Gather
your resources!
Time:
We estimate a minimum of three
worker days a week – and you need to be very flexible to be able to
negotiate times with Peer Educators and schools/youth groups.
Money:
To value young people’s time and
input and to avoid exploitation Peer Educators are recompensed (we pay A$10
per hour). This is the main expense but resources and incidentals need
funding as well.
Support:
To make contacts with young people
and be accepted as a legitimate program you need your own and other
organisations support and understanding of your program and your goals.
Knowledge:
Workers implementing a Keep Safe Stay Cool program need to have a sound
working knowledge of domestic violence and of human rights as a basis for
healthy relationships. Thorny questions will be asked by peer eductors,
students and teachers!
Peer Educators Preparing for a Session
Plan,
Plan, Plan
Work out time-lines, budget, evaluation strategies,
research your local area and find funding if needed.
Getting Started
1. Advertise
for young people – use flyers,
email lists, local press, talk to schools and youth groups and use word of
mouth.
Flyer to download
2. Talk with
prospective Peer Educators whenever possible – encourage them, send out written information and application forms.
Download Application Form
and information sheet
3. Hold interviews
– be as informal as possible, for many young people this is their first
interview. If anyone is really unsuitable be gentle, encourage them in other
directions.
Download
Selection Questions and Criteria
4. Establish
dates for Keep Safe Stay Cool sessions in schools. We find that a few weeks after training gives time to
prepare while giving new Peer Educators something to aim for.
Train, Train, Train
Use/adapt training package and
practice, practice, practice.
Always have trial runs. In our experience it’s not until new peer eductors
have stuffed up that they realise how much preparation is needed before a
session. Best not to stuff up in front of a class!
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