R I V E R S I D E

Approaching Health and Wellness Topics as a Community at UCR:

The Golden ARCHES and R.E.A.C.H. Peer Education

ProgramsDoug Everhart, Health Educator

Jami Grosser, Assistant Director, LGBTRC

Jennifer Miller, Student Development Educator

Why we approach health and wellness topics as a community at UCR?

Peer education programs have found success in the residence halls, programming offices, and campus departments

We feel health and wellness topics can potentially impact all UCR students; various offices have pooled together resources for the good of the campus community

Who approaches health and wellness topics as a community at UCR? Various peer education programs have co-trained

and programmed on health and wellness topics with:-Housing-Athletics-Various Academic Departments-The Cultural and Gender Programming Offices-The Title IX Office-UCRPD-Health Services-The Counseling Center-Recreation Center-Student Life-Judicial Affairs

The Golden ARCHESpeer educators

What is Golden ARCHES?

This population-based peer education program consists of three student organizations, one for Greek organization members, one for student athletes, and one for general students. They work independently to address the needs of their respective populations and collaboratively on campus-wide events and activities. They utilize many strategies (awareness campaigns, speakers, workshops, classes) to address a number of health issues (substance abuse, sexual responsibility, nutrition/fitness, and more).

2006-07 Awareness Campaign Calendar

Hazing Awareness Week Alcohol Awareness Week Red Ribbon Week Tobacco Awareness Week Great American Smokeout World AIDS Day Impaired Driving Prevention Month Sexual Responsibility Week Nutrition & Fitness Week Safe Spring Break Sexual Assault/Violence Awareness Month Alcohol Awareness Month Safe Cinco De Mayo Mental Health Awareness Week Safe Memorial Day Weekend

The R.E.A.C.H. peer educators

What is R.E.A.C.H.?

• R.E.A.C.H. (Reaching for Education, Affirmation, Community and Harmony) is a volunteer peer education program established in October of 2005. The program was designed and implemented by UCR students for the UCR community. 38 R.E.A.C.H. volunteers program and mentor on topics of sexual violence/violation, suicide awareness, academic integrity, hazing, and hate bias related incidents/crimes

Core values of both peer education programs

Programming flexibility-programs reflecting UCR campus needs

Necessity of collaboration for training and programming

Positive growth experience for program participants and for the student volunteers

Holistic approach to community issues such as health and wellness

Health and Wellness

• To approach health and wellness issues, Golden Arches and R.E.A.C.H. have joined forces with multiple programming offices and campus departments for week-long educational campaigns addressing community issues impacting health and wellness at UCR

• Examples: “Hazed and Confused: There’s No Excuse!” “Stop the Hate Week: Building on the Dream”“Be a Life Saver this Valentines Day Season” “Take Back the Night 2007: Many Voices Breaking Silence”

“Hazed and Confused: There’s No Excuse!”

“UCR Stop the Hate Week 2007: Building on the Dream”

“Be a Life Saver this Valentines Day Season”

UCR “Take Back the Night 2007: Many Voices Breaking Silence”

Why holistic collaborative approach to health and wellness at UCR? We want to send a clear message to our students

that the UCR community is coming together for topics that can potentially impact the health and wellness of our students

Peer education provides great ways for us to communicate this message, and as staff and departments we want to provide the peer educators with the resources and information they need for powerful programming

Our holistic approach allows us to maximize our resources

Ultimately, peers are the best social agents to discuss their own health and wellness issues