Overview   

Educators   

Parents   

Students   

      

Project L.I.N.K.
(Leaders Influencing and Networking with Kids for positive connections)

The philosophy of project LINK asks schools to identify a core group of student “influencers”. These students may be traditional leaders i.e., student government or non-traditional leaders i.e., peer groups, cliques, clubs or teams. Through a series of professionally facilitated activities that include interactive team building, low ropes and high ropes, students create an action plan at the culmination of the three-day training. These students of influence become a cohesive and positive leadership group within the school community. They communicate with adults in a positive, productive manner, trust adults as mentors and interventionists and give back to the community through service. An essential component of Project LINK is the group faculty and staff who volunteer to work with students through the school years activities.

Unity Day

Our program asks schools to identify 100 students and 10 staff who are willing to work on the very sensitive issues of bullying, racism, sexism, alcohol and drug use, and mental health concerns. Each school we work with will select a diverse group of students from different groups within the school to break down the walls of stereotypes and label, and create a unified community. We ask administration to select staff and students who want to address the “real” problems students face in a supportive year long process. Unity Day is much more than a one day commitment. Staff and students must commit to ongoing support group meetings to implement the plans created at Unity Day.

The greatest problems in our schools today are staff and students who are disconnected, lonely, and isolated. Throughout our Unity Day program we build connection, pro school bonding and genuine caring. We find that we are much more alike than we are different. We also come to a place where we respect and celebrate our differences. Throughout the day students and staff work in large and small group settings to teach each other and address the deepest concerns in their school. We learn we are not alone. We create a unified community. 

Adolescent Social Issues Day

We have often been asked by various schools to speak to an entire grade level (6-12) that has specific concerns about social issues and at risk behaviors. We find that the adolescent social concerns go beyond what is possible to address in health class. Topics such as substance use and abuse, relationships, diversity, sexuality, at risk sexual behavior, sexual harassment, conflict resolution, stress management, depression and suicide are significant concerns for many adolescents.

We bring in a team of consultants who have expertise in these topics and also have the ability to teach, listen and create activities that generate meaningful discussion. The day is scheduled so that all students receive an experience in each topic selected. We debrief with staff at the end of the day. It is recommended that this day be followed with a parent education program that evening.