 Teen Institute graduates become:
Community task force members
Peer educators
Youth task force members
Conflict resolution mediators
Conference planners
Workshop presenters
School advocacy group organizers
Community activists
Youth project coordinators
Members of existing youth groups
Group facilitators
Teen Institute staff
T.I. is Action…
Program agenda topics and issues include:
- Community planning and advocacy
- Prejudice and intolerance
- Sexuality and risky behaviors
- Conflict resolution
- Team building and trust building
- Stress management
- Dating and relationships
- Violence prevention Alcohol and other substance abuse
- Use of the arts and media as a tool in education
- HIV/AIDS education
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Rhode Island Teen Institute Philosophy
“That’s what’s needed, don’t you see, that… nothing else matters half so much… to reassure one another, to answer each other. Perhaps only you can listen to me and not laugh. We all have inside ourselves…what shall I call it- A PIECE OF GOOD NEWS. Everyone is a very great and important character. Yes, that’s what we have to tell them. They must be persuaded, even if they’re in rags, that they are immensely, immensely important. Everyone must respect them and make them respect themselves, too. We must listen to them attentively- don’t stand on top of them, don’t stand in their light, but look at them with gentleness, deference, give them great, great hopes, they need them, especially if they’re young- spoil them. Yes, make them grow proud.”
Taking healthy risks to build successful teams
The Environmental Education Center at the W. Alton Jones Campus of the University of Rhode Island provides the unique setting for Teen Institute five day residential trainings. There, teens develop and enhance interpersonal and leadership skills using Project Adventure team building and trust building group activities. Removed from the distractions and stressors of every day living, teens focus on the challenges of taking healthy risks and building successful teams. Through intensive training and mentoring, participants learn to devise and then actually implement action plans for positive community change.
Possibilities Turn to Action.
Teen Institute’s residential training begins the TI experience. The strategies and activities generated through community action plans turn possibilities into action. The impact of the program spans the state as staff and graduates address issues such as substance abuse, HIV/AIDS, violence, prejudice and cultural competence. They advocate for legislative change regarding underage drinking and youth access to tobacco and participate in community decision-making in health and education areas directly affecting them. Nationally, RITI staff and graduates have served on the National Teen Institute Board of Directors.
Additional Training
Teen Institute provides training for schools, community based organizations, and small groups on specialized topics including those listed and additional topics upon request.
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