Office of Health Education
Wellness Peer Education
Who we are.....
The Wellness Peer Educators are a group of students trained by the Schiffert Health Center Office of Health Education staff to facilitate fun, interactive, health and wellness educational programs to other student groups and residential halls throughout the campus community. The Wellness Peer Education program is a student development program sponsored by the Schiffert Health Center and is registered through LSOP as a University Student Life Program.
The mission of the Wellness Peer Education Program is to provide an effective peer network to encourage, support, and promote healthful living for all students. The program seeks to make students aware of the issues associated with unhealthy behaviors through education and up-to date information, as well as life skills training to assist students in making healthy life-style choices. The philosophy is that students can play a uniquely effective role in encouraging their peers to consider, talk honestly about, seek professional advice, and develop responsible habits and attitudes toward the use or non-use of alcohol, safer sexual behaviors or abstinence, healthy eating choices, and other related health issues.
What we do.....
The Wellness Peer Educators facilitate health education outreach programs in an effort to discuss issues that will make the campus community healthier, safer, and more enjoyable. It's about friends positively influencing friends. Facilitated educational activities and group discussions empower participants with knowledge and awareness of health and wellness topics while encouraging positive decision-making. The Wellness Peer Educators currently facilitate the following workshops.
How to schedule a Wellness Peer Education program.....
To request a program just follow these simple instructions (It's really easy!):
- 1. Submit an on-line request form at least two weeks in advance.
- 2. After receiving the on-line form an Office of Health Education staff member will get back with you ASAP to set up a mutually convenient time to have the program.
- 3. Once you have confirmation by an OHE staff member that your program request will be fulfilled, Advertise your Program!!!! You can use e-mail, phone mail, meetings, or whatever. We will provide you with free flyers. You can request to pick up flyers in person from the Office of Health Education. Post lots of flyers in high traffic areas. Please post the flyers at least three days before the program. The only way the program attendance will be successful is if you advertise. You can also use the flyers to advertise for any other incentives ...like food or drinks... that you may offer for coming to the program.
- Come and Enjoy! Arrive to the program early with lots of friends. Don't forget to introduce yourself, the sponsor (contact person), to the Wellness Peer Educators who are facilitating the program.
Why be a Wellness Peer Educator.....
The Wellness Peer Education Program provides a way for students to come together socially, and gain life skills in leadership, responsibility, organization and networking. The students involved in this program are motivated by personal experience and the desire to improve lifestyles for themselves and their peers. Students play a very active leadership role and learn a great deal from their volunteer participation. Not only do they become more educated on student health issues, but they also develop self confidence, public speaking, group facilitation, and communication skills. They learn and practice effective problem-solving, decision making, and program planning skills...all important life skills for a future career or graduate work. They also learn the importance of sharing ideas and learning from others. Here are more benefits of participating in the Wellness Peer Education Program from a student perspective:
- "You can influence others in positive ways!"
- "It's a great way to meet friends on campus!"
- "Being a part of the group places you in a group of people with common purpose and ideals."
- "You will have the opportunity to gain leadership skills such as how to run an effective meeting, delegation, team building, and motivation."
- "As a peer educator, you will learn to be a better listener, a caring helper, communicate better, and gain confidence in confronting people."
- "This leadership experience can help build your resume for future education or a career."
- "As a student, you may have the opportunity to attend area conferences for greater education and leadership."
- "You will feel good about yourself and your efforts to improve the lives of those around you!"
How to become a Wellness Peer Educator.....
The Schiffert Health Center Office of Health Education actively seeks Virginia Tech students of any major interested in promoting healthy lifestyles through educating and facilitating dynamic programs to their peers. Extensive training is offered (and required) at no charge to the new recruit at the beginning of each fall semester. In order to plan and implement effective educational programs we ask that each member of the Wellness Peer Education program commit a minimum of 2-3 hours per week of time and energy to the group. Applications can be downloaded from our web site or can be picked up from the Office of Health Education. The recruitment, application, and interview process takes place each spring semester to select new Wellness Peer Educators for the following academic year.
To find out more: send mail to lschmidt@vt.edu