12-15 hours per week in exchange for a stipend, and most continue working because they like helping others. Additional contact: Karina Oceguera, Coordinator for Student Ambassador Program, Mount St. Mary's College, 12001 Chalon Road, Los Angeles, California 90049; Tel: (213) 477-2572.
Mississippi State University Peer Counseling Program - Housed in the university's Holmes Cultural Diversity Center is directed towards increasing student retention by assisting students of color and international students in their transition to the university setting. Begun in 1986, the program now recruits upper-class students of all colors, and selection is based on grade point average, campus involvement, leadership skills and expressed interest in peer assistance. Students must submit three letters of reference and participate in an interview. Training and orientation typically takes three days, and the student participants develop their own guidelines and govern themselves as an organization within the MSU Student Association. Trained peer counselors work with anywhere between 40-45 students per year. Peer counselors sponsor social and academic success programs, and typically base these programs on university surveys of student needs and concerns. Peer counselors receive stipends and submit reports about the use of their time. Typically, the peer counselors are required to meet at least five times per month with any of their "counselees," and they meet weekly as a group. Peer counselors also engage in community service projects and attend professional development events. Former peer counselors, who have graduated continue to support current peer counselors. Contact: Holmes Cultural Diversity Center, Mississippi State University, PO Box 9503, Mississippi State, Mississippi 39762; Tel: (662) 325-2033
The University of Vermont Center for Student Ethics and Standards - This organization provides a peer mediation service (alternative dispute resolution or "ADR") as one of four programs to develop character, conscience, citizenship, civility, and individual and social responsibility for the student population. Contact: The Center for Student Ethics & Standards, Nicholson House, 41 South Prospect Street, Burlington, Vermont 05405; Tel: (802) 656-4360; email: cses@uvm.edu
Humber College Peer Tutoring Services - The Student Services Department of this college provides one-on-one assistance to students having difficulty in specific courses. Peer tutoring is offered by trained students who have achieved high grades in their courses, and the tutoring always takes place on campus. Peer tutors help with learning perspectives, study habits, and review and practice on classroom materials. Contact: Peer Services Facilitator, Student Services Department, Humber College, 205 Humber College Blvd., Toronto, Ontario, Canada M9W 5L7': Tel: 416 675 6622
Santa Clara University Peer Educator Program - Created in 1997 as an experiment in enhancing student learning, the Peer Educator Program is designed to facilitate and enrich the learning supported by undergraduate instruction. Peer educators are students who help a faculty member with the administration of a class. More specifically, the Peer Educator Program aims to (1) enhance and enrich the learning experiences of the peer educators through close collaboration with a faculty member; (2) enhance and enrich learning in undergraduate courses, especially lower-division university and school core courses; (3) contribute to the Residential Learning Community initiative to increase awareness of the close relationships between experiential and classroom learning and cultivate a frame of mind conducive to life-long learning; and (4) support faculty initiatives to develop and implement pedagogy that further other goals of the program and of the university. Contact: Santa Clara University, 500 El Camino Real, Santa Clara, California 95053: Tel: (408) 554-4000.
Oxford University Peer Support Programme - Oxford University's Peer Support Programme has been up and running since 1990, and trains and supervises approximately 190 students a year. Training is provided by qualified Peer Support Programme trainers through the Oxford University Counselling service. Peer supporters are students both graduate and undergraduate, who are committed to providing support to their peers. Additional contact: Anne W. Ford, Oxford University Peer Support Programme, 11 Wellington Square, Oxford, England OX1 2ES; email.
College of Charleston Peer Counseling - A peer support service for and by students at the College of Charleston. The service provides listening, decision-making assistance, and referrals to local services and activities. Peer counselors receive extensive training and offer assistance to other students about relationships, family problems, changing habits, roommate issues, academic pressure, and other stress issues. Contact: e-mail
Peer Support (Edmonton, Alberta) - Peer Supporters are students who are available to other students with personal, social and academic concerns. The fundamental understanding of the centre is confidentiality, coupled with supportive listening and provision of informative materials. If necessary, referrals to alternative professional services within the campus and community will be made. Peer supporters are selected by interview process and go through a weekend training session facilitated by professional counsellors. Contact: Paul Sambroyk, Peer Support, MacEwan College Student Services, 10700 - 104 Avenue, Edmonton, Alberta T5J 4S2; Tel: (780) 497-5474.
Iowa Western Community College Peer Assistance (Council Bluffs, Iowa) - Peer assistants are involved with one-on-one tutoring with individuals on a weekly basis, walk-in tutoring, academic coaching (providing support by helping students to find necessary resources, assisting with note-taking/study skills, decision making, etc.) and assisting with a community service project that will benefit a local elementary school. Contact: Stefanie Marshall.
University of Northern British Columbia Peer Mentorship Program (Prince George, British Columbia) - Peer counselling and peer mentorship is provided by carefully selected undergraduates and graduate students who receive training and ongoing supervision by professional counselling staff at the First Nations Centre. They listen and respond non-judgmentally to a variety of concerns common to other students and represent various backgrounds and diverse groups. The medicine wheel perspective to wellness and balance are integral to our unique model of service delivery. Confidentiality and anonymity are guaranteed. The Peer Support Counsellors offer telephone and drop-in hours as well as referrals for professional counselling, medical care, and other services when appropriate. Services are offered in a professional setting on campus. Contact: UNBC Peer Counsellor Advisor, Tel: (250) 960-5962; email: macdonas@unbc.ca.
Penn State College of Communications Peer Mentor Program (University Park, Pennsylvania) Experienced students partner with incoming freshman interested in majoring in one of the areas included in the College (such as journalism, telecommunications, film/video, advertising, and media studies). Contact: Alison Coe, College of Communications, 201 Carnegie Building, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802; Tel: (814) 863-1484; email: arc194@psu.edu.
Seneca College Peer Mentoring Program (Toronto, Ontario) A program supporting first year students through their transition to the college. Senior year students are recruited as peer mentors to support the new students through their transition. Contact: Angela Spiers, Counselling and Disability Services, Seneca College of Applied Arts and Technology, 1750 Finch Avenue East, Toronto, Ontario M2J 2X5; Tel: (416) 491-5050.
San Francisco City College Peer Mentoring Program (San Francisco, California) The mission of the Office of Mentoring and Service Learning (OMSL) at City College of San Francisco is to enhance student learning, promote teaching innovations and involvement, respond to community needs and foster civic responsibility and personal growth. Through their peer-mentor program, students who have overcome the challenges of a particular course and/or program act as mentors to students coming up behind them. "Faculty Sponsors" direct the activities of the mentors and act as mentors to those peer-mentors. Mentors receive 16 -18 hours of training, some of which is shared with the College tutor training program. Each peer-mentor project is managed by a faculty sponsor, who designs and implements the project. The office Coordinator oversees budget and evaluations for the projects. Mentees have better retention and success in classes and programs as well as develop personally and academically, improve study skills, communication skills and perform better in the class. Mentors develop interpersonal skills, improve content knowledge, gain access to internships and jobs in the field because of leadership experience. Contact: Christine T. Francisco, Coordinator, Mentoring and Service-Learning, City College of San Francisco, 50 Phelan Avenue, Mailbox: S-49, San Francisco, California 94112; Tel: (415) 239-3771; email: cfrancis@ccsf.edu
Göteborg University This university is in Sweden and they have developed a very comprehensive website devoted to their use of students as peer helpers within their university. Students are recruited and trained from a variety of faculties in the university. Their website is in Swedish and English.
Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences Peer Mentors (Boston, Massachusetts) Peer mentors volunteer and are selected from those students successfully completing first-year and completing a seminar on the first-year experience. Peer mentors are then assist in the delivery of the seminar and also assist with a transfer student seminar. Peer mentors are paid for their time and work a minimum of four hours per week. They also participate in a summer-based orientation program and organize activities external to the seminars. Contact: Dr. Carol Sitterly, Associate Dean of Students, MCPHS, 179 Longwood Avenue, Boston, Massachusetts 02115; Tel: (617) 732-2860; email.
Mt. San Antonio College and Los Angeles City Colleges - Research in California revealed that although 76 percent of foster youth express a desire to attend college, 67 percent do not complete this goal. The Community College Foundation, a nonprofit organization has joined community partners to address this challenge. Mt. San Antonio College and Los Angeles City Colleges have joined together to promote Campus Peer Mentoring as a core value within their community colleges. Their Campus Peer Mentoring promotes (1) higher college retention rates; (2) enhanced mental health possibilities for foster youth students; (3) expectations and responsibilities as a college student; (4) trained foster youth sophomores to mentor trained foster youth freshmen mentees; (5) an enriched start in the College environments; and (6) supportive transitions for successful life management. The pilot project was funded in part by The California Wellness Foundation and Andrus Family Fund. Contact: Berkeley Harris, MSW, ILP Manager, The Community College Foundation, Tel. (818-501-1940); FAX: (818-501-1944); Email.
Kalamazoo College First-Year Experience Peer Leaders - This small college uses peer leaders to work with first-year students and other student leaders (including Diversity Peer Educators and Peer Tutors) to address key issues such as meaninglessness and disengagement. They play a key role in retention of students in the college. They help bridge the gap between first-year students and administration/faculty by providing useful and necessary information within realistic contexts. Essentially, Peer Leaders are student resources. They fill the roles of mentor, friend, or informative source for incoming students. Because Peer Leaders are also K-College students, they have personally had many of the same questions, concerns, and problems in their process adjusting to life at K. They work full-time during orientation and on a part-time basis during the academic year. Contact: Office of Student Development, Kalamazoo College, Hicks Center, 1200 Academy Street, Kalamazoo, Michigan 49006-3295; Tel: (269) 337-5755.
Delaware Tech Peer Associates - Delaware Tech Peer Associates are trained second year students who help other students succeed. Peer Associates help students adjust to college life and support the professional counseling staff in educational related activities and programs. They facilitate educational workshops; participate in College programs (College Planning Sessions, Admissions Programs, Orientation Programs, etc.), participate in first year success classes (Mastering College Life, Adult Learner Success Strategies, Personal and Career Development, On Track (a high school "at risk" program), work with students with special needs, provide small group and one-on-one academic support (tutorial support), provide support in the Admissions Office, Career Center, Counseling Center, Registrars Office, Business Office, Financial Aid Office, write for the Peer Time Newsletter (a peer leader newsletter to students), maintain office hours in a Peer Associate Student Office on campus, facilitate cross-cultural workshops with International and American students, participate in the a number of college committees.
To become a Peer Associate, students need to (1) successfully complete two terms at Delaware Tech, (2) maintain a 3.0 G.P.A., (3) have three letters of recommendation for faculty and or staff, (4) complete a Peer Associate Application (including essay questions), and (5) have a strong desire to help other students. Peer Associates receive two formal training programs: a Summer Training Program (all day seminar facilitated by current peers) and a one-credit course entitled "Becoming a Peer Helper" (focus on listening skills, conflict resolution, ethics, confidentiality, stress management).
This is a two-year public community college of about 3500 students and there are typically 10 peer leaders. They receive a small ($300) bookstore scholarship per term for contributing 60 hours of service back to the peer program (which is about 4 hours per week). If a student is eligible for federal work-study, their peer hours are compensated through these funds and not the limited peer funds. Peers help to recruit other peers and faculty recommendations are crucial to the recruitment and selection process. Contact: Louis C. Vangieri, M.S., Counselor / Coordinator of Peer Associate Student Assistance Program, Delaware Technical & Community College - Wilmington Campus, 333 Shipley Street, Wilmington, DE 19801; Tel: (302) 571-5339.
DePaul University Peer Mentoring Program (Chicago, Illinois) This peer mentoring program, which is funded under the TRIO Student Support Services-Title IV, is designed to assist program participants in orientation and referral to the DePaul University campus and community. In addition, the peer mentors help keep track of student progress in regard to their educational plan. These activities, may range from administering and monitoring the LASSI (Learning Assisted Studies Skills Inventory), to ensuring registration in the university's Career Center as well as encouraging the participants to meet with college advisors for course selection. Peer Mentors also assist in guiding program participants in scholarship searches. As an added responsibility, Peer Mentors also work with program participants, to ensure computer literacy in regard to conducting Internet searches, e-mail, word processing and spreadsheet knowledge as well as use DePaul University's Library technology for research. Contact: Anita Rosso, Director, Student Support Services, DePaul University, 2320 N. Kenmore Ave. SAC 192, Chicago, Illinois 60614; Tel: (773) 325-4601; Fax: (773) 325-7432; email: email.
Coastal Carolina University Peer Mentoring - Peer mentors are trained through a two-day workshop and a university credit course to work with first-year students in a series of University Success Seminars. Each peer mentor is also paired with a faculty mentor. Contact: Brad Harmon, Assistant Director, Advisement and Retention, Coastal Carolina University, PO Box 261954, Conway, South Carolina 29528-6054; Tel: (843) 349-2941; e-mail: email.
Central Connecticut State University - Peer educators focus on social marketing delivered to first-year students to reduce the negative consequences of alcohol use. The Peer Educators hold meetings in residence halls and have staged other campus events to reach commuting students. Data collected over four years indicates that the Peer Educators have been able to alter studentsÕ perceptions to more closely reflect the true, lower norms. In addition, one-third of first-year students report a reduction in alcohol use. Contact: Karen Block Engwall, Prevention Specialist, CCSU, 1615 Stanley Street, New Britain, Connecticut 06053; Tel: (860) 832-1945; email: engwallk@ccsu.edu.
Florida State University - Peer leaders are trained to work with students involved in a first-year experience program. Evaluation results demonstrated positive results from both new and returning FYE instructors and peer leaders regarding the model. Contact: Thomas N. Hollins, Jr., Assistant Dean of Students / Director of First-Year Experience, FSU, A4301 University Center, Tallahassee, Florida 32306-2440; Tel: (850) 644-2428; E-mail: thollins@admin.fsu.edu.
Georgia Institute of Technology - Peer Mentors work in a Student to Student Academic Advising and Mentoring Initiative to providing support to first-year the Institute's first year experience program. The program was created by and is maintained by students in 1994. Contact: Patricia A. Kennington, Assistant Director, Success Programs, Georgia Tech, 620 Cherry St., ESM Building, Room 105, Atlanta, Georgia 30332-0252; Tel: (404) 894-1970; E-mail: pk46@prism.gatech.edu.
Miami University Residence Hall Research Ambassadors - These students are trained to provide research assistance to first-year students in their residence halls when needed. They provide research advice and connect students to university librarians for more in-depth assistance. They receive two periods of training and work eight hours per week in residence. Ambassadors always work in a team of two and are equipped with a laptop computer. Contact: Jenny Presnell, Humanities/Social Sciences Librarian, King Library, Oxford, Ohio 45056; Tel: (513) 529-3937; presnejl@muohio.edu
Millersville University Peer Mentors - Peer mentors reside with freshman in the dormitory under the direction of a faculty coordinator as part of a holistic first year experience program. Contact: Linda McDowell, Freshman Year Coordinator, Millersville, Pennsylvania 17551; Tel: (717) 871-2388; E-mail: linda.mcdowell@millersville.edu.
Bacchus and Gamma Peer Education Network - An international association of college and university based peer education programs dedicated to alcohol abuse prevention and related student health and safety issues. They address a variety of topics including college student alcohol abuse issues and programs, illicit drug use and programs, sexual health and responsibility issues and programs, HIV/AIDS prevention issues and programs, tobacco use prevention issues and programs, safety and violence prevention issues and sexual assault and rape prevention issues and programs. They provide training programs and resources and materials can be ordered directly from their web site. Contact: The BACCHUS and GAMMA Peer Education Network, PO Box 100430, Denver, Colorado 80250-0430; Tel: (303) 871-0901; Fax: (303) 871-0907; e-mail: email
Purdue University Peer Leaders in Engineering - The Department of Freshman Engineering at Purdue University offers a 16-week, 1 credit, graded course taught by either faculty members or peer leaders. In the fall of 2001, a new model was implemented on a trial basis with faculty, student affairs professionals and undergraduate peer leaders team-teaching the course. The course covered a number of topics, including learning strategies, time management, diversity, ethics and problem solving, as well as using a panel discussion with practicing engineers, current students and hands-on engineering activities. Faculty members place the strongest emphasis on the cognitive outcomes of student development, such as academic and intellectual development and that student affairs, while undergraduate peer leaders are able to bring a fresh and realistic perspective along with the ability to establish relationships with the freshmen. The ultimate goal is to include peer leaders (from an engineering student organization) in the instructional team and to offer this course model to the entire Freshman Engineering class of over 1600 students. Contact: Jennifer Donahoe, Academic Advisor, Department of Freshman Engineering, Purdue University,1286 ENAD, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907; Tel: (765) 496-6751.
Sonoma State University Peer Mentors participate in an educational mentoring team for all first-time freshmen. The program includes the Freshman Seminar, a one-semester course taught by a team of instructors (a faculty member and/or a student services professional, and a peer mentor). Contact: Suzanne Toczyski, Freshman Seminar Curriculum Committee, 1801 E. Cotati Avenue, Rohnert Park, California 94928; Tel: (707) 664-4177; E-mail: suzanne.toczyski@sonoma.edu.
State University of New York Peer Educators receive training to assist first year students through the Office of Experience-Based Education and receive college credit for their participation. Their role is to improve attitudes toward the teaching/learning process, provide an orientation to campus resources, ease adjustment and transition of students to the college environment, and foster academic self-confidence. Peer educators work with faculty from a variety of academic departments. The program has significantly improved student retention. Contact: Tracy Lewis, Preceptor Coordinator, 703 Culkin Hall, Oswego, New York 13126; Tel: (315) 312.2232; E-mail: mandel@oswego.edu.
University of Texas at Austin Peer Mentors work within the Freshman Interest Group (FIG) program to help new students integrate their social and academic experience and increase retention. The peer mentors (a staff of 150) facilitate a weekly seminar for each cluster of students. Contact: Ann Permann, FIG Assistant Coordinator, P.O. Box 7336, Austin, Texas 78713; Tel: (512) 232-3447; E-mail: apermann@mail.utexas.edu.
Simon Fraser University Peer Helping Program - University student peer helpers supervised by staff psychologists are trained to assist others who have concerns about academic performance and career development. A Mentoring Program run jointly by the Alumni Relations Office and the Counselling Service is now in operation. Peer Helpers assist students in preparing for, and debriefing, meetings with SFU Alumni Mentors.
Miami University Outreach Assistants and Diversity Peer Educators Programs - The Outreach Assistants program connects students with other students through a focus on the promotion of healthy attitudes and behaviors through improving student knowledge on topics like stress, depression, loneliness, sexual assault, eating disorders, and suicide. The Diversity Peer Educators program provides workshops promote understanding and create dialogue about multiculturalism and diversity. Both peer roles typically are available to second year students and students receive payment as student assistants. Contact Dr. Gilbert Hinga, Assistant Director, Programming and Multicultural Services, 195 Health Services Center, Miami University, Oxford, Ohio, 45056; Tel: (513) 529-4634; Fax: (513) 529-2975; e-mail: email.
Clemson University Peer Academic Coaching - A trained peer coach helps other students plan and set goals, develop a balance between academic, social and living demands, build organizational and time management skills, and provides on-going encouragement. Peer Academic Coaches are typically upperclass or graduate students. Contact: Redfern Health Center, Division of Student Affairs, Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina 29634; Tel: (864) 656-6848.
University of Maryland Peer Mentoring Program - This program has been specially designed for incoming commuter students and is called S.H.O.W. (Students Helping, Orienting, and Welcoming). Each summer, Commuter Affairs and Community Service sponsors the S.H.O.W. Program to assist incoming commuter students make a smooth and successful transition to the University. The program has several key features that make it effective with commuter students: one-on-one interactions with experienced commuter students provides flexibility in tailoring the services offered to the individual needs of the student; an opportunity for new commuter students to access information and support through continued relationships with older students; and personalized contact with their mentors as well as other S.H.O.W. participants assists incoming students form a sense of community within the university prior to the beginning of classes. Contact: ARHU Ambassador Program, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland 20742-4621; Tel: (301) 405-2096; email: email.
The University of Victoria Peer Helping Program - A university Peer Helping Program that strives to enhance the social, emotional and academic experiences of students through the involvement of trained and supervised peer helpers.
University of Manitoba Peer Advisors - The University of Manitoba Peer Advisors program is all about students helping students. The strength of the program comes from the diversity of the Peer Advisors themselves which are representative of the diversity of the students on campus. Peers are trained in active listening and communication skills to help students on campus with whatever issues they may be experiencing whether personal, academic or health related.
The University of Alberta Peer Health Education Program - The Peer Health Education program at the University of Alberta was established in 1988 to provide education by students for students on the topic of HIV and AIDS and has since expanded to include Smart Sex in the Age of AIDS, Balancing Books 'n' Booze, Birth Control That Works, and Students and Stress: How to Get Your Degree Without Losing Your Mind. The program is managed by the University Health Centre and employs 30 students from a variety of faculties on campus. They are supervised by a full-time Health Education Coordinator. The Peer Health Educators provide free presentations on the topics listed above to classes, fraternities, residence floors, and other student groups such as clubs. They also make short presentations to Department Councils to acquaint faculty with health services and how to access them. They have produced an excellent training manual which is available for sale through their website.< Email: phe@ualberta.ca Tel: (780) 492-2612.P>
The Peer Helper Program at McMaster University - Peer helpers are trained by professional staff members and provide services such as academic tutoring/writing support, personal area assistance, support for students with learning and other disabilities, career information, and job search strategy assistance.
The University of Western Ontario Peer Mentorship Program - Provides first-year students with academic and community support. First-year students are guided and nurtured during their first year and their transition to university life by experienced students and faculty in similar fields of academic interest and study. A faculty member works with a peer mentor in a group of up to five first year students.
Conestoga College Peer Services - Located in Kitchener, Ontario, this college program hires students and trains them to provide one-to-one tutoring help for students with subject specific academic difficulty. Located at 299 Doon Valley Drive, Kitchener, Ontario, N2G 4M4.
Concordia University Student Success Mentors (Montreal, Quebec) - Peer mentors receive a minimum of 45 hours of training and are knowledgeable about academic requirements and regulations, student services, and other aspects of Concordia student life. Problem-solving and active-listening are key talents of a Peer Helper - they help with information and support in making choices. Programs coordinated or facilitated by Concordia Peer Helpers include Mother Hubbard's Cupboard, a warm and welcoming, vegetarian food service, where people can meet and eat and separate discussion groups for Gay and Bi-sexual Men and Lesbian and Bi-sexual Women that provide an opportunity for students to discuss issues of mutual interest in a safe, supportive environment. Contact: dofs@alcor.concordia.ca (514) 848-2424 ext 3517
Coastal Carolina University (Conway, South Carolina) Peer mentors are recruited from the student population and typically work with first year students. Mentors complete a training workshop and then they connect with first year students in a series of Success Workshops. While there is no specific GPA requirement for mentors, they are typically have been able to demonstrate academic success (although they may have had previous difficulties), have been involved in campus organizations or leadership positions, and have an interest in working with first-year students. Contact: Brad Harmon, Assistant Director, Advisement and Retention, Prince 207, Coastal Carolina University, PO Box 261954; Conway, SC 29528; Tel: (843) 349-2941; Fax: (843) 349-2862; e-mail: email.
University of La Verne (La Verne, California) Peer Assisted Leadership. Students co-lead a U100 course for other students. Contact: Brian Morgan Armstrong, Leadership Development and Transition Program Director, University of La Verne, Office of Student Life, SRC 103, 1950 3rd Street, La Verne, CA, 91750: Tel: (909) 593-3511; e-mail: email.
Coalition of Peer Educators for Wellness - This group of peer educators come from five volunteer organizations at Louisiana State University and are based in the Student Health Center. They provide information and support for a variety of health issues including eating disorders, body image, management of alcohol, dealing wit violence, sexual health, and respect and tolerance for personal and sexual differences. Contact: Student Health Center, Infirmary Road & West Chimes, Baton Rouge, LA 70803-2401; Tel: 225/578-6271; Fax: 225/578-5655; e-mail: email.
University of Houston Peer Education - Located in The Wellness Center, this student-run group provides information about wellness issues, including healthier choices and a safer environment. Student enroll in a wellness course prior to acceptance into the peer education program. Contact: The Wellness Center, University of Houston, 35 University Center, Houston, Texas 77204; Tel: (713) 743-5455.
Wellness Peer Educators at Virginia Tech - Trained by the Health Education staff of the Shiffert Health Center, these students provide a number of interactive health and wellness education programs to other student groups, residential halls and campus community members. Some of the topics they focus on include drinking, HIV/AIDS, managing stress, safer sex, STDs and abstinence, breast, testicular, and skin cancer prevention, contraceptive choices, and nutrition for good health. Contact: Office of Health Education, 141 McComas hall, Blacksburg, VA 24061-0140: Tel: (540) 231-3070; e-mail: email.
Tyneside and Northumberland Students into Schools Project - This project places undergraduate students from the Universities of Newcastle and Northumbria into local schools. Over 70 percent of the 400 students each year choose to tutor for academic credit. Each year, 40 experienced student tutors gain further credit by managing a group of 6 new student tutors. The Project also arranges student shadowing for older pupils, provides student tutors for initiatives like study support at the local football club (Newcastle United) and is one 5 National Mentoring Pilot Projects in the UK. Contact Jim Wood, Project Manager, Joseph Cowen House, St Thomas St., Newcastle, England NE1 7RU; Tel: (0191) 222 8677; email.
University of Technology Peer Network Program
Local and international students act as peer helpers to welcome new students to the university. The peer network students are trained in communication and leadership skills. Participation in the program has increased their commitment to their university experience and as a benefit the students are able to be placed in a high priority for paid employment. Contact: Fiona Robertson, University Counselling Service, University of Technology,PO Box 123, (Broadway) Sydney, NSW, 2007 Australia; Tel: 9514 1177; Fax: 9514 1172; email.
Roger Williams University Peer Educators - Students are trained as P.E.E.R.S. (peer educators with expertise in referrals) to provide information, workshops and confidential referral services to students. The workshops they provide include adjustment to college life (College Life 101: Surviving the First Year), Stress Management, Tell Someone: Suicide Prevention, How to Handle Conflict and How to Fight Fair, How to Live with Your Parents and Survive: The Visit Home; Dealing with Losses, and Date Rape. The PEERS are trained by the the University's Center for Counseling and Student Development and are part of a team of various peer services on campus called Team CARE. Contact: Nancy Hood, PEER Program Director, Roger Williams University, One Old Ferry Road, Bristol, Rhode Island 02809-2921; Tel (401) 254-3124.
Oswego State University Peer Education Network - A variety of student groups form this Network to improve the overall social and educational experience at the university. The Network includes student athletes, peer education, career services, alcohol and drug education, sexual health issues, violence prevention, nutrition and health, and peer theater. Contact: Campus Life, SUNY Oswego, Oswego, New York 13126; Tel: (315) 341-2301.
Rutgers University Peer Counseling - There are several peer counseling groups at Rutgers University in New Brunswick (New Jersey). All are staffed primarily by undergraduate students at the University, who have received training in how to be active listeners, handle crises, and make referrals. The peer counseling groups include: 56 Place Peer Counseling and Referral Service, Gatehouse on the Douglass/Cook Campus, the Women's Support and Resource Center, and the Rutgers University Bisexual/Gay/Lesbian Outreach.
University of California at Davis Health Education and Peer Counseling - A wellness and disease/injury prevention program using confidential peer counseling services, small- or large-group education, and a variety of publications. Students are recruited as interns and must make a four quarter commitment. Several specialty areas are available for peer counselors, including sexuality (providing information on birth control, pregnancy, sexually transmitted diseases, including AIDS, relationships, sex roles, sexual orientation, and other sexual issues; acting as Health Advocates, providing information on nutrition, exercise, stress management, eating disorders, and other wellness issues, support and referral for students who have, or know someone with, a substance abuse problem; BikeRight advocates who provide information and presentations on bicycle safety, rider courtesy, helmet use, and injury prevention; and Peer Counselors in Athletics, where trained student athletes provide substance abuse prevention and other health information and education for athletes and coaches.
Buffalo State College Peer Mentor Program - The Freshman Peer Mentor Program is designed to assist freshmen in adjusting to academic demands. The program creates a freshman experience that increases the academic, cultural, and social integration of new students into the campus community. Contact: Buffalo State College, 1300 Elmwood Ave., Buffalo, NY 14222; Tel: (716) 878-4000.
New Mexico State University Tutor-Mentor Program - Mentoring and tutoring are major services provided by Student Support Services. Students are matched with a mentor and meet on a weekly basis and develop a plan of goals for the year based on their personal and academic needs. Mentors are juniors, seniors or graduate students and help participants with adjusting to college, problems with roommates and relationships, surviving the university system, using campus resources, developing study skills, applying for financial aid, exploring careers and majors, obtaining tutors, and special concerns of the older non-traditional student. All tutors are academically qualified and trained in tutoring skills. Tutoring may be done on an individual or group basis.
Native American College of Engineering Peer Mentoring Program - The Native American Program-College of Engineering recruits precollege students who are potential undergraduate majors in engineering, science, and mathematics and provides, among other services, tutoring, internships and cooperative education, peer role modeling and mentoring. Contact: Native American Program- College of Engineering, Engineering Annex, Rm. 213, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87131-1381; Tel: (505) 277-1403; Fax: (505) 277-7727.
Rice University Peer Health Education Program - Students are trained to facilitate discussions about health and wellness topics among groups of their peers. The primary topics include sexual health, nutrition, fitness, alcohol/drugs, and stress management. Student peers do not act as counselors and do not provide advice about decisions; instead they provide factual information and refer peers to professional staff for additional help. Contact: Emily Dexter Page, MS, Assistant Director, Health Education + Wellness, MS 527, Rice University, PO Box 1892, Houston, Texas 77251-1892; Tel: (713) 348-2773; Fax: (713) 348.5931; email.
The Cleveland State University Library Peer Counseling Program - Students of color in the library sciences provide a resource for students throughout the university by offering assistance in the use of electronic information sources. Specially trained peer counselors instruct library patrons in accessing information through print and electronic sources. Students who serve as peer counselors are encouraged to pursue graduate study in the information sciences and are supported in this effort. Contact: Cleveland State University, 1983 East 24th Street, Cleveland, Ohio 44115; Tel: (216) 687-2000.
University of Michigan Peer Information Counseling (PIC) - A minority student support program in the Undergraduate Library. It began in the Fall of 1985 as part of a campus-wide network of special efforts designed to recruit and retain students who could enrich the University. Staffed by several upper division students of color, PIC's purpose is to help you make effective use of the many resources provided by the University Library. Contact: Shapiro Undergraduate Library, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109-1185; Tel: (734) 764-7490
City University of New York (Baruch Campus) Helpline Peer Counseling Program -A peer counseling and referral service run by a staff of students for students. The 30 member student staff is trained and supervised by the professional counselors of the Counseling Center under the supervision of the Helpline Coordinator. The program provides support, peer counseling, information and referral services to Baruch students. Helpline also aims to improve student retention by delivering support services to key student populations (assisting with freshmen, transfer, and international student services). Three peer counselors are assigned to be in the office throughout the day and provide one to one assistance. Helpliners provide other services as needed, including the distribution of educational and mental health pamphlets, referrals to outside agencies, distribution of safer sex packets, registration assistance, participation in Freshman Orientation and assisting in the Graduation proceedings as student marshals.
Harvard University Peer Counseling and Education - Peer counseling groups are staffed by carefully selected undergraduates who receive training and ongoing supervision from the University Health Service professional staff. They listen and respond non-judgmentally to a variety of concerns common to other students and represent various backgrounds and ethnic groups. Confidentiality and anonymity are guaranteed. The groups offer telephone and drop-in hours as well as referrals for medical care, psychotherapy, and other services when appropriate. Contact: Center for Wellness and Health Communication, Holyoke Center, Harvard University; Tel: (617) 495-9629; email.
University of Central Florida Peer Educators - Stress Buddies offers a listening and referral service and also provides an assessment service where students can take a variety of profiles and discuss them with certified wellness peer consultants. They also provide workshops on a variety of health topics. Contact: Student Health Services, PO Box 163333, Orlando, Florida 32816-3333; Tel: (407) 823-5841; email.
Student Health Advocates of UCLA - Undergraduate students are trained through the Arthur Ashe Health Center on the UCLA campus to provide peer care and education in both residence halls and the wellness center.
University of Chicago Student Volunteers - The University provides an In-Touch volunteer program where students are trained to provide telephone support through a Hotline. They must successfully complete a paraprofessional volunteer training course prior to being accepted to work on the lines. Students also earn course credit. Contact: University of Illinois at Chicago Wellness Center, Student Centre East, Chicago, IL 60607; Tel: (312) 413-2120.
Paradise Valley Community College Peer Mentor Program (Phoenix, Arizona) - Peer mentors are an integral part of the First Year Experience (FYE) strategy to retain new and re-entry students and assist in their academic development and adjustment to the college environment. Peer mentors take a training course for credit and pair up with the new students for weekly meetings throughout their first year. Peer mentors must meet selection criteria based on academic performance. In-class activities include discussing the progress of the mentees and developing leadership, problem-solving, and referral skills. First year students who participated in this program showed higher degrees of satisfaction, greater understanding of courses, and perceived their courses to be more relevant to their life goals than students who did not participant in this FYE strategy. Overall the retention rate was nearly double the national average. Contact: Marianne Roccaforte, Counseling Faculty, Paradise Valley Community College, 18401 North 32nd Street, Phoenix, Arizona 85032; Tel: (602) 787-7158; email.
Williams College Peer Health - Peer Health is a student-run organization at Williams College in Wiliamstown, Massachusetts that provides the Williams community with information about health and sexuality.
Willamette College Peer Advocacy Program -Students are trained in active listening and referral skills and in areas such as academic pressures, alcohol and other drugs, cultural diversity, domestic violence, eating disorders, grief Issues, HIV/AIDS and sexuality, homesickness, relationships, room-mate conflicts and issues, sexual abuse, sexual assault, and suicide.
Ferris State University - The Prevention Resources Center is part of this Big Rapids, Michigan university and includes three peer education programs: P.A.C.E. (Promotion of Alcohol awareness through Communication and Education); A.W.A.R.E. (AIDS Will Attempt to Reach Everyone); and S.P.A.R. (Students for the Prevention of Acquaintance Rape).
Cornell University EARS - EARS - Empathy, Assistance, and Referral Service (Student Organization Directory) provides walk-in and phone-in peer counseling and referrals, counseling and communication skills training, and outreach workshops for the Cornell community.
Cornell University Orientation Peer Mentors - Students act as peer mentors to new students during a one-week orientation program and during the year, providing support, information and activities.
Gannett Clinical Peer Volunteers - Peer Educators at Cornell University meet individually with undergraduate women coming to the health center for their first pelvic exam. Peer Educators elicit personal, family, menstrual and contraceptive history to help complete health history forms and when appropriate discuss contraceptive options. Appointments are also encouraged for men, couples and graduate students interested in discussing birth control and/or sexuality issues. Peer Educators may describe a pelvic exam, self-breast and/or testicular exams or demonstrate proper use of different contraceptive methods. They also offer pertinent information about sexually transmissible diseases, assist the individual(s) with making responsible choices for birth control and disease prevention, share resource materials and answer questions, while also serving as a liaison between the client and clinician when appropriate.
HAVEN (Cornell University) - A free, telephone peer counseling program for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning Cornellians. The peer counselors have been trained to work with callers who want to talk about life issues, both joyous and painful, which have to do with sexual identity. The counselors can work with members of the Cornell community who identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender to listen and discuss concerns about coming out; about seeking support from other people, friends and family; to further explore gender and sexuality; to share information about sexually transmitted diseases; to share information and resources about psychological, surgical, and hormone therapies; to help address financial concerns; to talk about academic stresses; and to process individuals' experiences, thoughts and feelings.
Sweet Briar College Peer Mentoring - The Academic Resource Center offers a successful program where experienced students assist their peers. The Peer Mentoring program encompasses all of the services the ARC offers: from time and stress management to test-taking strategies to tutoring in English composition. Peer Mentors receive extensive mentor training and are ready to help students interested in developing strategies for success and balance in their academics. New students who take part in the program meet with the Director to choose a Peer Mentor whose particular experience and expertise best fit the student's goals. The student meets with her Peer Mentor for a one-hour session once a week. How the Peer Mentor and student spend their hour depends on the particular issues or areas the student wishes to work on (such as time management, paper outlining, presentation rehearsal). The Peer Mentors are trained to know when to refer the student to other sources when issues arise beyond their abilities. Academic Resource Center, Sweet Briar College, Sweet Briar, VA 24595; Tel: (804) 381-6278.
Horizons Project - This project, sponsored by the Population Council, focused on involving youth in the care and support of others living with HIV/AIDS. The location for this project is in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Youth were selected using specific criteria and trained in a number of skill and knowledge areas to provide HIV and AIDS education, after-school support, psychosocial support, and club-based peer activities to youth in their communities. One notable finding was the high attrition rate of the volunteers. It appears that the volunteers had difficulty maintaining their involvement without compensation and were often left to feel minimized because of the lack of support for volunteerism in this community area. Contact: Horizons, Population Council, 4301 Connecticut Avenue NW, Suite 280, Washington, DC 20008; (202) 237-9400; email: horizons@popcouncil.org
Teens for Humanity - This organizations supports peer programs, youth violence prevention, campus wide prevention education campaigns, mediation, and youth recovery outreach. They train peace leaders, peer helpers, and peer mediators. Contact: Dr. Jennica Jenkins, 2350 Sunset Blvd 170-241, Rocklin, California 95765; Tel: (916) 747-3799; email: jennica@teensforhumanity.org
World Corps Kenya Rural Youth Mentoring Program (Nairobi, Kenya) - This program is aimed at challenging set attitudes on issues concerning business entrepreneurship, community leadership and global citizenship. The mentoring program is aimed at promoting awareness of the world outside a young person's immediate community. It is aimed at stirring young people into action through challenging their attitudes and mind sets. From their past and present projects, World Corps realized that the youth, and especially those from rural areas, are very poor business entrepreneurs, do not participate in the community leadership, are not involved in decision making processes in their communities, and have negative attitudes toward being global citizens. They have a preference for white collar jobs rather than the blue collar jobs that are available to them, thereby leading to an increase in rural-urban migration. They often lack start up capital for their business ideas, and for the few who do manage to come up with the capital there is much business duplication which means plenty of competition and losses. This is a peer to peer mentoring program where the youth (international and Kenyan rural youth) mentor each other. The program is carried out in a rural community in Kenya. Applications from willing participants are received and vetted and include youth in rural communities as well as international youth who matched according to their interests. Training involves outdoor activities such as team building, hiking, and profiling youth business opportunities within the host communities for both the mentees and mentors. The program is managed by World Corps and coordinated by two of its staff members who recruit, train, monitor and evaluate the peer mentors and mentees. The anticipated outcomes include: youth developing a sense of responsibility within the community towards business entrepreneurship, global citizenship and community leadership; youth developing a proactive attitude especially towards participation in development; youth learning through experience sharing and imparting the necessary skills to enable them to contribute to the sustainable management of development initiatives and the utilization of their scarce resources and fragile environmental resources. The international youth shall pay 400 US Dollars per month. The fee is exclusive of international transport, insurance, visa fee and pocket money. It will be used to cover transport to the site, accommodation and meals. Transport within the site shall be the responsibility of the participant. Contact: Cecilia Mueni, Project Manager, World Corps Kenya, P.O. Box 21428, Nairobi 00505; Tel: +254 20 2718398; email: mueni@worldcorps.or.ke
Partners for Youth with Disabilities Peer Leadership Programs provides opportunities for young adults with disabilities to develop leadership and job readiness skills through involvement in group mentoring and after school community service. Contact: Regina Snowden, Founder and Executive Director, 95 Berkeley Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02116; Tel: (617) 556-4075.
Just Friends (Omaha, Nebraska) In operation for more than 23 years, this program provides one-to-one matches between teens (aged 13-18) and teens with developmental disabilities. Matches last for at least a year and often go beyond the one-year commitment. Contact: Annie Anderson, email: aanderson@olliewebb.org.
Youth Assisting Youth (Toronto, Ontario) A community-based program that matches youth volunteers, aged 16-29 in a one-to-one relationship with at risk children aged 6-15. Since 1976, YAY's unique service has served over 10,000 children and youth. The success rate of the program is 98 percent (only 2 percent of past clients come into conflict with the law again). YAY was named the 2001 Winner of the Ruth Atkinson Hindmarsh Award for a charitable organization that makes the greatest difference in life prospects of children at-risk.
A study done in cooperation with the Ontario Probation and Community Services concluded, "Youth Assisting Youth has been cost-effective in keeping children out of the criminal justice system." The estimated cost of retaining a juvenile in the justice system for a year is between $119,000 and $135,00. The cost of maintaining a YAY Peer Mentoring match for a year is $1,600. There is no fee to participate in YAY programs.
Children are referred to YAY from community resources such as schools, social workers, doctors, community groups and child protection agencies. A home assessment is completed for each referral received to determine the needs of the child and family in order to find an appropriate volunteer. Youth volunteers are recruited from high schools, colleges, universities, churches and the work place. After an initial application, orientation and training sessions are held. An in-depth interview by a Match Coordinator, followed by thorough reference and police checks complete the application process. Matches are made according to common interests, needs and geographic location. When a suitable volunteer is found for a child, arrangements are made for the child, family and volunteer to meet. The match continues with monthly supervision by Coordinators and the Parent Support Worker. Consultations with other agencies and professionals are arranged when necessary.
The program provides on-going support for the volunteers and the parents of children involved in the program. Through regular contact, the Match Coordinator and the Parent Support Worker help resolve issues that affect the youth/child match. Workshops on issues such as self-esteem, drug awareness, parenting, multiculturalism and child abuse provide important information for volunteers and parents. Contact: Robert Pierre Tomas, Development Officer, Youth Assisting Youth, 1992 Yonge Street, Suite 300, Toronto, Ontario M4S 1Z7; Tel: (416) 932-1919; email.
AIDS Prevention Peer Leadership Experience (APPLE) - A group of teens trained to spread the message of prevention and sensitivity concerning HIV/AIDS. APPLE Peer Educators travel to schools and community groups where they host interactive educational activities for teens and other community members. Contact: APPLE, 6 British American Blvd., Latham, New York 12188; Tel: (518) 786-8513.
IslandKidz - One of the principles of an effective peer education program is to train peers to deal with the issues that are relevant to their peers and to deliver the peer services when and where they will most likely have the greatest impact. One such program has been developed by IslandKidz, a group of volunteers from the Vancouver Island (British Columbia) electronic music culture who are screened and trained to work in an information booth at raves and other music events. They provide displays and distribute flyers containing health and safety information, free condoms, candy and earplugs and glo-in-the-dark bracelets for sale by donation. They also have created a "Vibe Patrol" where trained volunteers wander around an event with fresh water, candy and a positive attitude looking for people who may need some extra attention. Probably the most unique aspect of their peer service is pill screening where other rave participants can have substances analyzed to check for "adulterants."
The IslandKidz group does not promote drug use or claim that the type of drugs taken at raves are safe. Instead their goal is to maximize harm reduction and increase music event safety. They recognize that gaining the confidence and respect from rave participants is crucial to their success and both rave promoters and the local police have been supportive of their highly successful efforts. email.
Connect with adults who care and can offer resources to assist you. This should include your Peer Ministry leader.
Be available. Let people know you are available.
Let people express their thoughts and feelings. Help them name their feelings.
DonÕt hesitate to offer to sum up what is said in prayer. People need to connect to the ultimate hope in life.
Ask, ÒAre you okay.Ó Followed by, ÒIf you werenÕt would tell me? Let me know if you would like to talk.Ó
Watch for people who seem to be deeply affected, possibly depressed, by this news.
If people have a history of suicidal thoughts check in with them. Make or confirm any verbal contracts with people. ÒIf you start having thoughts of harming yourself I want you to promise that you will call me right away.Ó
Leaders may want to call parents of youth who have suicidal thoughts and encourage them to be proactive in talking with their children and checking in.
Listen for those who joke or make light of a tragedy. It is never okay to joke about hurting another or oneself. This information needs to go to a trusted adult who knows how to get help. This may mean calling the local police or dialing 911.
Encourage those who seem to be deeply affected, possibly depressed, to maintain and work at healthy behaviors such as plenty of sleep, eating healthy foods, drinking water, and maintaining healthy contact with friends and family.
Peer Ministry Groups
Media and others need to see the positive things that kids can do in the midst of negative teen images.
Organize an open worship service led by Peer Ministers, where youth can gather, sing, pray and talk as needed.
If you have arranged with schools to be a part of their grief teams, call and offer to organize and help coach your Peer Ministry leaders.
Use Peer Ministers this Sunday to lead in prayers with the congregation.
Meet together to help take care of your own thoughts, and wellness.
Families
Light a candle tonight and share in prayers for youth.
Nishnawbe Aski Nation Peer Helping Program - This prevention oriented program started by training a number of First Nation peer trainers who, in turn, returned to their communities and trained First Nation youth to act as peer helpers to other youth in the community. The emphasis is on preventing harmful influences and destructive factors by empowering youth with the necessary tools and life skills to deal with difficult issues. The trainers have all achieved Level I National Certification and receive ongoing support. Several other additional groups have been involved including Moose Cree First Nation, Attawapiksat First Nation, Sandy Lake First Nation, and Kashechewan First NationContact: Ms. Christine Mackay, Peer Program Coordinator and Level I Certified Peer Trainer, Nishnawbe Aski Nation, R.R. 4, Site 7, Comp. 168, Thunder Bay, Ontario, P7C 4Z2; Tel: (807) 623-8228; Toll Free:(800) 465-9952; email.
Ability Online - A Canadian e-mail system that connects young people with disabilities or chronic illness to disabled and non-disabled peers. The network helps to remove barriers associated with a disability or illness by providing opportunities to form friendships, build self-confidence, exchange information, and share hope and encouragement through email messages. The network also provides disabled youngsters and their families with up-to-date information on medical treatments, educational strategies and employment opportunities through peer support. Contact: Ability Online Support Network, 104-1120 Finch Avenue West, Toronto, Ontario M3J 3H7; Tel: (416) 650-6207; Fax (416) 650-5073; email.
The Last Door Youth Program - A long-term, residential, therapeutic community for male youth focusing on changing attitudes, values and beliefs that underlie unproductive behaviours and delivered in conjunction with 12 Step philosophy. The program includes professional treatment staff and trained peer counsellors. Contact: Executive Director, Last Door, 109 Ash Street, New Westminster, BC, V3M 3M2; Tel: (604) 520-3587; Fax: (604) 521-1889.
Youth Mentors of Opaskwayak Cree Nation - These peer mentors, ages 18-24, are Aboriginal and all high school graduates. They take Youth Mentor Training on their reserve. The goal of the training is to enable them to act as youth counsellors for the newly built Youth Wilderness Camp. Some of the year-round classes being taught are: traditional spirituality/medicines/foods, Cree language, leadership, coaching, personal growth, counselling, and mentoring. They can be contacted at the Youth Mentor Training Program, Opaskwayak Cree Nation, P.O. Box 1000, The Pas, Manitoba, R9A 1L1.
Responsible Attitudes toward Pregnancy Prevention (RAPP) Peer Leaders - RAPP Peer Leaders serve as resources for a teen pregnancy prevention program that is abstinence based but comprehensive in scope. It is a collaborative effort between Hospital Obstetrical Nurses and local school systems who have adopted a 20 lesson curriculum into their existing health programs for high school freshman and sophomores. Peer Leaders receive a two-day, overnight training for the program, and they are upperclass students, who provide referral, can answer questions related to sexuality, do community outreach and awareness in regard to teen pregnancy and prevention, and can present workshops and conference talks to teens and parents on topics such as birth control options, sexually transmitted diseases, communication and decision making skills. Contact: Cindy Guilbeault, RAPP Program Director, St. Luke's Hospital/Southcoast Hospitals Group, 101 Page Street, New Bedford, MA 02740; Tel: (508)961-5759; Fax: (508)-961-5661; email.
Young Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual Peer Support Project - Provides peer support services for lesbian, gay and bisexual young people in Greater Manchester (United Kingdom). All services are run by trained Peer Supporters aged 14-25. Services include: Youthline, Peer Support By Post and email, a Study Club, the Peer Pleasure Magazine, Web Site, residentials and training for Peer Supporters. Contact: Sara Buck, PO Box 153, Manchester M60 1LP, UK.
National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children - Supports the development of peer schemes in schools in order to provide confidential opportunities for children to discuss their worries and concerns, including bullying, harassment, stresses at home and school, and problems with friendships and relationships. Contact: Sheila Davies, Programme Co-ordinator, NSPCC, 42 Curtain Road, London EC2A 3NH, United Kingdom; Tel: 020 7825 2761; Fax: 020 7825 2965; email.
Starbright World -A private, interactive computer network where hospitalized kids from across the USA can interact with a community of their peers, helping each other cope with the day-to-day realities of living with illness. This service, endorsed by Steven Spielberg and Norman Schwartzkopf, is available in hospitals across the US.
Aaron Steinke - Program leader for the Peer Support for Adolescents with Chronic Health Problems (CHIPS) in Australia.
Teen Talk Pregnancy Prevention Project - Partly as a result of the recent Out-of-the-Mainstream Peer Trainer Training which took place in Winnipeg, a set of four workshops for teen peer helpers has been established by Kristine Barr of the Teen Talk Project at Klinic Community Health Centre. Youth receive a week-long training workshop during the summer months. Each workshop is focused on helping youth develop tools to dispel myths and misinformation surrounding birth control and teenage pregnancy. The peer trainings attract youth from schools around Winnipeg, some of whom have already been trained as peer helpers. The Teen Talk Project leaders provide on-going support in the form of monthly meetings during the year. Contact information: Klinic Community Health Centre, 870 Portage Avenue, Winnipeg, MB, R3G 0P1; Tel: (204) 784-4010; Fax: (204) 772-7998.
The Lesbian Gay Bi Youth Line - A toll-free province-wide peer support and information phone line for lesbian, gay and bisexual youth up to the age of 26 in Ontario, Canada and run by youth. They provide non-judgmental, confidential peer support through listening and can help callers contact appropriate referrals. Tel: 1-800-268-YOUTH or 1-416-962-YOUTH.
The Centre for Adolescent Health - Located in Australia, this organization has one of the top peer-based support programs for adolescents with a variety of chronic health problems. Youth run the service and provide peer training to other youth.
Kids Help Line Peer Program - Provides a peer training program for youth in various regions in Australia. Typically delivered as a two-day workshop where youth gain information about peer listening and responding skills, a safe, constructive environment in which young people can practice these skills; a framework for problem solving (the POOCH model) which can be developed to suit participant’s helping situations; increased awareness of their own strengths and limitations; the creation of strategies for how to care for themselves within peer helping situations; knowledge about professional and helping resources and services available in their local area; and to know how to effectively access these services.
Micah Inc - An Australian organization that sponsors a Young Mothers for Young Women Network that provides peer support, peer education, and advocacy. Members of the Network are young women who wish to share their experiences and support others who are pregnant, parenting, experiencing violence and isolation. A drop-in centre is staffed by young parenting women who have been trained in peer support.
Childrens Hospital of New Mexico Child Life Program - A hospital chat system that provides hospitalized children to communicate via the Internet with their peers at a local school. Contact Information: University Hospital, 2211 Lomas Boulevard NE, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87106; Tel: 505-272-2111.
Because I Love You (BILY) Peer Support - Helps parents with children of all ages who have behavioural problems. A peer to peer connection with parents who have had similar family problems. Parents provide group support and share techniques for making positive changes. (Does not include tough love, throwing kids on the street, physical or verbal abuse.) Provides referral to other sources including professional and non-professional assistance. Located at PO Box 473, Santa Monica, California, 90406 with chapters in various cities. Call (310) 659-5289; fax: (213) 585-4762. email.
California Friday Night Live - An innovative program for teens emphasizing alcohol-free and substance abuse prevention, mentoring, and peer support.
Power Camp - An empowering experience for young women based on the principles of peer helping. Includes an e-zine and other information. Contact information: Power Camp, P.O. Box 20282, Ottawa, Ontario, K1N 1A3; Tel: 613.562.9629; Fax: 613.562.2291.
National Teen Courts of America - Peer court, also known as teen court, is a sentencing court for youths who have committed an offense. Peer courts mostly deal with first-time offenders. The teenager who has committed an offense pleads guilty to the charge in juvenile court and, in return (with the court's permission), agrees to abide by the terms of a sentence to be set forth by other teenagers of the same age. A key component to peer court is that the offender must sit in on one or more future peer juries to determine a sentence for other offenders.
School No. 426 Teen Court - Established in November, 2004, in East Baltimore's Lake Clifton High School complex, this student court has handled about two dozen trials, including one involving two students who fought during an assembly attended by several Ravens players, an incident that deeply embarrassed the school. Considerable responsibility for school discipline has been shifted to the student court and suspensions have seen a significant drop. The issue of guilt or innocence was not at issue. For the students who act as judge and jury, the goal in these cases is to get a full account of the defendant's offense and decide on an appropriate penalty, such as an apology or community service. The court takes into account circumstances surrounding the offense and notes whether the student is sorry. Another student acts to represent the student defendants. Students in the school's Emerging Leaders law program operate the court, and one of the signs of their success is that few of the students they've penalized have been brought back for new violations. Defendants submit to the court's authority to avoid being suspended or expelled from school and earning a bad mark on their academic record. So far, about a quarter of the court's cases have been filed by students against other students - in those cases, the question of who is at fault is decided by the administration - and the rest have been initiated by teachers or the principal. Students are not permitted to bring cases against teachers. (See also http://www.clrep.org/default.asp?page_name=teencourt)
Teen Court of San Joaguin County (California)students expelled from school in the Manteca Unified School District have the opportunity to plead their case to a true jury of their peers in a Teen Court program designed by the San Joaquin County Office of Education in a partnership with the San Joaquin Superior Court. To participate in the program, students must first admit what they have done what they are accused of. The student is given the opportunity to state their side of the story. The volunteer jury is then given the opportunity to ask whatever questions they might have before retiring to a private room to deliberate the case. The jury can assign community service hours, write an essay, attend anger management or other counseling. Students in the program are also assigned an adult mentor, whose job is to help them complete the requirements of the court. Teens serve in all functions of court, including court clerk and bailiff, swearing in the participants and keeping records of the proceedings. A juvenile court judge presides over the hearing. For more information about the program, contact Thomas Reeves at (209) 468-9182.
Flathead County, Montana Peer Court - A Peer Court system where teens are involved as judges, jury members, prosecutors and defense advocates. Youth appearing before the court typically become more responsible and accept the consequences of their acts as well as heal themselves and their community relationships through interacting with their peers. Contact: Kelly Russell, Flathead County Peer Court, 50 Second Street East, Suite 130, Kalispell, Montana 59901; Tel: (406) 257-7400; Fax: (406) 257-7494.
Oregon Peer Court - This site describes Oregon's Peer Court system and offers information on starting such a court in your community.
Surrey Peer Issue Training for Young People (S.P.I.T.) - This peer program, based in Great Britain, recruits young people, aged 16-25, to act as peer educators. Founded in 1985, SPIT is a voluntary organization which receives support from statutory and voluntary agencies in Surrey (England). Young people take a course, provided in a retreat setting where they learn basic skills to talk to other young people about health and social issues and encourage them to make informed choices. They apply these skills as fieldwork and many of the young people continue on to run the organization. Contact information: PO Box 569, Guildford, GU1 IGZ, Surrey, England.
STRonG Peer Education Project - Based in Great Britain this organization provides a website with tips for managers, workers, and young people involved in peer education. They provide examples of good (and bad) practice about peer education as well as recommended resources and archives of the STRonG peer education project. The project focuses on issues such as drug awareness and teen pregnancy.
Minnesota Smoking Prevention Program - This program emphasizes peer leadership to facilitate many classroom activities and allows students to experience social support for resisting opportunities to use tobacco. The curriculum focuses on the social and psychological factors that encourage youth to initiate the use of tobacco or marijuana. In this six-session classroom curriculum, youth examine the major reasons they might begin using, such as peer pressure, advertising, and a lack of self-confidence. They then learn the skills needed to effectively resist those influences. For more information on the project, contact Hazelden Informational and Educational Services: Tel: (800) 328-9000 or (617) 257-1331, or the Hazelden web site at http://www.hazelden.org.
Youth Tobacco Coalition - This Ontario, Canada-based coalition recruits and engages youth, 15-18 years old, smokers, non-smokers and former smokers to take a lead role as peer educators in reducing the tobacco epidemic in their own communities. The goal is that children under 12 years of age will be smoke-free by 2013. Contact: Tel: (416) 737-4091; Fax: (416) 214-2043; emal: info@ytc.ca.
Midwestern Prevention Project (Project Star) - Project STAR is a comprehensive, community-based, multi-faceted program for adolescent drug abuse prevention. It involves an extended period of programming. Although initiated in school setting, the program goes beyond this setting into the family and community contexts. Active social learning techniques such as modeling, role playing, and discussion, and student peer leaders assisting teachers are used in the school program, along with homework assignments designed to involve family members. For general information on the curriculum, contact: Karen Bernstein, Project Manager, Institute for Prevention Research, Division of Preventive Medicine, University of Southern California, USC Norris Cancer Center, 141 East Lake Ave., MS-44, Los Angeles, CA 90033-0800; Tel: (323) 865-0325; Fax: (323) 865-0134.
Project Northland - A community-wide intervention that focuses exclusively on stopping teenage drinking before it begins. Project Northland integrates classroom activities, parent involvement, peer leadership, and community activities to engage kids in a wide range of field-tested prevention techniques. The program (a) targets children in grades 6-8 with an age-specific, multifaceted, interactive curriculum of text, audio cassettes, comic books, and posters that help students abstain from drinking; (b) gives students the skills and insights to avoid the people, situations, and attitudes that foster alcohol use; and (c) is a research-based curriculum that was shown to delay the age at which young people begin drinking, reduce alcohol consumption in those who have already tried drinking, and limit alcohol-related problems. For more information on the project, contact Hazelden Informational and Educational Services: Tel: (800) 328-9000 or (617) 257-1331, or the Hazelden web site at http://www.hazelden.org.
Lusaka, Zambia Peer Counselling Program - Young people receive two weeks of training to provide counselling on pregnancy, sexually transmitted diseases, substance use, financial matters, and communication with partners. After training, the peer counsellors provide listening and condoms to other young people who come to a clinic for them and the peer counsellors serve as a link between the young person and clinic staff. As a result, the clinic has experienced a significant increase in attendance. For more information: Joint United National Programmes on HIV/AIDS, 20 avenue Appia, 1211 Geneva 27, Switzerland; email.
Bulgaria - The United Nations Theme Group on HIV/AIDS in Bulgaria is working with eight NGOs to train young people to provide HIV/AIDS information to their peers as a part of the Touching Reality Project. Young people from a variety of groups including the Red Cross, gypsies, the Turkish minority, men-who-have-sex-with-men, the army, school-going students, and injecting drug users have been enlisted to develop and produce materials from a youth perspective. Contact: Michael Hahn, UNAIDS InterCountry Programme Adviser. Phone: +359.2.974.3419. Fax: +359.2.974.3089; email
Lithuania - Youth Line is a 24-hour hotline that provides information and over-the-phone counselling to the psychological, medical and social issues faced by callers. A main tenet of the hotlineÕs philosophy is to provide a confidential and anonymous service for young people to discuss their personal problems with other young people. As a part of the Youth Psychological Aid Centre, they have over 100 trained volunteers. Contact: Youth Psychological Aid Centre. Phone: +370.2.614.715; Fax: +370.2.614.739.
Russian Federation - Médecins Sans Frontières (Holland) is active in a Harm Reduction Project in the Russian Federation. They employ young people to make direct contact with drug users to make their prevention messages most effective and to best understand their needs. Half of the young peer educators have been drug users in the past and as such, gain the trust and confidence of their target population. Contact: Alec Khatchatrian. Phone: +7.095.925.3383; email.
Ukraine - UNICEF is working with the Ministry of Health to establish youth friendly health clinics in Kiev and Odessa. The clinics provide counselling and practical help on reproductive health issues, including testing, treatment of sexually-transmitted infections (STIs), and access to HIV prevention and contraception devices. Located in already-existing health-care facilities, the clinics are staffed by youth volunteers to provide peer-to-peer counselling and support, are free or low-priced, and are open to all young people including street children and drug users. Contact: Alla Soloviova, UNICEF Kiev. Phone: +380.44.293.9363; Fax: +380.44.293.2607; /A>.
Bangladesh - The AIDS Awareness Foundation (AAF) and Paricharjaa (an NGO working with college students) Ð have worked to sensitize both students and teachers in the capitalÕs colleges and university to HIV/AIDS. Young people in Dhaka have been involved in organizing advocacy meetings and discussion sessions. Most importantly, they have been trained to become peer educators, in order to impart information on STD/HIV/AIDS and to provide peer counselling. Source: Force for Change.
Belize - The National AIDS Task Force has established a core of teams in each district town to take on the responsibility of providing and overseeing an active targeted peer education program on issues related to HIV/AIDS prevention and intervention. The teams of young people reached their peers in schools and outside schools through neighbourhoods, churches, youth groups, and families. District level health providers, school teachers, social workers, youth leaders and youth organizations all took part in the planning and implementation of the project. The success of the program led to increased technical and financial support, which has allowed expansion in 1999.Source: Force for Change. See also PeaceCorner
Brazil - UNICEF has been working with other partners to open a direct channel of communication between young people and key politicians in government. Through an open consultation process, young people throughout the country are defining what type of future they want for their country Ð this includes lessening their vulnerability to AIDS and reducing violence. The results of the consultation will be formally communicated to the President and all elected officials in government. Source: Force for Change.
Cuba - Government officials responsible for HIV/AIDS have involved young people in the development of their national response plan. In view of their ability to reach their peers, young people also took part in various education campaigns both during the school year and during the summer of 1998 within the movement of Schools for Health.Source: Force for Change.
Ghana - The Salvation Army played a central role in promoting the genuine involvement of young people in the creation of numerous projects. The Healthy Boys and Girls Clubs provided an information exchange forum for young people on subjects such as HIV/AIDS/STD and sex education. Mobile youth STD/HIV/AIDS clinics provided treatment, health education, and counselling to young people. A Youth Drama Team performed several times at Youth Rallies and other such events, initiating discussions on abstinence and safer sex practices. In an innovative approach, small group discussions (called "Community Conversations") brought together young people to discuss issues such as HIV/AIDS and those behavioural and cultural practices that increase risk. The Youth Development Foundation likewise assisted in informing and educating adolescents on sexual and reproductive health issues through the involvement of peer educators, church leaders, youth organizations, the national Ministry of Health, the Department of Social Welfare, the National Youth Council and the Ghana Education Service. Their advice to anyone planning similar activities is to make sure to include young people in the planning stages in order to respond as closely as possible to their expectations and needs. Many of these activities continue long-term. Source: Force for Change.
Guatemala - The government provided 16 capacity-building workshops with 12 institutions in the country in order to prepare young leaders to take on HIV/AIDS issues in their work, and especially to educate their peers. The workshops produced educational material geared specifically at young people, and developed didactic material for future workshops. Source: Force for Change.
Jordan - The National AIDS Programme trained young people to counsel those infected by HIV/AIDS, to support affected families, and to clarify misinformation on the routes of transmission. Source: Force for Change.
Madagascar - UNFPA has been active in training young people as peer educators and counsellors in the provision of youth-friendly health services. The project serves as a basis for a further assessment of the reproductive health services for the young Malagasy. Source: Force for Change.
Mali - Neighbourhood peer educators is a program run by Bocana Haida of Programme des Adolescents (PRADO). Girls and boys trained in counseling and other educational activities help promote contraceptive use among their peers. The program trains two or three young people in each neighborhood it serves to become peer educators. These educators are 10 to 20 years old, and of the 65 trained so far, two-thirds are females. Source: Network: Adolescent Reproductive Health
Myanmar - UNICEF and the Red Cross have already developed an HIV/AIDS curriculum to help teachers and peer educators train young people on decision-making, communication and negotiation skills in schools. In three years, the project has trained over 17,000 young people in almost 70 townships and benefited over 80,000 young people. Source: Force for Change.
Peru - The Ministries of Health and Education worked with parents and community organizations to train over 650 young people as peer educators. These young people reached over 10,000 other young people to provide them with information on sexuality, responsibility, decision-making challenges, and HIV/AIDS. The trained educators now serve as peer counsellors to their fellow students who experience social and emotional difficulties at home or at school. Source: Force for Change.
Seychelles - The Ministry of Health, UNFPA and WHO jointly organized the first training of peer educators in the country. The Ministry of Health also organized a televised debate on Planning for the future in a world with AIDS. This involved twenty-five young people, a nurse, a priest, the National AIDS Programme Manager and a member of the national AIDS support NGO; it aimed at showing young people the importance of their role in programme development and in the promotion of safer sex messages. On World AIDS Day, the Ministry distributed pins, posters and stickers to all school-going students. Source: Force for Change.
South Korea - The Korea Youth Counseling Institute was established in 1994 and has created a number of peer programs along with instructional materials. They have trained more than 3000 leaders, including school teachers, professional counselors, and pastors) and more than 20,000 peer counselors (helpers). They also hold a yearly national conference and peer leader training workshop. Contact: Rho Sung Durk, e-mail: email.
Women's Enterprise Centre Peer Mentoring Service (British Columbia) This program provides women with opportunities to participate in facilitated and structured discussions in order to address complex business challenges, develop strategies, and find solutions. Group size is maintained at no more than six participants. Confidentiality is required. Expectations are clearly defined and guidelines are provided as to the process and outcomes for each meeting. Groups have been established in five major locations in the Province of British Columbia. In 2005 a fee of $125.00 was stated as required for eight sessions. Contact: Dawn McCooey, Tel: (800) 643.7014.
City of Toronto (Toronto, Canada) Mentoring is a key element of strategic learning programs in this organization and the emphasis is on peer learning interactions. All employees are eligible to apply and selection is based on demonstrated qualities of self-directedness and commitment to learning through experience. Peer mentors meet in groups of 8-10 after completing an initial one-day training. They choose their own focus topics, typically meet monthly, and rotate facilitation roles within the group. Evaluations show that new skills and learnings are transferred to each participants work group area as a result of these meetings. Contact: Sue Baird Shatzky, Human Resources, City of Toronto, 55 John Street, 5th Floor, Toronto, Ontario M5V 3C6.
Communitech (Waterloo, Ontario) A technology association covering the Kitchener, Waterloo, Cambridge and Guelph area that has 110 members and acts as a voice for technology companies in that region. Mentoring activities take the form of four peer-to-peer groups, for CEOs, CFOs, senior marketing executives and executive assistants. Once a month, members of the various groups get together to discuss a pre-set topic of interest and to share ideas. Group members are able to share experiences and find solutions to problems in a closed-door atmosphere. Contact: RDM Corporation, 4-608 Weber Street North, Waterloo, Ontario, N2V 1K4; Tel: (519) 746-8483; Fax: (519)746-3317.
Peer Coaching Rey Carr coaches group to articulate their goals
Chicago CTO Roundtable Peer Mentoring Group Established to meet monthly for the most senior technology officer plus one other person from each of several companies in the Chicago area. Contact: Jon Adams at email
New York City CTO Club An invitation only group consisting of approximately 30 chief technology specialists that meets once a month to provide peer mentoring to each other. Contact: Igor Shindel.
CTO Technology Leadership Council A national organization established to provide Technology Executives with high quality peer group forums. Forum meetings occur each month for members to share and discuss business and technology interests. This members only group currently has chapters in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Boston and New York/New Jersey. Contact Mike Toma at email.
Safey Resource Employee Support Group
This group provides a bridge between employees with problems and a solution. The solution can be the EFAP (Employee & family Assistance) or AADAC (Alberta Alcohol & Drug Addictions Centre). They provide confidential assistance to workers before they are involved in the disciplinary system. The group currently has 8 members and all have received training on how to identify signs/symptoms of dependency problems, how to deal with performance issues caused by dependencies, and how to intervene and approach someone who is displaying signs/symptoms. Group members are typically in recovery themselves and must be clean and sober for a minimum of 1 year. Members are also recruited from those employees are genuinely interested in helping and who have or are living with an immediate family member who is or was suffering. Contact: Rod Rutberg, Weyerhaeuser, Postal Bag 1020, Grande Priairie, Alberta, T8V 3A9; Tel: (780)539-8731; Fax (780)539-8039.
BC Human Resources Management Association Buddy Program (Vancouver, BC) - Although this Buddy Program is only open to members of the Association its goal is to help smooth the way for peers through coaching and peer support. Pairs, typically made up of an experienced HR professional and a new person in HR, meet for five months. While the more experienced person can help set the stage and structure, both persons are equally responsible for active communication and initiative roles. To participate, members must attend an orientation meeting, set mutual goals for the relationship, meet in-person for a least a month, maintain phone and e-mail contact at least twice a month, commit between 2-4 hours a month for time with each other, and complete a survey at the end of the five-month period. For further information, contact Val Middleton at (604) 926-2987 or email
Technical Peer Mentoring - A system originally developed for Microsoft engineers in 1991 to help them learn how to help each other through communication skills. Now provided as a fast-paced learning workshop where employees learn practical skills on how to solve problems, share knowledge, build relationships, and manage your own workload while helping others. Contact: Steve Trautman, 4232 Meridian Avenue North, Seattle, Washington, 98103; Tel: 206.547.1775; Fax: 206.633.4418; email
TSSSSS - Ce site comprend 3 parties: 1) Des ressources et liens traitant de PAE; 2) Des ressources caractre psycho-social; 3) Mes travaux de recherche de Matrise en Travail Social portant surtout sur le concept de Pairs Aidants. E-mail: Doris Lavoie, 79 des Bouleaux, Gatineau, Quebec, J8R 2L4.
Thunder Bay Injured Workers Support Group - Injured workers having a difficult time coping with their injuries and job loss are assisted by peer helpers following a workplace injury and during the recovery process. Tel: (807) 622-8897
IMPACT Peer Counseling - An Illinois-based service which matches a person with a disability who is seeking to come to grips with living life with a disability with a person who has a similar disability for purposes of sharing experiences, knowledge or skills. IMPACT service staff consists entirely of people with disabilities who know exactly what it's like to feel isolated, depressed and alienated. Very often peers with similar disabilities who "have been there" can help individuals seeking a more independent lifestyle come to grips with their disability and develop the necessary skills to cope with and manage life with a disability. Services are typically provided at the IMPACT office. In situations where an individual cannot get to the office, home visits are possible. The services are provided to help support individuals who are seeking a more independent lifestyle.
Workers in Sex Employment (WISE) - An organization offering peer education and support to sex workers and their clients in the San Francisco Bay Area.
P.E.E.R.S. - The Prostitute Education, Empowerment and Recovery Society. Former workers in sex trade operations assist prostitutes to leave street life and increase safety in their activities. Based in Victoria, British Columbia. (250) 388.5325.
Peer Support Services for Abused Women - This organization provides support, resources and referrals to women and children affected by domestic abuse. Trained volunteers facilitate community-based peer support and act as peer mentors in cooperation with the participants. Since1993 this organization has served thousands of women and children and helped them to embark on new, violence-free lives. They are funded by donations. Contact: 301 - 501 - 18th Avenue SW, Calgary, Alberta T2S 0C7; Tel: (403) 234-7337; email: info@pssaw.org
Peer Assistance Services - A group of registered nurses and licensed practical nurses working with the support of, but separate from, the Colorado Nurses Association. Started in 1984 with the goal of becoming a state-wide service available to all nurses, including those who, because of drug diversion in the workplace, have been disciplined or terminated and cannot access their own employee assistance program. Contact: Elizabeth Pace, Executive Director, 2170 S. Parker Rd., Suite 229, Denver, Colorado 80231; Tel (303) 369-0039; Fax: (303) 369-0982.
Massachusetts Nurses Association Peer Assistance Program - A confidential program where a network of volunteer nurses reach out to other nurses whose life, health, and/or professional are affected by alcohol and/or other drugs.
International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local 701 - A peer group assistance program where union members are trained to work in teams of six or seven to provide how to understand the problem of alcoholism, how to conduct an intervention, and how to deal with resistance and denial. The team meets as a group to determine a course of action and follow-up support. Team members have different experiences with alcohol themselves but all share the common concern that drinking to excess has no benefits and interferes with the welfare and safety of workers and co-workers. Contact: George Maltezos, Director, IBEW-701, 2900 Ogden Avenue, Lisle, Illinois 60532; Tel: (630) 416-2183; Fax: (630) 416-8611.
Colorado Physician Health Program - Provides a peer assistance model of doctors helping doctors. One impetus came from a major malpractice insurance carrier to help physicians gain access to early intervention and prevention. Contact: Yvonne Garber, 1416 Dodge Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68179-0001.
Colorado Lawyers Health Program Peer Assistance Service - Peer assistance is provided in conjunction with a traditional assessment and referral employee assistance model. Self-referrals make up a large number of total cases, but some cases actually come from court referrals. Contact: Leslie Crispelle, Executive Director, Colorado Lawyers Health Program, 14355 W. 30th Avenue, Golden, Colorado 80401-1411; Tel: (303) 832-2233; Fax: (303) 278-6870.
![[Rey]](reybobbie.jpg)
![[Rey]](1372small-rey.jpg)
![[Rey]](reybuslittle.jpg)