Welcome to Youth Voices in Prevention (Youth VIP), a youth-led, community-based project dedicated to eliminating violence among middle and high school youth (ages 12-17) in the Sioux Falls metro area (Minnehaha, Lincoln, Turner, McCook). Our mission is to create a safer community for youth by empowering them with the knowledge and skills to prevent relational and sexual violence, sexual harassment, dating violence, and bullying.

About the Program

Youth VIP engages young leaders through a variety of impactful events and activities, including Day Retreats, to train them in best practices for violence prevention. These youth leaders then become advocates and educators, sharing what they have learned with their peers to foster widespread community change.

Key Components of the Training

  • Day Retreats: Youth leaders participate in immersive Day Retreats where they receive comprehensive training on preventing relational and sexual violence, sexual harassment, dating violence, and bullying. These retreats provide a foundation of knowledge and skills that youth can apply in their daily lives.
  • Impact Events: Throughout the year, Youth VIP organizes various events that raise awareness and educate the broader community about violence prevention. These events are designed to engage youth and their families, creating a ripple effect of positive change.
  • Peer Education: Trained youth leaders are encouraged to share their knowledge with their peers, promoting a culture of safety and respect among their friends and classmates. This peer-to-peer education model amplifies the program’s impact and helps to create lasting change within the community.

A Program of The Compass Center

Youth Voices in Prevention is a proud program of The Compass Center, an organization dedicated to navigating the journey to healing for all affected by relationship, sexual, and family trauma. By incorporating Youth VIP into our array of programs, we extend our commitment to fostering safety and prevention in all facets of the community.

Join Us

Join the movement to create a safer community for youth. For more information about Youth Voices in Prevention and how you can get involved, please contact Maranda Hardwick.

Youth Voices in Prevention – Empowering youth to lead the way in violence prevention, brought to you by The Compass Center.