We aren’t born knowing how to be in friendships and relationships.
We learn by what we see from our families, friends, in school, and through media like tv shows and movies. Sometimes these examples can be misleading and actually make unhealthy behaviors in friendships and relationships look normal and okay. This can be so incredibly confusing for young people who are just starting to have these experiences. This is why it is critical that we help our students learn what equality in friendships and relationships looks like and how we can create it, and to help them learn what abuse in friendships or relationships looks like and how they can get help. These are our goals as youth educators at NextStep Domestic Violence Project.
To achieve these goals, we have created interactive and free workshops to provide students information about equality and respect in friendships and relationships, being upstanders, and bringing positive changes in our schools and communities. Our basic materials include 2-3 workshops that are modified to be age appropriate for student’s pre-k through college. This programming is informative, free, and can be offered via zoom or in person.
Check out our brochures below for more information.
Meet the educators!
Alli is the Director of Prevention and Youth Services at NextStep🌟 With boundless energy and unwavering dedication, she's on a mission to empower young hearts and minds.
From kindergartners to college students, Alli sparks conversations about the intricacies of power, control, and equality in friendships and relationships. Through her guidance, young individuals learn not only to recognize the signs of abuse but also to stand tall as advocates for change in their communities.
But Alli's impact doesn't stop there. With each lesson, she's weaving a tapestry of empathy, understanding, and resilience, laying the foundation for a brighter, more equitable future. Join Alli on this empowering journey, where every voice has the power to shape tomorrow!🎙️✨
Carrie, the vibrant force behind the Prevention and Youth Services Team, wears the title of Youth Educator like a superhero cape! With boundless enthusiasm, she takes her passion for creating a brighter future straight into schools. Carrie's on a mission to engage young minds in conversations that matter— including recognizing bullying, dating violence, and domestic violence and how to get help and support when these things are happening.
But that's not all. Carrie sparks discussions about empowerment, and demonstrates how equality and respect can shape a positive world. Her sessions are not just about identifying problems; they're about finding solutions, fostering inspiration, and driving positive change. Experience Carrie's infectious energy as she empowers the next generation to stand up, speak out, and build a world where everyone can thrive! 🌟
🌱 Growing Equality Together! 🌳
Explore the inspiring trees crafted by students in our empowering youth education workshops. Each tree represents the values they cherish most in friendships and relationships—qualities like communication, respect, non-threatening behaviors, and fairness. Witness their commitment to nurturing a world of equality and understanding!
The apples on the trees represent the qualities they feel are most important to creating friendships and relationships that are safe, comfortable, and equal. They chose these qualities after learning about the Equality Wheel. The words written on the roots of the trees show what needs to go into our friendships and relationships to make it possible for these qualities to grow!
