1. Sponsored by the University Wellness Center
Peer Health Education
Program Information
Sponsored by the University Wellness Center
Spring, 2019

2. What is Peer Education?
Peer: Someone who is of equal standing with you in a group.
Peer Educator: A peer who maximizes their knowledge and skills to make healthy (or healthier) choices.
“Peers are the most potent source of influence on one another on campus. (Astin, 1993)
Roles:
Friend
Educator
Activist
Role Model
Team member
But not therapist!

3. How do we define wellness?
Professor and researcher Corey Keyes created this model which suggests that the absence of symptoms of mental illness does not necessarily mean presence of mental health. According to this model, which we have adopted at the University Wellness Center, wellness is not the absence of mental illness. Rather, flourishing is feeling good about a life in which you are functioning well. It is a continuing process and the steps are unique for each individual. 
it can be especially difficult to prioritize mental well-being when demands from school, work, and socializing begin piling up. Some individuals have obstacles such as class, race, gender and sexual identities, and disabilities that impact their ability to flourish. Flourishing is not a permanent state, individuals often move through different levels of well-being. While flourishing is something to strive for, it is not something to feel shame about. Making small changes to your routine and way of thinking is the best way to start. And you should always feel okay about asking for help and utilizing on and off campus resources when needed.
Wellness is a state of being healthy in body, mind, and spirit.
Flourishing is feeling good about a life in which you are functioning well. It is a continuing process and the steps are unique for each individual. 

4. Our Mission Values of the PHE program
Peers working together to foster a thriving community by promoting healthy lifestyles through action and dialogue.
Students enrolled in the program will:
receive training and education on relevant health issues
educate their peers in ways to promote health and wellness
connect to, and collaborate with, various resources on campus
connect students to resources
advocate for changes in the campus community that supports a healthy campus.
Values of the PHE program
Compassion
Inclusivity
Fun
Collaboration
Diversity
Education
Self-determination
Social justice
Advocacy
Personal development

5. Who we are looking for:
Interest and enthusiasm in promoting healthy behaviors
Open mind to cultures, practices, and sexual orientations different from your own
Sensitivity to controversial and personal topics that are sometimes embarrassing, and have a willingness to talk candidly about them
Self-motivated and willing to step out of their comfort zone
Ability to articulate the facts about health- enhancing behaviors and dispel myths and misperceptions
Demonstrate a sincere concern for others, their well-being and quality of life
Ability to speak publicly in a positive, engaging, interactive, and nonjudgmental manner
Ability to facilitate group discussions and include all members of the audience
Ability to function in a group, both as a leader and as a supportive team member
Can continue on a semester by semester basis thereafter
Hours include includes internal PHE workshops and weekly meetings

6. Roles
Peer Health Educators offer workshops and presentations to campus community, as well as facilitate conversations. PHE’s are expected to lead at least one program per semester, which will require planning and collaboration with groups on campus.
Areas of education and training:
Alcohol and other drugs
Body Image
Bystander Intervention
Stress Management
Sexual Health
Non-Violent Communication
General Requirements
Two semester commitment
Attendance at weekly meeting (Mondays 1-2 pm at McClurg)
Attendance at a 1.5 day weekend training in early spring (tentatively Friday afternoon Feb. 15 and all day Saturday Feb. 16, 2019)
Trained members will help to lead the training for new members

7. Benefits of Participation
Gain knowledge about relevant health issues, and confidence in addressing them.
Become part of a highly skilled, diverse team of students committed to providing accurate, nonjudgmental health and wellness information to the Sewanee community.
Obtain certification as a Peer Educator through a nationally recognized training program (the BACCHUS Initiatives of NASPA).
Develop teaching, communication, presentation, and group facilitation skills.
Learn approaches to create individual and social change.
Naspa: Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education
BACCHUS: Boosting Alcohol Consciousness Concerning the Health of University Students.
Stages of Change (also called Trans-Theoretical model) = process, not event
Social Change model= individual, group, and societal approaches

8. Timeline Applications accepted through Jan 30, 2019 Interviews Feb 4-8
Training –Weekend (1.5 day), Tentatively Feb
Feb. and April—
teams will receive training in their primary interest area, and offer pilot presentations, dialogues, or workshops.
Develop programs and collaborations to prepare for launch in the fall of 2019.
Fall Training (for study abroad students or others who couldn’t attend in spring.
This will serve as a practice run for wider ranging programs to be offered next semester, as well as support the PHE’s in their efforts to practice what they preach and reap the benefits.