December 10, 2012

YouthAction’s Peer Trainers Work to Empower New York City’s Youth

CCC’s YouthAction after-school program prepares New York City high school students to be effective advocates in their schools and communities. Each year, four YouthAction students are chosen to become Peer Trainers, and they travel to various organizations throughout the city to facilitate advocacy workshops for middle and high school students. Peer Trainers are chosen because they demonstrate strong public speaking skills, a deep understanding of advocacy, and a commitment to empower the voices of New York City’s youth.

Peer Trainers for the 2012 – 2013 school year are Adam Rivera, Ashley Vincent, Destiny Parker, and Rebecca Selch. Since September, they have trained 120 of their peers on topics such as New York City government, everyday leadership skills, and the basics of advocacy.

Here’s what some of our Peer Trainers have to say about their experience:

“I am humbled to have been given the chance to teach other students, like myself, about advocacy and civic engagement. There is a growing need for more youth advocates, especially in New York City. Once trainees understand the material, they have the tools they need to start their own campaigns, becoming a new generation of leaders in their communities.” –Adam Rivera

“I love being able to educate youth in NYC because I feel like I am advocating for issues that matter to me, and because I can get other youth into advocacy.” –Rebecca Selch

“Besides teaching me how to facilitate seminars, being a member of the Peer Trainers program has exposed me to all kinds of people. As a Peer Trainer, I have been able to fulfill my duties as a citizen and give back to my community. I have had the opportunity to shed light on issues that children face in New York City and inform them about what I learned through being involved with CCC.” –Ashley Vincent

CCC would like to send a special thanks to the youth and staff at our fall 2012 training sites, the Harlem Youth Court, the Williamsburg Beacon program, and Big Brother Big Sister of NYC.

If you know of a youth group who would benefit from a workshop facilitated by CCC’s Peer Trainers, read about the program and submit a Training Request Form (PDF) today!

Tags
Peer Trainers, Volunteer, YouthAction NYC

Comments
0