Hear Us: Increasing Community-Connectedness with Youth

Why Community Connectedness?

Community-connectedness is one of the most important protective factors against all forms of harm and violence. In connected communities, members feel cared for, have a strong sense of accountability for their choices and actions, and share a sense of belonging and purpose.  A high degree of community-connectedness makes it less likely that individuals - and entire communities – will experience harm. 

 

A Resource Developed in Partnership with Youth

As part of the We Are All Connected approach to community-level prevention, Men As Peacemakers worked with local middle and high school students to conduct a 4-part dialogue about community-connectedness.  By fostering a space for shared learning and exploration, student participants shared their perspectives on four key principles:

  •  Inherent Dignity and Belonging

  • Collective Care

  • Responsibility to One Another

  • Wholeness

Youth insights were incorporated into a resource for teachers, parents, youth workers, and students themselves to deepen their own connections to one another, and to explore what it means to say “We Are All Connected.” 

“Hear Us” includes an online Facilitator Training (sign up below to register!) and a print or digital Practice Guide. Only those who complete the online training can receive a copy of the Practice Guide.