I Expect Respect Clubs 

      
I Expect Respect Club is a 12-16 week program for young women ages 14-18 years of age.  The key purpose of the I Expect Respect Club is to encourage participants in developing skills focused on self-esteem and establishment of healthy relationships.  The I Expect Respect Club provides a safe place for discussions such as, decision-making, establishing physical and emotional boundaries.

The curriculum used to facilitate such activities is known as the In Touch with Teens Program.  This program was selected as one of five models for youth-violence prevention programs in the United States, by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.  The program was developed by Peace Over Violence (formerly known as Los Angeles Commission on Assaults Against Women) www.peaceoverviolence.org addressing violence in teen relationships and empowering young women to develop self-esteem and assertiveness.  The In Touch With Teens program was selected as the relationship-violence curriculum for the “Life Skills for the 21st Century” curriculum of the Los Angeles Unified School District.  

RCS has successfully implemented this program with young women at the Fresno Juvenile Justice Facility for the past several years.  The In Touch With Teens program focuses on youth and supports them in making positive decisions about their lives and their futures and helps develop self worth and coping skills for life experience.

Currently, I Expect Respect Clubs are available at the following school sites in Fresno County:

            Mendota High School, Mendota Continuation, Rio Del Rey Continuation, Riverdale Alternative, Tranquillity High School and West-Fresno Middle School
 
If you would like more information regarding the I Expect Respect Club or would like to schedule a presentation at your middle school or high school in Fresno County, please contact RCS’ Education Coordinator, Hugo Rios, at (559) 497-2900 or via email at [email protected]

For more information on the In Touch with Teens Program please contact Peace Over Violence (formerly known as Los Angeles Commission on Assaults Against Women) at  213-955-9050 or visit  their website at www.peaceoverviolence.org