How does one set boundaries? Why is consent important in all relationships? The Advocates’ Every Teen Counts (ETC) interns will address these topics and more during their 10th annual Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month event. “No Pressure” will include art, music, and activities highlighting the importance of creating and maintaining boundaries and consent. Collaborating with groups from the community, the ETCs will provide a fun and safe space for learning and discovery.
Peer pressure is one of the most prominent struggles teens face, especially when it comes to relationships. Friends, social media, movies, and culture influence how we believe our romantic life should be, which can make it hard to recognize, communicate, and respect boundaries.. Boundaries, the rules and limits you set for yourself, lead to healthy interactions with those important to us.
“Communication can be stressful, embarrassing, and sometimes even dangerous, but we know that expressing ourselves equally should be the norm.,” says Every Teen Counts intern Finn Rust. Students from local schools submit art projects, written poems and volunteer their musical talents for this event. Wood River High School teacher Keith Wohlwend prompted his entire health class to make art for the event. The Advocates teen interns will debut a video featuring teen insights on boundaries and consent from students at Wood River High School, Sun Valley Community School, and The Sage School.
Peer pressure can influence how we view our importance, health, and safety. “You can start your journey with boundaries by exploring what you do and don’t like, sharing your feelings and boundaries, and allowing boundaries to change as you grow and discover more about yourself.” says Every Teen Counts intern Charlotte Stone, “Consent is an important aspect of knowing what is okay and isn’t okay for oneself. It establishes the power you have over your body, mind, and emotions. Your autonomy and safety are some of the most important parts of who you are.”
Come learn more about the Every Teen Counts interns as well as local teens groups Compassionate Leaders, Amnesty International, Wood River GSA, Bloom Youth Project and more! All students who provide art or written work for the event will get a chance to win one of three awesome prizes!
All community members are invited to snack, mingle, listen to music, view art and support local teens at the Limelight Hotel, located at 151 Main St S, Ketchum, ID 83340. The Every Teen Counts interns will speak at 5:30pm, followed by a showing of the “No Pressure” video.
Contact Monica Reyna at monica@theadvocatesorg.org or 208-788-4191 for more information or if you are a local student who would like to provide art or written work.