What is Peer Education?

• Peer education involves students providing education and outreach to other students.

• Peer education involves training and supporting members of a given group that will promote and effect a change. Effective changes include: knowledge, attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors at the individual level.

• Peer education is designed to increase awareness and deepen understanding about issues that directly affect the everyday lives of students. Examples include, but are not limited to: alcohol, tobacco/drugs, sexuality and sexual health, self-esteem, relationships, sexual assault and domestic violence, stress, nutrition, eating concerns, diversity, and general wellness.

• Peer education is based on the belief that students learn more information more accurately about sensitive subjects from each other. Students are more likely to be receptive to someone their own age; especially those who have thought about these issues, who have received the necessary information, and who are skilled in talking and helping others talk.

• It is important to realize that a peer educator’s role is to give information and let recipients make their own decisions based on the provided facts.

Qualities of Potential Peer Educators: We are looking for students who:

• Have the ability to communicate clearly and persuasively with their peers.

• Have good interpersonal skills, including listening skills.

• Have a similar socio-cultural background to that of the target audience.

• Are accepted and respected by their peers.

• Have a nonjudgmental attitude.

• Are self-confident and show potential for leadership.

• Have time and energy to devote to this work.

• Are role models to their peers.

What do Peer Educators do?

1. Peer educators make healthy decisions.

2. Peer educators help others make healthier decisions by:

   1. Providing information

   2. Challenging unhealthy behaviors

   3. Referring students to professional help

3. Peer educators help create a positive social environment.

4. Peer education is a source of student leadership and service.

   1. A chance to “give back” to the community

   2. A chance to network in the community

Peer Educator Job Descriptions

1. Major Responsibilities

   1. Learns and updates information on family planning, growth and development, mental health, diversity, eating disorders/concerns, alcohol, tobacco/drugs, sexuality, sexual health, relationships, domestic violence, stress, nutrition, and other health related issues.

   2. Provides factual information about the afore mentioned topics to other teens, siblings, parents and the community.

   3. Keeps accurate record of activities.

   4. Assists with other agency related events and activities as appropriate.

2. Basic requirements – students must:

   1. Accept people as they are

   2. Listen and help people see the best solution for them

   3. Respect confidentiality

   4. Treat school as primary responsibility

   5. Know when to seek adult help for own or friend’s concern

   6. Relay accurate, current information in nonjudgmental way