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Peace Ambassador Leadership Program

Frequently Asked Questions by Teachers, Parents and Students

What is the Purpose of the NVEEE Peace Ambassador Program?

In 2010, National Voices for Equality, Education and Enlightenment (NVEEE) launched the Peace Ambassador Leadership Program as way to train students to co-facilitate NVEEE’s signature “Be Upstanding” Bullying and Suicide Prevention curriculum in K-12 schools. Studies have shown that youth are more likely to listen and respond to other youth in educational interventions, setting the stage for them to serve as role models and change makers.

Once a month, virtually or in-person, youth and young adults meet with trained professionals to develop leadership and conflict resolution skills, participate in service learning projects, increase self esteem and personal development, enhance public speaking skills, and most of all, students learn to show empathy, tolerance, and respect for others. The result of these trainings have been monumental.

In 2012, NVEEE Peace Ambassadors were featured on ABC’s Secret Millionaire, after receiving a generous donations from Marcus Lemonis, Host of The Profit, to help fund the program and train more youth bullying prevention ambassadors.

In 2014, NVEEE was awarded the Be A STAR grant which funded the inaugural Peace Ambassador Leadership Summit, co-sponsored by The Honors College at FIU, Kaufman, Rossin & Co., Wells Fargo, Publix, Whole Foods, BJ’s Wholesale and Pizza Hut. This 7-day Summer program is open to all students especially those who have either witnessed or experienced bullying and want to help prevent it from happening to others. Students participate in activities such as writing and producing public service announcements, role-playing how to positively react to different bullying scenarios, financial literacy, nutrition and more. To learn more visit http://tinyurl.com/PALS2015RegistrationKit.

What is the “Be Upstanding” Bullying and Suicide Prevention Program?

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NVEEE’s “Be Upstanding” program, is a school-wide program that aims to reduce bullying incidents in elementary, middle and high schools by initiating a comprehensive prevention network within the school community. NVEEE offers the school-community research based, instructional workshops that demonstrate the dangers and risks of bullying and school violence.

In addition, NVEEE establishes extracurricular student-led clubs, where NVEEE’s Peace Ambassadors are trained and empowered to serve as peer mentors for their fellow students that might need support. Peace Ambassadors also help to adopt and evaluate this signature school-wide program, and participate in customizing the program or workshop to address the needs of each particular school.

What do NVEEE Peace Ambassadors Do?

Peace Ambassadors are encouraged to raise the level of consciousness around bullying and teen suicide by encouraging their schools to engage in prevention education. Ambassadors in middle and high schools, with the approval of parent/guardian and school counselor, maybe receive and excused absence in order to co-facilitate the “Be Upstanding” curriculum in an outside school or community center, as part of their Service Learning requirement Senior Project. Therefore, this program requires that students maintain an exemplary attendance and academic level.

Equally important, Peace Ambassadors are trained as peer mentors for other students that might need academic, personal or social support. Often times this mentoring can happen virtually, through social media platforms, or they may meet in person if proximity allows.

If a student has the honor of being named an NVEEE Peace Ambassador, they are now designated a leader within the organization and is also eligible to apply to the NVEEE Youth Advisory Council.

20 Peace Ambassadors are also chosen as Jr. Staffers (Group Leaders) at the Summer Peace Ambassador Leadership Summit (PALS) hosted by The Honor’s College at Florida International University. Additionally, 2 Ambassadors are chosen as the official facilitators of the Summit.

Peace Ambassadors participate as panelists at the annual “Be Upstanding” Bullying & Suicide Prevention Summit during National Bullying Prevention Month in October and again during National Bullying Prevention Week in November.

The Peace Ambassador program encourages students to participate in programs involving the arts, therefore many of them are performers and have achieved much success in their genres. These Ambassadors perform inspirational original music or cover songs at the end of each workshop and during our annual fundraising events.

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Katy Perry’s Roar

PALS 2014 Jr. Staffers

Peace Ambassadors have a list of additional activities and responsibilities that include:

1) Creating group fundraising and service learning opportunities 2) Building a relationship with other PA’s 3) Modeling our cole values in person and online 4) Creating ways to recruit more PA’s in their area. 5) Producing their own PSA’s with NVEEE’s support. 6) Participating in NVEEE’s virtual youth group at least once a month. 7) Leading workshops for the school community and social service agencies. 8) Creating quarterly projects where other PA’s can participate at a group level. 9) Creating and maintaining a relationship with PTSA’s and other organizations.

Are there any other requirements to becoming an NVEEE Peace Ambassador?

Yes. Peace Ambassadors are encouraged to not only develop their own fundraising activities, but to also participate in general fundraising and special events produced by the organization, and speaking events that NVEEE implements.  

Many students that become NVEEE Peace Ambassadors have the ability to travel to other schools or NVEEE sponsored events.  Parental permission will be required for those under 18.  Transportation accommodations are provided by parents of the students. In special circumstances students may car pool with one another with prior written parental consent.

All NVEEE volunteers are expected to abide by a professional Code of Conduct, as laid out by the NVEEE Student Code of Conduct Manual.  Students and representatives of NVEEE will be expected to behave respectfully, professionally, and in accordance with the rules and regulations of this organization and the laws of the State.

Who is eligible to become a Peace Ambassador?  

Any student, between the ages of 13 - 21 yrs. old can apply to become a Peace Ambassador (special consideration may be given to students outside this age range). Other requirements include maintaining a G.P.A of at least 3.0, and low absentee rate in school.

How does one become a Peace Ambassador?

The first step is to confirm that you have the necessary academic standing at your school. The second step is to complete the online application http://www.nveee.org/apply-to-become-a-peace-ambassador/. Third, be sure to obtain written approval from parents.  Last but not least, schedule an interview with the Executive Director of NVEEE. If there is an ongoing peer leadership program at your school, please seek the advice and acknowledgement of your Guidance Counselor or administrative representative in order to participate with NVEEE.  All newly appointed Peace Ambassadors must complete a 90 day (approx. 3 months) training.

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Danielle & Ruth

How much time will I spend volunteering with NVEEE?

Because this is also a leadership training program, Peace Ambassadors are encouraged to volunteer for at least 5 hours per month (in various ways, which is also count towards your community service requirement for graduation. PA’s are expected to volunteer for one calendar year, or at a minimum, the remaining part of school year when you were accepted into the program.

What should NVEEE Peace Ambassadors wear?

As a reminder, Peace Ambassadors represent NVEEE and ultimately themselves, therefore we adhere to a strict dress code at all events and/or meetings.  Dress code for school workshops will consist of jeans (not torn or overly tight), and an NVEEE polo. If a student does not have an NVEEE polo, they should nevertheless dress appropriately and professionally at all NVEEE gatherings.  Students will not be permitted to participate if clothing is too revealing or reflects poorly on the organization or themselves.   The NVEEE Dress Code Policy is available to all students upon acceptance into the NVEEE Peace Ambassador Program.

Last but not Least, Does it cost any money for my student to participate?

YES! However, there should be no out of pocket expenses for you because students participate in fundraising activities and help to apply for grants which covers the cost of their participation. However, any and all donations are accepted so that the amazing opportunity can be provided to more students each year.

If you have any other questions, please email info@NVEEE.org or call 954-561-2626.

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