Peer to Peer
Peer To Peer (P2P) membership comes with responsibilities that you should be aware before making the decision to become part of the club. Peer to Peer is a special group of teens in Livingston High School who lead ATOD-free lifestyles (alcohol, tobacco, other drugs). Peer to Peer members must be committed to fulfilling the goals of the club and being a positive role model in the community.
HISTORY: P2P is one element within a larger program that falls under the Livingston Youth & Community Services (LYCS) Drug Prevention / Leadership organization. It has been in existence for over 10 years and was initiated under the collaboration of the Livingston Township Council, Livingston Board of Education, the Livingston Municipal Alliance Committee and a large Parent group. The organization is supervised by the Mental Health Association of Essex County, Montclair, NJ and is funded by the Livingston Township Council, the Livingston Municipal Alliance Committee and a yearly membership fee for P2P.
GOALS: The common goal among all of these groups is a commitment to create a positive impact on youth in Livingston.
WHAT IS PEER TO PEER ABOUT? The goals of Peer to Peer are:
(1) To promote and maintain a drug-free lifestyle
(2) To give students an opportunity to make a positive contribution to their school and their community
(3) To provide personal growth experiences and opportunities for social bonding P2P is an alcohol, tobacco and other drug free group who are committed to living a healthy life style and take a stand as role models in leadership for themselves personally, within their families, their school, their community and to the world at large.
P2P is open to all Livingston resident high school age students. All are welcome and encouraged to participate with open enrollment. A student’s motivation, commitment and time availability will determine both their level of involvement and benefit from being in the group.
WHAT IS EXPECTED OF MEMBERS The guidelines/requirements of all Peer to Peer members are as follows:
I. Alcohol, Tobacco and Drug (ATOD) Free: To completely abstain from all uses of alcohol (except for religious purposes), tobacco, and other drugs and to live a healthy life style as a role model.
II. General Memberships: Students attend as many programs and activities that they are able to attend while maintaining an ATOD-free lifestyle. This membership is for students who are Peer Leaders but have commitments to sports, Scouts and other Peer Leadership program.
III. Active Membership Commitment: Attend at least 50% of all general meetings and activities including the Peer to Peer Organizational Meeting, Rejuvenation, Camp Bernie weekend retreat and participate in the Peer to Peer Teen Conference.
IV. Meetings are held once a month from 5:30-7:00 pm at Monmouth Court Center (26 Monmouth Court). A schedule of meetings will be provided at our first meeting in September. Days of meetings will vary to accommodate students commitments to other programs. There are additional program activities including Socials, Diversity Lunch, Alumni Night and Cross-age Teaching.
V. Conduct: All members are expected to be positive role models in all aspects of their lives. They shall maintain a higher standard of character as demonstrated by their behavior. Just one small example would be a P2P member not wearing clothing that advertises a product that would convey affiliation with alcohol, tobacco or other drug substances.
VI. Parental/Guardian Support: In order to make Peer to Peer a success, we need the support from parents/guardians as well. Having family members support and agree with the philosophy, goals and guidelines will help students get the most out of their involvement from participating in this club. You will be asked to review and sign your child’s registration agreement, acknowledging approval of his/her desire to join.
We welcome any level of involvement you may wish to have in this club and encourage you to be in contact with us for any reason. Our goal each year is to serve our children and community. We strive to always be flexible to the changing needs of both students and the world around us. Thank you for taking the time to read and understand this program.
