Citizens For Safe Schools utilizes the evidence-based, best practice Peer Mentoring Circle format founded by the One Circle Foundation to provide our youth with connection, support, and opportunities for leadership and empowerment. Our youth-led and professionally facilitated mentoring circles are designed to counteract social and interpersonal barriers that hinder healthy adolescent growth. By fostering an emotionally safe environment and structured support system, youth can cultivate caring relationships, discover their authentic voices, and foster leadership and community among peers who share similar experiences, backgrounds and identities.
Enrolled youth are encouraged to cultivate their skills through collaborative research, planning, design, and facilitating content that is relevant and enriching for their individual groups. Through this process, participants build skills, empower strengths, and build true ownership within an environment of youth voice, choice, and belonging.
Citizens For Safe Schools hosts Peer Mentoring Circles in collaboration with schools, community based organizations, and as an out-of-school time option to any youth at our Citizens Institute For Character- 5 days a week. Through rotating focus and themes, we are able to support many varied populations- including parents and children, intergenerational, systems involved youth, academically disengaged youth, and those who may just need a little extra connection and care. Themes, activities, and sessions are designed to be responsive and relevant to the participants' lives- encouraging positive, purposeful interactions, meaningful discussion and reflection.
Join us as we create spaces for youth to grow, connect, and thrive together. If you or a youth you know may be interested in participating or learning more OR you are interested in volunteering- apply at the link today!
