High School Peer Leaders

Purpose

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High School Peer Leaders are the heart of Dare To Live. They provide safe spaces for
peers, offer empathetic listening, and lead initiatives that raise awareness about
suicide prevention and mental health. Through their leadership, high school
students model resilience and ensure that every voice is heard, especially those
from underserved communities.

Key Responsibilities

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Peer Support & Listening

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• Facilitate peer support circles and small group discussions where students can
share openly.
• Provide empathetic, non-judgmental listening to peers in need.
• Encourage peers to seek professional help or escalate concerns when safety risks
are present.
Leadership & Role Modeling
• Serve as visible role models of resilience and inclusion within the school
community.
• Mentor younger students and support middle school outreach efforts.
• Promote kindness, empathy, and respect among peers.
Program Activities
• Lead book clubs, creative expression projects, and online engagement activities.
• Organize awareness campaigns such as poster drives, assemblies, or mental health
weeks.
• Collaborate on Dare To Live podcasts, school visits, or community service projects.

Collaboration & Teamwork

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• Work with college student mentors, psychology interns, and professional advisors
for supervision.

• Serve on specialized club teams such as communications, outreach, book clubs, or
fundraising.
• Support joint activities across schools to expand Dare To Live’s reach.
Community Service & Fundraising
• Plan and participate in service projects, such as volunteering at homeless shelters
or youth centers.
• Help organize fundraising events (e.g., bake sales, food sales, or awareness walks)
to support therapy access for underserved youth.
• Engage in outreach to bring Dare To Live resources to schools, churches, and
community organizations.
Inclusion & Advocacy
• Promote culturally competent, inclusive peer support for BIPOC, LGBTQ+,
immigrant, and underserved youth.
• Speak out against bullying, stigma, loneliness, and unhealthy pressures related to
academics or athletics.
• Ensure that Dare To Live remains a safe space where all youth are valued and
supported.

Time Commitment

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- Attend weekly or bi-weekly Dare To Live club meetings and peer support activities.
- Participate in quarterly training sessions with mental health professionals and
college mentors.
- Commit to at least one school or community outreach event per semester.

Impact

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By serving as Peer Leaders, high school students:
- Gain leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.
- Build stigma-free environments where peers feel safe seeking help.
- Serve as bridges between students and professional resources.
- Contribute to reducing youth suicide by spreading awareness and fostering peer
connection.
- Develop lifelong advocacy and leadership skills that extend beyond high school.

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