Peer Resolution Team at Deer Isle/Stonington Elementary

Wow! The High School peer educators did a great job in working with Bobbie and I to present healthy/unhealthy relationships material to all the 7th and 8th graders in their community! Awesome!
















In the early morning, we all could have used a bit more caffiene.








The peer educators took their classes through all the standard material, including a brainstorm list of healthy/unhealthy traits, the teen power and control wheel (with "red flag" scenarios) and then everybody's fave, the purple ribbon exercise.






In this, a volunteer is wrapped in the purple ribbon, which is symbolic of a relationship that s/he entered into happily, but then power/control stuff stuff starts to happen. The volunteer is wrapped up as the class lists unhealthy/controling tactics. Then they process how it isn't so easy to break up even if the person wants to because s/he is so "tangled up." Then the class brainstorms ways to help a friend as the volunteer is unwrapped. Despite the occasional silly answers, this is a very popular and very effective exercise. The peer educators led it really well!
































Thanks to all for a great and very productive morning. :) ljl

SODA at Deer Isle/Stonington High

SODA Student Opposed to Dating Abuse by Bobbie Palmer, Victim's Advocate, Downeast Sexual Assault

Tuesday, April 3 members of The SODA (Students Opposed to Dating Abuse) peer education group braved the snow and traveled to Deer Isle Stonington High School to present for the entire student body.

The students focused on healthy relationships/consent and coercion. The presentation included several interactive activities that required participation from the DIS Students.

Brandon began the presentation by brainstorming with the students healthy vs. unhealthy relationships. Tasha followed by facilitating an activity that involved wrapping a student in ribbon and talked about unhealthy behaviors and how students can help friends who might find themselves in an unhealthy relationship. Morgan and Nichole closed by discussing consent and coercion that included a skit. The SODA kids were incredibly well received by students and faculty. The DIS students asked great questions, had good conversation, gave helpful feed back, and had a few laughs throughout the presentation.

SODA inspired the DIS Civil Rights Team to begin presenting to the Deer Isle Stonington student body and the Deer Isle Stonington Elementary School. Downeast Sexual Assault Services and The Next Step are exceedingly proud of the SODA students and the work they are doing and we look forward to working with them in the future.