Teen View Celebrates 20 Years of Community Service

Sept. 15 Event for Planned Parenthood's Peer Education Program

SCHENECTADY, NY (09/11/2012)(readMedia)-- Planned Parenthood Mohawk Hudson's premier peer education program, Teen View, will mark its 20th anniversary with a celebration September 15 at the Saratoga Hilton. This invitation-only event brings together Teen View alumni and their families, community professionals, and staff who have contributed to the program's success.

Teen View uses peer education as a tool to help adolescents think critically about important decisions. This approach gives youth the information they need to set personal boundaries and avoid being pressured into engaging in sex or using alcohol/drugs.

"Some issues are easier to talk about with someone your own age," explains Audrie MacDuff, Teen View advisor and community educator for Planned Parenthood Mohawk Hudson. "Peer education helps teens learn from other young people they can relate to."

Since its inception in 1992, more than 150 teens have volunteered as members of this program.

With the goal of helping their peers navigate safely through difficult decisions, Teen View members use interactive role-play activities that encourage adolescents to discuss positive solutions to challenging real-life situations.

During the last 20 years, Teen View has presented hundreds of programs to school and community groups in Saratoga, Warren, and Washington counties. Program topics include: body image and self-esteem; bullying; healthy relationships; homophobia and sexual orientation.