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TOPICS
1. International Peer Assistance Week
2. Opportunities for Creating and Strengthening Peer Programs
3. University Seeks Peer Program Leader
4. A Key Study from Peer Research
INTERNATIONAL PEER ASSISTANCE WEEK
His name was Fleming, and he was a poor Scottish farmer. One day in 1891, while trying to make a living for his family, he heard a cry for help coming from a nearby bog. He dropped his tools and ran to the bog. There, mired to his waist in black muck, was a terrified boy, screaming and struggling to free himself. Farmer Fleming saved the lad from what could have been a slow and terrifying death.
The next day, a fancy carriage pulled up to the Scotsman's sparse surroundings. An elegantly dressed nobleman stepped out and introduced himself as the father of the boy Farmer Fleming had saved. "I want to repay you," said the nobleman. "You saved my son's life."
"No, I can't accept payment for what I did," the Scottish farmer replied, waving off the offer.
At that moment, the farmer's own son came to the door.
"Is that your son?" the nobleman asked.
"Yes," the farmer replied proudly.
"I'll make you a deal. Let me provide him with the level of education my own son will enjoy. If the lad is anything like his father, he'll no doubt grow to be a man we both will be proud of." And that he did. Farmer Fleming's son attended the very best schools and in time, he graduated from St. Mary's Hospital Medical School in London, and went on to become known throughout the world as Sir Alexander Fleming, the discoverer of Penicillin in 1928 and awarded the 1945 Nobel Prize in Medicine.
Years afterward, the same nobleman's son who was saved from the bog was stricken with pneumonia. What saved his life this time? Penicillin. The name of the nobleman? Lord Randolph Churchill. His son's name? Sir Winston Churchill.
The future health and well-being of everyone on our planet depends on the quality of peer assistance we provide today.
OPPORTUNITIES FOR CREATING AND STRENGTHENING PEER PROGRAMS
1. COMPREHENSIVE PEER PROGRAMS LEADER WORKSHOP (Level I)
The focus of this workshop is on developing high quality peer programs and recruiting, selecting, training, and supervising volunteers to provide peer assistance. Emphasis is placed on the key components of successful peer-based programs in schools, universities and communities. The use of peers as mediators will be included. The course will take place: July 7-11, 2003 in Waterloo, Ontario and July 14-18, 2003 in Victoria, British Columbia. Space is limited to sixteen participants. The fee for the workshop is $753.50 and includes all materials, nutrition breaks, post-session consultation and membership in the Peer Resources Network. Additional information and online registration as well as accommodation information is available at www.peer.ca/trng.html or by calling 1.800.567.3700.
2. ADVANCED TRAINING FOR PEER PROGRAM LEADERS (Level II)
An advanced course for persons who have completed a Level I course and have at least two years experience with facilitating peer programs. Emphasis on training skill development, coaching others to create successful peer programs, and the latest trends, issues and resources associated with peer work. The course will take place: July 7-8, 2003 in Victoria, British Columbia, December 4-5, 2003 in Palm Springs, California, and May 13-14, 2004 in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Space is limited to eight participants. The fee for the workshop is $550.00 and includes all materials, nutrition breaks and post-session consultation. Additional information and online registration as well as accommodation information is available at www.peer.ca/trng.html or by calling 1.800.567.3700.
3. FIRST NATIONS PEER PROGRAMS LEADERS WORKSHOP (Level I)
The emphasis of this workshop is on First Nations, Aboriginal, Metis, Inuit and Indian communities and has been designed for adults working with youth. The workshop integrates First Nations customs and traditions into state-of-the-art peer training principles. The merging of the Medicine Wheel with the Experiential Learning Cycle benefits any peer training program. The course will take place July 14-18, 2003 in Victoria, British Columbia. Space is limited to sixteen participants. The fee for the workshop is $753.50 and includes all materials, nutrition breaks, post-session consultation and membership in the Peer Resources Network. Additional information and online registration as well as accommodation information is available at www.peer.ca/trng.html or by calling 1.800.567.3700.
4. FIRST NATIONS PEER PROGRAMS LEADERS WORKSHOP (Level II)
An advanced workshop for persons who have taken the Level I workshop training and have at least one-year experience in facilitating peer programs for youth in First Nations communities. Emphasis on improving training skills and the use of peer work for community development and healing. The course will take place July 10-11, 2003 in Victoria, British Columbia. Space is limited to ten participants. The fee for the workshop is $550.00 and includes all materials, nutrition breaks and post-session consultation. Additional information and online registration as well as accommodation information is available at www.peer.ca/trng.html or by calling 1.800.567.3700.
All seminars are based on principles of adult learning and use experiential skill-building exercises and activities; builds on participant experience and ideas; provides focused input from the workshop leader; encourages sharing learning experience; provides a library of relevant resources; and provides a notebook and take-away trainer materials for each participant. Participants who complete any seminar will receive a Certificate of Completion and be eligible for Continuing Education Unit (CEU) credit. Additional information and online registration is available at www.mentors.ca/trng.html. Or call 1.800.567.3700.
UNIVERSITY SEEKS PEER ASSISTANCE PROFESSIONAL
The EXCEL Center at the State University of West Georgia, a coeducational, residential, liberal arts institution located in Carrollton, approximately 55 miles west of Atlanta, wants to fill a newly created position: Assistant Director for Student Leadership and Peer Programs. The position includes coordination of the university Peer Tutoring Program, development of a Peer Tutoring Certification Program through the College Reading and Learning Association, coordination and program development of the Peer Mentoring Programs for First Year Students and HOPE Scholars, academic advisement of undeclared students, training of peer tutors, workshop leaders and peer mentors, and possible teaching responsibilities. During each semester these programs involve nearly 2000 students, 35-50 peer mentors, 350-500 proteges, 20 peer tutors and 25 visiting faculty/staff advising volunteers.
A Bachelor's degree is required and a Master's degree is preferred. The successful candidate must have excellent written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills, and be a committed advocate for the college student population. Leadership qualities, self-motivation and an ability to work well with others in a team environment are essential skills. Experience in a college learning center or academic support services unit and experience in training and program development are preferred. Preference also may be given to candidates who have administrative experience in developmental education programs in higher education.
Resumes should be sent to the Human Resources Office, Melson Hall, State University of West Georgia, Carrollton, GA 30118. A description of the position is available online. Deadline for applications is June 26, 2003. The position is available July 15, 2003 or until filled. Salary Range: Low $30,000, plus university benefits.
