About the R+R Youth Team

The youth team is an essential part of the Respectful Relationship program. Youth Team members work side-by-side with Adult Facilitators to co-facilitate the R+R workshops. Their participation in the program delivery offers students an opportunity to observe their peers taking action on issues that matter to them. Students see youth as positive role models who are committed to making a difference in their school and are not afraid to speak out about it. The R+R Youth Facilitators also help make program material relevant to students, sometimes acting as generational translators.

It is our privilege to work with youth committed to building a strong non-violent school culture, and to increasing their understanding of the world they will have to negotiate as adults.

With training and mentoring the youth team develops skills and perspectives including:

Listening and communication skills for healthy and effective relationships.

An understanding of communication styles

Building meaningful relationships with a broad range of individuals and groups.

Tools for addressing difference and conflict.

Skills for facilitation and leadership.

Self-awareness and self-esteem.

Skills for public speaking, conflict resolution and assertiveness.

A broad understanding of social justice issues and experience in activism.

Analytical skills to apply to understanding systemic violence including: Racism, classism, sexism, homophobia, heterosexism and hate crimes.

Awareness of how power works in social situations and in society.

A critical media analysis.

Youth Team Candidates Need To:

Share the values of the Respectful Relationships program.

Have a commitment to violence prevention and healthy relationships.

Appreciate the number of women and children that are victims of violence

Be highly motivated to make a difference in their school.

Demonstrate an interst in social activism and social change.

Be enthusiastic about working with other youth.

Have the ability to fulfill the program time expectations

To learn more about the R+R Youth team click here: Youthspeak.

Respectful Relationships Youth Feedback 2008-2009
-please click to download the full report

This report highlights the feedback gathered from 27 youth who participated in the R+R Youth Team during the 2008-9 school year.