Contact: Patricia Reitkopf
(212) 575-7670 / preventioneducation@hainyc.org

HAI uses improvisational role-play techniques to raise awareness and increase knowledge about healthy living. Based on information gathered from focus groups, HAI staff have created theatrical scenarios that address topics relevant to youth. Characters in these scenarios are designed to stimulate discussion within their audiences on issues such as domestic violence, drug abuse, unsafe sex practices and gang related issues.

Trained facilitators, along with Peer Educators (PEs), dissect each scene in order to explore and understand motivations for behavior and possible resolutions. This process is enhanced by the PE, who bridges the gap between facilitator and participants.

What are the Benefits of the Peer Education Program?

Be an HAI Peer Educator to…

• acquire invaluable life skills,
• earn extra money while in school, and
• strengthen your college application.

Here's what former Peer Educator Devonne McMorris has to say about her experience:

When I joined The Respect Project, my grandmother, who raised me during my childhood, had recently past away from lung cancer due to decades of cigarette smoking. There were not many examples of positive role models or mentors in my community. My most vivid memory of what success looked like was a nicely dressed drug dealer who wore expensive designer clothes, had lots of money, and drove a Mercedes Benz with nice rims on it.

The Respect Project taught me what it meant not only to have respect for others but, more importantly, myself. It taught me the importance of understanding my self-worth and how not to lower my standards for others. The Respect Project helped to boost my self-confidence and encouraged me to mentor young girls who come from similar backgrounds as myself. What I have learned throughout the years is that the main ingredient within a vision is the power to act!

Since Respect, I’ve graduated from Nyack College with a bachelors degree in Social Work. During my senior year in college I did my internship at Adults Caring for Teens, where I was a mentor to adolescents who were juvenile delinquents on probation.

I am currently pursuing a MSW at Fordham University and expect to graduate in 2011. I am also a Skills Builder for St. Dominic’s Home where I work one-on-one with young girls who are in the foster care system. I help to bring temporary relief to their present situation by exposing them to new social environments and activities. --Devonne McMorris

What it means to be a Peer Educator

Qualification Criteria for Applicants

1. Must have participated as a student in an HAI workshop prior to submission of application.
2. Must be between the ages of 16 and 20.

Selection Process

1. Make contact with guidance counselor/teacher or directly with HAI.
2. Submit application along with your schedule of availability.
3. Application is reviewed by HAI staff.
4. An interview / audition is scheduled.
5. If accepted into the program those under the age of 18 must have their parent or guardian read and sign a letter of agreement.

If selected you are required to...

1. Observe 2 workshops.
2. Attend 2 PE trainings (an Intro to Peer Educating and Facilitation)

You will then be...

1. hired in a series as soon as one is available according to your schedule,
2. evaluated upon the completion of the series, and
3. assessed after a three-month probation period.

Training

Each workshop or training is designed to provide the knowledge necessary to enhance a PEs effectiveness in a workshop and also serve the PE in his/her life.