Linking schools and communities with a message of respect
Vision: Peer Solutions believes that all forms of sexual violence can be reduced when individuals internalize respect in thought, reflect it in action and spread it to others resulting in peace in our hearts, homes, schools and communities.
Mission: Peer Solutions promotes peace and prevents sexual violence by fostering respect, empathy and active participation in healthy choices. Peer Solutions offers students, families and community members a science-based, peer education and mentor program entitled Demonstrating Respect as the Norm.
History: Peer Solutions opened doors in 1992, obtained non-profit, 501©3, status in 1997 and now facilitates Demonstrating Respect as the Norm, an on-going sexual violence prevention program with the Tempe Union High School District, six middle schools, Arizona State University and over 20 community organizations reaching approximately 25,000+ individuals each year. We enhance and expand on program activities including working on establishing," Demonstrating Respect as the Norm", as a best/promising practice model. The Mayor of Tempe, Superintendents of Tempe Middle and Senior High School Districts, the Governor of Arizona and a variety of local and national media sources have recognized Peer Solutions' rape prevention and education efforts with youth and communities.
Demonstrating Respect as the Norm is a year-round sexual violence prevention program promoting positive messages, healthy behaviors and skill building while addressing risk and protective factors aimed at reducing destructive behaviors, which could lead to rape. Programming is provided at the post secondary, (Grades 12+) high school (Grades 9-12) middle school levels (Grades 6-8) in a peer education and mentor rape prevention and education (RPEP) format highlighting emotional, physical, family and sexual violence and suicide. Additionally, several others forms of self-destructive behaviors and violence are discussed in depth.
Monthly RPEP peer mentor projects
Monthly and weekly *Stand and Serve meetings with speakers, discussions and projects
Weekly and after school and summer RPEP peer education workshops for Middle School students
On going RPEP retreats, community service projects, workshops and training activities for students and community members
Pre/Post activity assessments, surveys and data collection
*Stand and Serve is a student-run club with approximately 225 members across Tempe, Arizona committed to taking a stand on issues important to students and willing to serve their community in the area of rape Prevention and Education. Our mission is to bring peace and unity to the City of Tempe and the community at large through service, education, awareness, and prevention activities. Stand and Serve continues to communicate love and empathy by appreciating diversity, keeping an open mind and promoting respect for all. For three years straight, Stand and Serve members have received the City of Tempe's Educational Diversity award.
Partners: The Arizona Department of Health Services, Social Venture Partners Arizona, Governor's Office for Children, Youth, and Families Safe and Drug Free Schools and Communities, City of Tempe and Maricopa County Attorney's Office financially support activities. Partners also include: Arizona Coalition Against Domestic Violence, Arizonans for Gun Safety, ASU Student Health, ASU Serve and ASU Intergroup Relations Center, Boys and Girls Club, Envision Project Management, My Sister's Place - Domestic Violence Shelter, Phone Friends, Tempe Middle and Senior High School Districts, Tempe's Promise to Youth, Teen Lifeline, Tempe Community Council, Tempe's Mayor's Committee on Prevention and Community Resources, Tempe Community Services, City of Tempe Cultural Services, Tempe Social Service, Thomas J. Papas Elementary School, Westside Community Center and Xavier College Preparatory. Model Goodness and Others will too, together we are making a difference. Thank You.