“True compassion means not only feeling another’s pain but also being moved to help relieve it.” Daniel Goleman
We are excited to be working with some amazing local youth this school year in the WCA’s student leadership group. Each of the nine young people selected from across the Treasure Valley contributes their unique skills and talents to create positive change in our community.
One in three adolescents in the U.S. is a victim of physical, sexual, emotional or verbal abuse from a dating partner, a figure that far exceeds rates of other types of youth violence (loveisrespect.org). Numerous studies have shown that many victims of dating violence do not report what happens to them and do not seek services to help them cope. However, young people are most likely to listen to their peers for feedback, information, and advice. Teens have POWER in being role models and leaders in their communities, mobilizing their peers to take a stand against violence, and providing peer support.
Over the course of the school year, this group will explore topics related to healthy and unhealthy relationships, dating violence, and sexual assault/harassment. They will be developing and informing awareness campaigns, educational presentations, working to create teen-oriented social media, and other prevention practices. The leadership group will also be building professional and practical skills such as teambuilding, public speaking, project planning, organization, marketing and more.
I believe that working with teens and other youth is essential to preventing violence. We are humbled and grateful that these students are volunteering their time to be a part of the solution to prevent teen dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking. Their work will be instrumental to achieving the WCA’s vision of a community in which everyone thrives in safe, healthy relationships.
If you would like more information about this group, contact Tracy at tdemarcus@wcaboise.org or 208-343-3688 ext. 244.
The Compassion Project: Let us be the ones who transform our world by allowing compassion to lead our action. Throughout the year, this column will feature the various ways to have compassion for others, for our specific organization, and for yourself.
