Newsletter
The Power of PEERS
The heart of The PEERS Project (PEERS) is its teenage mentors, and its adult staff is dedicated to affirming, mentoring and supporting these positive role models, as well as educating and preparing them to confidently teach PEERS curricula. Peer mentors have a powerful influence over their peers when they promote and model abstinent lifestyles. PEERS mentoring activities have been designed to initially establish strong relationships with positive adult role models who equip and empower their teens to be effective peer mentors. Every year, more than 2,000 positive teenage role models in Indiana and other states are changing the culture of their communities as they lead by example and help their peers develop the character qualities and skills they need to form and sustain healthy relationships. Peer mentors in 30 counties in Indiana, and in Missouri, New Mexico, New York and Washington reach more than 40,000 adolescents annually at schools and youth-serving organizations that partner with this leadership development model. Mr. Matthew Stark, Principal of Brown County High School, Nashville, Indiana, is one of many administrators who has seen the positive changes that his school's peer mentors are making: "Our peer mentors have changed the texture of our school, and they are making it a better place."
Community-Based Abstinence Education Grant
In support of PEERS' continued development of its positive presence in schools throughout Indiana, The PEERS Project has been awarded its third Community-Based Abstinence Education (CBAE) grant by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The grant is administered by the Administration for Children and Families, Family and Youth Services Bureau.
2008 ABSTAIN TO ATTAIN Mentors Conference
This summer The PEERS Project is bringing it 6th Annual Abstain to Attain Mentors Conference closer to home. Hoping to make it easier for more peer mentors to attend, PEERS will hold two free one-day events. The first will be Saturday, June 7 in north central Indiana at the Geneva Center in Rochester. The second will take place the following Wednesday, June 11 at Spring Mill State Park in south central Indiana. Both events will be all about friendship, team building and leadership development. And double the fun!! Mentors are invited to attend either or both conferences for a chance to make new friends and rise to the challenge to make a difference in their school and community!
Mentors Speak
"It isn't hard to make decisions when you know what your values are. This adage by Roy Disney describes the importance of the PEERS Project in my life. I have been a peer mentor for three years. Many of my peers look up to me because of my academic dedication and how I play on the baseball field and tennis and basketball courts. I also want young people to look up to me because of my values and excellent character. Through PEERS, I have been able to talk about self-respect and character, and teach about the many reasons for abstaining from premarital sex." --Kevin
