Audience
Who Teen Council is for
Organizations that believe young people can teach one another well, given trust, preparation, and a steady adult beside them.
- Schools
- Community organizations
- Public health agencies
Overview
Nine months of learning, teaching, and speaking up
Teen Council members are high school volunteers. Over nine months they learn about sexual health, teach their peers, carry out projects in their community, and advocate for what young people need.
No prior knowledge is needed to join. Each group is led by a highly trained sexual health educator.
At a glance
- High school volunteers in grades 10 to 12
- Nine months, with weekly meetings
- An annual retreat
- Led by a highly trained sexual health educator
Peer leadership
Young people, teaching young people
Members put what they learn to use in three ways.
Teaching peers
Members give classroom presentations on sexual health to other young people.
Community impact projects
Members carry out community impact projects.
Advocacy
Members speak up for sex education and for social justice.
Skills members build
- Presentation and public speaking
- Community engagement
- Advocacy
- Sexual health information
- Recruitment and interviewing
Implementation
How Teen Council runs
Begin with an educator
Each group is led by a highly trained sexual health educator.
Welcome your members
High school volunteers in grades 10 to 12. No prior knowledge is needed.
Meet every week
The group meets weekly for nine months, and gathers for an annual retreat.
Teach and take action
Members present in classrooms, carry out community projects, and advocate.
Training
Support for the adult who leads the group
The program comes with what an educator needs to begin, and with technical assistance along the way.
What the program includes
- A program guide
- The curriculum
- Supporting materials
- Technical assistance
Testimonials
What we've heard
“Teen Council has been a moving, ever so continuing force in my life. The connection, education, empowerment, community and passion I have felt through Teen Council will never leave my side. The legacy of Teen Council lives on and is held within all those who have been involved in the group and for everyone who has been touched by the beautiful, life changing empowerment it provides.”
Teen Council Alumni
“I joined Teen Council because I never saw myself fully represented in sex education and I didn't want others to go through the same thing. With Teen Council, I am able to give my peers the opportunity to feel seen and heard, no matter who they are or where they come from. Everyone deserves to have access to inclusive and comprehensive sex education, and Teen Council helps make that possible.”
Teen Council Member
“Teen council has been the best experience I've had in high school. It was the first space I was able to have an open and proactive discussion about sexual health without judgement. It allowed me to find autonomy and confidence within myself and my community, and to this day I treasure the time and vital information I learned while in Teen Council.”
Teen Council Member
“It's quite amazing how my experiences from Teen Council have influenced my life after almost 10 years. It has led me to where I am right now, working toward my masters degree in public health in London where I am able to share my experiences in peer education and sexual health with students from all over the world.”
Teen Council Alumni
“Teen Council helped me realize how great it feels to make a difference, create social awareness and encourage positive social change.”
Teen Council Alumni
Start a Teen Council where you are
Tell us about your school or organization, and we will share what getting started involves.