PEER TO PEER CONVERSATIONS: GENERAL GUIDELINES

PEER TO PEER CONVERSATIONS A General Guideline Introductions (10 minutes): *Each Youth Leader introduces themselves first *One of the Youth Leaders introduces the adult in the room and their role -not to lead or take charge -provide support if needed -not to tell adults outside of the room what happened during the conversation *Introduce the Peer to Peer project -state that this is about peers learning from peers as the research tells us this is the most effective way to mentor and support youth -briefly mention survey they completed, helps to provide a snapshot of where grade 9’s are at with respect to substances. -first of 3 sessions to share grade 9 experience with alcohol/tobacco/marijuana -state the hopes and goals of the peer to peer project with respect to alcohol/tobacco/marijuana (increase knowledge, provide support, provide a “real” space for youth to share and discuss, provide strategies on how to deal with situations) *Introduce concept of confidentiality -safety in the group is critical to everyone feeling supported -discussion kept in the room amongst peers and not to be shared or spread with other peers/teachers/adults outside of the conversation. ****-limits to confidientiality…..if anyone gives any information that suggests they may harm themselves or someone else, or a child under 16 is or is at risk of being harmed – adult in the room will help deal with this. Icebreakers (20-25 minutes, maybe longer if good discussion): Feel free to be creative – but have a plan!! *Participants to introduce themselves in a creative way -tape fun questions on a ball, gets tossed from person to person, answer question that right thumb touches when ball is caught *After introductions, start opening discussion about topic: -4 Corner Activity (agree, somewhat agree, somewhat disagree, disagree) - gets people moving, great to open up general discussion -have questions already prepared (attached are some ideas) - provide youth an opportunity to discuss the corner they chose and why they didn’t choose another corner -be creative and think of other ways to open up discussion on a difficult topic! General discussion (30 minutes): *Discussion about how their experience of alcohol/tobacco/marijuana has changed from grade 8 to grade 9 – “the high school experience” *Myths/Stereotypes of youth and substances *Difficult situations – how do you make good choices? Strategies to problem solve that you can feel good about. *Survey results – have some interesting results from the survey and use to open discussion Wrapping up: *Designate one of the Youth Leaders to watch the clock -plan to start wrapping up and concluding the conversation no later than 10 minutes before the end of the period (9:20). -thank the students for their participation, let them know if they have any questions to feel free to ask one of you if they see you or use a trusted, caring adult in the building to seek support -remind them that the conversation will continue in second semester Things to Remember! *Your goal is for the youth to feel supported – always respond in a supportive, non-judgemental manner. Role model this and encourage the participants in the group to respond to each other this way *Use disclosure of your own experiences thoughtfully and purposefully – draw on past experiences and what you learned from those experiences, use your experiences to be helpful and remember – this isn’t about you, it’s about them. *If you don’t know the answer to a question, please avoid making something up. Either request the assistance of the adult or advise to the youth that you will commit to getting an answer for them and let them know *Use the adult in the room whenever you feel stuck, but have the confidence that you can respond in a helpful way to most things. The adult may also step in if there is a behavioural issue. *Debrief with the adult after the group – discuss any issues that came up that need follow up. *If a youth discloses something concerning – stay calm, provide a supportive response, and always debrief with the adult after the group *Always keep in mind that we are trying to build their capacity to talk with people about tough subjects – always encourage them to seek support from someone trusted to help them.