PROUD Youth Prevention Network
The RWJBarnabas Health Institute for Prevention and Recovery’s PROUD Youth Prevention Network (PYPN) strives to build and strengthen a network of community resources and prevention services through tools and training to support the health and wellness of LGBTQ+ youth in Ocean, Atlantic, Burlington, Camden, Cape May, Cumberland, Gloucester and Salem counties. PYPN promotes respect, outreach, understanding and dignity for LGBTQ+ youth.
Through its team of Prevention Specialists, PYPN helps create community for LGBTQ+ youth through inclusive events in schools and communities. PYPN also provides training to parents/guardians, community members, faith leaders and school staff on upstream prevention and protective factors for the health and wellness of LGBTQ+ youth, such as creating safe and inclusive spaces.
Tips for Creating Safe and Inclusive Spaces for LGBTQ+ Youth
- Set clear policies against bullying and harassment in your organization or school
- Display inclusive items that signal allyship, such as posters, stickers and pride flags
- Make local, state and national resources available for youth to access
- Create inclusive lesson plans and curricula
- Encourage local library branches to have inclusive title collections
Examples of Affirming Practices
- Using a person’s correct pronouns
- Respecting and understanding confidentiality
- Creating and participating in environments that are inclusive of all people
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Educating yourself and those around you on current LGBTQ+ terminology
- Education can come from public sources, such as school curricula or media, but also from members of the LGBTQ+ community sharing their personal experiences
Available Presentations
- Creating Safe Spaces (adaptable for different community settings)
- How to Be an Ally (for youth or adults)
- Prevention 101 – Substance Use and Prevention Strategies: LGBTQ+ Youth and Adults
- Vaping Education
- Marijuana Education
- And more!
To learn more about PYPN’s resources and services or to schedule a presentation, please contact Chelsea Stack, Senior Manager, at Chelsea.Stack@rwjbh.org or Marlee Kimmick, LGBTQ+ Youth Prevention Specialist, at Marlee.Kimmick@rwjbh.org.