Youth Voices Advisory Council Application 2013-2014

We are the educators from the Young Adult Abuse Prevention Program (YAAPP) and Sexual Assault Response Services of Southern Maine (SARSSM). We are committed to classroom presentations that are informed by youth voices and experiences. In order to keep our education current and relevant to youth, SARSSM and YAAPP are joining forces to begin a Youth Voices Advisory Committee. Both organizations have worked in Maine since the 1970s to prevent sexual assault, abuse, and dating violence by providing education programs, advocacy, and community outreach events. In the 2012-2013 SARSSM worked with nearly 7,000 students in 42 schools in Cumberland and York Counties. YAAPP programs reached over 10,000 students in Cumberland County alone. Youth Voices Advisory Council (YVAC) members will work to empower all youth in their community by promoting violence-free relationships. SARSSM and FCS will provide safe and challenging spaces and opportunities for students across racial, social, economic, cultural and class boundaries to share ideas that shape dating abuse and sexual assault education, awareness and prevention. We believe that Youth voices matter in the development of relationship abuse and sexual assault education, awareness, and prevention Youth voices are needed to end the silence surrounding sexual assault and dating abuse Education empowers young people to have relationships that are respectful Young people have the power to make the world a better place We are seeking young people who are Dedicated in raising awareness and preventing relationship abuse and sexual assault Willing to join YAAPP and SARSSM in community events and awareness campaigns Comfortable with participating in group discussion Energetic, respectful, and passionate Accountable in completing tasks and meeting deadlines Willing to listen to and learn from peers
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The Youth Voices Advisory Council will Provide their perspective, opinions and information to SARSSM and YAAPP educators to help our team deliver effective and relevant programs about relationship abuse and sexual assault in classroom presentations Use their voice to strengthen the sexual assault and dating abuse movement Create conversations about healthy relationships, relationship abuse and sexual assault issues Act as SARSSM and YAAPPs youth ambassadors to take effective action in schools and communities Strengthen abilities to work cooperatively across races, ethnicities, genders, and socioeconomic background Create meaningful friendships with other group members Develop leadership skills in creating peaceful communities Commitment Details: The Youth Voices Advisory Council will meet on the last Wednesday of every month from 6pm-8pm for a year starting on January 29, 2014. Meetings will be held at SARSSM offices at 175 Lancaster Street in Portland, ME. Members are expected to attend all meetings and events. Dinner will be provided the SARSSM and YAAPP at each meeting. YAAP and SARSSM will facilitate a summer retreat to celebrate the groups achievements. The retreat location, time, and day will set mid-spring 2014. If you have any questions about the YVAC commitment details, please feel free to contact Erin at erin@sarsonline.org or at 207-828-1035 ex.108.

Application Deadline and Checklist: Please email your completed application to Sarah Gordon by 5pm on Monday, December 2, 2013. You can submit your application to Sarah Gordon via fax (207-7678109) or by emailing sarah_g@familycrisis.org.You can also mail your application to Family Crisis Services at P.O. Box 704, Portland, ME 04104. If you choose to submit your application online, please use .PDF format. We will conduct nominee interviews beginning December 9, 2013. Nominees will be notified of acceptance into the program by January 13, 2014. Finalists must notify the interviewing committee of acceptance or refusal of the position via email by January 13, 2014.

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Student Information
First Name (Preferred): Last Name: Street Address: City: Zip Code: Primary Phone: Secondary Phone: Email (must regularly check email): Birthday: Name of School (2013-2014): Current Grade (2013-2014):

Application questions
*Please answer each prompt with no more than two paragraphs. Feel free to use additional pages as needed, but please keep answers organized and thoughtful.*

What do you like to do in your free time?

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Why do you want to be a part of the Youth Voices Advisory Council?

What issues do you see in your school and community that are related to sexual harassment (sexualized bullying), sexual assault, and relationship abuse?

What are you personally hoping to gain from the experience of working with this group?

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What skills and strengths will you bring to the Youth Voices Advisory Committee?

What is one thing you learned from a peer this school year that surprised you?

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